Author: Kanika Sharma

Gaganyaan preparations advance as ISRO plans multiple launches this summer India is set to take a major leap in its space journey next month with the scheduled launch of an international mission that will include an Indian astronaut aboard. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh confirmed the update following a high-level review of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) upcoming plans. This mission will mark the first time an Indian has travelled to space in over 40 years, and the very first visit by an Indian to the International Space Station (ISS). The last Indian in space was Rakesh Sharma in…

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Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan Reshapes Leadership to Spark Innovation Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, has begun overhauling the company’s leadership structure in a move to boost innovation and cut bureaucracy. Key chip divisions will now report directly to Tan, reflecting his hands-on approach to decision-making and technology development. Streamlined Structure to Improve Focus In a memo reviewed by Reuters, Tan revealed that Intel’s data centre and AI chip group, along with its personal-computer chip division, will now report directly to him. These groups were previously under the leadership of Michelle Johnston Holthaus, who remains CEO of Intel products. Her role will…

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PM Modi and Elon Musk Discuss Deeper Tech Collaboration Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a productive conversation with Elon Musk, exploring several areas of shared interest. PM Modi and Elon Musk met earlier in Washington DC, reinforcing a mutual vision for technological growth and innovation. Strengthening US-India Tech Ties During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the strong potential for cooperation between India and the United States in the fields of technology and innovation. He highlighted India’s continued dedication to strengthening these partnerships and exploring new opportunities for progress. The dialogue served as a follow-up to the leaders’ earlier meeting…

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AI to Play a Key Role in Revamping National Education System China has announced plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its school curriculum, textbooks, and teaching methods across all education levels. The initiative, revealed in an official policy paper on Wednesday, marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to transform its education system and boost technological innovation. The policy targets students and teachers from primary through to higher education. The Ministry of Education said the adoption of AI in classrooms aims to cultivate fundamental skills among both groups, including independent thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. The use of…

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China Suspends Boeing Jet Deliveries Amid US Tariff Dispute China has instructed its airlines to stop accepting new deliveries of Boeing jets, escalating tensions in an ongoing trade dispute with the United States. The move comes after the US imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, according to a report by Bloomberg News. Boeing Faces Setback in China Boeing, which views the country of China as a vital market for future growth, saw its shares fall by 2% in early trading. The decision is a blow to the company, especially as their European rival Airbus continues to dominate in the country.…

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US Budget Cuts Begin to Impact Space Startups Space startups are beginning to feel the effects of US budget cuts. According to investment firm Seraphim Space, funding for these companies dropped by 12.5% in the first quarter of the year. Contract Delays and Cancellations Cause Uncertainty The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, along with the Trump administration, has been reducing spending. This has resulted in delays or cancellations of contracts across various federal agencies. “Within certain government departments, uncertainty is causing delays as they assess which contracts to move forward with,” said Lucas Bishop, an investment analyst…

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Blue Origin’s NS-31 to Launch First All-Female Crew on April 14 Blue Origin has announced its 11th human spaceflight, NS-31, scheduled to launch on Monday, April 14, from Launch Site One in West Texas. Blue Origin’s NS-31 will mark a historic moment as the company sends its first all-female crew into space. The six-person team includes former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyễn, journalist Gayle King, global pop icon Katy Perry, filmmaker Kerianne Flynn, and pilot-author Lauren Sánchez. Launch Details and Mission Goals The New Shepard launch window opens at 8:30 a.m. CDT (13:30 UTC). NS-31…

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Space Probe to Map Carbon in Tropical Forests from Orbit A new space biomass probe is scheduled for launch this month, aiming to orbit Earth and map the carbon content of tropical forests in some of the planet’s most remote regions. Known as the Biomass mission, it will play a vital role in understanding how much carbon these forests store and how deforestation affects climate change. Advanced Radar Scanner to Measure Forest Carbon Set for launch on 29 April, the European Space Agency’s Biomass probe will carry a powerful radar scanner designed to operate for several years in Earth’s orbit.…

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China Censors Tariff Talk Online as US Slaps 104% Duties on Chinese Goods China censors discussions about new US tariffs on its social media platforms after sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs from Washington took effect this week. These include a staggering 104% duty on Chinese goods, prompting online outrage and ridicule in China—but only selective posts remain visible. Hashtags Blocked, Mockery Allowed Searches for keywords such as “tariff” or “104” on Weibo now lead to error messages, with most content blocked. Even related hashtags were suppressed, reflecting the Chinese government’s efforts to control the narrative. Meanwhile, anti-US content—especially those mocking the United…

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Vietnam Seeks Tariff Relief in Key Meetings with US Officials and Business Leaders Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc is visiting Washington this week for high-level talks aimed at easing trade tensions with the United States. His key meeting with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is scheduled for Wednesday, as Vietnam pushes for a revision of new tariffs affecting its vital exports. Push to Reverse 46% Tariffs The United States has imposed a 46% tariff on Vietnamese exports, set to take effect this Wednesday. These exports make up around 30% of Vietnam’s gross domestic product. Hanoi is urging Washington…

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