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Showing articles 1276 - 1290 of 1574 total (matching filters).

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  tech 5

  Trump's EPA says it's cracking down, but the data tells a different story

  (Ars Technica / 2026-03-11 13:27)

  Hino Motors, a Toyota subsidiary, pleaded guilty and agreed to pay over $2.6 billion in fines and forfeited profits for a decade-long scheme involving over 105,000 vehicles and engines with falsified emissions data. The EPA, announcing its enforcement results for fiscal year 2025, credited the Trump administration with closing more cases than during the Biden years, though records show 75% of those criminal cases originated prior to Trump's second term.

  The agency's reported enforcement statistics, including billions in penalties and compliance investments, are being challenged by a former EPA attorney and watchdog groups as misleading propaganda. Critics argue the data obscures a significant drop in actual enforcement actions, particularly under the Clean Air Act and Superfund programs, since the current administration took office.

  The main topics covered are the Hino Motors emissions fraud settlement, the EPA's enforcement statistics and the political controversy surrounding their interpretation, and criticisms alleging a decline in genuine environmental enforcement.

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  tech 5

  The mysterious case of the DHS white supremacist memelord

  (The Verge / 2026-03-11 13:28)

  A journalist is investigating the identity of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official who is allegedly posting social media memes with white supremacist references. Despite many within MAGA circles knowing the person's identity, sources refuse to go on the record to confirm it, creating a notable code of silence.

  This contrasts with the frequent leaks of other MAGA group chats, where internal racism is exposed to damage rivals. The article suggests the DHS official is protected because exposing them would not benefit any internal faction, whereas other leaks are driven by Machiavellian motives to ruin specific opponents.

  The main topics covered are the investigation into a DHS "memelord," the omerta within MAGA circles regarding this figure, and the comparative analysis of why some racist group chats leak while others do not.

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  tech 4

  Sociedade civil cobra mais transparência e prazo ampliado na estratégia digital do governo

  (Capital Digital / 2026-03-11 13:29)

  A coalition of civil society organizations has formally requested the Brazilian federal government to extend the deadline and increase transparency in the public consultation process for the new National Digital Transformation Strategy. They argue the current 30-day period is insufficient and criticize the lack of a foundational government document outlining preliminary guidelines, which hampers qualified public debate.

  The organizations warn that digital transformation occurs in a sensitive geopolitical context, with major international tech firms exerting strong influence, risking a "digital neocolonialism." They emphasize the need for Brazil to treat the issue as a strategic matter of national sovereignty.

  Their formal requests include extending the public consultation to 90 days, holding a public hearing, and publishing a reference document with the government's preliminary vision. They view the consultation as positive but assert the current format limits effective societal participation.

  Main Topics Covered: National Digital Transformation Strategy, public consultation process, digital sovereignty, criticism of process transparency and deadlines, influence of international tech companies.

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  tech 6

  Digital India advancing digital inclusion, public infrastructure: Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

  (Tech-Economic Times / 2026-03-11 13:32)

  The Digital India programme is advancing digital inclusion by increasing internet access, ensuring affordability with tariffs 25 times lower than the global average, and building strong Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Key DPI achievements include the Aadhaar digital identity system, which enables direct benefit transfers for hundreds of welfare schemes, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which dominates India's digital payments.

  The government also outlined its approach to Artificial Intelligence, aiming to solve India-centric challenges while using existing laws to provide safeguards, particularly for children's data and online safety. Additionally, efforts to combat cybercrime include a dedicated reporting portal and nationwide awareness workshops.

  The main topics covered are the Digital India programme's progress on connectivity and affordability, the scale of Digital Public Infrastructure (Aadhaar and UPI), and the regulatory approach to AI and cybersecurity.

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  tech 5

  Eli Lilly boosts China footprint with US$3 billion plan to expand supply chain

  (Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-03-11 13:39)

  Eli Lilly is significantly expanding its operations in China with a new US$3 billion investment, bringing its total cumulative investment there to nearly US$6 billion. The plan focuses on establishing a domestic production and supply system for oral solid preparations, specifically for its new diabetes and obesity drug, orforglipron.

  The company is also forming strategic partnerships with local firms, including a US$200 million investment to support capacity building at Pharmaron Beijing. This move is part of an intensifying race among global pharmaceutical giants to expand their footprint in the Chinese market.

  The main topics covered are corporate investment, pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion, and strategic partnerships in China.

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  tech 4

  Framework raises RAM and storage prices again

  (The Verge / 2026-03-11 13:49)

  Framework is implementing its fourth consecutive monthly price increase for RAM and storage in its modular PCs, citing ongoing supplier shortages. DDR5 RAM prices have risen, and storage costs have been adjusted as older, cheaper inventory sells out.

  These component cost increases have led to higher prices for the Framework Desktop and some pre-built Framework Laptop 16 configurations, with further adjustments planned for other models.

  While the company notes this month's cost increase is smaller than previous ones, it cannot confirm if prices are stabilizing. Framework also warned of emerging CPU shortages, specifically for the Intel Core i5-1334U processor used in its Framework Laptop 12.

  Main Topics: Price increases for RAM and storage; Impact on specific Framework PC models; Potential stabilization of component costs; Emerging CPU shortages.

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  tech 4

  Govt on Galgotias robodog controversy: Did not attempt to popularise fake claim of exhibitor at AI Summit

  (Tech-Economic Times / 2026-03-11 13:49)

  The Indian government denied popularizing a fake claim made by an exhibitor at the AI Impact Summit 2026 and stated it took prompt action against the concerned university. It clarified that responsibility for exhibits and compliance rests solely with the exhibitors, not the government.

  The government emphasized its focus on promoting responsible and inclusive AI use through international and domestic collaboration, aiming to solve real-world problems.

  The summit itself, hosted in New Delhi, was presented as a historic event establishing India as a global AI hub and shifting the global AI dialogue to be more inclusive by being held in the Global South.

  Main Topics: Government response to a fake claim at an AI summit; Responsibility for exhibitor claims; Promotion of responsible AI; India's role as a host and AI hub.

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  tech 5

  Food delivery under pressure as more restaurants run out of LPG cylinders

  (Tech-Economic Times / 2026-03-11 13:50)

  A widespread shortage of commercial LPG cylinders is severely disrupting restaurants, cloud kitchens, and QSRs in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune. Businesses are responding by drastically trimming menus, removing discounts, and in some cases facing temporary closures, as they cannot fulfill a significant portion of orders.

  The operational crisis is causing substantial daily revenue losses and affecting gig workers and staff. Restaurant associations are appealing to authorities for relief and asking food delivery platforms to remove discounts so they can preserve margins.

  The impact is extending to consumers who rely on these services, with no immediate resolution in sight. The issue is identified as a production-side constraint, not a demand problem, with reports of cylinders being sold on the black market.

  Main Topics: Commercial LPG shortage, restaurant industry disruption, operational and financial impact, consumer effects, industry appeals for help.

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  tech 5

  India's neighbour-friendly FDI rules; LPG shortage hits food delivery

  (Tech-Economic Times / 2026-03-11 13:57)

  The Indian government has relaxed FDI rules, allowing investments from entities with less than 10% beneficial ownership from neighboring countries like China to use the automatic route, softening the restrictive 2020 policy.

  A commercial LPG shortage, stemming from disruptions in West Asia, is severely impacting restaurants and causing operational disruptions for food delivery platforms across major Indian cities.

  Fintech firm Cred has received final authorisation from the RBI to operate as a payment aggregator, allowing it to onboard merchants and process payments.

  Google has introduced new AI-powered tools, including a writing assistant and tab organizer, directly into its Chrome browser for users in India.

  Main topics: India's revised FDI policy, LPG shortage impacting food delivery, Cred's payment aggregator licence, new AI tools in Google Chrome.

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  tech 3

  Tembo is a playful drum machine that thinks it’s a checkerboard

  (The Verge / 2026-03-11 14:00)

  Tembo is a fully functional drum machine and sampler designed to be approachable, using a board and wooden tokens instead of traditional buttons and screens. It operates as a five-track step sequencer where users place magnetic tokens on a grid to create beats, with eight built-in sample packs and sampling capabilities.

  The device includes built-in effects and a looper, focusing on fun and immediate play rather than advanced features. It is currently being funded on Kickstarter with an early-bird price of $369.

  Main topics: Product design and functionality, user interface and operation, features and capabilities, pricing and availability.

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  tech 5

  I was interviewed by an AI bot for a job

  (The Verge / 2026-03-11 14:00)

  The rise of AI avatars conducting initial job interviews is generating significant discussion and controversy. Proponents argue these tools allow companies to screen more applicants and claim they reduce bias by focusing on verbal responses.

  However, critics point out that bias-free AI is an impossible standard, as the models are trained on internet data containing human prejudices. A personal experiment with several AI interview platforms concluded that, despite varying degrees of naturalness, the experience was universally less desirable than speaking to a human.

  The main topics covered are the adoption of AI in hiring, the debate over its potential for bias reduction versus perpetuation, and the candidate's experience of interacting with an AI interviewer.

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  tech 5

  Canopii looks to succeed where past indoor farms have not

  (TechCrunch / 2026-03-11 14:00)

  David Ashton founded the robotic farming startup Canopii after being inspired by water-intensive agriculture in drought-stricken California. The Portland-based company builds fully autonomous, basketball-court-sized greenhouses that can grow up to 40,000 pounds of herbs and specialty greens annually with minimal water and power.

  Canopii has developed its technology over five years with a small team, relying primarily on grants rather than venture capital to avoid the pitfalls that bankrupted other indoor farming companies. The company has reached a key automation milestone and now plans to deploy its first commercial farm in Portland, with a long-term strategy to franchise its units.

  The main topics covered are the founding inspiration for Canopii, the description and capabilities of its robotic greenhouses, the company's cautious funding and development strategy, and its future commercial plans.

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  tech 4

  Former Apple engineer raises $5M for a note-taking pendant that only records your voice

  (TechCrunch / 2026-03-11 14:00)

  Wearable AI devices for transcription and note-taking are a growing market, with startups exploring various form factors like pendants and wristbands. Privacy concerns around recording others without consent are a significant issue in this space.

  The startup Taya addresses these concerns with an $89 pendant that records only the user's voice, using a voice sample and directional mics to filter out other sounds. The device, which recently raised $5 million in seed funding, is designed as jewelry and focuses on being a "single-player" tool for personal note-taking.

  Main topics: Wearable AI note-takers, privacy concerns in audio recording, the Taya startup and its product, funding and market positioning.

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  tech 4

  Framework raises RAM prices for the third time in three months, SSD costs up — company warns that it’s running out of stock on some Intel processors as well

  (Latest from Tom's Hardware / 2026-03-11 14:05)

  Framework has raised RAM prices for the third consecutive month, though the increase is smaller than previous hikes. The company is also increasing SSD prices on some capacities due to depleted inventory of lower-cost components.

  Additionally, Framework reports limited supply of the Intel Core i5-1334U processor for its Laptop 12 model. The company attributes these component shortages and price pressures largely to AI infrastructure demands affecting the broader market.

  Framework is communicating these changes transparently, positioning itself as offering components near cost despite market-wide shortages.

  The main topics covered are RAM and SSD price increases, CPU supply constraints, and the impact of AI-driven demand on component shortages.

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  tech 5

  Meta unveils plans for batch of in-house AI chips

  (Tech-Economic Times / 2026-03-11 14:07)

  Meta has unveiled a roadmap for four new in-house chips as part of its MTIA program, with the first, the MTIA 300, already powering its ranking systems. The company is focusing heavily on inference chips to handle exploding demand from AI models responding to user queries, though it has struggled to develop a chip for generative AI training.

  The chips are designed for specific data tasks to improve energy efficiency and cost, and Meta is building entire liquid-cooled systems around them. This rapid in-house development is driven by Meta's massive data center expansion, with new chips planned at six-month intervals to support its infrastructure growth.

  Main topics: Meta's in-house AI chip development (MTIA program), the focus on inference chips versus training chips, the drive for efficiency and cost savings, and the rapid expansion of data center infrastructure.