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TECH

Manus has kick-started an AI agent boom in China

🚀🧩 A new kind of AI race is heating up in China, and this time, it’s about agents, not just models. After Wuhan-based Manus launched its general-purpose AI agent to viral demand, a wave of ambitious startups has followed, each aiming to build systems that do, not just chat. These agents don’t merely answer questions; they autonomously book flights, manage calendars, or even design websites, powered by large language models and designed for action over conversation. China’s integrated digital ecosystem, combined with fierce local competition, may give these companies a unique edge in turning AI agents into everyday tools.

But the real battleground isn’t just at home, it’s global. With leading Chinese agents like Manus, Genspark, and Flowith targeting international users first (partly due to China’s tight internet controls), major players like ByteDance and Tencent are scrambling to catch up with domestic solutions. Their goal? Bake AI agents directly into their super-app ecosystems, allowing seamless control over everything from grocery orders to gym bookings. If they succeed, China won’t just be exporting AI, it may redefine how the world uses it. Read More

SpaceX May Be Failing to Get Starship Working at All

🚀🔥 SpaceX’s latest Starship test ended with not one, but two fiery explosions, raising real questions about whether the megarocket is on a path to breakthrough or burnout. After nine high-stakes flights, the Super Heavy booster disintegrated during a landing burn, and the upper stage followed with a fuel leak and atmospheric breakup. While Starship did reach space and even reused a booster for the first time, the test carried only a sliver of its promised payload and again failed to stick a landing, core goals for a rocket meant to be fully reusable and Mars-ready.

Critics now argue SpaceX has hit a fundamental engineering wall. Making Starship durable and light enough to reuse may be a paradox. Analysts like Will Lockett suggest stress issues are cascading through the system, while others, like Wendy Whitman Cobb, still believe SpaceX’s engineering might eventually prevail. But after nearly $10 billion and nine unsuccessful flights, the question remains: Is Starship a revolution in progress, or an ambitious detour heading nowhere fast? Read More

Scientists develop plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours

🌊♻️ A team of Japanese scientists may have just redefined what “biodegradable” really means. Researchers from the University of Tokyo and RIKEN have developed a new plastic that dissolves completely in seawater within hours, and crucially, without leaving behind toxic microplastics. Unlike most so-called eco-friendly plastics that degrade slowly or incompletely, this material reverts to its original components, which are then safely digested by natural bacteria. The result: no pollution, no residue, and no lingering threat to marine life.

In lab tests, a sheet of the plastic vanished in salty water in just one hour, and early soil trials show complete breakdown within days. It’s fire-resistant, non-toxic, and doesn’t emit carbon dioxide, a powerful combo that’s already drawing attention from major packaging firms. The material isn’t yet ready for market, but the promise it holds is immense. As plastic waste threatens to choke the planet, this discovery could become a pivotal moment in the global fight for cleaner oceans. Read More

Yoshua Bengio launches LawZero, a nonprofit AI safety lab

🚨🤖 Yoshua Bengio, a Turing Award-winning AI pioneer, has just launched LawZero, a nonprofit AI safety lab dedicated to building safer, more responsible AI systems. With $30 million raised from high-profile supporters like Jaan Tallinn, Eric Schmidt, and the Future of Life Institute, LawZero aims to put humanity’s protection first, echoing the Zeroth Law of Robotics from sci-fi lore.

Bengio, a leading voice in the AI safety movement, has been vocal about the urgent need for stronger safeguards as AI capabilities rapidly advance. He’s skeptical of big tech giants like OpenAI and Google, believing they may prioritize innovation over safety. This bold new initiative could mark a critical turning point in the global effort to ensure AI development doesn’t come at humanity’s expense. Want to know how LawZero plans to reshape AI safety? Read More

Introducing AWS API models and publicly available resources

🚀📊 AWS just opened up a treasure trove for developers and tech entrepreneurs, a publicly available, daily-updated source of API models! These Smithy models provide a detailed map of AWS services, making it easier than ever to build custom SDKs, create developer tools, and validate app integrations with precision. Imagine generating SDK clients tailored for niche programming languages or spinning up server stubs for AI agents, all powered by official AWS API definitions, now fully accessible on GitHub and Maven Central.

This is a game changer for anyone building on AWS. With tools like Smithy CLI, you can effortlessly build, test, and explore API behaviors without deep setup hassles. From launching minimal SDK clients for DynamoDB to creating robust MCP servers, the possibilities for innovation and streamlined development are vast. Curious how you can leverage this to scale your own AWS-powered projects? Dive into the Smithy models and unlock a new level of control and confidence in your cloud journey. Read more

BUSINESS

Auto Driver's Method Of Making ₹5-8 Lakh In Side Earnings Triggers Debate Among Netizens

🚖💸 An autorickshaw driver in Mumbai is sparking buzz after reportedly earning ₹5-8 lakh a month without even driving his vehicle. Capitalizing on the strict no-bag policy at the US Consulate, he offers a bag-keeping service, charging ₹1,000 per person. Partnering with a local police officer who provides secure locker space, this street-smart hustle reportedly serves 20-30 customers daily, turning a simple opportunity into a lucrative side business. Bengaluru entrepreneur Rahul Rupani shared this story, praising the driver as a master of “pure hustle and product-market fit”, no MBA required.

But the story has sparked debate. While many applaud the ingenuity and resourcefulness, others question the ethics and legality of the operation, especially with the involvement of a police officer and the steep fees charged to vulnerable visa applicants. Is this a brilliant example of entrepreneurial grit, or a questionable side hustle skirting ethical lines? The conversation is heating up. What’s your take on this unconventional business model? Read More

With a massive funding round and a $31 billion valuation, Anduril is nearing the size of defense industry giants it wants to displace

🚀🤖 Anduril is rapidly reshaping the defense tech landscape with a recent $2.5 billion funding round, pushing its valuation to an impressive $30.5 billion. Backed by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, making its largest-ever investment, Anduril is now one of the most valuable private companies globally. This Silicon Valley startup, founded by industry veterans like Oculus creator Palmer Luckey, is challenging traditional defense giants by pioneering AI-powered drones, virtual reality headsets, and autonomous aircraft tailored for the U.S. military and allies. Its innovative approach of self-funding breakthrough tech before government sales is disrupting decades-old defense contracting norms.

With major contracts from the U.S. Navy and partnerships including Meta, Anduril is not just expanding its product lineup but also scaling operations internationally. As geopolitical tensions intensify, the company’s growth signals a new era where venture capital and deep tech innovation drive national security advancements. What could this mean for the future of defense technology, and which other startups might follow in Anduril’s footsteps? The industry is watching closely, and so should you. Read More

This All-American EV Maker Is Charging Germany $3.5 Billion for Access to Its Tech

🔋🚚 Rivian Automotive is charging full speed ahead in the electric vehicle space, focusing exclusively on all-electric trucks and delivery vans. With a solid production capacity of around 50,000 EVs annually, Rivian’s partnership with Amazon helped kickstart its growth by securing a reliable customer early on. Now, the company is expanding its ambitions beyond traditional sales by licensing its cutting-edge technology to other automakers, notably Germany’s Volkswagen. This partnership not only brings crucial funding but also positions Volkswagen as a potential long-term tech customer, fueling Rivian’s journey toward sustainable profitability.

Volkswagen’s ongoing investments, including a recent $1 billion infusion with more to come, are vital as Rivian continues to burn through cash while scaling operations. Coupled with possible U.S. government loans, Rivian is well-equipped to invest in innovation and production efficiency for the years ahead. Though the stock carries risk and wasn’t highlighted among top picks by some analysts, the company’s unique niche and strong partnerships hint at a promising future. Could Rivian’s all-American ingenuity and strategic alliances pave the way for the next big leap in EV technology? The road ahead is definitely one to watch. Read More

Louis Vuitton files lawsuit against Portuguese liqueur start-up over branding rights

⚖️🍸 A legal clash is brewing between luxury and liquor as Louis Vuitton takes a small Portuguese liqueur start-up, Licores do Vale, to court over alleged logo infringement. The fashion powerhouse claims the company’s use of an LV-inspired symbol, with an inverted V, bears too close a resemblance to its iconic branding. Filed in the Intellectual Property Court, the lawsuit aims to block the registration of the liqueur’s mark, arguing it unfairly mimics the prestige of the French label’s globally recognized design.

For Louis Vuitton, this isn’t just about logos, it’s about protecting decades of brand equity from what they call “parasitic exploitation.” But for Licores do Vale, the stakes are existential in this David vs. Goliath battle. Could a humble bottle from Monção really confuse consumers? Or is this a bold flex from a global brand determined to guard its image at any cost? The outcome could ripple far beyond the spirits industry, raising big questions about IP boundaries in a brand-saturated world. Read More

This California startup is cleaning water and removing CO2 from the atmosphere, all at a reduced cost

💧🌱 In the face of rising droughts and growing water scarcity, California-based startup Capture6 is tackling two global crises at once: clean water access and carbon emissions. Its innovative tech transforms industrial waste brine into fresh water while capturing CO2 from the atmosphere, all at reduced energy costs. The secret lies in turning leftover sodium into lye, which naturally bonds with carbon dioxide when exposed to air. It’s a breakthrough that’s already being piloted in California, South Korea, and Australia, with early results showing up to 98% water recovery and major savings in operational costs.

With $27.5 million in backing from investors like Hyundai Motors and Energy Capital Ventures, Capture6 is gaining serious traction. The process not only cleans water and cuts emissions, but also has the potential to be powered entirely by renewables, making the carbon it captures net negative. As the carbon credit market heats up and more facilities adopt circular solutions, Capture6 could redefine how we think about water treatment and climate tech. Could this be the new blueprint for global sustainability infrastructure? Read More

GOOD TO KNOW

On This Day: Led by U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, an Allied armada of ships, planes, and landing craft and some 156,000 troops began the invasion of northern France from England this day in 1944, the famous “D-Day” of World War II.

Fun Riddle: Which of the following components of blood helps in clotting?

QUOTE

LEISURE READS

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‘A Man With Sole’ Trailer: Designer Kenneth Cole Creates A Business Empire, Risks It All For Crucial Social Issues: Read

10 No-Fluff Rules To Build Your Personal Brand In 2025: Read

ANSWER TO RIDDLE

Question: Which of the following components of blood helps in clotting?

Answer: Platelets 🩸