Pakistan is accelerating its push toward a digital economy, with Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima highlighting progress on 5G rollout and broader connectivity goals under the government’s Digital Pakistan vision.

Speaking about the country’s digital transformation, the minister noted that 3G and 4G services, introduced in 2016, laid the foundation for expanding internet access nationwide. She added that the number of mobile users continues to grow steadily, reflecting increasing reliance on digital services across sectors.

Fatima said the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is working to advance Digital Pakistan by improving infrastructure and expanding high-speed connectivity. She revealed that the bidding process for 5G spectrum was successfully completed last month, marking a key step toward next-generation internet services.

The minister noted that internet access plays a critical role in economic development, particularly in sectors such as health and education. She added that improved connectivity and modern technology would help bridge social and economic gaps while enhancing service delivery.

According to Fatima, the introduction of 5G is expected to significantly increase internet speeds, create new employment opportunities, and support innovation across industries. She also pointed to the growing shift toward a cashless economy, saying digital platforms are increasingly shaping financial transactions and everyday life in Pakistan.

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Elon Musk has taken OpenAI and its leadership to court, saying that the company betrayed its original mission of ensuring Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developed safely for the benefit of humanity.

During the hearing trial in California, Musk’s lawyer said that OpenAI’s founders abandoned their original vision and turned the organisation into a profit-driven company.

Musk argued that the defendants “stole a charity” and should be held accountable for shifting away from its nonprofit purpose.

Musk has filed the lawsuit against OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman, claiming they misused the organisation’s founding principles and transformed it into a commercial AI powerhouse.

He says OpenAI was originally created in 2015 to develop safe AI for public benefit, not for financial gain.

According to Musk’s legal team, he played a key role in the early development of OpenAI by contributing funding, recruiting top researchers, and supporting its mission to advance AI responsibly.

They argue that without Musk’s involvement, OpenAI would not exist in its current form.

The lawsuit seeks $150 billion in damages, with claims that OpenAI’s shift into a for-profit structure betrayed both Musk and the public trust.

Musk is also demanding that the company revert to its nonprofit model and that its current leadership be removed.

OpenAI, however, has rejected the allegations, saying Musk supported early structural changes and only raised objections after leaving the organisation and later launching his own AI company, xAI.

The company argues that Musk’s legal action is motivated by competition and personal interest.

The case is now underway, with jurors expected to hear testimony from key figures including Musk, Sam Altman, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

The trial is expected to continue as both sides present arguments over OpenAI’s transformation and future direction.

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BEIJING: Pakistan succesfully launched indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite (EO-3) from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center (TSLC), China, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) said on Saturday.

The satellite was sent into space at 8.15pm Beijing Time aboard a Long March-6 carrier rocket and has successfully entered its designated orbit.

The national EO3 will be used for a range of purposes, which also include disaster management such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides, as well as agriculture monitoring like crop health and irrigation planning.

It will also support urban planning and infrastructure development, environmental tracking including climate change, deforestation, and glaciers, and resource management covering water, minerals, and land use.

The successful launch of EO-3 Satellite will serve as the edifice for an integrated Earth Observation System which will contribute towards sustainable socio-economic development.

The launched EO3 satellite used a Long March-6 carrier rocket, reflecting strong China–Pakistan space cooperation, which has enabled multiple missions over the years.

The PRSC-EO3 has been developed by SUPARCO under the Pakistan’s national space programme, which is a part of the Pakistan Remote Sensing Constellation (PRSC) series.

Earlier satellites include PRSC-EO1 launched in 2025 as the first indigenous EO satellite, PRSC-EO2 in 2026 with improved imaging and continuity, and HS-1 in 2025, a hyperspectral satellite for detailed analysis.

Together, these satellites enhance coverage, accuracy, and the frequency of Earth imaging, supporting Pakistan’s long-term Space Vision 2040 plan aimed at achieving greater self-reliance in space technology.

It maybe noted that Pakistan currently does not have its own orbital launch capability, so it relies on partners, mainly China.

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WhatsApp may soon be giving its Android users a long-awaited upgrade in how they multitask conversations, as the app tests support for Android’s native notification bubbles, offering a more unified alternative to Meta’s older “Chat Heads” system.

For years, floating chat heads have been associated with Facebook Messenger, which popularised the idea of circular profile icons hovering over apps so users could quickly jump back into conversations. While convenient for some, the feature has often been criticised for feeling cluttered and inconsistent across devices.

Now, WhatsApp appears to be moving in a different direction. According to early findings from beta builds reported by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is actively developing support for Android’s native notification bubbles. The feature is not yet available to the public, but early previews suggest a clean, system-integrated approach rather than a separate, app-specific overlay.

A shift away from ‘Chat Heads’ chaos

Unlike Messenger’s semi-custom implementation, which behaves differently depending on the device, WhatsApp’s approach appears to fully embrace Google’s built-in system. This means conversations could be opened in floating bubbles that seamlessly sit on top of other apps, while still maintaining consistency across the Android ecosystem.

The shift is significant because Android has been steadily refining its bubble feature to allow any compatible app to use it without fragmentation. WhatsApp’s adoption signals a move toward that more standardised experience, reducing confusion that often arises when multiple messaging systems try to serve similar functions in different ways.

Smarter multitasking on the horizon

If rolled out widely, the feature would allow users to switch between chats without leaving their current app—whether they’re browsing, watching videos, or working. Conversations would simply float on the screen as resizable bubbles, making multitasking more fluid and less intrusive.

While WhatsApp has not confirmed a public release timeline, the feature’s presence in beta testing suggests it may not be far off. Given Android’s continued push to improve notification bubbles as a core system feature, broader availability could arrive in upcoming updates.

For now, the development hints at a more streamlined future for messaging on Android, one where chats follow users quietly, rather than taking over their screens.

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CALIFORNIA: Cursor AI, an artificial intelligence coding startup co-founded by Pakistani entrepreneur Sualeh Asif, has reportedly been acquired by SpaceX in a $60 billion deal.

As part of the growing push in artificial intelligence services, the acquisition marks a significant development in the AI industry. Reports also noted that Microsoft had previously shown interest in acquiring Cursor AI, but the deal did not materialize due to reportedly unresolved terms and conditions.

The transaction highlights a broader shift in the AI landscape, according to industry observers.

Cursor AI reached a valuation of $29.3 billion in November 2025 after raising $2.3 billion in a funding round co-led by major venture capital firms Accel and Coatue. The company is also said to have surpassed $1 billion in annualised revenue, making it one of the fastest-growing AI startups in the sector.

Sualeh Asif, originally from Karachi, Pakistan, represented the country in international Mathematics Olympiads between 2016 and 2018. He later studied at MIT, where he co-founded an AI-powered search engine company during his early entrepreneurial journey.

The young founder has gained increasing recognition in global tech circles, including appearing on the Forbes Billionaires list, further spotlighting Pakistan’s presence in the global AI startup ecosystem.

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BEIJING:  IN a significant development, two Pakistani ‌astronauts have been selected as candidates for China’s manned space programme.

The state broadcaster ⁠CCTV reports said Wednesday that both Pakistani astronauts will travel to China for training.

The reports said that after training is done one of them will participate in ‌a ⁠flight mission as a payload specialist and will become ⁠the first foreign astronaut in China’s space ⁠station, CCTV said.

This marks the country’s first structured opportunity for its citizens to potentially undergo astronaut training and move toward future human space missions.

As an astronaut, no Pakistani citizen has officially tripped to space till date, albeit Pakistan has been involved in space science and satellite development through its national space agency.

However, several Pakistani-origin scientists and engineers have worked at NASA in technical and research roles, contributing to space science and related fields, but they have not participated as astronauts in space missions.

In Pakistan, space activities are mainly handled by the SUPARCO, which has launched satellites in a close collaboration with China and others. Pakistan's space station has focused on remote sensing, communication, and research missions rather than human spaceflight.

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WASHINGTON: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has confirmed that Nvidia’s powerful H200 AI chips have not yet been shipped to China, amid ongoing delays and regulatory hurdles surrounding their approval.

Lutnick said the Chinese government has not allowed domestic firms to purchase the chips so far, as it is prioritising support for its own semiconductor industry. “We have not sold them chips as of yet,” he said, referring to the H200 exports.

The Biden-to-Trump transition policy shift in January had given conditional approval for sales of Nvidia’s H200 chips to China, raising concerns in Washington over potential military use of advanced US technology. However, actual shipments have been stalled due to unresolved issues over export terms in both countries.

Sources say disagreements over compliance and regulatory conditions have further slowed progress on the deals.

Lutnick also addressed the broader debate over tightening export controls, including a potential revival of the “affiliates rule,” which would restrict advanced US technology sales to thousands of Chinese-linked companies. He said the rule is “a smart thing to consider,” but remains part of wider trade negotiations with China.

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A half-marathon in Beijing featuring both human runners and humanoid robots turned into a large-scale trial of emerging robotics technology, as developers tested performance under real-world conditions.

More than 300 robots took part in the 21-kilometre race held in the Yizhuang district, running on separate tracks alongside thousands of human participants. Organisers described the event as a live testing platform for navigation systems, endurance, speed and computing efficiency.

Nearly 40 per cent of the machines completed the course autonomously, a notable improvement from last year’s debut race, when most failed to finish.

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This year’s competition saw a major leap in performance. The fastest robot, developed by Chinese tech company Honor, completed the race in just over 50 minutes, surpassing all human competitors and even beating the current human half-marathon record. Honor’s robots also secured second and third place, highlighting rapid progress in the country’s robotics sector.

Engineers credited advances such as liquid cooling systems, adapted from smartphone technology, for boosting efficiency and stability. Experts say events like this are accelerating the path toward mass production, with real-world testing helping to lower costs and expand potential industrial applications.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a major step towards inclusive communication with the nationwide rollout of AI-powered sign language technology, led by ConnectHear in collaboration with GSMA and Ufone.

The initiative was unveiled at an event in Islamabad, bringing together stakeholders from government, telecom, humanitarian organisations and UN agencies to strengthen partnerships aimed at improving accessibility for the Deaf community.

The launch also marked the conclusion of the GSMA-supported SUNO project’s pilot phase and the beginning of its expansion into a nationwide system integrated with public communication platforms.

From pilot to nationwide impact

During its initial phase, the SUNO system delivered sign language-based emergency information to nearly 2,000 beneficiaries across more than 10 disaster-affected districts in Sindh. Designed to function in low-bandwidth environments, the technology enabled Deaf communities to receive critical alerts during emergencies.

With its integration into ConnectHear’s virtual interpretation platform, the system is now expected to reach over 50,000 users nationwide, significantly improving access to early warning systems.

The expansion comes amid growing concerns over accessibility gaps in disaster response. Millions of Pakistanis with hearing impairments face heightened risks during emergencies, underscoring the need for inclusive communication solutions.

Global backing and future integration

International partners welcomed the initiative, with Jane Marriott highlighting its role in strengthening disaster preparedness through inclusive, locally driven innovation. Representatives from GSMA also described the project as a model for scaling humanitarian technology beyond pilot stages.

Officials from Ufone emphasised the importance of leveraging digital infrastructure to ensure critical information reaches underserved communities, particularly persons with disabilities.

The event featured a live demonstration of AI-powered sign language broadcasting and discussions on integrating such systems into national broadcasting networks and disaster response frameworks.

Organisers said the long-term goal is to embed accessible communication tools across public systems, ensuring Deaf communities are fully included in both emergency response and everyday information flows.

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Google is testing a new artificial intelligence feature that rewrites news headlines directly within its search results, effectively changing the original wording written and approved by journalists.

The experiment has raised serious concerns among media professionals, who say it interferes with editorial independence and undermines newsroom control over how their stories are presented to the public. Critics argue that altering headlines without consent goes beyond simple formatting and instead reshapes the meaning and framing of news content.

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According to journalists and media voices, the move reflects a broader trend among big tech companies rushing to integrate AI into information systems, often at the cost of journalistic standards. They warn that AI tools do not carry the same level of accuracy, ethics, or accountability as professional reporters and editors.

Some say the change is not just cosmetic, but a fundamental shift in how news is delivered, potentially distorting the intent behind original reporting. Media groups are now calling on Google to stop the experiment, saying it raises questions about press freedom and editorial rights.

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Observed annually on April 14, World Quantum Day is gaining traction as quantum computing shifts from a research concept to a growing business concern.

Launched in 2021 to promote awareness of quantum science, the day is now increasingly seen as a marker of how seriously organisations are preparing for the next phase of computing.

From research to real-world strategy

Industry experts say quantum computing is no longer confined to laboratories, with businesses beginning to explore its potential impact across sectors.

The technology is expected to play a role in areas such as pharmaceuticals, materials development and financial modelling, particularly through hybrid systems that combine quantum and classical computing.

Major players are already setting timelines. IBM has said it is targeting near-term quantum advantage by 2026, with plans to develop a large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer by the end of the decade.

Security concerns drive urgency

At the same time, cybersecurity risks are accelerating the push for preparedness.

Experts warn that sufficiently advanced quantum systems could eventually compromise current encryption methods, raising concerns about long-term data security.

There is also increasing attention on so-called “harvest now, decrypt later” activity, where encrypted data is collected today with the aim of decoding it in the future once quantum capabilities mature.

As a result, organisations are being urged to begin transitioning towards quantum-safe encryption and more flexible security systems.

Governments and industry ramp up efforts

Countries and institutions are also stepping up investment. The UAE is aiming to strengthen its position in quantum research through initiatives led by the Technology Innovation Institute, including partnerships with firms such as Quantinuum.

These efforts are part of a broader push to build expertise and infrastructure in anticipation of future breakthroughs.

Businesses urged to act early

Experts say the key for organisations is to start preparing now, even as quantum computing remains in its early stages and has not yet reached large-scale commercial deployment.

Recommended steps include identifying sensitive data, assessing systems that rely on current encryption standards and adopting cloud-based infrastructure, where most quantum services are expected to be delivered.

While timelines remain uncertain, industry consensus suggests early preparation could offer a competitive advantage, particularly as quantum capabilities continue to evolve.

As World Quantum Day gains momentum, it is increasingly being viewed not just as an awareness campaign, but as a signal for businesses to take practical steps towards a quantum-ready future.

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CALIFORNIA: Messaging platform WhatsApp is developing a new feature for its web platform that would allow users to customise the interface with dozens of themes, technology news outlet WABetaInfo reported.

The update, still in testing, could introduce nearly 50 desktop themes for WhatsApp Web, enabling users to personalise chat appearance, including message bubble colours and background wallpapers.

WhatsApp Web, the browser-based version of the messaging service, has historically offered limited customisation options compared to its mobile app, which already allows users to modify chat backgrounds and colours. The web platform currently supports basic features such as messaging, calls and multi-device syncing.

The planned themes would allow users to assign visual styles to individual chats, potentially offering distinct layouts for different contacts or group conversations, according to the report.

The feature is expected to apply only to the user’s own interface and would not affect how chats appear to others.

Meta Platforms has been expanding cross-platform capabilities of WhatsApp in recent years, aiming to improve consistency between mobile, desktop and web experiences.

It was not immediately clear when the feature would be rolled out publicly, though it is likely to be introduced first in beta testing before a wider release.

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CALIFORNIA: Satellite data shows that the United States tops the world in total nighttime light, followed by China, India, Canada, and Brazil. The high luminosity reflects extensive urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and widespread access to electricity, making the US the brightest nation on Earth at night.

Between 2014 and 2022, the US saw a 6 per cent net increase in nighttime brightness, though this growth was uneven across regions. The West Coast brightened significantly due to population growth and thriving tech economies, while parts of the East Coast and Midwest dimmed. Factors driving this included population shifts away from older urban centers, declines in manufacturing hubs, and adoption of energy-efficient city lighting programs in cities like Washington, DC, and Chicago.

China and India, ranking second and third globally, also contributed to the worldwide increase in nighttime light. Globally, nighttime brightness grew by 16 per cent over the same period, but patterns were patchy. Emerging economies, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, saw dramatic brightening. Countries such as Somalia, Burundi, Cambodia, Ghana, Guinea, and Rwanda experienced rapid increases as rural electrification and urban development brought electricity to previously dark regions.

In contrast, some regions experienced dimming. Nations like Ukraine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Afghanistan lost significant light due to conflict and infrastructure collapse, while prolonged economic crises caused declines in Haiti and Venezuela. Europe recorded a 4 per cent net decrease in nighttime brightness, largely due to energy-efficient LED streetlights, dark-sky initiatives, and government regulations aimed at reducing light pollution, with France cited as a global leader in these efforts.

The study, published in Nature and based on over a million daily satellite images processed by NASA, shows that Earth’s nightscape is highly dynamic, constantly expanding, contracting, and shifting. While global nighttime light reflects human development and electrification, experts warn that increasing illumination also affects ecosystems, animal migrations, and human circadian rhythms.

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The realme 16 Pro Series 5G has officially launched in Pakistan, bringing high-end cameras, large batteries, and smooth performance to users, who want a powerful smartphone experience.

According to the data being shared on official websites, the series includes three models: realme 16 Pro+ (12GB + 512GB) priced at Rs199,999, realme 16 Pro (12GB + 512GB) traded at Rs169,999, and realme 16 5G (8GB + 256GB) priced at Rs129,999 in Pakistan.

The cameras in the series are a major highlight. The Pro+ and Pro models come with a 200MP FullFocal Periscope Camera, which delivers ultra-detailed images and professional-grade portrait shots.

The realme 16 5G features a 50MP Sony camera with LumaColor technology, providing accurate colors and natural skin tones. All models include a 50MP AI-powered selfie camera, equipped with AI Eraser 2.0 and AI Smart Image Matting for crisp and vibrant selfies.

The battery performance is extraordinary. Every phone in the series comes with a 7000mAh Titan Battery. The Pro+ and Pro models support 80W fast charging, while the 16 5G supports 60W fast charging. The battery is designed for long-term reliability and can maintain over 80 per cent of its capacity for more than six years, ensuring users can game, stream, or work without worry.

The performance of the phones is strong across the lineup. The Pro+ is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, delivering smooth gaming and multitasking. The Pro uses the Dimensity 7300-Max 5G, while the 16 5G features the Dimensity 6400 Turbo 5G. With up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, all models handle apps and media effortlessly.

The display and design are premium. The phones feature AMOLED displays with peak brightness up to 6500 nits for Pro+ and Pro, and 4200 nits for 16 5G. The designs are lightweight and stylish, with an IP69 Pro rating for dust and water resistance. The phones come in elegant colors including Master Gold, Orchid Purple, Pebble Grey, Air Black, and Air White.

When compared to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 SE 5G, the realme 16 Pro 5G has a clear advantage. The realme offers a 200MP main camera compared to Redmi’s lower-resolution camera. Its 7000mAh battery outlasts the Redmi’s battery, and its memory and storage options are higher, going up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage. The price is PKR 169,999, slightly higher than Redmi, but justified by the enhanced features.

For users looking at budget or mid-range options, realme Narzo 100 Lite 5G and C100 5G are also available. The Narzo 100 Lite 5G has a 6.8-inch 144Hz display, MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, and a 7000mAh battery. The C100 5G offers a 6.8-inch 144Hz display, 50MP main camera, IP64 protection, and 7000mAh battery with 45W charging. Both devices provide long battery life and solid 5G performance at lower prices.

Meanwhile, the realme 16 Pro Series 5G delivers a flagship-level experience in Pakistan. Its cameras, large battery, and strong performance make it a compelling choice. Prices start at Rs129,999, making the series a tough competitor to Xiaomi, especially for young content creators, gamers, and tech enthusiasts.

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India has emerged as one of the hardest-hit regions in Oracle’s largest global restructuring exercise, with reports suggesting around 12,000 employees in the country have lost their jobs amid the US tech giant’s push into artificial intelligence infrastructure. Globally, the total layoffs could reach 30,000, with another round expected in the coming weeks, leaving employees anxious about their professional futures.

Oracle, headquartered in Austin, Texas, and chaired by billionaire Larry Ellison, confirmed that the cuts are part of broader organisational changes designed to streamline operations and reallocate resources toward AI and cloud computing. Severance packages are reportedly being offered to impacted employees, although some must sign agreements to qualify. The company emphasised that the restructuring aligns with strategic investments in next-generation data centers and AI systems, including a $300 billion deal with OpenAI and plans to raise $50 billion in debt to fund its AI ambitions.

The layoffs have had a profound human impact. Employees in India and other regions shared their experiences on social media, highlighting the suddenness of the news and the uncertainty it created. Hrishikesha Narsha, a group manager in India, wrote on LinkedIn, “After 16 incredible years, my journey with Oracle came to an unexpected end.” Others described colleagues with decades of service suddenly left jobless, scrambling to seek new opportunities and grappling with the emotional toll.

Experts say the move reflects a wider trend across the global tech industry, where more than 70 companies have cut over 40,000 jobs so far this year to redirect resources toward artificial intelligence, automation, and operational efficiency. Analysts also note that while Oracle’s AI investments are substantial, investors remain cautious about the billions of dollars being spent and the potential returns from the strategic shift.

Oracle’s recent layoffs underscore the growing tension in the technology sector between traditional workforce structures and the drive to invest heavily in AI capabilities. For India’s technology professionals, the wave of job cuts highlights both the opportunities and risks associated with the global pivot toward artificial intelligence, signaling a period of uncertainty as the industry undergoes rapid transformation.

US technology giant Oracle has begun laying off thousands of employees as it ramps up spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure, aiming to convince investors that its bold AI strategy will deliver long-term returns.

The Austin, Texas–based company, valued at $420 billion, initiated redundancies on Tuesday, with reports suggesting that roughly 10,000 staff have already been affected. Oracle’s workforce currently numbers around 162,000. The company is chaired by billionaire Larry Ellison, a known ally of Donald Trump and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth of $189 billion.

Michael Shepherd, a senior Oracle manager not impacted by the cuts, confirmed on LinkedIn that the reductions were “significant,” targeting senior engineers, architects, operations leaders, program managers, and technical specialists with expertise in cloud infrastructure, government and sovereign cloud projects, and enterprise-scale systems.

Business Insider reported that the layoffs were communicated via email, which cited “careful consideration of Oracle’s current business needs” as the reason behind the terminations. On Tuesday, Oracle acknowledged the loss of 491 roles among employees working remotely in Washington state and at its Seattle offices.

The layoffs coincide with Oracle’s intensified investment in data centres, critical to developing and operating AI systems—as the company seeks to compete with cloud rivals like Alphabet and Amazon. Its ambitious plans include a $300 billion data centre deal with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, alongside proposals to raise $50 billion in new debt, sparking investor concern over the costs.

In a March regulatory filing, Oracle projected that its 2026 restructuring plan could cost up to $2.1 billion, primarily due to severance and related expenses.

The trend reflects a broader industry shift toward AI, with more than 70 tech companies cutting approximately 40,480 jobs this year, according to Layoffs.fyi, as businesses reallocate resources to AI development and workers face increasing uncertainty.

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CALIFORNIA: The planned public listing of SpaceX isn’t just another blockbuster IPO; it may mark the moment the global economy expands beyond Earth.

With a potential valuation of $1.75 trillion, SpaceX’s debut could become the largest in history. But more importantly, it reflects a deeper shift: space is no longer just the domain of governments and exploration, it is becoming a полноценный economic sector.

For decades, space activity was driven by national pride and scientific discovery, led by agencies like NASA. Today, that model is rapidly changing.

Private companies are building a new space economy with cheaper launch systems, global satellite networks, and growing commercial partnerships replacing government dominance.

At the center of this transformation is SpaceX, whose reusable rockets have turned space access from rare and expensive into increasingly routine.

SpaceX’s real impact goes far beyond launches.

Its satellite network, Starlink, already provides internet connectivity across the globe, including remote and underserved regions. This is infrastructure in the same way railways and fibre optics once were, only now, it operates in orbit.

The company’s integration with xAI hints at the next phase: combining space-based systems with artificial intelligence to create a new layer of digital infrastructure.

There are even ambitions to deploy vast numbers of satellites that could function as orbital data centres, moving computation beyond Earth itself.

Investors have long treated space as a high-risk, futuristic bet. That perception is shifting.

SpaceX is not just visionary, it is profitable, with billions in revenue and strong demand from both governments and commercial customers. A public listing would allow everyday investors to participate in an industry that was previously out of reach.

It could also open the floodgates. Other major tech players, including OpenAI, are reportedly exploring IPOs, suggesting a broader wave of next-generation companies entering public markets.

The implications go beyond finance.

As governments rely more on private partners and competition grows, space is becoming a strategic asset for national security, a platform for communication and data, and a hub for future industries.

What railroads were to the 19th century and the internet to the 21st, space infrastructure could become for the decades ahead.

Led by Elon Musk, SpaceX has played a defining role in making this shift possible. Its IPO could crystallise what has been building quietly for years: the transition of space from ambition to economy.

If successful, the listing won’t just make history on Wall Street; it will signal that the space economy is no longer theoretical. It has arrived.

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FLORIDA: The NASA officials announced that they are sending four astronauts near the Moon, a step that the space experts believe is taking place for the first time in over a 50-year period, with the timings to watch them vary from region to region.  

The NASA officials said Artemis II is a part of their future missions that will actually land on the Moon.

According to the statement being issued, the launch time is about 6.24 PM for US Eastern Time. In other regions, like in Pakistan, the space fans will watch the NASA Artemis II space mission live at 3.24 AM on April 2, which is early morning (not “today evening”).

Artemis II is a big NASA space mission where astronauts are being sent around the Moon (not landing yet). It’s the first time humans have gone that far since 1972.

Individuals can watch it on different platforms being shared. They can watch the mission live on NASA’s official stream or on its NASA channel on YouTube. Other streaming platforms, like TV apps and social media, will also be running it live.

The Artemis II mission includes sending four astronauts, Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, on a historic journey around the Moon.

This crew is especially significant because it includes the first woman, the first Black astronaut, and the first non-American to travel this far into space.

Unlike earlier Moon missions, they will not land on the lunar surface; instead, they will fly around the Moon and return to Earth as part of a test mission, preparing for future landings in missions like Artemis III and Artemis IV.

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The mission is expected to last about 10 days and will take the astronauts more than 250,000 miles from Earth, possibly farther than any humans have travelled before.

They will travel aboard the Orion spacecraft, launched by the powerful Space Launch System, marking the first time this system is used with a human crew.

During the journey, astronauts will live in a compact space, eating dehydrated food, sleeping in tight quarters, conducting experiments, and using tablets for communication and entertainment.

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The main purpose of Artemis II is to test life support systems, navigation, and overall spacecraft performance, ensuring safety for future missions, including those aimed at Mars.

Although the mission faced delays due to technical issues and extended safety checks, it is now ready to launch.

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Overall, Artemis II is important because it represents the first human Moon mission in over 50 years, a key step toward establishing a long-term presence on the Moon, and part of a broader plan to eventually send humans to Mars.

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Apple is gearing up to mark a historic milestone: its 50th anniversary on April 1, 2026. Founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in a small California garage, the company not only reshaped personal computing but later ignited a global revolution in mobile technology with the iPhone.

Jobs, a college dropout who once journeyed through India in search of spiritual insight, suggested the name “Apple” after a visit to an Oregon commune. In that humble garage, Jobs and Wozniak built the first Apple computers by hand, laying the foundation for a tech empire that would transform how people work, communicate, and entertain themselves.

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Though Jobs was pushed out of Apple in the mid-1980s following internal clashes and disappointing sales of the Macintosh, he returned in the late 1990s to spearhead a string of revolutionary products, from the iPod to the iPhone and later the iPad.

Following Jobs’ death in 2011, Tim Cook stepped into the CEO role, guiding Apple into new territories like wearables, services, and subscriptions while achieving record-breaking revenue and profits.

Today, Apple’s market value hovers around $3.7 trillion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world; a remarkable achievement for a company that began with two friends tinkering in a garage 50 years ago.

As Apple celebrates this golden anniversary, its legacy of innovation, design, and cultural impact continues to inspire millions around the globe.

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The India government has approved to invest a total of $751.21 million after receiving 29 proposals, the Electronics and Information Technology Ministry said.

A series of incentive programs have been launched in India, attracting global and domestic investors. The purpose is to expand local manufacturing capacity and reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chains as it looks to improve its electronics manufacturing, officials said.

The home-made electronic products sector are worth $125 billion in the year to March 2025, with the government hoping its increase up to $500 billion by fiscal 2031.

According to a statement from the ministry, the submitted proposals cover mobile manufacturing, consumer electronics, telecom, automotive and hardware products,

A unit of India's Dixon Technologies was given the nod for making display modules, while Lohum Cleantech secured the approval to manufacture rare-earth permanent magnets.

Lohum's project is India's first for manufacturing rare-earth permanent magnets from rare-earth oxide, according to the statement.

Indian government is planning fresh incentives for local production of mobile phones with the flagship program for the burgeoning sector expiring in March.

The government’s work on the initiative is expected to boost firms such as Apple and Samsung.

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WEK DESK: With its new campaign, the Adobe has stepped away from traditional ads and leaned fully into entertainment. It has launched a scripted comedy series called “The Marketers,” instead of pushing features and benefits in the usual way, turning its promotion into something that feels more like a show than a sales pitch.

As the comedy presented, there are two fictional marketers at it centre featured by Hasan Minhaj and Patty Guggenheim.

The duo is feeling confident until they’re told they need to go even bigger. But deep within the campaign their mission is to create a video showcasing Acrobat’s latest AI-powered tools.

What follows is less of a marketing brainstorm and more of a comedic adventure. They pull together a chaotic team of personalities: a data-obsessed analyst, a Gen Alpha trend expert, a seasoned executive stuck in old ways, and a classic nepotism hire. Each brings wildly different ideas to the table, leading to hilarious clashes and over-the-top pitches.

But beneath the humour, there’s a subtle demonstration of Acrobat’s capabilities. The team uses shared PDFs and AI tools to organise their ideas and shape them into a workable campaign. Instead of interrupting the story, the product becomes part of the storytelling itself, quietly powering the process.

The series unfolds over five episodes, with new installments dropping weekly on YouTube and additional short clips circulating on social media. Along the way, viewers can expect surprise appearances from familiar faces like Iliza Schlesinger and Mario Lopez.

The bigger idea behind all this? Adobe isn’t just trying to make better ads, it’s trying to make ads that don’t feel like ads at all. By focusing on characters, humor, and storytelling, the brand is aiming to create something audiences actually want to watch.

In “The Marketers,” Adobe proves that marketing doesn’t have to interrupt entertainment, as it can be the entertainment.

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