Hong Kong and China Stocks Rise, Driven by AI and Tech Momentum Stocks in Hong Kong and China climbed on Thursday, boosted by gains in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) shares. Analysts noted that Hong Kong-listed tech firms are still under-represented in global AI-focused investment strategies. Tech Shares Lead the Rally China’s main stock indices posted modest gains. The CSI300 Index and the Shanghai Composite Index both rose by 0.2%. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index saw a more notable increase of 1.1%. Hong Kong’s technology sector stood out, with the Hang Seng Tech Index gaining 1.9%. This performance…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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Resilience Set for Touchdown in Mare Frigoris on June 5 Japanese space company ispace is preparing for a significant milestone this week. Its lunar lander, named Resilience, is scheduled to attempt a historic moon landing on Thursday, 5 June at 3:24 p.m. EDT (1924 GMT). The spacecraft aims to land in Mare Frigoris, or the “Sea of Cold”—a flat, basalt plain in the moon’s northern hemisphere. A successful touchdown would mark a major achievement for both ispace and Japan. To date, Japan has only one successful soft landing on the moon: the SLIM spacecraft from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency…
SKA Telescope Scientists Urge Starlink Safeguards in South Africa Astronomers involved with South Africa’s Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope are urging authorities to impose strict conditions on any licensing agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink. Their goal is to protect the sensitive space observations conducted at this world-leading facility. Concerns Over Interference From Starlink Satellites Bringing Starlink to South Africa has already sparked debate. The parent company, SpaceX, has criticised local ownership laws but expressed support for equity equivalent programmes. Adding astronomy-related licensing terms could further complicate the rollout, especially given Musk’s own objections to South Africa’s Black empowerment policies. Despite…
Jared Isaacman Pulled as NASA Administrator Pick The White House unexpectedly withdrew its nomination of Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator on Saturday, 31 May, removing a key ally of Elon Musk from consideration to lead the US space agency. Former President Donald Trump announced the decision via Truth Social, citing a review of Isaacman’s prior associations. “I will soon announce a new nominee who will be mission aligned, and put America First in space,” Trump stated. Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut, was due for a Senate confirmation vote next week. His removal came without detailed explanation and surprised…
Elon Musk Faces Setbacks but Remains on Track for Mars Just two days after the latest test-flight failure of the SpaceX Starship, Elon Musk announced a bold timeline. He expects the massive rocket to make its first uncrewed journey to Mars by the end of 2026. This plan hinges on Starship overcoming several major technical challenges in the coming months. Musk shared his vision in a video released by SpaceX. In it, he outlined the development path for Starship, the rocket designed to carry humans and cargo to the red planet. The announcement came one day after Musk confirmed his…
US States Sue Funding Reductions in STEM Research Sixteen US states, including New York, California, and Illinois, have filed a lawsuit challenging sweeping cuts to federal science funding under the Trump administration. The legal action aims to block limits placed on National Science Foundation (NSF) funding and the removal of diversity programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Filed on Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, the lawsuit argues that the administration lacks the authority to cap funding or eliminate initiatives mandated by Congress. The states claim these changes will undermine American leadership in scientific research. Lawsuit Follows Broader Pushback…
Tokyo Startup ISC Aims for First U.S.-Japan Joint Commercial Launch A Tokyo startup, Innovative Space Carrier (ISC), announced plans to test-launch a prototype reusable rocket in the United States this December. The launch will use an American-made engine, with the goal of becoming the first commercial space mission jointly operated by US and Japanese companies. ISC’s test flight will take place at Spaceport America in New Mexico. The rocket, named ASCA 1.0, will perform a 100-metre flight and landing, using the Hadley engine developed by US manufacturer Ursa Major. This move addresses Japan’s current shortage of domestic launch vehicles and…
Germany Plans Full Military Readiness by 2029 Amid Russia Threat Chief of Defence of Germany, General Carsten Breuer, has directed the country’s armed forces to be fully equipped by 2029. The decision, outlined in a document signed on 19 May, highlights concerns that Russia could be ready to launch attacks on NATO territory within the next five years. New Directive Sets Clear Priorities The document, titled Directive Priorities for the Bolstering of Readiness, outlines the key areas the military will focus on. These include acquiring essential weapons and material, improving air defences, and boosting ammunition stockpiles. Breuer’s directive follows Germany’s…
Heightened Tensions Spur Investment Jitters in Taiwan Foreign investors are increasingly concerned about the risk of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. While such a scenario once seemed unthinkable, the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency has changed that perception. Many now consider it a remote but possible risk they must prepare for, even if effective safeguards remain elusive. Taiwan, a democratically-governed island, remains a flashpoint in US-China relations. These tensions have worsened since Trump re-entered the White House and reignited trade disputes. His policies have introduced new tariffs that have unsettled global markets and deepened geopolitical unease. The…
Japan Hosts Its Largest-Ever Defence Exhibition to Boost Global Cooperation Japan opened its biggest defence exhibition to date on Wednesday, marking a significant move towards greater international collaboration. The event reflects the country’s shift from a pacifist stance to a more active role in global security partnerships. A Showcase of Advanced Military Technology The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Japan exhibition took place near Tokyo. It featured a wide range of military technology, including missiles, warships, and cutting-edge research into laser systems and electromagnetic railguns. Defence Minister Gen Nakatani stated that the event symbolised Japan’s expanding efforts in defence…