TSMC Set for Record Profit Boost Driven by AI Chip Demand Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the world’s leading contract chipmaker, is set to announce a record-breaking 28% rise in third-quarter profit. This surge comes as demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure continues to grow rapidly, although new US tariffs could weigh on its future outlook. Strong Forecasts Point to Record Earnings According to LSEG SmartEstimate, which gives greater weight to analysts with strong accuracy records, TSMC’s net profit for the three months ending 30 September is expected to reach T$415.4 billion ($13.55 billion). This would surpass its previous high…
Author: Aditya Lenka
Expanding Defence Capabilities in the Arctic Denmark has announced a significant investment of 27.4 billion crowns ($4.26 billion) to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic. The move is part of the country’s effort to enhance national defence and address US concerns about Greenland’s defence capacity. The plan includes the purchase of 16 additional F-35 fighter jets, valued at around 29 billion crowns, on top of Denmark’s original order of 27 aircraft. Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said these steps are vital during a period of heightened global tension. “These are investments that are necessary in difficult times, when, unfortunately,…
Global Regulators Step Up Oversight of AI Risks in Finance Global financial regulators have outlined new plans to closely monitor the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the banking and finance sectors. The move comes amid growing concern that the rapid adoption of AI could pose risks to financial stability if not properly managed. Watchdogs Warn of Overreliance on Shared AI Models The Financial Stability Board (FSB), the G20’s financial risk watchdog, warned in a report released on Friday that widespread dependence on similar AI systems and specialised hardware could lead to herd-like behaviour among institutions. “This heavy reliance…
Salamanders and Chameleons Inspire New Engineering Innovations A recent study from the University of South Florida has uncovered that salamanders and chameleons, though distantly related, share a remarkable tongue mechanism. This discovery could pave the way for new developments in engineering and robotics inspired by nature’s designs. The Science Behind Ballistic Tongue Projection The research, led by postdoctoral researcher Yu Zeng and Professor Stephen Deban, was published in Current Biology. It reveals that both species use a “ballistic” tongue-firing system capable of reaching speeds of up to 16 feet per second. “They can shoot their tongues completely out of their…
Milrem Robotics and Dutch Drone Makers Set Up Production Hub in the Netherlands Estonian defence company Milrem Robotics has joined forces with Dutch drone manufacturers to use space at a factory owned by industrial group VDL, the Netherlands Defence Ministry announced on Monday. The move marks a significant step in strengthening European defence manufacturing and cooperation. New Defence Production Site in Born The new facility, located in Born, will host hundreds of workers, according to a ministry spokesperson. The site will be used to fulfil orders for both the Dutch and Ukrainian militaries, signalling a growing demand for advanced unmanned…
French Prosecutors Open Investigation into Apple’s Siri Over Alleged Data Collection French prosecutors have launched an investigation into Apple’s voice assistant, Siri, following a complaint that accuses the company of unlawfully collecting and analysing user data. The probe, first reported by Politico, has been assigned to France’s specialised cybercrime unit, the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed on Monday. Complaint Alleges Unauthorised Voice Data Harvesting The investigation stems from a complaint filed by the French human rights organisation Ligue des Droits de l’Homme (LDH) and tech researcher Thomas Le Bonniec, who previously worked on Apple’s Siri quality control programme. Le Bonniec told…
AI Boosts Record Participation in WorldQuant’s Global Quant Contest Artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of participation in quantitative trading competitions, with hedge fund WorldQuant reporting record turnout for its annual International Quant Championship (IQC). The firm said over 80,000 university students joined the 2025 contest—double the number from last year—as AI tools made developing trading models more accessible. AI Levels the Playing Field for Aspiring Quants WorldQuant founder and chairman Igor Tulchinsky said the widespread use of AI and language models has allowed more students to compete independently. “The interesting difference this year was that a lot of…
AI Becomes the New Digital Wingman — But at What Cost to Authentic Connection? Artificial intelligence is stepping into the world of romance as an on-demand dating assistant, helping users craft messages, optimise profiles, and even break the ice. But while some daters say AI gives them confidence and clever conversation starters, experts warn it risks replacing real human connection with digital perfection. AI Dating Assistants Gain Popularity Dmitry, a 35-year-old from Miami, says AI has changed how he approaches online dating. When unsure how to start a conversation on a dating app, he turned to Rizz, an AI-powered dating…
New Cassini Analysis Strengthens Case for Life-Friendly Conditions on Saturn’s Moon Enceladus Fresh analysis of data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft has uncovered new evidence that Saturn’s small icy moon Enceladus could potentially support life. Scientists have identified additional complex organic molecules in the plumes of ice and gas that erupt from its subsurface ocean, providing further clues about the moon’s hidden chemistry. Re-examining Cassini’s 2008 Flyby Researchers revisited data from Cassini’s closest encounter with Enceladus in 2008, when the spacecraft flew directly through the geyser-like jets near the moon’s south pole. These plumes, bursting through surface fractures, offered rare direct…
BoE Governor Backs Stablecoin Regulation Similar to Bank Money Any stablecoin widely adopted for payments in Britain should face the same rules as bank money, Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey said on Wednesday. He emphasised the need for depositor protections and access to BoE reserve facilities to ensure financial stability. Shift in Tone from a Crypto Sceptic Bailey, who has long been cautious about cryptocurrencies, signalled a softer stance in an article published by the Financial Times. He said it would be wrong to oppose stablecoins “as a matter of principle.” However, he noted their current primary role…

