In 2023, American tech giant Apple beat out competitors in the BigTech space to acquire the most startups. According to Stocklytics, which gathered their data from Statista, Apple purchased up to 32 artificial intelligence startups last year to strengthen its AI capabilities. This strategic move bolsters Apple's AI capabilities across its products and services. Financial analyst Edith Reads highlighted Apple's significant deals, which bring in top talent and innovative technologies. While Apple remains discreet about its AI integration plans, its approach encompasses talent acquisition, te
NASA's Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, has wrapped up its groundbreaking mission after completing an impressive 72 flights (roughly 129 minutes of flight time in the skies of Mars) on the red planet. Initially conceived as a brief technological demonstration, Ingenuity exceeded expectations by demonstrating the potential for aerial exploration on distant planets. Despite its diminutive 4-pound size and initial plans for just five flights, Ingenuity surpassed predictions, showcasing the viability of flight in Mars' thin atmosphere, which is only 1% of Earth's volume. However, during its 72nd
The US government is expected to fund billions of dollars in subsidies for top semiconductor companies, including Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). Other top contenders include Samsung Electronics, Micron Technology, Texas Instruments, and GlobalFoundaries. According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report on Saturday, the upcoming announcement was made to help build new factories in the US. It further aims to kick-start the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors that power smartphones, AI, and weapon systems. The department spokesperson said that CHIPS awards w
On Saturday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the handover of its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The satellite is configured around ISRO's I-2k bus platform with a liftoff mass of 2275 kg. ISRO concluded its vital testing of the INSAT-3DS satellite, which included satellite assembly, integration, and testing activities completed at the Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. The INSAT-3DS is a user-funded initiative with the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) and was flagged to Sriharikota for t
On Sunday, Iran launched three domestically developed satellites into orbit using the Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite carrier, nearly a week after the launch of a research satellite by the Revolutionary Guards drew Western criticism. It also stated that the satellites were launched into a minimum orbit of 450 kilometers (280 miles). Iran's Space Agency constructed the 32-kilogram Mahda satellite, which is intended to test sophisticated satellite components. Kayhan 2 and Hatef weigh less than 10 kg each and will test narrowband communication and space-based locating technologies. The Islamic Re
Japan is all set to attempt its historic touchdown on the lunar surface this weekend with its ‘Moon Sniper’ spacecraft. Moon Sniper is one of the highly anticipated feet for Japan after its two previous failed lunar missions. Japan aims to become the fifth nation to achieve the big feet needed to make a soft landing on the rocky surface. The nations that have achieved a soft landing are the United States, the Soviet Union, China, and India. Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon (SLIM) was carefully designed to accomplish the soft landing. Developed by JAXA, SLIM is equip
In a historic moment for India's space exploration endeavors, the Aditya-L1 mission has successfully reached its final destination – a point in space about 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. The achievement has garnered accolades from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for accomplishing an "extraordinary feat" that positions the nation as a formidable player in space research and solar studies. The Aditya-L1 mission, India's first dedicated scientific expedition to study the Sun, has been in the works for several years. The spacecr
In a significant move to bolster domestic semiconductor production, the United States government has announced a substantial award of $162 million to Microchip Technology. This strategic initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's technological infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign semiconductor suppliers. Microchip Technology, a leading player in the semiconductor industry, is set to receive this funding as part of the CHIPS for America program. This program is designed to revive and boost the U.S. semiconductor industry, which is critical for various sect
The Indian state of Gujarat is actively engaging in talks with leading Japanese and American firms, positioning itself at the forefront of India's ambitious plan to become a hub for semiconductor manufacturing. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader vision to bolster India's position in the global technology sector and reduce dependence on imported microchips. As digital technology increasingly becomes the cornerstone of economic development, the strategic move to develop a domestic chipmaking industry is seen as a vital step for India. The Gujarat government's
In a landmark collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX, ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), is gearing up to launch the GSAT-20 satellite aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket. This significant venture marks a pivotal moment in the history of space exploration, showcasing a unique blend of Indian innovation and American technological prowess. The GSAT-20, a state-of-the-art communication satellite, is designed to enhance India's telecommunications infrastructure, expanding internet and broadcasting services across the country, including r