Science and Technology News: 30 November 2021

SciTech
30 November, 2021

Latest Science Technology news:

Closest pair of supermassive black holes to Earth

Using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT), astronomers have revealed the closest pair of supermassive black holes to Earth ever observed. The two objects also have a much smaller separation than any other previously spotted pair of supermassive black holes and will eventually merge into one giant black hole. Phys.org

Virtual yacht for $650,000

A virtual yacht built in the metaverse for the online game The Sandbox was just sold for a whopping $650,000, making it the most expensive item ever sold on the platform, Business Insider reported.  Interesting Engineering

NASA’s ICON mission

Using observations from NASA’s ICON mission, scientists presented the first direct measurements of Earth’s long-theorized dynamo on the edge of space: a wind-driven electrical generator that spans the globe 60-plus miles above our heads. The dynamo churns in the ionosphere, the electrically charged boundary between Earth and space. Phys.org

Google Doodle celebrate St. Andrew’s Day

The latest UK-only Google Doodle is helping Scots celebrate St. Andrew’s Day for 2021 by highlighting some of the most prominent cultural icons of Scottish heritage. 9to5Google

Google Doodle honors Lotfi Zadeh

The Google Doodle in USA for November 30, honors Lotfi Zadeh, the late Azerbaijani American computer scientist who developed the innovative mathematical framework known as “fuzzy logic.”. Newsweek

Wireless earbuds

Earbuds are basically a pair of tiny speakers that you wear inside your ears. At low volumes, they’re useful little devices.

Buy on Amazon

Keep yourself plugged all day as the Airdopes 441 provide, Talk time/music time – 5 Hours per bud , Charging Time – 1.5 Hours, Standby Time – 70 Hours. It is equipped with IWP (Insta Wake N’ Pair) Technology that powers on the earbuds and puts them into connection mode as soon as one opens the lid of the carry case. It is IPX7 rated for resistance against water and sweat to provide a carefree listening experience

Price: ₹1,999.00 You Save: ₹4,000.00 (67%). Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

 

Compiled from Google Trends

 

Startup
24 February, 2024

Byju’s, once heralded as a flagship in India’s edtech sector, is grappling with severe financial and operational challenges, marked by a dramatic valuation drop. The company, which sought to stabilize its operations and finances, is now raising funds at a valuation significantly lower than its peak. This development comes amid efforts to address a substantial debt burden, with Byju’s proposing a repayment plan for its $1.2 billion loan. Investor confidence appears shaken, with some stakeholders pushing for drastic changes in leadership to navigate the crisis effectively. The turmoil reflects broader sectoral pressures and raises questions about the sustainability of high-growth trajectories in the edtech industry

Energy
10 February, 2024

Australia’s energy market is witnessing significant transitions and investments aimed at bolstering renewable energy infrastructure and securing gas supplies. Key developments include a $179 million investment by the Queensland Government for community battery projects, Santos’ $5.7 billion gas pipeline project following a legal battle win, and a $206 million energy savings package for NSW households. Additionally, the Australian government has secured new gas supply deals to support the east coast market, emphasizing the role of gas in transitioning to a renewable grid.

India 2024
9 February, 2024

The latest opinion polls, including the Mood of the Nation survey by India Today, predict a comfortable victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP and its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), with a projected win of 335 Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 general elections. This forecast suggests a slight decrease from the 2019 elections but still ensures a majority. The survey, involving interviews with over 149,000 respondents, reflects Modi’s enduring popularity based on his nationalist policies and economic reforms. Other polls echo these findings, although seat projections vary slightly. The opposition INDIA alliance is expected to secure a significant number of seats, yet not enough to challenge the NDA’s majority. These predictions highlight a political landscape that remains largely favorable to Modi and the BJP as the election approaches