Latest news with #Storage
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh Transco submits final proposal for Green Energy Corridor-III to CEA: JMD Kirti
Andhra Pradesh-Transco Joint Managing Director (HR & Admin) and Andhra Pradesh Power Coordination Committee Member-Convenor Kirthi Chekuri stated that the power utility submitted final proposals for the third phase of Green Energy Corridor (GEC-III) to the Central Electricity Authority. This project was aimed at connecting 11 Gigawatts of solar power and 7,373 Megawatts of Pumped Storage Hydropower Projects to the grid at an estimated cost of ₹28,033 crore. The GEC-III involves the construction of 8,862 circuit km of new transmission lines and an additional 9,500 MVA of capacity, enabling large-scale Renewable Energy (RE) evacuation to meet the country's clean energy targets. Hoisting the national flag at Vidyut Soudha in Vijayawada on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day on Friday (August 15, 2025), Ms. Kirthi said the Andhra Pradesh-Transco was executing 69 transmission projects worth ₹8,638 crore, adding 14,046 MVA of capacity and 2,041 CKM of transmission lines. She noted that the transmission losses have been brought down from 2.69% to 2.60% in 2024-25 and nine new substations were commissioned, adding 4,905.5 MVA capacity. Andhra Pradesh-Transco increased its non-tariff revenue from ₹27.94 crore in 2023-24 to ₹174.47 crore in 2024-25 by leasing Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) dark fibres to telecom companies. AP-Transco executing 55 transmission projects worth ₹4,965 crore, says Chief Secretary The corporation earned ISO 27001:2022 certification for information security, and its Joint Meter Reading (JMR) application was expected to save ₹750 crore. About A.P. Genco's performance, Ms. Kirti said the major ongoing projects include 1,190 MW of hydel capacity (Polavaram – 960 MW and Lower Sileru – 230 MW) and 6,020 MW of PSHPs including 5,070 MW in a joint venture with the National Hydropower Corporation Limited (NHPC) and 950 MW at Kamalapadu being developed solely by the A.P.-Genco. The DISCOMs have reduced distribution losses from 7.23% to 7.07% and Aggregate Technical & Commercial losses from 13% to 8%. In 2024-25, they commissioned 44 new 33/11 kV substations. 'Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, solar-based feeder-level systems were being implemented for more than 2.93 lakh agricultural pumps and rooftop solar has been installed for 39,863 households under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana,' Ms. Kirti added. A.P.-Transco directors A.K.V. Bhaskar, J. Venkateswara Rao and N.V. Ramana Murthy, A.P.-Genco directors P. Ashok Kumar Reddy and M. Sujaya Kumar and V. Usha, A.P.-Transco additional secretary P. Roja and others were present.
CNET
5 days ago
- CNET
I Finally Cleared Out My Duplicate iPhone Photos. It Was Weirdly Therapeutic
My iPhone Photos app slowly crept past the point of being fun to scroll. Trips, pet videos, burst shots and a mountain of screenshots kept chewing through storage until the "iPhone storage almost full" alert became routine. I wanted a win I could see right away without paying for another app or more iCloud space. It was like playing the free storage lottery. The Photos app ended up being the fix I was searching for. On iOS 16 or newer, a Duplicates album gathers identical shots so you can merge or delete them in batches. I opened it out of curiosity and cleared dozens of lookalikes from the same vacation album. The storage bar moved. Backups felt faster. Browsing the camera roll stopped lagging. If your iPhone is packed with copies of the same photo, start there. Open Photos, tap Albums, find Duplicates under Utilities, then merge or delete. Removing duplicate photos frees up space quickly and turns cleanup into a simple, focused task that also surfaces memories you forgot you saved. For more, check out every new feature we're expecting Apple to drop with iOS 26 this fall. Remove duplicate photos and videos to get more storage on your iPhone. Screenshots by Jeff Carlson/CNET Apple introduced its "duplicate detection" feature in 2022 and it works just as its name suggests. The tool uses on-device AI to identify identical images and aggregate them in an easy-to-find album in the Photos app. Apple says the iPhone classifies duplicates not only as exact copies but also as photos that appear to be the same but have unique resolutions, file formats or other slight differences. That includes lower-resolution versions you may have saved to share on social media or even bursts of near-identical shots taken at the same time. Here's how to use the iPhone's built-in tool to free up storage space: 1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone. 2. Scroll down to the Utilities section and tap Duplicates. This is where you can view all the duplicate photos on your iPhone and delete them, either individually or at once. 3. If you want to delete all the duplicates at once, tap the Select button, and then tap Select All. You can also remove them in groups of two or more: Tap Select in the top right corner and then tap the Select button to the right of the pairs. Next, tap Merge [number] to merge all the duplicate photos your iPhone detects and send them to the trash. 4. If you want to delete duplicates individually, tap the Merge button that appears next to each pair. Then tap Merge [number] Copies to delete duplicates. Go down the line and repeat this step for all the identical photos you want to delete. Merging keeps the best version of the photo in your library. The duplicates are moved to the Recently Deleted album. If you found this iOS feature helpful, check out CNET's cheat sheet for iOS 18. For more advice on how to save space, read our full list of tips for clearing your iPhone's storage.
Irish Independent
05-08-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
Scientists recreate universe's first molecule to solve 14-billion-year-old mystery
The universe was unimaginably hot and dense immediately after it formed about 13.8 billion years ago, and cooled down seconds later to form the first elements, hydrogen and helium, albeit in a completely ionised form. It then took another 380,000 years for the temperature in the early universe to drop enough for neutral atoms to form, by combining with free electrons to pave the way for the first chemical reactions. The first molecule created this way is thought to be helium hydride ion (HeH+), formed from a neutral helium atom and ionised hydrogen. Helium hydride's origin also marked the beginning of a chain reaction that led to the formation of molecular hydrogen (H2), which is by far the most common molecule in the universe, scientists said. Although the infant universe at this point was transparent due to the binding of free electrons, there were still no light-emitting objects, such as stars. Researchers found that this helium hydride molecule helped cool the universe over a process lasting several hundred million years before the first stars ignited. Stars are powered by nuclear fusion. However, for any early contracting gas cloud of a protostar to collapse to the point where nuclear fusion can begin, heat must be dissipated through collisions between atoms and molecules. But below 10,000C, this process becomes ineffective for the dominant hydrogen atoms. So researchers have long considered helium hydride ions as a potentially important candidate for cooling in the formation of the first stars. New research, published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics, used a special ultra-cold lab setup to mimic conditions from over 13 billion years ago that led to the formation of these molecules. ADVERTISEMENT Using the Cryogenic Storage Ring instrument at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, Germany, scientists superimposed HeH+ ions stored in a 35-metre-diameter storage ring for up to just a minute at a few kelvins (-267C) with a beam of neutral hydrogen atoms. They studied how the collision rate varied with temperature and found that, contrary to earlier predictions, the rate at which this reaction proceeds does not slow down with decreasing temperature.
Geeky Gadgets
30-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
Easily Build a Budget NAS with a Raspberry Pi 4 and Save Big on Storage
Have you ever wished for a simple, affordable way to centralize your files, stream media, or back up your data—without shelling out hundreds of dollars for a commercial solution? Here's the good news: with a Raspberry Pi 4, you can build your own budget-friendly NAS (Network Attached Storage) system that's powerful enough to handle everyday storage needs. Imagine having a compact, energy-efficient device sitting quietly on your desk, seamlessly managing your data across devices. Whether you're a tech enthusiast eager to tinker or someone looking for a practical DIY project, this hands-on breakdown will show you how to transform a Raspberry Pi into a reliable storage hub. In this guide by Microck, you'll discover how to assemble, configure, and optimize an affordable NAS using the Raspberry Pi 4 mini PC. From selecting the right hardware—like USB to SATA adapters and powered hubs—to mastering the OpenMediaVault software, every step is designed to make the process approachable and rewarding. Along the way, you'll uncover tips to maximize performance and tackle common challenges, making sure your setup is both efficient and frustration-free. Whether your goal is to create a secure backup system or a media streaming hub, this project offers endless possibilities for customization. Let's explore how this tiny yet versatile device can transform the way you manage your digital life. DIY Raspberry Pi 4 NAS What is a NAS and Why Use a Raspberry Pi 4? A NAS is a centralized storage solution that allows you to store, access, and share files across multiple devices within your network. It is particularly useful for tasks such as managing backups, streaming media, or hosting personal projects. The Raspberry Pi 4 is an excellent choice for building a DIY NAS due to its affordability, compact design, and energy efficiency. Equipped with a quad-core processor, multiple USB 3.0 ports, and support for both wired and wireless connectivity, the Raspberry Pi 4 delivers sufficient performance for most home storage needs. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a budget-friendly alternative to commercial NAS devices, the Raspberry Pi 4 offers a versatile and customizable platform. Essential Components for Your DIY NAS To build your NAS, you'll need the following hardware components: Raspberry Pi 4: Choose the 4GB or 8GB RAM model for better performance, especially if you plan to run additional services or manage large amounts of data. Choose the 4GB or 8GB RAM model for better performance, especially if you plan to run additional services or manage large amounts of data. USB to SATA Adapters: These adapters connect your hard drives to the Raspberry Pi's USB ports. Ensure they support the UAS protocol for faster data transfer speeds. These adapters connect your hard drives to the Raspberry Pi's USB ports. Ensure they support the UAS protocol for faster data transfer speeds. Powered USB Hubs: Necessary for powering multiple drives, particularly 3.5-inch models that require external power sources. Necessary for powering multiple drives, particularly 3.5-inch models that require external power sources. Hard Drives: Select reliable 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives based on your storage capacity needs and budget. Select reliable 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drives based on your storage capacity needs and budget. Optional Enclosures: Use 3D-printed or commercially available enclosures to organize and protect your components. Additionally, ensure your power supply is adequate to support both the Raspberry Pi and any connected drives. Insufficient power can lead to performance issues or hardware instability, so investing in a high-quality power source is essential. Raspberry Pi 4 Budget NAS Build Watch this video on YouTube. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in Raspberry Pi. Installing and Configuring the Software The software foundation of your NAS is OpenMediaVault (OMV), a dedicated operating system designed for NAS functionality. Follow these steps to set up your system: Download and Install OMV: Obtain the OMV image and flash it onto a microSD card using tools like Balena Etcher. Insert the card into your Raspberry Pi and boot it up. Obtain the OMV image and flash it onto a microSD card using tools like Balena Etcher. Insert the card into your Raspberry Pi and boot it up. Network Configuration: Use a wired Ethernet connection for better stability. If necessary, configure wireless access during the initial setup process. Use a wired Ethernet connection for better stability. If necessary, configure wireless access during the initial setup process. Enable SSH Access: Tools like PuTTY (for Windows) or the terminal (for Linux/Mac) allow you to manage your NAS remotely, making it easier to perform updates or troubleshoot issues. OMV's web-based interface simplifies tasks such as managing storage, creating shared folders, and setting user permissions. Its intuitive design makes it accessible even for beginners, while still offering advanced features for experienced users. Optimizing Storage and Automating Backups Proper storage configuration and automated backups are critical to maximizing the efficiency and reliability of your NAS. Here's how to get started: Logical Volume Manager (LVM): Combine multiple drives into a single storage pool for easier management and scalability as your data needs grow. Combine multiple drives into a single storage pool for easier management and scalability as your data needs grow. File System: Format your drives using the ext4 file system, which is known for its reliability and performance in Linux-based systems. Format your drives using the ext4 file system, which is known for its reliability and performance in Linux-based systems. Shared Folders: Use OMV's interface to create shared folders and assign permissions, making sure secure access for different users or devices on your network. Use OMV's interface to create shared folders and assign permissions, making sure secure access for different users or devices on your network. Rsync for Backups: Automate file synchronization between your NAS and other devices using Rsync. Schedule regular backups to protect your data from accidental loss. Automate file synchronization between your NAS and other devices using Rsync. Schedule regular backups to protect your data from accidental loss. Compression Tools: Use compression utilities to reduce the size of backup files, optimizing your available storage space. Automation not only saves time but also ensures that your data is consistently backed up without requiring manual intervention. This is especially useful for maintaining regular backups of critical files. Expanding Functionality with Additional Features Your NAS can serve more purposes than just file storage. By using Docker, you can add advanced features and applications to your system: Webtop: Deploy a remote Linux desktop environment, allowing you to access and manage your NAS from virtually anywhere. Deploy a remote Linux desktop environment, allowing you to access and manage your NAS from virtually anywhere. Portainer: Simplify the management and monitoring of Docker containers with this user-friendly tool, allowing you to run additional services effortlessly. Simplify the management and monitoring of Docker containers with this user-friendly tool, allowing you to run additional services effortlessly. Media Servers: Install applications like Plex or Jellyfin to turn your NAS into a media streaming hub for your home network. These enhancements transform your NAS into a multi-functional device, capable of handling a wide range of tasks beyond basic storage. Troubleshooting Common Challenges Building a DIY NAS can present challenges, but most issues can be resolved with patience and research. Here are some common problems and solutions: Power Supply Issues: Use high-quality power cables and powered USB hubs to ensure stable operation, especially when connecting multiple drives. Use high-quality power cables and powered USB hubs to ensure stable operation, especially when connecting multiple drives. USB Adapter Compatibility: Verify that your USB to SATA adapters support the UAS protocol to avoid drive detection problems. Verify that your USB to SATA adapters support the UAS protocol to avoid drive detection problems. Drive Permissions: If shared folders are inaccessible from Windows devices, check your OMV permissions and SMB settings to resolve access issues. If shared folders are inaccessible from Windows devices, check your OMV permissions and SMB settings to resolve access issues. Plugin Failures: If OMV plugins fail to work, disabling the NTP server or adjusting time synchronization settings can often resolve the issue. By addressing these challenges proactively, you can ensure a smoother experience and a more reliable NAS setup. Building a Reliable and Versatile NAS Constructing a NAS with a Raspberry Pi 4 is a rewarding project that combines affordability with functionality. By carefully selecting hardware, configuring software, and optimizing storage, you can create a system tailored to your specific needs. While challenges may arise, they offer opportunities to learn and refine your setup. With the flexibility to expand and customize, your DIY NAS can evolve into a powerful tool for managing your digital life, offering both convenience and peace of mind. Media Credit: Microck Filed Under: Guides, Hardware Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Express Tribune
27-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Gutka sales continue amidst police complicity
For any illegal activity, be it extortion, theft, or drug smuggling, strict enforcement of laws through the police is crucial to delineate the boundary between acceptable and deviant behaviours. However, when the law enforcers themselves are complicit in the crimes, little can be done to fix society. Recently, the Inspector General (IG) Sindh Police issued a circular to all divisional and district police officers, expressing concern over the widespread addiction to gutka among police personnel and instructing the initiation of rehabilitation efforts. The circular called for action against those who failed to comply, including potential dismissal from service. Syed Atif Ali, a resident of New Karachi, felt that the sale of gutka in the city was impossible without the complicity of local police. "Gutka is freely available at shops and paan stalls, and even Indian gutka is sold in the city," said Ali. Gul Muhammad Baloch, a social activist working in Karachi's Baldia Town, opined that although gutka was banned by the law, it was not yet perceived as a social evil. "As a result, its use remains common in homes and neighborhoods. Adults consume gutka in front of children, while people offer it to each other at social gatherings. Gutka should be recognized as a social vice. For this, an effective public awareness campaign should be launched with the involvement of schools, mosques, and community organizations," stressed Baloch. According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan ranks highest among countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region for the use of smokeless tobacco, which includes gutka, paan, betel nut (chhalia), and naswar. This widespread usage has contributed to a dangerous rise in cases of oral cancer, which has become the second most common cancer after breast cancer in Pakistan. Karachi is the most affected city in terms of the number of cases of oral cancer, with the majority of gutka users belonging to the lower middle-class areas of the city. The WHO report further claimed that after paan, gutka was the second most commonly used form of chewable tobacco in Karachi. Although the preparation, sale, and use of gutka is legally banned under the Sindh Prohibition of Preparation, Manufacturing, Storage, Sale and Use of Gutka and Manpuri Act, 2019, the law appears to be ineffective in practice. Even though a special task force consisting of police officials from various departments was established in March last year, its impact has been limited. Taha Ahmed Khan, Deputy Parliamentary Leader of MQM-Pakistan in the Sindh Assembly, revealed that the Sindh Assembly had passed a law against gutka however, there has been no meaningful enforcement. "It seems that there is no government presence in Karachi and the city is being run by mafias, including the water mafia, builder mafia, hydrant mafia, and gutka mafia," said Khan. Sadia Javed, a member of the Sindh Assembly from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and spokesperson for the Sindh government, claimed that the Sindh government was considering amending the law to impose stricter penalties against the sale of gutka. "Tackling major gutka dealers is essential for curbing its spread. IG Sindh Police is personally monitoring the issue," said Javed. The Express Tribune attempted to contact Superintendent of Police (SP) Samiullah Soomro, a member of the task force, to inquire about the number of offenders arrested and punished over the past one year, however, he did not respond. Similarly, Sindh Police spokesperson Syed Saad Ali was also sent several questions via WhatsApp but he too did not send a reply.
