SpaceX has sent another batch of satellites into orbit. On April 3, a Falcon 9 rocket launched 27 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The rocket lifted off at 9.02 p.m. Eastern Time and was followed by a successful landing of the first-stage booster on a drone ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean. This booster had already been used on four earlier flights. The satellites are expected to be deployed nearly an hour after takeoff if mission steps proceed as planned. The launch formed part of SpaceX's continued effort to expand its low Earth orbit network.
Details from the Launch Mission Description
According to the mission information provided by SpaceX, the launch marked the fifth use of the same Falcon 9 booster. The drone ship used for recovery was named “Of Course I Still Love You”. This reusable system has become a routine part of SpaceX operations. The booster's return was completed around eight minutes after liftoff. The launch contributed to the growing total of Starlink satellites which is aimed at building a global broadband network.
Launch Activity in 2025
This latest mission has brought the number of Falcon 9 launches in 2025 to 38. About two-thirds of those have supported the expansion of the Starlink constellation. Earlier this week, two separate launches were also completed. One of them included the Fram2 private astronaut mission, which carried crew members into orbit over Earth's poles. That mission marked a new milestone in human spaceflight.
Starlink Satellite Network
Over 7100 satellites are now part of the Starlink constellation. The system is already the largest of its kind. SpaceX continues to work on expanding its coverage by launching more satellites regularly. The objective remains to provide consistent internet access worldwide, especially in regions with limited connectivity options.
Bats fly out of caves in large numbers every night. Even though they fly in huge numbers they do not collide. Scientists have observed this for years. The ability of bats to navigate without crashing remains an area of study. Many species rely on echolocation to sense their surroundings. They emit calls and listen to echoes. When many bats use echolocation at the same time, interference should occur. Scientists refer to this issue as jamming. This raises the question of why bats do not collide when leaving caves in large groups.
How Bats Navigate Without Collisions
According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from Tel Aviv University examined greater mouse-tailed bats in Israel's Hula Valley. The study was conducted over two years. Small tracking devices were placed on multiple bats. These trackers recorded their locations and sounds. Some of these devices contained ultrasonic microphones. The mics were there to capture the auditory scene. Since bats were tagged outside the cave, data at the opening of the cave was not available. A computational model developed by Omer Mazar was used to simulate the missing data. This model recreated the entire sequence of bat emergence.
Findings on Echolocation Adjustments
As per the findings, 94 percent of echolocations were jammed when bats exited the cave. Within five seconds, jamming decreased significantly. Two behavioral adjustments were noted. First, bats moved outward from the dense group while staying in formation. They changed their echolocation strategy. Calls became shorter, weaker, and at a higher frequency. Scientists expected bats to avoid jamming by dispersing. The change in frequency was unexpected.
Reason Behind Echolocation Changes
Omer Mazar, a researcher involved in the study, explained this shift. He stated in an interview with Phys.org that bats prioritise detecting the nearest barrier. In this case, the obstacle is another bat. They did this by changing the method of echolocation. They gather precise information about their immediate surroundings. This reduces the risk of collisions
Amazon Prime Video announced the availability of Apple TV+ as an add-on subscription in India and select other countries on Wednesday. Customers who have already purchased an Amazon Prime subscription can sign up for Apple's video streaming service by paying Rs. 99 per month. Amazon says this enables viewers to stream popular Apple TV+ films and shows such as Disclaimer, Severance, Silo, and Ted Lasso without leaving the Prime Video app or website.
Apple TV+ Add-On Subscription on Amazon Prime Video
According to Amazon Prime Video, the addition of Apple TV+ as an add-on subscription enables customers to stream the platform's exclusive library of films and shows on a single destination, eliminating the need of switching to different apps for their respective video content. Further, it is claimed to reduce the hassle of juggling between multiple login credentials for various video streaming platforms.
Additionally, a single account allows them to have a consolidated watch list, in addition to a library of offline downloads. Subscribers can also manage data consumption and much more across all their add-on subscriptions, as per the company.
The subscription in India is priced at Rs. 99 per month. Alongside India, Apple TV+ has also been introduced as an add-on subscription in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other territories in Europe and Latin America.
In addition to Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video also offers add-on subscriptions to more than 25 other video streaming platforms such as Lionsgate Play, Discovery+, BBC Player, MGM+, Sony Pictures – Stream, Anime Times, Crunchyroll, Animax+GEM, CN Rewind, FanCode, Channel K, Chaupal, Hoichoi, and Manorama Max.
This move comes amidst reports that Apple is losing more than $1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,604 crore) a year on its video streaming service. Since its launch in 2019, the iPhone maker has spent more than $5 billion (roughly Rs. 43,020 crore) a year on content, with Apple TV+ productions earning over 2,500 nominations and 538 wins. Owing to this, Apple is said to have trimmed its annual spend by around $500 million (roughly Rs. 4,302 crore) in 2024.
Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, is planning to go public this year. The US-based crypto firm recently filed for an initial public offering (IPO) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). If approved, Circle's stocks will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “CRCL”. As part of the listing process, Circle has filled SEC's S-1 form – which is a registration statement that firms planning to go public need to submit to the SEC. It essentially provides key details about the firm and their businesses to the SEC as well as the investor community.
The filing shows that Circle plans to introduce three classes of common stock -- Class A (one vote per share), Class B (five votes per share, capped at 30 percent voting power), and Class C (non-voting). Despite the founders' voting power, Circle said it will not be classified as a “controlled company” under the NYSE rules.
As of now, Circle has not disclosed how many shares it plans to offer and what its IPO target price would be.
Key Details Circle Mentioned in the S-1 Form
Circle claimed in its filing that assets under its management reached the valuation of approximately $1.6 billion (roughly Rs. 13,694 crore) as of December 31, 2024.
The company also informed investors that between 2022 and 2024, its stablecoin-related reserves rose from $735.9 million (roughly Rs. 6,299 crore) to $1.7 billion (roughly Rs. 14,554 crore). While 99 percent of Circle's revenue last year came from its stablecoin reserves, the firm also churns a portion of its income via yield-bearing Treasury bills, the filing shows.
Explaining its decision to the public, Circle stated that the move seeks to enhance transparency and accountability while engaging with the investor community.
“Operating as a US-listed public company represents our continued dedication to transparency and accountability, as we will become subject to the reporting, corporate governance, and other requirements that are applicable to a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange,” the company said in its filing.
As per reports, Circle's IPO could go live between April and June.
Data by CoinGecko shows that Coinbase, Galaxy Digital, and Mara Holdings are among the top ten largest blockchain firms by market cap as of February 4.
Associated Risks
Now that Circle is planning its IPO, it has compiled a list of risk factors that the investors should beware of.
“Stablecoins may face periods of uncertainty, loss of trust, or systemic shocks resulting in the potential for rapid redemption requests (or runs). Extreme scenarios, such as market shocks that affect the value of USDC's reserves may lead to redemption delays and USDC reserves being insufficient to meet all redemption requests,” the firm explained.
The company acknowledged its exposure to credit risks and cautioned that its compliance and risk management strategies may be ineffective. It also warned investors that purchasing Class A common stock carries significant risk.
Circle's Journey So Far
Circle launched as a peer-to-peer payments technology company in October 2013 by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville. Over the last twelve years, the USDC supply has swollen to over 60 billion tokens. According to CoinMarketCap, USDC is the seventh largest crypto by market valuation.
In September 2024, Circle partnered with Sony to expand the USDC ecosystem through the Soneium blockchain. Under the deal, the USDC stablecoin was finalised as a key token within the Soneium network.
Ahead of its planned IPO, USDC received an approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) for use within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This allows all firms operating in the DIFC to integrate the USDC token into their daily economic activities.
Telugu political drama Racharikam is arriving on Lionsgate Play on April 11. Directed by Suresh Lankalapalli, the film is set in the 1980s and revolves around love and political turmoil in the village of Rachakonda. Bhargavi Reddy and Shiva find themselves entangled in a conflict that stems from family, politics, and social hierarchies. With themes of male power and caste oppression, the narrative explores the complexities of political ambition and personal relationships.
When and Where to Watch Racharikam
Racharikam will premiere exclusively on Lionsgate Play on April 11. Viewers with an active subscription can watch the film on the streaming platform.
Official Trailer and Plot of Racharikam
The trailer shows the intense political rivalries which causes emotional struggles. Among all of this is a love story set against a backdrop of these very power struggles. The plot follows Bhargavi Reddy who is an aspiring politician and Shiva who is a youth leader from the Mana Sakthi Party. Bhargavi's and her brother, Vivek Reddy's political ambitions gets tangles with her father's opposition to her love story. Political motivations are shown intertwining with personal relationships, as tensions arise. All of this ends up leading to a dramatic confrontation.
Cast and Crew of Racharikam
The film stars Apsara Rani and Vijay Shankar in lead roles. The film has Varun Sandesh, Srikanth Iyengar, Vijay Ram Raju, Esshwar and Hyper Aadi in supporting roles. The music has been composed by Vengi.
Reception of Racharikam
Upon its theatrical release on January 31, Racharikam received strong reviews, with an IMDb rating of 9.3/10. The film's storytelling, performances, and political themes were well received.
Greenland's melting glaciers have exposed 1,620 kilometers of previously ice-covered coastline in the last 20 years. Arctic marine-terminating glaciers have significantly receded, according to satellite imagery from 2000 to 2020, exposing new land to the elements. This change illustrates the continued effects of global warming as the region's geography is altered by shrinking ice flows. The newly exposed areas now face environmental changes, such as possible ecosystem shifts, sediment displacement, and new opportunities for scientific exploration.Over the past two decades, glaciers melting in Greenland have revealed 1,620 kilometres of previously ice-covered coastline. Satellite imagery from 2000 to 2020 has shown a significant retreat in Arctic marine-terminating glaciers, exposing new land to the elements.
Satellite Data Tracks Greenland's Changing Landscape
According to a study published in Nature Climate Change, researchers examined satellite images to map changes in the northern hemisphere's glacier coverage. The study found that 2,466 kilometres of coastline have been revealed in the Arctic over 20 years, with Greenland accounting for 66 percent of the total. Glacial retreat has been most pronounced at Zachariae Isstrom, where 81 kilometres of coastline have been exposed—twice as much as any other Arctic glacier.
Newly Exposed Islands and Potential Territorial Claims
The discovery of 35 islands larger than 0.5 square kilometers, 29 of which are in Greenland, and 13 of which are not shown on any maps, is another result of the retreat of ice. The study further suggests that these 35 islands might be in danger as multiple nations might claim it for its natural resources. Researchers also pointed out in the study that these islands may have significant scientific value. The report adds that the new landscapes might provide new insights into Arctic geology and marine ecosystems.
Newly Exposed Islands and Potential Territorial Claims
The discovery of 35 islands larger than 0.5 square kilometers, 29 of which are in Greenland, and 13 of which are not shown on any maps, is another result of the retreat of ice. These islands' unexplored status raises the possibility of future territorial claims by nations looking to access unexplored natural resources. Researchers point out that these emerging landscapes may have scientific value, providing new insights into Arctic geology and marine ecosystems.
Environmental Implications of Glacier Loss
Long-term environmental effects are yet unknown as Arctic ice continues to melt. Researchers caution that the loss of ice affects global climate patterns by causing sea levels to rise and ocean currents to shift. Local governments, communities, and environmental researchers face both opportunities and challenges as a result of the recently exposed coastline.
Dhanush's Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK) has finally been released on OTT after its theatrical run. The film is written and directed by Dhanush. The movie also marks the debut of Pavish Narayan. Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam follows the story of a young man who attends his former lover's wedding. The film also shows his journey on how he moves on and embraces his arranged marriage.
When and Where to Watch Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam
NEEK premiered in theatres in February. The film is now available for streaming on Prime Video. The film caters to a younger audience, reflecting modern relationships and emotions.
Official Trailer and Plot of Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam
The official trailer of the movie reveals the struggle the protagonist deals with his unresolved emotions he attends his ex-lover's wedding. The story talks about his internal struggle, which creates moments of humour, drama, and introspection. The film focuses on different angles of love, heartbreak, and new beginnings.
Cast and Crew of Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam
Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam features Pavish Narayan, Anikha Surendran, Matthew Thomas, Priya Prakash Varrier, Rabiya Khatoon, Ramya Ranganathan, and Venkatesh Menon in their pivotal roles. The movie also features senior actors R. Sarathkumar, Naren, and Saranya Ponvannan. The music has been composed by GV Prakash Kumar, while Dhanush has backed the project under Wunderbar Films.
Google is expected to bring the Pixel 10 series to market in the second half of this year. Like the current Pixel 9 series, the upcoming lineup is expected to include four models — Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Most recently, the first set of renders purportedly depicting the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold have leaked online. The foldable device appears to have a similar design as its predecessor.
Pixel 10 Pro Fold Looks Similar to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Android Headlines, in association with tipster Onleaks, has shared alleged renders of the Pixel 10 Pro Fold showcasing its design. The renders depict a familiar design language in a cream colour option, and this could be marketed as the same Porcelain colour as its predecessor. The images suggest that the new phone will continue to feature a similar rectangular camera module to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The lenses are arranged vertically in a dual-stage design, and the phone is likely to retain the 48-megapixel rear camera unit of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The alleged Pixel 10 Pro Fold seems to have a hole punch cutout on the external display. The bezels on the display appear to be thick and symmetrical. The internal screen has a hole punch cutout on the right corner. The foldable phone is seen with rounded corners.
Google's Pixel 10 Pro Fold could be slightly thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, measuring 155.2x150.4x5.3mm when unfolded. The existing model measures 155.2x150.2x5.1mm.
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is said to be in the works with the codename Rango. It is likely to go official in August this year alongside the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL models. The phone is expected to come with a Tensor G5 processor with 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. It could pack a MediaTek T900 modem and run on Android 16 OS.
Apple released the visionOS 2.4 update for the Apple Vision Pro on Monday. It is considered a major update and introduces the first set of Apple Intelligence features for the mixed reality (MR) headset. According to the Cupertino-based technology giant, users can now leverage Writing Tools for summarising and editing text, Image Playground for reimagining photos, and natural language search in Photos to find the best memories quickly. Further, the update also bundles a new feature called Spatial Gallery which brings curations by Apple.
visionOS 2.4 Update for the Apple Vision Pro: Features
Apple detailed the new features part of the visionOS 2.4 update in a newsroom post and the features are available on the headset with the device and Siri language set to English (US). The iPhone maker says Writing Tools is now available on the Apple Vision Pro. It is an AI-powered feature with options for composing, rewriting and proofreading documents with spelling and grammar checks. It can also summarise the text, create lists and tables, or highlight the key points from the text.
The update brings Image Playground, a standalone app which leverages generative AI to create images based on descriptive prompts. Users can select a reference person from their Photos app for inspiration and can choose from different art styles. The same app also bundles Genmoji which works similarly but for emojis. Apple says these can be added inline to messages, shared as a sticker, or sent as a Tapback.
Apple Intelligence now allows users to search for specific images stored in the Photos app with natural language queries. Further, the Create a Memory Movie enables AI to craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with a narrative arc, depending upon the prompt entered by the user. Meanwhile, Smart Reply in Mail and Messages allows for quick replies.
Apple says visionOS 2.4 also brings support for Priority Messages in Mail, Mail Summaries, Image Wand in Notes, Priority Notifications in Notification Centre, and Notification Summaries.
The company emphasises that photos and videos used to create movies and other actions are kept private and not shared with the company. Additionally, Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing whenever possible to protect user privacy. For tasks that require larger AI models, Apple engages Private Cloud Compute and the users' data is never stored or shared with the company.
Apple on Monday released its highly anticipated iOS 18.4 update for iPhone. It adds to the list of Apple Intelligence features including Priority Notifications and the availability of Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro models. With the update, the Cupertino-based technology giant also expands its AI suite to include India and other regions, which eliminates the need to set the device and Siri language to English (US) to access the features.
There are new features, new toggles in the Control Centre, new emojis, and an app to customise the Apple Vision Pro features as part of the update.
iOS 18.4 Update for iPhone: Availability
Apple says iOS 18.4 update expands Apple Intelligence features to include support for Chinese (Simplified), English (India, Singapore), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil) and Spanish languages. Thus, iPhone users in India can now gain access to the AI features without having to change the device language.
iOS 18.4 Update for iPhone: Features
A key new addition with the update is the support for Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 15 Pro models. Initially introduced with the iPhone 16 models in September, it is a visual lookup tool which leverages Apple Intelligence to help users learn about objects and places instantly. It can summarise text, translate it between languages, and detect phone numbers or email addresses and add them to contacts. Further, users can also enable web search to look up a product they like, solve a math equation, or simply ask ChatGPT to provide more information.
While this feature takes advantage of the new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 lineup, iPhone 15 Pro users may be able to toggle it via the Action button and a dedicated Control Centre toggle.
Building upon the previous announcement, the iOS 18.4 update introduces an Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone. It enables users to download apps and games for the Vision Pro via the App Store, discover films and shows tailored for the mixed reality (MR) headset, get tips, and access other information. There's also a new feature which Apple calls Review Summaries. As the name suggests, it compiles information from individual reviews left by users on an app or a game on the App Store to create a comprehensive summary, enabling others to quickly get an idea about the app without having to scroll through the entire list.
Another addition is the new toggles for two existing functionalities — talk to Siri and Visual Intelligence. Meanwhile, the company also introduces an Ambient mode toggle which enables users to play ambient soundscapes in the background. With iOS 18.4, the Apple News+ app shows recipes from global recipe publishers along with a catalogue which they can browse through to find the perfect dish. The Image Playground app now provides Sketch as an additional style option alongside animation and illustration.
