September 10, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Technology

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Returns Home After Historic ISS Mission

Astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to return to India on Sunday after his historic journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi before heading to Lucknow to reunite with his family. Later this month, Shukla will rejoin his fellow astronaut designates—Prashanth Nair (48), Ajith Krishnan (43), and Angad Pratap (43)—for the celebration of India’s second Space Day on August 23, marking the anniversary of the Chandrayaan-3 moon landing. The Axiom-4 mission, organised by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX, saw Shukla spend 18 days aboard the ISS alongside Commander Peggy Whitson (US) and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Together, the crew conducted 60 experiments representing 31 countries, including seven from India. Since returning to Earth on July 15, Shukla has been in Houston, Texas, undergoing rehabilitation and debriefing with NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. Videos from Houston showed him adjusting to Earth’s gravity after weeks in microgravity. His backup for the mission, Group Captain Prashanth Nair, also stayed in the US during the mission, and both participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Indian consulate. On his flight back to India, Shukla shared an emotional Instagram post, saying he had “a mix of emotions” as he bid farewell to his crewmates who had been “family for the past one year.” He quoted his commander Peggy Whitson, saying, “The only constant in spaceflight is change,” adding that it applied to life as well. Shukla, fondly nicknamed “Shux” by his crewmates, is now etched in history as the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma and the first to visit the ISS. His mission is seen as a precursor to India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, which aims to send astronauts aboard an Indian spacecraft. India also has ambitious plans to establish its own space station by 2035, with Shukla and his fellow astronauts expected to play a pivotal role in these future missions.

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Editor03 mins

Jackie Bezos, Mother of Jeff Bezos and Early Amazon Investor, Passes Away at 78

Jackie Bezos, the mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and one of the company’s earliest investors, died on Thursday in Miami at the age of 78. According to Jeff Bezos, she had been battling Lewy body dementia, a progressive neurological disorder. In 1995, Jackie and her husband Miguel Bezos invested just over $245,000 in Amazon, which at the time was an online bookstore founded by her son in 1994. That investment grew alongside Amazon’s meteoric rise, with the company now valued at nearly $2.5 trillion. In 2000, Jeff Bezos famously used his mother’s online wish list—featuring a Casio camera and Motorola walkie-talkies—during a New York expo to demonstrate how easy it was to order gifts on Amazon. Born on December 29, 1946, in Washington, D.C., Jackie Bezos grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she gave birth to Jeff at the age of 17. In a 2020 congressional testimony, Jeff recounted the challenges his mother faced as a pregnant high school student in 1964. Initially, her school attempted to expel her, but her father persuaded the principal to allow her to finish her education. However, she was barred from participating in the graduation ceremony. Determined to build a better future, Jackie attended night school while working at a bank. She chose professors who allowed her to bring baby Jeff to class, often arriving with one duffel bag filled with textbooks and another with baby supplies. During this period, she met Miguel Bezos, a Cuban immigrant, whom she married. Miguel adopted Jeff, and the couple went on to have two more children, Christina and Mark. At the age of 45, Jackie returned to college, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey. In 2000, she and Miguel founded the Bezos Family Foundation, dedicated to funding educational initiatives, where she served as president until her passing. Jackie Bezos was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020. She is survived by her husband Miguel, her three children, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, the family foundation said in a statement.

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Editor03 mins

Acer Expands Local Manufacturing with New Puducherry Facility

Taiwanese electronics giant Acer has expanded its local manufacturing footprint in India by partnering with Plumage Solutions to produce IT hardware at a new facility in Puducherry. The plant will manufacture computer monitors, All-in-One (AIO) desktops, servers, workstations, and power adapters. Acer said the move aims to boost domestic production, reduce reliance on imports, and meet the growing demand from both urban and emerging markets. The Puducherry facility, with an annual production capacity of 300,000 laptop units, is expected to improve supply chain efficiency, shorten delivery times, and offer competitive pricing. It is also set to generate new job opportunities. Plumage Group plans to invest ₹50 crore over the next three to four years to strengthen Acer’s manufacturing capacity and capability in India. “India is not just a key market for Acer, it’s a strategic pillar for our future growth,” said Harish Kohli, President & MD, Acer India. “With this new manufacturing facility, we are proud to take another step toward supporting the Government of India’s vision of self-reliance in electronics.” Mukesh Gupta, Managing Director of Plumage Group, added, “This partnership is more than a commercial arrangement — it’s a shared commitment to building a sustainable and globally competitive manufacturing ecosystem.”

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Editor02 mins

From Borrowed Rocket to Launching U.S. Satellites: ISRO Chief Hails India’s Space Journey

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan on Sunday celebrated India’s transformation from a fledgling spacefaring nation dependent on borrowed technology to a global launch leader poised to send a 6,500 kg U.S.-built communication satellite into orbit within months. Speaking at the 21st Convocation of SRM Institute of Science and Technology in Kattankulathur near Chennai — where he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan — Narayanan recalled the agency’s modest origins in 1963, when India received a tiny rocket from the United States. “In 1975, using U.S. satellite data, we demonstrated mass communication by installing 2,400 television sets in 2,400 villages across six states,” he said, contrasting that era with ISRO’s recent high-profile successes. He hailed July 30, 2025, as a “historical day” when the GSLV-F16 rocket placed the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission into orbit — the most expensive satellite ever built. The L-band SAR payload was supplied by NASA, and the S-band payload by ISRO. NASA teams, Narayanan noted, praised the precision of the launch. “In another couple of months, the same country that once gave us a tiny rocket will see us launching their 6,500 kg communication satellite from Indian soil, on our own launcher. That is the scale of our growth,” he said. Highlighting ISRO’s global track record, Narayanan noted that India has launched 433 satellites for 34 countries using its own launch vehicles — a leap from having no satellite technology just five decades ago.

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Editor02 mins

Defence Spending Boost Set to Benefit Key Indian Defence Stocks

The Defence Acquisition Council has approved ₹670 billion in new proposals for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, covering procurements from autonomous surface craft to thermal imaging night sights. This move underscores the government’s push to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing, potentially triggering fresh orders for select listed defence companies whose stock prices have recently corrected. Bharat Electronics (BEL)BEL, a key defence PSU with 51.1% government ownership, is poised to benefit from orders for thermal imager-based driver night sights, missile system upgrades, and radars. Q1FY26 revenue rose 4.6% YoY to ₹44.4 billion, with PAT up 22.5% to ₹9.7 billion on strong margin gains. The company holds a ₹749 billion order book (3x revenue) and expects significant inflows, including ₹300+ billion QRSAM orders by Q4FY26. BEL is expanding into networking, data centers, and cybersecurity, but trades at a high P/E of 52x versus a 10-year median of 24x. Astra MicrowaveSpecializing in defence, aerospace, and space electronics, Astra is set to gain from mountain radar orders and missile programme subsystems. FY25 revenue grew 15.7% YoY to ₹10.5 billion, with margins expanding to 25.6% and PAT up 27% to ₹1.5 billion. With a ₹23 billion order book (2.2x revenue) and a FY26 target of ₹14 billion in orders, the company is advancing anti-drone systems, tactical radars, and space-related products. It trades at a premium P/E of 60x compared to its historical 33x. Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL)HAL, India’s largest defence PSU, will benefit from Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone orders under the DRDO programme. FY25 revenue rose 2% to ₹301 billion, while PAT grew 9.7% to ₹83.6 billion on operational efficiencies. Its ₹1.9 trillion order book (6x revenue) includes contracts for aircraft, helicopters, and engines. Future prospects include ₹1 trillion in manufacturing and ₹200 billion in repair orders. HAL is investing ₹150 billion in manufacturing expansion and ROH facilities, cementing its role in India’s defence localization push.

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Editor03 mins

Curiosity Rover Spots Coral-Like Rock Formation in Mars’ Gale Crater

At first glance, it could be mistaken for coral from the ocean floor — but this intricate object rests not beneath the sea, but in the dusty expanse of Mars’ Gale Crater. NASA’s Curiosity rover captured the striking image on July 24, revealing a delicate, branching structure just 2.5 centimeters wide. While its appearance mimics marine life, scientists confirm it is actually a wind-eroded fragment of rock. Using the rover’s Remote Micro Imager, researchers were able to study its intricate details. NASA explains that ancient Mars once hosted flowing water, which transported minerals into cracks in the planet’s rocks. Over time, these minerals solidified into veins. Billions of years later, relentless Martian winds stripped away the surrounding material, leaving behind these coral-like patterns — a natural sculpture shaped by both water and wind over eons.

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Editor01 mins

Apple’s iPhone 17 Series Expected to Launch in Early September with Major Upgrades

August 8, 2025 – Apple is preparing to unveil its next-generation premium smartphone lineup, the iPhone 17 series, in early September. While the official date has yet to be confirmed, reports suggest the launch event could take place on either September 3 or September 9, both falling on a Tuesday—Apple’s traditional launch day. The upcoming lineup is expected to include four models: 🔧 Performance & Chipsets 📸 Camera Upgrades 🧱 Design and Build 💵 Expected Pricing Model Price (India) Price (US) Price (UAE) iPhone 17 Pro ₹1,45,990 $1,199 AED 4,403 iPhone 17 Pro Max ₹1,64,990 $1,499 AED 5,299 According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the phones are expected to go on sale between September 8 and 10, 2025.

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Editor03 mins

Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Computer Chips, Spares U.S. Manufacturers

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that his administration will impose a 100% tariff on imported computer chips and semiconductors, a move that could sharply increase the cost of electronics, automobiles, appliances, and other digital-era essentials. Speaking from the Oval Office alongside Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump emphasized that companies manufacturing chips within the United States will be exempt from the steep import taxes. “We will be putting a tariff of approximately 100% on chips and semiconductors,” the President said. “But if you are building in the United States of America, there is no charge.” The tariff declaration comes three months after Trump had temporarily exempted most electronics from his administration’s highest tariffs. The new announcement represents a significant shift, marking a departure from the subsidy-based approach taken under former President Joe Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act. Big Tech Boosts U.S. Investments The announcement was met with cautious optimism by Wall Street, particularly due to the expected exemptions for companies committed to U.S.-based manufacturing. Apple’s stock surged 5% during regular trading on Wednesday, with an additional 3% gain in after-hours trading. The surge follows Apple’s pledge to invest $600 billion more in the U.S., adding to its earlier $500 billion commitment from February. AI chip giant Nvidia, which has also significantly increased its U.S. footprint, saw its stock tick up in extended trading. Nvidia has gained over $1 trillion in market value since Trump returned to office. Shares of chipmaking veteran Intel, which has struggled in recent years, also saw gains. Though companies like Apple and Nvidia may benefit from tariff exemptions, the broader implications for global electronics pricing and supply chains remain uncertain. Tariffs vs. Incentives: A Strategic Shift Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs represents a clear policy shift from the incentive-driven CHIPS and Science Act introduced under Biden in 2022, which allocated over $50 billion to build domestic semiconductor capacity, fund research, and support workforce development. Instead of financial support, Trump is opting for a punitive strategy, aiming to pressure corporations to manufacture within the U.S. by dramatically raising the cost of imported chips. “The only thing that can stop America’s greatness would be a radical left court that wants to see our country fail,” Trump wrote on social media, referencing an ongoing legal challenge to his tariff authority. Despite the president’s optimism, critics warn that the tariffs could backfire by raising consumer prices and squeezing company profits. Many essential goods—from smartphones to refrigerators—depend on semiconductors sourced from abroad, especially from Asian markets like Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Global Tensions and Trade Reactions India and China are likely to be among the countries hardest hit. India, already facing a 25% tariff hike over its Russian oil imports, could now see its tech exports also impacted unless a resolution is reached within the 21-day window given by Trump. Other nations are scrambling to respond. Switzerland is holding an emergency cabinet meeting after being blindsided by a 39% chip tariff. Trade talks with Washington have intensified across multiple capitals as countries look to avert disruptions to exports and global supply chains. Meanwhile, the Semiconductor Industry Association declined to comment on the latest tariffs. Inquiries to Nvidia and Intel also went unanswered. According to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), global demand for semiconductors continues to surge, with sales increasing 19.6% in the year ending June 2025. What Comes Next? Whether this hardline strategy will succeed in boosting domestic chip production or strain the global tech ecosystem remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Trump is doubling down on tariffs as his administration’s primary tool to reshape American manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains. With new iPhone models expected to be unveiled next month, all eyes are now on whether Apple and other tech giants can shield their products from rising costs—or whether American consumers will foot the bill.

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Editor06 mins

New Long-Necked Marine Reptile Discovered in Germany’s Posidonia Shale: Plesionectes longicollum

Paleontologists have identified a new species of ancient marine reptile, Plesionectes longicollum, from the famous Posidonia Shale fossil beds in Holzmaden, Southwest Germany, providing valuable insight into Jurassic ocean ecosystems from nearly 183 million years ago. 🦕 Meet Plesionectes longicollum 📍 Discovery Highlights 🔍 What Makes It Unique? Lead author Sven Sachs (Naturkunde-Museum Bielefeld) and co-author Dr. Daniel Madzia (Polish Academy of Sciences) emphasized that while the fossil had been known for decades, its distinctive anatomy was only recently studied in full. “This specimen has been in collections for decades, but previous studies never fully explored its distinctive anatomy,” – Sven Sachs Despite being immature at the time of death, the reptile’s unique skeletal features justified declaring it a new genus and species. 🌊 Ecological Importance “This discovery adds another piece to the puzzle of marine ecosystem evolution during a critical time in Earth’s history,” – Dr. Daniel Madzia 🧬 The Posidonia Shale: A Jurassic Treasure Trove 🧩 Why It Matters 📚 A fascinating glimpse into life beneath the waves during the age of dinosaurs, Plesionectes longicollum is more than just a new species—it’s a key to unlocking ancient marine mysteries.

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Editor04 mins

Adani Group in Talks with China’s BYD for Battery Manufacturing Tie-Up Amid Diplomatic Sensitivities

The Adani Group is reportedly in early-stage discussions with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD Co. for a potential partnership that would enable battery manufacturing in India. The move aligns with billionaire Gautam Adani’s strategy to expand into clean energy, with a particular focus on lithium-ion cell production for both electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems—essential components for Adani’s rapidly growing renewable energy portfolio. According to a Bloomberg report, Adani is personally leading the negotiations, with meetings between Adani executives and BYD representatives taking place as recently as last week. However, due to strained diplomatic relations between India and China, any prospective agreement is likely to be routed through BYD’s subsidiaries based in third countries rather than directly from its Shenzhen headquarters. The motivation behind the tie-up is rooted in BYD’s global leadership in battery innovation and cost-effective technology, which Adani sees as critical for achieving his clean energy goals. Despite the discussions being at a preliminary stage and carrying no guarantee of success, BYD is seen as a natural fit, given its dominance in both EV production and rechargeable battery technology. However, such a collaboration would face significant geopolitical challenges. India and China continue to experience tension over border disputes and global trade routes. Since April, China has restricted exports of certain critical technologies and components, such as rare earth magnets, to India and Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, India has withheld visas for BYD executives, forcing meetings to occur in neutral territories. In addition to BYD, the Adani Group is also exploring partnerships with other Chinese renewable energy companies, including Beijing Welion New Energy Technology Co. Sources indicate that Adani is acutely aware of the political sensitivities involved and is preparing to navigate regulatory hurdles carefully. While European and South Korean suppliers are also being considered, they reportedly cannot match the price competitiveness of Chinese firms. During a low-profile visit to China in June, Adani held meetings with firms like Broad Group and Jinko Solar Co., as confirmed through social media activity and official statements. However, some Chinese companies declined to meet the Adani delegation, underscoring the delicate diplomatic climate surrounding any India-China collaboration. As of now, neither BYD nor Beijing Welion has publicly responded to the reports of ongoing discussions.

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