With the launch of Chandrayaan-3 today (July 14), the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to make its second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon. It was back in 2019 when Chandrayaan-2’s lander and rover crashed on the moon’s surface due to issues that emerged during the last stage of descent. The entire country has erupted with anticipation surrounding the Chandrayaan-3 launch. Once the mission sees a successful ‘Soft’ landing, India will become the fourth country to do so, behind the United States, Russia, and China. Here’s everything you need to know about the Chandryaan-3 mission:
Chandrayaan-3: A Pinnacle in Indian space exploration
Chandrayaan-3’s mission is to demonstrate India’s growing technical capabilities in the field ad conduct of soft landing on the moon. The soft landing is a significant feat in space exploration and India successfully achieving it would make the country one of the key players around the world. A soft landing refers to a spacecraft coming to a near standstill and gently landing on a surface after hurtling through space at speeds 10 times faster than an aeroplane. All of this is done in a matter of minutes and without any human intervention.
The payloads on the lander and rover remain the same as they were in the previous mission. Chandrayaan-3 will carry four scientific payloads on the lander to study the lunar quakes, thermal properties, and changes in plasma near the surface. Additionally, a passive experiment to accurately measure the distance between the Earth and the Moon will also be taking place during the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The landing site of the latest mission is also reportedly the same as the Chandrayaan-2. The landing site is near the south pole of the moon at 70 degrees latitude. If the mission is successful, Chandrayaan-3 will become the world’s first mission to soft-land near the lunar south pole.
The launch window
Chandrayaan-3 is set to take off at 2:35 PM precisely. The launch window of a spacecraft is crucial due to multiple reasons. If the spacecraft intends to get close to a space station, a planet, or other points in space, the launch needs to be carefully timed so that their orbits overlap at some point in the future. If the weather is bad or a malfunction happens during the launch window then the mission gets postponed until the next launch window appropriate for the flight.
The ongoing turmoil between Musk-owned Twitter and Zuckerberg-owned Threads seems to be taking an exciting turn daily. It is good to see that Twitter officials are not just busy complaining about how Threads is a plagiarised application but are also actively working on bringing valuable updates. At the time of the launch of Twitter Blue, Elon had promised that additional features besides just the checkmark verification will be launched soon. However, the promises did not translate to reality all this time except for a few features here and there like uploading longer videos. According to new reports, Twitter Blue subscribers will soon be able to hide the like button and also hide the number of subscribers from the audience.
New Twitter Blue features
Twitter’s like count has been public ever since its inception. The public likes count is in itself a viral trend as many users gain attention on the platform just by liking bizarre content. The ability to be able to hide the likes tab on your profile is no less than a blessing for some users who are habitual to dropping likes on odd content. The likes tab will only be visible to a user after they’ve disabled it. On the other hand, they will still be able to like and see the number of likes on posts from other users. One thing which is a matter of concern here is whether their likes will be public for general users, there’s no clarity on that as of now. Similarly, if a Twitter Blue user decides to hide the number of subscribers then only they can see the subscriber list on their profile.
The blue tick which was earlier limited to well-known personalities and organizations was deemed as a corrupt division between people by Elon Musk. This resulted in Musk launching the Twitter Blue subscription which allows users to get the verified status on their profile by paying a monthly fee. However, this has resulted in reduced traffic on the microblogging platform with many looking for an alternative.
How many times have you been on a flight and do not turn on fight mode right until your connection goes out after take off? I do not blame you as the constant need to stay connected to the internet is something I struggle with too. However, it looks like Google is all set to make things a little more difficult for people like us as they work on a feature which automatically turns on the flight mode on your device!
Google’s new Android feature
Google is reportedly working on a new Android feature which will help users automatically turn on Airplane mode during a flight. The technology is also designed to improve functionalities for the aeroplane mode. The company has filed a patent for this new feature via World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that is titled ‘Activating a Connected Flight Mode’. So, how exactly does this feature work?
The new patent calls for sensors on an Android device to determine whether a person is flying by tracking changes in acceleration and speed, by listening to certain sounds, and by a drop in air pressure.
According to the patent filing, the sensor triggers would enable the ‘Connected Flight Mode’ feature along with contextual factors of the user such as travel booking activity and check-in status. Google has also shared an illustration of the patent. Check it out below –
Lights, camera, deepfakes! Hollywood, the epitome of glitz and glamour, is no stranger to pushing boundaries and embracing technological advancements. As AI and deepfake technology continue to evolve at a breakneck pace, the entertainment industry finds itself at a crossroads of excitement and trepidation. Over the past few years, fans of Hollywood films have been subjected to some visual scrutiny. It was The Mandalorian’s season 2 finale which introduced an AI-generated young Luke Skywalker who looked like he was made out of rubber. Just recently, watching The Flash in the cinemas was yet another painful experience due to the jarring VFX effects which were later revealed to be generated and enhanced with the contribution of AI. Let’s embark on a whimsical exploration of the potential negative impacts of AI and deep fakes on Hollywood, where reality and fiction dance a delicate tango.
The Uncanny Valley of Illusions
Deepfake technology, with its ability to seamlessly replace one face with another, offers limitless possibilities for storytelling. But what happens when we can no longer trust our eyes? Picture an audience bewildered, desperately trying to distinguish between a genuine actor and a hyper-realistic AI-generated doppelgänger. We’ve already had glimpses of this phenomenon when Hollywood flirted with deep fakes in films like “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” where the late Peter Cushing was digitally resurrected as Grand Moff Tarkin. While the visual effects were impressive, it left us pondering, “Was that truly Peter Cushing, or just an impeccably crafted digital resurrection?” Rogue One’s implementation of AI to recreate human characters opened a can of worms in Hollywood. In my opinion, recreating Christopher Reeves’ Superman with the help of AI for the finale sequence in The Flash was inhuman, as the actor passed away long back. The line between the real and the virtual is becoming blurred, treading dangerously close to the dreaded ‘uncanny valley.’
The Rise of AI Directors
Imagine a future where a robot director, clad in a bowtie and wielding a pocket protector, calls the shots in a Hollywood boardroom. Armed with sophisticated algorithms and an encyclopedic knowledge of film history, this artificial auteur analyzes audience preferences and calculates the perfect formula for blockbuster success. Who needs human intuition when a machine can predict it all? As AI-powered filmmakers emerge, we may find ourselves questioning the very essence of auteurship. Will we witness an Oscar-winning film directed by a machine, with acceptance speeches consisting of lines of binary code? While the thought may be met with a mix of humour and scepticism, it raises intriguing questions about the convergence of creativity and artificial intelligence.
A Deepfake Renaissance
The allure of deep fakes goes beyond mere facial manipulation. With AI mastering the art of mimicking an actor’s voice, performances can be fabricated entirely. Imagine an AI algorithm breathing life into Marlon Brando’s iconic voice, delivering new lines that the virtual Brando himself improvises. Suddenly, the entertainment industry is flooded with beloved actors who never age, never retire, and whose performances can be resurrected long after they’ve left the stage. While the concept is undeniably fascinating, it also raises concerns about the boundaries between homage and identity theft, blurring the line between authenticity and deception. Will we find ourselves in a world where film historians debate whether a specific performance was by the real Al Pacino or his AI-generated counterpart?
Stunt Doubles Out of Work
Action-packed movies have traditionally relied on fearless stunt performers to bring jaw-dropping sequences to life. However, with AI and motion-capture technology advancements, we may witness the rise of digital daredevils. Envision a world where Tom Cruise’s digital alter ego defies gravity without breaking a sweat, leaving the real Tom Cruise comfortably perched on a green-screened sofa, sipping a virtual piña colada. While it may save lives and production costs, it risks turning Hollywood into a realm where danger is pixelated, and the adrenaline of real stunts becomes a distant memory. Are we ready for a world where the only risk involved is a computer crashing mid-action sequence, resulting in a catastrophic outbreak of virtual chaos?
As AI and deep fake technology continue to evolve, their impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry cannot be ignored. From the blurred lines of reality to the potential replacement of human creativity, the quirky perils of this new era invite both excitement and unease. While we might chuckle at the thought of an AI director or marvel at digital actors defying the laws of physics, it is crucial to reflect on the delicate balance between innovation and preserving the human touch. In this brave new world, we can utilize AI and deep fake technology as valuable tools without sacrificing the essence of the art form that has captivated audiences for over a century.
Apple Indian fanboys rejoice! Tata Group, the largest Indian conglomerate is about to crack a historic deal which will undoubtedly change India’s tech industry landscape. Tata Group is nearing an agreement to acquire an Apple Inc. Supplier’s factory. The deal could go through as early as August. This would make Tata Group the first-ever Indian company to delve into iPhone assembly.
Tata Group leaps forward
Tata already has a strong footprint in the electronics sector and the dream of transforming India into a global manufacturing hub seems to coming to reality. The company is likely to acquire Apple’s supplier factory in Karnataka for over $600 million. The factory is currently owned by Wistron Corp which is a Taiwanese multinational electronics contract manufacturer. The industrial unit has reportedly been the subject of negotiations for nearly a year. It has a potential value exceeding $600 million and currently employs over 10,000 people. The factory currently assembles the latest iPhone 14 models. This transition will result in the Taiwanese company Wistron officially ending all its production operations in the country.
Tata Group’s decision to move to assemble iPhones marks its entry into new territories in the tech sector. The conglomerate already manufactures iPhone chassis in Tamil Nadu. Tata Group had previously expressed its ambitions of entering the chipmaking industry. This move positions Tata as one of the prominent tech players in the global market. India’s Prime Minister has initiated several programs which incentivize manufacturing growth in the country. Tata Group’s new deal could also motivate global brands from around the world to consider India as a reliable manufacturing location.
Apple, on the other hand, has been keenly interested in increasing its operations in India. Just recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited India and singled out the country as being pivotal for both being a production base and a customer market.
Influencer-backed products have become all the rage in recent years. Gone are the days when teens and preteens used to get influenced by actors and pop stars. Now, social media personalities have taken up the spotlight. Recently, KSI and Logan Paul’s PRIME drink earned viral popularity among children. Kids and their helpless parents were seen lining up for hours to get their hands on the drink during the initial launch of the drink. Beyond the launch, the drink has also faced multiple shortages in supply due to ever-increasing demand. However, PRIME is now facing scrutiny and heavy criticism for its high caffeine content and kid-friendly flavours.
PRIME under legal scrutiny
The drink has become insanely famous amongst teens and preteens despite the warning label that it’s not recommended for kids under the age of 18. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently asked FDA to look into the drink and wants a stronger warning for parents about the high levels of caffeine. Senator Schumer called PRIME drink the ‘cauldron of caffeine’ as a single 12-oz can has 200 milligrams of caffeine. This translates to drinking six cans of Coke or two Red Bull energy drinks. It’s undoubtedly too much caffeine to drink all at once.
Sadly, the drink has become a hot commodity amongst kids due to KSI and Logan Paul being associated with it. The Democratic senator in a news conference in New York shared that PRIME drinks have an “eye-popping” level of caffeine for a young kid’s body. The company in response shared a statement to Reuters that states “We welcome discussions with the FDA or any other organization regarding suggested industry changes they feel are necessary in order to protect consumers”
There was Logan Paul Vs KSI, TikTok Vs YouTube, and now it looks like Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg is brewing up to be one of the biggest brawls in recent times. Gone are the days when beefing up was limited to social media personalities or brands, now, billionaires are in for the fun and openly mocking each other on public platforms. Truly interesting times we’re living in!
Elon Calls Zuckerberg ‘Cuck’
The war of words took a sharp turn between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg recently when the former took a jibe at Zuckerberg in a tweet on Sunday writing “Zuck is a Cuck” This comes after the launch of Zuckerberg’s Threads which is a direct rival to Musk’s Twitter. Musk’s latest jibe at Zuckerberg came as a reply of a Threads post by the brand page of Wendy’s. The fast-food chain Wendy’s Thread post tagged Mark while writing “hey @zuck, you should go to space just to really make him mad lol” Zuckerberg replied with a laughing emoji on this post which was later shared on Twitter by a user as a screenshot.
Musk seems to be losing his grip while taking shots at Zuckerberg as he suggested a dick-measuring competition between the two. Yes, you read that right! Threads, Mark Zuckerberg’s cheap copy of Twitter has become the fastest-growing app in history clocking in 100 million users in just five days since its release. Ever since the launch of this platform, a war has been waged between the two on social and legal platforms. It will be interesting to see what shape this feud takes in the near future. If you ask me, the sexual tension between the two billionaires is just way too high and they should stop and make out already!
If you haven’t been living under a rock then you’re well aware of the fact that Meta recently launched the Threads platform which is a direct competition to Twitter. The Internet had a field day yesterday when users flocked to the newly launched platform to share their views predominantly on Twitter vs Threads. The newly launched platform saw thirty million users signing up on the first day, which is not a surprise for me as Threads has the benefit of launching under the Instagram brand, it’s borderline nepotism, to say the least. While Threads has already become a definitive platform in the social media circle, Twitter has threatened legal action against Meta.
Twitter threatens legal action against Meta
Twitter’s lawyer Alex Spiro accused Meta of using their company’s trade secrets by ‘hiring dozens of former employees of the blue-bird app’ Elon’s takeover of Twitter resulted in many employees laid off which became talk of the town back in February. Reacting to this latest development, Musk tweeted that he supported good competition but not ‘cheating’. Musk replied to a news article about Twitter’s potential legal action against Meta writing “Competition if fine, cheating is not”
Spiro, who also works as Elon Musk’s personal lawyer has alleged Meta of systematic, willful and unlawful misappropriation of Twitter’s trade secrets and other intellectual property. Twitter claims that its former employee still had access to its crucial confidential information which was used to build a “copycat” application.
Spiro wrote in a letter, “Twitter intends to strictly enforce its intellectual property rights, and demands that Meta take immediate steps to stop using any Twitter trade secrets or other highly confidential information”
On the other hand, Andy Stone, a Meta spokesperson, stated in a Threads post that the engineering team at Threads does not consists of any former Twitter employees. Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino also took a dig at Meta’s Threads recently saying that Twitter can be imitated, but the Twitter community can never be duplicated.
Triumph launched two of the most highly anticipated motorcycles of the year, the Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X today in India. These bikes were previously unveiled in London, UK last month, and will be manufactured by Bajaj Auto in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Co-developed with Bajaj, the two motorcycles receive their sleek design from the Speed Twin and Scrambler motorcycle range. Both models are based on an all-new platform and share the same frame powered by a new liquid-cooling single-cylinder engine.
A Triumphant Endeavour
The appearance of the newly launched Triumph bikes is appealing, to say the least. The Scrambler 400X is equipped with a refreshed exhaust system, all-terrain tyres, and removable seats. The two bikes are significantly different in size from one another. The Scrambler 400X features a longer wheelbase as compared to the Speed 400, measuring 1,418mm while the latter measures 1,377mm.
Both bikes are equipped with Triumph’s new TR-series engine. The liquid-cooling engine has a displacement of 398cc and a double overhead camshaft configuration. This latest engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with the output figures being close to the KTM 390s which was also made by India Bajaj.
Despite the relatively cheaper price tag of Rs 2,33,000 for the Speed 400, the design seems to scream premium. The pricing for the Scrambler 400X has not been revealed by the makers just yet. Both bikes use Digi-analogue displays which can be equipped with heated grips. The gearbox sports a slipper and clutch assist mechanism. The feature list on both motorcycles is similar including full-LED lighting, semi-digital instrument cluster, ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control system, dual-channel ABS, and an anti-theft immobiliser. These vehicles are projected to have an advantage over rivals such as the Husqvarna Svartpilen 250, BMW G 310 R, Zontes GK350, KTM 390 Duke, Honda CB300R, and Honda CB350RS.
We have long based our fitness goals on a mundane regime sticking to simple exercises and diet. What if we could make it a little more indulgent?
This is where wearable fitness tech comes into the picture. Gone are the days when one would get on a running track and simply compete with their own previous records. Now, we can compete with our friends sitting in a different city thanks to fitness communities. The implementation of fitness and technology has become seamless and here’s how one can benefit from wearable tech while achieving their fitness goals –
Tracking Physical Activity
One of the primary benefits of wearable tech is its ability to track physical activity. During the summer months, many people spend more time outdoors, and wearable devices can be a great way to monitor their activity levels. By tracking metrics such as steps taken, distance travelled, and calories burned, users can get real-time feedback on their progress and stay motivated to achieve their fitness goals. Personally, I am the happiest when I receive a notification from my fitness watch about the completion of my steps goal for the day.
Monitoring Sleep Quality
Another significant benefit of wearable tech is its ability to monitor and improve sleep quality. Many devices can track sleep duration, as well as the quality of sleep, such as how many times you wake up during the night or how much time you spend in each stage of sleep. By tracking these metrics, users can identify patterns in their sleep behaviour and make adjustments to improve the quality of their rest. Wearable tech is also capable of alerting you to go to sleep earlier to keep up with a healthy sleeping pattern.
Personalized Coaching and Feedback
Wearable tech can also be helpful for providing users with personalized coaching and feedback. Many devices have built-in coaching features that can provide users with tailored advice based on their individual needs and goals. For example, if a user wants to improve their running performance, a wearable device may provide suggestions for how to adjust their running form or cadence to achieve this goal. Additionally, many devices offer reminders and encouragement to help users stay on track with their goals.
Staying Connected and Engaged
Another benefit of wearable tech is its ability to help users stay connected and engaged with their health and fitness journey. Many devices offer social features that allow users to connect with friends and family who are also using wearable tech devices. This can provide a sense of accountability and support, as well as a fun way to compete and motivate each other towards achieving health and fitness goals.
Supporting Overall Health and Well-being
Finally, wearable tech can help support overall health and well-being by providing users with insights into their body’s functions and needs. For example, many devices can track heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs, allowing users to monitor their health and make informed decisions about their fitness and nutrition. Additionally, wearable tech can help users identify areas where they may need to make lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress or improving their posture.
In conclusion, wearable technology can be an incredibly useful tool for achieving health and fitness goals. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a beginner looking to improve your fitness level, wearable tech can provide the tools and support you need to achieve your health and fitness goals.
