Lightning

Apple has reported that sales fell for the fourth consecutive quarter when compared to the prior year, but profit rose on the back iPhones and services.

The tech giant made a profit of $23 billion on revenue of $89.5 billion, which was down slightly from the same period last year.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook said iPhone sales set a new record for its September quarter.

The Republic Hydrometeorological Institute of Serbia (RHMZ) has issued a new emergency warning.
"In the next two hours, strong showers with thunder, strong and stormy winds are expected locally in the area of Belgrade and the wider area, as a result of which material damage is possible, and the safety of people and animals may be threatened," the warning states.

The country's top advisory body on the protection of antiquities has approved a plan to install new telescopic lightning protection masts on the Athens Acropolis to safeguard its monuments against lightning strikes.

Hermi, a family-run business based in Celje, supplies more than 50 world markets with its lightning and surge protection systems, cable trays and ladders, and mounting systems for solar plants.

Scientists said on Jan. 16 they have used a laser beam to guide lightning for the first time, hoping the technique will help protect against deadly bolts and one day maybe even trigger them.

Lightning strikes between 40-120 times a second worldwide, killing more than 4,000 people and causing billions of dollars worth of damage every year.

The European Union unveiled plans Thursday to require smartphone makers to adopt a single charging method for mobile devices.

The European Commission is expected to reveal its proposal for common charger for all mobile phones, tablets and headphones. The idea has met strong opposition from the technological conglomerate Apple which is also a producer of the popular iPhones, Reuters reported. The move is likely to affect badly Apple more than its rivals.

A bolt of lightning killed a coach during a football match in the village of Lesichovo in Pazardzhik, BTA reports.

The 41-year-old coach at the academy of FC "Heber" Ivan Ranchev was struck by thunder on the field around 18:40 PM. This happened during a control match between the local team and the team of Botev (Chernogorovo).

144,000 lightning bolts fell in 24 hours in Southeast Europe.

Thunderstorms were accompanied by hail as 144,000 lightning bolts have fallen in Southeast Europe in the last 24 hours.

This shows a reference from  "Blitzortung" platform, which registers real-time thunderstorm activity.

About 1/4 of all of them are on the territory of Bulgaria.

Lightning strikes illuminate Ankara's sky as rainy weather continues throughout the capital. (AA Photo)