Xiaomi is recalling nearly 147,000 units of its 33W power bank (model PB2030M1) due to safety concerns. The 20,000mAh devices, sold mainly between August and September last year, contain defective 126280 battery cells that may damage smartphone batteries under prolonged use or simultaneous charging. Although no accidents have been reported, Xiaomi is offering a full refund of 159 yuan (about USD 22) for returned units. The recall follows growing safety concerns in Asia after similar incidents with other brands.

Honda is introducing the Fastport E-Quad, a four-wheeled pedal-powered vehicle with electric assistance, designed for urban delivery in congested cities like New York and Los Angeles. The lightweight quadracycle carries more cargo than bicycles or scooters, navigates traffic easily, and comes in two sizes, with the larger model carrying up to 295 kg. Developed by Honda’s U.S. startup lab, the E-Quad aims to support logistics and delivery services, with small-batch production starting in Ohio and full-scale rollout planned next summer.

During a military parade in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, were spotted walking together. Reports suggest Putin discussed how modern biotechnology, including organ transplants, could extend human lifespan. Xi’s interpreter added that humans could potentially live over 150 years this century. The parade also included 24 other world leaders. Analysts suggest the joint appearance may send a message to Western nations, while former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the meeting.

A team of researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University has developed an eco-friendly fungicide called PG Trichoderma using a native fungus, Trichoderma asperellum. This innovation reduces chemical fertilizer use by 20-25% while increasing crop yields. The fungicide also acts as an organic fertilizer, improving soil health by controlling acidity and salinity. Field trials showed significant benefits, including disease control and cost savings for farmers. The product is now in pilot production and nearing commercial registration, promising safer food and environmental sustainability.

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT-5, its most advanced AI model yet, offering it for free to users worldwide. CEO Sam Altman describes it as faster, smarter, and capable of delivering expert-level responses. Though it doesn’t learn from real-time data, it's considered a major step toward Artificial General Intelligence. The model is trained to provide safe, honest answers and avoid harmful content. OpenAI also released two customizable models, signaling greater transparency and intensifying competition in the global AI race.

Microsoft and Amazon are planning to transform aging coal and gas power plants across Europe into AI data centers. These facilities offer ideal infrastructure, such as electricity and water access, crucial for cooling and power stability. With AI's rising energy needs, European energy companies like RWE, Engie, and Enel see this as a profitable opportunity. Repurposing old plants avoids costly shutdowns and supports long-term green energy contracts. This approach could ensure reliable power for tech firms while aiding the transition to sustainable infrastructure.

In the first half of 2025, major U.S. tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Amazon have spent over $1.55 trillion on artificial intelligence infrastructure. The spending exceeds U.S. government allocations for education and social services. Investments focus on data centers, servers, and power-intensive systems needed to run AI. Microsoft alone plans to spend over $300 billion this quarter. With 2026 plans already underway, global AI investment is expected to grow rapidly, even surpassing some national defense budgets in scale.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC has surpassed 4 terabits per second in real-time international bandwidth transmission. This milestone was reached on August 1 following the commercial rollout of Starlink’s satellite internet in July. The company added 1 Tbps in just three months. Regulatory changes now require IIG operators to use at least 50% submarine bandwidth. To support this, BSCPLC is offering extra discounts and has launched special packages for data centers, cloud providers, and hyperscalers to encourage less reliance on Indian internet routes.

Two enormous solar prominences, each stretching nearly 1 million kilometers, erupted from the Sun’s northeastern limb within an hour on July 31, according to Russian space research institutes. These gas eruptions, driven by magnetic forces, shot into space but are not Earth-directed. Scientists confirmed there’s no danger to satellites, power grids, or communication systems. While such events can be hazardous if Earth-facing, experts assure these particular eruptions pose no risk due to their position on the Sun's edge.

Google's earthquake alert system failed to provide timely warnings to more than 10 million people during the deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey on February 6, 2023. The company admitted its algorithm underestimated the quake's strength, resulting in limited emergency alerts being sent. Although the system was active, only a few hundred high-priority alerts were issued, leaving many unaware. Experts warn against over-reliance on such technology, emphasizing the need for robust national warning systems.

Google has launched a new AI-driven feature called ‘Web Guide’ to make search results smarter and more organized. Using Google’s Gemini AI model, the feature highlights key websites, provides AI-generated summaries, and categorizes results by topic. Currently in experimental mode via Google Search Labs, it aims to help users find accurate information faster while reducing misinformation. Traditional search results remain accessible, but the ‘Web Guide’ will be integrated into the AI tab in the future, especially benefiting younger users.

The war in Ukraine has triggered major shifts in Europe’s defense industry, with Germany at the forefront. The German startup Helsing, specializing in AI and military drones, recently achieved a $12 billion valuation, becoming Europe’s top defense startup. Germany plans to triple its defense budget to €160 billion by 2029, focusing on modern technology and startups. The government is easing regulations to boost smaller innovators, while companies like Swarm Biotactics develop advanced battlefield tech, positioning Germany as a growing power in defense innovation.

A massive technical failure on July 24, 2025, disrupted internet services for over 6 million Starlink users worldwide. The outage, caused by a core software error, lasted about two and a half hours and affected regions including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Military operations and emergency services were also impacted, raising concerns about Starlink’s system resilience. Elon Musk apologized, but experts emphasize the need for structural upgrades in redundancy and disaster recovery to prevent future incidents in satellite-based internet infrastructure.

Apple’s upcoming iPad Pro will introduce dual front-facing cameras, one for landscape and another for portrait mode, ensuring users remain centered during FaceTime, video calls, and selfies regardless of device orientation. The new model will also feature the more powerful and energy-efficient M5 chip, improving battery life and multitasking. This chip is expected to be integrated into other Apple products like Vision Pro, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and iMac in the future, marking a significant technological leap for the iPad Pro line.

Germany has introduced a cutting-edge technology called the ‘cyber cockroach’—a bio-robot combining live insects with miniature cameras and sensors to gather real-time intelligence on enemy positions. Developed by startup Swarm Biotactics, these cockroaches can infiltrate hostile areas and transmit crucial data directly to the military. This innovation reflects Germany’s shift toward integrating AI, small robots, and drones into defense, aiming to revolutionize future warfare and enhance both military and disaster management capabilities.