Capacity development

Jetson AGX Thor brings Blackwell-powered compute to robots and autonomous vehicles

Nvidia has introduced Jetson AGX Thor, its Blackwell-powered robotics platform that succeeds the 2022 Jetson Orin. Designed for autonomous driving, factory robots, and humanoid machines, it comes in multiple models, with a DRIVE OS kit for vehicles scheduled for release in September.

Thor delivers 7.5 times more AI compute, 3.1 times greater CPU performance, and double the memory of Orin. The flagship Thor T5000 offers up to 2,070 teraflops of AI compute, paired with 128 GB of memory, enabling the execution of generative AI models and robotics workloads at the edge.

The platform supports Nvidia’s Isaac, Metropolis, and Holoscan systems, and features multi-instance GPU capabilities that enable the simultaneous execution of multiple AI models. It is compatible with Hugging Face, PyTorch, and leading AI models from OpenAI, Google, and other sources.

Adoption has begun, with Boston Dynamics utilising Thor for Atlas and firms such as Volvo, Aurora, and Gatik deploying DRIVE AGX Thor in their vehicles. Nvidia stresses it supports robot-makers rather than building robots, with robotics still a small but growing part of its business.

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Vietnam accelerates modernization of foreign affairs through technology and AI

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam spearheads an extensive digital transformation initiative in line with the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW issued in December 2024. This resolution highlights the necessity of advancements in science, technology, and national digital transformation.

Under the guidance of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son, the Ministry is committed to modernising its operations and improving efficiency, reflecting Vietnam’s broader digital evolution strategy across all sectors.

Key implementations of this transformation include the creation of three major digital platforms: an electronic information portal providing access to foreign policies and online public services, an online document management system for internal digitalisation, and an integrated data-sharing platform for connectivity and multi-dimensional data exchange.

The Ministry has digitised 100% of its administrative procedures, linking them to a national-level system, showcasing a significant stride towards administrative reform and efficiency. Additionally, the Ministry has fully adopted social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter, indicating its efforts to enhance foreign information dissemination and public engagement.

A central component of this initiative is the ‘Digital Literacy for All’ movement, inspired by President Ho Chi Minh’s historic ‘Popular Education’ campaign. This movement focuses on equipping diplomatic personnel with essential digital skills, transforming them into proficient ‘digital civil servants’ and ‘digital ambassadors.’ The Ministry aims to enhance its diplomatic functions in today’s globally connected environment by advancing its ability to navigate and utilise modern technologies.

The Ministry plans to develop its digital infrastructure further, strengthen data management, and integrate AI for strategic planning and predictive analysis.

Establishing a digital data warehouse for foreign information and enhancing human resources by nurturing technology experts within the diplomatic sector are also on the agenda. These actions reflect a strong commitment to fostering a professional and globally adept diplomatic industry, poised to safeguard national interests and thrive in the digital age.

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Humain Chat has been unveiled by Saudi Arabia to drive AI innovation

Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step in AI with the launch of Humain Chat, an app powered by one of the world’s most enormous Arabic-trained datasets.

Developed by state-backed venture Humain, the app is designed to strengthen the country’s role in AI while promoting sovereign technologies.

Built on the Allam large language model, Humain Chat allows real-time web search, speech input across Arabic dialects, bilingual switching between Arabic and English, and secure data compliance with Saudi privacy laws.

The app is already available on the web, iOS, and Android in Saudi Arabia, with plans for regional expansion across the Middle East before reaching global markets.

Humain was established in May under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Public Investment Fund. Its flagship model, ALLAM 34B, is described as the most advanced AI system created in the Arab world. The company said the app will evolve further as user adoption grows.

CEO Tareq Amin called the launch ‘a historic milestone’ for Saudi Arabia, stressing that Humain Chat shows how advanced AI can be developed in Arabic while staying culturally rooted and built by local expertise.

A team of 120 specialists based in the Kingdom created the platform.

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New WhatsApp features help manage unwanted groups

WhatsApp is expanding its tools to give users greater control over the groups they join and the conversations they take part in.

When someone not saved in a user’s contacts adds them to a group, WhatsApp now provides details about that group so they can immediately decide whether to stay or leave. If a user chooses to exit, they can also report the group directly to WhatsApp.

Privacy settings allow people to decide who can add them to groups. By default, the setting is set to ‘Everyone,’ but it can be adjusted to ‘My contacts’ or ‘My contacts except…’ for more security. Messages within groups can also be reported individually, with users having the option to block the sender.

Reported messages and groups are sent to WhatsApp for review, including the sender’s or group’s ID, the time the message was sent, and the message type.

Although blocking an entire group is impossible, users can block or report individual members or administrators if they are sending spam or inappropriate content. Reporting a group will send up to five recent messages from that chat to WhatsApp without notifying other members.

Exiting a group remains straightforward: users can tap the group name and select ‘Exit group.’ With these tools, WhatsApp aims to strengthen user safety, protect privacy, and provide better ways to manage unwanted interactions.

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Bitcoin price drops after whale sell-off while Ethereum holds

Bitcoin price weakened sharply after a $2.7 billion whale sell-off sparked automated liquidations, pushing the cryptocurrency toward key support near $110,500. Over $846 million in liquidations doubled the total crypto capitalisation to about $3.83 trillion.

Indicators suggest short-term volatility and choppy price action.

Technical metrics highlight the divergence between Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin’s ADX at 16 and RSI near 42 signal low trend conviction and growing selling pressure, while the Squeeze Momentum Indicator points to potential volatility ahead.

Ethereum remains comparatively resilient, with an ADX around 41, a bullish 50–200 EMA spread, and RSI near 59, supporting continued positive momentum.

Traders are advised to emphasise risk management amid elevated uncertainty. Key Bitcoin support levels sit at $110,500 and $107,000–$107,600, with resistance at $116,000 and $120,000. Ethereum support ranges from $4,194 to $4,400, while immediate resistance reaches $4,954.

Tightening stop-losses, reducing leverage, and waiting for confirmed volatility resolution are recommended before initiating new positions.

The recent whale-induced volatility demonstrates how a large order can swiftly impact market dynamics. While Bitcoin shows fragile trend conditions, Ethereum’s technical strength provides a measure of stability.

Monitoring indicators and key levels remains essential for navigating the current environment.

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UAE emerges as major Bitcoin holder through mining operations

The UAE has emerged as a major player in the global crypto landscape, with recent data revealing Bitcoin holdings worth $700 million linked to Citadel’s mining operations. Citadel, owned mainly by the UAE Royal Group via IHC, has boosted the country’s influence in digital assets.

These holdings reflect the UAE’s strategic efforts to establish a robust crypto ecosystem, particularly in Dubai.

Enforcement actions against fraudulent investment schemes and high-profile Ponzi operations have helped the UAE accumulate approximately 420,000 BTC. Governments worldwide own roughly 463,000 BTC, equivalent to around 2.3% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

While some nations maintain secrecy over their holdings, others openly report their Bitcoin accumulation.

Several countries have obtained BTC through mining initiatives. El Salvador continues to expand its reserve with daily purchases under the ‘1 Bitcoin per day’ programme. At the same time, Bhutan has used hydroelectric resources to mine between 12,000 and 13,000 BTC, representing up to 40% of its economy.

Iran has recognised Bitcoin mining as a government-controlled enterprise, requiring licensed miners to sell directly to the Central Bank.

Other nations have acquired BTC primarily through seizures. The US leads with nearly 200,000 BTC from high-profile cases like Silk Road and ransomware takedowns.

China, the UK, and Bulgaria also hold significant amounts from fraud and cybercrime investigations, while smaller nations such as Finland, Georgia, and Venezuela maintain modest reserves.

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AI could democratise higher education if implemented responsibly

Professor Orla Sheils of Trinity College Dublin calls on universities to embrace AI as a tool for educational equity rather than fear. She notes that AI is already ubiquitous in higher education, with students, lecturers, and researchers using it daily.

AI can help universities fulfil the democratic ideals of the Bologna Process and Ireland’s National AI Strategy by expanding lifelong learning, making education more accessible and supporting personalised student experiences.

Initiatives such as AI-driven tutoring, automated transcription and translation, streamlined timetabling and grading tools can free staff time while supporting learners with challenging schedules or disabilities.

Trinity’s AI Accountability Lab, led by Dr Abeba Birhane, exemplifies how institutions can blend innovation with ethics. Sheils warns that overreliance on AI risks academic integrity and privacy unless governed carefully. AI must serve educators, not replace them, preserving the human qualities of creativity and judgement in learning.

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Global tech competition intensifies as the UK outlines a £1 trillion digital blueprint

The United Kingdom has unveiled a strategy to grow its digital economy to £1 trillion by harnessing AI, quantum computing, and cybersecurity. The plan emphasises public-private partnerships, training, and international collaboration to tackle skills shortages and infrastructure gaps.

The initiative builds on the UK tech sector’s £1.2 trillion valuation, with regional hubs in cities such as Bristol and Manchester fuelling expansion in emerging technologies. Experts, however, warn that outdated systems and talent deficits could stall progress unless workforce development accelerates.

AI is central to the plan, with applications spanning healthcare and finance. Quantum computing also features, with investments in research and cybersecurity aimed at strengthening resilience against supply disruptions and future threats.

The government highlights sustainability as a priority, promoting renewable energy and circular economies to ensure digital growth aligns with environmental goals. Regional investment in blockchain, agri-tech, and micro-factories is expected to create jobs and diversify innovation-driven growth.

By pursuing these initiatives, the UK aims to establish itself as a leading global tech player alongside the US and China. Ethical frameworks and adaptive strategies will be key to maintaining public trust and competitiveness.

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Australia weighs cyber militia to counter rising digital threats

Cyberattacks are intensifying worldwide, with Australia now ranked fourth globally for threats against operational technology and industrial sectors. Rising AI-powered incursions have exposed serious vulnerabilities in the country’s national defence and critical infrastructure.

The 2023–2030 Cyber Security Strategy designed by the Government of Australia aims to strengthen resilience through six ‘cyber shields’, including legislation and intelligence sharing. But a skills shortage leaves organisations vulnerable as ransomware attacks on mining and manufacturing continue to rise.

One proposal gaining traction is the creation of a volunteer ‘cyber militia’. Inspired by the cyber defence unit in Estonia, this network would mobilise unconventional talent, retirees, hobbyist hackers, and students, to bolster monitoring, threat hunting, and incident response.

Supporters argue that such a force could fill gaps left by formal recruitment, particularly in smaller firms and rural networks. Critics, however, warn of vetting risks, insider threats, and the need for new legal frameworks to govern liability and training.

Pilot schemes in high-risk sectors, such as energy and finance, have been proposed, with public-private funding viewed as crucial. Advocates argue that a cyber militia could democratise security and foster collective responsibility, aligning with the country’s long-term cybersecurity strategy.

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Mount Fuji eruption simulated in an AI video for Tokyo

Residents of Tokyo have been shown a stark warning of what could happen if Mount Fuji erupts.

The metropolitan government released a three-minute AI-generated video depicting the capital buried in volcanic ash to raise awareness and urge preparation.

The simulation shows thick clouds of ash descending on Shibuya and other districts about one to two hours after an eruption, with up to 10 centimetres expected to accumulate. Unlike snow, volcanic ash does not melt away but instead hardens, damages powerlines, and disrupts communications once wet.

The video also highlights major risks to transport. Ash on train tracks, runways, and roads would halt trains, ground planes, and make driving perilous.

Two-wheel vehicles could become unusable under even modest ashfall. Power outages and shortages of food and supplies are expected as shops run empty, echoing the disruption seen after the 2011 earthquake.

Officials advise people to prepare masks, goggles, and at least three days of emergency food. The narrator warns that because no one knows when Mount Fuji might erupt, daily preparedness in Japan is vital to protect health, infrastructure, and communities.

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