BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has instructed its employees to use temporary loaner phones during business trips to China. According to a Bloomberg News report on Tuesday, an internal memo states that company-issued devices such as laptops, iPhones, and iPads must not be used while in the country. No Network Access or VPN Use Permitted The memo also bans staff from using company laptops or accessing BlackRock systems via virtual private networks (VPNs). Employees travelling to China whether for business or personal reasons will be denied access to the firm’s internal network entirely during their stay. Policy Not New,…
Author: Arushi Pandey
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Pilots Shut Down Wrong Engine in Jeju Air Crash, Says Probe The investigation into Jeju Air’s deadly plane crash in December has found “clear evidence” that pilots shut down the wrong engine after a bird strike, a source involved in the probe revealed on Monday. The crash, which occurred at Muan Airport, remains the worst air disaster on South Korean soil, killing all but two of the 181 passengers and crew members on board. Investigators Find Critical Pilot Error Investigators have reportedly gathered cockpit voice recordings, flight data, and physical evidence from the wreckage confirming that the pilots mistakenly shut…
Eurosky Initiative Launches to Build Europe-Based Social Media Infrastructure A new project called the Eurosky initiative has been launched by European technology entrepreneurs to create infrastructure for local social media platforms. This move aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on major US tech companies like Meta. Focus on Digital Sovereignty and Decentralised Moderation The Eurosky initiative will feature a non-profit moderation service to help manage harmful content on social media. This moderation system will operate on a decentralised platform, similar to that used by Bluesky. By outsourcing moderation, Eurosky aims to remove a key barrier for new social media startups in…
Tesla Launches Model Y in India at $70,000, Targets Luxury EV Buyers Tesla has officially launched its Model Y in India, priced at approximately $70,000, making it the highest price tag for the vehicle globally. This move marks Tesla’s entry into the Indian market, where electric vehicles (EVs) represent just 4% of total car sales. Despite India being the world’s third-largest car market, Tesla faces challenges due to steep import tariffs and low EV adoption. Tesla’s Strategy Focuses on Luxury Segment Deliveries of the Model Y are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year. With a focus…
Varda Space Industries Secures $187 Million to Advance Space-Based Drug Manufacturing Varda Space Industries has successfully raised $187 million in a new funding round. This round was led by venture capital firms Natural Capital and Shrug Capital. Other key investors include Lux Capital, Peter Thiel, Founders Fund, and Khosla Ventures. This latest funding boosts Varda’s total raised capital to $329 million. Focus on Microgravity-Enabled Drug Production The fresh investment will help Varda accelerate its robotic drug manufacturing technology in space. According to CEO Will Bruey, the company plans to increase the frequency of its space missions and expand its pharmaceutical…
Chang’e-6 Samples Unveil Secrets of the Moon’s Far Side Chinese scientists have revealed new findings on the Moon’s far side using samples collected by the Chang’e-6 mission. These discoveries offer insights into volcanic activity, ancient magnetic fields, water content, and the Moon’s mantle, providing a clearer picture of the far side’s evolution. Breakthrough Studies Published in Nature Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Nanjing University led these studies. Their work appeared in the latest issue of Nature, highlighting four major research findings. The CAS shared these results at a press conference on Wednesday. In 2024, Chang’e-6 made history…
YouTube Faces Pressure to Block Pakistani Opposition and Critical Channels YouTube has warned more than two dozen critics of the Pakistani government that their channels may be blocked after a local court sought a ban on them for being “anti-state.” Channels at risk include those of the main opposition party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and its jailed leader, former prime minister Imran Khan. Several journalists critical of the government could also face bans under the June 24 court order seen by Reuters. Court Seeks Ban Over ‘Anti-State’ Content The Islamabad judicial magistrate court moved to seek the ban after the National…
BAE Systems Tests AI Aid for Typhoon Pilots with Avioniq BAE Systems has teamed up with Swedish company Avioniq to trial an AI-based decision-making aid on the Eurofighter Typhoon. The aim is to improve pilot situational awareness during combat missions. These tests are taking place on Typhoon simulators at BAE Systems’ facility in Warton, Lancashire. The trials involve Avioniq’s Rattlesnaq technology, which uses advanced missile modelling and verifiable AI. This ensures pilots receive reliable, independently checked data during complex missions. How the AI System Helps Pilots The system calculates all potential missiles and weapons an enemy could use. It then…
Content Moderators Demand Mental Health Support Amid Rising Online Trauma Content moderators from the Philippines to Turkey are uniting to demand better mental health support as they face increasing exposure to disturbing online content. These workers, who remove harmful material from platforms like Meta and TikTok, report severe health issues, including anxiety, insomnia and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts. A Filipino moderator shared how sleep has dropped from seven hours to four since starting the job, while others report a loss of appetite and increased stress. Due to non-disclosure agreements, moderators cannot share specific content details, but examples include videos…
A Visitor from Beyond Our Solar System Astronomers are observing a newly discovered comet that has entered our solar system from interstellar space. This is only the third time such an object has been detected. The comet, named 3I/ATLAS, was first seen on Tuesday by a telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile. This telescope is part of the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, known as ATLAS. NASA confirmed the comet’s unusual path suggests it came from beyond our solar system. The object is travelling at about 37 miles (60 km) per second, moving towards us from the direction of the Milky…