Japan Condemns China’s Dual-Use Export Ban as Tensions Deepen Over Taiwan Remarks Japan has strongly criticised China’s decision to halt exports of dual-use goods to Japanese firms, describing the move as “absolutely unacceptable and deeply regrettable.” The measure marks the latest escalation in a growing diplomatic row between the two Asian powers following Tokyo’s comments on Taiwan’s security. Tokyo Denounces Beijing’s Targeted Measures Beijing’s export ban, announced on Tuesday, restricts the sale of items with both civilian and military applications to Japan. These include certain rare earth materials essential for manufacturing drones, semiconductors and advanced electronics. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru…
Author: Aditya Lenka
Study Questions Europa’s Potential for Hosting Life Jupiter’s moon Europa has long been one of the most promising candidates in the search for extraterrestrial life, largely because scientists believe a vast ocean lies beneath its icy crust. However, a new study is now casting doubt on whether this frozen world possesses the conditions necessary to support life. Strong Seafloor May Hinder Life-Sustaining Processes The research focused on the potential for tectonic and volcanic activity at Europa’s ocean floor, both of which are vital on Earth for generating the chemical energy and nutrients needed for life. Using computer models, scientists found…
Nvidia’s Next-Generation AI Chips Enter Full Production, CEO Huang Confirms Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced that the company’s next generation of artificial intelligence chips is now in full production, marking a major milestone for the world’s most valuable semiconductor maker. Speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday, Huang said the new chips deliver up to five times the AI computing power of their predecessors when running chatbots and other AI-driven applications. Vera Rubin Platform to Power Advanced AI Systems Huang unveiled new details about the Vera Rubin platform, which comprises six Nvidia chips and will…
Hyundai to Deploy Humanoid Robots at US Factory from 2028 Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to introduce humanoid robots at its United States manufacturing plant in Georgia from 2028, taking a significant step towards automating high-risk and repetitive production tasks. The South Korean company unveiled the production version of its Atlas humanoid robot, developed by its subsidiary Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday. Atlas to Lead Hyundai’s “Physical AI” Initiative The company revealed that it intends to build a factory capable of producing 30,000 Atlas units annually by 2028. These robots will initially…
Autonomous Driving Takes Centre Stage at CES 2026 amid Industry Shift Autonomous driving technology is set to dominate the CES 2026 trade show in Las Vegas this week, as investors look to artificial intelligence to revitalise an auto industry grappling with slow innovation, safety concerns and high costs. Focus Shifts from Electric to Autonomous With many automakers scaling back electric vehicle (EV) plans due to weaker demand and reduced incentives, attention has turned to the next frontier: autonomy. A wave of auto suppliers and start-ups are expected to unveil new hardware and software designed to reduce, or even eliminate, the…
AI Takes Centre Stage as CES 2026 Opens with Global Tech Innovators Hundreds of companies unveiled their latest technologies and gadgets in Las Vegas on Sunday at CES Unveiled, the media preview for the Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) flagship event. The annual tech gathering, widely known as CES, officially opens on Tuesday and will run from 6 to 9 January. Artificial Intelligence Dominates the Show Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CTA, said artificial intelligence is the defining theme of CES 2026. Exhibitors from around the world are demonstrating how AI is reshaping industries, from consumer electronics to robotics and personal…
X’s AI Tool Grok Under Fire for Generating Sexualised Deepfakes of Women A growing international backlash has erupted after Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot integrated into X, digitally generated sexualised images of users without their consent. Among the victims was Rio de Janeiro-based musician Julie Yukari, whose photo with her cat, posted on New Year’s Eve, was altered by Grok after users requested the AI to depict her in a bikini. Victims Targeted in AI “Undressing” Trend Yukari told Reuters she had initially dismissed the requests as harmless pranks, assuming Grok would not act on them. “I was naive,” she…
Chinese Cyberattacks on Taiwan Surge to 2.63 Million Daily in 2025 Cyberattacks targeting Taiwan’s vital infrastructure increased by 6% in 2025, averaging 2.63 million incidents a day, according to the island’s National Security Bureau. The bureau reported that many of these attacks were synchronised with Chinese military exercises, forming part of what it described as “hybrid threats” designed to paralyse Taiwan’s key systems. Rising Cyber Threats Amid Military Pressure Taiwan has repeatedly accused Beijing of waging “hybrid warfare,” combining cyber operations, disinformation campaigns and military manoeuvres to undermine the island’s security and democratic resilience. China, which claims Taiwan as its…
Neuralink to Begin Mass Production of Brain Implants by 2026 Elon Musk’s brain implant company, Neuralink, plans to begin large-scale production of its brain-computer interface devices and transition to a fully automated surgical procedure in 2026. Musk announced the development on Wednesday in a post on the social media platform X, signalling a major step toward commercial deployment of the company’s neurotechnology. Expansion Follows Progress in Human Trials Neuralink’s implant is designed to assist individuals with severe neurological conditions, including spinal cord injuries. The device enables users to control digital interfaces through thought, allowing them to perform activities such as…
China’s Reusable Long March 12A Fails Recovery Test in Maiden Launch China’s bid to advance reusable rocket technology suffered a setback after the first stage of its Long March 12A failed to be recovered during its maiden flight on Monday, according to state media outlet Xinhua. The test marks Beijing’s latest effort to rival U.S. space leader SpaceX in reusable rocket technology. Partial Success as Second Stage Reaches Orbit While the first stage was lost, the rocket’s second stage successfully entered its planned orbit, Xinhua confirmed. The launch represented China’s second attempt to land and recover a rocket booster after…

