Science and Technology News: 04 December 2021

SciTech
4 December, 2021

Latest Science Technology news:

Qualcomm new chip for gaming

Qualcomm on Wednesday (Dec 1) released a new chip designed for gaming-specific handheld devices offering 5G connectivity, a potential new mobile platform for video gamers offering more flexibility to play streaming games on the go. Straitstimes

Yutu-2 rover sites a cube shaped object on the moon

The Yutu-2 rover is on a roll. It’s been exploring the far side of the moon since early 2019, as part of China’s Chang’e-4 lunar lander mission. It now has its eyes set on a strange-looking cube-shaped object it spotted in the distance. The rover team is planning to drive over and get a closer look at the object.  CNET

Australopithecus afarensis — the human ancestors

For almost a million years, one of the ancestors of modern humans walked the earth in what is now eastern Africa. That would be Australopithecus afarensis — the human ancestors written about in the acclaimed book Lucy: The Beginnings of Humankind. Inside Hook

World’s best known online privacy platform

Also referred to as the “Onion router,” Tor is perhaps the world’s best known online privacy platform, and its software and related network are supposed to protect your web browsing activity from scrutiny by hiding your IP address and encrypting your traffic. The network, which was initially launched in 2002, has experienced attacks and malicious activity before, though this recent activity appears to reveal a craftier, less obvious actor than your typical cybercriminal. Gizmodo

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