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…
Author: Aishwarya Parikh
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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…
India Moves to Remove Equalisation Levy India plans to abolish its 6% digital tax on online advertisements, a move aimed at easing US concerns and advancing a trade deal. The tax primarily affected major US tech firms such as Google, Meta, and Amazon. The government is expected to include this change in the amendments to the Finance Bill 2025. A government source confirmed on Tuesday that Parliament is likely to approve the bill this week, making the tax removal effective from April 1. The finance ministry has not yet commented on the decision. Easing US-India Trade Tensions The decision comes…
Boeing Wins $20 Billion U.S. Contract to Build F-47 Fighter Jet Boeing has secured a major victory with a $20 billion contract to build the United States Air Force’s next-generation fighter jet, the F-47. The announcement came from President Donald Trump on Friday, marking a significant milestone for the aerospace company. The new F-47 jet will be developed under the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme. It is designed to replace Lockheed Martin’s F-22 Raptor and will work alongside unmanned drones in future air combat missions. A Big Boost for Boeing This contract brings relief to Boeing after…
Former US Officials Warn China Is Surpassing US in Key Technologies Former US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and a group of ex-national security leaders have issued a stark warning about the growing technological gap between China and the US. In a letter addressed to top US political leaders, they urged Congress to boost funding for scientific research to help the country remain competitive in critical technology sectors. Appeal to Protect Federal Research Funding The call for action comes just one week after the National Science Foundation (NSF) laid off 170 employees. The move followed an order by President Donald Trump…
State-Owned Huafa Group Invests in Zhipu AI Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup Zhipu AI has secured 500 million yuan ($69.04 million) in funding from state-owned Huafa Group, further strengthening its financial backing amid Beijing’s push for AI self-sufficiency. This follows a 1 billion yuan funding round announced earlier this month, backed by Hangzhou City Investment Group Industrial Fund. Huafa Group, a Zhuhai-based state conglomerate, recently confirmed its investment in Zhipu AI, state media Zhuhai Special Economic Zone Daily reported on Thursday. The investment comes as Chinese cities compete to support AI startups, a sector that Beijing sees as critical in…
China and Hong Kong Stocks Decline as Investors Take Profits China and Hong Kong stocks traded lower on Wednesday as consumer and tech shares faced pressure. Investors locked in profits from recent gains while assessing the impact of US tariffs. Shanghai and Hong Kong Markets Retreat At midday, the Shanghai Composite Index (.SSEC) declined 0.14% to 3,375.17 points. The blue-chip CSI300 Index (.CSI300) also fell 0.3%, with sectoral declines across the board: Consumer staples (.CSI000912) dropped 1.12% Real estate (.CSI000952) declined 0.67% Healthcare (.CSI300HC) fell 0.69% Financials (.CSI300FS) dipped 0.1% In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index (.HSI) slid 0.67%…
Beijing to Integrate AI Education in Schools Under New Three-Year Plan The Beijing Municipal Education Commission has unveiled a three-year plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) education into primary and secondary schools. This initiative aims to reform and enhance basic education using AI, equipping students with essential knowledge and skills from an early age. AI Courses to Be Introduced in Schools Starting from the upcoming fall semester, schools must allocate at least eight class hours per academic year to AI-related subjects. These courses will focus on how AI can assist students in learning, teaching, evaluation, and research. For primary school…