Kyivstar Tests Starlink Direct-to-Cell Satellite Technology in Ukraine Ukraine’s largest mobile operator, Kyivstar, has completed the first field test of Elon Musk’s Starlink direct-to-cell satellite technology in Eastern Europe, the company announced on Tuesday. The pilot test took place in the Zhytomyr region, where Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov and Ukraine’s digital transformation minister Mykhailo Fedorov exchanged messages using ordinary smartphones connected via Starlink. Why the Technology Matters Direct-to-cell satellite technology is designed to provide mobile connectivity even when traditional networks are unavailable. This is especially valuable in Ukraine, where Russian strikes on infrastructure often disrupt communication systems. The satellites used…
Author: Aishwarya Parikh
U.S. Stablecoin Law Spurs Bank Interest, But Challenges Remain Major U.S. banks, including Bank of America and Fiserv, are preparing to explore their own dollar-backed cryptocurrency tokens following the introduction of the country’s first federal rules for stablecoins. On 18 July, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, establishing guidelines for cryptocurrency tokens pegged to the U.S. dollar. The legislation aims to make stablecoins — designed to maintain a fixed value, typically at a 1:1 ratio with the dollar — a legitimate tool for everyday payments and cross-border transactions. Surge in Interest, But No Quick Rollout Stablecoins…
Firefly Aerospace Raises $868 Million in Biggest US Space IPO of 2025 Firefly Aerospace officially launched on the Nasdaq on Thursday, 7 August, raising $868.3 million in its initial public offering. The listing marks the largest US IPO of the year by a space technology firm, capping a dramatic turnaround for the once-troubled company. Shares opened at $45 each—above the already increased range—giving Firefly a market valuation of $6.32 billion. This surge follows a series of milestones for the company, including its successful lunar landing earlier this year. Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Marks a Major Milestone Earlier in 2025, Firefly’s…
Allegations of conflict spark political and market reaction Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday called for the resignation of Intel’s new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, citing what he described as serious conflicts of interest due to Tan’s financial ties with Chinese companies. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “There is no other solution to this problem,” demanding that Tan step down immediately. Following the statement, Intel shares fell 3.8%, deepening earlier premarket losses. Concerns over China-linked investments The call for Tan’s resignation comes amid renewed scrutiny over his financial links to China. A Reuters investigation in April revealed…
In a move that marks a transformative shift in India’s maritime policy framework, Parliament passed two technologically progressive bills on Wednesday, aimed at aligning India’s shipping and maritime governance with international standards. The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, represent the country’s most comprehensive legal overhaul in the maritime sector in over a century. The two legislations are a first for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and lay the groundwork for a modern, efficient, and future-ready maritime ecosystem-emphasising digitalisation, automation, and international interoperability in policy and practice. Merchant Shipping Bill…
UK Grants First Rocket Launch Licence to Homegrown Firm The UK has issued its first space launch licence to a British rocket company, marking a big step forward for the nation’s space ambitions. Skyrora, a start-up based in Scotland, now has permission to carry out vertical launches from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands. Skyrora Leads the Way in UK Space Launches Founded in 2017, Skyrora is set to become the first UK company to launch rockets from British soil. With its new licence, the firm could conduct up to 16 launches each year, pending further approval from the UK…
Smithsonian Alters Impeachment Exhibit, Removes Trump Reference The Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History has removed direct references to former President Donald Trump from its impeachment exhibit. The change comes after the institution agreed to review its content, following pressure from the White House, according to a spokesperson and reports from the Washington Post. The museum, located in Washington D.C., made this revision as part of a broader review of its displays. A future version of the exhibit will include information on all presidential impeachments, the Smithsonian confirmed in a statement on Thursday. Content Review Follows Executive Order Earlier…
In a pivotal step towards India’s sustainability and atma nirbharta goals, a 1-MW Green Hydrogen Power Plant was launched at the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, Gujarat on July 31. It was inaugurated by Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW). This plant is a building block in India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by PM Modi. This 1-MW capacity plant is part of a larger 10-MW Green Hydrogen project vision. The foundation stone for the mega project was laid by the PM during his visit in Gujarat’s Bhuj on on 26 May, earlier this year. The…
Fusion AI Summit 2025 Launches in Vizag, Paving Way for India’s AI Future The two-day Fusion AI Summit 2025 began in Visakhapatnam on Friday, marking a major milestone in India’s AI journey. Organised by the DeepTech Naipunya Foundation, the event is the first exclusive AI-focused summit in the city. It brought together over 1,100 participants, including policymakers, tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and students. State minister Kondapalli Srinivas inaugurated the summit and highlighted Andhra Pradesh’s ambition to become an AI-first economy. “AI-human collaboration is already reshaping productivity and daily life in our state,” he said, underlining the potential for AI to drive…
Top-level Meeting Marks Rare Space Collaboration Dmitry Bakanov, Roscosmos Chief, has arrived in Houston for high-level talks with NASA’s interim chief, Sean Duffy. This meeting, set for July 31, is the first direct discussion between the two space agency heads since 2018, according to Russian news sources. Bakanov, who took over Roscosmos in February, will meet Duffy, the US Transportation Secretary and newly appointed interim NASA head by President Donald Trump. The planned discussions aim to strengthen ongoing joint efforts in space. Focus on Key International Space Projects According to Russia’s TASS news agency, both sides will discuss ongoing projects.…