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11-year-old ‘Star Wars’ fan gets an R2-D2 bionic arm ZSI says 457 species of birds and animals migrate to annually Date : Mar 4 , 2020 | Image Credit : Wikimedia Commons Date : Mar 3 , 2020 | Image Credit : Twitter, @Gaianismo

Isabella Tadlock, an 11-year-old girl, recently got something she always India’s biodiversity is a unique treasure, not just for mankind but also the dreamt of – a bionic arm to help her bend her fingers and pick things up. animal world. Our country plays host to 457 migratory species every year. Even better, it’s coloured like the droid R2-D2 from the Star Wars films, of which Isabella is a big fan. Ÿ The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) had for the first time compiled a list of migratory species of India under the Conservation of What is a bionic arm? Migratory Species (CMS). It had put the number at 451. It is a special type of artificial arm for handicapped people. It senses when Ÿ Six species were added later. They are the Asian elephant, great the person’s muscle moves and acts the fingers accordingly. Indian bustard, Bengal florican, oceanic white-tip shark, urial and What is Isabella’s story? smooth hammerhead shark. Ÿ Isabella was born without her left arm below her elbow while her Globally, more than 650 species are listed under the CMS. India, with over right hand also did not have fingers. 450 species, thus plays a very important role in their conservation. Ÿ Ÿ After surgery, she got 3 fingers and a thumb on her right hand, but Birds make up the bulk of migratory species. Their number stands at without her left hand, she was unable to do many things like riding a 380. bike or swinging on monkey bars. Ÿ They include the bird families: Muscicapidae (small insectivores), Accipitridae (raptors or birds of prey), Anatidae (ducks) and Ÿ Then, Isabella and her family came across the ‘Hero Arm‘ – the shorebirds (found near the seas). world’s first medically certified 3D-printed bionic arm. However, as it was very expensive, they asked for public donations online. Ÿ The estimate of mammal species has risen to 46 after the Asian elephant and the Urial were added to the list. Then, Mark Hamill, the actor who plays ‘Luke Skywalker’ in the Star Wars films saw her online plea and he also helped raise them to raise the money Ÿ Vespertilionidae (bats) make up the largest group of migratory needed. mammals, while dolphins come in second. Isabella is very excited and happy about her new arm! Ÿ Fishes make up another important group of migratory species. Ÿ This includes 12 sharks and 10 ray fish. Adding the oceanic white- tip shark and smooth hammerhead shark to the list took the total number of migratory fish species to 24. Ÿ 7 reptiles, which include 5 species of turtles and the Indian gharial and saltwater crocodile, are among the CMS species found in India.

Quote of the week Word to know

Jubilation “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Noun | joo-buh-ley-shuhn Dr. Seuss a joyful or festive celebration.

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Citroen unveils ‘Ami’ – an electric car you don’t need Government permits airlines to provide in-flight a license to drive Wi-Fi services to passengers

Date : Mar 4 , 2020 | Image Credit : Twitter@gvslondon Date : Mar 3 , 2020 | Image Credit : Youtube

Recently, French carmaker Citroen unveiled a new, 100% electric car A while ago, we read about the aeroplane food restaurant. which they have named ‘Ami’. Now apart from enjoying the yummy food, one can also use internet What are the features of the Ami? services while travelling by flight. Ÿ The Ami is very small and almost looks like a washing machine! The Government of India has permitted airlines to provide in-flight Wi- Fi services to passengers. Ÿ It has two seats and a maximum speed of just 45 kilometres an hour. Ÿ This permission is currently only applicable to the airlines operating Ÿ Its battery can be charged in 3 hours, but you can drive it for only up in India. to 70 km before it needs charging again. Ÿ As per the notification, the pilot-in-command* can allow the Ÿ The Ami has been built with as few unique parts as possible. The body passengers to use the internet via Wi-Fi on board. parts used for the front end are exactly like those used in the back. Ÿ The service will work on laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc which is in The right door is also exactly like the left door. aeroplane or flight mode. Ÿ It has been designed to be repaired quickly and easily when needed. Ahead of the announcement, Vistara Airlines announced plans to What is special about the Ami? provide in-flight broadband service by March 2020. Ÿ Ÿ Under the laws of France and some other European countries, the Vistara will offer access to in-flight connectivity only on certain international routes. Ami qualifies as ‘a type of vehicle that does not require a license to drive‘. Ÿ The aircraft with the in-flight broadband service are Dreamliners (Boeing 787 aircraft) and Airbus 321 aircraft. Ÿ So, in France, even children as young as 14 can drive the Ami without a license. The minimum age limit is 16 in other European countries. Ÿ Domestic customers on these planes can also use the service when they are in the Indian airspace. The Ami costs about US$ 6600 (much cheaper compared to the usual With this, Vistara will be the first domestic carrier to provide in-flight cost of new cars). broadband for passengers.

*Pilot-in-command – responsible for flight operation and safety during the journey

Did You Know Joke Pokes

According to statistics from airlines, it can be What’s green and can fly? up to 40% safer to sit in the back of the plane than in the front. Super Pickle!

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COVID 19 – Take precautions, don’t panic. Date : 5 March 2020

As of 4-February 2020, 27+ cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. Worldwide there are over 90,000 cases. About 3% of the people diagnosed with coronavirus have actually died from it. What are the symptoms of coronavirus? Cough, high fever and difficulty in breathing are the most common symptoms associated with coronavirus infection. People with stronger immunity are able to fight the virus before it presents any symptoms. If you or anyone around you observe that you have any of these symptoms, its best to get a thorough check-up done and avoid stepping out of your house unless really required. What are the precautions that one should take to reduce the chances of contracting coronavirus? Ÿ You should wash your hands, both the front and back, rubbing vigorously. Wash your hands number of times in a day. Ÿ Wear a mask in crowded public spaces. They keep away large aerosol particles. Ÿ While coughing and sneezing use a tissue paper. It would be better than a handkerchief. Ÿ Avoid handshakes. Ÿ Avoid travel, if you can. Destinations with high cases should be avoided completely. Ÿ If you have severe symptoms than normal cough and cold check with your doctor immediately. Is there a need to panic? The important thing is that we don’t spread panic and rumors. Check for official information only. Yes, the virus can spread easily. But most of those who died due to COVID 19 have had a prior chronic illness, such as long- standing diabetes, lung disease, cancer etc. The World Health Organisation (WHO) doesn’t consider this outbreak as severe as some of these in the past, because the mortality of the worldwide cases is not as many. It is best to be careful and mindful of what we are doing and what we are exposed to. The people who contracted are our fellow beings, be considerate. Do not spread panic. Take care of yourselves, family and friends.

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NASA announces hiring of astronauts for upcoming Major General Madhuri Kanitkar becomes Moon mission 3rd woman Lt. General of India

Date : Mar 4 , 2020 | Image Credit : Wikimedia Commons Date : Mar 2 , 2020 | Image Credit : Twitter

Curious Readers, today we have a very interesting news for you from We read about the recent Supreme Court declaration on permanent NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). commissions for women Army officers. It has announced that it is looking to select some new astronauts! In another step towards gender equality in the military, Major General Madhuri Kanitkar has created history by becoming the third woman What is the reason for this announcement? Lieutenant-General (Lt. General). Ÿ NASA needs more astronauts for its planned missions to the Moon She is also the first paediatrician* to get the second-highest rank in the (by 2024) and to Mars (by 2030). . Ÿ Not only that, but NASA is also planning the first-ever mission to put What is a Lieutenant-General? a woman on the Moon. This is called the ‘Artemis program’. It is a three-star military rank and referred to as the second senior-most Who can apply to be an astronaut? position. This rank is below the rank of General and above Major General. Ÿ As NASA is a government agency of the United States, only US About Madhuri Kanitkar citizens can apply. Ÿ She is now the Deputy Chief, (DCIDS) under Ÿ The applicant should have a masters’ degree in a STEM (Science, Chief of Defence Staff in . Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field, with at least two years Ÿ She has been the former dean of Armed Forces Medical College in of work experience. Pune, Maharashtra. What happens next? Ÿ Her husband, Lt. General Kanitkar, holds the same rank in the force Ÿ NASA will make the final selection of the candidates by 2021. and has been in the Army for 37 years. Ÿ Then, the selected candidates will train for 2 years at the Johnson was the first woman, while Padmavathy Bandopadhyay Space Center in Houston, US. was the second one to hold this title. Ÿ During the last selection in 2016, around 18,000 people applied, out of which 11 astronauts were selected. *Paediatrician – a doctor who treats children and their illnesses Do you dream about being an astronaut? Well, the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and the IAF (Indian Air Force) recently selected astronauts for India’s first manned mission, Gaganyaan. Perhaps, you could also try for such future missions!

Tongue Twister! Joke Pokes

How do you make an octopus laugh? Two tiny tigers take two taxis to town. With ten-tickles!

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Scientists discover common parasite that doesn’t Archaeologists say early human lived in central need oxygen to survive India 80,000 yrs ago

Date : Mar 1 , 2020 | Image Credit : Twitter, @patankar_lab Date : Mar 5 , 2020 | Image Credit : Flickr

We’ve all studied that living organisms need oxygen to live. Humans have a very long history. Archaeologists keep conducting However, scientists have just discovered that a jellyfish-like parasite* research to understand the nature, movement and lifestyle of humans doesn’t need oxygen to survive. In fact, it doesn’t breathe at all! thousands of years ago. Ÿ About 1.5 billion years ago, life on Earth started to develop the ability However, recently, an excavation by archaeologists revealed the to metabolise (process) oxygen – that is, breathe. presence of humans in central India 80,000 years ago. Ÿ Ÿ Since then, every cell in our body (except the red blood cells) is The excavation was conducted at Dhaba on the banks of River Son in capable of the respiration process (breathing in oxygen, giving out central India. carbon dioxide). Ÿ Stone tools excavated at the site confirmed the presence of humans. Ÿ Therefore, oxygen is very much required to power the millions of cells These tools date back from 80,000 to 40,000 years ago. in our bodies. Ÿ Also, the stone tools were made by a method called the Levallois Researchers at the Tel Aviv University in Israel decided to take another technique. Both modern humans and Neanderthals* used this look at a common parasite called Henneguya salminicola. technique. Ÿ This parasite creates little cysts (bubbles) in the salmon fish’s flesh to Why is this study important? live. However, they do not cause any harm to the fish. Let us give you a bit of context. Ÿ Here, the parasite can survive easily without any air or oxygen to Ÿ Around 74,000 years the Toba volcano in Sumatra, Indonesia breathe. erupted. The explosion was so massive that it covered large areas, This discovery changes our understanding of how life can work here on from the Arabian Sea to the South China Sea in ash. Earth. It could also affect our search for life beyond Earth. Ÿ Researches believe that the eruption destroyed most human, animal and plant life. This included the destruction of life in India. Ÿ *Parasite – an animal or plant that lives on or in another animal or plant of But, the new excavations are contrary to the earlier theories. The a different type and feeds from it stone tools discovered before and after the eruption are similar. Ÿ This means that humans lived in India thousands of years ago and the volcanic eruption did not affect them much. Yet, researchers are not sure if these tools were made by modern humans or another human species.

*Neanderthals are a different species or subspecies of modern humans. They are extinct now and lived in Eurasia around 40,000 years ago.

Tongue Twister! Joke Pokes

What do you think of that new diner on the moon?

Willie’s really weary. Food was good, but there really wasn’t much atmosphere.

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Nature Times By Ananya Date : 28 February 2020 | Ananya Chauhan, 3 , Delhi Public School , Sonepat , Haryana

Young and Curious Reader of Curious Times sent her wonderful newspaper to Curious Times. Do enjoy all the pages. Ananya has covered: Ÿ News on world’s tallest Christmas Tree Ÿ News on Super Girl, who won three races wearing shoes made out of bandages Ÿ ‘My Expressions’ has a beautiful nature picture with park and she talks about her birthday celebration. Her most important message is Do what you can and never give up!

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Astronomy student discovers 17 new planets ICC T20 Women’s World Cup: India, Australia are through to the final

Date : Mar 2 , 2020 | Image Credit : Twitter@IFLScience Date : Mar 5 , 2020 | Image Credit : Twitter@T20WorldCup

Michelle Kunimoto, a research student at the University of British oday, at the 2020 ICC T20 Women’s World Cup, India and Australia went Columbia (UBC), Canada has discovered 17 new planets. through to the final. This discovery was made using the data gathered by NASA’s ‘Kepler In the first semi-final, India was supposed to play against England. Mission’. The Kepler mission looks for planets in the habitable zone*, Ÿ However, due to the rains, the match was abandoned completely. especially where liquid water could exist on a planet’s surface. Ÿ India won by default, going through to the final as it had topped Kunimoto’s research is published in The Astronomical Journal. Group A. Ÿ One of the newly found planets includes one such rare planet, named Ÿ This is the first time that India has qualified for the final at the ICC KIC-7340288 b. T20 Women’s World Cup. Ÿ KIC-7340288 b has a rocky surface, is one and a half times the size of In the second semi-final, Australia won against South Africa by 5 runs Earth and it’s also in the habitable zone of its star. (DLS or Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method). Ÿ The planet has a year that is 142.5 days long. However, this planet is Ÿ South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first. almost a thousand light-years* away, so it is difficult for us to get there fast. Ÿ Australia scored 134 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs. Kunimoto used the transit method to discover these planets. Ÿ However, as rain interrupted the match, the DLS method was used to decrease the total to be chased. Ÿ Transit method says that every time a planet passes in front of a star, it blocks a portion of that star’s light and causes a temporary decrease in Ÿ South Africa could not chase the new total (98 runs in total 13 overs), the star’s brightness and this helps in analysing a planet. ending their innings at 92 runs for 5 wickets in 13 overs. Ÿ In addition to the new planets, Kunimoto was able to observe Ÿ Australia’s Meg Lanning was the Player of the Match. thousands of known Kepler planets using the transit method. The final match will be played on 8 March starting at 12:30 p.m. (IST). The Maybe we will get to visit KIC-7340288 b in the future, just like our venue is the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) in Melbourne, Australia. missions to Mars. Are you looking forward to the final match? You can watch it on Starsports or on the Hotstar app. *Habitable zone: The orbital region around a star in which an Earth-like planet can possibly support life.

Did You Know Word to know

Spurt Apart from the new 17 planets, Michelle Verb | spurt Kunimoto had earlier discovered 4 planets during her undergraduate studies at the to gush or issue suddenly in a stream or jet, as a liquid; spout. University of British Columbia (UBC).

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What’s in a word – Penguin Date : Mar 1 , 2020 | Image Credit : Wikimedia Commons

We all know what penguins are. These black and white flightless birds live in various regions around the southern hemisphere, from Antarctica to South Africa. Have you ever wondered where the name ‘penguin’ comes from? Let’s find out! Ÿ The name ‘penguin’ first applied to a bird called the great auk, which lived around Newfoundland, Canada. The great auk was a type of flightless bird which is now extinct (no longer alive). Ÿ However, the word ‘penguin’ itself is believed to have come from the Welsh word pen gwyn, which means ‘white head’. Welsh is a language spoken in Wales in the UK. Ÿ As per records, the word was also used by sailors of a ship called the Golden Hind who saw the ‘pengwyn’ bird in South America. This ship sailed around the world in the 16th century. Ÿ Thus, the sailors may have thought the great auks and penguins are the same or used the same term for the two birds who “looked similar”. Do penguins look similar to great auks? They are not related but great auks were also black and white in colour and lived in cold regions (like the penguins). Either way, penguins took their name from the great auks and that is how we know them today!

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