Back from Orbit: Butch & Suni Return After 9 Unexpected Months in Space
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams finally returned to Earth after spending an unplanned 286 days in space—278 days longer than expected—following a botched Boeing test flight and a delayed SpaceX rescue.
What happened?
- Launched in June 2024 on Boeing’s Starliner for a week-long test, the duo ended up circling Earth 4,576 times and covering 121 million miles before splashdown.
- A faulty Starliner forced NASA to switch their ride home to a SpaceX capsule, delaying their return multiple times.
- Williams now holds the record for most spacewalking hours by a woman (62 hours across 9 walks).
- Their extended stay even drew attention from President Trump, who urged an earlier return amid NASA-SpaceX tensions.
- Dolphins greeted the capsule, and prayers were held in Hindu temples across the U.S. for Williams’ safe return.
“Stuck at work” took on cosmic proportions—but Butch and Suni are finally home.
Tesla Issues Largest-Ever Cybertruck Recall Amid Brand Turmoil
Tesla has recalled over 46,000 Cybertrucks—virtually all sold to date—marking its biggest Cybertruck recall yet, due to a detachable stainless steel trim panel that could pose road hazards. With only ~39,000 Cybertrucks sold in 2024, this recall covers almost the entire fleet. Previous recalls involved faulty wipers, power loss, and trapped pedals.
Why is this huge?
- The faulty “cant rail” panel may detach mid-drive, prompting road safety concerns.
- Tesla’s stock is down 40% since January
- Analysts are citing a “tornado crisis moment” from Musk’s political controversies and falling demand.
The Cybertruck was meant to be Tesla’s next big thing—will constant recalls derail the hype?
Apple Loses German Antitrust Case, Faces Stricter Oversight
Apple has lost its appeal against Germany’s antitrust watchdog, officially joining the ranks of tech giants under stricter scrutiny in the country alongside Google and Meta. Apple disagreed with the verdict, stating it undermines their privacy-focused business model. However, the court refused to involve the European Court of Justice, rejecting Apple’s request for broader intervention.
What does this mean?
- Germany’s top court upheld a ruling that labels Apple as a “company of paramount cross-market significance,” enabling tighter abuse controls.
- Regulators are particularly concerned with how Apple tracks user behaviour via its App Store.
Apple joins Big Tech rivals under Germany’s regulatory microscope—will EU-wide crackdowns follow?
X Sues Indian Government Over Censorship Powers
Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has filed a new lawsuit against India’s IT Ministry, claiming the government has unlawfully expanded online censorship powers via a new takedown mechanism that bypasses legal safeguards.
Why are the details?
- X alleges a new government website enables mass content removal without due process or oversight.
- The lawsuit builds on a 2021 dispute over India’s orders to block tweets during farmer protests.
- Musk’s increasing investment plans in India, including Starlink and Tesla, raise the stakes of this legal clash.
- The case is set to resume on 27 March in Karnataka High Court.
With free speech and tech expansion in the balance, X’s India battle could set a major precedent.
Amazon & Flipkart Caught Violating Quality Rules in India Warehouse Raids
Amazon and Flipkart have come under fire again—this time for violating India’s quality control standards, following raids by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) at warehouses in Tamil Nadu. Over 3,000 items without the required BIS certification mark were found at Amazon, and multiple products including toys and kitchenware were seized at Flipkart.
Why is this alarming?
- The incident adds to ongoing scrutiny after antitrust violations and preferential seller treatment were flagged in previous probes.
- Flipkart says it audits sellers and listings, while Amazon claims it’s engaging with regulators to ensure compliance.
- As India’s online market races toward a $160 billion valuation by 2028, regulatory enforcement is intensifying.
As India tightens its grip on e-commerce, global giants may need to rethink their playbook.
Nvidia Launches Quantum Lab, Recalibrates Bet on Future of Computing
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced the launch of the Nvidia Accelerated Quantum Research Center (NVAQC) in Boston, signalling a deeper push into quantum computing collaborations with Harvard, MIT, and leading quantum firms. The lab will work with Quantinuum, QuEra, and Quantum Machines to explore hybrid quantum-classical computing models.
What does this mean?
- Companies like Infleqtion are already commercializing quantum tech in areas like advanced timing systems.
- Executives clarified that quantum will complement—not replace—GPUs, strengthening Nvidia’s core market.arship will also serve as a lunar lander for NASA’s Moon missions.
Nvidia isn’t just betting on AI—it’s setting the stage to dominate the quantum era, too.
Yahoo Sells TechCrunch to Private Equity Firm Regent
TechCrunch has changed hands once again—Yahoo has sold the tech news outlet to Regent, the same firm that recently acquired PCWorld, Macworld, and TechAdvisor. After ownership changes under AOL, Verizon, and Apollo, TechCrunch joins a growing stable of tech media brands under Regent.
Why is going down?
- Yahoo cited a “DNA mismatch” with TechCrunch, retaining only a small interest while holding onto other properties like Engadget, Yahoo Finance, and Yahoo News.
- Comes on the heels of Engadget staff cuts, signalling broader restructuring in Yahoo’s media play.
- With multiple legacy tech titles under its belt, Regent is positioning itself as a new powerhouse in tech publishing.
As tech media consolidates, will Regent revive legacy outlets—or just strip them for parts?
