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…
Author: Aishwarya Parikh
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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…
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…