Many data centre developers face delays due to grid constraints or unreliable utilities. To circumvent these challenges, they are embracing alternative power setups.
Popular options include solar arrays paired with battery storage, microgrid deployments, mobile gas generators, and even hydrogen fuel cells. These systems offer more control, robust uptime and faster deployment than waiting for utility upgrades.
Such energy independence also increases site flexibility. Operators can choose locations without worrying about grid strengthening or local permitting delays, enhancing both scalability and disaster resilience.
As demand for cloud and AI capacity grows, hybrid energy architectures are proving vital. They ensure continuity and avoid overtaxed grid infrastructure.
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Turkey’s government is preparing a long-awaited 5G frequency auction in October, with the Transport and Infrastructure Minister announcing that the first services should begin in 2026.
The auction will offer 11 spectrum packages across the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands, with individual packages valued between $50 million and $425 million. The minimum total reserve price is set at $2.13 billion. Operators Turkcell, Türk Telekom and Vodafone Turkey are expected to participate.
Existing mobile licences, set to expire in 2029, will be rolled over through this process. Operators will be required to contribute 5 percent of their annual revenues as part of the renewal. The government aims for full nationwide 5G rollout within a few years following the initial launch.
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College students are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for emotional support, prompting concern among mental health professionals. A 2025 report ranked ‘therapy and companionship’ as the top use case for generative AI, particularly among younger users.
Studies by MIT and OpenAI show that frequent AI use can lower social confidence and increase avoidance of face-to-face interaction. On campuses, digital mental health platforms now supplement counselling services, offering tools that identify at-risk students and provide basic support.
Experts warn that chatbot companionship may create emotional habits that lack grounding in reality and hinder social skill development. Counsellors advocate for educating students on safe AI use and suggest universities adopt tools that flag risky engagement patterns.
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Europol has warned that a reported $50,000 reward for information on two members of the Qilin ransomware group is fake. The message, circulating on Telegram, claimed the suspects, known as Haise and XORacle, coordinate affiliates and manage extortion operations.
Europol clarified that it does not operate a Telegram channel and that the message does not originate from its official accounts, which are active on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, YouTube, and Facebook.
Qilin, also known as Agenda, has been active since 2022 and, in 2025, listed over 400 victims on its leak website, including media and pharmaceutical companies.
Recent attacks, such as the one targeting Inotiv, demonstrate the group’s ongoing threat. Analysts note that cybercriminals often circulate false claims to undermine competitors, mislead affiliates, or sow distrust within rival gangs.
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US tech stocks have stumbled after a sharp rally, with investors increasingly cautious over AI-linked valuations and shifting market conditions. The S&P 500 tech sector has dropped around 2.5% this week, while the Nasdaq has slipped 2%, led by losses in Nvidia and Palantir.
The fall follows a 50% surge in tech shares since April, far outpacing the broader market and pushing valuations to year-highs. Concerns are growing that investor enthusiasm around AI has become overheated, with some funds reducing their exposure ahead of expected interest rate guidance.
US market watchers are now focused on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole, which could signal if rate cuts are on the horizon. Tech stocks, already heavily weighted in many portfolios, are particularly vulnerable to higher rates due to their stretched price-to-earnings ratios.
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China is preparing to take a major step in the digital currency race by considering yuan-backed stablecoins, marking a sharp reversal from its earlier tough stance on cryptocurrencies. According to sources, Beijing’s cabinet will soon review a national strategy, with Hong Kong and Shanghai expected to spearhead the rollout thanks to Hong Kong’s recently passed Stablecoins Bill.
The move comes as Japan accelerates its own efforts. JPYC Inc., a Japanese fintech firm, has received regulatory approval to issue a yen-backed stablecoin, also called JPYC. The company plans to sell up to 1 trillion yen ($68 billion) worth of the tokens within three years, each pegged 1:1 to the yen and backed by liquid assets such as government bonds.
These parallel developments in East Asia could challenge the dominance of dollar-backed stablecoins, which currently make up nearly the entire global market. Analysts say the introduction of major Asian currencies into the mix could reshape digital finance and add momentum to regulatory frameworks emerging worldwide.
Stablecoins are increasingly seen as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets, offering stability that other cryptocurrencies lack. Despite regulatory hurdles and slow adoption, the market is expected to surge to $4 trillion by 2030, signalling how pivotal the latest steps from China and Japan could be for the global financial system.
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A new study in Robot Learning has introduced a robotic system that combines machine learning with decision-making to analyse water samples. The approach enables robots to detect, classify, and distinguish drinking water on Earth and potentially other planets.
Researchers used a hybrid method that merged the TOPSIS decision-making technique with a Random Forest Classifier trained on the Water Quality and Potability Dataset from Kaggle. By applying data balancing techniques, classification accuracy rose from 69% to 73%.
The robotic prototype includes thrusters, motors, solar power, sensors, and a robotic arm for sample collection. Water samples are tested in real time, with the onboard model classifying them as drinkable.
The system has the potential for rapid crisis response, sustainable water management, and planetary exploration, although challenges remain regarding sensor accuracy, data noise, and scalability. Researchers emphasise that further testing is necessary before real-world deployment.
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Citi has expanded its digital client platform, CitiDirect Commercial Banking, with new AI capabilities to improve customer service and security.
The platform now supports over half of Citi’s global commercial banking client base and handles around 2.3 million sessions.
AI features assist in fraud detection, automate customer queries, and provide real-time onboarding updates and guidance.
KYC renewals have been simplified through automated alerts and pre-filled forms, cutting effort and processing time for clients.
Live in markets including the UK, US, India, and others, the platform has received positive feedback from over 10,000 users. Citi says the enhancements are part of a broader effort to make mid-sized corporate banking faster, more innovative, and more efficient.
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Japan has pledged $5.5 billion in loans and announced an ambitious AI training programme to deepen economic ties with Africa.
At TICAD 9, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba proposed creating an Indian Ocean–Africa economic zone to link African nations with Asia and the Middle East.
Japan will also support training 30,000 AI experts over three years to drive digital transformation and job growth across the continent.
The initiative comes amid growing calls from leaders like António Guterres and João Lourenço to overhaul global finance systems and empower African representation.
Japan’s move signals renewed interest in African engagement, as the US scales back and China’s influence expands across the region.
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Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies Economic Development Commission will hold its first hearing on 20 August to examine a proposal to establish a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. The legislation aims to diversify Treasury assets and protect reserves from currency and geopolitical risks.
Deputy Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança requested the hearing to gather expert input from government agencies and financial institutions. Lawmaker Eros Biondini highlighted global examples such as El Salvador, the US, China, Dubai, and the EU to support the initiative.
The bill assigns custody responsibilities to Brazil’s Central Bank and Finance Ministry and requires biannual reports on RESBit performance and risk assessments.
Brazil leads Latin America in crypto adoption, ranking 10th globally, with nearly $76 billion in crypto traded last year. The proposal positions the country among nations exploring digital asset reserves as hedges against traditional currency.
Following the hearing, the proposal will undergo review by four Chamber committees before full consideration and Senate approval. Expert and monetary authority input will guide committee reviews and amendments, supporting a strong legislative framework for Brazil’s proposed Bitcoin reserve.
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