Amazon Web Services ended 2025 with its fastest quarterly growth in more than three years, showing how strong demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence is reshaping enterprise spending.According to Amazon’s latest earnings report, AWS recorded $35.6 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2025, a 24 per cent year-on-year rise. This was the cloud unit’s strongest growth in 13 quarters. Amazon said AWS now has an annual revenue run rate of $142 billion.Operating income also increased. AWS posted $12.5 billion in operating profit, up from $10.6 billion in the same quarter a year earlier, according to company filings.<h2>AI demand&nbsp;</h2>Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said the scale of AWS growth matters as much as the percentage increase.&nbsp;Speaking during the earnings call, Jassy said that delivering 24 per cent growth on a $142 billion annual run rate highlights how much new business AWS is adding compared to rivals.&nbsp;The fourth-quarter jump was supported by new enterprise and government contracts, including agreements with Salesforce, BlackRock, Perplexity and the U.S. Air Force, according to the company.&nbsp;Jassy also said that AWS remains the main cloud provider for many fast-growing companies. More than half of the top 500 US startups use AWS as their primary cloud platform, he added.&nbsp;<h2>AI workloads are expanding core cloud usage</h2>AI has become a major driver of cloud spending, and AWS is benefiting from this shift. According to Amazon, customers prefer to run AI systems where their existing data and applications already sit.&nbsp;Jassy said companies deploying large AI models on AWS often expand their broader cloud usage at the same time. This includes storage, computing power and networking services that support AI operations.&nbsp;AWS also expanded its physical infrastructure. During the fourth quarter, the company added more than one gigawatt of power capacity across its data centre network, highlighting continued investment in long-term cloud demand.&nbsp;<h2>AWS growth strong</h2>AWS accounted for 16.6 per cent of Amazon’s total revenue, which stood at $213.4 billion in the fourth quarter, according to the earnings report.Despite strong cloud performance, investor sentiment was mixed. Amazon shares fell nearly 10 per cent in after-hours trading, as markets reacted to higher capital spending plans and earnings that missed analyst expectations.Still, analysts note that AWS remains central to Amazon’s future, especially as companies continue to move from on-premise systems to cloud platforms and increase spending on AI-driven tools.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amazon Web Services posted its fastest growth in over three years, with Q4 2025 revenue up 24 per cent to $35.6 billion. Strong enterprise cloud deals and rising AI workloads pushed AWS to a $142 billion annual run rate, reinforcing its lead in AI-driven cloud demand.

Amazon Web Services ended 2025 with its fastest quarterly growth in more than three years, showing how strong demand for cloud services and artificial intelligence is reshaping enterprise spending. According to Amazon’s latest earnings report, AWS recorded $35.6 billion in revenue in the fourth quarter of 2025, a 24 per cent year-on-year rise. This was the cloud unit’s strongest growth in 13 quarters. Amazon said AWS now has an annual revenue run rate of $142 billion. Operating income also increased. AWS posted $12.5 billion in operating profit, up from $10.6 billion in the same quarter a year earlier, according to company filings. AI demand Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said the scale of AWS growth matters as much as the percentage increase. Speaking during the earnings call, Jassy said that delivering 24 per cent growth on a $142 billion annual run rate highlights how much new business AWS is adding compared to rivals. The fourth-quarter jump was supported by new enterprise and government contracts, including agreements with Salesforce, BlackRock, Perplexity and the U.S. Air Force, according to the company. Jassy also said that AWS remains the main cloud provider for many fast-growing companies. More than half of the top 500 US startups use AWS as their primary cloud platform, he added. AI workloads are expanding core cloud usage AI has become a major driver of cloud spending, and AWS is benefiting from this shift. According to Amazon, customers prefer to run AI systems where their existing data and applications already sit. Jassy said companies deploying large AI models on AWS often expand their broader cloud usage at the same time. This includes storage, computing power and networking services that support AI operations. AWS also expanded its physical infrastructure. During the fourth quarter, the company added more than one gigawatt of power capacity across its data centre network, highlighting continued investment in long-term cloud demand. AWS growth strong AWS accounted for 16.6 per cent of Amazon’s total revenue, which stood at $213.4 billion in the fourth quarter, according to the earnings report. Despite strong cloud performance, investor sentiment was mixed. Amazon shares fell nearly 10 per cent in after-hours trading, as markets reacted to higher capital spending plans and earnings that missed analyst expectations. Still, analysts note that AWS remains central to Amazon’s future, especially as companies continue to move from on-premise systems to cloud platforms and increase spending on AI-driven tools.

Amazon Web Services posted its fastest growth in over three years, with Q4 2025 revenue up 24 per cent to $35.6 billion. Strong enterprise cloud deals and rising AI workloads pushed AWS to a $142 billion annual run rate, reinforcing its lead in AI-driven cloud demand.

How AI, data and enterprise spending are driving AWS revenue growth

On October 20, 2025, Amazon Web Services (AWS) suffered a massive outage in its critical US-East-1 region, disrupting countless services around the globe. Major platforms like Snapchat, Perplexity AI, Alexa, Roblox, Fortnite, Prime Video, Reddit, and even McDonald's app experienced crashes, login issues, and backend failures. In this video, we break down what happened, which services were impacted, and what Amazon has said so far about this huge tech disruption. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for updates on major tech news!

When the Cloud Crashed: How the World Froze for 7 Hours

Britain's security officials have ordered Apple to create a 'back door' to access all user content uploaded to the cloud, prompting Apple to consider suspending encrypted storage in the UK to maintain worldwide security promises. Watch this report for more details!

UK demands Apple access to users' encrypted data: report

An unusual phenomenon took people when a strange red formation was spotted&nbsp;over Cape Town that resembled a&nbsp;UFO. A video&nbsp;of this weird incident&nbsp;stormed social media platforms. Discussions regarding the spotting of UFOs have always gained significant attention, and this event was no different.

<h2>What did the clip contain?</h2>

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🛑 EXTREMELY RARE FOOTAGE: Very rare UFO shaped "Lenticular Cloud" spotted over Cape Town, South Africa which took the attention of people on social media. 😳 <a href="https://t.co/7ggmzkKml9">pic.twitter.com/7ggmzkKml9</a>
— PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pak_Weather/status/1706663577288069186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A 12-second clip of Cape Town was shared in which people could be seen carrying out their daily tasks without paying much heed to the giant red formation in the sky. It was a smokey red cloud-like structure that was shaped like a reversed tornado that people mistook for an alien-related phenomenon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-york-couple-finds-safe-with-100000-cash-while-magnet-fishing-728186">New York couple finds safe with $100,000 cash while ‘magnet fishing’</a>

<h2>How did people react?</h2>

Within a few hours of this event, several interesting discussions&nbsp; spiked on X (formerly known as Twitter). The inverted tornado-shaped red formation appeared like a "giant socket wrench" to some,&nbsp;while others thought that it looked like an "alien spaceship". As people continued to engage with this post, it gained millions of views over a short period.

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Looks like a giant socket wrench…👹🚀😂
— Michael DiRoma (@diromm) <a href="https://twitter.com/diromm/status/1796745432401432723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>If not a&nbsp;UFO, what was it?</h2>

Putting an end to all the speculations, a&nbsp;user wrote on X that it was a Lenticular cloud. When winds from the same or similar directions blow across hills and mountains and the air is steady, such kind&nbsp;of clouds are formed. Nature continues to amaze one and all with such phenomena that are not much known to many.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/national-tragedy-survey-reveals-1-in-3-americans-are-affected-by-drug-overdose-deaths-728162">&nbsp;'National tragedy': Survey reveals 1 in 3 Americans are affected by drug overdose deaths</a>

<h2>What is Nephology?</h2>

Instances that are quite rare in occurrence make the public believe that such events cannot be proved scientifically and they attribute it to non-earth entities. This is when&nbsp;experts come into the picture and they explain events from a scientific point of view. Nephology is the study of cloud and cloud formations that help understand the wonders of nature like what was observed in Cape Town.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An unusual phenomenon took people when a strange red formation was spotted over Cape Town that resembled a UFO. A video of this weird incident stormed social media platforms.

An unusual phenomenon took people when a strange red formation was spotted over Cape Town that resembled a UFO. A video of this weird incident stormed social media platforms. Discussions regarding the spotting of UFOs have always gained significant attention, and this event was no different. What did the clip contain? 🛑 EXTREMELY RARE FOOTAGE: Very rare UFO shaped "Lenticular Cloud" spotted over Cape Town, South Africa which took the attention of people on social media. 😳 pic.twitter.com/7ggmzkKml9 — PakWeather.com (@Pak_Weather) September 26, 2023 × A 12-second clip of Cape Town was shared in which people could be seen carrying out their daily tasks without paying much heed to the giant red formation in the sky. It was a smokey red cloud-like structure that was shaped like a reversed tornado that people mistook for an alien-related phenomenon. Also read | New York couple finds safe with $100,000 cash while ‘magnet fishing’ How did people react? Within a few hours of this event, several interesting discussions spiked on X (formerly known as Twitter). The inverted tornado-shaped red formation appeared like a "giant socket wrench" to some, while others thought that it looked like an "alien spaceship". As people continued to engage with this post, it gained millions of views over a short period. Looks like a giant socket wrench…👹🚀😂 — Michael DiRoma (@diromm) June 1, 2024 × If not a UFO, what was it? Putting an end to all the speculations, a user wrote on X that it was a Lenticular cloud. When winds from the same or similar directions blow across hills and mountains and the air is steady, such kind of clouds are formed. Nature continues to amaze one and all with such phenomena that are not much known to many. Also read | 'National tragedy': Survey reveals 1 in 3 Americans are affected by drug overdose deaths What is Nephology? Instances that are quite rare in occurrence make the public believe that such events cannot be proved scientifically and they attribute it to non-earth entities. This is when experts come into the picture and they explain events from a scientific point of view. Nephology is the study of cloud and cloud formations that help understand the wonders of nature like what was observed in Cape Town. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Was a UFO sighted in Cape Town? Weird red cloud triggers chatter on Internet

The Earthcare satellite will soon blast off on a mission to find out what role clouds can play in the fight against climate change.

Satellite to study how clouds affect climate

Dubai is experiencing record-breaking floods. A storm lashed parts of the UAE this week. Storm resulted in largest amount of rainfall in 75 years. Is artificial rain behind Dubai's record-breaking rainfall? Watch this video to find out.

UAE floods: Is artificial rain behind Dubai's record-breaking rainfall?

Scientists, in a new experiment, have found that if the living organisms are hosted by Venus in its toxic clouds, they won't be deprived of amino acids, which is an&nbsp;important building block&nbsp;of life.

Venus, which is a "twin planet" of Earth, has a high temperature which goes beyond hundreds of degrees and is covered by clouds of corrosive sulfuric acid. This acid is a colourless, carcinogenic liquid which erodes the teeth, irritates our eyes, throats and nose and dissolves metals.

Even though the rocky planet is not seen as a habitable system for living organisms, scientists suggest that if any life may have emerged in the hellish environment of Venus, it can be found wafting in its noxious clouds.&nbsp;

These clouds have a cooler temperature compared to the surface of the planet and can support some types of extreme lifeforms.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/water-plumes-collected-from-jupiters-moon-europa-may-bear-signs-of-alien-life-703701">Water plumes collected from Jupiter’s moon Europa may bear signs of alien life</a>

In the new experiment, which was carried out on those lines by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it was found that there was the existence of 19 amino acids for at least a month in a sulfuric acid solution, which included some water. &nbsp;

The sulfuric acid concentration of the solution was similar to the contents in Venusian clouds. In the results, it was found that sulfuric acid is not universally hostile to organic chemistry which is present on the Earth. It also suggested that Venusian clouds can host at least some of these complex molecules.&nbsp;

<h2>Life on Venus not same as Earth: scientists</h2>

In a statement, Sara Seager, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at MIT and co-author of the new study said, "It doesn't mean that life there will be the same as here. In fact, we know it can't be."

"But this work advances the notion that Venus' clouds could support complex chemicals needed for life," he added.

MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) study co-author Janusz Petkowski said, "People have this perception that concentrated sulfuric acid is an extremely aggressive solvent that will chop everything to pieces. But we are finding this is not necessarily true."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;UN 'red alert' for planet earth | Flash floods wreak havoc in Iraqi city

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-red-alert-for-planet-earth-flash-floods-wreak-havoc-in-iraqi-city-702364/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The experiment came to an end four weeks ago because there were no further signs of activity.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts' undergraduate student Maxwell Seager, who was leading the study, said, "Just showing that this backbone is stable in sulfuric acid doesn't mean there is life on Venus. But if we had shown that this backbone was compromised, then there would be no chance of life as we know it."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists, in a new experiment, have found that if the living organisms are hosted by Venus in its toxic clouds, they won't be deprived of amino acids, which is an important building block of life.

Scientists, in a new experiment, have found that if the living organisms are hosted by Venus in its toxic clouds, they won't be deprived of amino acids, which is an important building block of life. Venus, which is a "twin planet" of Earth, has a high temperature which goes beyond hundreds of degrees and is covered by clouds of corrosive sulfuric acid. This acid is a colourless, carcinogenic liquid which erodes the teeth, irritates our eyes, throats and nose and dissolves metals. Even though the rocky planet is not seen as a habitable system for living organisms, scientists suggest that if any life may have emerged in the hellish environment of Venus, it can be found wafting in its noxious clouds. These clouds have a cooler temperature compared to the surface of the planet and can support some types of extreme lifeforms. Also Read: Water plumes collected from Jupiter’s moon Europa may bear signs of alien life In the new experiment, which was carried out on those lines by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it was found that there was the existence of 19 amino acids for at least a month in a sulfuric acid solution, which included some water. The sulfuric acid concentration of the solution was similar to the contents in Venusian clouds. In the results, it was found that sulfuric acid is not universally hostile to organic chemistry which is present on the Earth. It also suggested that Venusian clouds can host at least some of these complex molecules. Life on Venus not same as Earth: scientists In a statement, Sara Seager, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at MIT and co-author of the new study said, "It doesn't mean that life there will be the same as here. In fact, we know it can't be." "But this work advances the notion that Venus' clouds could support complex chemicals needed for life," he added. MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) study co-author Janusz Petkowski said, "People have this perception that concentrated sulfuric acid is an extremely aggressive solvent that will chop everything to pieces. But we are finding this is not necessarily true." Watch: UN 'red alert' for planet earth | Flash floods wreak havoc in Iraqi city The experiment came to an end four weeks ago because there were no further signs of activity. Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts' undergraduate student Maxwell Seager, who was leading the study, said, "Just showing that this backbone is stable in sulfuric acid doesn't mean there is life on Venus. But if we had shown that this backbone was compromised, then there would be no chance of life as we know it." (With inputs from agencies)

Aliens on Venus? A new experiment suggests planet can host lives in a toxic cloud

A massive cloud of toxic gas,&nbsp;released from Iceland's ongoing volcanic eruption, is moving across northern Europe.&nbsp;The scientists, who have been tracking the cloud, said that it is not likely to cause any serious health issues but warned that it may affect the ozone hole above the Arctic.

<h2>How did the volcano release sulfur dioxide?</h2>

An underground volcano erupted for the fourth time in Icealnd's Reykjanes Peninsula on March 16 opening up the largest fissure of the current eruption cycle and releasing a massive lava flow which narrowly stopped from flowing into the evacuated town of Grindavík.

Initially, the researchers feared that the lava could reach the sea and release a plume of hydrochloric acid which can be "life-threatening" to anyone who is living close to the coastline. However, the lava did not reach the shore.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-iceland-volcano-spews-fountains-of-lava-as-massive-eruption-prompts-state-of-emergency-700959">Iceland volcano spews fountains of lava as massive eruption prompts state of emergency</a>

But sulfur dioxide, which is a toxic and colourless gas and can be very dangerous if present in high concentrations, was released in the eruption.

The volcano spitted 110 pounds of sulfur dioxide every second on March 17, as per a statement from the Icelandic Met Office.&nbsp;

According to Iceland's Civil Protection, the workers in the Svartsengi power plant had to be evacuated because of high levels of the gas and locals were asked to remain inside.

Eventually, sulfur dioxide emissions decreased significantly, however, Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) data showed that the initial release of gas created a 3-mile-tall (5 kilometres) concentrated column which is moving towards other nations in northern Europe.

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) is part of the European Union's Copernicus programme which has been tracking climate and weather changes with the use of satellite data.

Watch:&nbsp;Iceland volcano still pouring out fountains of lava

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The cloud of gas has already crossed the United Kingdom and is moving towards Scandinavia.

CAMS will be tracking the plume "although we don't expect there to be any impact on surface air quality or climate," said senior CAMS scientist Mark Parrington in a statement to Live Science.

"The impacts of the volcanic eruptions in Iceland in the atmosphere have not yet been so severe, but it is relevant to keep monitoring the evolution of the situation," said CAMS director Laurence Rouil.

(With inputs from agencies)

A massive cloud of toxic gas, released from Iceland's ongoing volcanic eruption, is moving across northern Europe. The scientists, who have been tracking the cloud, said that it is not likely to cause any serious health issues but warned that it may affect the ozone hole above the Arctic.

A massive cloud of toxic gas, released from Iceland's ongoing volcanic eruption, is moving across northern Europe. The scientists, who have been tracking the cloud, said that it is not likely to cause any serious health issues but warned that it may affect the ozone hole above the Arctic. How did the volcano release sulfur dioxide? An underground volcano erupted for the fourth time in Icealnd's Reykjanes Peninsula on March 16 opening up the largest fissure of the current eruption cycle and releasing a massive lava flow which narrowly stopped from flowing into the evacuated town of Grindavík. Initially, the researchers feared that the lava could reach the sea and release a plume of hydrochloric acid which can be "life-threatening" to anyone who is living close to the coastline. However, the lava did not reach the shore. Also Read: Iceland volcano spews fountains of lava as massive eruption prompts state of emergency But sulfur dioxide, which is a toxic and colourless gas and can be very dangerous if present in high concentrations, was released in the eruption. The volcano spitted 110 pounds of sulfur dioxide every second on March 17, as per a statement from the Icelandic Met Office. According to Iceland's Civil Protection, the workers in the Svartsengi power plant had to be evacuated because of high levels of the gas and locals were asked to remain inside. Eventually, sulfur dioxide emissions decreased significantly, however, Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) data showed that the initial release of gas created a 3-mile-tall (5 kilometres) concentrated column which is moving towards other nations in northern Europe. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) is part of the European Union's Copernicus programme which has been tracking climate and weather changes with the use of satellite data. Watch: Iceland volcano still pouring out fountains of lava The cloud of gas has already crossed the United Kingdom and is moving towards Scandinavia. CAMS will be tracking the plume "although we don't expect there to be any impact on surface air quality or climate," said senior CAMS scientist Mark Parrington in a statement to Live Science. "The impacts of the volcanic eruptions in Iceland in the atmosphere have not yet been so severe, but it is relevant to keep monitoring the evolution of the situation," said CAMS director Laurence Rouil. (With inputs from agencies)

Iceland volcano eruption releases gigantic toxic gas cloud flying towards Europe

Scientists have detected a debris cloud growing in a distant star system, suspected to be formed due to a collision between two exoplanets. According to the paper published in Nature, the discovery of the growing debris cloud adds evidence to the theory that newly-formed planets in circumstellar discs can collide sometimes.

Scientists have detected a debris cloud growing in a distant star system, suspected to be formed due to a collision between two exoplanets. According to the paper published in Nature, the discovery of the growing debris cloud adds evidence to the theory that newly-formed planets in circumstellar discs can collide sometimes. The study also gives insights into the violent past of our own Solar System during its infant stage. Astronomers studied a star system dubbed ASASSN-21qj, located 1,850 lightyears from Earth. A ground-based all-sky survey detected the star first in 2021. The survey looked for celestial bodies that changed their luminosities. ASASSN-21qj brightened evidently over a short period, specifically in infrared frequencies. Clouds of gas and dust block most frequencies of light. However, they allow infrared light to pass through, suggesting a sudden rise in the dust and debris around the star. ALSO READ | ‘Double the sample, double the fun’: NASA got double the amount of asteroid Bennu sample Astronomers believe a large-scale and violent impact might have occurred between two exoplanets in the far-away star system. Furthermore, they discovered a circumstellar disc around the star, where new planets form from the material left over after the formation of the star. About ASASSN-21qj ASASSN-21qj is a young star similar to Earth's Sun, born less than 300 million years ago. The star demonstrated an excess of brightness for 1,000 days. However, after that, the light from the star drastically dropped. Then, there was an eclipse that lasted 500 days. Scientists speculate that this brightening and the eclipsing of the star was due to a giant dust cloud formed by a collision between two exoplanets. They believe that the debris cloud contains icy particles. ALSO READ | Secrets of Earth’s lost past hidden in ancient volcanoes on Mars? Scientists suggest so... As the cloud continues to revolve around the star, it might cause further eclipses. The celestial bodies of our Solar System continue to bear evidence of its violent past even after 4.5 billion years ago. These evidences include Venus rotating opposite the other planets of the Solar System and Uranus having an unusual tint due to an ancient collision between two planets. Moreover, Earth's Moon is believed to have formed by an ancient planetesimal, an accretion of dust and ice particles in a rock-like formation, that struck Earth during the infant stages of our Solar System. (With inputs from agencies)

Debris cloud growing in a distant star system after massive collision between two exoplanets

A viral video making rounds on social media shows a stunning yet terrifying cloud formation which is commonly known as a ‘shelf cloud’ or ‘Arcus cloud’. The video is said to have been taken amid the monsoon season in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Haridwar and has created quite a buzz on social media which has left many in awe,&nbsp;while some others were asking, “Is the world ending?”&nbsp;

The less than 30-second footage has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter and over 2,000 likes since it was posted on Monday (July 10). The video was posted by a user who claimed that his friend shared the video. Watch the terrifying yet stunning video here:&nbsp;

WION cannot verify the authenticity of the video. 
&nbsp;

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Shared by a friend. Shot today near Haridwar. Spectacular shelf cloud. 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manali?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manali</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Storm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Storm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thunderstorm?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thunderstorm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shelfcloud?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shelfcloud</a> <a href="https://t.co/he9KXg9qse">pic.twitter.com/he9KXg9qse</a>
— Anindya Singh (@Anindya_veyron) <a href="https://twitter.com/Anindya_veyron/status/1678096031291166720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What is a shelf cloud formation?</h2>

The meteorological phenomenon known as ‘shelf cloud’, as the name suggests is a formation of large shelf-like clouds which, according to an Australian weather app, Weatherzone, form either at the forefront of a thunderstorm or along the boundary of a cold front.&nbsp;

Shelf clouds typically appear as a broad arc across the sky and are characterised by a swirling mass of clouds. Additionally, while the edge of the cloud is typically well-defined it can also sometimes appear to be rotating horizontally.

<h2>What does this cloud formation indicate?</h2>

Despite their rather intimidating appearance, shelf clouds are not an indication of tornadoes or severe storms but are rather produced by thunderstorms and preceded by a rush of dry and cold air ahead of the cloud.&nbsp;

The cloud formation is also said to be an indication of important weather changes, especially during the thunderstorms’ approach and in some cases also brings heavy rain, lightning and large hail.&nbsp;

Therefore, while you can admire the appearance of the cloud formation from afar, it is best to seek shelter before it gets too close.&nbsp;

<h2>How are shelf clouds formed?</h2>

Shelf clouds form when cold and dense air is pushed by the wind into a warmer air mass. The rush of cold air often occurs in a thunderstorm’s downdraught, when the cold air rushes towards the ground and spreads out to create a gust front, as per Weatherzone.&nbsp;

This also comes as North Indian states are grappling with heavy rains over the last couple of days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), on Tuesday also issued a ‘red alert’ for Uttarakhand and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh as parts of the two states may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall.&nbsp; 
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A viral video making rounds on social media shows a stunning yet terrifying cloud formation which is commonly known as a ‘shelf cloud’ or ‘Arcus cloud’. The video is said to have been taken amid the monsoon season in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Haridwar and has created quite a buzz on social media which has left many in awe, while some others were asking, “Is the world ending?

A viral video making rounds on social media shows a stunning yet terrifying cloud formation which is commonly known as a ‘shelf cloud’ or ‘Arcus cloud’. The video is said to have been taken amid the monsoon season in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Haridwar and has created quite a buzz on social media which has left many in awe, while some others were asking, “Is the world ending?” The less than 30-second footage has garnered hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter and over 2,000 likes since it was posted on Monday (July 10). The video was posted by a user who claimed that his friend shared the video. Watch the terrifying yet stunning video here: WION cannot verify the authenticity of the video. Shared by a friend. Shot today near Haridwar. Spectacular shelf cloud. #Manali #Storm #Rain #thunderstorm #shelfcloud pic.twitter.com/he9KXg9qse — Anindya Singh (@Anindya_veyron) July 9, 2023 × What is a shelf cloud formation? The meteorological phenomenon known as ‘shelf cloud’, as the name suggests is a formation of large shelf-like clouds which, according to an Australian weather app, Weatherzone, form either at the forefront of a thunderstorm or along the boundary of a cold front. Shelf clouds typically appear as a broad arc across the sky and are characterised by a swirling mass of clouds. Additionally, while the edge of the cloud is typically well-defined it can also sometimes appear to be rotating horizontally. What does this cloud formation indicate? Despite their rather intimidating appearance, shelf clouds are not an indication of tornadoes or severe storms but are rather produced by thunderstorms and preceded by a rush of dry and cold air ahead of the cloud. The cloud formation is also said to be an indication of important weather changes, especially during the thunderstorms’ approach and in some cases also brings heavy rain, lightning and large hail. Therefore, while you can admire the appearance of the cloud formation from afar, it is best to seek shelter before it gets too close. How are shelf clouds formed? Shelf clouds form when cold and dense air is pushed by the wind into a warmer air mass. The rush of cold air often occurs in a thunderstorm’s downdraught, when the cold air rushes towards the ground and spreads out to create a gust front, as per Weatherzone. This also comes as North Indian states are grappling with heavy rains over the last couple of days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), on Tuesday also issued a ‘red alert’ for Uttarakhand and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh as parts of the two states may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Video shows ‘Doomsday’ shelf cloud formation over Haridwar. What is it?

People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view.

As per reports, the worm-like phenomenon was spotted hanging in the sky across various parts of Oxfordshire on Tuesday.

The “bizarre” cloud was speculated as a wormhole, an alien invasion or the result of experiments being conducted at the Harwell science campus by Facebook users.

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Meteorological consultant Jim Dale said that the 'eerily cool' cloud was probably formed in the sky due to combustion.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-explained-why-is-it-called-worm-moon-and-the-period-of-manifesting-your-dreams-568999">EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams</a>

Dale, who works for British Weather Services, said that water vapour created from an artificial source, like a rocket, would have quickly crystallised in the cold weather and appeared hung in the sky.

He stated that the clouds do not resemble any natural cloud formation he is aware of and also acknowledged that "nature... has a funny way of presenting itself sometimes and it can come up with wonderful and weird things”.

"Not that there's any rocket launch pads in Abingdon, I don't think. It's either a mini-tornado that looks a bit freakish or we've got a... rocket. It's hanging in the air still, quite literally,” he added.

WATCH | Starlings create murmuration over the UK sky I WION Shorts

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Cassandra Russell, who had clicked a photograph of the cloud from Southmoor, stated it was "the vapour trail of a plane" that she was continuously watching.

She added that it started as a "thin line across the moon" and slowly grew to the size which can be seen in the pictures. Debra Newman, a resident of Abingdon, said that the phenomenon was spotted by her children who were convinced that aliens had landed.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view.

People shared images of an "eerily cool" thin cloud which was lit by the full moon of March, popularly called the worm moon, on social media platforms leaving netizens in awe at the mesmerising view. As per reports, the worm-like phenomenon was spotted hanging in the sky across various parts of Oxfordshire on Tuesday. The “bizarre” cloud was speculated as a wormhole, an alien invasion or the result of experiments being conducted at the Harwell science campus by Facebook users. Oxfordshire: Mystery cloud lit by worm moon thrills skywatchers https://t.co/N7doGCUYXv — David Papp (@DavidPapp) March 8, 2023 × Meteorological consultant Jim Dale said that the 'eerily cool' cloud was probably formed in the sky due to combustion. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: All about the Worm Moon and why is it the best time to manifest your dreams Dale, who works for British Weather Services, said that water vapour created from an artificial source, like a rocket, would have quickly crystallised in the cold weather and appeared hung in the sky. He stated that the clouds do not resemble any natural cloud formation he is aware of and also acknowledged that "nature... has a funny way of presenting itself sometimes and it can come up with wonderful and weird things”. "Not that there's any rocket launch pads in Abingdon, I don't think. It's either a mini-tornado that looks a bit freakish or we've got a... rocket. It's hanging in the air still, quite literally,” he added. WATCH | Starlings create murmuration over the UK sky I WION Shorts Cassandra Russell, who had clicked a photograph of the cloud from Southmoor, stated it was "the vapour trail of a plane" that she was continuously watching. She added that it started as a "thin line across the moon" and slowly grew to the size which can be seen in the pictures. Debra Newman, a resident of Abingdon, said that the phenomenon was spotted by her children who were convinced that aliens had landed. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK: 'Eerily cool' cloud illuminated by worm moon leaves skywatchers thrilled

This week's aerial photos of the McKinney fire showed a pyrocumulonimbus, a roughly 50,000-foot plume that is becoming an increasingly frequent phenomenon. This year's latest cloud-producing fire is going almost unchecked in California's Klamath national forest. According to Derek Mallia, a researcher at the University of Utah who recently co-authored a paper demonstrating how smoke plumes are growing bigger, they are comparable to fire-triggered thunderstorms and are extremely concerning to firefighters.

Large-scale storm systems like a low-pressure area or a cold front frequently produce thunderstorms. However, a fire can produce its own thunderstorm where smoke combines with the resultant thunderstorm cloud if it is large enough and there is enough moisture in the air. In essence, the fire is producing its own weather, according to Mallia.

Because they leave a gap between the cloud and the ground, they can also cause fires to move erratically. David Peterson, a meteorologist at the US Naval Research Laboratory, claimed during a virtual press conference in 2021 that a wildfire produces more rising air the hotter it burns. "These are pushing smoke upward at extreme velocities, such that they’re injecting smoke at altitudes above the cruising altitude of jet aircrafts." "So, possibly, we're talking at 50 or 60,000 feet."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-deadly-pool-discovered-at-bottom-of-red-sea-that-can-kill-or-even-pickle-animals-alive-504297">WATCH: Deadly pool discovered at bottom of Red sea, that can kill or even pickle animals alive</a>

Researchers are constantly learning about storms brought on by the fire. To aid fire management and firefighters, Mallia and his colleagues want to find a mechanism to predict when pyrocumulonimbus clouds may form. They also want to know how the clouds might contribute to the atmosphere's continued warming. Mallia warned that smoke carried into the lower stratosphere could have an impact on the climate. Black carbon, which is abundant in smoke particles, can cause warming when it is exposed to sunlight at high altitudes.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

This week's aerial photos of the McKinney fire showed a pyrocumulonimbus, a roughly 50,000-foot plume that is becoming an increasingly frequent phenomenon. This year's latest cloud-producing fire is going almost unchecked in California's Klamath national forest.

This week's aerial photos of the McKinney fire showed a pyrocumulonimbus, a roughly 50,000-foot plume that is becoming an increasingly frequent phenomenon. This year's latest cloud-producing fire is going almost unchecked in California's Klamath national forest. According to Derek Mallia, a researcher at the University of Utah who recently co-authored a paper demonstrating how smoke plumes are growing bigger, they are comparable to fire-triggered thunderstorms and are extremely concerning to firefighters. Large-scale storm systems like a low-pressure area or a cold front frequently produce thunderstorms. However, a fire can produce its own thunderstorm where smoke combines with the resultant thunderstorm cloud if it is large enough and there is enough moisture in the air. In essence, the fire is producing its own weather, according to Mallia. Because they leave a gap between the cloud and the ground, they can also cause fires to move erratically. David Peterson, a meteorologist at the US Naval Research Laboratory, claimed during a virtual press conference in 2021 that a wildfire produces more rising air the hotter it burns. "These are pushing smoke upward at extreme velocities, such that they’re injecting smoke at altitudes above the cruising altitude of jet aircrafts." "So, possibly, we're talking at 50 or 60,000 feet." Also Read: WATCH: Deadly pool discovered at bottom of Red sea, that can kill or even pickle animals alive Researchers are constantly learning about storms brought on by the fire. To aid fire management and firefighters, Mallia and his colleagues want to find a mechanism to predict when pyrocumulonimbus clouds may form. They also want to know how the clouds might contribute to the atmosphere's continued warming. Mallia warned that smoke carried into the lower stratosphere could have an impact on the climate. Black carbon, which is abundant in smoke particles, can cause warming when it is exposed to sunlight at high altitudes. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: ‘Fire-breathing dragon clouds’, akin to fire-triggered thunderstorms

North Korea’s show of power amid the cloud of sanctions through missile launches seems to be continuing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Friday, North Korea seems to have fired at least two missiles. This comes just hours after it criticised a US push for new sanctions. &nbsp;

The country has been conducting missile launches for some time. It had also warned of strong reaction to the sanctions. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-imposes-first-sanctions-on-north-koreans-over-missile-tests-444270" hreflang="en">Biden administration imposes first sanctions on North Koreans over missile tests</a>

Without elaborating, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that the&nbsp;North had presumably launched two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) eastward from North Pyongan Province on the west coast of the country.&nbsp;

The US and South Korea see the recent missile launches as a "provocation". &nbsp;

The development was also confirmed by Japan as the coast guard also said that the North had fired what looked like a ballistic missile.

The missiles appeared to have landed in the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, reported broadcaster NHK, citing a Japanese defence ministry official.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strategic-military-muscle-north-korea-says-it-launched-hypersonic-missile-444008" hreflang="en">'Strategic military muscle': North Korea says it launched hypersonic missile</a>

Defending missile tests to be a legitimate right to self-defence, North Korea said the United States was intentionally escalating the situation with the help of imposition of new sanctions, its state media reported earlier on Friday.&nbsp;It had cited the foreign ministry in the report. &nbsp;

In a statement to the KCNA state news agency, the foreign ministry said that North Korea's recent development of a "new-type weapon" was just part of its efforts to modernise its national defence capability and did not target any specific country or harm the security of neighbouring countries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

North Korea’s show of power amid the cloud of sanctions through missile launches seems to be continuing. On Friday, North Korea seems to have fired at least two missiles.

North Korea’s show of power amid the cloud of sanctions through missile launches seems to be continuing. On Friday, North Korea seems to have fired at least two missiles. This comes just hours after it criticised a US push for new sanctions. The country has been conducting missile launches for some time. It had also warned of strong reaction to the sanctions. Also Read: Biden administration imposes first sanctions on North Koreans over missile tests Without elaborating, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that the North had presumably launched two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) eastward from North Pyongan Province on the west coast of the country. The US and South Korea see the recent missile launches as a "provocation". The development was also confirmed by Japan as the coast guard also said that the North had fired what looked like a ballistic missile. The missiles appeared to have landed in the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone, reported broadcaster NHK, citing a Japanese defence ministry official. Also Read | 'Strategic military muscle': North Korea says it launched hypersonic missile Defending missile tests to be a legitimate right to self-defence, North Korea said the United States was intentionally escalating the situation with the help of imposition of new sanctions, its state media reported earlier on Friday. It had cited the foreign ministry in the report. In a statement to the KCNA state news agency, the foreign ministry said that North Korea's recent development of a "new-type weapon" was just part of its efforts to modernise its national defence capability and did not target any specific country or harm the security of neighbouring countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Show of power continues: North Korea fires two missiles to target 'cloud' of US sanctions

A major outage disrupted Amazon's cloud services temporarily knocked out streaming platforms Netflix and Disney+, Robinhood.

Amazon cloud outage hits major websites, temporarily knocks out streaming platforms

Britain’s three spy agencies have entered into a contract with Amazon’s cloud computing platform, AWS, to host classified materials aimed at facilitating data analysis and artificial intelligence for espionage activities, the Financial Times has reported.

The GCHQ is said to have struck a deal for the procurement of high-security cloud which will also be used by MI5 and MI6 and other government departments during joint operations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/britains-secret-intelligence-service-mi6-looking-for-new-q-spy-tech-master-381555">Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master</a>

&nbsp;The deal, which is estimated by industry experts to be worth £ 500 to £ 1 billion over the next decade, will reportedly boost the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence for the UK's intelligence agencies.

According to the report citing people familiar with the development, the agreement was signed this year with AWS, Amazon.com Inc's cloud service unit, and the data of all the agencies will be held in Britain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spy-agencies-too-male-and-pale-report-153015">UK spy agencies too male and pale: Report</a>

In February, Britain's cyber spies at the GCHQ intelligence agency said they had fully embraced artificial intelligence to uncover patterns in vast amounts of global data to counter hostile disinformation and snare child abusers.

GCHQ has been using basic forms of AI such as translation technology for years but is now stepping up its use, partly in response to the use of AI by hostile states and partly due to the data explosion that makes it effective.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-intelligence-agency-says-dyslexics-possess-skills-that-it-requires-381788">British intelligence agency says dyslexics possess skills that it requires</a>

Earlier on Monday, GCHQ Director Jeremy Fleming told a conference the number of ransomware attacks had doubled across the UK in 2021, compared with last year, according to the FT

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain’s three spy agencies have entered into a contract with Amazon’s cloud computing platform, AWS, to host classified materials aimed at facilitating data analysis and artificial intelligence for espionage activities, the Financial Times has reported.

Britain’s three spy agencies have entered into a contract with Amazon’s cloud computing platform, AWS, to host classified materials aimed at facilitating data analysis and artificial intelligence for espionage activities, the Financial Times has reported. The GCHQ is said to have struck a deal for the procurement of high-security cloud which will also be used by MI5 and MI6 and other government departments during joint operations. Also read | Britain's Secret Intelligence Service MI6 looking for new 'Q' spy tech master The deal, which is estimated by industry experts to be worth £ 500 to £ 1 billion over the next decade, will reportedly boost the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence for the UK's intelligence agencies. According to the report citing people familiar with the development, the agreement was signed this year with AWS, Amazon.com Inc's cloud service unit, and the data of all the agencies will be held in Britain. Also read | UK spy agencies too male and pale: Report In February, Britain's cyber spies at the GCHQ intelligence agency said they had fully embraced artificial intelligence to uncover patterns in vast amounts of global data to counter hostile disinformation and snare child abusers. GCHQ has been using basic forms of AI such as translation technology for years but is now stepping up its use, partly in response to the use of AI by hostile states and partly due to the data explosion that makes it effective. Also read | British intelligence agency says dyslexics possess skills that it requires Earlier on Monday, GCHQ Director Jeremy Fleming told a conference the number of ransomware attacks had doubled across the UK in 2021, compared with last year, according to the FT (With inputs from agencies)

British spy agencies sign deal with Amazon to host ‘top secret data’ for espionage: Report

US tech giant Microsoft on Thursday pledged to store all European cloud-based client data in Europe amid unease on the continent over the reach of US legislation on personal data collection.

Microsoft's European clients have long been concerned over the legal status of data they store with US companies in the cloud and the extent to which they could be scrutinised by US authorities.

Those worries came to a head last July when the European Court of Justice struck down the EU-US Privacy Shield, a framework allowing firms to transfer personal data to the United States in compliance with Brussels' General Data Protection Regulation.

The court found the mechanism did not adequately protect EU data from US authorities over which Europe has neither control nor right of redress.

In a blog post on Thursday, Microsoft president Brad Smith said: "If you are a commercial or public sector customer in the EU, we will go beyond our existing data storage commitments and enable you to process and store all your data in the EU.

"In other words, we will not need to move your data outside the EU."

He said the commitment -- dubbed the EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud -- would apply across all of Microsoft's core cloud services -– Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365 and would take effect by the end of next year.

US tech giant Microsoft on Thursday pledged to store all European cloud-based client data in Europe amid unease on the continent over the reach of US legislation on personal data collection.

US tech giant Microsoft on Thursday pledged to store all European cloud-based client data in Europe amid unease on the continent over the reach of US legislation on personal data collection. Microsoft's European clients have long been concerned over the legal status of data they store with US companies in the cloud and the extent to which they could be scrutinised by US authorities. Those worries came to a head last July when the European Court of Justice struck down the EU-US Privacy Shield, a framework allowing firms to transfer personal data to the United States in compliance with Brussels' General Data Protection Regulation. The court found the mechanism did not adequately protect EU data from US authorities over which Europe has neither control nor right of redress. In a blog post on Thursday, Microsoft president Brad Smith said: "If you are a commercial or public sector customer in the EU, we will go beyond our existing data storage commitments and enable you to process and store all your data in the EU. "In other words, we will not need to move your data outside the EU." He said the commitment -- dubbed the EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud -- would apply across all of Microsoft's core cloud services -– Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365 and would take effect by the end of next year.

Microsoft pledges to store European cloud data in Europe

Microsoft&nbsp;said on Monday it was updating the&nbsp;privacy&nbsp;provisions of its commercial cloud contracts after&nbsp;European regulators found its deals with&nbsp;European Union institutions failed to protect&nbsp;data&nbsp;in line with&nbsp;EU&nbsp;law.

The EDPS, the&nbsp;EU's&nbsp;data&nbsp;watchdog, opened an investigation in April to assess whether&nbsp;Microsoft's contracts with the&nbsp;European Commission and other&nbsp;EU&nbsp;institutions met&nbsp;data&nbsp;protection rules. It raised concerns about compliance in October.

In a statement on its website addressing the issue,&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;said: "We will increase our&nbsp;data&nbsp;protection responsibilities for a subset of processing that&nbsp;Microsoft&nbsp;engages in when we provide enterprise services."

The company, the only major cloud provider to offer such&nbsp;terms&nbsp;in the&nbsp;European Economic Area and beyond, expects to offer the new provisions to public sector and enterprise customers in early 2020.

Microsoft said on Monday it was updating the privacy provisions of its commercial cloud contracts after European regulators found its deals with European Union institutions failed to protect data in line with EU law.

Microsoft said on Monday it was updating the privacy provisions of its commercial cloud contracts after European regulators found its deals with European Union institutions failed to protect data in line with EU law. The EDPS, the EU's data watchdog, opened an investigation in April to assess whether Microsoft's contracts with the European Commission and other EU institutions met data protection rules. It raised concerns about compliance in October. In a statement on its website addressing the issue, Microsoft said: "We will increase our data protection responsibilities for a subset of processing that Microsoft engages in when we provide enterprise services." The company, the only major cloud provider to offer such terms in the European Economic Area and beyond, expects to offer the new provisions to public sector and enterprise customers in early 2020.

Microsoft increases data protection responsibilities for European Union

Amazon.com Inc&rsquo;s Chinese partner, Beijing Sinnet Technology Co., said it would purchase Amazon&rsquo;s Chinese web services business for up to 2 billion yuan ($301 million), ending the U.S. firms&rsquo;s cloud-computing business in the country.Sinnet, which began operating the Amazon services in August 2016, said in a filing late on Monday the pending purchase would help the unit &ldquo;comply with local laws and regulations and further improve service quality and security.&rdquo;

Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday morning.

Chinese regulators are tightening rules on foreign data and cloud services, including new surveillance measures and increased scrutiny of cross-border data transfers.

In August Sinnet told customers it would begin shutting down VPNs and other services on its networks that allow users to circumvent China&rsquo;s Great Firewall, citing direct instructions from the government.

The changes are linked to new national cyber laws that came into effect in 2017, which make network providers liable for content deemed dangerous or offensive to &ldquo;socialist values&rdquo;.

In 2013 Amazon&rsquo;s web services business signed agreements with provincial governments in China, and has previously worked with some of China&rsquo;s largest tech firms including Xiaomi Inc, Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd and Kingsoft Corp Ltd.

Cloud services have become a crowded and competitive field in China in recent years, with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd&rsquo;s cloud unit opening over a dozen overseas data centers since 2016.

($1 = 6.6400 Chinese yuan renminbi)

?Amazon.com Inc?s Chinese partner, Beijing Sinnet Technology Co., said it would purchase Amazon?s Chinese web services business for up to 2 billion yuan, ending the U.S. firms?s cloud-computing business in the country.

Amazon.com Inc’s Chinese partner, Beijing Sinnet Technology Co., said it would purchase Amazon’s Chinese web services business for up to 2 billion yuan ($301 million), ending the U.S. firms’s cloud-computing business in the country.Sinnet, which began operating the Amazon services in August 2016, said in a filing late on Monday the pending purchase would help the unit “comply with local laws and regulations and further improve service quality and security.” Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday morning. Chinese regulators are tightening rules on foreign data and cloud services, including new surveillance measures and increased scrutiny of cross-border data transfers. In August Sinnet told customers it would begin shutting down VPNs and other services on its networks that allow users to circumvent China’s Great Firewall, citing direct instructions from the government. The changes are linked to new national cyber laws that came into effect in 2017, which make network providers liable for content deemed dangerous or offensive to “socialist values”. In 2013 Amazon’s web services business signed agreements with provincial governments in China, and has previously worked with some of China’s largest tech firms including Xiaomi Inc, Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd and Kingsoft Corp Ltd. Cloud services have become a crowded and competitive field in China in recent years, with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd’s cloud unit opening over a dozen overseas data centers since 2016. ($1 = 6.6400 Chinese yuan renminbi)

Amazon to sell China cloud services unit in $300 million deal

Oracle Corp said it would buy NetSuite Inc in a deal valued at about $9.3 billion to expand into the fast-growing cloud market. 
 
Netsuite shares rose 18.6 per cent to $108.64 in premarket trading, just shy of the offer price of $109 per share. 
 
Like rivals SAP SE and Microsoft Corp, Oracle has focused on moving its business to the cloud-based model, essentially providing services remotely via data centers rather than selling installed software. 
 
NetSuite, founded in 1998, pioneered the cloud computing revolution, by creating the first company dedicated to providing business applications over the internet. 
 
Oracle has also acquired companies such as Textura and Opower to increase its competitiveness in the cloud market. 
 
The company expects the deal to immediately add to its adjusted earnings in the first full fiscal year after the transaction closes. 
 
Oracle shares were up 1.6 per cent at $41.6 in premarket trading. 
 
(Reuters)

NetSuite pioneered cloud computing revolution by creating the first company dedicated to providing business application over the internet

Oracle Corp said it would buy NetSuite Inc in a deal valued at about $9.3 billion to expand into the fast-growing cloud market. Netsuite shares rose 18.6 per cent to $108.64 in premarket trading, just shy of the offer price of $109 per share. Like rivals SAP SE and Microsoft Corp, Oracle has focused on moving its business to the cloud-based model, essentially providing services remotely via data centers rather than selling installed software. NetSuite, founded in 1998, pioneered the cloud computing revolution, by creating the first company dedicated to providing business applications over the internet. Oracle has also acquired companies such as Textura and Opower to increase its competitiveness in the cloud market. The company expects the deal to immediately add to its adjusted earnings in the first full fiscal year after the transaction closes. Oracle shares were up 1.6 per cent at $41.6 in premarket trading. (Reuters)

Tech giant Oracle to buy cloud computing pioneer in $9.3 billion deal

Memorabilia representing the careers of the late entertainers Whitney Houston and Prince will go up for sale during a public auction in Beverly Hills, California on June 24-25. 
 
Heritage Auctions is presenting more than 100 pieces documenting the career of Houston, including many personal items that belonged to the singer. 
 
&quot;Some of theses people are iconic and transcend the genre whether it is film or music that they&#39;re in,&quot; said Heritage Auction`s consignment director Giles Moon, speaking about Houston, who died of accidental drowning due to the effects of cocaine use and heart disease in 2012. &quot;Whitney Houston is one of those where she isn&#39;t just a pop star, she had a huge global appeal in other areas. I think that is important to remember and that is why certain people are more collectible than others.&quot; 
 
Among the items expected to generate the most interest include awards and onstage costumes worn during the singer&#39;s 30-year career, as well as an autographed book from Nelson Mandela and sneakers worn by basketball great Michael Jordan. 
 
Other highlights of the auction include her personal script from the 1995 film &quot;Waiting to Exhale&quot;, which is expected to go for $1,000, and a US passport used during her first international tour in 1985 with a starting bid of $1,300. 
 
&quot;Some of these pieces that we have in the auction are very personal mementos,&quot; said Moon. 
 
&quot;We got awards and we have costumes that she wore on stage. We also have things that people gave to her, Nelson Mandela signed a book to her. She was a very good friend of his. We also have a pair of sneakers that were given to her by Michael Jordan, that were actually worn by him. These types of items also appeal to other types of collectors, sports collectors. I think there will be a great deal of interest from all types of fans.&quot; 
 
The sale is titled, &quot;The Whitney Houston Collection.&quot; 
 
Prince&#39;s iconic Yellow Cloud guitar is also expected to be highly sought after. The one of a kind custom solid-bodied electric guitar has an opening bid set at $30,000 and it was said to be one of the late singer&#39;s favourites. 
 
&quot;I think you are right because there are people that collect celebrity-owned guitars and there are people who collect Prince memorabilia,&quot; said Moon. &quot;It is such an iconic and important piece. If you were to see that I think 9 out of 10 people would immediately recognize that that was Prince&#39;s guitar. I think that is a very powerful thing. It is a very collectible item because of that.&quot; 
 
Additional memorabilia includes a lock of the late singer David Bowie&#39;s hair. 
 
(Reuters) 
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100 of Houston's personal mementos go for sale that also includes Prince's iconic cloud guitar and a lock of Bowie's hair

Memorabilia representing the careers of the late entertainers Whitney Houston and Prince will go up for sale during a public auction in Beverly Hills, California on June 24-25. Heritage Auctions is presenting more than 100 pieces documenting the career of Houston, including many personal items that belonged to the singer. "Some of theses people are iconic and transcend the genre whether it is film or music that they're in," said Heritage Auction`s consignment director Giles Moon, speaking about Houston, who died of accidental drowning due to the effects of cocaine use and heart disease in 2012. "Whitney Houston is one of those where she isn't just a pop star, she had a huge global appeal in other areas. I think that is important to remember and that is why certain people are more collectible than others." Among the items expected to generate the most interest include awards and onstage costumes worn during the singer's 30-year career, as well as an autographed book from Nelson Mandela and sneakers worn by basketball great Michael Jordan. Other highlights of the auction include her personal script from the 1995 film "Waiting to Exhale", which is expected to go for $1,000, and a US passport used during her first international tour in 1985 with a starting bid of $1,300. "Some of these pieces that we have in the auction are very personal mementos," said Moon. "We got awards and we have costumes that she wore on stage. We also have things that people gave to her, Nelson Mandela signed a book to her. She was a very good friend of his. We also have a pair of sneakers that were given to her by Michael Jordan, that were actually worn by him. These types of items also appeal to other types of collectors, sports collectors. I think there will be a great deal of interest from all types of fans." The sale is titled, "The Whitney Houston Collection." Prince's iconic Yellow Cloud guitar is also expected to be highly sought after. The one of a kind custom solid-bodied electric guitar has an opening bid set at $30,000 and it was said to be one of the late singer's favourites. "I think you are right because there are people that collect celebrity-owned guitars and there are people who collect Prince memorabilia," said Moon. "It is such an iconic and important piece. If you were to see that I think 9 out of 10 people would immediately recognize that that was Prince's guitar. I think that is a very powerful thing. It is a very collectible item because of that." Additional memorabilia includes a lock of the late singer David Bowie's hair. (Reuters)

Whitney Houston and Prince memorabilia up for auction

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