IN A NUTSHELL DARPA is spearheading space-based laser technology to enhance U.S. satellite defense amidst rising threats from global adversaries. The focus on laser communications aims to create a secure, high-bandwidth data transmission method, overcoming the limitations of traditional radio frequencies. Collaborations with companies like SpaceX and Amazon’s Kuiper highlight […]

A station under construction for the railway line between western Mexico City and Toluca, the capital of the neighboring state of Mexico. This passenger and freight route has been under construction since 2014, and its cost has tripled due to technical issues and opposition from local communities. Image: SNT-Movilidad Urbana […]

IN A NUTSHELL Chinese universities have surged ahead of U.S. institutions in AI research output, showcasing a shift in global tech leadership. Peking University, under the leadership of Zhu Songchun, is at the forefront of this AI innovation wave. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI disrupter, has leveraged local talent to build […]

IN A NUTSHELL China’s naval ambition is advancing with the development of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, enhancing its global reach. Current Chinese carriers are limited by their reliance on conventional fuel, necessitating frequent refueling. Nuclear power offers significant advantages, allowing carriers to operate for decades without refueling, reducing logistical constraints. The […]

IN A NUTSHELL Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore returned from a 300-day mission, showcasing the effects of extended space travel. Originally a ten-day mission, their stay was prolonged due to technical issues with the Starliner capsule. The astronauts experienced significant physical and psychological transformations due to prolonged exposure to microgravity. […]

Vivian Magesa, a young widow in Ukerewe, is arranging merchandise, including vegetables and fruits, in her pavilion to get them ready to sell. Credit: Kizito Makoye/IPS By Kizito MakoyeUKARA, Tanzania(, Apr 4 2025 (IPS) The night after her husband was laid to rest, 24-year-old Vivian Magesa sat in the dimly […]

IN A NUTSHELL B61-13 nuclear weapon production is accelerated by seven months to enhance U.S. military capabilities. The B61-13 features a variable yield of 10 to 360 kilotons, significantly more powerful than historical bombs. Initially deployed on the B-2 Spirit bomber, the new warhead will also be compatible with the […]

ECW Executive Director Yasmine Sherif interacts with a young girl while she paints using her mouth. Credit: ECW/Estefania Jimenez Perez By Joyce ChimbiNAIROBI & BERLIN, Apr 3 2025 (IPS) Of the nearly 234 million children and adolescents of school age affected by crises, 85 million are already out of school. […]