U.S. Energy Department Identifies 16 Sites for Future AI Data Centers The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced 16 federal locations that could host new AI data centers and related energy facilities. The initiative supports the country’s growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and energy capacity. AI Growth Fuels Urgent Development Plans On Thursday, the DOE issued a Request for Information (RFI) inviting feedback from stakeholders, including grid operators and developers. The goal is to gauge industry interest in fast-tracking projects that could be operational within two years. Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasised the urgency, calling the global…
Author: Aishwarya Parikh
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Strong Demand for H20 Chips Reflects China’s Expanding AI Push Major Chinese tech firms, including ByteDance, Alibaba Group, and Tencent Holdings, have placed orders worth at least $16 billion for Nvidia’s H20 server chips in the first quarter of 2025, according to a report by The Information. The report, citing two individuals familiar with the transactions, highlights the surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) hardware in China. These purchases are driven in part by the popularity of affordable AI models developed by Chinese startup DeepSeek. The H20 chip is currently the most advanced Nvidia AI processor that remains legal for…
China Eyes Moon’s South Pole with Chang’e Missions China plans to launch its Chang’e-7 mission in 2026 to explore the moon’s south pole, focusing on environmental conditions and the potential presence of water. A follow-up mission, Chang’e-8, scheduled for 2028, will test advanced technologies for building lunar habitats using local resources. Aiming for Lunar Water Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Programme, shared the details in a recent interview with China Central Television. He confirmed that the programme, with a perfect success record over the past 20 years, is now entering its fourth phase. The Chang’e-7 mission will…
First Station May Open by Mid-2025 in Danang SpaceX is set to establish its first Starlink ground station in Vietnam, with plans to build up to 15 across the country. According to sources familiar with the matter, this move could signal the formal launch of Starlink’s services in Vietnam and help local authorities manage internet traffic. The first ground station may become operational as early as May or June in Danang, a central Vietnamese city. The project follows a decision by the Vietnamese Prime Minister on 23 March, directing SpaceX to build at least one such facility. SpaceX Special Conditions…
China’s Brain Chip Beinao No.1 Poised to Surpass Neuralink in Human Implants A collaboration between the Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) and NeuCyber NeuroTech plans to implant its brain chip, Beinao No.1, into 13 patients by the end of this year. With three implants already completed, the Beijing-based team aims to outpace Elon Musk’s Neuralink in human brain-computer interface (BCI) trials. Beinao No.1 Gaining Ground in BCI Research Beinao No.1 is a semi-invasive, wireless brain chip designed to assist patients with paralysis. In recent trials, it enabled users to control a robotic arm and transmit thoughts onto a computer…
Private equity firms and aerospace bidders circle Jeppesen Several private equity firms and one aerospace supplier remain in the running to acquire Boeing’s Jeppesen navigation unit in a deal valued at over $8 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter. Boeing is expected to request formal bids in the coming weeks, with six insiders confirming the process remains confidential. Bidding groups and potential buyers emerge In recent weeks, several private equity groups have teamed up in their pursuit of Jeppesen. Among them are Vista Equity and Warburg Pincus; Advent International and Permira; and TPG alongside Francisco Partners. Each of…
China Announces Top 10 Scientific Achievements of 2024 China has unveiled its Top 10 scientific and technological achievements of 2024, showcasing breakthroughs across a wide range of disciplines. The announcement was made on Thursday by the National Natural Science Foundation of China at the opening of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing. The list highlights major national accomplishments in areas such as space exploration, quantum physics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and advanced materials research. China Pioneering Discoveries in Space, AI, and Medicine Among the most notable achievements is the Chang’e-6 lunar mission, which revealed that volcanic activity occurred on the Moon’s…
Kim Jong Un Oversees AI Suicide Drone Test, Calls for Tech-Driven Weapons Focus North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen the testing of artificial intelligence-powered suicide drones, emphasising the need to prioritise unmanned control and AI in the country’s weapons development. The announcement was made by state-run media on Thursday, 27 March. Emphasis on AI and Unmanned Warfare According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim highlighted that AI suicide drones and AI-based military systems must become central to modern arms development. His comments underline North Korea’s increasing focus on advanced technology to strengthen its defence capabilities. During…
Apple Set to Avoid EU Fine Over iPhone Browser Changes Apple is expected to avoid a fine and an official order from the European Union after making changes to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), according to sources familiar with the matter. The European Commission, which launched an investigation in March 2023, is likely to close the probe early next week. EU Investigation Into Apple’s Browser Options The Commission’s inquiry focused on whether Apple’s web browser settings on iPhones made it difficult for users to switch to rival browsers or search engines. Under the DMA, tech giants must ensure…
Waymo Plans to Launch Fully Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Washington, D.C. Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving unit, announced plans on Tuesday to introduce its autonomous ride-hailing service in Washington, D.C., next year. The company has already begun moving vehicles into the city, with more expected to arrive in the coming weeks as it prepares for commercial operations. Expanding Autonomous Ride Services Waymo One, the company’s fully autonomous ride-hailing service, currently operates in San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin. It provides over 200,000 paid passenger trips weekly and has completed more than 4 million rides in 2024. The company has plans to expand…