Author: Arushi Pandey

YouTube Criticised for Ignoring Child Safety Concerns in Australia Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has strongly criticised major tech companies, especially YouTube, for failing to tackle child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on their platforms. In a new report, the watchdog claims that some of the world’s biggest social media firms are not taking the protection of children seriously. YouTube and Apple Under Fire for Poor Reporting Practices The report, released on Wednesday, highlights that both YouTube and Apple do not track the number of user reports they receive about child abuse material. They also could not provide information on how quickly they…

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Australia Weighs Price Floor to Boost Rare Earths Sector Australia is exploring the idea of introducing a price floor to support its critical minerals sector, including rare earths. The proposal, confirmed by Resources Minister Madeleine King, has already boosted confidence in the market. Shares of several Australian-listed rare earths producers surged on the news. Supporting Domestic Supply Amid Global Dependence Australia has been working to become a reliable alternative to China in the supply of critical minerals. These materials are vital for sectors such as defence, automotive manufacturing, and advanced technologies. On Tuesday, the government pledged $87 million to support…

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China’s Youth Nostalgic for 2000s Boom Era Amid Economic Anxiety As job prospects and income opportunities dwindle in China, a wave of nostalgia for the early 2000s is sweeping through social media. China’s users are revisiting the fashion, music, and pop culture of the high-growth years in what analysts say is a subtle way to express frustration with the current economy without attracting censorship. The phrase “beauty in the time of economic upswings” has surged in popularity online. Often accompanied by pictures of early 2000s celebrities in bold makeup and colourful outfits, or throwback TV ads and music videos, the…

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Qualcomm Shares Dip as Apple Plans to Phase Out Chip Partnership Qualcomm shares dropped nearly 5% in pre-market trading on Thursday, as investors reacted to news that Apple will soon stop using Qualcomm’s modem chips. Despite a strong quarterly outlook, the expected loss of its largest customer has sparked concerns about future revenue. The chipmaker, based in San Diego, confirmed that Apple plans to shift to its own in-house modem technology, starting with the launch of the iPhone 16e in February. This move marks a major shift that could significantly impact Qualcomm’s earnings in the coming quarters. Apple Exit and…

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Microsoft’s AI Cloud Growth Fuels Record $30 Billion Capex Forecast Microsoft has projected a record $30 billion in capital spending for its current fiscal first quarter, driven by strong growth in its Azure cloud business. The software giant announced this on Wednesday, shortly after reporting that annual Azure sales had exceeded $75 billion for the first time. Following the announcement, Microsoft’s shares rose 9% in extended trading. The upbeat results and bold spending plan boosted confidence that its AI investments are delivering real financial returns. Capital Spending Pushes Microsoft Ahead of Rivals This record-high capital expenditure forecast puts Microsoft ahead…

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Boeing Narrows Quarterly Loss as Jet Deliveries Surge, But Certification Delays Persist Boeing significantly reduced its quarterly loss, surprising analysts as the company accelerated jet deliveries while recovering from last year’s regulatory challenges and a major strike. The US aerospace giant posted an adjusted core loss of $1.24 per share for the quarter ending June—much better than the $2.90 loss a year earlier and ahead of analysts’ expectations of a $1.48 loss. The result signals progress in Boeing’s efforts to stabilise its operations and improve cash flow, which has become critical following years of disruptions. However, shares fell 3.7% in…

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Kyrgyzstan Bans Pornography and Tightens Control Over Internet Access Kyrgyzstan bans pornography and introduced new laws to control internet traffic. President Sadyr Japarov signed the legislation this week, according to a statement from his office. The government says the pornography ban is meant to protect “moral and ethical values” in Kyrgyzstan. The country, home to around 7 million people, is majority Muslim and became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. Government Expands Online Oversight Under the new laws, internet providers must block websites flagged by the Ministry of Culture. Companies that do not comply will face financial penalties. These…

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Thousands Apply to Leave NASA Amid Budget Cuts Nearly 4,000 NASA employees have applied to leave the agency under a cost-cutting plan introduced by the Trump administration. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending across various departments. Over 20% of NASA Staff Seek Departure According to US media reports, including CBS News, around 3,870 staff members have expressed interest in the departure programme. NASA currently employs about 18,000 people, meaning more than 20% of its workforce could be affected. The deadline to apply for the voluntary resignation programme was Friday. The initiative is designed to…

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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,…

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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…

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