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.…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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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…
MiniMax Doubles in Value on Hong Kong Debut as AI Frenzy Lifts Chinese Startups MiniMax Group, the second of China’s so-called “AI tigers” to go public, saw its shares more than double on debut in Hong Kong on Friday, signalling strong investor appetite for the country’s fast-growing artificial intelligence sector. The Shanghai-based company’s shares closed at HK$345, up 109% from the offer price of HK$165, valuing the firm at roughly $13.7 billion. At one point, the stock peaked at HK$351.8. Strong Start for China’s New AI Players MiniMax raised HK$4.8 billion ($620 million) in its initial public offering, outpacing the…
German Man Accused of Online Child Abuse and Suicide Incitement Faces Trial in Hamburg A 21-year-old man accused of abusing children with mental health problems online and allegedly driving one of them to suicide is set to go on trial in Hamburg on Friday, 9 January. Prosecutors say the suspect committed 204 offences against more than 30 children and adolescents across several countries, coercing them into performing sexual acts and self-harm in front of a camera. Allegations of Severe Online Exploitation The accused, who was under 21 at the time of some of the alleged offences, will be tried in…
NASA to Return ISS Crew Early After Astronaut Suffers Medical Emergency NASA will bring four astronauts back to Earth months ahead of schedule after one crew member aboard the International Space Station (ISS) developed what the agency described as a “serious medical condition.” The decision marks the first emergency medical evacuation in the orbiting laboratory’s 25-year history, senior officials confirmed on Thursday. Decision Made After Medical Assessment NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told reporters in Washington that the decision followed consultations between mission control and medical teams. He said the affected astronaut, whose identity was not disclosed, required treatment unavailable aboard…
Indian IT Firms Brace for Another Weak Quarter Amid Tepid US Demand India’s top information technology firms are expected to post another subdued quarter as weak client spending in the United States and seasonal holiday shutdowns continue to dampen revenue growth. Analysts from nine brokerages forecast muted results for the December quarter, underscoring the industry’s struggle to regain momentum after a challenging year. Brokerages Expect Modest Revenue and Profit Growth According to estimates, the six largest IT companies by revenue will record around 4% year-on-year growth in revenue and a 5% increase in profit, down from 6.5% growth in the…
Over 30 Automotive Firms Unite on Open-Source Software to Drive Innovation and Cut Costs More than 30 companies from across the global automotive supply chain have agreed to collaborate on developing open-source software for next-generation vehicles, aiming to cut costs and accelerate innovation. The German automotive industry association VDA announced the expansion of the initiative on Wednesday at the CES trade show in Las Vegas. Expanding Cooperation at a Pivotal Industry Moment As carmakers and suppliers increasingly rely on artificial intelligence and software to modernise vehicle design, the industry faces mounting pressure from high costs and slow innovation. The VDA’s…
Tesla’s Decline Strengthens Musk’s Visionary Image Elon Musk’s bold ambitions for Tesla are beginning to look more forward-thinking than ever, even as the electric vehicle (EV) pioneer’s market dominance fades. While Tesla’s recent struggles have highlighted the limits of its automotive business, they have also reinforced Musk’s reputation as a futurist, steering the company toward artificial intelligence, robotics and energy systems that may define its next chapter. Tesla’s Waning Lead in Electric Vehicles Just a few years ago, Tesla held an unchallenged position in the EV market, accounting for nearly all global profits from battery-powered vehicles. That monopoly has since…