2025 - Page 91 of 179 - Usa Time Press

14 Jul

Solar and batteries could help Egypt beat its blackouts

Egypt has launched a major renewable energy initiative, marking a significant step in its efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and address ongoing power shortages. The country has commenced work on its first large-scale hybrid solar and battery energy storage facility, located in Nagaa Hammadi, an area well known for its abundant sunlight. This innovative project, dubbed Obelisk, will combine solar generation with battery storage in a move to strengthen energy reliability and sustainability.The $590 million project is being led by Scatec, a Norwegian company specializing in promoting renewable energy in growing markets. Obelisk will supply 1.1 gigawatts (GW)…

Why has Japan set up a task force to deal with foreigners?

14 Jul

The purpose of Japan’s task force for foreigners explained

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility

As Japan nears its elections for the national upper house, a fresh issue has surfaced prominently in political discussions: the involvement and status of non-Japanese nationals within Japanese society. Traditionally known for its conservative views on immigration, this topic is now under intense examination and political debate. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has unveiled a government group designed to manage the intricate relationship between Japan’s citizens and its expanding foreign community.The move arrives at a pivotal time when the country is grappling with the dual pressures of an aging society and a shifting public mood, increasingly influenced by anxieties over tourism,…

Chevron’s megadeal for Hess gets approval after winning legal battle with Exxon

14 Jul

Chevron finalizes Hess acquisition after winning legal fight with Exxon

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

Chevron's bold purchase of Hess Corporation has been formally approved, signifying a significant merger in the energy industry after surmounting a legal barrier posed by ExxonMobil. The outcome of this disagreement not only strengthens Chevron’s presence in a strategically important oil area but also indicates a wider transformation in how international oil companies handle crucial mergers amidst changing market conditions.The $53 billion all-stock deal, originally announced in late 2023, had faced delays due to ExxonMobil’s legal objection. Exxon claimed it held preemptive rights to Hess’s stake in the lucrative Stabroek Block offshore Guyana—a region that has become one of the…

How the Space Shuttles were given better names thanks to Star Trek

14 Jul

Star Trek’s Impact on Space Shuttle Naming

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

On September 17, 1976, a large hangar for aircraft in Palmdale, California, unveiled something remarkable—NASA's inaugural space shuttle. The elegant, white spacecraft that emerged was not merely an engineering feat. It was poised to become a cultural icon. Its designation? Enterprise. Although this name had connections to naval history and forward-thinking appeal, it wasn’t NASA’s initial choice. In reality, the alteration came about because of a spirited grassroots movement by devoted followers of a specific science fiction TV series whose mission was "to boldly go where no man has gone before."The Enterprise space shuttle was originally planned to be named…

Unique 1.5m year-old ice to be melted to unlock mystery

14 Jul

1.5m year-old ice to be melted for ancient secrets

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

A unique specimen of ice, estimated to be 1.5 million years old, has been retrieved from Antarctica and will soon be melted—not to be discarded but to serve in a pioneering scientific project. This mission aims to reveal hidden insights about Earth’s prehistoric climate, potentially providing a more comprehensive view of atmospheric changes over history and aiding scientists in comprehending the speed and effects of today’s climate change patterns.The ice, meticulously extracted from great depths below the Antarctic ground, is thought to include air bubbles encased from a time far before humans existed. These frozen air pockets act as historical…

Musk's brain implant company filed as a 'disadvantaged business'

14 Jul

Musk’s brain implant company gains status as a ‘disadvantaged business’

Roger W. WatsonHealth

Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company, known for developing cutting-edge brain implant devices, has recently been classified as a “disadvantaged business,” a designation that may allow it to benefit from specific government programs aimed at supporting minority-owned or economically underrepresented enterprises. This classification raises questions about the company’s strategic positioning and potential implications for its growth trajectory within a competitive tech industry.The brain implant company, which operates at the forefront of neural interface innovation, focuses on developing implantable devices designed to bridge human cognitive functions with advanced computer systems. These devices hold promise in fields ranging from medical treatment for neurological disorders…

Netflix uses AI effects for first time to cut costs

14 Jul

Netflix employs AI effects for the first time to curb costs

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

Netflix has discreetly ventured into the realm of artificial intelligence by incorporating AI-generated visual effects for the first time in one of its shows—this decision mirrors an increasing trend within the entertainment sector to embrace new technologies as a method to reduce expenses and speed up post-production.While the company hasn't officially announced the new project, experts in the field and observant spectators have noticed slight variations in specific scenes, hinting at the use of AI-enhanced visuals. These improvements, though not significantly changing the narrative, point to a change in how streaming services such as Netflix manage their production processes.Throughout the…

14 Jul

‘Crypto week’ is a turning point, for better or worse

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business

During a crucial period for cryptocurrency regulation in the United States, legislators in Washington advanced a set of significant legislative measures intended to outline the regulatory framework for digital assets. Proponents are celebrating these initiatives as a much-needed update to financial systems, whereas opponents are raising concerns about the potential for unchecked markets and widespread financial instability.The attention-grabbing moment—unofficially dubbed “crypto week” on Capitol Hill—has seen three major bills pass the House of Representatives. Their passage marks a significant step forward for an industry that has spent years seeking legitimacy, formal oversight, and a stable legal framework in the United…

Powell defends .5 billion Fed renovation in a point-by-point response to the Trump administration

14 Jul

Powell answers Trump administration’s concerns over $2.5 billion Fed renovation

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has openly justified the organization's choice to proceed with a $2.5 billion refurbishment of its headquarters in Washington, D.C., providing an in-depth response to objections posed by former Trump administration officials and their supporters. The extensively planned construction work, aimed at updating the historic Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building, has come under examination due to its cost, extent, and timing amidst broader discussions on public spending and economic caution.In a point-by-point response, Powell laid out the rationale behind the upgrade, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring that the central bank’s facilities are safe, secure,…

British spies and SAS named in Afghan data breach

14 Jul

Afghan data breach uncovers British spies and SAS

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

A major incident involving the unauthorized disclosure of data from the UK Ministry of Defence has resulted in the release of confidential details related to more than 100 British officials, encompassing personnel from special forces and intelligence sectors, along with numerous Afghan nationals. This breach in security has sparked worries regarding the protection of individuals identified in the disclosed documents, particularly Afghans who supported British missions throughout the twenty-year engagement in Afghanistan.The event took place at the start of 2022 but was not revealed to the public until significantly later. It led to the unintentional dissemination of thousands of sensitive…