New Zealand to Regulate Ground-Based Space Infrastructure by July New Zealand will introduce legislation in July to regulate operators of ground-based space infrastructure, Space Minister Judith Collins announced. The move aims to prevent foreign interference and strengthen the country’s national security. Concerns Over Foreign Interference The upcoming regulations follow warnings from New Zealand’s intelligence services. In September, they raised alarms about foreign attempts to establish space infrastructure that could support military activities against New Zealand’s interests. Although no specific country was named, the report highlighted China as a significant but not the only concern. New Zealand, as a member of…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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Second Successful Test Marks Key Progress The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone on 24 April 2025, by successfully conducting a short-duration hot test of its Semicryogenic Engine. The test took place at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri. This ignition test marks the second major achievement following the successful first hot test held on 28 March 2025. The series of tests forms a critical part of ISRO’s ongoing Semicryogenic engine development programme. Each stage is designed to move the project closer to operational readiness for future launch vehicles. ISRO Hot Test Validates Start-up Sequence During this…
Mexican President Sheinbaum Calls for Changes to Controversial Telecoms Bill Mexican President Sheinbaum on Friday urged changes or removal of part of a new telecommunications bill. Critics had raised concerns that the proposed law could restrict free speech and lead to government censorship. The bill moved rapidly through Senate committees on Thursday, just a day after Claudia Sheinbaum first introduced it. This followed controversy over the local broadcast of a US government advertisement discouraging migration to the US. Sheinbaum insists the bill is meant to prevent foreign governments from spreading political or ideological propaganda in Mexico. Critics Raise Concerns About…
ISRO Heads International Charter for Next Six Months India has assumed the lead role in the “International Charter Space and Major Disasters” from April 2025, reaffirming its leadership in space-based disaster response. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), through its National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), will coordinate the Charter’s activities for six months. The tenure began with the 53rd meeting of the Charter, held in Hyderabad from 14–17 April 2025. Organised by NRSC/ISRO, the meeting saw participation from leading global space agencies, with 22 foreign delegates attending in person. A Milestone Year for International Cooperation The International Charter marks its…
India Opening the Doors to Boost Clean Energy Goals with 49% Foreign Investment India may soon allow 49% foreign investment in its nuclear power plants, according to three government sources. The proposal marks a potential turning point in one of India’s most tightly controlled sectors, as the country seeks to shift away from coal and meet its carbon reduction targets. Discussions on changing the foreign investment rules in nuclear energy began in 2023. Now, with growing urgency to expand cleaner power sources, India is considering easing long-standing restrictions that have deterred global investors. The planned reforms come as India aims…
EU Fines Apple and Meta Under Landmark Tech Law EU fines Apple and Meta, the European Union has fined Apple €500 million ($570 million) and Meta €200 million as part of its first enforcement of the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). These penalties come after a year-long investigation into whether major tech firms comply with the new regulation aimed at increasing competition and limiting the dominance of Big Tech. Major Blow to Big Tech’s Business Models The European Commission, the EU’s executive body, concluded that both Apple and Meta breached the DMA, which was introduced to give smaller tech firms…
UAE Launches Ambitious Plan to Use AI in Legislative Process The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a bold new plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the very heart of its lawmaking system. This initiative, termed “AI-driven regulation,” is set to redefine how laws are created, evaluated, and amended across the country. According to the Financial Times, the move is among the most ambitious government uses of AI seen globally. AI as a Legislative Co-Author Central to this initiative is the formation of a dedicated unit known as the Regulatory Intelligence Office. This office will lead the country’s effort…
IMF: AI Economic Boost to Outweigh Carbon Emissions Costs by 2030 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly boost global economic output over the next decade. According to its latest report, AI is expected to increase global GDP by around 0.5% annually between 2025 and 2030. These gains are anticipated to surpass the environmental costs caused by rising carbon emissions from energy-intensive data centres. Global Gains with Uneven Distribution The IMF’s findings, presented during its spring meeting in Washington, stress that while AI will deliver strong economic benefits, these will not be evenly shared…
AI Surveillance Raises Privacy Fears as US Targets Immigrants Under Trump The United States, under President Donald Trump, is intensifying its use of AI surveillance technologies to track, detain, and deport immigrants. Digital rights advocates warn that these measures, which now cover a broader population, risk major violations of privacy and civil rights. Expanding AI Tools to Target Immigrants Immigration authorities are increasingly relying on AI tools like facial recognition scanners in public spaces and robotic patrols at the southern border. These tools, some in place for years, now have a much wider scope, according to Saira Hussain from the…
ISRO Achieves Key Milestone with Second Autonomous SPADEX Satellite Docking India’s space agency, ISRO, has successfully completed its second docking of the SPADEX satellites—SDX 01 and SDX 02—on 20 April 2025 at 8:20 PM. This achievement marks another step forward in the advancement of autonomous space technologies. Fully Autonomous Docking from 15 Metres This second docking was executed entirely through autonomous systems. The satellites connected from an inter-satellite distance of 15 metres without any manual intervention. In comparison, the first docking attempt involved a manual hold point at a 3-metre distance before completion. This shift to full autonomy reflects ISRO’s…