Private Firm Expands Use of Cleaner Fuel with Methane-Powered Rocket China’s LandSpace Technology successfully launched six satellites into orbit on Saturday using its methane-powered rocket, the Zhuque-2E Y2. The launch took place at 12:12 p.m. local time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. This marks the fifth mission in the Zhuque-2 series and highlights the startup’s growing focus on cleaner, cost-effective rocket fuels. https://youtube.com/shorts/p2jQCmBe9FE?feature=share Methane, combined with liquid oxygen, is considered safer, cleaner, and more affordable than traditional hydrocarbon fuels. These qualities make it ideal for use in reusable rockets—a major goal for LandSpace. Building Towards Reusable…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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China’s Tech Market Sees Strong Growth in Early 2025 China’s tech market showed robust growth in the first four months of 2025. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the total value of technology contracts reached 1.6 trillion yuan (around 222 billion US dollars), marking a year-on-year increase of 13.3%. Sustained Momentum in Contract Registrations From January to April 2025, a total of 228,000 technology contracts were registered across the country. This strong activity highlights the vital role of the technology market in supporting innovation. It acts as a bridge between scientific research and industrial development, helping to integrate…
India Approves Sixth Semiconductor Unit in Boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat Vision The Union Cabinet of India approves sixth semiconductor manufacturing unit under the India Semiconductor Mission. This marks a major milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in the strategic semiconductor sector. Joint Venture by HCL and Foxconn Near Jewar Airport The newly approved unit will be developed as a joint venture between HCL and Foxconn, two established names in hardware and electronics manufacturing. The facility will be located near Jewar airport within the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region. This unit will produce display driver chips used in a…
Ofcom Probes Porn Site Kick Over Suspected Illegal Content Britain’s media regulator, Ofcom, has launched two formal investigations into Kick Online Entertainment S.A., the operator behind pornography website Motherless. The probes are the latest actions under the UK’s new online safety law, which focuses on curbing illegal online material. Complaints Trigger Ofcom Action The investigations follow complaints alleging the presence of illegal content on the Motherless website. Reported material includes suspected child sexual abuse imagery and extreme pornography, both of which fall under criminal classifications in the UK. These are among the first such cases initiated under the Online Safety…
Trump Ends Syria Sanctions, Secures $600 Billion Saudi Investment Former US President Donald Trump began his Gulf visit with a bold announcement: the United States will lift long-standing sanctions on Syria. This decision, combined with a $600 billion investment pledge from Saudi Arabia and a major arms deal, marks a significant policy shift. Syria Sanctions Lifted Amid Arms Agreement The decision to lift sanctions on Syria came as Trump attended an investment forum in Riyadh. Speaking at the event, he said the move followed a request from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump noted the sanctions had served…
AI System Revolutionises Biomanufacturing with Real-Time Fermentation Monitoring A new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered monitoring system developed by researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is now in operation at biomanufacturing facilities or ‘Smart Fermentation Labs’. The technology is transforming how fermentation processes are managed, offering real-time control and data-driven optimisation that marks a major shift in life sciences and industrial production. This AI system is specifically designed for use in industrial fermentation—one of biomanufacturing’s core technologies. Fermentation is a time-sensitive process, with microorganism behaviour varying significantly at different stages of growth. In traditional setups, engineers monitored these complex systems around…
Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Divests from Israeli Energy Firm Over West Bank Fuel Operations Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, has sold all its shares in Israeli energy firm Paz Retail and Energy. The move follows concerns about the company’s role in supplying fuel to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. Ethical Guidelines Drive Divestment The decision, announced on Sunday, stems from a stricter interpretation of ethical standards adopted by the fund’s Council on Ethics in August. This updated stance focuses on companies contributing to the Israeli presence in Palestinian territories.…
US and UK Sign Limited Trade Deal Amid Global Tariff Disputes US and UK announced a new trade agreement on Thursday. While the deal offers some relief, it keeps key tariffs in place and leaves more negotiations ahead. Limited Tariff Cuts with Room to Grow The agreement keeps Trump’s 10% tariffs on most British goods. However, it lowers high US tariffs on British car imports and allows for modest increases in agricultural trade. British tariffs on US goods will fall from an average of 5.1% to 1.8%. Though described as a “breakthrough,” officials from both sides admit it is not…
Axelspace to Join Surge of Space Startups Listing on Tokyo Exchange Tokyo-based Axelspace is preparing to go public as early as June, according to sources familiar with the matter. The satellite manufacturer is expected to receive approval for its initial public offering (IPO) from the Tokyo Stock Exchange later this month, marking the fifth listing by a Japanese space venture in just two years. Founded in 2008 by aerospace researcher Yuya Nakamura, Axelspace has launched five Earth observation satellites and built custom satellites for clients such as Weathernews. The company plans to launch seven more satellites next year, further expanding…
Lawmakers Question Elon Musk’s Dual Roles at SpaceX and Federal Oversight Body Democratic lawmakers on key US House committees have raised alarms over a possible conflict of interest stemming from Elon Musk’s dual positions as CEO of SpaceX and a Special Government Employee overseeing major reforms at NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD). Letter Highlights Conflict Concerns Tied to DOGE Oversight In a letter sent Tuesday to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro, House Democrats expressed concern over Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity driving significant structural changes across federal…