Author: Resham

ByteDance’s newly launched video-generating artificial intelligence model, Seedance 2.0, has already captured global attention, going viral in China and earning praise from figures like Elon Musk. Users and analysts have compared it to DeepSeek, citing its ability to create cinematic storylines from minimal prompts. While text-centric AI models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DeepSeek’s R1 have achieved widespread adoption, video-focused models like Seedance 2.0 represent the next stage in AI’s disruptive potential. The system can process text, images, audio, and video simultaneously, significantly lowering production costs for professional film, e-commerce, and advertising applications. On social media platforms in China, Seedance…

China Crewed Lunar Rocket Test Signals Leap in Space Capabilities The China Crewed Lunar Test has marked a major advancement in the country’s ambitions to land astronauts on the Moon. Space technology experts describe the successful demonstration of the Long March-10 heavy-lift rocket and the next-generation Mengzhou spacecraft as a decisive step forward in China’s crewed lunar program. The tests were conducted at the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan Province and included a low-altitude demonstration flight of the Long March-10 rocket along with a maximum dynamic pressure abort test of the Mengzhou crewed spacecraft. First Ignition Flight and Max…

The Russia WhatsApp Block marks a significant escalation in Moscow’s long-running dispute with foreign technology companies. Meta confirmed that Russian authorities have attempted to fully block WhatsApp in the country, as the government accelerates efforts to promote domestic digital platforms. The move comes amid broader measures introduced after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which intensified scrutiny and restrictions on foreign-owned technology services. Push Toward State-Backed Alternatives Officials are promoting a government-supported messaging app known as MAX, positioning it as a domestic alternative. Critics argue the platform could be used for surveillance purposes, though state media have rejected those claims.…

China Lunar Crew Test Advances Crewed Moon Mission Goals China successfully carried out a China Lunar Crew Test, marking a significant milestone in its plan to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030. The tests took place at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province and included a low-altitude demonstration of the Long March-10 rocket and a high-speed abort test of the Mengzhou crewed spacecraft under maximum aerodynamic pressure. Both systems performed as expected. Key Highlights of the China Lunar Crew Test The China Lunar Crew Test featured several firsts for China’s space program: First ignition flight of the…

Vietnamese authorities have awarded the first phase of a major Vietnam wind power project to a newly established subsidiary of real estate conglomerate Vingroup, excluding German renewable energy firm PNE, a decision the foreign investor said came as a surprise. The People’s Committee of Gia Lai province approved a bid from VinEnergo, a unit set up by Vingroup in March, to develop the initial 750-megawatt phase of a 2,000-MW wind project. The investment for this phase was set at 48.3 trillion dong ($1.87 billion), according to a provincial statement that did not name unsuccessful bidders. Vietnam Wind Power Project and…

Elon Musk said on Sunday that SpaceX has shifted its strategic focus towards building a “self-growing city” on the Moon, marking a significant change in the company’s long-term space ambitions. According to Musk, such a lunar settlement could be achieved in less than a decade and is now viewed as a faster and more practical step towards safeguarding the future of human civilisation. Writing on his X social media platform, Musk said SpaceX still intends to pursue its long-standing goal of establishing a city on Mars within five to seven years. However, he described lunar development as the overriding priority,…

An electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle developed by the Ninth Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation has successfully completed its maiden flight in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality, its developer said on Friday. The successful test marks an important step in China’s efforts to expand its low-altitude aviation ecosystem and develop next-generation transport technologies. According to the developer, the aircraft completed all scheduled performance verification tasks during the flight, confirming the stability and reliability of its design. The China eVTOL aircraft features a novel configuration that blends aviation engineering with automobile design principles, allowing it to operate…

Germany is weighing a sweeping expansion of its military space capabilities under a proposed €35 billion spending plan aimed at countering rising threats from Russia and China in orbit, the country’s space commander said. The plan includes potential investments in intelligence-gathering satellites, space planes and non-kinetic offensive systems such as lasers, as Berlin seeks to adapt to what officials describe as an increasingly contested and militarised space environment. Encrypted Satellite Network Planned As part of the programme, Germany plans to build an encrypted military satellite constellation of more than 100 spacecraft, known as SATCOM Stage 4, over the coming years.…

Slovenia is preparing draft legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, Deputy Prime Minister Matej Arcon said on Thursday, as European governments take a tougher stance on technology they say may be harmful to young users. The country, which has a population of about two million, is following moves by Spain and Greece, both of which this week proposed restrictions on social media use by teenagers. The proposals reflect growing concern across Europe that some online platforms are designed to be addictive and may negatively affect children’s mental health and development. Slovenia…

China, Hong Kong Stocks Slide as Precious Metals and Tech Selloff Deepens China and Hong Kong equities fell sharply on Thursday as losses in precious metals and technology stocks spilled over into broader sectors, weighed down by tightening liquidity and pre-holiday caution. By the midday break, China’s Shanghai Composite Index slipped 1% to 4,059.91 points, while the blue-chip CSI300 index also declined 1%. Precious Metals Shares Hit Hard Renewed selling pressure in gold and silver triggered steep losses across precious metals stocks. The CSI SSH Gold Equity Index plunged 5.4%, while the CSI SWS Non-ferrous Metal Index dropped 5.6%. The…