Gadgets 360

The discovery of amber in Antarctica has been reported for the first time, as detailed in a recent study published in Antarctic Science. Dr. Johann Klages from the University of Bremen, alongside a team of researchers, uncovered this specimen in sediment cores from the Pine Island trough in West Antarctica. This ancient amber, originating from approximately 83 to 92 million years ago during the mid-Cretaceous period, offers valuable insights into prehistoric environmental conditions near the South Pole.

Unveiling the First Antarctic Amber

The study was published in Antarctic Science journal and reveals that the amber, known as Pine Island amber, was retrieved using the MARUM-MeBo70 drill rig during a 2017 expedition on the RV Polarstern vessel. This mid-Cretaceous resin is considered a significant breakthrough as it suggests that a swampy temperate rainforest, dominated by coniferous trees, thrived in the region during a much warmer period in Earth's history. According to Dr. Henny Gerschel from the Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology, the amber likely contains tiny fragments of tree bark, preserved through micro-inclusions. Its solid, translucent quality indicates that it was buried close to the surface, protecting it from thermal degradation.

Insights into Prehistoric Forest Ecosystems

The presence of pathological resin flow within the amber offers clues into the defence mechanisms used by ancient trees against environmental stressors like parasites or wildfires. "This discovery hints at a much richer forest ecosystem near the South Pole during the mid-Cretaceous," Dr. Klages explained, noting the resin's defensive chemical and physical properties that protected it from insect attacks and infections.

Reconstructing Ancient Antarctic Environments

The amber's discovery marks a key step in reconstructing ancient polar climates, supporting the idea that temperate forests once spanned across all continents. Researchers aim to explore further by analysing whether signs of past life are preserved in the amber. This study, beyond unearthing Antarctic amber, opens new opportunities to deepen understanding of Earth's climatic past and the adaptability of prehistoric ecosystems.

 

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The discovery of amber in Antarctica has been reported for the first time, as detailed in a recent study published in Antarctic Science. Dr. Johann Klages from the University of Bremen, alongside a team of researchers, uncovered this specimen in sediment cores from the Pine Island trough in West Antarctica. This ancient amber, originating from approximately 83 to 92 million years ago during the mid-Cretaceous period, offers valuable insights into prehistoric environmental conditions near the South Pole.

Unveiling the First Antarctic Amber

The study was published in Antarctic Science journal and reveals that the amber, known as Pine Island amber, was retrieved using the MARUM-MeBo70 drill rig during a 2017 expedition on the RV Polarstern vessel. This mid-Cretaceous resin is considered a significant breakthrough as it suggests that a swampy temperate rainforest, dominated by coniferous trees, thrived in the region during a much warmer period in Earth's history. According to Dr. Henny Gerschel from the Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology, the amber likely contains tiny fragments of tree bark, preserved through micro-inclusions. Its solid, translucent quality indicates that it was buried close to the surface, protecting it from thermal degradation.

Insights into Prehistoric Forest Ecosystems

The presence of pathological resin flow within the amber offers clues into the defence mechanisms used by ancient trees against environmental stressors like parasites or wildfires. "This discovery hints at a much richer forest ecosystem near the South Pole during the mid-Cretaceous," Dr. Klages explained, noting the resin's defensive chemical and physical properties that protected it from insect attacks and infections.

Reconstructing Ancient Antarctic Environments

The amber's discovery marks a key step in reconstructing ancient polar climates, supporting the idea that temperate forests once spanned across all continents. Researchers aim to explore further by analysing whether signs of past life are preserved in the amber. This study, beyond unearthing Antarctic amber, opens new opportunities to deepen understanding of Earth's climatic past and the adaptability of prehistoric ecosystems.

 

Gadgets 360

Sci-fi horror enthusiasts who missed Alien: Romulus in cinemas will soon have the chance to experience it on OTT platform. Directed by acclaimed Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez, the film is an addition to the Alien franchise. It follows three siblings—space colonists struggling for survival on a desolate mining planet—who encounter terrifying extraterrestrial creatures after boarding a seemingly abandoned space station. Initially hoping for resources to sustain them, the colonists instead face relentless threats, battling for their lives against hostile authorities, depleting resources, and deadly alien creatures.

When and Where to Watch Alien: Romulus

As per a report by Streaming Updates, the Alien: Romulus might premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on November 21, 2024. The tweet further mentions that the movie might be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English languages. 

Official Trailer and Plot of Alien: Romulus

The trailer for Alien: Romulus teases a dark, thrilling journey as the protagonists discover long-abandoned cryo-pods on the space station, setting the stage for a gripping survival tale. Trapped within the hostile station, siblings Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny) and her adopted brother Andy (portrayed by David Jonsson) face dwindling supplies and escalating threats from vicious xenomorphs.

Cast and Crew of Alien: Romulus

Fede Alvarez, known for his expertise in horror and suspense, directs the latest Alien instalment. The cast includes Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, whose performances have drawn praise for enhancing the film's emotional depth and tension.

Reception of Alien: Romulus

Following its theatrical release on August 16, Alien: Romulus achieved remarkable box-office success, grossing Rs. 3,500 crore globally. The film has gained 7.2 on IMDb and holds an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

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Sci-fi horror enthusiasts who missed Alien: Romulus in cinemas will soon have the chance to experience it on OTT platform. Directed by acclaimed Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez, the film is an addition to the Alien franchise. It follows three siblings—space colonists struggling for survival on a desolate mining planet—who encounter terrifying extraterrestrial creatures after boarding a seemingly abandoned space station. Initially hoping for resources to sustain them, the colonists instead face relentless threats, battling for their lives against hostile authorities, depleting resources, and deadly alien creatures.

When and Where to Watch Alien: Romulus

As per a report by Streaming Updates, the Alien: Romulus might premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on November 21, 2024. The tweet further mentions that the movie might be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and English languages. 

Official Trailer and Plot of Alien: Romulus

The trailer for Alien: Romulus teases a dark, thrilling journey as the protagonists discover long-abandoned cryo-pods on the space station, setting the stage for a gripping survival tale. Trapped within the hostile station, siblings Rain (played by Cailee Spaeny) and her adopted brother Andy (portrayed by David Jonsson) face dwindling supplies and escalating threats from vicious xenomorphs.

Cast and Crew of Alien: Romulus

Fede Alvarez, known for his expertise in horror and suspense, directs the latest Alien instalment. The cast includes Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson, whose performances have drawn praise for enhancing the film's emotional depth and tension.

Reception of Alien: Romulus

Following its theatrical release on August 16, Alien: Romulus achieved remarkable box-office success, grossing Rs. 3,500 crore globally. The film has gained 7.2 on IMDb and holds an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

 

Gadgets 360

A team at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland has achieved a breakthrough with a Kagome superconductor (RbV3Sb5) that demonstrates time-reversal symmetry (TRS) breaking at a temperature of 175 Kelvin (-98°C or -144.67 °F). This record temperature suggests promising developments in quantum systems, which typically require ultra-low temperatures to prevent disruptions caused by thermal energy. Researchers believe the high-temperature TRS breaking in RbV3Sb5 can reduce energy needs for quantum technology, potentially accelerating its adoption.

Understanding Time-Reversal Symmetry in Quantum Technology

TRS implies that the fundamental laws remain the same when time flows backward in Physics. However, in materials like RbV3Sb5, TRS is broken, leading to unique quantum states that are challenging yet essential for developing advanced quantum devices. These unusual states result in the material behaving differently depending on the direction of time, an attribute that can be manipulated for enhanced control over quantum systems.

According to the study authors, this Kagome superconductor maintains superconductivity down to approximately two Kelvin but can sustain TRS-breaking quantum states at much higher temperatures, enhancing its suitability for real-world applications. PSI researchers, including Mahir Dzambegovic, highlighted the material's charge order state, where electrons form an organised pattern, producing a magnetic effect that breaks TRS at -144.67 °F.

Implications for Future Quantum Systems

The discovery of TRS breaking at such temperatures presents significant implications for quantum computing and storage. The ability to maintain these effects at higher temperatures could make quantum technologies more feasible outside of laboratory settings, according to PSI's team. Notably, the TRS-breaking properties of RbV3Sb5 are tunable, with effects varying based on the material's depth, from surface to core.

Future studies are expected to further explore the tunability of Kagome superconductors, particularly focusing on the interplay between superconductivity and TRS-breaking effects in RbV3Sb5. The study, published in Nature Communications, marks a step toward achieving practical quantum devices capable of operating in more energy-efficient conditions.

 

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A team at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Switzerland has achieved a breakthrough with a Kagome superconductor (RbV3Sb5) that demonstrates time-reversal symmetry (TRS) breaking at a temperature of 175 Kelvin (-98°C or -144.67 °F). This record temperature suggests promising developments in quantum systems, which typically require ultra-low temperatures to prevent disruptions caused by thermal energy. Researchers believe the high-temperature TRS breaking in RbV3Sb5 can reduce energy needs for quantum technology, potentially accelerating its adoption.

Understanding Time-Reversal Symmetry in Quantum Technology

TRS implies that the fundamental laws remain the same when time flows backward in Physics. However, in materials like RbV3Sb5, TRS is broken, leading to unique quantum states that are challenging yet essential for developing advanced quantum devices. These unusual states result in the material behaving differently depending on the direction of time, an attribute that can be manipulated for enhanced control over quantum systems.

According to the study authors, this Kagome superconductor maintains superconductivity down to approximately two Kelvin but can sustain TRS-breaking quantum states at much higher temperatures, enhancing its suitability for real-world applications. PSI researchers, including Mahir Dzambegovic, highlighted the material's charge order state, where electrons form an organised pattern, producing a magnetic effect that breaks TRS at -144.67 °F.

Implications for Future Quantum Systems

The discovery of TRS breaking at such temperatures presents significant implications for quantum computing and storage. The ability to maintain these effects at higher temperatures could make quantum technologies more feasible outside of laboratory settings, according to PSI's team. Notably, the TRS-breaking properties of RbV3Sb5 are tunable, with effects varying based on the material's depth, from surface to core.

Future studies are expected to further explore the tunability of Kagome superconductors, particularly focusing on the interplay between superconductivity and TRS-breaking effects in RbV3Sb5. The study, published in Nature Communications, marks a step toward achieving practical quantum devices capable of operating in more energy-efficient conditions.

 

Gadgets 360

Allu Arjun, the acclaimed Telugu film star, is all set to appear on the popular talk show Unstoppable with NBK, hosted by veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. Known for his recent success in Pushpa, Arjun's participation in the talk show is highly anticipated as he shares anecdotes about his career, inspiration, and his recent achievements. The special episode, which will be available on Aha on November 15, promises engaging moments between the two stars.

When and Where to Watch Unstoppable with NBK

The episode featuring Allu Arjun on Unstoppable with NBK will premiere on November 15 and will be accessible on the Aha streaming platform. The show, a favourite among Telugu audiences, brings Balakrishna and his guests into light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversations, providing fans with insights into their favourite stars.

Official Trailer and Plot of Allu Arjun's Unstoppable Episode

In the episode trailer, Allu Arjun speaks candidly about his inspirations, mentioning Megastar Chiranjeevi as a role model and sharing insights on his work alongside co-star Mahesh Babu. Additionally, a heartfelt appearance by his mother, Nirmala Garu, adds a unique personal touch, making this episode a sentimental viewing experience.

The trailer also teases playful banter between Balakrishna and Arjun, promising a mix of humour and warmth. He also talked about achieving a milestone with Pushpa, which earned him the National Award for Best Actor in 2023.

This marked a significant recognition for the Telugu film industry, as Arjun expressed pride in bringing this honour to his state. Pushpa 2: The Rule is scheduled for a grand release on December 5, with Arjun reprising his role as Pushpa Raj, alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil. This sequel will delve deeper into the protagonist's journey through the world of red sanders smuggling, building on the first film's success.

Cast and Crew of Unstoppable with NBK

Unstoppable with NBK features Nandamuri Balakrishna as the host, who engages his guests in candid discussions. In this episode, Allu Arjun joins as the special guest, with additional appearances by Arjun's family, adding a layer of personal connection to the conversation.

 

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Allu Arjun, the acclaimed Telugu film star, is all set to appear on the popular talk show Unstoppable with NBK, hosted by veteran actor Nandamuri Balakrishna. Known for his recent success in Pushpa, Arjun's participation in the talk show is highly anticipated as he shares anecdotes about his career, inspiration, and his recent achievements. The special episode, which will be available on Aha on November 15, promises engaging moments between the two stars.

When and Where to Watch Unstoppable with NBK

The episode featuring Allu Arjun on Unstoppable with NBK will premiere on November 15 and will be accessible on the Aha streaming platform. The show, a favourite among Telugu audiences, brings Balakrishna and his guests into light-hearted yet thought-provoking conversations, providing fans with insights into their favourite stars.

Official Trailer and Plot of Allu Arjun's Unstoppable Episode

In the episode trailer, Allu Arjun speaks candidly about his inspirations, mentioning Megastar Chiranjeevi as a role model and sharing insights on his work alongside co-star Mahesh Babu. Additionally, a heartfelt appearance by his mother, Nirmala Garu, adds a unique personal touch, making this episode a sentimental viewing experience.

The trailer also teases playful banter between Balakrishna and Arjun, promising a mix of humour and warmth. He also talked about achieving a milestone with Pushpa, which earned him the National Award for Best Actor in 2023.

This marked a significant recognition for the Telugu film industry, as Arjun expressed pride in bringing this honour to his state. Pushpa 2: The Rule is scheduled for a grand release on December 5, with Arjun reprising his role as Pushpa Raj, alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil. This sequel will delve deeper into the protagonist's journey through the world of red sanders smuggling, building on the first film's success.

Cast and Crew of Unstoppable with NBK

Unstoppable with NBK features Nandamuri Balakrishna as the host, who engages his guests in candid discussions. In this episode, Allu Arjun joins as the special guest, with additional appearances by Arjun's family, adding a layer of personal connection to the conversation.

 

BJP's ‘ek hain toh safe hain’ slogan finds place in Maharashtra newspaper days ahead of the polls

The opposition criticized Kharge's statement on the Mahayuti government, claiming it was formed by undermining Shiv Sena and NCP. Kharge also condemned BJP's divisive slogans, while Modi's 'ek hain toh safe hain' gained traction amid election campaigning in Maharashtra.

from mint - politics The opposition criticized Kharge's statement on the Mahayuti government, claiming it was formed by undermining Shiv Sena and NCP. Kharge also condemned BJP's divisive slogans, while Modi's 'ek hain toh safe hain' gained traction amid election campaigning in Maharashtra.

Gadgets 360

Instagram is implementing a change for the removal of a feature that has long been considered annoying by users, the company head has confirmed via social media. From now on, the social media platform's feed will not automatically refresh when the app is opened after a period of brief inactivity, enabling the user to see the posts which first appear on their screen. Notably, this development comes after the company confirmed that it deliberately lowers the quality of Instagram stories and Reels which do not fetch a lot of views, reserving the computation resources for videos that are being watched by a large number of users.

No More Automatic Feed Refreshing on Instagram

During a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) (via @_blunderchief), Instagram head Adam Mosseri was asked about a recent change on the social media platform which people did not know about. The official highlighted that Instagram has stopped doing what is internally known as a “rug pull” — a user interface (UI) feature which resulted in the feed getting automatically refreshed when the user accessed the app.

As per Mosseri, this was done because the app was trying to load content and displayed the last downloaded posts and videos in the meantime. While this feature was aimed at improving user engagement, even the company official admitted it was “annoying” as any interesting content which first appeared on the screen moved and disappeared, forcing users to manually scroll down to look for it.

Thankfully, this will not be the case anymore as the change has been implemented on the social media platform, Mosseri has confirmed. Instead of automatically refreshing the feed, Instagram will now load content but will not display it until the user scrolls. Then, the newly loaded content will be inserted below the posts which are already displayed.

While this decision comes at the cost of an “engagement hit” for the platform, it is providing a “much better experience” for the average user.

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Instagram is implementing a change for the removal of a feature that has long been considered annoying by users, the company head has confirmed via social media. From now on, the social media platform's feed will not automatically refresh when the app is opened after a period of brief inactivity, enabling the user to see the posts which first appear on their screen. Notably, this development comes after the company confirmed that it deliberately lowers the quality of Instagram stories and Reels which do not fetch a lot of views, reserving the computation resources for videos that are being watched by a large number of users.

No More Automatic Feed Refreshing on Instagram

During a recent Ask Me Anything (AMA) (via @_blunderchief), Instagram head Adam Mosseri was asked about a recent change on the social media platform which people did not know about. The official highlighted that Instagram has stopped doing what is internally known as a “rug pull” — a user interface (UI) feature which resulted in the feed getting automatically refreshed when the user accessed the app.

As per Mosseri, this was done because the app was trying to load content and displayed the last downloaded posts and videos in the meantime. While this feature was aimed at improving user engagement, even the company official admitted it was “annoying” as any interesting content which first appeared on the screen moved and disappeared, forcing users to manually scroll down to look for it.

Thankfully, this will not be the case anymore as the change has been implemented on the social media platform, Mosseri has confirmed. Instead of automatically refreshing the feed, Instagram will now load content but will not display it until the user scrolls. Then, the newly loaded content will be inserted below the posts which are already displayed.

While this decision comes at the cost of an “engagement hit” for the platform, it is providing a “much better experience” for the average user.

Ajit Pawar opposes BJP's ‘Batenge to Katenge’ slogan for Hindu unity: ‘May work in UP, not in Maharashtra’

Ajit Pawar, NCP leader, opposes BJP's campaign slogan 'batenge toh katenge,' stating it won't resonate in Maharashtra and emphasizing development instead. He argues that Maharashtra's political landscape differs from other states and stresses the need for communal harmony.

from mint - politics Ajit Pawar, NCP leader, opposes BJP's campaign slogan 'batenge toh katenge,' stating it won't resonate in Maharashtra and emphasizing development instead. He argues that Maharashtra's political landscape differs from other states and stresses the need for communal harmony.

Maharashtra Elections 2024: Sharad Pawar takes aim at govt's populist policies - ‘Giving with one hand, taking …..’

Sharad Pawar criticized the ruling government’s populist policies, citing rising discontent among farmers. He alleged misuse of central agencies against the opposition and condemned BJP’s 'communal approach'.

from mint - politics Sharad Pawar criticized the ruling government’s populist policies, citing rising discontent among farmers. He alleged misuse of central agencies against the opposition and condemned BJP’s 'communal approach'.

Telangana begins first caste-based census since 1931, set to cover over 1.17 crore households

Telangana has initiated its first caste-based survey, employing 80,000 enumerators to cover over 1.17 crore households. This historic move fulfills a long-standing promise and serves as a precursor to a national caste census, highlighting the importance of equitable development.

from mint - politics Telangana has initiated its first caste-based survey, employing 80,000 enumerators to cover over 1.17 crore households. This historic move fulfills a long-standing promise and serves as a precursor to a national caste census, highlighting the importance of equitable development.

Gadgets 360

Mukesh Ambani's Reliance pressed India's telecom watchdog on Friday to reconsider its plan not to auction satellite spectrum but to simply allocate it, in a fresh clash with Elon Musk's Starlink.

India's telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia last month said the government would allocate spectrum administratively in line with global trends but a final notification on how spectrum is given out will come after the telecom watchdog TRAI gives its feedback.

Musk's Starlink has expressed interest in launching in India following a successful launch in Africa which left local players bruised by low broadband prices and favours the government's approach to allocating spectrum.

Ravi Gandhi, a top Reliance policy executive, urged the telecom regulator TRAI on Friday, however, to review the decision, noting in an open house discussion hosted by TRAI that the move to allocate spectrum administratively is "the most discriminatory method of assigning any kind of government resource".

Starlink India executive Parnil Urdhwareshe on the other hand said India's allocation plan was "forward-looking".

Billionaire Ambani runs India's biggest telecom company, Reliance Jio. Analysts say a spectrum auction, requiring much more investment, would likely deter foreign rivals.

The TRAI's recommendations, which will be formed over coming weeks, will be critical in deciding the future course of how satellite spectrum is doled out.

Reliance, which has dominated India's telecom sector for years, is concerned that after spending $19 billion in airwave auctions it risks losing broadband customers to Musk, and potentially even data and voice clients later as technology advances, Reuters previously reported.

The methodology of giving out spectrum for satellite services in India has been a topic of contention between the billionaires.

Musk's Starlink, a unit of SpaceX, has 6,400 active satellites orbiting earth to provide low-latency broadband to 4 million customers.

Ambani once gave data for free on his mobile plans, but Musk is no stranger to such tactics.

In Kenya, Musk priced Starlink at $10 per month, versus $120 in United States, with rental plans available for higher hardware cost. Kenya's Safaricom in July complained to local regulators, calling for players like Starlink to be required to partner with mobile networks, and not operate independently. Mukesh Ambani's Reliance pressed India's telecom watchdog on Friday to reconsider its plan not to auction satellite spectrum but to simply allocate it, in a fresh clash with Elon Musk's Starlink.

India's telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia last month said the government would allocate spectrum administratively in line with global trends but a final notification on how spectrum is given out will come after the telecom watchdog TRAI gives its feedback.

Musk's Starlink has expressed interest in launching in India following a successful launch in Africa which left local players bruised by low broadband prices and favours the government's approach to allocating spectrum.

Ravi Gandhi, a top Reliance policy executive, urged the telecom regulator TRAI on Friday, however, to review the decision, noting in an open house discussion hosted by TRAI that the move to allocate spectrum administratively is "the most discriminatory method of assigning any kind of government resource".

Starlink India executive Parnil Urdhwareshe on the other hand said India's allocation plan was "forward-looking".

Billionaire Ambani runs India's biggest telecom company, Reliance Jio. Analysts say a spectrum auction, requiring much more investment, would likely deter foreign rivals.

The TRAI's recommendations, which will be formed over coming weeks, will be critical in deciding the future course of how satellite spectrum is doled out.

Reliance, which has dominated India's telecom sector for years, is concerned that after spending $19 billion in airwave auctions it risks losing broadband customers to Musk, and potentially even data and voice clients later as technology advances, Reuters previously reported.

The methodology of giving out spectrum for satellite services in India has been a topic of contention between the billionaires.

Musk's Starlink, a unit of SpaceX, has 6,400 active satellites orbiting earth to provide low-latency broadband to 4 million customers.

Ambani once gave data for free on his mobile plans, but Musk is no stranger to such tactics.

In Kenya, Musk priced Starlink at $10 per month, versus $120 in United States, with rental plans available for higher hardware cost. Kenya's Safaricom in July complained to local regulators, calling for players like Starlink to be required to partner with mobile networks, and not operate independently.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

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Mukesh Ambani's Reliance pressed India's telecom watchdog on Friday to reconsider its plan not to auction satellite spectrum but to simply allocate it, in a fresh clash with Elon Musk's Starlink.

India's telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia last month said the government would allocate spectrum administratively in line with global trends but a final notification on how spectrum is given out will come after the telecom watchdog TRAI gives its feedback.

Musk's Starlink has expressed interest in launching in India following a successful launch in Africa which left local players bruised by low broadband prices and favours the government's approach to allocating spectrum.

Ravi Gandhi, a top Reliance policy executive, urged the telecom regulator TRAI on Friday, however, to review the decision, noting in an open house discussion hosted by TRAI that the move to allocate spectrum administratively is "the most discriminatory method of assigning any kind of government resource".

Starlink India executive Parnil Urdhwareshe on the other hand said India's allocation plan was "forward-looking".

Billionaire Ambani runs India's biggest telecom company, Reliance Jio. Analysts say a spectrum auction, requiring much more investment, would likely deter foreign rivals.

The TRAI's recommendations, which will be formed over coming weeks, will be critical in deciding the future course of how satellite spectrum is doled out.

Reliance, which has dominated India's telecom sector for years, is concerned that after spending $19 billion in airwave auctions it risks losing broadband customers to Musk, and potentially even data and voice clients later as technology advances, Reuters previously reported.

The methodology of giving out spectrum for satellite services in India has been a topic of contention between the billionaires.

Musk's Starlink, a unit of SpaceX, has 6,400 active satellites orbiting earth to provide low-latency broadband to 4 million customers.

Ambani once gave data for free on his mobile plans, but Musk is no stranger to such tactics.

In Kenya, Musk priced Starlink at $10 per month, versus $120 in United States, with rental plans available for higher hardware cost. Kenya's Safaricom in July complained to local regulators, calling for players like Starlink to be required to partner with mobile networks, and not operate independently. Mukesh Ambani's Reliance pressed India's telecom watchdog on Friday to reconsider its plan not to auction satellite spectrum but to simply allocate it, in a fresh clash with Elon Musk's Starlink.

India's telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia last month said the government would allocate spectrum administratively in line with global trends but a final notification on how spectrum is given out will come after the telecom watchdog TRAI gives its feedback.

Musk's Starlink has expressed interest in launching in India following a successful launch in Africa which left local players bruised by low broadband prices and favours the government's approach to allocating spectrum.

Ravi Gandhi, a top Reliance policy executive, urged the telecom regulator TRAI on Friday, however, to review the decision, noting in an open house discussion hosted by TRAI that the move to allocate spectrum administratively is "the most discriminatory method of assigning any kind of government resource".

Starlink India executive Parnil Urdhwareshe on the other hand said India's allocation plan was "forward-looking".

Billionaire Ambani runs India's biggest telecom company, Reliance Jio. Analysts say a spectrum auction, requiring much more investment, would likely deter foreign rivals.

The TRAI's recommendations, which will be formed over coming weeks, will be critical in deciding the future course of how satellite spectrum is doled out.

Reliance, which has dominated India's telecom sector for years, is concerned that after spending $19 billion in airwave auctions it risks losing broadband customers to Musk, and potentially even data and voice clients later as technology advances, Reuters previously reported.

The methodology of giving out spectrum for satellite services in India has been a topic of contention between the billionaires.

Musk's Starlink, a unit of SpaceX, has 6,400 active satellites orbiting earth to provide low-latency broadband to 4 million customers.

Ambani once gave data for free on his mobile plans, but Musk is no stranger to such tactics.

In Kenya, Musk priced Starlink at $10 per month, versus $120 in United States, with rental plans available for higher hardware cost. Kenya's Safaricom in July complained to local regulators, calling for players like Starlink to be required to partner with mobile networks, and not operate independently.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

‘Will run parallel J&K govt if…’: BJP warns Speaker, Congress-NC govt after MLAs ‘manhandled’ in assembly

J&K BJP leader Sunil Sharma's comments came after a massive row erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Friday over a resolution defending Article 370.

from mint - politics J&K BJP leader Sunil Sharma's comments came after a massive row erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Friday over a resolution defending Article 370.

Gadgets 360

Apple topped the global best-selling smartphones list in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, according to a report by a market research firm. The Cupertino-based tech giant took the top three spots, headlined by multiple models from its iPhone 15 series. Meanwhile, Samsung grabbed the most spots in the list, with a Galaxy S device entering the top 10 rankings for the first time since 2018. The top 10 models contributed to a share of 19 percent of the total smartphone market.

Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones

According to Counterpoint Research's Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, the iPhone 15 was the best-selling smartphone in the world in Q3 2024. It was closely followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro which took the second and third spots in the list, respectively. In total Apple managed to grab four spots, with the iPhone 14 also joining the lineup in the seventh place.

Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones Globally in Q3 2024
Photo Credit: Counterpoint Research

The research note suggests growing user preference for high-end smartphones is helping Apple bridge the sales gap between its standard and Pro models. It is the first time in a third quarter that the Pro variants contributed to half of the total iPhone sales in Q3, helping Apple achieve higher-value device sales.

On the other hand, Samsung was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with the most smartphones in the list; five. Four of these devices belonged to the budget A-series. However, the Samsung Galaxy S24 managed to grab the tenth place, becoming the first Galaxy S-series device to enter the top 10 rankings since 2018. The South Korean technology conglomerate is said to have larger customer segments in the entry and mid-price bands across geographies.

Both Apple and Samsung are expected to maintain their positions at the top courtesy of the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) on their smartphones. iPhone models get AI features with Apple Intelligence while Samsung handsets are powered by Galaxy AI. Both tech giants were joined by a budget device — the Redmi 13C 4G — which finished ninth in the rankings. Xiaomi was the only other manufacturer which managed to achieve high sales numbers apart from Apple and Samsung in Q3 2024.

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Apple topped the global best-selling smartphones list in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, according to a report by a market research firm. The Cupertino-based tech giant took the top three spots, headlined by multiple models from its iPhone 15 series. Meanwhile, Samsung grabbed the most spots in the list, with a Galaxy S device entering the top 10 rankings for the first time since 2018. The top 10 models contributed to a share of 19 percent of the total smartphone market.

Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones

According to Counterpoint Research's Global Handset Model Sales Tracker, the iPhone 15 was the best-selling smartphone in the world in Q3 2024. It was closely followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro which took the second and third spots in the list, respectively. In total Apple managed to grab four spots, with the iPhone 14 also joining the lineup in the seventh place.

Top 10 Best-Selling Smartphones Globally in Q3 2024
Photo Credit: Counterpoint Research

The research note suggests growing user preference for high-end smartphones is helping Apple bridge the sales gap between its standard and Pro models. It is the first time in a third quarter that the Pro variants contributed to half of the total iPhone sales in Q3, helping Apple achieve higher-value device sales.

On the other hand, Samsung was the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) with the most smartphones in the list; five. Four of these devices belonged to the budget A-series. However, the Samsung Galaxy S24 managed to grab the tenth place, becoming the first Galaxy S-series device to enter the top 10 rankings since 2018. The South Korean technology conglomerate is said to have larger customer segments in the entry and mid-price bands across geographies.

Both Apple and Samsung are expected to maintain their positions at the top courtesy of the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) on their smartphones. iPhone models get AI features with Apple Intelligence while Samsung handsets are powered by Galaxy AI. Both tech giants were joined by a budget device — the Redmi 13C 4G — which finished ninth in the rankings. Xiaomi was the only other manufacturer which managed to achieve high sales numbers apart from Apple and Samsung in Q3 2024.

LoP Rahul Gandhi writes to Kamala Harris post-US election defeat: 'Will continue our friendship…'

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, wrote to US Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting the strengthened cooperation between India and the US under the Biden administration and congratulating her on her presidential campaign's unifying message.

from mint - politics Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, wrote to US Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting the strengthened cooperation between India and the US under the Biden administration and congratulating her on her presidential campaign's unifying message.

Gadgets 360

Bird-inspired wing flaps might be the future of aviation, providing a boost to flight performance by improving lift and reducing drag. In a recent study, engineers investigated how “covert feathers” – the layered, overlapping feathers on bird wings – could be mimicked on aircraft wings to improve manoeuvrability and stability. According to a study, installing lightweight, passive flaps across an aircraft's wing surfaces could provide significant aerodynamic advantages, enabling planes to achieve enhanced lift and reduced drag.

A New Approach to Aircraft Flap Design

As per to research published on October 28 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Traditional aircraft wings typically use flaps and spoilers, controlled by mechanical systems to manage airflow during flight. However, this bio-inspired approach aims to replace complex controls with a passive design that activates solely through air pressure changes at high angles of attack – the position where wings meet incoming airflow head-on. Engineer Aimy Wissa, from Princeton University, explained that unlike conventional components, these flaps “are not controlled by motors or actuators” but respond naturally to airflow, offering simplicity and coverage across the entire wing surface.

Wind Tunnel Tests Reveal Enhanced Stability and Lift

In wind tunnel tests, researchers examined the impact of these feather-like flaps on airfoil models. Flaps positioned at the front of the wing guided airflow more effectively, improving lift and reducing drag. Additional rows of flaps intensified this effect, while rear-positioned flaps stabilised air pressure by preventing it from flowing forward, a crucial aspect of maintaining lift. The study found that a design with five rows of flaps increased lift by 45% and reduced drag by 31%, highlighting the potential of these flaps to optimise aerodynamics without complex machinery.

Potential Benefits for Modern Aviation

When tested on remote-controlled aircraft, the feather-like flaps also helped expand the range of safe flight angles by nine percent, reducing the likelihood of stall – a sudden loss of lift often encountered during steep climbs or sharp turns. This increased angle-of-attack range could make flights safer, particularly in turbulent conditions or during short runway landings. As Wissa observed, the passive flaps could support a broader range of manoeuvres, offering advantages for various aviation applications from commercial aircraft to drones.

 

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Bird-inspired wing flaps might be the future of aviation, providing a boost to flight performance by improving lift and reducing drag. In a recent study, engineers investigated how “covert feathers” – the layered, overlapping feathers on bird wings – could be mimicked on aircraft wings to improve manoeuvrability and stability. According to a study, installing lightweight, passive flaps across an aircraft's wing surfaces could provide significant aerodynamic advantages, enabling planes to achieve enhanced lift and reduced drag.

A New Approach to Aircraft Flap Design

As per to research published on October 28 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Traditional aircraft wings typically use flaps and spoilers, controlled by mechanical systems to manage airflow during flight. However, this bio-inspired approach aims to replace complex controls with a passive design that activates solely through air pressure changes at high angles of attack – the position where wings meet incoming airflow head-on. Engineer Aimy Wissa, from Princeton University, explained that unlike conventional components, these flaps “are not controlled by motors or actuators” but respond naturally to airflow, offering simplicity and coverage across the entire wing surface.

Wind Tunnel Tests Reveal Enhanced Stability and Lift

In wind tunnel tests, researchers examined the impact of these feather-like flaps on airfoil models. Flaps positioned at the front of the wing guided airflow more effectively, improving lift and reducing drag. Additional rows of flaps intensified this effect, while rear-positioned flaps stabilised air pressure by preventing it from flowing forward, a crucial aspect of maintaining lift. The study found that a design with five rows of flaps increased lift by 45% and reduced drag by 31%, highlighting the potential of these flaps to optimise aerodynamics without complex machinery.

Potential Benefits for Modern Aviation

When tested on remote-controlled aircraft, the feather-like flaps also helped expand the range of safe flight angles by nine percent, reducing the likelihood of stall – a sudden loss of lift often encountered during steep climbs or sharp turns. This increased angle-of-attack range could make flights safer, particularly in turbulent conditions or during short runway landings. As Wissa observed, the passive flaps could support a broader range of manoeuvres, offering advantages for various aviation applications from commercial aircraft to drones.

 

Gadgets 360

The Tamil war drama Amaran recently is set to premiere on Netflix later in the month of November. The movie, which showed some strong promise at the box office, will soon be available on the popular OTT platform. Reports indicate that the streaming giant acquired the film's digital rights for the war-drama movie. Following its theatrical success, Amaran will arrive on OTT in late November, providing wider access for audiences who missed its initial release.

As per a report by Filmibeat, the movie might be releasing on the popular OTT platform Netflix in third or fourth week of November. The report highlights that the OTT rights were sold to the popular streaming platform for Rs. 60 crore. That said, there is no official confirmation about the OTT release of Amaran, so you might have to wait a bit longer to know the final release date. 

Official Trailer and Plot of Amaran

The plot of Amaran centres around the courageous actions of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a decorated officer of the Indian Army's Rajput Regiment, who was awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of his final mission, a counterterrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir with the 44th Rashtriya Rifles. The trailer, launched before the film's theatrical debut, offers a glimpse into the film's intense battle sequences and emotional depth. Audiences can expect a high-stakes story that highlights real-life bravery and sacrifice.

Cast and Crew of Amaran

Directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, Amaran stars Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan, alongside Sai Pallavi in a prominent role. G.V. Prakash Kumar's musical compositions add to the film's atmosphere, while Sony Pictures International Productions and Raajkamal Films International serve as the production powerhouses behind the film. Legendary actor Kamal Haasan is among the film's producers, along with R. Mahendran and co-producer Vakil Khan, whose collective backing has amplified the movie's reach.

Reception of Amaran

Amaran has witnessed a promising start at the Tamil Nadu box office, with early figures suggesting it could reach Rs 125 crore in regional earnings alone, potentially surpassing Rs 150 crore globally. The film has reportedly garnered strong reviews, with audiences particularly praising its performances and the compelling depiction of military courage. This encouraging reception suggests a positive trajectory as Amaran heads towards its digital release on Netflix, where it aims to expand its viewership further.

 

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/wN5chsn

The Tamil war drama Amaran recently is set to premiere on Netflix later in the month of November. The movie, which showed some strong promise at the box office, will soon be available on the popular OTT platform. Reports indicate that the streaming giant acquired the film's digital rights for the war-drama movie. Following its theatrical success, Amaran will arrive on OTT in late November, providing wider access for audiences who missed its initial release.

As per a report by Filmibeat, the movie might be releasing on the popular OTT platform Netflix in third or fourth week of November. The report highlights that the OTT rights were sold to the popular streaming platform for Rs. 60 crore. That said, there is no official confirmation about the OTT release of Amaran, so you might have to wait a bit longer to know the final release date. 

Official Trailer and Plot of Amaran

The plot of Amaran centres around the courageous actions of Major Mukund Varadarajan, a decorated officer of the Indian Army's Rajput Regiment, who was awarded the Ashok Chakra posthumously. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of his final mission, a counterterrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir with the 44th Rashtriya Rifles. The trailer, launched before the film's theatrical debut, offers a glimpse into the film's intense battle sequences and emotional depth. Audiences can expect a high-stakes story that highlights real-life bravery and sacrifice.

Cast and Crew of Amaran

Directed by Rajkumar Periyasamy, Amaran stars Sivakarthikeyan as Major Mukund Varadarajan, alongside Sai Pallavi in a prominent role. G.V. Prakash Kumar's musical compositions add to the film's atmosphere, while Sony Pictures International Productions and Raajkamal Films International serve as the production powerhouses behind the film. Legendary actor Kamal Haasan is among the film's producers, along with R. Mahendran and co-producer Vakil Khan, whose collective backing has amplified the movie's reach.

Reception of Amaran

Amaran has witnessed a promising start at the Tamil Nadu box office, with early figures suggesting it could reach Rs 125 crore in regional earnings alone, potentially surpassing Rs 150 crore globally. The film has reportedly garnered strong reviews, with audiences particularly praising its performances and the compelling depiction of military courage. This encouraging reception suggests a positive trajectory as Amaran heads towards its digital release on Netflix, where it aims to expand its viewership further.

 

Gadgets 360

Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to make its debut early next year. Rumour mills hint towards major changes coming to Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup in terms of hardware. The latest leak comes courtesy of a tipster who has shared images of the alleged cases of the Galaxy S25 series. The images suggest a shift in the design strategy of the purported top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra compared to the existing model.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Cases Leak

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), reliable tipster Roland Quandt shared multiple images of alleged Galaxy S25 series cases. The snapshots suggest that the standard Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Plus may have similar design elements as the current models, including the placement of power and volume buttons on the right side.

S25, S25+, S25U silicon covers (third party) pic.twitter.com/V9yajt8aFX

— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) November 4, 2024

However, that does not appear to be the case with the purported Galaxy S25 Ultra. The images suggest it might come with rounded corners, moving away from the boxy design that has become synonymous with Samsung's Ultra models in the last few years. This development corroborates previous dummy unit leaks which hinted at the implementation of rounded corners on Samsung's flagship non-foldable smartphone.

All three smartphones in the purported S25 series seem to have a hole-punch cutout for the front camera and a vertically stacked rear camera module. As always, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's case appears to have more space for the extra cameras.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Specifications (Expected)

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is reported to sport a 6.86-inch AMOLED screen with thinner bezels than its predecessor. The purported handset may be equipped with a 200-megapixel primary camera, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto camera, a 50-megapixel 5x telephoto camera, and an upgraded 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. It is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with support for up to 16GB of RAM. The phone could pack a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W charging.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/w4TBxIe

Samsung Galaxy S25 series is expected to make its debut early next year. Rumour mills hint towards major changes coming to Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup in terms of hardware. The latest leak comes courtesy of a tipster who has shared images of the alleged cases of the Galaxy S25 series. The images suggest a shift in the design strategy of the purported top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra compared to the existing model.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Cases Leak

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), reliable tipster Roland Quandt shared multiple images of alleged Galaxy S25 series cases. The snapshots suggest that the standard Galaxy S25 and the Galaxy S25 Plus may have similar design elements as the current models, including the placement of power and volume buttons on the right side.

S25, S25+, S25U silicon covers (third party) pic.twitter.com/V9yajt8aFX

— Roland Quandt (@rquandt) November 4, 2024

However, that does not appear to be the case with the purported Galaxy S25 Ultra. The images suggest it might come with rounded corners, moving away from the boxy design that has become synonymous with Samsung's Ultra models in the last few years. This development corroborates previous dummy unit leaks which hinted at the implementation of rounded corners on Samsung's flagship non-foldable smartphone.

All three smartphones in the purported S25 series seem to have a hole-punch cutout for the front camera and a vertically stacked rear camera module. As always, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's case appears to have more space for the extra cameras.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Specifications (Expected)

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is reported to sport a 6.86-inch AMOLED screen with thinner bezels than its predecessor. The purported handset may be equipped with a 200-megapixel primary camera, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto camera, a 50-megapixel 5x telephoto camera, and an upgraded 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. It is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with support for up to 16GB of RAM. The phone could pack a 5,000mAh battery with support for 45W charging.

Gadgets 360

Rohit Wad, a computer science engineer from India's second tier city of Bhilai presently leads the technology initiatives at Binance, touted as the largest crypto exchange in the world. In conversation with Gadgets360 last week, Wad emphasised that for Web3 adoption to grow, developers must strike the right balance between convenience and security to ease user hesitations about exploring the space. Previously a Corporate VP at Microsoft, Wad took on the role of Binance's CTO in April 2022.

Wad was present at Binance Blockchain Week, that was recently held in Dubai to unite the crypto community. As the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Binance, the IIT Bombay alumnus is tasked with spearheading the development of scalable Web3 service offerings to serve the exchange's global user base, which exceeds 237 million registered users.

Speaking to Gadgets360, Wad shared that his vision for Binance focuses on combining the user-friendly features of familiar apps and interfaces with enhanced security measures. This approach aims to support users as they navigate the complexities of volatile cryptocurrencies in upcoming services.

“Many people on their phone with the banking app enable face recognition, right? This lets the app unlock very quickly, making face scanning convenient. But it's also insecure. The big thing that we are trying to figure out is how we can drive comfort and security into the crypto community through our services,” Wad said, advising other Web3 app makers also to concentrate on merging these two requirements in their services.

In a recent development, Binance onboarded Amazon Web Services (AWS) to access its suite of offerings to finetune the experience of Binance users with the AI-based products the exchange offers. As part of this partnership, the exchange will use the Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Elastic Container Service (Amazon ECS) to fuel its AI efforts for ‘intuitive customer service' experience.

It is however, noteworthy, that cyber criminals have been able to breach the AWS systems in the past. Back in 2022, hackers were reportedly able to violate Amazon cloud storage buckets, firewall misconfigurations, and vulnerabilities in AWS server configurations linked to Pegasus Airlines. At the time, over 6.5 TB of sensitive data had come under risk including social security numbers, credit card information, email addresses, phone numbers of over 600,000 Pegasus flyers.

However, Binance is placing its bets on AWS to power its internal automated system diagnostics and polish its user onboarding process.

Wad pointed out that Binance currently deploys multi-factor authorisation – another suggestion he extended to emerging Web3 developers – to prevent unauthorised access to its user funds and ensuring safety. He further explained how even if somebody was to use AI to initiate a breach they could be identified.

“We kind of know what your patterns were before, so, if your new patterns (the hackers' patterns) are very different from your previous patterns, we can flag this. We have enhanced checks that go in and that might stop or block your account. You can just say, okay, this account cannot do any withdrawals anymore, until you authenticate with the customer service staff. That's something that we can do completely on our end, yeah, and the two-factor authorisation is something that we are training or educating our users to do,” Wad said.

Amid growing number of hacks on Web-connected hot wallets – discussions around the need for more hardware wallet solutions had picked pace around the world. Wad said that Binance, as of now, does not have a hardware wallet service in the works. The exchange had launched a cold storage solution for institutional investors in January last year.

The exchange is also not working with third-party custody solutions because they believe that “our wallets and our multi signature systems are probably the best in the world, and so we don't work with someone else”, Wad stated.

Discussing the current challenges surrounding on-chain transfers at Binance, Wad emphasised the urgent need to improve transaction speeds. He explained that, at present, customers seeking faster transactions must pay hefty gas fees, resulting in excessive costs. Wad highlighted that finding a comprehensive solution to this issue is a key area of focus for Binance.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/GbydgqE

Rohit Wad, a computer science engineer from India's second tier city of Bhilai presently leads the technology initiatives at Binance, touted as the largest crypto exchange in the world. In conversation with Gadgets360 last week, Wad emphasised that for Web3 adoption to grow, developers must strike the right balance between convenience and security to ease user hesitations about exploring the space. Previously a Corporate VP at Microsoft, Wad took on the role of Binance's CTO in April 2022.

Wad was present at Binance Blockchain Week, that was recently held in Dubai to unite the crypto community. As the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Binance, the IIT Bombay alumnus is tasked with spearheading the development of scalable Web3 service offerings to serve the exchange's global user base, which exceeds 237 million registered users.

Speaking to Gadgets360, Wad shared that his vision for Binance focuses on combining the user-friendly features of familiar apps and interfaces with enhanced security measures. This approach aims to support users as they navigate the complexities of volatile cryptocurrencies in upcoming services.

“Many people on their phone with the banking app enable face recognition, right? This lets the app unlock very quickly, making face scanning convenient. But it's also insecure. The big thing that we are trying to figure out is how we can drive comfort and security into the crypto community through our services,” Wad said, advising other Web3 app makers also to concentrate on merging these two requirements in their services.

In a recent development, Binance onboarded Amazon Web Services (AWS) to access its suite of offerings to finetune the experience of Binance users with the AI-based products the exchange offers. As part of this partnership, the exchange will use the Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Elastic Container Service (Amazon ECS) to fuel its AI efforts for ‘intuitive customer service' experience.

It is however, noteworthy, that cyber criminals have been able to breach the AWS systems in the past. Back in 2022, hackers were reportedly able to violate Amazon cloud storage buckets, firewall misconfigurations, and vulnerabilities in AWS server configurations linked to Pegasus Airlines. At the time, over 6.5 TB of sensitive data had come under risk including social security numbers, credit card information, email addresses, phone numbers of over 600,000 Pegasus flyers.

However, Binance is placing its bets on AWS to power its internal automated system diagnostics and polish its user onboarding process.

Wad pointed out that Binance currently deploys multi-factor authorisation – another suggestion he extended to emerging Web3 developers – to prevent unauthorised access to its user funds and ensuring safety. He further explained how even if somebody was to use AI to initiate a breach they could be identified.

“We kind of know what your patterns were before, so, if your new patterns (the hackers' patterns) are very different from your previous patterns, we can flag this. We have enhanced checks that go in and that might stop or block your account. You can just say, okay, this account cannot do any withdrawals anymore, until you authenticate with the customer service staff. That's something that we can do completely on our end, yeah, and the two-factor authorisation is something that we are training or educating our users to do,” Wad said.

Amid growing number of hacks on Web-connected hot wallets – discussions around the need for more hardware wallet solutions had picked pace around the world. Wad said that Binance, as of now, does not have a hardware wallet service in the works. The exchange had launched a cold storage solution for institutional investors in January last year.

The exchange is also not working with third-party custody solutions because they believe that “our wallets and our multi signature systems are probably the best in the world, and so we don't work with someone else”, Wad stated.

Discussing the current challenges surrounding on-chain transfers at Binance, Wad emphasised the urgent need to improve transaction speeds. He explained that, at present, customers seeking faster transactions must pay hefty gas fees, resulting in excessive costs. Wad highlighted that finding a comprehensive solution to this issue is a key area of focus for Binance.

Gadgets 360

The electric two-wheelers segment is gaining quite a lot of traction this year. We have seen multiple brands launching their EV scooters in the country at different price points. That said, major bike makers are also eyeing this segment. We have brands like Honda, TVS, and Suzuki, reportedly working on EV vehicles that might launch in the first half of 2025. And with the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 right around the corner, one might expected announcements of multiple electric scooters for the Indian market. That said, in this article, we will focusing majorly on three electric two-wheelers, which are also one of the most anticipated launches in the upcoming months. So, without further ado, let's begin. 

Honda Activa EV 

Honda Motors is reportedly working to launch its first electric scooter for the Indian market in March 2025.

Specifications

Honda Activa EV could share similarities with Activa 110. The two-wheeler might sport two Honda Mobile Power Packs, which could be detachable and swappable. The scooter might also come loaded with an on-board fully digital touchscreen instrumental console, keyless start and stop feature. It is expected to have a range of 100+ km when fully charged.

Expected Price in India

The upcoming EV is expected to be priced somewhere around Rs 1 Lakh (ex-showroom). The scooter could be a direct competitor of Ola S1, TVS iQube and Ather 450. Honda Activa EV is expected to make its global debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January in New Delhi next year.

TVS Jupiter EV 

TVS is also reported to launch two eletric vehicles in India in the next six months. As per multiple reports, the brand might launch one electric vehicle for B2B market and another could be an electric version of its popular scooter, TVS Jupiter. 

Specifications

The Jupiter EV is anticipated to be a mass-market product which will be targeted to everyday commuters. The two-wheeler is expected to have a range of 70-80 km on a single charge.

Expected Price in India 

The scooter is expected to be priced below the Rs 1 Lakh mark (ex-showroom).

Suzuki Burgman EV 

As per Gaadiwaadi, the Japanese automobile maker's first electric scooter could be none other than the Burgman EV. The scooter is expected to enter production in December 2024. Suzuki has also reportedly set a annual sales target of 25,000 units for Burgman EV.

Specifications

The two-wheeler is expected to get a fixed battery pack rather than the detachable battery which was claimed earlier in spy images. Not much is revealed about the two-wheeler at the moment.

Expected Price in India

Codenamed as XF091, the scooter is expected to make its debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in January next year. Nothing is revealed about the price of the vehicle.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/EP1jbQx

The electric two-wheelers segment is gaining quite a lot of traction this year. We have seen multiple brands launching their EV scooters in the country at different price points. That said, major bike makers are also eyeing this segment. We have brands like Honda, TVS, and Suzuki, reportedly working on EV vehicles that might launch in the first half of 2025. And with the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 right around the corner, one might expected announcements of multiple electric scooters for the Indian market. That said, in this article, we will focusing majorly on three electric two-wheelers, which are also one of the most anticipated launches in the upcoming months. So, without further ado, let's begin. 

Honda Activa EV 

Honda Motors is reportedly working to launch its first electric scooter for the Indian market in March 2025.

Specifications

Honda Activa EV could share similarities with Activa 110. The two-wheeler might sport two Honda Mobile Power Packs, which could be detachable and swappable. The scooter might also come loaded with an on-board fully digital touchscreen instrumental console, keyless start and stop feature. It is expected to have a range of 100+ km when fully charged.

Expected Price in India

The upcoming EV is expected to be priced somewhere around Rs 1 Lakh (ex-showroom). The scooter could be a direct competitor of Ola S1, TVS iQube and Ather 450. Honda Activa EV is expected to make its global debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January in New Delhi next year.

TVS Jupiter EV 

TVS is also reported to launch two eletric vehicles in India in the next six months. As per multiple reports, the brand might launch one electric vehicle for B2B market and another could be an electric version of its popular scooter, TVS Jupiter. 

Specifications

The Jupiter EV is anticipated to be a mass-market product which will be targeted to everyday commuters. The two-wheeler is expected to have a range of 70-80 km on a single charge.

Expected Price in India 

The scooter is expected to be priced below the Rs 1 Lakh mark (ex-showroom).

Suzuki Burgman EV 

As per Gaadiwaadi, the Japanese automobile maker's first electric scooter could be none other than the Burgman EV. The scooter is expected to enter production in December 2024. Suzuki has also reportedly set a annual sales target of 25,000 units for Burgman EV.

Specifications

The two-wheeler is expected to get a fixed battery pack rather than the detachable battery which was claimed earlier in spy images. Not much is revealed about the two-wheeler at the moment.

Expected Price in India

Codenamed as XF091, the scooter is expected to make its debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in January next year. Nothing is revealed about the price of the vehicle.

Maharashtra Elections: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange withdraws from polls, says 'will decide whom to defeat...'

Manoj Jarange, a Maratha quota activist, declared he won't back any contestants or parties in the Maharashtra assembly polls and advised his supporters to withdraw their nominations.

from mint - politics Manoj Jarange, a Maratha quota activist, declared he won't back any contestants or parties in the Maharashtra assembly polls and advised his supporters to withdraw their nominations.

Calls to reduce court intervention in Arbitration Act amendment as consultation window closes

Reforms pitched by the government still have provisions which would delay dispute resolution by allowing courts to intervene, said experts.

from mint - politics Reforms pitched by the government still have provisions which would delay dispute resolution by allowing courts to intervene, said experts.

‘Bored of him’: Rahul Gandhi refrains from criticising PM Modi in Wayanad while campaigning for sister Priyanka

During a Wayanad campaign, Rahul Gandhi deemed PM Modi a boring topic, focusing instead on his sister Priyanka. The Wayanad bypolls are scheduled for November 13.

from mint - politics During a Wayanad campaign, Rahul Gandhi deemed PM Modi a boring topic, focusing instead on his sister Priyanka. The Wayanad bypolls are scheduled for November 13.

Sanjay Singh takes jibe at CM Yogi's ‘Batoge toh katoge’ remark: BJP will finish Ambedkar's constitution if…

In a press conference, Sanjay Singh condemned the BJP's actions against Kejriwal's padyatra, emphasising the need for unity among marginalized communities. He highlighted public support for AAP and criticized the BJP for avoiding key electoral issues.

from mint - politics In a press conference, Sanjay Singh condemned the BJP's actions against Kejriwal's padyatra, emphasising the need for unity among marginalized communities. He highlighted public support for AAP and criticized the BJP for avoiding key electoral issues.

Jammu and Kashmir: Sat Sharma appointed J-K BJP president

JP Nadda has appointed Sat Sharma as the new chairman for BJP Jammu and Kashmir, while the current president, Ravinder Raina, will become a National Executive Member.

from mint - politics JP Nadda has appointed Sat Sharma as the new chairman for BJP Jammu and Kashmir, while the current president, Ravinder Raina, will become a National Executive Member.

Narasimha Varahi Ganam: All about Pawan Kalyan's Sanatana Dharma protection wing in Janasena party

Pawan Kalyan announced the formation of a new party wing, Narasimha Varahi Ganam, to protect Sanatana Dharma. He emphasized respect for all religions while warning against those who criticize Hinduism, stating that they will face consequences.

from mint - politics Pawan Kalyan announced the formation of a new party wing, Narasimha Varahi Ganam, to protect Sanatana Dharma. He emphasized respect for all religions while warning against those who criticize Hinduism, stating that they will face consequences.

‘Balasaheb would have broken his…’: CM Shinde, BJP slam Arvind Sawant over ‘imported maal’ remark on Shaina NC

Arvind Sawant's derogatory comments about Shaina NC sparked outrage in Maharashtra politics. Kirit Somaiya and CM Eknath Shinde condemned the remarks, highlighting the importance of respectful language towards women in politics as the state prepares for elections on November 20.

from mint - politics Arvind Sawant's derogatory comments about Shaina NC sparked outrage in Maharashtra politics. Kirit Somaiya and CM Eknath Shinde condemned the remarks, highlighting the importance of respectful language towards women in politics as the state prepares for elections on November 20.

Gadgets 360

Walt Disney is forming a new group to coordinate the company's use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and mixed reality, as the media giant explores applications across its film, television and theme park divisions.

The newly formed Office of Technology Enablement will be led by Jamie Voris, the film studio's chief technology officer who spearheaded development of Disney's app for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality device, an email seen on Friday by Reuters showed. Eddie Drake will succeed Voris as the studio's CTO.

"The pace and scope of the advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors and our businesses for years to come - making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks," Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman wrote.

"The creation of this group underscores our dedication to doing that."

Bergman noted the unit will focus on fast-moving areas of technology, such as AI and mixed reality, which blends the physical and digital worlds. It will not centralize work on these projects, but rather, ensure the various projects around the company fit with its broader strategy.

Voris will report to Bergman. The Office of Technology Enablement, which launches with a core leadership team, is expected to grow to about 100 employees, a person familiar with the matter said.

Reuters first reported Disney had formed a task force to study artificial intelligence and how it could be applied across the entertainment conglomerate.

Various divisions within Disney are exploring applications for augmented reality, which places digital elements into the real world; virtual reality, which immerses the user in a simulated environment; and mixed reality, which combines both.

Disney has been building expertise across the organization to capitalize on the emerging technology.

For example, Kyle Laughlin, a Disney veteran with a background in augmented and virtual reality and AI, returned to the company in March as senior vice president of research and development for Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force behind Disney's theme park attractions. He briefly left Disney in 2019 to lead Amazon's Alexa Gadgets division.

As Meta and Snap unveiled a new generation of lightweight glasses that provide consumers a fashionable alternative to bulky VR goggles, Disney has been quietly assembling a team focused on how best to harness the technology to bring new experiences to the company's theme parks and consumers' homes, seven sources told Reuters.

Tech companies have sold about 1.7 million AR/VR headsets so far this year, data from market research firm IDC showed. Meta is still the clear market leader, with a 60.5% market share, but is starting to face pressure in the space from competitors like Sony, Apple and ByteDance.

Google also has been signaling this year that it may return to the AR/VR market.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

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Walt Disney is forming a new group to coordinate the company's use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and mixed reality, as the media giant explores applications across its film, television and theme park divisions.

The newly formed Office of Technology Enablement will be led by Jamie Voris, the film studio's chief technology officer who spearheaded development of Disney's app for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality device, an email seen on Friday by Reuters showed. Eddie Drake will succeed Voris as the studio's CTO.

"The pace and scope of the advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors and our businesses for years to come - making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks," Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman wrote.

"The creation of this group underscores our dedication to doing that."

Bergman noted the unit will focus on fast-moving areas of technology, such as AI and mixed reality, which blends the physical and digital worlds. It will not centralize work on these projects, but rather, ensure the various projects around the company fit with its broader strategy.

Voris will report to Bergman. The Office of Technology Enablement, which launches with a core leadership team, is expected to grow to about 100 employees, a person familiar with the matter said.

Reuters first reported Disney had formed a task force to study artificial intelligence and how it could be applied across the entertainment conglomerate.

Various divisions within Disney are exploring applications for augmented reality, which places digital elements into the real world; virtual reality, which immerses the user in a simulated environment; and mixed reality, which combines both.

Disney has been building expertise across the organization to capitalize on the emerging technology.

For example, Kyle Laughlin, a Disney veteran with a background in augmented and virtual reality and AI, returned to the company in March as senior vice president of research and development for Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force behind Disney's theme park attractions. He briefly left Disney in 2019 to lead Amazon's Alexa Gadgets division.

As Meta and Snap unveiled a new generation of lightweight glasses that provide consumers a fashionable alternative to bulky VR goggles, Disney has been quietly assembling a team focused on how best to harness the technology to bring new experiences to the company's theme parks and consumers' homes, seven sources told Reuters.

Tech companies have sold about 1.7 million AR/VR headsets so far this year, data from market research firm IDC showed. Meta is still the clear market leader, with a 60.5% market share, but is starting to face pressure in the space from competitors like Sony, Apple and ByteDance.

Google also has been signaling this year that it may return to the AR/VR market.

© Thomson Reuters 2024

'B in BJP stands for betrayal, J stands for jumla': Modi and Kharge clash over Karnataka election promises | 10 points

In Karnataka, PM Modi criticizes Congress for failing promises, igniting a political debate. Congress retaliates, labeling BJP's government as deceitful, while both parties argue over economic issues and accountability.

from mint - politics In Karnataka, PM Modi criticizes Congress for failing promises, igniting a political debate. Congress retaliates, labeling BJP's government as deceitful, while both parties argue over economic issues and accountability.

Arvind Sawant 'imported maal' remark: Shaina NC says 'Maha Vinash Aghadi' doesn't' respect women; NCW chief seeks action

Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed his comments about Shaina NC were misinterpreted amid backlash. The National Commission for Women criticized his remarks and prompted legal action for defamation and outraging a woman's modesty, emphasizing that women will respond to such derogatory comments.

from mint - politics Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed his comments about Shaina NC were misinterpreted amid backlash. The National Commission for Women criticized his remarks and prompted legal action for defamation and outraging a woman's modesty, emphasizing that women will respond to such derogatory comments.

Gadgets 360

Android 16 will be released in the first half of 2025, according to details shared by Google. Unlike the latest version of the company's operating system that was rolled out to Pixel phones in October, Google will launch its next major Android version earlier next year, followed by a minor release by the end of the year. As a result, the company will have more frequent Android software development kit (SDK) releases, as part of ongoing efforts to brings new features to users, while improving app stability.

Google Effectively Confirms Android 16 Release Timeline

In a post on the Android Developers Blog, the company says that it will have a major release in Q2 2025 (instead of the typical Q3 launch window), followed by a minor release in the fourth quarter. Google says the decision was made to "better align with the schedule of device launches" that would enable Android 16 to be rolled out to eligible devices at a faster rate.

Android 16 will be released in Q2 2025
Photo Credit: Google Developers Blog

 

The major SDK release in Q2 2025 will include behaviour changes (that affect how apps function on Android) as well as APIs and features, according to Google. This is when Android 16 is expected to be released as the company only introduces a major SDK release with a new version of Android.

After Android 16 is rolled out, Google will roll out incremental updates in Q3 2025, followed by a second, minor Android 16 SDK release in Q4 2025. Google says that this release will include new APIs and features, but it will not introduce new behaviour changes that have an impact on apps.

Developers and enthusiasts might be able to test out Android 16 soon, as the company has teased the arrival of the first developer preview. This is not surprising, as there are about five months before the company is expected to launch Android 16.

Earlier this year, Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series that arrived with the one-year-old Android 14 out-of-the-box. The company's smartphones received the update to Android 15 two months later, on October 15. The earlier Android 16 release timeline should ensure that the Pixel 10 series will be running the latest version of Google's operating system in 2025.

from Gadgets 360 https://ift.tt/UAH2bTY

Android 16 will be released in the first half of 2025, according to details shared by Google. Unlike the latest version of the company's operating system that was rolled out to Pixel phones in October, Google will launch its next major Android version earlier next year, followed by a minor release by the end of the year. As a result, the company will have more frequent Android software development kit (SDK) releases, as part of ongoing efforts to brings new features to users, while improving app stability.

Google Effectively Confirms Android 16 Release Timeline

In a post on the Android Developers Blog, the company says that it will have a major release in Q2 2025 (instead of the typical Q3 launch window), followed by a minor release in the fourth quarter. Google says the decision was made to "better align with the schedule of device launches" that would enable Android 16 to be rolled out to eligible devices at a faster rate.

Android 16 will be released in Q2 2025
Photo Credit: Google Developers Blog

 

The major SDK release in Q2 2025 will include behaviour changes (that affect how apps function on Android) as well as APIs and features, according to Google. This is when Android 16 is expected to be released as the company only introduces a major SDK release with a new version of Android.

After Android 16 is rolled out, Google will roll out incremental updates in Q3 2025, followed by a second, minor Android 16 SDK release in Q4 2025. Google says that this release will include new APIs and features, but it will not introduce new behaviour changes that have an impact on apps.

Developers and enthusiasts might be able to test out Android 16 soon, as the company has teased the arrival of the first developer preview. This is not surprising, as there are about five months before the company is expected to launch Android 16.

Earlier this year, Google unveiled the Pixel 9 series that arrived with the one-year-old Android 14 out-of-the-box. The company's smartphones received the update to Android 15 two months later, on October 15. The earlier Android 16 release timeline should ensure that the Pixel 10 series will be running the latest version of Google's operating system in 2025.