The iQOO 11, which was recently released in India, can now be purchased through iQOO’s official Indian website and Amazon.in. It is available in Alpha and Legend colors and has two memory options in India — 8GB/256GB and 16GB/256GB.
The prices for these options are INR59,999 ($740/€680) and INR64,999 ($800/€735) respectively. However, there are exchange bonuses and bank offers that can bring the price down even further.
The iQOO 11 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, making it the first smartphone in India to have this processor. It runs on the Android 13-based Funtouch OS 13 and has a 6.78″ 144Hz 1440p E6 AMOLED screen. The display has a fingerprint reader underneath and a punch hole in the center for the 16MP front-facing camera.
Brief Review
The iQOO 11, is the latest smartphone from iQOO and is the first in India to be equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the latest and most advanced chip at the time of its release. The device also features many upgrades, such as its design, display, performance, and battery life, compared to its predecessor, the iQOO 9T.
The iQOO 11 comes in two color options, black “alpha” and white “legend”, and features a faux leather material on the back which is said to feel premium and provide enough grip.
IQ 00 11 smartphone on sale
The device also has a 6.78-inch E6 AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440p and a refresh rate of 144Hz. In terms of performance, the iQOO 11 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and offers fast and reliable biometrics through its optical fingerprint scanner.
The battery life is also said to be good with a 5,000 mAh battery and support for 120W wired charging. Overall, the iQOO 11 is a well-rounded device with many improvements over its predecessor, making it a solid choice for consumers.
On the back of the device, there is a triple-camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary, 13MP telephoto, and 8MP ultrawide units. Additionally, it has a V2 chip for improved gaming and photography performance.
The device is also fueled by a 5,000 mAh battery and supports 120W wired charging.
Should you buy?
If you’re considering purchasing the iQOO 11, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a typical iQOO phone, with both strengths and weaknesses. The device excels in performance, providing a top-notch flagship experience.
However, it’s worth noting that when the OnePlus 11 and Samsung Galaxy S23 series are released, they may offer comparable or superior performance. Whether the iQOO 11 can compete with them in terms of value will depend on the pricing of those devices.
Finally, Apple today has iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, the most advanced Pro lineup ever featuring the Always-On display, the first-ever 48MP camera on iPhone, Crash Detection, Emergency SOS via satellite, and a new way to receive notifications and activities with the Dynamic Island.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max represent features like the Dynamic Island, the first-ever 48MP camera on iPhone, the Always-On display, and safety capabilities, sid Apple at the livestreamed launch event.
iphone 14 pro
“Our customers count on their iPhone every day, and with iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, we’re delivering more advancements than any other iPhone,” said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing at the launch event.
“Groundbreaking safety capabilities bring users even more security, offering help when they need it most. And with the incredibly powerful and efficient A16 Bionic chip and all-day battery life, this is the best iPhone yet,” he said.
Powered by A16 Bionic, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone, iPhone 14 Pro introduces a new class of pro camera system, with the first-ever 48MP Main camera on iPhone featuring a quad-pixel sensor, and Photonic Engine, an enhanced image pipeline that dramatically improves low-light photos.
These features help make iPhone more useful for everyday tasks, creative projects, and now even emergency situations with features such as Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection, said the company.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available in four colors — deep purple, silver, gold, and space black. Pre-orders begin Friday, September 9, with availability beginning Friday, September 16 online and at Apple stores worldwide.
The newly launched iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available in deep purple, silver, gold, and space black in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage capacities.
Customers in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, the US, and 30 other countries and regions will be able to pre-order iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max beginning at 5 a.m. PDT on Friday, September 9, with availability beginning Friday, September 16.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will be available in Malaysia, Turkey, and 20 other countries and regions beginning Friday, September 23.
iphone 14 pro
Emergency SOS via satellite will be available starting in the US and Canada in November, and the service will be included for free for two years with the activation of iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Customers can get iPhone 14 Pro for $41.62 (US) a month for 24 months or $999 (US) before trade-in, and iPhone 14 Pro Max for $45.79 (US) a month for 24 months or $1,099 (US) before trade-in from apple.com/store, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Store locations. iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are also available through Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers.
Customers can save up to $1,000 (US) on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max with trade-in directly from apple.com/store or at an Apple Store when they activate it with select US carriers. Terms apply. For eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers.
Customers in the US can get ready for iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max pre-orders until 10 p.m. PDT on Thursday, September 8, by visiting apple.com/store or using the Apple Store app. They can choose to pay monthly or in full, add a trade-in credit toward their new product, or upgrade through the iPhone Upgrade Program.
iOS 16 will be available as a free software update on Monday, September 12.
Customers who purchase iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will receive three months of Apple Arcade with a new subscription.
Leather Wallet with MagSafe and iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Leather Cases will be available in five new colors: midnight, forest green, ink, umber, and orange.
iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max Clear Case and Silicone Cases will be available in midnight, storm blue, red, chalk pink, lilac, elderberry, succulent, and sunglow.
Sony’s PlayStation 5 and PS5 Digital Edition gaming consoles was made available in India starting 12PM today at Sony Centre, and other online retailers including Amazon India, Flipkart, Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, Game the Shop, Prepaid Gamer Card, and Games the Shop.
Available at Sony Centre, the Play Station 5 gaming console will be available with a combination of Horizon Forbidden West game at a price of Rs 53,990 while the PS5 Digital Edition gaming console with the game will be available at a price of Rs 43,990.
Sony Centre said the pre – bookings will begin at 12PM today, deliveries for the Play Station 5 and Play Station 5 Digital Edition gaming console in India will start from September 5, 2022. On offer is an EMI option on the purchase of PlayStation 5 and Play Station 5 Digital Edition gaming consoles — Rs 8,998 for six months or Rs 17,996 for a span of three months.
Sony PS5 console
Sony’s next-generation gaming console – PS5 is available in two editions- the Standard and the Digital Edition, the latter supports physical Blu-ray discs.
Comes with lightning-fast loading with an ultra-high-speed SSD, deeper immersion with support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and 3D Audio, and an all-new generation of incredible PlayStation games.
PS5 Digital Edition
Besides lightning-fast loading with an ultra-high-speed SSD, the digital edition provides support for haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and 3D Audio, and an all-new generation of incredible PlayStation games.
Sony open PS5 for pre-booking in India
PS5 Digital Edition is an all-digital version of the PS5 console with no disc drive. You have to sign into your account for PlayStation Network and go to PlayStation Store to buy and download games.
PS5’s Digital Edition supports 16GB GDDR6 RAM and 825GB of internal storage with expansion support using PS5 SSDs. It is also the cheaper than the standard model and powered by an octa-core CPU based on Zen 2 architecture.
Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today launched the latest Galaxy Z series in India. The fourth generation foldables, Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 are now open for pre-book online and across retail stores in the country.
Equipped with flagship camera, the fastest processor and all new design, Galaxy Z Fold4 is the most powerful smartphone yet. Galaxy Z Flip4’s compact clamshell design offers unique experiences and its FlexCam enables shooting hands-free videos.
“At Samsung, we continuously push the boundaries of innovation to create new smartphone experiences for consumers. Our latest Galaxy Z series is a testimony to just that. Now, in its fourth generation,” said Aditya Babbar, Senior Director and Head, Product Marketing, Samsung India.
Galaxy Z Flip4
Galaxy Z Flip4 sports compact clamshell design and offers unique smartphone experiences. The innovative form factor allows you to go truly hands-free and do more without even unfolding the phone, including answering calls and replying to texts.
With Quick Shot, users can click selfies in portrait mode and see the preview in actual photo ratio. Additionally, with upgraded camera equipped with 65 percent brighter sensor, Galaxy Z Flip4 comes with Samsung’s flagship Nightography feature ensuring your photos and videos are crisper and more stable through the day or night.
Galaxy Z Flip4 comes with the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 processor and 10% higher battery capacity at 3700mAh, allowing users to capture, watch and connect longer between charges. With Super Fast Charging, users can charge up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes.
With slimmer hinge, straightened edges, contrasting hazed back glass and glossy metal frames, the design is sleeker and the most refined one yet. Additionally, you can customize the cover screen clock with your AR emoji character. With Galaxy Themes on both Cover and Main Screen, users can tailor-make their Galaxy Z Flip4 inside out to complement their style with custom fonts, icons and designs.
Galaxy Z Fold4
The most powerful and productive smartphone in your pocket, Galaxy Z Fold4 combines balanced and premium design, enhanced durability and powerful performance. Galaxy Z Fold4 offers increased functionality whether opened, closed or in Flex mode.
With slimmer hinge, lighter-than-ever body and even narrower bezels, the wider screen enables easier one-handed interactions while using the Cover Screen.
Content is even more immersive and distinctive on the 7.6-inch main screen with improved 1Hz-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and less visible Under Display Camera (UDC).
Take stunning photos and videos with its flagship camera hosting 50MP wide lens, 30X Space Zoom lens and 3x optical zoom – all significant improvements as compared to its predecessor. Galaxy Z Fold4 also gets Samsung’s flagship Nightography feature owing to 23 percent brighter sensor, enhanced Optical Image Stabilization and Video Digital Stabilization (OIS+VDIS) and all new AI Image Signal Processor (AI ISP).
Galaxy Z Fold4 comes with the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen1 processor that among other things improves the output of the flagship camera producing stunning images during the day or at night. Variety of camera modes, including Capture View Mode, Dual Preview and Rear Cam Selfie are also custom-built to take advantage of the unique form factor for increased capturing flexibility.
The new taskbar provides PC-like multitasking enabling smooth switching between apps, easy access to favourite and recently used apps and launch of multiple windows instantly from the task bar. You can also easily switch full-screen apps to pop-up windows or split your screen in half for more ways to multitask.
Galaxy Z Fold4 is the first device to ship with Android 12L, a special version of Android created by Google for large-screen experiences, including foldables.
Samsung’s partnerships with Google and Microsoft take multitasking to the next level. Google apps, including Chrome and Gmail now support drag-and-drop, allowing users to quickly copy and paste links or other files.
With Google Meet, users can now connect with more people while enjoying virtual co-activities, including co-watching videos on YouTube or playing games together on a video call. Microsoft’s full Office suite and Outlook provide more information on the large foldable screen offering faster ways to interact with content.
The useful S Pen coupled with the Flex mode enables on-the-go drawing and note-taking while also simultaneously attending back-to-back calls and meetings. The S Pen also comes with streamlined storage inside the Standing Cover with Pen case.
With Armor Aluminum frames and hinge cover along with exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the Cover Screen and rear glass, along with IPX8 water resistance, the latest Galaxy Z series are our toughest foldables ever.
Price and Availability
Pre-book for Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 started on August 16, 2022 across all leading online and offline retails stores. Consumers can also pre-book on Samsung Live at 12 noon on August 16.
Available in Bora Purple, Graphite and Pink Gold colours, Galaxy Z Flip4 is priced at Rs.89,999 for 8GB+128GB variant and Rs.94,999 for 8GB+256GB variant. Bespoke Edition that offers glass colours and frame options will be available on Samsung Live and Samsung Exclusive Stores for Rs.97,999.
Available in Graygreen, Beige and Phantom Black colours, Galaxy Z Fold4 is priced at Rs.154,999 for 12GB+256GB variant and Rs.164,999 for 12GB+512GB variant. Consumers can purchase 12GB+1TB variant exclusively on Samsung Live and Samsung Exclusive Stores for Rs.184,999.
Pre-book customers will also get 1 year Samsung Care Plus worth Rs. 11,999 at just Rs. 6,000. They can also opt for No Cost EMI offer up to 24 months.
Xiaomi Mi 7 is all set for a grand release with in-display fingerprint scanner, Snapdragon 845 chipset among other features and a Chinese website has leaked the picture with the possible date of its release.
The Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, who is going to IPO in Hong Kong exchange currently, was supposed to have announced its flagship Mi 7 at the Mobile World Congress 2018 held from February 26 to March 1 but it has disappointed fans with no announcement on Mi 7.
Now the reports have surfaced in China and elsewhere that Xiaomi might announce the Mi 6 successor this month itself, perhaps once the IPO funding is done with the exchange.
But a Weibo post on the Chinese technology giant has revealed the release date of the Mi 7 will be May 23, 2018. The website has also published a photo of the device with the Mi logo on it.
Since, it is more than year since its predecessor Mi6 was released, the news cannot be brushed aside as another fake news. Xiaomi never shied away from releasing at least one new version of all the brands it sells in the market.
According to Weibo post, the Xiaomi Mi 7 will feature an in-display fingerprint scanner and notch up top. It could be sporting either a 5.65-inch or a 5.8-inch bezel-less AMOLED display with 2,560×1,440 pixels screen resolution against 5.15-inch (1080 x 1920 pixels) display seen in the Mi 6.
Under the hood, the flagship is likely to have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, a 6GB/8GB RAM, a 128GB/256GB internal storage, a dual 19MP+19MP main camera, and a 4,480mAh battery.
Apple has finally unveiled its iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition, the new generation of iPhone in a comlete red finish, sporting glass enclosure, with a matching aluminum band and a sleek black front.
The special edition (PRODUCT) RED iPhone will be available online in select countries and regions beginning Friday, April 13.
Apple also introduced a new (PRODUCT)RED iPhone X Leather Folio, which will be available beginning tomorrow. Crafted from specially tanned and finished European leather for a luxurious look and feel, the new folio joins other (PRODUCT)RED devices and accessories available for customers to purchase.
A portion of proceeds for all (PRODUCT)RED purchases go directly to Global Fund HIV/AIDS grants that provide testing, counseling, treatment and prevention programs with a specific focus on eliminating transmission of the virus from mothers to their babies.
Since partnering with (RED) in 2006, Apple said it has donated more than $160 million to the Global Fund, becoming the organization’s largest corporate donor.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Product Marketing said, “iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus improve on everything we love about iPhone, including Retina HD displays that are more beautiful than ever, the most powerful and smartest chip ever in a smartphone with the A11 Bionic and more advanced cameras for unbelievable photos and videos.”
“The more than $160 million Apple has donated in the last 11 years today equates to more than 800 million days of lifesaving ARV medication that prevents the transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies,” he noted.
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feature a glass and aluminum design made with the most durable glass ever in a smartphone, Retina HD display, A11 Bionic chip and are designed for the ultimate augmented reality experience. iPhone 8 Plus features dual 12-megapixel cameras and introduces Portrait mode with Portrait Lighting, bringing dramatic studio lighting effects to iPhone, allowing customers to capture portraits with a shallow depth of field effect in five different lighting styles.
Pricing and Availability
iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition will be available in 64GB and 256GB models starting at an Apple retail price of $699 (US) from apple.com, the Apple Store app and Apple Stores, and is also available through Apple Authorized Resellers.
Both special edition models are available to order beginning Tuesday, April 10 after 5:30 a.m. PDT, and start delivering to customers and arriving in stores in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK and US on Friday, April 13. Brazil, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE and other countries and regions will follow later in April, with Chile, Colombia, India, Israel, Turkey and other countries and regions following in May.
The new (PRODUCT)RED iPhone X Leather Folio will be available from apple.com, the Apple Store app and Apple Stores for $99 (US) beginning tomorrow, and joins other (PRODUCT)RED products including Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones, Beats Pill+ Portable Speaker and accessories for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
Through Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program, customers in the US can get the special edition iPhone, with the protection of AppleCare+, choose their carrier and have the opportunity to upgrade to a new iPhone every year. The iPhone Upgrade Program is available at apple.com, the Apple Store app and Apple Stores in the US with monthly payments starting at $34.50 (US) for the iPhone 8 64GB model.
Every customer who buys iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition from Apple will be offered free Personal Setup in-store or online.
Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the Moon, is a totally indigenous mission comprising of an Orbiter, Lander and Rover. It envisages complex tasks like soft-landing, Rover separation and movement on the lunar surface, in addition to operations of Orbiter, informed Minister Jitendra Singh in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Several new technology elements have been developed indigenously and tests are being carried out for validation. Orbiter has completed Thermo-vacuum test which is one of the major milestones, he said.
Lander Sensors and Actuators are tested on ground to validate the performance and the results are satisfactory, while rover flight model is under assembly, said the minister. Payloads are in various stages of delivery for Spacecraft integration, he informed the House.
After reaching the 100 km lunar orbit, the Lander housing the Rover will separate from the Orbiter. After a controlled descent, the Lander will soft land on the lunar surface at a specified site and deploy a Rover, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The mission will carry a six-wheeled Rover which will move around the landing site in semi-autonomous mode as decided by the ground commands. The instruments on the rover will observe the lunar surface and send back data, which will be useful for analysis of the lunar soil.
The Chandrayaan-2 weighing around 3290 kg and would orbit around the moon and perform the objectives of remote sensing the moon. The payloads will collect scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice.
To be carried by GSLV-F10,Chandrayaan-2 Mission is planned during first half of 2018.
Reminding the shortest trans-Atlantic Concorde flights in the 1980s, a new supersonic jet that can travel from New York to London in just three hours at 1,354 mph has successfully test-flown on Saturday without any passengers by Spike Aerospace Indian origin CEO Vik Kachoria.
The prototype of S-512 Quiet Supersonic Jet can carry 18 passengers and it was test flown unmanned for the first time after a series of wind tunnel tests, said Spike Aerospace, the firm behind the new Concorde project.
Apart from Spike, NASA’s project was unveiled last month about a viable commercial supersonic jet capable of breaking the 767 mph sound barrier. The prototype was tested inside a massive wind tunnel at NASA’s Langley Research Center so far. However, Spike has taken lead with first trans-Atlantic test successfully carried out in three hours with the design and flight controls in tact.
Vik Kachoria, President and CEO of Spike, said: “The SX-1.2 test flights were conducted in a real world situation, and provide significantly more data than wind tunnel tests done in an artificial environment.We were able to test not only handling, but also a range of other considerations.”
Spike Aerospace CEO Vik Kachoria
The test included adjustments made mid-air to its mass, balance and controls and the aircraft was piloted by engineers KrishnaKumar Malu and Mike Ridlon at a private airfield in New England in the US.
Malu said: “These test flights are providing incredibly valuable information which we can use to refine the design.I am very excited about how helpful these tests will be to our supersonic development program.”
Spike hopes to make its S-512 supersonic aircraft ready by 2021, with its first commercial flight available by 2023. The prototype can reduce the flight from London to New York by eight hours, to just 3 hours and 30 minutes.
“Flying 450 mph faster than any other civilian jet, the Spike S-512 will enable customers to do more and enjoy more out of life,” Spike said.
Here are some specs of S-512:
Spike S-512 Quiet Supersonic Jet Key Highlights:
Speed: Mach 1.6 (1,100mph)
Passengers: 12-18
Range: 6200nmi
Sonic boom less than 75 PLdB
Patent-pending Quiet Supersonic Flight technology
Innovative Multiplex Digital Cabin
40% time savings for 13% additional cost
The Spike S-512’s cabin incorporates patent-pending Multiplex Digital technology offering panoramic displays through wide windows with room for up to 18 passengers and fully customizable interior configuration, good for private air travel, said the aerospace company on its website.
The spike S-512 promises the expansive, high-definition screens spanning each side of the cabin with displays showing any view one wishes, whether it’s real-time aircraft surroundings, favorite movie or a work presentation – all with a simple touch on a mobile device.
The cabin of the S-512 assures quiet and comfort with bespoke leather seating, reduced noise or higher levels of silence, higher oxygen levels and high-speed wireless Internet connectivity. It has eliminated traditional windows allowing the S-512 to offer unprecedented noise reduction for smooth, relaxing supersonic flights.
As reported earlier, new Rs. 200 notes have entered the circulation with many ATMs being recalibrated to provide the notes which are similar in size to Rs.500 notes but vary in colour with the colour yellow dominating the appearance.
The Reserve Bank of India, the central bank, has described the ne note as the missing link in the demonetisation process ushered in since November 8, 2016. Unlike other developed countries which have machines to give away the change, India has no such plans nor is it feasible for RBI with varying inflation in some parts.
Following the ban on Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 500 notes to check tax avasion, the central bank had introduced Rs. 2,000 notes and new Rs. 500 notes and the missing Rs.1000-note will now be answered by the circulation of new Rs.200 notes.
In a press statement, RBI said, “The Reserve Bank of India will issue on August 25, 2017 Rs. 200 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series, bearing signature of Urjit R Patel, Governor, Reserve Bank of India from select RBI offices, and some banks.”
The Rs.200 note, issued in a dimension of 66mmX146mm, has the Sanchi Stupa and the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre and the denominational numeral “200” with rupee symbol in green to blue.
With this Indian currency system now has Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 2,000 currency notes in circulation as of today. There is no word on a new Rs.1000-note. Even the Rs.50-note has been changed to new series with a new look and additional security features.
“To achieve the optimal system of currency that would minimise the number of denominations while increasing the probability of proffering exact change, especially at the lower end of denominations, there is a logical need to introduce the missing denomination of Rs. 200, which will make the present currency system more efficient,” RBI justified its move.
The note has similar features for visually impaired as in other notes — the intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, raised identification mark ‘H’ with micro-text Rs. 200, four angular bleed lines with two circles in between the lines both on the right and left.
Rs.200 note reverse side
Salient features of the New ₹200 Notes:
1. See through register with denominational numeral 200,
2. Latent image with denominational numeral 200,
3. Denominational numeral २०० in Devnagari,
4. Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi at the centre,
5. Micro letters ‘RBI’, ‘भारत’, ‘India’ and ‘200’,
6. Windowed security thread with inscriptions ‘भारत’ and RBI with colour shift. Colour of the thread changes from green to blue when the note is tilted,
7. Guarantee Clause, Governor’s signature with Promise Clause and RBI emblem towards right of Mahatma Gandhi portrait,
8. Denominational numeral with Rupee Symbol, ₹ 200 in colour changing ink (green to blue) on bottom right,
9. Ashoka Pillar emblem on the right,
10. Mahatma Gandhi portrait and electrotype (200) watermarks,
11. Number panel with numerals growing from small to big on the top left side and bottom right side,
12. For visually impaired: Intaglio or raised printing of Mahatma Gandhi portrait, Ashoka Pillar emblem, raised Identification mark H with micro-text ₹ 200, four angular bleed lines with two circles in between the lines both on the right and left sides.
13. Year of printing of the note on the left,
14. Swachh Bharat logo with slogan,
15. Language panel,
16. Motif of Sanchi Stupa,
17. Denominational numeral २०० in Devnagari.
President Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Raksha Bandhan has emphasized on the sacred bond of commitment between sisters and brothers in the country.
“On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, I offer my warm greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens. This unique festival celebrates the sacred bond of commitment between sisters and brothers,” he said in his message.
Raksha Bandhan symbolises the virtues of love, affection and mutual trust, and bring happiness and prosperity to all people of the country, he said. “I hope that the day is an occasion for all of us to renew the spirit of fraternity among the citizens of India,” he noted.
Monday, August 7, 2017 marks the festival of Raksha Bandhan celebrated by sisters across the country, especially the north, tying the sacred thread on their brothers for protection. The ancient Hindu tradition has tied brothers and sisters throughout the Hindu culture and is still visibly celebrated by Indian expatriates across the world.
Origin or the legend goes that Indra, king of the gods, was tied a sacred thread around his wrist by his wife Sachi at Lord Vishnu’s advice, and he was able to regain Amaravati, the abode of the gods from a demon. Even Bali, a demon king but known for his philanthropy, requested Lord Vishnu to stay at his abode and this irked Vishnu’s wife Lakshmi who went and tied Rakhi and requested Bali to give back her husband as a gift, which he obliged.
In history, when Alexander invaded, King Porus could not kill him because he was wearing a rakhi around his wrist tied by Porus’s wife. In India, Babar’s son Humayun was sent a rakhi by the widowed queen of Chittorgarh that he rushed to help her out of the clutches of the ruler of Gujarat then keeping up the spirit of protection of a sister.
The Raksha Bandhan was, however, popularised by Rabindranath Tagore as part of bringing unity among Indians to fight for the freedom struggle in modern India and the tradition has become so popular that many girls express their affection and love for brothers and those who they want to provide brotherly protection.
In recent days, many boys are afraid of girls who turn away their love by just tying rakhi on this day.
iPhone is far from making inroads into China but not the KFC phone, a special edition smartphone of Huawei released to commemorate the 30th anniversary of KFC that has completed 30 years of its entry in China.
With more than 5,000 outlets, the US-based KFC is now the largest restaurant chain in China and one of the most powerful foreign brands. The red KFC phone is otherwise the Huawei Enjoy 7 Plus, a mid-range phone that’s 10,000 “K dollars,” a digital currency used by KFC in China.
The features include a 5.5-inch 720p display, a Snapdragon 435 SoC, a 12MP camera, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of storage, with a fingerprint sensor on the back of the device. It has a laser-etched Colonel Sanders logo on the back. The limited edition has just 5,000 units on sale.
The weibo page description of the KFC phone states that Kentucky China completed 30 years since 1987. Kentucky said it has joined Huawei to introduce Huawei Chang Enjoy 7 Kentucky commemorative Edition with a laser back carving, pre-installed Kentucky Super APP, with WOW and k-music.”
India’s military prowess and achievements depicted in a variety of tableux were on a grand show before the public at the historic Rajpath when the country celebrated its 68th Republic Day today.
The highlights of this year’s Parade were a 149-member UAE Presidential Guard, the Air Force, the Navy and Army contingent led by a UAE band marching on Rajpath and presenting a ceremonial salute to the President of India. The UAE military contingent is led by Lt Col Abood Musabeh Abood Musabeh Alghfeli.
This year’s parade also showed some of the firsts to its credit. For the first time a contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG) popularly known as the Black Cat Commandoes marched past the Rajpath. The parade also saw the fly-past of three LCA Tejas Aircraft flying at a height of 300 m from ground in ‘Vic’ formation and the Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) developed by DRDO.
Continuing the 67-year-old tradition of the Republic Day Celebration, the colourful BSF Camel Regiment led this time by Deputy Commandant Kuldeep Seervi took part.
The Indian Army’s missiles, T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Weapon Locating Raddar ‘Swathi’, Akash Weapon System, CBRN Recconnnaisance Vehicle and Dhanush Gun System were the main draw in the mechanised columns.
An Indian Air Force Tableau marched past with the theme “Air Dominance Through Network Centric Operations”, displaying models of Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, AWACS, UAV, Apache and Communication Sattelite.
This year the Indian Navy’s Tableau had the theme ‘Indian Navy – Professional Force-Anchoring Stability, Security and National Prosperity’. The tableau showcased the lethal Marine Commandoes proceeding for action, the indigenously built Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class next generation attack submarines. The tableaux also displayed a model of the P-8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The parade ceremony commenced at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath. An eternal flame burns at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to commemorate the indomitable courage of Indian Armed Forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. The Amar Jawan, the immortal soldier, is symbolised by a reversed rifle standing on its barrel and crested by a soldier’s helmet.
As per tradition, after unfurling the National Flag, the national anthem was played with a 21 gun salute. The parade commenced then and President Mukherjee took the salute. This year’s Chief Guest in the parade Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces too joined PM Modi and other dignitaries in the glass box.
The parade was commanded by Lt. General Manoj Mukund Naravane, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. Major General Rajesh Sahai, Chief of Staff, Headquarter Delhi Area was the parade Second-in-Command.
Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Bana Singh (Retd), Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers and Naib/Subedar Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles and Ashok Chakra winners Major General Cyrus A Pithawalla (Retd), Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd), Mr. Hukum Singh and Mr. Govind Singh of district Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh and Mr. Bhure Lal of district Guna also from Madhya Pradesh followed the Deputy Parade Commander on Jeeps.
The tableau of the Veterans Always in Service of the Nation passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.(PIB)
The marching contingents of Army included horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Machanised Infantry Regiment, the Bihar Regiment, the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, 58 Gorkha Training Centre, the Madras Engineering Group and Centre and 103 Infantry Battalion (Territoral Army) Sikh LI.
The marching contingent of Navy comprising 144 young sailors was led by Lieutenant Aparna Nair, while the Indian Air Force contingent comprising 144 men will be led by Squadran Leader Attal Singh Shekhon. The Paramilitary and other auxiliary civil forces included the Border Security Force Camel Contingent, Indian Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme.
Tableaux from 17 States and UT, six Central Ministries and Departments presented the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of the country. The country’s progress was displayed in different fields, particularly floats from Goa, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam and Jammu & Kashmir with their varied themes, which were of special attraction.
The floats of Central Board of Excise and Customs, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Allevation showed the rapid development of some of the flagship programmes of the Government. The floats of Council of Scientific and Industial Reasearch (CSIR) and Ministry of Skill Development & Enterpreneurship were also displayed highlighting the significant progress in the scientific and technoligical growth including the vision of “Skill India”.
Next 21 of the 25 children selected for the National Bravery Award–2016 participated in the parade. Next, about 600 boys and girls drawn from three schools in Delhi and a group of school children from South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur performed colourful dances on varid themes.
The splendid driving skills of ‘Dare Devils’- the motorcycle display team of Corps of Military Police followed next and they performed different stunts like Salute to President, Ladder, Double Bar, Lotus, Christmas Tree, Aircraft, Sudarshan Chakra, Flower Pot, Pyramid and Wheeling on moving motor cycles.
The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF with the ‘Chakra’ formation, comprising three Mi-35 helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. Trailing them was the ‘Netra’ which is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System Aircraft also known as “Eye in the Sky”. It was followed by the ‘Globe formation’ comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30 MKIs.
Next in line was the fighters, where five Jaguars flew in Arrowhead formation, another five MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters in Fulcrum style. Then the breath-taking ‘Trishul’ formation comprising three Su-30 MKIs of No. 24 Squadron which flew over the Rajpath, and once in front of the saluting dais, the Su-30 MKI aircraft will split upwards, making a Trishul in the sky.
The flypast concluded with another Su-30 MKI carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais. The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of balloons.
The National Security Guard Contingent passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.(PIB)
A birds eye view of Rajpath on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.(PIB)
Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of motorbike riders of Corps of Signals, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.(PIB)
Australian tech firm IoT Group has launched a new “ROAM-e” drone priced A$349 (US $267) that will be hovering over you as are on go and takes your picture in 360 degree format to be streamed live on the Internet and social media.
Replacing the selfie sticks or stretching your hand far to get a better selfie picture, users can now use the small drone built with facial recognition technology and tethered with your smartphone, it can be your constant companion in air for 20 minutes at a stretch and easily rechargeable.
Ian Duffell, executive director of the IoT Group, says it is “a selfie stick on steroids” since the selfie stick’s problem is it’s confined by the length of the stick. Once tethered to your smart phone, you’ll never need additional tethering devices specific to ROAM-e, he said.
“The thought was, let’s get the thing taking the picture flying with you,” he said. The two rotor ‘ROAM-e’ can be programmed using facial recognition technology to follow the user at a distance of up to 25 metres. It can take 360-degree panorama pictures of you and even stream a live video for up to 20 minutes.
The ROAM-e has a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor camera and runs on Quadcore ARM Cortex A7 processor and its rotors can be folded.
“We wanted it to be small enough to fit into a bag or pocket. We modelled it on not being bigger than a 600-millilitre water bottle,” Duffell noted launching the device on Thursday. It has the ability of the drone to drop a pin on a map application, if instructions are given to it to travel to that point and return, he said.
