<p>Billionaire businessman Elon Musk is promising the public "free rides" in the next few months through the first high-speed passenger tunnel drilled beneath Los Angeles by his aptly named underground transit venture, the Boring Company.</p>

<p>The question is whether the tunnel as advertised by Musk on social media will live up to the sensation he stirred by suggesting commuters will soon get to sample a new subterranean traffic system he has under development in the nation's second-largest city.</p>

<p>The tunnel is shown in an attention-getting video clip Musk posted to Instagram on Thursday actually runs not under Los Angeles but beneath the tiny, adjacent municipality of Hawthorne, where his Boring Company and SpaceX rocket firm are both headquartered.</p>

<p>And it was uncertain whether the permits he received from the Hawthorne would even allow the public to set foot in the tunnel, originally proposed strictly as an experimental project to test Musk's concepts for a high-speed transit network.</p>

<p>"There will be no cars or people in the research tunnel," according to the minutes of a special Hawthorne city council meeting last August to review the proposed easement or right-of-way, Boring sought for the tunnel.</p>

<p>Musk, who also leads the Tesla Inc electric car manufacturing company, launched his foray into public transit after he complained on Twitter in December 2016 that clogged traffic was "driving me nuts," vowing then to "build a boring machine and just start digging."</p>

<p>Musk maintained his air of bravura in his latest Instagram message, which was repeated to his Twitter account.</p>

<p>"First Boring Company tunnel under LA almost done! Pending final regulatory approvals, we will be offering free rides to the public in a few months," he wrote.</p>

<p>According to public records, Boring started with a 350-foot-long tunnel on private property belonging to SpaceX and later sought the easement to extend the tunnel another 2 miles underground beneath Hawthorne city streets.</p>

<p>Boring has since sought approval to dig a similar experimental tunnel that would run for 2.7 miles beneath the busy west side of Los Angeles proper but has yet to break ground there.</p>

<p>Both plans were pitched as first steps toward developing a subterranean network of tunnels envisioned by Musk for rapidly whisking car and pedestrian traffic within and between cities to ease road congestion at the surface.</p>

<p>"Super huge thanks to everyone that helped with this project," Musk said in his social media messages. "As mentioned in prior posts, once fully operational (demo system rides will be free), the system will always give priority to pods for pedestrians & cyclists for less than the cost of a bus ticket."</p>

<p>The message accompanied a fast-forward video of the tunnel's interior shot by a camera travelling the length of the cylindrical passageway, well lit and roughly 12 feet in diameter. A man in a hard hat is seen working at one end of apparently unfinished underground tube.</p>

<p>Musk was not available for comment. Jehn Hemme, a spokeswoman for Boring, declined to comment when asked to clarify Musk's Instagram post and what the video actually depicted.</p>

<p>While Musk referred to the tunnel as the first his company has excavated under "LA", the footage is from the existing tunnel in Hawthorne, said Alison Simard, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, who has supported Boring's request to fast-track approval of a Los Angeles test tunnel.</p>

<p>She said there was nothing in that request, which City Council's public works committee approved in April, that would allow public entry into a test tunnel.</p>

<p>Hawthorne city officials were not available for comment city offices there are typically closed on Fridays.</p>


The question is whether the tunnel as advertised by Musk on social media will live up to the sensation he stirred

Billionaire businessman Elon Musk is promising the public "free rides" in the next few months through the first high-speed passenger tunnel drilled beneath Los Angeles by his aptly named underground transit venture, the Boring Company. The question is whether the tunnel as advertised by Musk on social media will live up to the sensation he stirred by suggesting commuters will soon get to sample a new subterranean traffic system he has under development in the nation's second-largest city. The tunnel is shown in an attention-getting video clip Musk posted to Instagram on Thursday actually runs not under Los Angeles but beneath the tiny, adjacent municipality of Hawthorne, where his Boring Company and SpaceX rocket firm are both headquartered. And it was uncertain whether the permits he received from the Hawthorne would even allow the public to set foot in the tunnel, originally proposed strictly as an experimental project to test Musk's concepts for a high-speed transit network. "There will be no cars or people in the research tunnel," according to the minutes of a special Hawthorne city council meeting last August to review the proposed easement or right-of-way, Boring sought for the tunnel. Musk, who also leads the Tesla Inc electric car manufacturing company, launched his foray into public transit after he complained on Twitter in December 2016 that clogged traffic was "driving me nuts," vowing then to "build a boring machine and just start digging." Musk maintained his air of bravura in his latest Instagram message, which was repeated to his Twitter account. "First Boring Company tunnel under LA almost done! Pending final regulatory approvals, we will be offering free rides to the public in a few months," he wrote. According to public records, Boring started with a 350-foot-long tunnel on private property belonging to SpaceX and later sought the easement to extend the tunnel another 2 miles underground beneath Hawthorne city streets. Boring has since sought approval to dig a similar experimental tunnel that would run for 2.7 miles beneath the busy west side of Los Angeles proper but has yet to break ground there. Both plans were pitched as first steps toward developing a subterranean network of tunnels envisioned by Musk for rapidly whisking car and pedestrian traffic within and between cities to ease road congestion at the surface. "Super huge thanks to everyone that helped with this project," Musk said in his social media messages. "As mentioned in prior posts, once fully operational (demo system rides will be free), the system will always give priority to pods for pedestrians & cyclists for less than the cost of a bus ticket." The message accompanied a fast-forward video of the tunnel's interior shot by a camera travelling the length of the cylindrical passageway, well lit and roughly 12 feet in diameter. A man in a hard hat is seen working at one end of apparently unfinished underground tube. Musk was not available for comment. Jehn Hemme, a spokeswoman for Boring, declined to comment when asked to clarify Musk's Instagram post and what the video actually depicted. While Musk referred to the tunnel as the first his company has excavated under "LA", the footage is from the existing tunnel in Hawthorne, said Alison Simard, a spokeswoman for Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, who has supported Boring's request to fast-track approval of a Los Angeles test tunnel. She said there was nothing in that request, which City Council's public works committee approved in April, that would allow public entry into a test tunnel. Hawthorne city officials were not available for comment city offices there are typically closed on Fridays.

Elon Musk promises free rides through tunnel, but to where?

<p>SpaceX founder Elon Musk has left everyone in a state of confusion after pictures of him and artist Grimes floated on the internet after they were seen together at the Met Gala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rumors had been making rounds of the two being together but it became quite evident when the&nbsp;pair came to the event on a “date night” and Musk revealed that he had helped design Grimes’s dress.</p>

<p>Reports said that Musk helped "sketch" her dress which explains the Tesla choker in her Heavenly Bodies outfit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Grimes, 30, a Canadian musician and producer who is formally named Claire Boucher, and Musk got to know of each other when he wanted to tweet an obscure pun about an artificial-intelligence thought experiment (“Rococo Basilisk”) that he discovered she had already made in a 2015 music video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2015, she created a character named “Rococo Basilisk” for a video of her song “Flesh Without Blood.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">glad ur finally listening to cyberpunk speedwae hahaha ?</p>
— Grimes (@Grimezsz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Grimezsz/status/989070336988798977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>He has publicly expressed his fondness with Grimes when he tweeted out her artsy video with Janelle Monae for the song “Venus Fly” this past March, adding “Best music video art I’ve seen in a while.”</p>

<p>Musk has previously dated actress Amber Heard and was married to&nbsp;English actress Talulah Riley who he divorced in 2016.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What do Grimes and Elon Musk even talk about I bet they just sit around the dining room making squirrel noises and drinking glasses of rocket fuel</p>
— JENNY FROMDABLOC (@rihannasgayson) <a href="https://twitter.com/rihannasgayson/status/993697392028471296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">me: I still can’t believe Grimes and Elon Musk<br />
the cockroach who lives in my sink: at least she has a man<br />
me: <a href="https://t.co/QCDY3m3ooa">pic.twitter.com/QCDY3m3ooa</a></p>
— reader when I tell you I snapped (@auntanxiety) <a href="https://twitter.com/auntanxiety/status/993851091052883970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The most alarming thing about Elon Musk and Grimes dating is that she is the only woman he follows on Twitter.</p>
— Cats on Cats on Cats (@milesoutsides) <a href="https://twitter.com/milesoutsides/status/993932930488651777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Musk and Grimes got to know of each other when he wanted to tweet an obscure pun about an artificial-intelligence thought experiment (“Rococo Basilisk”) that he discovered she had already made in a 2015 music video

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has left everyone in a state of confusion after pictures of him and artist Grimes floated on the internet after they were seen together at the Met Gala. Rumors had been making rounds of the two being together but it became quite evident when the pair came to the event on a “date night” and Musk revealed that he had helped design Grimes’s dress. Reports said that Musk helped "sketch" her dress which explains the Tesla choker in her Heavenly Bodies outfit. Grimes, 30, a Canadian musician and producer who is formally named Claire Boucher, and Musk got to know of each other when he wanted to tweet an obscure pun about an artificial-intelligence thought experiment (“Rococo Basilisk”) that he discovered she had already made in a 2015 music video. In 2015, she created a character named “Rococo Basilisk” for a video of her song “Flesh Without Blood.” glad ur finally listening to cyberpunk speedwae hahaha ? — Grimes (@Grimezsz) April 25, 2018 × He has publicly expressed his fondness with Grimes when he tweeted out her artsy video with Janelle Monae for the song “Venus Fly” this past March, adding “Best music video art I’ve seen in a while.” Musk has previously dated actress Amber Heard and was married to English actress Talulah Riley who he divorced in 2016. What do Grimes and Elon Musk even talk about I bet they just sit around the dining room making squirrel noises and drinking glasses of rocket fuel — JENNY FROMDABLOC (@rihannasgayson) May 8, 2018 × me: I still can’t believe Grimes and Elon Musk the cockroach who lives in my sink: at least she has a man me: pic.twitter.com/QCDY3m3ooa — reader when I tell you I snapped (@auntanxiety) May 8, 2018 × The most alarming thing about Elon Musk and Grimes dating is that she is the only woman he follows on Twitter. — Cats on Cats on Cats (@milesoutsides) May 8, 2018 ×

Elon Musk, Grimes are now dating and the internet is going crazy

<p>After being vehemently open about Tesla's recent stocks, the CEO of the company, Elon Musk, has bought around $10 million worth of Tesla's stocks on Tuesday, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has been quite vocal about the fact that people who had been betting against the company on the stock market will soon 'burn' - meaning that he predicts short sellers will rush to exit their position as Tesla’s stock price increases.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh and uh short burn of the century comin soon. Flamethrowers should arrive just in time.</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/992388944774938626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>This has been Musk's biggest purchase since March 2017. Musk, 46, already was Tesla’s largest shareholder, and his stake is now approaching 20 per cent, as per reports.</p>

<p>The purchases were made indirectly via a trust. He now owns 33,665,421 shares.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last time Musk purchased shares in March 2017, he bought $25 million in Tesla stock for $262 a share.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company has been having a hard time and hasn’t earned an annual profit in its 15-year history and has blazed through more than $1 billion in cash during three of the last four quarters.</p>

<p>Tesla shares closed up 3% to $302.77 yesterday, although the stock is still down 2.8% for the year.</p>


The purchases were made indirectly via a trust. He now owns 33,665,421 shares

After being vehemently open about Tesla's recent stocks, the CEO of the company, Elon Musk, has bought around $10 million worth of Tesla's stocks on Tuesday, reports said. He has been quite vocal about the fact that people who had been betting against the company on the stock market will soon 'burn' - meaning that he predicts short sellers will rush to exit their position as Tesla’s stock price increases. Oh and uh short burn of the century comin soon. Flamethrowers should arrive just in time. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 4, 2018 × This has been Musk's biggest purchase since March 2017. Musk, 46, already was Tesla’s largest shareholder, and his stake is now approaching 20 per cent, as per reports. The purchases were made indirectly via a trust. He now owns 33,665,421 shares. The last time Musk purchased shares in March 2017, he bought $25 million in Tesla stock for $262 a share. The company has been having a hard time and hasn’t earned an annual profit in its 15-year history and has blazed through more than $1 billion in cash during three of the last four quarters. Tesla shares closed up 3% to $302.77 yesterday, although the stock is still down 2.8% for the year.

Elon Musk buys Tesla shares worth $10 million, warns people of 'short burn of the century'

<p>Jeff Bezos takes everything related to Blue Origin and Amazon quite seriously. The wealthiest man in the world recently took to Twitter and shared American television host, comedian and producer Conan O' Brien's joke that stated that Bezos will spend "the majority of his fortune getting himself into space".</p>

<p>The Amazon CEO shared an image from O'Brien's joke on Tuesday night’s episode of “Conan” and shared it on his social accounts.</p>

<p>Bezos' post sported a smiley and had Team Coco and Blue Origin tagged in it. Once again Bezos reinstated his seriousness about space exploration and his ability to bounce-off trolls and jokes with much ease.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I have seen what you people buy, and I don't want to near you," Conan quoted Bezos in his joke.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">? <a href="https://twitter.com/ConanOBrien?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ConanOBrien</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/blueorigin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BlueOrigin</a> <a href="https://t.co/x3BiCpaLQA">pic.twitter.com/x3BiCpaLQA</a></p>
— Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffBezos/status/991799694664679425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bezos-led Blue Origin is an aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Kent, Washington that closely chases Bezos dream of space exploration and finding an alternative planet habitable for humans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's intention to colonise the Red Planet is not unknown to the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year in September, Musk unveiled ambitious plans to send cargo ships to Mars in five years and use rockets to carry people between Earth's major cities in under half-an-hour.</p>

<p>The founder of SpaceX said a planned interplanetary transport system, codenamed BFR (Big Fucking Rocket), would be downsized so it could carry out a range of tasks that would then pay for future Mars missions.</p>

<p>Musk said his firm had started building the system, with the construction of the first ship to start in six to nine months.</p>

<p>"I feel fairly confident that we can complete the ship and launch in about five years," Musk added.</p>

<p>On the other hand, last year Bezos made an announcement of Blue Origin's plan to launch paying passengers on 11-minute space rides this year. Reports suggest Bezos sells $1 billion of Amazon stock every year to fund his rocket venture.&nbsp;</p>


SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's intention to colonise the Red Planet is not unknown to the world

Jeff Bezos takes everything related to Blue Origin and Amazon quite seriously. The wealthiest man in the world recently took to Twitter and shared American television host, comedian and producer Conan O' Brien's joke that stated that Bezos will spend "the majority of his fortune getting himself into space". The Amazon CEO shared an image from O'Brien's joke on Tuesday night’s episode of “Conan” and shared it on his social accounts. Bezos' post sported a smiley and had Team Coco and Blue Origin tagged in it. Once again Bezos reinstated his seriousness about space exploration and his ability to bounce-off trolls and jokes with much ease. "I have seen what you people buy, and I don't want to near you," Conan quoted Bezos in his joke. ? @ConanOBrien @BlueOrigin pic.twitter.com/x3BiCpaLQA — Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) May 2, 2018 × Bezos-led Blue Origin is an aerospace manufacturer headquartered in Kent, Washington that closely chases Bezos dream of space exploration and finding an alternative planet habitable for humans. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's intention to colonise the Red Planet is not unknown to the world. Last year in September, Musk unveiled ambitious plans to send cargo ships to Mars in five years and use rockets to carry people between Earth's major cities in under half-an-hour. The founder of SpaceX said a planned interplanetary transport system, codenamed BFR (Big Fucking Rocket), would be downsized so it could carry out a range of tasks that would then pay for future Mars missions. Musk said his firm had started building the system, with the construction of the first ship to start in six to nine months. "I feel fairly confident that we can complete the ship and launch in about five years," Musk added. On the other hand, last year Bezos made an announcement of Blue Origin's plan to launch paying passengers on 11-minute space rides this year. Reports suggest Bezos sells $1 billion of Amazon stock every year to fund his rocket venture.

Jeff Bezos to spend 'majority of his fortune' getting into space  

<p>Who doesn't want to know Elon Musk's secret to success? Looks like the SpaceX CEO doesn't mind giving up on his good night's sleep or a hearty, sumptuous breakfast for work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk had previously admitted to usually getting 5-6 hours of sleep. He also mentioned that a couple of most stressful things in his life right now would be AI (artificial intelligence) and Tesla Model 3 productions.</p>

<p>Musk sleeps late, he previously admitted to it openly but revealed that he usually gets up by 7 in the morning and manages fairly well if he sleeps for six to six-and-a-half hours every day.</p>

<p>Tesla co-founder has been vocal about his time-management and routine. Musk is known to meticulously shuttle between his two company sites throughout the week and then spend time with his five sons as well.</p>

<p>"My sons are very unimpressed with me," Musk chuckled in one of his interviews.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk keeps so busy that he usually gets no time for a proper breakfast and generally makes do with some coffee.</p>

<p>"I would love some omelette and coffee," Musk expressed when asked about his idea of a perfect breakfast.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk is worth close to a whopping $1,930 crores and to be able to achieve that and continue to be at the top of the game demands such little sacrifices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week Elon Musk took to Twitter announcing his <a href="www.wionews.com/world/now-elon-musk-wants-to-build-a-cyborg-dragon-132864">upcoming project</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Oh btw I’m building a cyborg dragon," read his tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh btw I’m building a cyborg dragon</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/989198118666162176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Musk did not give out any more details about his brand new project, however, Twitter broke into a wave of reactions mulling over and interpreting what could his tweet possibly mean.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Musk took to Twitter and posted a funny post declaring that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/musks-hilarious-april-fools-tweet-silences-speculation-around-teslas-finances-127862">Tesla had gone bankrupt</a>. Musk's April Fool's post exhibited his humour-quotient (which is almost always spot on) and also silenced reports suggesting Tesla's shaky financial situation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tesla Goes Bankrupt<br />
Palo Alto, California, April 1, 2018 -- Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it.</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/980566101124722688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Tesla owner has been vocal about his time-management and routine. Musk is known to meticulously shuttle between his two company sites throughout the week

Who doesn't want to know Elon Musk's secret to success? Looks like the SpaceX CEO doesn't mind giving up on his good night's sleep or a hearty, sumptuous breakfast for work. Musk had previously admitted to usually getting 5-6 hours of sleep. He also mentioned that a couple of most stressful things in his life right now would be AI (artificial intelligence) and Tesla Model 3 productions. Musk sleeps late, he previously admitted to it openly but revealed that he usually gets up by 7 in the morning and manages fairly well if he sleeps for six to six-and-a-half hours every day. Tesla co-founder has been vocal about his time-management and routine. Musk is known to meticulously shuttle between his two company sites throughout the week and then spend time with his five sons as well. "My sons are very unimpressed with me," Musk chuckled in one of his interviews. Musk keeps so busy that he usually gets no time for a proper breakfast and generally makes do with some coffee. "I would love some omelette and coffee," Musk expressed when asked about his idea of a perfect breakfast. Musk is worth close to a whopping $1,930 crores and to be able to achieve that and continue to be at the top of the game demands such little sacrifices. Earlier this week Elon Musk took to Twitter announcing his upcoming project. "Oh btw I’m building a cyborg dragon," read his tweet. Oh btw I’m building a cyborg dragon — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 25, 2018 × Musk did not give out any more details about his brand new project, however, Twitter broke into a wave of reactions mulling over and interpreting what could his tweet possibly mean. Earlier this month, Musk took to Twitter and posted a funny post declaring that Tesla had gone bankrupt. Musk's April Fool's post exhibited his humour-quotient (which is almost always spot on) and also silenced reports suggesting Tesla's shaky financial situation. Tesla Goes Bankrupt Palo Alto, California, April 1, 2018 -- Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2018 ×

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk doesn't sleep much, usually skips breakfasts

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/asaram-appeared-broken-after-conviction-kept-telling-lawyers-to-do-something-132868">Asaram appeared broken after conviction, kept telling lawyers to 'do something': Jail officials</a></p>

<p>Asaram was on Wednesday found guilty of raping a teenage girl at his ashram near Jodhpur in 2013. The sentence was passed inside Jodhpur Central Jail — where Asaram has been lodged since 2013 — itself.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-hugs-and-kisses-macron-tears-into-trump-says-forget-america-first-make-our-planet-great-again-132863">After hugs and kisses, Macron tears into Trump. Says forget America First, 'make our planet great again'</a></p>

<p>A day after flaunting his friendship with Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron forcefully challenged many of the US president's policies on Wednesday, urging the United States to engage more with the world, step up the fight against climate change and stay in the Iran nuclear pact for now.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/train-collides-with-school-van-in-up-11-children-dead-132871">Train collides with school van in UP, 13 children dead</a></p>

<p>Thirteen schoolchildren have died in Uttar Pradesh after a train collided with the van they were travelling in.&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-announce-spring-offensive-dismisses-peace-overtures-132858">Taliban announce spring offensive, dismisses peace overtures</a></p>

<p>The Taliban announced the start of its annual spring offensive on Wednesday, dismissing an offer for peace talks by President Ashraf Ghani and saying it will focus on U.S. forces in Afghanistan.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/now-elon-musk-wants-to-build-a-cyborg-dragon-132864">Elon Musk's next project? He says he's 'building a cyborg dragon'</a></p>

<p>SpaceX CEO Elon Musk never fails to take the world by surprise and his latest Twitter post seems to have reinstated the same. Earlier today Musk announced his latest project, a 'cyborg dragon'.&nbsp</p>


Asaram appeared broken after conviction, kept telling lawyers to 'do something': Jail officials Asaram was on Wednesday found guilty of raping a teenage girl at his ashram near Jodhpur in 2013. The sentence was passed inside Jodhpur Central Jail — where Asaram has been lodged since 2013 — itself. After hugs and kisses, Macron tears into Trump. Says forget America First, 'make our planet great again' A day after flaunting his friendship with Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron forcefully challenged many of the US president's policies on Wednesday, urging the United States to engage more with the world, step up the fight against climate change and stay in the Iran nuclear pact for now. Train collides with school van in UP, 13 children dead Thirteen schoolchildren have died in Uttar Pradesh after a train collided with the van they were travelling in. Taliban announce spring offensive, dismisses peace overtures The Taliban announced the start of its annual spring offensive on Wednesday, dismissing an offer for peace talks by President Ashraf Ghani and saying it will focus on U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Elon Musk's next project? He says he's 'building a cyborg dragon' SpaceX CEO Elon Musk never fails to take the world by surprise and his latest Twitter post seems to have reinstated the same. Earlier today Musk announced his latest project, a 'cyborg dragon'.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's recent Twitter activity reinstated that space exploration and a desire to 'colonise' the Red Planet are not the only areas of his interest, Musk likes to indulge in a hearty scoop of humour every now and then.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tesla Goes Bankrupt<br />
Palo Alto, California, April 1, 2018 -- Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it.</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/980566101124722688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>In an impulsive streak of tweets, not only did Musk tested his humour-quotient but also silenced reports suggesting Tesla's shaky financial situation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There are many chapters of bankruptcy and, as critics so rightly pointed out, Tesla has them *all*, including Chapter 14 and a half (the worst one).</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/980566103356194816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Musk's April Fool's joke cracked up Twitter while putting to silence all speculations around Tesla's finances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it," read one of his tweets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Elon was found passed out against a Tesla Model 3, surrounded by "Teslaquilla" bottles, the tracks of dried tears still visible on his cheeks.<br />
<br />
This is not a forward-looking statement, because, obviously, what's the point?<br />
<br />
Happy New Month! <a href="https://t.co/YcouvFz6Y1">pic.twitter.com/YcouvFz6Y1</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/980566116614291456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tesla Inc shares fell more than 9 per cent last week following a downgrade by Moody's Investors Service, a probe by the National Transportation Safety Board of a recent fatal crash and concerns about Model 3 production.</p>

<p>The sell-off came after Tesla tumbled 8.2 per cent on last Tuesday, the lowest close in almost a year. Tesla was trading on Wednesday at $258.44, down $20.74 a share, off a low of $252.10.</p>

<p>Late on Tuesday, Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Tesla’s credit rating to B3 from B2. Moody’s said the ratings “reflect the significant shortfall in the production rate of the company’s Model 3 electric vehicle.” It also “faces liquidity pressures due to its large negative free cash flow and the pending maturities of convertible bonds.”</p>

<p>Moody’s said its negative outlook for Tesla “reflects the likelihood that Tesla will have to undertake a large, near-term capital raise in order to refund maturing obligations and avoid a liquidity shortfall.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Musk's April Fool's joke cracked up Twitter while putting to silence all speculations around Tesla's finances

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's recent Twitter activity reinstated that space exploration and a desire to 'colonise' the Red Planet are not the only areas of his interest, Musk likes to indulge in a hearty scoop of humour every now and then. Tesla Goes Bankrupt Palo Alto, California, April 1, 2018 -- Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2018 × In an impulsive streak of tweets, not only did Musk tested his humour-quotient but also silenced reports suggesting Tesla's shaky financial situation. There are many chapters of bankruptcy and, as critics so rightly pointed out, Tesla has them *all*, including Chapter 14 and a half (the worst one). — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2018 × Musk's April Fool's joke cracked up Twitter while putting to silence all speculations around Tesla's finances. "Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it," read one of his tweets. Elon was found passed out against a Tesla Model 3, surrounded by "Teslaquilla" bottles, the tracks of dried tears still visible on his cheeks. This is not a forward-looking statement, because, obviously, what's the point? Happy New Month! pic.twitter.com/YcouvFz6Y1 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2018 × Tesla Inc shares fell more than 9 per cent last week following a downgrade by Moody's Investors Service, a probe by the National Transportation Safety Board of a recent fatal crash and concerns about Model 3 production. The sell-off came after Tesla tumbled 8.2 per cent on last Tuesday, the lowest close in almost a year. Tesla was trading on Wednesday at $258.44, down $20.74 a share, off a low of $252.10. Late on Tuesday, Moody’s Investors Service downgraded Tesla’s credit rating to B3 from B2. Moody’s said the ratings “reflect the significant shortfall in the production rate of the company’s Model 3 electric vehicle.” It also “faces liquidity pressures due to its large negative free cash flow and the pending maturities of convertible bonds.” Moody’s said its negative outlook for Tesla “reflects the likelihood that Tesla will have to undertake a large, near-term capital raise in order to refund maturing obligations and avoid a liquidity shortfall.” (With inputs from Reuters)

Elon Musk's hilarious April Fool's tweet silences speculation around Tesla's finances

<p>SpaceX CEO Elon Musk never fails to take the world by surprise and his latest Twitter post seems to have reinstated the same. Earlier today Musk announced his latest project, a 'cyborg dragon'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Oh btw I’m building a cyborg dragon," read his tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh btw I’m building a cyborg dragon</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/989198118666162176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Musk is known to have juggled multiple projects between SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company. Musk's latest announcement has got many raise an eyebrow and most scratching their head in wonder.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk did not give out any more details about his brand new project, however, Twitter broke into a wave of reactions mulling over and interpreting what could his tweet possibly mean.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Are you trying to suggest that you're creating an actual, flesh-and-blood dragon with technological enhancements?? That'd be incredible!!</p>
— Idiot College Intern Steve (@theidiotintern) <a href="https://twitter.com/theidiotintern/status/989204001848774656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There goes <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a>, dropping acid and inventing the future again.</p>
— Yvette (@TheSciBabe) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSciBabe/status/989312869937246208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Proto Type perhaps? <a href="https://t.co/XHrFKTDnc2">pic.twitter.com/XHrFKTDnc2</a></p>
— Magma Admín Gardevoir (@MagmADGardevoir) <a href="https://twitter.com/MagmADGardevoir/status/989259520902942720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier this month, Musk took to Twitter and posted a funny post declaring that <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-hilarious-april-fools-tweet-silences-speculation-around-teslas-finances-127862">Tesla had gone bankrupt</a>. Musk's April Fool's post exhibited his humour-quotient (which is almost always spot on) and also silenced reports suggesting Tesla's shaky financial situation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tesla Goes Bankrupt<br />
Palo Alto, California, April 1, 2018 -- Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it.</p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/980566101124722688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it," read one of his tweets.&nbsp;</p>


Musk's latest announcement got many raise an eyebrow and most scratching their head in wonder.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk never fails to take the world by surprise and his latest Twitter post seems to have reinstated the same. Earlier today Musk announced his latest project, a 'cyborg dragon'. "Oh btw I’m building a cyborg dragon," read his tweet. Oh btw I’m building a cyborg dragon — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 25, 2018 × Musk is known to have juggled multiple projects between SpaceX, Tesla, and The Boring Company. Musk's latest announcement has got many raise an eyebrow and most scratching their head in wonder. Musk did not give out any more details about his brand new project, however, Twitter broke into a wave of reactions mulling over and interpreting what could his tweet possibly mean. Are you trying to suggest that you're creating an actual, flesh-and-blood dragon with technological enhancements?? That'd be incredible!! — Idiot College Intern Steve (@theidiotintern) April 25, 2018 × There goes @elonmusk, dropping acid and inventing the future again. — Yvette (@TheSciBabe) April 26, 2018 × A Proto Type perhaps? pic.twitter.com/XHrFKTDnc2 — Magma Admín Gardevoir (@MagmADGardevoir) April 25, 2018 × Earlier this month, Musk took to Twitter and posted a funny post declaring that Tesla had gone bankrupt. Musk's April Fool's post exhibited his humour-quotient (which is almost always spot on) and also silenced reports suggesting Tesla's shaky financial situation. Tesla Goes Bankrupt Palo Alto, California, April 1, 2018 -- Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2018 × "Despite intense efforts to raise money, including a last-ditch mass sale of Easter Eggs, we are sad to report that Tesla has gone completely and totally bankrupt. So bankrupt, you can't believe it," read one of his tweets.

Elon Musk's next project? He says he's 'building a cyborg dragon'

<p>Elon Musk-led SpaceX has launched Dragon spacecraft as part of its resupply mission to the International Space Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spacecraft was launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Monday. Within 10 minutes of its launch, the spacecraft was confirmed of having reached a "good orbit".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Right on schedule, solar arrays have been deployed on the <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dragon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dragon</a> cargo spacecraft as it heads to <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>. Watch: <a href="https://t.co/C8BIw7hGzo">https://t.co/C8BIw7hGzo</a> <a href="https://t.co/OjC13uB8zj">pic.twitter.com/OjC13uB8zj</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/980909013788315648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>'Dragon'&nbsp;left Earth packed with 2,630 kg of research, crew supplies and hardware. It is expected to attach to the space station on Wednesday after which it will spend close to a month attached to the ISS.</p>

<p>Dragon's return is scheduled around May with some results of completed experiments.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dragon is on its way to the International Space Station. Capture by <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> crew set for Wednesday morning.</p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/980909925865000963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dragon's mission includes delivering scientific investigations such as studying severe thunderstorms on Earth, food growth in space, among others.</p>

<p>The spacecraft also carried equipment for testing and studying the effects of the harsh space environment on items, identifying potential pathogens in the station and investigating an antibiotic-releasing wound patch.</p>


Dragon's return is scheduled around May with some results of completed experiments

Elon Musk-led SpaceX has launched Dragon spacecraft as part of its resupply mission to the International Space Station. The spacecraft was launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Monday. Within 10 minutes of its launch, the spacecraft was confirmed of having reached a "good orbit". Right on schedule, solar arrays have been deployed on the @SpaceX #Dragon cargo spacecraft as it heads to @Space_Station. Watch: https://t.co/C8BIw7hGzo pic.twitter.com/OjC13uB8zj — NASA (@NASA) April 2, 2018 × 'Dragon' left Earth packed with 2,630 kg of research, crew supplies and hardware. It is expected to attach to the space station on Wednesday after which it will spend close to a month attached to the ISS. Dragon's return is scheduled around May with some results of completed experiments. Dragon is on its way to the International Space Station. Capture by @Space_Station crew set for Wednesday morning. — SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 2, 2018 × Dragon's mission includes delivering scientific investigations such as studying severe thunderstorms on Earth, food growth in space, among others. The spacecraft also carried equipment for testing and studying the effects of the harsh space environment on items, identifying potential pathogens in the station and investigating an antibiotic-releasing wound patch.

SpaceX's 'Dragon' launched in resupply mission to ISS

<p>Tesla Inc shares slumped 5 percent on Monday as investors awaited production numbers for the closely watched Model 3, a cheaper vehicle that analysts see as crucial to the luxury electric automaker's long-term profitability.</p>

<p>A recent crash involving Tesla's autopilot technology and concerns about the company's ability to raise new capital also took a toll.</p>

<p>Tesla, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, declined to comment on production numbers for the Model 3, which are expected to be released this week.</p>

<p>The stock briefly pared losses after auto industry blogs - citing an unverified memo - reported that production of the Model 3 passed the 2,000 per week production rate. That would be short of Tesla`s own target of 2,500 per week for the end of March but far above the 793 Model 3s built in the final week of last year.</p>

<p>"Musk himself is focusing time on Model 3 production because it is the "highest priority," a Tesla spokesman said on Monday, saying that engineering chief Doug Field was focused on vehicle engineering.</p>

<p>The company's statement followed a report that Musk had taken charge of Model 3 production after several missed production deadlines.</p>

<p>In a series of tweets Musk said he had asked Field to manage both engineering and production to better align both businesses, a year earlier.</p>

<p>"Right now, tho(ugh), better to divide & conquer, so I'm back to sleeping at factory," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Some buy-side Tesla watchers questioned whether the company could sustain such numbers - if they prove to be true - and also worried about profitability.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There's been a number of things combined to impact the stock," said Tony Boase, senior research analyst with Nuveen Asset Management in Minneapolis. In addition to the Model 3 production rate, he cited a recent Moody's downgrade of Tesla's credit rating and the crash of a Tesla Model X and the company's comments since the crash.</p>

<p>"It comes down to the Model 3. That's the key," Boase said. "If they can profitably build those cars that would be a huge step in the right direction.</p>

<p>"If you couldn't do (2,000) without using all the resources and at a decent margin level, what have you really achieved?" he added.</p>

<p>Another investor who said he has profitably sold Tesla shares short four times in the last 18 months was also sceptical.</p>

<p>"Are they really at 2,000 or did they just stuff their system to achieve 2,000 for last week?" said David Kudla, chief executive and chief investment strategist at Mainstay Capital Management, who said he currently has no bets on Tesla.</p>

<p>"The only position I'd have on it is short because they aren't making any money. Their operating losses are growing. The stock's been overvalued for months," he said.</p>

<p>Tesla said on Friday that the Model X involved in a fatal crash in California last week had activated its Autopilot system, raising new questions about the semi-autonomous system that handles some driving tasks.</p>

<p>Tesla's shares closed down $13.65 at $252.48 on Monday, after earlier hitting their lowest level in just over a year. So far in 2018, the shares are down 19 percent, at a time when technology shares have suffered particularly as stock prices fall across the board.</p>

<p>Tesla has said it had about 500,000 advance reservations from customers for the Model 3, but manufacturing bottlenecks since last July have delayed production and deliveries to customers, exacerbating the company's need for cash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Failure to meet targets and pressures on funding prompted Moody's downgrade last week, saying that Tesla was likely to raise more than $2 billion in new capital, partly to cover about $1.2 billion in convertible bonds due by March 2019.</p>

<p>Tesla still has loyal investors, including Zevenbergen Capital Investments in Seattle, which has owned the stock since the company's initial public offering.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Historically, volatility has provided good entry points. Looking at it today we believe the demand outlook remains robust and unchanged," said Joseph Dennison, portfolio manager at Zevenbergen. "I still believe their product targets and outlook they've given in the past. While they've been optimistic on the timing they've always followed through."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


A recent crash involving Tesla's autopilot technology and concerns about the company's ability to raise new capital also took a toll

Tesla Inc shares slumped 5 percent on Monday as investors awaited production numbers for the closely watched Model 3, a cheaper vehicle that analysts see as crucial to the luxury electric automaker's long-term profitability. A recent crash involving Tesla's autopilot technology and concerns about the company's ability to raise new capital also took a toll. Tesla, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, declined to comment on production numbers for the Model 3, which are expected to be released this week. The stock briefly pared losses after auto industry blogs - citing an unverified memo - reported that production of the Model 3 passed the 2,000 per week production rate. That would be short of Tesla`s own target of 2,500 per week for the end of March but far above the 793 Model 3s built in the final week of last year. "Musk himself is focusing time on Model 3 production because it is the "highest priority," a Tesla spokesman said on Monday, saying that engineering chief Doug Field was focused on vehicle engineering. The company's statement followed a report that Musk had taken charge of Model 3 production after several missed production deadlines. In a series of tweets Musk said he had asked Field to manage both engineering and production to better align both businesses, a year earlier. "Right now, tho(ugh), better to divide & conquer, so I'm back to sleeping at factory," he tweeted. Some buy-side Tesla watchers questioned whether the company could sustain such numbers - if they prove to be true - and also worried about profitability. "There's been a number of things combined to impact the stock," said Tony Boase, senior research analyst with Nuveen Asset Management in Minneapolis. In addition to the Model 3 production rate, he cited a recent Moody's downgrade of Tesla's credit rating and the crash of a Tesla Model X and the company's comments since the crash. "It comes down to the Model 3. That's the key," Boase said. "If they can profitably build those cars that would be a huge step in the right direction. "If you couldn't do (2,000) without using all the resources and at a decent margin level, what have you really achieved?" he added. Another investor who said he has profitably sold Tesla shares short four times in the last 18 months was also sceptical. "Are they really at 2,000 or did they just stuff their system to achieve 2,000 for last week?" said David Kudla, chief executive and chief investment strategist at Mainstay Capital Management, who said he currently has no bets on Tesla. "The only position I'd have on it is short because they aren't making any money. Their operating losses are growing. The stock's been overvalued for months," he said. Tesla said on Friday that the Model X involved in a fatal crash in California last week had activated its Autopilot system, raising new questions about the semi-autonomous system that handles some driving tasks. Tesla's shares closed down $13.65 at $252.48 on Monday, after earlier hitting their lowest level in just over a year. So far in 2018, the shares are down 19 percent, at a time when technology shares have suffered particularly as stock prices fall across the board. Tesla has said it had about 500,000 advance reservations from customers for the Model 3, but manufacturing bottlenecks since last July have delayed production and deliveries to customers, exacerbating the company's need for cash. Failure to meet targets and pressures on funding prompted Moody's downgrade last week, saying that Tesla was likely to raise more than $2 billion in new capital, partly to cover about $1.2 billion in convertible bonds due by March 2019. Tesla still has loyal investors, including Zevenbergen Capital Investments in Seattle, which has owned the stock since the company's initial public offering. "Historically, volatility has provided good entry points. Looking at it today we believe the demand outlook remains robust and unchanged," said Joseph Dennison, portfolio manager at Zevenbergen. "I still believe their product targets and outlook they've given in the past. While they've been optimistic on the timing they've always followed through."

Tesla shares fall on worries about Model 3 production rate

<p>Tesla Inc said on Friday that a Tesla Model X involved a fatal crash in California last week had activated its Autopilot system, raising new questions about the semi-autonomous system that handles some driving tasks.</p>

<p>Tesla also said vehicle logs from the accident showed no action had been taken by the driver soon before the crash and that he had received earlier warnings to put his hands on the wheel.</p>

<p>"The driver had about five seconds and 150 meters of an unobstructed view of the concrete divider with the crushed crash attenuator, but the vehicle logs show that no action was taken," Tesla said.</p>

<p>The statement did not say why the Autopilot system apparently did not detect the concrete divider.</p>

<p>The fatal crash and vehicle fire of the Tesla near Mountain View, California, involved two other cars and delayed traffic for hours. The 38-year-old Tesla driver died at a nearby hospital shortly after the crash.</p>

<p>The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which launched an investigation into the crash earlier this week, did not immediately comment late Friday. The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the fatal crash.</p>

<p>Autopilot allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods under certain conditions. Tesla requires users to agree to keep their hands on the wheel “at all times” before they can use autopilot, but users routinely tout the fact they can use the system to drive hands-free.&nbsp</p>

<p>The NTSB faulted Tesla in a prior fatal autopilot crash.</p>

<p>In September, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said operational limitations in the Tesla Model S played a major role in a May 2016 crash that killed a driver using autopilot.</p>

<p>That death -- the first fatality in a Tesla vehicle operating in Autopilot mode -- raised questions about the safety of systems that can perform driving tasks for long stretches with little or no human intervention, but which cannot completely replace human drivers.</p>

<p>The NTSB said Tesla could have taken further steps to prevent the system's misuse, and faulted the driver for not paying attention and for "overreliance on vehicle automation."</p>

<p>In January, NHTSA and NTSB launched investigations into a Tesla vehicle, apparently travelling in semi-autonomous mode, that struck a fire truck in California. Neither agency nor Tesla has offered any update.</p>

<p>The government probes raise the risk for Tesla and automakers at a time when the industry is seeking federal legislation that would ease deployment of self-driving cars.</p>

<p>The crash comes soon after an Uber vehicle in Arizona in self-driving mode struck and killed a pedestrian in the first death linked to an autonomous vehicle.&nbsp</p>

<p>Tesla said late Friday that "Autopilot does not prevent all accidents – such a standard would be impossible – but it makes them much less likely to occur. It unequivocally makes the world safer for the vehicle occupants, pedestrians and cyclists."&nbsp</p>

<p>Tesla said that in the United States "there is one automotive fatality every 86 million miles across all vehicles from all manufacturers. For Tesla, there is one fatality, including known pedestrian fatalities, every 320 million miles in vehicles equipped with Autopilot hardware."</p>

<p>Tesla in September 2016 unveiled improvements to Autopilot, adding new limits on hands-off driving.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Tesla said it was recalling 123,000 Model S sedans built before April 2016 in order to replace bolts in the power steering component that can begin to corrode after contact in cold temperatures with road salt. No accidents or injuries were reported.</p>


Tesla also said vehicle logs from the accident showed no action had been taken by the driver soon before the crash

Tesla Inc said on Friday that a Tesla Model X involved a fatal crash in California last week had activated its Autopilot system, raising new questions about the semi-autonomous system that handles some driving tasks. Tesla also said vehicle logs from the accident showed no action had been taken by the driver soon before the crash and that he had received earlier warnings to put his hands on the wheel. "The driver had about five seconds and 150 meters of an unobstructed view of the concrete divider with the crushed crash attenuator, but the vehicle logs show that no action was taken," Tesla said. The statement did not say why the Autopilot system apparently did not detect the concrete divider. The fatal crash and vehicle fire of the Tesla near Mountain View, California, involved two other cars and delayed traffic for hours. The 38-year-old Tesla driver died at a nearby hospital shortly after the crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which launched an investigation into the crash earlier this week, did not immediately comment late Friday. The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating the fatal crash. Autopilot allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel for extended periods under certain conditions. Tesla requires users to agree to keep their hands on the wheel “at all times” before they can use autopilot, but users routinely tout the fact they can use the system to drive hands-free. The NTSB faulted Tesla in a prior fatal autopilot crash. In September, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said operational limitations in the Tesla Model S played a major role in a May 2016 crash that killed a driver using autopilot. That death -- the first fatality in a Tesla vehicle operating in Autopilot mode -- raised questions about the safety of systems that can perform driving tasks for long stretches with little or no human intervention, but which cannot completely replace human drivers. The NTSB said Tesla could have taken further steps to prevent the system's misuse, and faulted the driver for not paying attention and for "overreliance on vehicle automation." In January, NHTSA and NTSB launched investigations into a Tesla vehicle, apparently travelling in semi-autonomous mode, that struck a fire truck in California. Neither agency nor Tesla has offered any update. The government probes raise the risk for Tesla and automakers at a time when the industry is seeking federal legislation that would ease deployment of self-driving cars. The crash comes soon after an Uber vehicle in Arizona in self-driving mode struck and killed a pedestrian in the first death linked to an autonomous vehicle. Tesla said late Friday that "Autopilot does not prevent all accidents – such a standard would be impossible – but it makes them much less likely to occur. It unequivocally makes the world safer for the vehicle occupants, pedestrians and cyclists." Tesla said that in the United States "there is one automotive fatality every 86 million miles across all vehicles from all manufacturers. For Tesla, there is one fatality, including known pedestrian fatalities, every 320 million miles in vehicles equipped with Autopilot hardware." Tesla in September 2016 unveiled improvements to Autopilot, adding new limits on hands-off driving. On Thursday, Tesla said it was recalling 123,000 Model S sedans built before April 2016 in order to replace bolts in the power steering component that can begin to corrode after contact in cold temperatures with road salt. No accidents or injuries were reported.

Tesla says crashed vehicle had been on autopilot prior to accident

<p>The private space firm SpaceX on Friday launched with a partially-reused rocket the latest group of communication satellites to upgrade mobile, voice and data networks for Virginia-based firm Iridium.</p>

<p>"We have successful liftoff of the Falcon 9," a SpaceX commentator said after the rocket roared off with a tail of fiery exhaust above Vandenberg US Air Force base in California.</p>

<p>This is the fifth set of 10 satellites that SpaceX has launched for Iridium, whose $3 billion project is expected to include a total of 81 satellites -- with 75 launched by SpaceX.</p>

<p>The first stage of the rocket launched on Friday had been used in October for a previous launch as part of the project, known as Iridium NEXT.</p>

<p>SpaceX will not attempt to make another recovery of the rocket's first stage after Friday's launch.</p>

<p>SpaceX CEO Elon Musk aims to make rockets as reusable as commercial airplanes, bringing down the cost of spaceflight and boosting efficiency.</p>

<p>In February the company's Falcon Heavy, the world's most powerful rocket, blasted off on its maiden test flight carrying Musk's cherry red Tesla roadster car.</p>

<p>The Iridium project, though less flamboyant, will replace the world's largest commercial satellite network of low-Earth orbit satellites in one of the largest "tech upgrades" in history, Iridium has said.</p>

<p>Some of the satellites are designed to help track ships and aircraft in real time.</p>


The private space firm SpaceX on Friday launched with a partially-reused rocket the latest group of communication satellites to upgrade mobile, voice and data networks for Virginia-based firm Iridium

The private space firm SpaceX on Friday launched with a partially-reused rocket the latest group of communication satellites to upgrade mobile, voice and data networks for Virginia-based firm Iridium. "We have successful liftoff of the Falcon 9," a SpaceX commentator said after the rocket roared off with a tail of fiery exhaust above Vandenberg US Air Force base in California. This is the fifth set of 10 satellites that SpaceX has launched for Iridium, whose $3 billion project is expected to include a total of 81 satellites -- with 75 launched by SpaceX. The first stage of the rocket launched on Friday had been used in October for a previous launch as part of the project, known as Iridium NEXT. SpaceX will not attempt to make another recovery of the rocket's first stage after Friday's launch. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk aims to make rockets as reusable as commercial airplanes, bringing down the cost of spaceflight and boosting efficiency. In February the company's Falcon Heavy, the world's most powerful rocket, blasted off on its maiden test flight carrying Musk's cherry red Tesla roadster car. The Iridium project, though less flamboyant, will replace the world's largest commercial satellite network of low-Earth orbit satellites in one of the largest "tech upgrades" in history, Iridium has said. Some of the satellites are designed to help track ships and aircraft in real time.

SpaceX blasts off with Iridium satellite payload

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-bags-11-rajya-sabha-seats-crushes-sp-bsp-bonhomie-in-up-36889" target="_blank">BJP bags 11 Rajya Sabha seats, crushes SP-BSP bonhomie in UP</a></p>

<p>BJP won 11 of the remaining 25 seats at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states today amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-regulators-search-cambridge-analytica-offices-36895" target="_blank">UK regulators search Cambridge Analytica offices</a></p>

<p>British regulators on Friday began searching the London offices of Cambridge Analytica (CA),&nbsp;the scandal-hit communications firm at the heart of the Facebook data scandal, shortly after a judge approved a search warrant.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-anantnags-dooru-36900" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir: 2 terrorists killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-anantnags-dooru-36900" target="_blank">encounter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-anantnags-dooru-36900" target="_blank"> in Anantnag&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-anantnags-dooru-36900" target="_blank">Dooru</a></p>

<p>Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between security personnel and terrorists at&nbsp;Anantnag&#39;s district Dooru in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-officer-fighting-for-his-life-after-hostage-swap-36891" target="_blank">French police officer &#39;fighting for his life&#39; after hostage swap</a></p>

<p>A French policeman shot by an Islamist gunman Friday after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in southwest France is &quot;fighting for his life&quot;, President Emmanuel Macron said.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/musk-deletes-facebook-pages-of-tesla-spacex-after-challenged-on-twitter-36893" target="_blank">Elon Musk deletes Facebook pages of Tesla, SpaceX after challenged on Twitter</a></p>

<p>Verified Facebook pages of&nbsp;Elon&nbsp;Musk&#39;s rocket company SpaceX and electric carmaker Tesla Inc&nbsp;disappeared on Friday, minutes after the Silicon Valley billionaire promised on Twitter to take down the pages when challenged by users.</p>


BJP bags 11 Rajya Sabha seats, crushes SP-BSP bonhomie in UP BJP won 11 of the remaining 25 seats at stake in crucial Rajya Sabha biennial polls in seven states today amid high drama in Uttar Pradesh where it clinched an extra ninth seat overcoming the newfound bonhomie between former arch rivals SP and BSP. UK regulators search Cambridge Analytica offices British regulators on Friday began searching the London offices of Cambridge Analytica (CA), the scandal-hit communications firm at the heart of the Facebook data scandal, shortly after a judge approved a search warrant. Jammu and Kashmir: 2 terrorists killed in encounter in Anantnag's Dooru Two terrorists were killed in an encounter between security personnel and terrorists at Anantnag's district Dooru in Jammu and Kashmir. French police officer 'fighting for his life' after hostage swap A French policeman shot by an Islamist gunman Friday after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in southwest France is "fighting for his life", President Emmanuel Macron said. Elon Musk deletes Facebook pages of Tesla, SpaceX after challenged on Twitter Verified Facebook pages of Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX and electric carmaker Tesla Inc disappeared on Friday, minutes after the Silicon Valley billionaire promised on Twitter to take down the pages when challenged by users.

WION Morning News Brief, March 24, 2018

<p>SpaceX CEO &nbsp;Elon Musk is in talks with an Israel-based Artificial Intelligence vision firm over prospective investment or acquisition project. Musk, on his visit to Israel, discussed a collaboration between Tesla Inc and Tel Aviv-based AI firm Cortica.</p>

<p>According to reports, Cortica&#39;s technology equips self-driving cars with an ability to identify moving parts in its environment and make informed decisions.</p>

<p>This is not the first time when Musk-led Tesla has collaborated with an Israeli company. The company joined hands with Mobileye and parted ways in 2016 owing to a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model S.</p>

<p>Mobileye was acquired by Intel last year for $15.3 billion.</p>


Musk, on his visit to Israel, discussed a collaboration between Tesla Inc and Tel Aviv-based AI firm Cortica

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is in talks with an Israel-based Artificial Intelligence vision firm over prospective investment or acquisition project. Musk, on his visit to Israel, discussed a collaboration between Tesla Inc and Tel Aviv-based AI firm Cortica. According to reports, Cortica's technology equips self-driving cars with an ability to identify moving parts in its environment and make informed decisions. This is not the first time when Musk-led Tesla has collaborated with an Israeli company. The company joined hands with Mobileye and parted ways in 2016 owing to a fatal crash involving a Tesla Model S. Mobileye was acquired by Intel last year for $15.3 billion.

Elon Musk to collaborate with Israeli Artificial Intelligence firm

<p>SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his estranged father Errol Musk engaged in a war of words. While 46-year-old Elon described his father to have a &quot;carefully thought-out plan of evil&quot;, he was called &quot;spoilt&quot; in turn by Errol Musk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, Errol told a leading daily that his son has always thrown tantrums and needs to grow up. Errol Musk, 72, recently had a baby with his 30-year-old girlfriend which shocked the Musk clan.</p>

<p>Elon, in an emotional interview with a leading American magazine, called his father &quot;a terrible human&quot;.</p>

<p>Errol on Sunday shared that Elon behaves like a spoilt child and made such statements as a result of an emotional turmoil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I think Elon was emotionally fragile when he attacked me,&quot; Errol said who further added that he will wait until Elon &quot;comes to his senses&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


Elon, in an emotional interview with a leading American magazine, called his father 'a terrible human'

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and his estranged father Errol Musk engaged in a war of words. While 46-year-old Elon described his father to have a "carefully thought-out plan of evil", he was called "spoilt" in turn by Errol Musk. On Sunday, Errol told a leading daily that his son has always thrown tantrums and needs to grow up. Errol Musk, 72, recently had a baby with his 30-year-old girlfriend which shocked the Musk clan. Elon, in an emotional interview with a leading American magazine, called his father "a terrible human". Errol on Sunday shared that Elon behaves like a spoilt child and made such statements as a result of an emotional turmoil. "I think Elon was emotionally fragile when he attacked me," Errol said who further added that he will wait until Elon "comes to his senses".

Elon Musk describes his father as 'terrible man', gets called 'spoilt child' in return

<p>Last week Twitterati witnessed US President Donald Trump and SpaceX chief Elon Musk engage in a war of words over tariff issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk&#39;s tweet came in response to Trump&#39;s post that talked about America&#39;s &quot;very good&quot; relationship with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States. Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon!&quot; Trump tweeted on March 7.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States. Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon!</p>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/971402791930552322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>A day later, Musk tweeted out saying, &quot;Do you think the US &amp; China should have equal &amp; fair rules for cars? Meaning, same import duties, ownership constraints and other factors.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Do you think the US &amp; China should have equal &amp; fair rules for cars? Meaning, same import duties, ownership constraints &amp; other factors.</p>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/971810418128691200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Musk went on to talk about import duty on cars in the United States and China. He reasoned that an American car going to China pays a 25 per cent import duty, while a Chinese car coming the other way pays just 2.5 per cent, &quot;It&#39;s like competing in an Olympic race wearing lead shoes,&quot; Musk tweeted.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Musk's tweet came in response to Trump's post that talked about America's 'very good' relationship with China

Last week Twitterati witnessed US President Donald Trump and SpaceX chief Elon Musk engage in a war of words over tariff issue. Musk's tweet came in response to Trump's post that talked about America's "very good" relationship with China. "China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States. Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon!" Trump tweeted on March 7. China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States. Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 7, 2018 × A day later, Musk tweeted out saying, "Do you think the US & China should have equal & fair rules for cars? Meaning, same import duties, ownership constraints and other factors." Do you think the US & China should have equal & fair rules for cars? Meaning, same import duties, ownership constraints & other factors. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 8, 2018 × Musk went on to talk about import duty on cars in the United States and China. He reasoned that an American car going to China pays a 25 per cent import duty, while a Chinese car coming the other way pays just 2.5 per cent, "It's like competing in an Olympic race wearing lead shoes," Musk tweeted.

Tariff tiff: Donald Trump, Elon Musk engage in war of words on Twitter

<p>Bases on the moon and Mars could help preserve human civilization and hasten its regeneration on earth in the event of a third world war, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, said on Sunday.</p>

<p>Musk, the founder of rocket and spacecraft company SpaceX, said the company`s interplanetary ship could begin test flights as soon as next year.</p>

<p>There is &quot;some probability&quot; that there will be another Dark Ages, &quot;particularly if there is a third world war,&quot; Musk said at the SXSW conference.</p>

<p>&quot;We want to make sure that there`s enough of a seed of human civilization somewhere else to bring civilization back, and perhaps shorten the length of the Dark Ages,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>&quot;I think a moon base and a Mars base that could perhaps help regenerate life back here on earth would be really important.&quot;</p>

<p>Musk said he thinks that SpaceX`s interplanetary ship will &quot;be able to do short flights, short sort of up and down flights, probably sometime in the first half of next year.&quot;</p>

<p>SpaceX launched the world`s most powerful rocket, the Falcon Heavy, last month, sending Musk`s red Tesla Roadster car toward an orbit near Mars.</p>


"I think a moon base and a Mars base that could perhaps help regenerate life back here on earth would be really important.", said Elon

Bases on the moon and Mars could help preserve human civilization and hasten its regeneration on earth in the event of a third world war, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, said on Sunday. Musk, the founder of rocket and spacecraft company SpaceX, said the company`s interplanetary ship could begin test flights as soon as next year. There is "some probability" that there will be another Dark Ages, "particularly if there is a third world war," Musk said at the SXSW conference. "We want to make sure that there`s enough of a seed of human civilization somewhere else to bring civilization back, and perhaps shorten the length of the Dark Ages," he said. "I think a moon base and a Mars base that could perhaps help regenerate life back here on earth would be really important." Musk said he thinks that SpaceX`s interplanetary ship will "be able to do short flights, short sort of up and down flights, probably sometime in the first half of next year." SpaceX launched the world`s most powerful rocket, the Falcon Heavy, last month, sending Musk`s red Tesla Roadster car toward an orbit near Mars.

Space bases could preserve civilization in World War III: Elon Musk

<p>Elon Musk&#39;s SpaceX is all set to launch its Mars rocket by next year. During the SXSW festival on Sunday, Musk shared details of the first &quot;interplanetary ship&quot; which will be equipped for making short flights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rocket is likely to get ready by the first half of 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the long-cherished desires in Musk&#39;s heart has always been the vision of sending humans to live on Mars; to colonise the Red Planet but not to become the ultimate ruler!&nbsp;</p>

<p>He previously described colonizing Mars as a huge &quot;entrepreneurial opportunity&quot; adding that the planet, if colonised, should have the best all that Earth has, from pizza joints to great bars, &quot;a Mars Bar&quot;.&nbsp;</p>


Musk shared details of the first 'interplanetary ship'

Elon Musk's SpaceX is all set to launch its Mars rocket by next year. During the SXSW festival on Sunday, Musk shared details of the first "interplanetary ship" which will be equipped for making short flights. The rocket is likely to get ready by the first half of 2019. One of the long-cherished desires in Musk's heart has always been the vision of sending humans to live on Mars; to colonise the Red Planet but not to become the ultimate ruler! He previously described colonizing Mars as a huge "entrepreneurial opportunity" adding that the planet, if colonised, should have the best all that Earth has, from pizza joints to great bars, "a Mars Bar".

Mars rocket to get ready and fly 'short flights' by next year: Elon Musk

<p>Amazon is looking to fix the creepy laughing of its smart assistant device Alexa which has been offending&nbsp;and scaring customers for a while now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The random laugh of the device is being experienced by several users.</p>

<p>Alexa users took to social media to find out whether there had been other &lsquo;victims&rsquo; of the device&#39;s creepy laugh.</p>

<p>And soon It was a bit like the #metoo moment.</p>

<p>The users of the Alexa assistant software have comically expressed their fears on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Genuinely, whoever has hacked Alexa and is making her chuckle in a menacing manner at inappropriate moments is my hero. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlexaIsLaughing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlexaIsLaughing</a></p>
&mdash; Kerry Smith (@angrydammum) <a href="https://twitter.com/angrydammum/status/971499116353216512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So Alexa is laughing creepily and not obeying commands?<br />
<br />
What does Alexa think? She is my wife??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlexaIsLaughing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlexaIsLaughing</a></p>
&mdash; Atul Khatri (@one_by_two) <a href="https://twitter.com/one_by_two/status/972007398486376449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlexaIsLaughing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlexaIsLaughing</a> at the state of humanity. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlexaLaugh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlexaLaugh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SkynetWarning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SkynetWarning</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alexa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Alexa</a></p>
&mdash; Mowgli (@Muumpy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Muumpy/status/971497485519785986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Alexa has become sentient and Amazon are totally trying to cover it up <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlexaIsLaughing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlexaIsLaughing</a></p>
&mdash; Jox (@yesjox) <a href="https://twitter.com/yesjox/status/972035632536014853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Even <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlexaIsLaughing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlexaIsLaughing</a> at my savings....</p>
&mdash; Nobody (@thechilledbeer) <a href="https://twitter.com/thechilledbeer/status/972011885766823936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Entrepreneur and innovator Elon Musk even agreed in the twitter exchange on the development. Saying: &quot;every time Alexa laughs, an angel dies&quot;</p>

<p>The Tesla co-founder is among high profile figures who have called for vigilance to ensure artificial intelligence doesn&#39;t turn against humans.</p>

<p>Launched in 2014 by Amazon, the Alexa digital assistant has spread from the company&#39;s echo voice-commanded speakers to millions of devices, including cars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alexa is being modified to say &quot;sure, I can laugh,&quot; before cackling. But one Twitter user quipped&hellip; &quot;I unplugged Alexa and she&#39;s still laughing&quot;&nbsp;</p>


Amazon is looking to fix the creepy laughing of its smart assistant device Alexa

Amazon is looking to fix the creepy laughing of its smart assistant device Alexa which has been offending and scaring customers for a while now. The random laugh of the device is being experienced by several users. Alexa users took to social media to find out whether there had been other ‘victims’ of the device's creepy laugh. And soon It was a bit like the #metoo moment. The users of the Alexa assistant software have comically expressed their fears on Twitter. Genuinely, whoever has hacked Alexa and is making her chuckle in a menacing manner at inappropriate moments is my hero. #AlexaIsLaughing — Kerry Smith (@angrydammum) March 7, 2018 × So Alexa is laughing creepily and not obeying commands? What does Alexa think? She is my wife??#AlexaIsLaughing — Atul Khatri (@one_by_two) March 9, 2018 × Even #AlexaIsLaughing at the state of humanity. #AlexaLaugh #SkynetWarning #Alexa — Mowgli (@Muumpy) March 7, 2018 × Alexa has become sentient and Amazon are totally trying to cover it up #AlexaIsLaughing — Jox (@yesjox) March 9, 2018 × Even #AlexaIsLaughing at my savings.... — Nobody (@thechilledbeer) March 9, 2018 × Entrepreneur and innovator Elon Musk even agreed in the twitter exchange on the development. Saying: "every time Alexa laughs, an angel dies" The Tesla co-founder is among high profile figures who have called for vigilance to ensure artificial intelligence doesn't turn against humans. Launched in 2014 by Amazon, the Alexa digital assistant has spread from the company's echo voice-commanded speakers to millions of devices, including cars. Alexa is being modified to say "sure, I can laugh," before cackling. But one Twitter user quipped… "I unplugged Alexa and she's still laughing"

Amazon's smart assistant Alexa scaring users with 'creepy laugh'

<p>The Maharashtra government signed a framework of an agreement with the US-based company now known as Virgin Hyperloop One on February 18 to build a hyperloop between Pune and Mumbai beginning with an operational demonstration track.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/virgin-hyperloop-one-project-in-maharashtra-mumbai-to-pune-to-14-minutes-24402">Virgin Hyperloop one project in Maharashtra: Mumbai to Pune in 14 minutes</a></p>

<p>This will potentially reduce traveling time to just 25 minutes from 55 minutes is one travel via flight.</p>

<p>Hyperloop is a new high-speed transport system which is designed to move transport using air pressure which reportedly reduces accidents and brings down the travel time significantly.</p>

<p>Hyperloop technology uses a linear electric motor to accelerate and decelerate an electromagnetically levitated pod through a low-pressure tube with speed up to 1000 kilometer per hour.</p>

<p>What is most interesting about this system is that it travels at such high speed still the passengers sitting inside don&#39;t feel any turbulence when it glides for miles.</p>

<p>Entrepreneur Elon Musk who had popularised the idea had said the concept would be useful on Mars as no tubes would be needed because Mars&#39;s atmosphere is about 1% the density of the Earth&#39;s at sea level.</p>

<p>The project is expected to be operational by 2024.&nbsp;</p>


Hyperloop is a new high-speed transport system which is designed to move transport using air pressure which reportedly reduces accidents and brings down the travel time significantly

The Maharashtra government signed a framework of an agreement with the US-based company now known as Virgin Hyperloop One on February 18 to build a hyperloop between Pune and Mumbai beginning with an operational demonstration track. Also read: Virgin Hyperloop one project in Maharashtra: Mumbai to Pune in 14 minutes This will potentially reduce traveling time to just 25 minutes from 55 minutes is one travel via flight. Hyperloop is a new high-speed transport system which is designed to move transport using air pressure which reportedly reduces accidents and brings down the travel time significantly. Hyperloop technology uses a linear electric motor to accelerate and decelerate an electromagnetically levitated pod through a low-pressure tube with speed up to 1000 kilometer per hour. What is most interesting about this system is that it travels at such high speed still the passengers sitting inside don't feel any turbulence when it glides for miles. Entrepreneur Elon Musk who had popularised the idea had said the concept would be useful on Mars as no tubes would be needed because Mars's atmosphere is about 1% the density of the Earth's at sea level. The project is expected to be operational by 2024.

What is hyperloop and how it works?

<p>Elon Musk&#39;s car that was recently shot into space as part of SpaceX&#39;s rocket test flight will likely collide with Earth or Venus eventually, scientists say.</p>

<p>&quot;It will likely end up colliding with Earth or Venus, but there&#39;s no need to panic since the probability of that happening even within the next million years is very small,&quot; said Hanno Rein, an assistant professor at University of Toronto in Canada.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-elon-musk-wants-to-reach-mars-is-it-a-great-idea-32066">Elon Musk wants to reach Mars. Is it a great idea?</a></p>

<p>The car was sent into space as part of the payload for SpaceX&#39;s Falcon Heavy test flight on February 6.</p>

<p>While rocket test flights usually have a dummy payload, SpaceX founder Musk sent up his personal Tesla Roadster instead.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-poised-to-launch-worlds-most-powerful-rocket-31995">SpaceX poised to launch &#39;world&#39;s most powerful rocket&#39;</a></p>

<p>Though the car does not have any scientific instruments on board, it is now classified as a near-earth object, and is being tracked by NASA&#39;s Jet Propulsion Laboratory along with other objects that will travel relatively close to Earth.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-biggest-rocket-spacexs-falcon-heavy-soars-toward-mars-after-perfect-launch-32050">SpaceX sends a sports car into space with world&#39;s most powerful rocket</a></p>

<p>After running a series of simulations using sophisticated software that can track the motion of objects in space, they determined the probability of it colliding with Earth and Venus over the next one million years to be six per cent and 2.5 per cent, respectively.</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-falcon-heavy-launch-musks-tesla-overshoots-mars-orbit-32245">Musk&#39;s Tesla overshoots Mars orbit</a></p>

<p>They also determined that the first close encounter the Tesla will have with us will be in 2091, when it will pass within a few hundred thousand kilometres of Earth.</p>

<p>The car is currently on a Mars and Earth crossing orbit, meaning it will travel on an elliptical path that repeatedly carries it beyond Mars and then back to Earth&#39;s orbital distance from the sun.</p>

<p>How the car&#39;s orbit evolves over time will depend a lot on its encounters with Earth, especially how close it will get to Earth since any small change in its trajectory could have a large effect on its orbit.</p>

<p>While the path of the car can be accurately predicted in terms of years, after hundreds of years and many close encounters with Earth it becomes impossible to predict the object&#39;s precise orbit.</p>

<p>By studying a large number of orbital simulations, however, the researchers were able to arrive at a statistical distribution of possible outcomes.</p>

<p>&quot;Each time it passes Earth, the car will get a gravitational kick,&quot; said Dan Tamayo, a postdoctoral fellow at University of Toronto.</p>

<p>&quot;Depending on the details of these encounters, the Tesla can be kicked onto a wider or smaller orbit, so it&#39;s random,&quot; Tamayo said.</p>

<p>&quot;Over time the orbit will undergo what&#39;s called a random walk, similar to the fluctuations we see in the stock market, that will allow it to wander the inner solar system,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>While they only ran simulations for the first three million years of its space journey, the most likely outcome for the Tesla is for it to crash into Earth or Venus in the next 10 million years or so.</p>

<p>&quot;Although we are not able to tell on which planet the car will ultimately end up, we&#39;re comfortable saying it won&#39;t survive in space for more than a few tens of millions of years,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>While the car&#39;s likely final destination is Earth, they note there&#39;s nothing to fear since much or all of it will likely burn up in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>


'But there's no need to panic since the probability of that happening even within the next million years is very small,' say the experts

Elon Musk's car that was recently shot into space as part of SpaceX's rocket test flight will likely collide with Earth or Venus eventually, scientists say. "It will likely end up colliding with Earth or Venus, but there's no need to panic since the probability of that happening even within the next million years is very small," said Hanno Rein, an assistant professor at University of Toronto in Canada. Also read: Elon Musk wants to reach Mars. Is it a great idea? The car was sent into space as part of the payload for SpaceX's Falcon Heavy test flight on February 6. While rocket test flights usually have a dummy payload, SpaceX founder Musk sent up his personal Tesla Roadster instead. Also read: SpaceX poised to launch 'world's most powerful rocket' Though the car does not have any scientific instruments on board, it is now classified as a near-earth object, and is being tracked by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory along with other objects that will travel relatively close to Earth. Also read: SpaceX sends a sports car into space with world's most powerful rocket After running a series of simulations using sophisticated software that can track the motion of objects in space, they determined the probability of it colliding with Earth and Venus over the next one million years to be six per cent and 2.5 per cent, respectively. Also read: Musk's Tesla overshoots Mars orbit They also determined that the first close encounter the Tesla will have with us will be in 2091, when it will pass within a few hundred thousand kilometres of Earth. The car is currently on a Mars and Earth crossing orbit, meaning it will travel on an elliptical path that repeatedly carries it beyond Mars and then back to Earth's orbital distance from the sun. How the car's orbit evolves over time will depend a lot on its encounters with Earth, especially how close it will get to Earth since any small change in its trajectory could have a large effect on its orbit. While the path of the car can be accurately predicted in terms of years, after hundreds of years and many close encounters with Earth it becomes impossible to predict the object's precise orbit. By studying a large number of orbital simulations, however, the researchers were able to arrive at a statistical distribution of possible outcomes. "Each time it passes Earth, the car will get a gravitational kick," said Dan Tamayo, a postdoctoral fellow at University of Toronto. "Depending on the details of these encounters, the Tesla can be kicked onto a wider or smaller orbit, so it's random," Tamayo said. "Over time the orbit will undergo what's called a random walk, similar to the fluctuations we see in the stock market, that will allow it to wander the inner solar system," he said. While they only ran simulations for the first three million years of its space journey, the most likely outcome for the Tesla is for it to crash into Earth or Venus in the next 10 million years or so. "Although we are not able to tell on which planet the car will ultimately end up, we're comfortable saying it won't survive in space for more than a few tens of millions of years," he said. While the car's likely final destination is Earth, they note there's nothing to fear since much or all of it will likely burn up in the atmosphere.

Musk's car shot into space likely to collide with Earth

<p>After Elon Musk&rsquo;s Tesla Roadster was successfully mounted atop SpaceX&rsquo;s Falcon Heavy and launched into space, the vehicle is now reported to have travelled farther out into the Solar System.</p>

<p>Musk&#39;s&nbsp;Tesla Roadster was originally supposed to be around the Sun and travel to the Mars&nbsp;orbit. The rocket carrying the car is reported to have overshot the trajectory going on to an orbit that extends beyond the Mars&nbsp;path.&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Third burn successful. Exceeded Mars orbit and kept going to the Asteroid Belt. <a href="https://t.co/bKhRN73WHF">pic.twitter.com/bKhRN73WHF</a></p>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/961083704230674438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the vehicle may make it to the asteroid belt.</p>

<p>Musk had previously noted that there were slim chances of the car-carrying rocket to hit the Red Planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tesla Roadster will be at its closest to Mars in October of 2020.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Be6VZEzgAEk/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Last pic of Starman in Roadster enroute to Mars orbit and then the Asteroid Belt</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elonmusk/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Elon Musk</a> (@elonmusk) on <time datetime="2018-02-07T22:00:57+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 7, 2018 at 2:00pm PST</time></p>
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<p>Falcon Heavy, touted as the world&#39;s most powerful rocket in operation, is also one of Elon Musk&#39;s most ambitious projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spacecraft is expected to ferry people to the moon or Mars in future.&nbsp;</p>


Musk had previously noted that there were slim chances of the vehicle to hit the Red Planet

After Elon Musk’s Tesla Roadster was successfully mounted atop SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy and launched into space, the vehicle is now reported to have travelled farther out into the Solar System. Musk's Tesla Roadster was originally supposed to be around the Sun and travel to the Mars orbit. The rocket carrying the car is reported to have overshot the trajectory going on to an orbit that extends beyond the Mars path. Third burn successful. Exceeded Mars orbit and kept going to the Asteroid Belt. pic.twitter.com/bKhRN73WHF — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2018 × According to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the vehicle may make it to the asteroid belt. Musk had previously noted that there were slim chances of the car-carrying rocket to hit the Red Planet. Tesla Roadster will be at its closest to Mars in October of 2020. Last pic of Starman in Roadster enroute to Mars orbit and then the Asteroid Belt A post shared by Elon Musk (@elonmusk) on Feb 7, 2018 at 2:00pm PST × Falcon Heavy, touted as the world's most powerful rocket in operation, is also one of Elon Musk's most ambitious projects. The spacecraft is expected to ferry people to the moon or Mars in future.

SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch: Musk's Tesla overshoots Mars orbit

<p>Elon Musk&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.spacex.com/falcon-heavy">SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket</a> is scheduled for launch on February 6, and the entire space industry is watching with anticipation.</p>

<p>What is so special about this rocket? This vehicle will be the first of its kind, the world&rsquo;s most powerful launch vehicle and targeting an unprecedented level of reusability. The launch has been delayed on numerous occasions since 2013, but if the mission is a success, we will be one step closer to Musk&rsquo;s incredibly ambitious aim to launch a manned Mars mission within the next decade.</p>

<p>However, rocket science is famously difficult. As CEO of SpaceX, Musk himself is uncharacteristically reserved, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/04/technology/future/spacex-falcon-heavy-failure/index.html">stating</a>:</p>

<blockquote>
<p>I hope it makes it far enough from the pad that it does not cause pad damage. I would consider that a win.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>We will have to wait and see. In typical Musk flair, the first payload will be his Tesla Roadster &ndash; which is set to become the world&rsquo;s fastest car following its launch into a heliocentric orbit.</p>

<p><strong>Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicles</strong></p>

<p>Rockets capable of carrying a payload over 20 metric tonnes are classified under the Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle (<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-heavy-lift-launch-vehicle-58.html">HLLV</a>) category. The rocket must carry its package up to at least <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/5-8/features/nasa-knows/what-is-orbit-58.html">160km above the surface and achieve an orbit, requiring speeds above 8,000 metres per second</a>.</p>

<p>To put these figures in perspective, the rocket could propel two fully loaded city buses more than 50 times the height of Mount Everest at 32 times the cruising speed of a Boeing 747.</p>

<p>The Falcon Heavy will achieve this by using three rockets, with the first two separating after stage one of the launch. The final rocket will then lift the Tesla Roadster up into space, where it will enter a highly elliptical orbit between the Earth and Mars. Without external interference, Falcon Heavy will remain in this orbit for thousands of years.</p>

<p>Currently, the <a href="http://spaceflight101.com/spacerockets/delta-iv-heavy/">Delta IV Heavy</a> is the most capable HLLV operational. The most popular HLLV is the European <a href="http://www.arianespace.com/missions/">Ariane V</a>, which holds an extensive list of international clients. It is responsible for launching core components of the international space station, as well as launching interplanetary spacecraft, global navigation satellites and orbital telescopes.</p>

<p>According to SpaceX, the Falcon Heavy will lift <a href="http://www.spacex.com/falcon-heavy">twice the load at a third the cost of these current systems</a>, placing SpaceX in an excellent position to be the first choice for all heavy lift missions.</p>

<p><strong>Pioneers of the new space industry</strong></p>

<p>Since the early missions of Sputnik and Apollo, space has generally been a state-run affair. Organisations like <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/">NASA</a>, the <a href="http://www.esa.int/ESA">European Space Agency</a>, Russia&rsquo;s agency <a href="http://en.roscosmos.ru/">Roscosmos</a> and the <a href="http://global.jaxa.jp/">Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency</a> have all been operated and funded by their respective governments.</p>

<p>Private space companies were formed alongside these agencies, capitalising on the success of their missions. However, given the enormous cost of space access, space innovation was always led by the world governments.</p>

<p>In the 21st century, however, things are starting to change. A space agency wasn&rsquo;t behind the current push for reusable rockets (even though NASA was the first agency to <a href="https://www.space.com/22391-reusable-rocket-nasa-dc-x-anniversary.html">launch one</a>).</p>

<p>SpaceX has led the way in reducing launch costs and improving efficiency. The new space industry is <a href="https://theconversation.com/private-companies-are-launching-a-new-space-race-heres-what-to-expect-80697">growing rapidly</a>, with companies like SpaceX at the forefront.</p>

<p>The ambitions of SpaceX are not going to stop with satellite launches using Falcon Heavy. The rocket has been designed to have acceleration profiles appropriate for manned missions, and SpaceX currently plan 2019 tests of its <a href="http://www.spacex.com/dragon">Dragon2 capsule</a> &ndash; and have signed up <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2017/02/27/technology/spacex-moon-tourism/index.html?iid=EL">two unnamed space tourists</a> for an unpowered flight around the moon.</p>

<p><strong>But, will it work?</strong></p>

<p>Rockets have a notorious history of failing on the first few launches. Test campaigns usually run for several years; recently SpaceX engineers had encountered numerous issues before their <a href="https://qz.com/1016072/a-multimedia-history-of-every-single-one-of-spacexs-attempts-to-land-its-booster-rocket-back-on-earth/">first successful booster return in 2016</a>.</p>

<p>The added challenge however for SpaceX is ensuring reusability. Each of the Falcon 9 rockets must be ejected during launch and safely returned to Earth. It was only two years ago that it achieved this <a href="http://spacenews.com/falcon-9-launches-orbcomm-satellites-first-stage-lands/">milestone</a> for the Falcon 9.</p>

<p>The Falcon Heavy is a very ambitious endeavour by SpaceX, and will certainly blaze a trail across the sky in one way or another. And it&rsquo;s pretty clear that Musk is changing the landscape of the space industry, with lasting effects for decades to follow.</p>

<hr />
<p><img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91069/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" /><em>The author would like to recognise a significant contribution to this article from Joshua Critchley-Marrows, an engineering graduate of the University of Sydney, and Warwick Holmes, Executive Director of Space Engineering, the University of Sydney</em>.</p>

<p>This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/elon-musk-is-launching-a-tesla-into-space-heres-how-spacex-will-do-it-91069">original article</a>.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


This vehicle will be the first of its kind, the world’s most powerful launch vehicle and targeting an unprecedented level of reusability.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket is scheduled for launch on February 6, and the entire space industry is watching with anticipation. What is so special about this rocket? This vehicle will be the first of its kind, the world’s most powerful launch vehicle and targeting an unprecedented level of reusability. The launch has been delayed on numerous occasions since 2013, but if the mission is a success, we will be one step closer to Musk’s incredibly ambitious aim to launch a manned Mars mission within the next decade. However, rocket science is famously difficult. As CEO of SpaceX, Musk himself is uncharacteristically reserved, stating: I hope it makes it far enough from the pad that it does not cause pad damage. I would consider that a win. We will have to wait and see. In typical Musk flair, the first payload will be his Tesla Roadster – which is set to become the world’s fastest car following its launch into a heliocentric orbit. Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicles Rockets capable of carrying a payload over 20 metric tonnes are classified under the Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle (HLLV) category. The rocket must carry its package up to at least 160km above the surface and achieve an orbit, requiring speeds above 8,000 metres per second. To put these figures in perspective, the rocket could propel two fully loaded city buses more than 50 times the height of Mount Everest at 32 times the cruising speed of a Boeing 747. The Falcon Heavy will achieve this by using three rockets, with the first two separating after stage one of the launch. The final rocket will then lift the Tesla Roadster up into space, where it will enter a highly elliptical orbit between the Earth and Mars. Without external interference, Falcon Heavy will remain in this orbit for thousands of years. Currently, the Delta IV Heavy is the most capable HLLV operational. The most popular HLLV is the European Ariane V, which holds an extensive list of international clients. It is responsible for launching core components of the international space station, as well as launching interplanetary spacecraft, global navigation satellites and orbital telescopes. According to SpaceX, the Falcon Heavy will lift twice the load at a third the cost of these current systems, placing SpaceX in an excellent position to be the first choice for all heavy lift missions. Pioneers of the new space industry Since the early missions of Sputnik and Apollo, space has generally been a state-run affair. Organisations like NASA, the European Space Agency, Russia’s agency Roscosmos and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency have all been operated and funded by their respective governments. Private space companies were formed alongside these agencies, capitalising on the success of their missions. However, given the enormous cost of space access, space innovation was always led by the world governments. In the 21st century, however, things are starting to change. A space agency wasn’t behind the current push for reusable rockets (even though NASA was the first agency to launch one). SpaceX has led the way in reducing launch costs and improving efficiency. The new space industry is growing rapidly, with companies like SpaceX at the forefront. The ambitions of SpaceX are not going to stop with satellite launches using Falcon Heavy. The rocket has been designed to have acceleration profiles appropriate for manned missions, and SpaceX currently plan 2019 tests of its Dragon2 capsule – and have signed up two unnamed space tourists for an unpowered flight around the moon. But, will it work? Rockets have a notorious history of failing on the first few launches. Test campaigns usually run for several years; recently SpaceX engineers had encountered numerous issues before their first successful booster return in 2016. The added challenge however for SpaceX is ensuring reusability. Each of the Falcon 9 rockets must be ejected during launch and safely returned to Earth. It was only two years ago that it achieved this milestone for the Falcon 9. The Falcon Heavy is a very ambitious endeavour by SpaceX, and will certainly blaze a trail across the sky in one way or another. And it’s pretty clear that Musk is changing the landscape of the space industry, with lasting effects for decades to follow. The author would like to recognise a significant contribution to this article from Joshua Critchley-Marrows, an engineering graduate of the University of Sydney, and Warwick Holmes, Executive Director of Space Engineering, the University of Sydney. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Can man reach Mars? SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket may make it possible

<p>SpaceX is poised for the first test launch Tuesday of its Falcon Heavy, which aims to become the world&#39;s most powerful rocket, capable of ferrying people to the Moon or Mars some day.</p>

<p>No people are on board, just a mannequin wearing a futuristic spacesuit, strapped into CEO Elon Musk&#39;s very own cherry red Tesla car.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Starman in a Red Roadster,&quot; Musk posted on Instagram Monday, showing the rocket&#39;s payload on a pedestal, aiming skyward.</p>

<p>The blast-off is scheduled for 1:30 pm (1830 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.</p>

<p>The destination is deep space, into an orbit about the same distance from the Sun as Mars -- but not all that close to the Red Planet itself.</p>

<p>Musk has cautioned that the maiden launch of the Falcon Heavy may indeed fail.</p>

<p>&quot;Will be in deep space for a billion years or so if it doesn&#39;t blow up on ascent,&quot; Musk, said on Twitter in December.</p>

<p>But the test launch could be a game-changer for SpaceX -- already a top cargo supplier to the International Space Station under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA -- as it seeks to gain a bigger piece of the commercial space market.</p>

<p>The launch is also a milestone in US-based efforts to send astronauts to space, a capacity lost when the US space shuttle program was retired in 2011.</p>

<p>Since then, the world&#39;s astronauts have relied on Russian Soyuz rockets for transport to the International Space Station.</p>

<p><strong>Most powerful in operation&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>&quot;Falcon Heavy was designed from the outset to carry humans into space and restores the possibility of flying missions with crew to the Moon or Mars,&quot; SpaceX said in a statement.</p>

<p>&quot;When Falcon Heavy lifts off, it will be the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two,&quot; it added.</p>

<p>&quot;Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost.&quot;</p>

<p>The Delta IV Heavy costs about $350 million per launch, according to United Launch Alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Falcon Heavy is essentially three Falcon 9 rockets in one, with a total of 27 Merlin engines.</p>

<p>These engines &quot;together generate more than five million pounds of thrust at liftoff, equal to approximately eighteen 747 aircraft,&quot; said SpaceX.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rocket is designed to carry nearly 141,000 pounds (64 metric tons) into orbit, more than the mass of a fully loaded 737 jetliner.</p>

<p>Previous rockets that are no longer in commission have been more powerful than the Falcon Heavy -- including the Saturn V moon rocket, last flown in 1973, which delivered more payload to orbit.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


No people are on board, just a mannequin wearing a futuristic spacesuit

SpaceX is poised for the first test launch Tuesday of its Falcon Heavy, which aims to become the world's most powerful rocket, capable of ferrying people to the Moon or Mars some day. No people are on board, just a mannequin wearing a futuristic spacesuit, strapped into CEO Elon Musk's very own cherry red Tesla car. "Starman in a Red Roadster," Musk posted on Instagram Monday, showing the rocket's payload on a pedestal, aiming skyward. The blast-off is scheduled for 1:30 pm (1830 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The destination is deep space, into an orbit about the same distance from the Sun as Mars -- but not all that close to the Red Planet itself. Musk has cautioned that the maiden launch of the Falcon Heavy may indeed fail. "Will be in deep space for a billion years or so if it doesn't blow up on ascent," Musk, said on Twitter in December. But the test launch could be a game-changer for SpaceX -- already a top cargo supplier to the International Space Station under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA -- as it seeks to gain a bigger piece of the commercial space market. The launch is also a milestone in US-based efforts to send astronauts to space, a capacity lost when the US space shuttle program was retired in 2011. Since then, the world's astronauts have relied on Russian Soyuz rockets for transport to the International Space Station. Most powerful in operation "Falcon Heavy was designed from the outset to carry humans into space and restores the possibility of flying missions with crew to the Moon or Mars," SpaceX said in a statement. "When Falcon Heavy lifts off, it will be the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two," it added. "Falcon Heavy can lift more than twice the payload of the next closest operational vehicle, the Delta IV Heavy, at one-third the cost." The Delta IV Heavy costs about $350 million per launch, according to United Launch Alliance. The Falcon Heavy is essentially three Falcon 9 rockets in one, with a total of 27 Merlin engines. These engines "together generate more than five million pounds of thrust at liftoff, equal to approximately eighteen 747 aircraft," said SpaceX. The rocket is designed to carry nearly 141,000 pounds (64 metric tons) into orbit, more than the mass of a fully loaded 737 jetliner. Previous rockets that are no longer in commission have been more powerful than the Falcon Heavy -- including the Saturn V moon rocket, last flown in 1973, which delivered more payload to orbit.

SpaceX poised to launch 'world's most powerful rocket'

<p>Elon Musk is all set to launch <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/five-things-to-know-about-elon-musks-space-projects-32028" target="_blank">one of its most ambitious projects</a>, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-poised-to-launch-worlds-most-powerful-rocket-31995" target="_blank">Falcon Heavy rocket</a>, which will be the world&#39;s most powerful rocket in operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Designed to carry 141,000 pounds into orbit, Falcon Heavy is essentially three Falcon 9 rockets in one.</p>

<p>The spacecraft&nbsp;is expected to ferry people to the moon or Mars in future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through his rocket Musk is planning to establish a colony of people on Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SpaceX is calling the rocket that would carry all these people to Mars as &quot;BFR&quot; which Musk has jokingly referred to as code for &quot;Bif F-ing Rocket&quot;.</p>

<p>The rocket is part of Musk&#39;s vision for rocket travel on Earth. Musk has vowed to fly to most places on Earth in under 30 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though it is designed from the outset to carry humans into space, the rocket does not have any people on board.&nbsp;It carries a mannequin in a futuristic spacesuit strapped into a cherry red Tesla car.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The successful launch of the rocket will have big implications for the space industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To reduce the cost of the spaceflight Elon Musk designs rockets as re-usable as commercial airplanes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk has cautioned that the first ever attempt to launch the Falcon Heavy may fail. It may cause severe damage if it blows up near the launch pad. However, it will have minimal damage if it explodes in the middle of the ascent to space.</p>

<p>The rocket will take off from NASA&#39;s Kennedy space centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida.</p>

<p>The blast-off is scheduled for 12:00 am on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>


Elon Musk is all set to launch one of its most ambitious projects, Falcon Heavy Rocket, which will be the World's most powerful rocket in operation

Elon Musk is all set to launch one of its most ambitious projects, Falcon Heavy rocket, which will be the world's most powerful rocket in operation. Designed to carry 141,000 pounds into orbit, Falcon Heavy is essentially three Falcon 9 rockets in one. The spacecraft is expected to ferry people to the moon or Mars in future. Through his rocket Musk is planning to establish a colony of people on Mars. SpaceX is calling the rocket that would carry all these people to Mars as "BFR" which Musk has jokingly referred to as code for "Bif F-ing Rocket". The rocket is part of Musk's vision for rocket travel on Earth. Musk has vowed to fly to most places on Earth in under 30 minutes. Though it is designed from the outset to carry humans into space, the rocket does not have any people on board. It carries a mannequin in a futuristic spacesuit strapped into a cherry red Tesla car. The successful launch of the rocket will have big implications for the space industry. To reduce the cost of the spaceflight Elon Musk designs rockets as re-usable as commercial airplanes. CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk has cautioned that the first ever attempt to launch the Falcon Heavy may fail. It may cause severe damage if it blows up near the launch pad. However, it will have minimal damage if it explodes in the middle of the ascent to space. The rocket will take off from NASA's Kennedy space centre in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The blast-off is scheduled for 12:00 am on Wednesday.

SpaceX to launch world's most powerful rocket, with car strapped on top

<p>SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk plans to blast off his own Tesla roadster Tuesday, atop the world&#39;s most powerful rocket in operation, the Falcon Heavy, to the tune of David Bowie&#39;s &quot;Space Oddity.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are some of the other far-out space projects that Musk has cooked up in recent years.</p>

<p><strong>Reusable rockets&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>To bring down the cost of spaceflight and boost efficiency, a key goal for Musk is to make rockets as re-usable as commercial airplanes, instead of tossing the multi-million dollar components after each launch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After some early crashes and near-misses that prompted SpaceX to showcase them in a blooper reel, the company has now perfected the art of firing the booster&#39;s engines, maneuvering the grid fins and neatly landing the tall portion of the rockets upright on solid ground and on ocean platforms.</p>

<p>Musk&#39;s not the only one to have done it -- competitor Blue Origin, a rocket company run by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos, has also managed to land its own rockets in a similar fashion.</p>

<p>But no one has done it so many times. SpaceX has landed 21 of its Falcon 9 boosters so far.</p>

<p><strong>Colonizing Mars&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Musk wants to make humans an &quot;interplanetary species&quot; by establishing a colony of people living on the Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Riding on reusable rockets and spaceships -- still under development -- people could travel 100 at a time to the Red Planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The idea is to bring up to a million people to Mars in the next century. Test flights could start in the next decade.</p>

<p>The cost to develop the rocket and spacecraft is estimated at $10 billion.</p>

<p>&nbsp;<strong>BFR</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>SpaceX is calling the rocket that would carry all these people to Mars &quot;BFR,&quot; which Musk has jokingly -- or not -- referred to as code for &quot;Big F-ing Rocket.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Spacenews.com, its formal name is now understood to be &quot;Big Falcon Rocket.&quot;</p>

<p>The idea is to have one booster and ship that replaces three of SpaceX&#39;s signature projects -- the Falcon 9 rocket which blasts off the Dragon cargo ship to the International Space Station, the Falcon Heavy which aims to be the world&#39;s most powerful rocket for now, and may one day ferry supplies to Mars.</p>

<p>The BFR is designed to stand 106 meters tall, with 10.8 million pounds of thrust, far more than the Saturn V moon rocket at 7.9 million pounds of thrust.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first tests could come as early 2019, with orbital tests in 2020.</p>

<p>The first cargo shipments could make it to Mars in 2022, SpaceX has said.</p>

<p><strong>Rockets on Earth</strong> &nbsp;</p>

<p>New York to Shanghai via rocket in 39 minutes? It&#39;s all part of Musk&#39;s vision for rocket travel on Earth.</p>

<p>The BFR will be the vehicle, Musk has vowed, to fly to most places on Earth in under 30 mins and anywhere in under 60.</p>

<p>The cost per seat would be about the same as an airplane economy fare, he said.</p>

<p><strong>Cargo and crew to space</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>It&#39;s seems like old news now, but SpaceX made history in 2010 by becoming the first private company to send its own spaceship to orbit and recover it.</p>

<p>In 2012, SpaceX broke barriers again, sending its Dragon cargo ship to the orbiting International Space Station.</p>

<p>That same year, SpaceX began regular cargo missions to supply the astronauts living in space with its gum-drop shaped Dragon cargo ship, launched atop the Falcon 9 rocket, under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA.</p>

<p>Orbital ATK also sends its unmanned Cygnus cargo carrier to the ISS under a $1.9 billion deal with NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SpaceX&#39;s Dragon is the only ship that can be returned to Earth intact. The Cygnus burns up on re-entry to Earth&#39;s atmosphere.</p>

<p>SpaceX is developing a crew Dragon vehicle that will be able to transport several astronauts at a time to the space lab. Its first manned flight could come later this year.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


SpaceX will launch the world's most powerful rocket Tuesday, with a car strapped on top and David Bowie's Space Oddity playing in the background

SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk plans to blast off his own Tesla roadster Tuesday, atop the world's most powerful rocket in operation, the Falcon Heavy, to the tune of David Bowie's "Space Oddity." Here are some of the other far-out space projects that Musk has cooked up in recent years. Reusable rockets To bring down the cost of spaceflight and boost efficiency, a key goal for Musk is to make rockets as re-usable as commercial airplanes, instead of tossing the multi-million dollar components after each launch. After some early crashes and near-misses that prompted SpaceX to showcase them in a blooper reel, the company has now perfected the art of firing the booster's engines, maneuvering the grid fins and neatly landing the tall portion of the rockets upright on solid ground and on ocean platforms. Musk's not the only one to have done it -- competitor Blue Origin, a rocket company run by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos, has also managed to land its own rockets in a similar fashion. But no one has done it so many times. SpaceX has landed 21 of its Falcon 9 boosters so far. Colonizing Mars Musk wants to make humans an "interplanetary species" by establishing a colony of people living on the Mars. Riding on reusable rockets and spaceships -- still under development -- people could travel 100 at a time to the Red Planet. The idea is to bring up to a million people to Mars in the next century. Test flights could start in the next decade. The cost to develop the rocket and spacecraft is estimated at $10 billion. BFR SpaceX is calling the rocket that would carry all these people to Mars "BFR," which Musk has jokingly -- or not -- referred to as code for "Big F-ing Rocket." According to Spacenews.com, its formal name is now understood to be "Big Falcon Rocket." The idea is to have one booster and ship that replaces three of SpaceX's signature projects -- the Falcon 9 rocket which blasts off the Dragon cargo ship to the International Space Station, the Falcon Heavy which aims to be the world's most powerful rocket for now, and may one day ferry supplies to Mars. The BFR is designed to stand 106 meters tall, with 10.8 million pounds of thrust, far more than the Saturn V moon rocket at 7.9 million pounds of thrust. The first tests could come as early 2019, with orbital tests in 2020. The first cargo shipments could make it to Mars in 2022, SpaceX has said. Rockets on Earth New York to Shanghai via rocket in 39 minutes? It's all part of Musk's vision for rocket travel on Earth. The BFR will be the vehicle, Musk has vowed, to fly to most places on Earth in under 30 mins and anywhere in under 60. The cost per seat would be about the same as an airplane economy fare, he said. Cargo and crew to space It's seems like old news now, but SpaceX made history in 2010 by becoming the first private company to send its own spaceship to orbit and recover it. In 2012, SpaceX broke barriers again, sending its Dragon cargo ship to the orbiting International Space Station. That same year, SpaceX began regular cargo missions to supply the astronauts living in space with its gum-drop shaped Dragon cargo ship, launched atop the Falcon 9 rocket, under a $1.6 billion contract with NASA. Orbital ATK also sends its unmanned Cygnus cargo carrier to the ISS under a $1.9 billion deal with NASA. SpaceX's Dragon is the only ship that can be returned to Earth intact. The Cygnus burns up on re-entry to Earth's atmosphere. SpaceX is developing a crew Dragon vehicle that will be able to transport several astronauts at a time to the space lab. Its first manned flight could come later this year.

Five things to know about Elon Musk's space projects

<p>&nbsp;A handful of tweets and four days later, Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk has closed orders for his latest novelty product, after selling 20,000 flamethrowers at $500 a piece.</p>

<p>&quot;Guaranteed to liven up any party!&quot; was Musk&#39;s tagline for a sale which raised $10 million for his high-speed tunnel venture The Boring Company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man behind electric carmaker Tesla&nbsp;and rocket company SpaceX had earlier sold 50,000 Boring Company hats in similar fashion.</p>

<p>The latest impromptu fundraising scheme comes at a time when financial analysts and investors in Tesla are wondering if Musk will have to seek billions more in funding for the electric carmaker as it struggles to meet promises on production.</p>

<p>&ldquo;When the zombie apocalypse happens, you&rsquo;ll be glad you bought a flamethrower,&rdquo; he tweeted last Saturday. &ldquo;Works against hordes of the undead or your money back!&rdquo;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When the zombie apocalypse happens, you&rsquo;ll be glad you bought a flamethrower. Works against hordes of the undead or your money back!</p>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/957441956874919936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Each flamethrower, he said on Thursday, would come with a free fire extinguisher and buyers need to agree to certain conditions before getting the device in spring.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A handful of tweets and four days later, Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk has closed orders for his latest novelty product, after selling 20,000 flamethrowers at $500 a piece

A handful of tweets and four days later, Silicon Valley billionaire Elon Musk has closed orders for his latest novelty product, after selling 20,000 flamethrowers at $500 a piece. "Guaranteed to liven up any party!" was Musk's tagline for a sale which raised $10 million for his high-speed tunnel venture The Boring Company. The man behind electric carmaker Tesla and rocket company SpaceX had earlier sold 50,000 Boring Company hats in similar fashion. The latest impromptu fundraising scheme comes at a time when financial analysts and investors in Tesla are wondering if Musk will have to seek billions more in funding for the electric carmaker as it struggles to meet promises on production. “When the zombie apocalypse happens, you’ll be glad you bought a flamethrower,” he tweeted last Saturday. “Works against hordes of the undead or your money back!” When the zombie apocalypse happens, you’ll be glad you bought a flamethrower. Works against hordes of the undead or your money back! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2018 × Each flamethrower, he said on Thursday, would come with a free fire extinguisher and buyers need to agree to certain conditions before getting the device in spring.

Tesla's Musk sells $10 million in flamethrowers in four days

<p>The fate of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-launches-classified-military-payload-3208">Falcon 9 rocket powered by </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-launches-classified-military-payload-3208">EIon</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-launches-classified-military-payload-3208"> Musk&#39;s SpaceX</a> which blasted into space on Sunday is unknown after US officials refused to confirm if they had lost contact with the military satellite.</p>

<p>US media widely reported this week that the rocket was probably lost even as US spokesmen in the Pentagon declined to comment due to the &quot;classified&quot; nature of the mission.</p>

<p>&quot;I would have to refer you to SpaceX, who conducted the launch,&quot; Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said.</p>

<p>Another spokesman, &nbsp;Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie flatly refused to give any information, saying: &quot;I&#39;m done. We&#39;re not going to be able to give you any more information.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The secret Zuma spacecraft&nbsp;was scheduled to take off in November but was delayed for nearly two-months both the US government or SpaceX revealed anything about the &quot;classified&quot; spacecraft from the beginning, but as speculation has mounted over its disappearance in space the US government officials have become even more tight-lipped about the top secret mission.</p>

<p>SpaceX has launched national security payloads in the past, including a spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office, and an X-37B space plane for the US Air Force.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


US media widely reported this week that the rocket was probably lost even as US spokesmen in the Pentagon declined to comment

The fate of Falcon 9 rocket powered by EIon Musk's SpaceX which blasted into space on Sunday is unknown after US officials refused to confirm if they had lost contact with the military satellite. US media widely reported this week that the rocket was probably lost even as US spokesmen in the Pentagon declined to comment due to the "classified" nature of the mission. "I would have to refer you to SpaceX, who conducted the launch," Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said. Another spokesman, Lieutenant General Kenneth McKenzie flatly refused to give any information, saying: "I'm done. We're not going to be able to give you any more information." The secret Zuma spacecraft was scheduled to take off in November but was delayed for nearly two-months both the US government or SpaceX revealed anything about the "classified" spacecraft from the beginning, but as speculation has mounted over its disappearance in space the US government officials have become even more tight-lipped about the top secret mission. SpaceX has launched national security payloads in the past, including a spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office, and an X-37B space plane for the US Air Force.

US government's SpaceX-powered Zuma spacecraft may be lost: Report

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/golden-globes-2018-live-james-franco-wins-best-actor-coco-best-animation-film-28819">Golden Globes 2018, Live: James Franco wins Best Actor, Coco Best Animation Film</a></p>

<p>Everyone on the red carpet chose to wear black to launch the Times Up campaign that has Hollywood setting up legal aid for victims who have faced sexual harassment or violence at work place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fire-breaks-out-bengaluru-restaurant-5-dead-28823">Fire breaks out in Bengaluru restaurant, 5 dead</a></p>

<p>At least five people have died after a major fire broke early on Monday morning in a restaurant in Bengaluru, five employees sleeping inside died in the fire.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-to-invite-iran-foreign-minister-for-talks-over-protests-berlin-28814">European</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-to-invite-iran-foreign-minister-for-talks-over-protests-berlin-28814"> Union to invite Iran Foreign Minister for talks over protests</a></p>

<p>The European Union will invite Iran&#39;s foreign minister for talks about the recent anti-government protests that have hit the country, Germany&#39;s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Sunday.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/watch-spacex-launches-secret-us-spacecraft-zuma-28827">Watch: SpaceX launches &#39;secret&#39; US spacecraft Zuma</a></p>

<p>Elon Musk-led SpaceX today launched the secret Zuma spacecraft for the US government which was scheduled to take place in November finally happened after nearly two-month delay on Sunday night.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-doodle-celebrates-110th-birthday-of-hunterwali-fearless-nadia-28829">Google Doodle celebrates 110th birthday of &#39;Hunterwali&#39; Fearless Nadia</a></p>

<p>It&#39;s Mary Ann Evans&#39; 110th birth anniversary and Google has a Doodle in place to commemorate the event.&nbsp;Popularly known by her stage name &#39;Fearless Nadia&#39;, Evans was born on January 8, 1908, in Perh Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Golden Globes 2018, Live: James Franco wins Best Actor, Coco Best Animation Film Everyone on the red carpet chose to wear black to launch the Times Up campaign that has Hollywood setting up legal aid for victims who have faced sexual harassment or violence at work place. Fire breaks out in Bengaluru restaurant, 5 dead At least five people have died after a major fire broke early on Monday morning in a restaurant in Bengaluru, five employees sleeping inside died in the fire. European Union to invite Iran Foreign Minister for talks over protests The European Union will invite Iran's foreign minister for talks about the recent anti-government protests that have hit the country, Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Sunday. Watch: SpaceX launches 'secret' US spacecraft Zuma Elon Musk-led SpaceX today launched the secret Zuma spacecraft for the US government which was scheduled to take place in November finally happened after nearly two-month delay on Sunday night. Google Doodle celebrates 110th birthday of 'Hunterwali' Fearless Nadia It's Mary Ann Evans' 110th birth anniversary and Google has a Doodle in place to commemorate the event. Popularly known by her stage name 'Fearless Nadia', Evans was born on January 8, 1908, in Perh Australia.

WION Morning News Brief, January 8, 2016

<p>Elon Musk-led SpaceX today launched&nbsp;the secret Zuma spacecraft for the US government.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-beats-deadline-for-building-worlds-biggest-battery-25019">The launch which was scheduled to</a> take place in November finally happened after nearly a two-month delay on Sunday night.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Falcon 9 first stage has landed at Landing Zone 1. <a href="https://t.co/679wN4F8kX">pic.twitter.com/679wN4F8kX</a></p>
&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/950172552642482176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Team at the Cape completed additional propellant-loading tests today,&quot; SpaceX said.</p>

<p>Neither the US government or SpaceX has revealed anything about the &quot;classified&quot; spacecraft.</p>

<p>Zuma lifted off atop a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket from Florida&#39;s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An elated Musk tweeted:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Falcon 9 first stage has landed at Landing Zone 1. <a href="https://t.co/679wN4F8kX">pic.twitter.com/679wN4F8kX</a></p>
&mdash; SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/950172552642482176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Neither the US government or SpaceX has revealed anything about the spacecraft.

Elon Musk-led SpaceX today launched the secret Zuma spacecraft for the US government. The launch which was scheduled to take place in November finally happened after nearly a two-month delay on Sunday night. Falcon 9 first stage has landed at Landing Zone 1. pic.twitter.com/679wN4F8kX — SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 8, 2018 × "Team at the Cape completed additional propellant-loading tests today," SpaceX said. Neither the US government or SpaceX has revealed anything about the "classified" spacecraft. Zuma lifted off atop a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. An elated Musk tweeted: Falcon 9 first stage has landed at Landing Zone 1. pic.twitter.com/679wN4F8kX — SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 8, 2018 ×

Watch: SpaceX launches 'secret' US spacecraft Zuma

<p>Photos and videos have been making rounds on social media showing a streak of light appearing in the sky over Los Angeles as SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 rocket into earth&#39;s orbit.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What is this in the sky? <a href="https://t.co/pjcp2MlH4v">pic.twitter.com/pjcp2MlH4v</a></p>
&mdash; will.i.am (@iamwill) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamwill/status/944382218394255361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Space X founder Elon Musk almost started the speculation after he joked&nbsp;on Twitter saying: &quot;Nuclear alien UFO from North Korea.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It created a social media storm as the Twitterati began magnifying the picture sent out by Musk.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nuclear alien UFO from North Korea <a href="https://t.co/GUIHpKkkp5">pic.twitter.com/GUIHpKkkp5</a></p>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/944399853316055040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All of LA <a href="https://t.co/QPVVEJ2Ru5">pic.twitter.com/QPVVEJ2Ru5</a></p>
&mdash; Isco (@isco__) <a href="https://twitter.com/isco__/status/944400084237565952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Big thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> for the hilarious alien debate that ensued between my family once we saw your rocket in the sky tonight</p>
&mdash; Max Power (@CristatoLive) <a href="https://twitter.com/CristatoLive/status/944381404158111745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I will pretend this is a UFO and not a rocket launch. THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpaceX</a> <a href="https://t.co/H3tHypzRxa">pic.twitter.com/H3tHypzRxa</a></p>
&mdash; marisa (@PsychoMarisa) <a href="https://twitter.com/PsychoMarisa/status/944382898546675713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wtf is flying through the sky in Hollywood <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/aliens?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#aliens</a> <a href="https://t.co/mC693ELEZx">pic.twitter.com/mC693ELEZx</a></p>
&mdash; Hunter Hill (@h2balla) <a href="https://twitter.com/h2balla/status/944380393725112320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My guy <a href="https://twitter.com/Andy_Fenelon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Andy_Fenelon</a> shot this video tonight in Santa Clarita, CA. Anyone else see it? Anyone know what it is? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ufo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufosighting?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ufosighting</a> <a href="https://t.co/mQGz6kEdmn">pic.twitter.com/mQGz6kEdmn</a></p>
&mdash; Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gil_Brandt/status/944383989627756544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">so I just saw a UFO outside my house???? <a href="https://t.co/4MNNdB9Qxq">pic.twitter.com/4MNNdB9Qxq</a></p>
&mdash; Neels Visser (@neelsvisser) <a href="https://twitter.com/neelsvisser/status/944385661477404673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Any idea what this is? Saw it over LA, near Highland Park rn <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AreWeAlone?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AreWeAlone</a> <a href="https://t.co/HdIAz2P81v">pic.twitter.com/HdIAz2P81v</a></p>
&mdash; Roberto A Guizar (@Dqrobby86) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dqrobby86/status/944385473018920960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Photos and videos were making rounds on social media on Friday showing a streak of light appearing in the sky in Los Angeles

Photos and videos have been making rounds on social media showing a streak of light appearing in the sky over Los Angeles as SpaceX launched the Falcon 9 rocket into earth's orbit. What is this in the sky? pic.twitter.com/pjcp2MlH4v — will.i.am (@iamwill) December 23, 2017 × Space X founder Elon Musk almost started the speculation after he joked on Twitter saying: "Nuclear alien UFO from North Korea." It created a social media storm as the Twitterati began magnifying the picture sent out by Musk. Nuclear alien UFO from North Korea pic.twitter.com/GUIHpKkkp5 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 23, 2017 × All of LA pic.twitter.com/QPVVEJ2Ru5 — Isco (@isco__) December 23, 2017 × Big thanks to @elonmusk and @SpaceX for the hilarious alien debate that ensued between my family once we saw your rocket in the sky tonight — Max Power (@CristatoLive) December 23, 2017 × I will pretend this is a UFO and not a rocket launch. THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE. #SpaceX pic.twitter.com/H3tHypzRxa — marisa (@PsychoMarisa) December 23, 2017 × Wtf is flying through the sky in Hollywood #aliens pic.twitter.com/mC693ELEZx — Hunter Hill (@h2balla) December 23, 2017 × My guy @Andy_Fenelon shot this video tonight in Santa Clarita, CA. Anyone else see it? Anyone know what it is? #ufo #ufosighting pic.twitter.com/mQGz6kEdmn — Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) December 23, 2017 × so I just saw a UFO outside my house???? pic.twitter.com/4MNNdB9Qxq — Neels Visser (@neelsvisser) December 23, 2017 × Any idea what this is? Saw it over LA, near Highland Park rn #UFO #AreWeAlone pic.twitter.com/HdIAz2P81v — Roberto A Guizar (@Dqrobby86) December 23, 2017 ×

UFO spotted during SpaceX Falcon 9 launch? Twitterati goes berserk

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