Google Unveils Major Gmail Upgrades, Giving Users Big Choices Ahead Google has announced two major updates to Gmail, marking one of the platform’s most significant overhauls in more than two decades. The changes will affect over two billion users worldwide, offering both new tools powered by artificial intelligence and greater flexibility with personal email addresses. AI Features Now Free for All Gmail Users The first change centres on the expansion of Gmail’s AI capabilities. Previously reserved for paid subscribers, tools such as AI Overviews, Help Me Write and Suggested Replies will now become available to all users at no cost.…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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South Korea and Italy Strengthen Ties with New Agreements on AI, Chips and Minerals South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, and critical minerals. The agreement was announced following summit talks in Seoul, where Meloni is on a state visit. According to a statement from the presidential Blue House, the two leaders signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the semiconductor industry, with particular focus on integrating AI-related technologies. The accord reflects both nations’ shared commitment to enhancing…
NASA Moves Artemis II Rocket to Launchpad for Final Tests NASA has begun the final phase of preparations for its historic Artemis II mission, rolling the massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to its launchpad in Florida. The mission aims to send four astronauts around the Moon and back, marking the first crewed lunar journey in over five decades. Countdown to a Crewed Lunar Flight The Artemis II mission will carry three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut on a flight designed to test systems essential for future lunar landings. The current target launch date is 6 February, although this…
Japan Launches Probe into Elon Musk’s Grok AI Over Inappropriate Image Generation Japan has become the latest country to investigate X over concerns surrounding Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence service, Grok. The Japanese government said it would explore every available measure to stop the AI system from generating inappropriate or sexualised images. Government Seeks Immediate Action from X Corp Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda announced on Friday that Japan’s Cabinet Office had formally requested X Corp, which operates Grok, to introduce prompt improvements. However, the company has yet to respond, she said. “We plan to promptly examine all possible options, including…
BBC Set to Produce Content for YouTube in Landmark Partnership The BBC plans to create original programmes for Google’s YouTube platform for the first time, according to a report by the Financial Times. The move marks a strategic shift for the British public broadcaster as it seeks new sources of revenue amid growing competition from global streaming services. Broadening Reach and Generating New Revenue Under the proposed agreement, the BBC will develop tailored shows for YouTube that will later appear on its own platforms, including iPlayer and BBC Sounds. The deal, which could be announced as early as next week,…
Asian Stocks Rise as AI Optimism Lifts Markets; Dollar Holds Firm Near Six-Week High Asian equities advanced on Friday as renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence boosted investor sentiment. Meanwhile, the dollar held close to a six-week peak following stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data, which prompted traders to scale back expectations of near-term interest rate cuts. AI Momentum Fuels Regional Gains MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.5%, hovering near its record high from the previous session. The surge followed stellar earnings from Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC, which reignited optimism in AI-related stocks. The upbeat mood was further supported by…
Space Emerges as the Next Great Industrial Economy Shortly after Space Week in October, investment giant JP Morgan announced a $10 billion plan to fund industries vital to United States national security. Alongside areas such as nanomaterials, autonomous robotics and solar power, the firm placed special emphasis on spacecraft and launch technologies. The move signals that major financial institutions now view space as an investable frontier rather than a speculative pursuit. Capital Markets Face a New Frontier JP Morgan’s decision marks a turning point. It recognises that space is shifting from a niche scientific domain into a mature commercial sector.…
TSMC Set for Record 27% Profit Surge as AI Demand Fuels Growth Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) is expected to report a 27% year-on-year increase in fourth-quarter net profit, driven by surging global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The strong performance would mark another record for the world’s largest contract chipmaker and a key supplier to technology giants Nvidia and Apple. Record Earnings Expected amid AI Boom Analysts surveyed by LSEG SmartEstimate forecast TSMC’s net profit for the three months to December 31 at T$475.2 billion (US$15.02 billion). That figure would represent the company’s highest-ever quarterly earnings and its…
Erich von Daeniken, Author of Chariots of the Gods?, Dies at 90 Swiss author Erich von Daeniken, best known for his controversial theory that ancient civilisations were guided by extraterrestrial visitors, has died at the age of 90. Despite fierce criticism from the scientific community, his work captured the imagination of millions and made him one of the world’s most widely read popular writers. A Controversial Bestseller Von Daeniken rose to global fame with his 1968 book Chariots of the Gods?, which sold millions of copies worldwide. The book argued that many of humanity’s greatest achievements, including Inca and Egyptian…
FCC Approves SpaceX Expansion for 7,500 More Starlink Satellites The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX’s request to deploy another 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, marking a major step in the company’s global internet expansion efforts. The decision increases SpaceX’s total authorised Gen2 Starlink satellites to 15,000, supporting its aim to enhance internet connectivity worldwide. Strengthening Connectivity and Capacity According to the FCC, the new approval allows SpaceX to upgrade its satellite technology, operate across five frequency bands, and benefit from relaxed coverage restrictions. These changes will enable improved overlapping service and boost network capacity. The additional satellites will…