The Weekly Focus Edition 13
The Tik-Tok Deal
After repeated threats by President Donald Trump to ban the app in the US, Tik Tok Owner ByteDance is scrambling to sell the app to a US buyer. Both the Chinese and US governments are making life harder for the deal to take place. The sudden Chinese restrictions on technological and algorithm-based exports will give China the final say in the deal. After new restrictions, ByteDance is going to reconsider selling its biggest success to US-based companies. There have been many companies reported to be in talks with ByteDance on the purchase of Tik Tok, including Microsoft, Twitter, and Oracle. The US has extended the ban limit by 45 days and is encouraging the deal to take place quickly. The Weekly Focus feels the new restrictions set by China and the deadline set by the US is reducing the chance of a deal taking place and with multiple third party companies in the race of buying the short video app, the deal might not even take place. This could turn out to be a negative point for ByteDance, because of multiple countries considering bans after India and the US. The app may be forced to cease operations overseas.
Novichok Strikes Again
Alexei Navalny, a Russian politician, perhaps the fiercest critic of the kremlin and a vociferous anti-corruption protester has earlier led nationwide protests against the unfair acts of the government, but his biggest dream is to apply for the box office, although Russian officials don't permit him. Earlier this week, German scientists released evidence of poisoning by a Soviet Era poisoning agent, called Novichok. He had taken ill around 2 weeks ago, but Russian doctors refused to transfer him to a separate clinic until a special flight arrived from Germany to take him to a more advanced hospital in Berlin. They later found evidence of poison in the tests, although the Russians had said that there was no evidence of poison in his bloodstream. It is suspected that he drank a poisoned cup of tea. Alexei is currently in a stable but serious condition, and Russia has received backlash from many countries including Germany.
Neuralink
What if there was a device that could let your brain do almost anything? That’s what Elon Musk’s startup, Neuralink has been working on for 4 years. According to Neuralink, brain-computer interfaces will one day be accepted. Neuralink is a device that can keep track of your mental activity and maybe even control. It can even cure fear, mental disorders, and even give superhuman powers. After many years of Research and Development, they have finally tested their wireless link. Last Friday, a pig was used for testing the Neuralink. The brain activity of the pig was recorded as it snuffled around a pen. Although this technology is largely beneficial, it could be harmful as well.
News In Short
~ India bans another 118 Chinese linked or Chinese apps including PUBG,
Baidu and Ludo World. To see the full list, Click Here.
~ Actor Chadwick Boseman who was known for playing the role of Black Panther died at the age of 43 due to Colon Cancer.
~ Famous Illusionist David Blaine successfully ascends nearly 25,000 feet over the Arizona Desert with just Helium Balloons.
~ Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's twitter account is hacked.
~ Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle sign a deal with Netflix, to produce 'meaningful and impactful' films.
~ Tencent loses 14 billion dollars in market value after India bans PUBG.
~ Chinese Mobile manufacturer Xiaomi opens its 3000th store in India.
~ Zoom Communication's shares jumped 26%, making the CEO richer by $4.2 B in just a few hours.
Markets this Week:
Nifty: 11,527.45 -93.9
Sensex: 38,990.94 -301.67
The Tech Hub
Google has added a new feature to make browsing the internet much more child friendly and safe. This feature is named 'Google Family Link'.
It helps the parent monitor the child's screen time and helps the child to find age-appropriate games on the Play Store. They have also included a feature called 'Google Kid's place, where there are various sections like the read section, watch section and make section. In the make section, the child can explore their creativity by making arts and DIY activities. The final section is named play, where they can play games with the approval of a parent. These features are only available on selected Android devices and tablets, but Google aims to make it available on all devices with chrome.
~ CSK Batsman Raina leaves training camp in Dubai and returns to India after his family was attacked, but he hinted he might return later on.
~ Manchester United sign Ajax midfielder, Donny Van Dee Beek for $35 million.
~ Kane Richardson opts out of the IPL to see the birth of his first child. Malinga also opts out due to personal reasons.
~ Tennis Star Naomi Osaka leaves the US open due to Black Lives Matter protests but returns.
~PUBG mobile bans around 2 million accounts over unfair play,
~ Marvel's Avengers PS Beta becomes the most downloaded PS Beta ever.
~ A leaked report stated the event we are all waiting for regarding the PS5 will be on 9th September.
~ Lenovo launches its brand new ultra-sleek gaming laptop Legion Slim 7i.
This Week in History
~ On 29th August 1862, the Second Battle of Bull Run which was fought in Manassas, Virginia began.
~ On 30th August 1928, Jawaharlal Nehru requested for the independence of India.
~ On 31st August 1997, Princess Diana of Wales died in a car crash in a road tunnel in Paris.
~ On 1st September 1939, World War II began after Germany invaded Poland by attacking the City of Danzig.
~ On 2nd September 44 BC, Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt declared her son co-ruler (Ptolemy XV Caesarion).
~ On 3rd September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany after the invasion of Poland. France followed 6 hours later and was supported by Australia, New Zealand, South Africa & Canada.
~ On 4th September 476, the last Western Roman Emperor Romulus Augustulus abdicated his throne after forces led by Odoacer invaded Rome.
The fact of the week
Snakes can burp Fire!
Joke of the week
Patient: Doctor, I'm addicted to twitter!
Doctor: Sorry, I don't follow you
Leisure
Credits: Dilbert Comics Official
Credits: Garfield Comics Official
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
FROM NEXT WEEK, NEWSLETTER WILL BE PUBLISHED AT 11:00 EVERY SATURDAY
Written By Vivaan Dharamshi
Edited By Nirvaan Zaveri
Logo and headings designed by Sanaa Dharamshi
Special thanks to Krishnav Bubna