Science and Technology News: 12 November 2021

SciTech
12 November, 2021

Latest Science Technology news:

  1. The latest satellite in the Landsat family of Earth observation spacecraft has collected its “first light” images of our planet. Landsat 9 launched on September 27, 2021 and it continues the nearly 50-year tradition of making critical observations to help with energy and water management, forest monitoring, human and environmental health, urban planning, disaster recovery and agriculture. Universe Today
  2. Your Gmail profile picture probably doesn’t get as much attention as your photo on Facebook. If you’re looking for a change, Google has an idea that may appeal to you — turn yourself into an illustration using its tool, appropriately named Google Illustration. CNET
  3. For the first time, we have the technology to do ultra-high-resolution climate modeling, to jump to lightspeed, and predict changes in regional extreme weather decades out. We can achieve million-x speedups by combining three technologies: GPU-accelerated computing; deep learning and breakthroughs in physics-informed neural networks; and AI supercomputers, along with vast quantities of observed and model data to learn from. Venturebeat
  4. Shell Canada has revealed that it received $3.95 million in funding from the Canadian federal government to build 79 electric vehicles (EV) fast-charging stations across five Canadian provinces. Mobilesyrup
  5. Apple now has three sets of true wireless headphones competing in the $180 to $200 range, plus an older entry-level AirPods model that will be selling for as low as $89 this holiday season. CNET . If you are in India, buy here on Amazon
  6. Days after returning from a record six-month NASA science mission aboard the International Space Station, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet provided details of his time in space during a record six-month mission at a press conference Friday in Cologne, Germany.France24
  7. Are you looking for a Smart Wireless Video Doorbell. Always Stay Connected to your Front Door from anywhere anytime with an Instant Visitor Video Call Feature of the Doorbell. Smartly Secure the entrance of your House with 1080P Full HD Camera and an advanced Built-In Intruder Alarm System. Customized around your Life – 36 unique chime tunes to select from and Multiple modes like Do Not Disturm for complete peace of mind.  Buy on Amazon. Qubo Smart WiFi Wireless Video Doorbell from Hero Group

 

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