SpaceX Plans $1.5 Billion Investment in Vietnam to Boost Satellite Internet Services SpaceX plans $1.5 billion investment in Vietnam, according to the government of the Southeast Asian country. This move could resolve a long-standing stalemate regarding the launch of Starlink satellite services in the region. Ongoing Discussions to Expand Starlink Services Talks regarding SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet and other communication services were paused in late 2023. However, discussions resumed earlier this year. Vietnam’s government is now reviewing SpaceX’s investment proposal. During a meeting in New York, Vietnam’s President To Lam asked SpaceX to finalise preparations for the investment. Tim Hughes,…
Author: Arushi Pandey
EU Court Supports Vestager in Fight Against Big Tech EU Court supports Vestager, EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager secured two significant victories as Europe’s top court supported her cases against Apple and Google. These rulings mark key moments in her efforts to tackle unfair tax deals and anti-competitive practices by major tech firms. Vestager, known for her strict stance on Big Tech, has built her reputation around challenging tax agreements that favour large companies. As she nears the end of her term in November, her latest wins could encourage her successor to continue on the same path. Apple’s Tax Case…
Faker’s Ball: North Carolina Man Arrested for AI-Driven Fake Music Scam A man from North Carolina has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating an elaborate music streaming scam. Authorities believe he used artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake bands and songs, generating millions in fraudulent revenue. The accused reportedly inflated streaming numbers using bots to increase royalties illegally. Alleged Scam Spans Seven Years The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrest of 52-year-old Michael Smith from North Carolina. He has been charged with money laundering and wire fraud in connection to a seven-year scheme. Smith allegedly exploited his real-life music…
Fragment of Rare Meteorite Discovered in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Scientists in South Africa recently unveiled a fragment of a rare meteorite discovered in the Eastern Cape province. The fragment, which is about the size of a motorcycle, was found last month in a small town. Meteor Sighting Across Three Provinces On 25 August, residents in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Free State witnessed a dramatic celestial event. A streak of blue-white and orange light lit up the sky, followed by a loud explosive sound and ground vibrations. Scientists believe this was caused by a meteor entering the Earth’s…
Africa’s Growing Climate Burden and Rising Adaptation Costs Africa faces rising climate challenges, with disproportionately high costs for essential climate adaptation, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Economic Impact of Climate Change On average, African countries are losing 2–5 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually due to climate-related challenges. Many nations are diverting up to 9 percent of their budgets to address climate extremes. In sub-Saharan Africa, the cost of climate adaptation is projected to range between US$ 30-50 billion annually over the next decade, accounting for 2-3 percent of the region’s GDP,…
SpaceX Falcon 9 Cleared for Return to Flight Despite Investigation The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Friday that the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket may resume flight operations. This decision comes even as the investigation into the recent anomaly during a Starlink mission remains ongoing. FAA Approval for Falcon 9 Flights SpaceX had requested approval to return the Falcon 9 to flight on Thursday, and the FAA granted this approval the following day. The agency stated that flights could continue as long as all other licensing requirements are met. Details of the Recent Anomaly The grounding of the Falcon…
China’s Data Industry Set for Over 20% Annual Growth, Says NDA Official China’s Rapidly Expanding Data Industry China’s data industry is on the verge of significant expansion, with an annual growth rate expected to exceed 20% in the coming years. This forecast was shared by Chen Ronghui, Deputy Director of the National Data Administration (NDA), during an event titled ‘Activating the Potential of Data Elements and Unlocking New Quality Productivity.’ The event was held alongside the China International Big Data Industry Expo 2024 in Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou Province. https://youtube.com/shorts/6dEVPjcY77o Remarkable Growth in Data Production China’s data production…
Boom Supersonic: Bringing Back Faster-Than-Sound Air Travel The Return of Supersonic Flights Aerospace startup Boom Supersonic is on a mission to revive supersonic commercial air travel by the end of this decade. Their ambitious project, the Overture supersonic airliner, aims to revolutionise the way we travel by drastically reducing flight times. To pave the way for this groundbreaking airliner, Boom has developed a 1/3 scale prototype known as XB-1, which has already completed two successful test flights at their facility in California’s Mojave Desert. The company plans to achieve its first supersonic flight with XB-1 by the end of the…
Maasai Protest Evictions Amidst Controversial Conservation Efforts Thousands of Maasai Face Eviction in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater In Tanzania, the usually serene green hills surrounding the Ngorongoro Crater have turned into a site of protest. Tens of thousands of Maasai herdsmen, dressed in their iconic blood-red shuka cloths, have been demonstrating against their forced eviction from ancestral lands in the name of conservation. This is not the first time the Maasai have faced such displacement. Historically, they were removed from the Serengeti in the 1950s when it was designated a national park by the British colonial government. Now, the Tanzanian government…
BYD Narrowing Down Finalists for New Manufacturing Plant Location in Mexico Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD has shortlisted three Mexican states as potential locations for its new manufacturing plant, according to the company’s Mexico director general, Jorge Vallejo. The firm is currently evaluating various incentives proposed by these states, which include fiscal benefits, land offers, and management incentives. Key Factors in Site Selection Vallejo highlighted that selecting a plant location involves more than just securing space. The company is considering logistical aspects, urban infrastructure, water and gas supply, and overall development. These elements are crucial for establishing a functional…
