NASA: New Astronaut Team Enroute to International Space Station

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NASA: New Astronaut Team Enroute to International Space Station

Mission Lift-off: Crew-8’s Journey Begins

NASA and SpaceX’s much-anticipated Crew-8 mission commenced its journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday. The launch took place at 10:53 p.m. EST Sunday (9:23 a.m. Monday IST) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the launch was delayed due to unfavorable conditions in the rocket’s flight path.

Crew Composition: A Mix of Experience and Novice

The Crew-8 mission comprises NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin. Notably, this marks the first spaceflight for Epps, Dominick, and Grebenkin, while Barratt is embarking on his third stint on the ISS.

Celebration of Liftoff: SpaceX and NASA’s Milestone

With liftoff confirmed, SpaceX and NASA celebrated the milestone, noting the mix of first-time fliers and seasoned veterans on their way to the ISS. The Crew Dragon spacecraft is anticipated to dock at the ISS around 3 a.m. on Tuesday (1:30 p.m. IST).

Scientific Endeavors: Advancing Space Exploration

Once aboard the orbiting laboratory, the Crew-8 team will engage in a wide array of activities, including conducting over 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations. These experiments aim to advance human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and yield benefits for humanity on Earth.

Continuation of Crewed Missions: NASA’s Commercial Crew Program

This mission represents the eighth rotational trip to the ISS under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. SpaceX, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has been a key partner in providing astronaut launch services for NASA since 2020. Notably, the Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft, which will transport Crew-8, has an impressive record, having completed four previous missions, including the historic Demo-2 flight in 2020.

Ongoing Presence: Crew-7’s Return and Crew-8’s Arrival

As Crew-7 currently resides on the ISS, Crew-8’s arrival signals the continuation of crewed missions to the space station. Moreover, Crew-7 is expected to return to Earth in the coming week, further highlighting the dynamic nature of space exploration and human presence in space.

Nothing Announces Manufacturing of Phone (2a) in India

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Nothing Announces Manufacturing of Phone (2a) in India

London-based consumer tech brand, Nothing, has announced its latest smartphone, Phone (2a), will be manufactured in India. This move aims to leverage the country’s rich manufacturing ecosystem, invest in the local economy, and create job opportunities.

The Phone (2a) is designed for the Indian market, focusing on delivering an optimal daily smartphone experience while incorporating Nothing’s design innovation, expertise, and craftsmanship. It promises to include beloved features from Phone (2), ensuring a significant upgrade compared to Phone (1).

Nothing had previously established its first Global exclusive service center in Bengaluru last year, further cementing its presence in India’s tech landscape.

The launch event for Phone (2a) is scheduled for March 5, with a live-streamed presentation from an in-person gathering in Delhi. Additionally, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has been announced as the brand face for Nothing’s smartphones.

The Phone (2a) is set to feature a custom Dimensity 7200 Pro processor co-engineered with MediaTek, promising optimal performance and power consumption.

Since its inception in 2020, Nothing has introduced three audio products, two smartphones, and launched a sub-brand, CMF by Nothing, as of September last year.

Info Edge Mobile Apps Removed from Google Play Store Amid Fee Dispute

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Info Edge Mobile Apps Removed from Google Play Store Amid Fee Dispute

Info Edge (India) Ltd revealed on Saturday that some of its mobile apps, like naukri.com and 99 acres.com, were taken off the Google Play Store. This happened after Google removed various apps due to a disagreement over service fees. Google stated that several companies, including prominent ones, hadn’t paid the necessary fees despite benefiting from the platform.

Info Edge expressed surprise at Google’s sudden action without prior notice. They clarified that users who already have the apps installed can still use them. Also, those accessing the apps via other platforms like the Apple App Store or the web aren’t affected. Info Edge is now reviewing the situation and working with Google to get its apps back on the Play Store.

The dispute arose because Google introduced a fee of 11-26% on in-app payments following a directive from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Google removed apps that didn’t comply after the Supreme Court didn’t grant interim relief. Despite Info Edge’s compliance with Google’s policies, its apps were removed.

Info Edge’s founder emphasized the need for a strategic response to such challenges. He suggested creating an App Store or Play Store as part of Digital Public Infrastructure, similar to UPI and ONDC. This move, he believes, would ensure better compliance from Indian companies and offer a sustainable solution to such disputes.

Google Collaborates with Fact Checkers to Combat Election Misinformation

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Google Collaborates with Fact Checkers to Combat Election Misinformation

Google Partners with Fact Checkers for Election Misinformation Detection

Google announces collaboration with fact checkers in India to detect online misinformation, including deepfakes, ahead of general elections. This initiative aims to create a common repository for news publishers to combat misinformation during the election period.

Project Shakti: Combating Misinformation Collaboratively

The project, named Shakti, involves the Shakti India Election Fact-Checking Collective, comprising news publishers and fact checkers. They will work together to detect and counter online misinformation, focusing on early detection and dissemination of fact-checks in multiple Indian languages and formats.

Aiming for Timely Intervention

The collaborative platform aims to provide timely alerts and resources to combat viral misinformation and deepfakes related to the elections. This effort seeks to save crucial time by connecting independent fact checkers and Indian language publishers, ensuring wider dissemination of fact-checks across diverse audiences.

Training and Support for Fact-Checkers

In addition to facilitating collaboration, the project offers training in advanced fact-checking methodologies and deepfake detection. It equips news organizations and fact-checkers with essential skills and tools, including the Fact Check Explorer and Google’s latest verification resources.

Expanding Reach and Impact

The Fact-Checking Collective prioritizes publishers producing original news in various Indian languages. With its launch, the initiative aims to scale efforts and onboard new partners to reach most parts of the country, bolstering the fact-checking ecosystem.

Google’s Commitment to Combat Misinformation

Google reaffirms its commitment to combating misinformation globally and acknowledges the essential role of news publishers, journalists, and fact-checkers in ensuring informed participation in democratic processes. This collaboration builds on previous initiatives and investments in fact-checking capabilities.

Empowering the Media Ecosystem

Through projects like the GNI India Training Network and the Global Fact Check Fund, Google continues to empower journalists and media organizations with digital tools and skills. The aim is to enhance the quality and impact of fact-checking content and strengthen the media ecosystem.

Addressing a Growing Challenge

The proliferation of misinformation poses a significant challenge, particularly in the context of elections. The Shakti project represents a crucial intervention to safeguard democratic processes by fostering collaboration and resilience against misinformation.

Industry Voices on Misinformation Combat

Leaders in the media industry emphasize the importance of collective action in combating misinformation. They stress the need for collaboration between fact-checkers and news publishers to counter the spread of mis- and misinformation effectively.

WhatsApp Expands Search Capabilities with New Search Chats by Date Feature

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WhatsApp Expands Search Capabilities with New Search Chats by Date Feature

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has introduced a convenient new feature allowing users to search chats by date on Android devices. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared the announcement, highlighting the enhanced functionality now available for users.

With the new search by date feature, navigating through WhatsApp chats becomes more efficient than ever. Users can easily select a specific date and instantly access messages sent from that day onward. This feature is currently rolling out on Android devices, complementing its existing availability on iOS, Mac desktop, and WhatsApp Web.

To utilize the search by date feature, users simply need to enter any chat, tap on the contact or group name at the top, and select the “Search” option. From there, they can choose the desired date to jump to messages sent on that day, streamlining the chat browsing experience.

Additionally, WhatsApp recently introduced support for new text formatting options, including bulleted lists, numbered lists, block quotes, and inline code. These features aim to enhance communication by providing users with diverse formatting tools to express themselves effectively.

Furthermore, reports suggest that WhatsApp is working on a new feature called the ‘favourite contacts filter,’ which will enable users to prioritize conversations and exercise greater control over their messaging experience. This upcoming addition reflects WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to continually improve its platform and meet the evolving needs of its user base.

Elon Musk Unveils New Feature for X Platform Users | Pin Posts Feature

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Elon Musk Unveils New Feature for X Platform Users | Pin Posts Feature

Elon Musk recently announced a new feature for users of his X platform: the ability to pin posts. This feature allows users to highlight important content, ensuring that it reaches all of their followers. Musk specified that users can pin one post every 48 hours, aiming to prevent any misuse of the system.

The announcement generated considerable interest among Musk’s followers, who see the feature as a potential game-changer for content creators on the platform. Many users expressed excitement about the increased visibility of their posts and the opportunity to share important updates with their followers.

In addition to unveiling the new feature, Musk took the opportunity to continue his criticism of Google. His comments come in response to Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s recent statements about addressing issues with the company’s Gemini AI feature. Musk’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about bias and accountability in tech platforms.

Overall, the introduction of pinned posts represents a significant enhancement to the X platform, providing users with a valuable tool to showcase their content and engage with their audience. As the platform evolves, features like this will continue to play a crucial role in fostering meaningful interactions and empowering users to share their ideas and perspectives.

The Rise of GenAI: A New Cybersecurity Threat Landscape

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The Rise of GenAI: A New Cybersecurity Threat Landscape

Generative AI (GenAI) emerges as a prominent cybersecurity threat this year, with hackers leveraging ChatGPT and Gemini AI models for sophisticated infiltration tactics. Security leaders grapple with GenAI’s evolving capabilities, recognizing both its challenges and potential for augmenting operational security.

Despite GenAI’s impact, cybersecurity leaders face additional challenges such as third-party incidents, prompting a shift towards resilience-oriented investments. Organizations are increasingly cautious, with over one in four banning GenAI use due to privacy and data security concerns, as revealed by the ‘Cisco 2024 Data Privacy Benchmark Study’.

Paytm Users Rejoice! Continued UPI Transactions with a Twist

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Paytm Users Rejoice! Continued UPI Transactions with a Twist

Paytm users worried about their @paytm handle’s future can breathe easy – for now. The RBI has stepped in to ensure uninterrupted UPI transactions, but with some key changes.

  • Paytm Payments Bank’s wallet freeze: Bad news for existing account holders – they can’t top up after March 15th.
  • Paytm as a Third-Party App Provider (TPAP): The good news – @paytm can continue as a UPI app, but under new regulations.
  • Handle migration: Existing users must migrate to a new handle linked to a different bank.
  • No new users allowed: Paytm can’t add new users until the migration is complete.
  • More payment partners: The RBI wants 4-5 banks certified to handle Paytm’s high transaction volume.

What does this mean for you?

  • If you use @paytm for UPI, keep an eye out for migration instructions.
  • New users, hold your horses! You can’t join the party yet.
  • More banks will be involved in processing your transactions, potentially increasing options.

Remember: This is a temporary solution while the RBI finalizes Paytm’s long-term status. Stay tuned for further updates!

Smartwatches: Your Secret Weapon Against Depression?

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Smartwatches: Your Secret Weapon Against Depression?

Forget just counting steps and monitoring sleep, your smartwatch might soon become a key tool in your mental health journey. A new study suggests that data collected by these wearables can offer valuable insights into depression symptoms, potentially helping doctors tailor treatment plans better.

Think of it as a silent observer, tracking your daily activities and physiological signs that might be linked to depression, like sleep patterns, movement, and even social interaction through app usage. This information, combined with your doctor’s expertise and your own input, can paint a more complete picture of your mental well-being.

  • Smartwatches can track: Sleep, activity levels, social interactions (through app usage), and heart rate variability (a measure of stress response).
  • These tracked patterns can be linked to depression symptoms: Too much or too little sleep, low activity, and social isolation are all red flags.
  • Doctors can use this data to: Tailor treatment plans, identify potential issues early on, and get a quicker understanding of your mental health.

It’s important to remember that smartwatches aren’t replacing your doctor’s judgment. They’re simply providing additional data points to support diagnosis and treatment decisions. The conversation between you and your doctor remains crucial.

So, the next time you glance at your smartwatch, remember – it might be doing more than just reminding you to move! It could be playing a role in your mental health journey too.

Facebook to Threads: Now You Can Share Like a Pro!

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Facebook to Threads: Now You Can Share Like a Pro!

Calling all content creators and social media savants! Meta is testing a game-changer: cross-posting from Facebook to Threads. Get ready to streamline your workflow and amplify your voice across platforms!

Remember how you could seamlessly share Stories and Reels between Facebook and Instagram? This new feature takes it up a notch, allowing you to share text and link posts from Facebook to Threads with ease.

Here’s the scoop:

  • Limited testing: Currently available only for iOS users outside the EU.
  • Content compatibility: Share text and link posts from Facebook to Threads.
  • Benefits for creators: Simplify sharing, save time, and reach a wider audience.
  • More to come: Similar features are expected for other platforms in the Metaverse.

Bonus news: Meta is also testing a “trending topics” feature on Threads, letting you stay on top of hot conversations within the app.

This update is a step towards seamless social media integration, making it easier than ever to share your content and connect with audiences across the Metaverse. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!

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