Author: Resham Bhambani

Shenzhou-19 Crew Advances Research and Maintenance on Tiangong Space Station China’s Shenzhou-19 crew has accomplished significant tasks during their month-long stay aboard the Tiangong space station. These tasks include scientific experiments, space station maintenance, and advanced research projects. Shenzhou-19 Crew’s Mission and Research Goals Astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze began their six-month mission on October 30. Over the course of their mission, the team will conduct 86 space science and technology experiments. Among their accomplishments, the crew has advanced research on the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of fruit flies under a weak magnetic field in space.…

US Tightens Semiconductor Export Controls to Hamper China’s Tech Advancements The US is set to implement its third major semiconductor export crackdown in three years, targeting over 140 Chinese companies, including Naura Technology Group and other key chip toolmakers. This move is aimed at curbing China’s ability to produce advanced semiconductors critical for military applications and artificial intelligence, as part of broader efforts to safeguard US national security. Key Measures in the Crackdown The new restrictions will limit shipments of advanced memory chips, such as high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in AI training, and impose curbs on 24 additional…

Elon Musk Criticises Australia’s Proposed Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 US billionaire Elon Musk, owner of the social media platform X, has criticised Australia’s proposed legislation to ban social media access for children under 16. The bill, introduced on Thursday, November 21, also threatens fines of up to A$49.5 million (US $32 million) for platforms that fail to comply. Australia’s Tough Social Media Controls Australia’s centre-left government presented the bill in parliament, aiming to implement one of the strictest social media age restrictions globally. The legislation includes an age-verification system designed to enforce the ban and ensure compliance.…

China’s SpaceSail Partners with Brazil for Satellite Services China’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite firm, SpaceSail, is stepping up its challenge to Elon Musk’s Starlink by expanding into the Brazilian market. On Wednesday, during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Brasilia, the company announced a key agreement with Brazil’s state telecom, Telebras, to provide satellite communications and broadband services across the country. A Strategic Collaboration with Brazil The memorandum signed with Telebras marks a significant milestone in SpaceSail’s overseas expansion. This collaboration aims to improve Internet access in Brazil, especially in remote regions where connectivity remains a challenge. The…

Expanded Launch Agreements for AST SpaceMobile AST SpaceMobile, a company striving to enable satellite-based cellular services for unmodified smartphones, announced it has secured its path to low Earth orbit. During its third-quarter earnings call, the company shared that it had finalised new launch agreements with Blue Origin, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and SpaceX. These launches, scheduled for 2025 and 2026, aim to deliver uninterrupted space-based broadband connectivity across key global markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan. Founder, Chairman, and CEO Abel Avellan highlighted the strategic importance of these partnerships, stating they would help achieve “continuous space-based cellular…

China Unveils Reusable Long March 9 Rocket to Compete with SpaceX China’s Aerospace Science and Technology Corp , a state-owned aerospace company, showcased a reusable version of its Long March 9 booster at the Zhuhai Airshow this week, aiming to rival SpaceX’s heavy-lift capabilities. The updated Long March 9 design, featuring a fully reusable two-stage model, could carry payloads of 100 tons to low-earth orbit and 50 tons to lunar-transfer orbit, according to a company interview with CCTV. Advancements in the Long March 9 Design Initially revealed in 2018 as an expendable rocket, the Long March 9 booster has since…

Living with Long COVID: The Lingering Struggles of Millions Worldwide After four years of living with long COVID, Kenyan businesswoman Wachuka Gichohi faces daily symptoms like severe fatigue, pain, and panic attacks. Even well-meaning phrases like “Feel better soon” or “Wishing you a quick recovery” can feel out of touch. “For me,” she explains, “it’s not going to happen.” Limited Chances for Full Recovery Research now shows that the longer patients endure symptoms, the slimmer their chances of full recovery. Studies from the UK and US suggest the best recovery window is within the first six months after contracting COVID-19.…

Turkey Open to Technology Collaboration with Elon Musk, Says President Erdogan President Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Turkey could partner with Elon Musk on technology projects if suitable cooperation opportunities emerge, according to TRT Haber on Wednesday. Erdogan highlighted Musk’s work in technology and space, indicating a shared interest in advancing Turkey’s tech sector through international collaboration. Musk’s Role in US Government Efficiency Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump recently appointed Musk to a government advisory role focused on enhancing government efficiency. This position grants Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, additional influence in shaping public sector innovations, following his significant contributions to…

Finance Ministry of China Outlines New Economic Policies for 2024 Ministry of Finance in China is crafting a new policy framework to support the nation’s economic and social development goals for 2024. Minister Lan Fo’an, speaking at a recent press conference in Beijing, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to reinforcing counter-cyclical adjustments to navigate economic challenges and stabilise growth. New Measures Target Real Estate and Debt Management Lan announced that the Ministry has submitted new taxation policies aimed at revitalising the real estate sector, with approval expected soon. Additionally, measures to replace hidden local debt are set to begin immediately, which…

Shenzhou-18 Astronauts Return to Earth After Six-Month Mission The Shenzhou-18 crew returned to Beijing early on Monday following a six-month mission aboard China’s space station. Astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong, and Li Guangsu landed safely at 01:24 (Beijing Time) at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Safe Landing and Good Health Upon landing, the CMSA confirmed that the three astronauts were in excellent physical health. Following standard procedures, the team will enter a period of medical quarantine to undergo comprehensive health evaluations. Once these checks are complete, they are expected to…