Eureka Moment by New Era College
Issue #9: Fortnightly inspiration from Botswana's Home of Engineering.
China is testing a 1,000km/h maglev train
With initial demonstrations now complete, a hyper-speed maglev revolution is approaching.
Project developers China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation say the train, which is designed to operate at 1,000km/h, achieved “controlled navigation, stable suspension and safe stopping.”
Authorities in China say they are planning to roll out this technology across the country, cutting the commuting time between hubs like Shanghai and Beijing to just 90 minutes — faster than traveling by air.
“Was this written by a human or a computer?”
It takes one to know one: you can now use AI to help you find out if text has been generated using AI. Makes perfect sense.
ChatGPT has found its way into every corner of society, with millions of people from all walks of life now using AI to generate emails, homework assignments, CVs and work reports.
AI detection software helps you figure out when authors are relying a little bit too much on synthetic intelligence. Free tools such as GPTZero are available online, with many early adopters coming from schools and universities.
GPTZero says its checker now works at 98% accuracy and can even be used to detect the use of AI in images.
The tech industry is laying off staff in record numbers
Over 130,000 employees have lost their jobs in 2024. Is this the great tech reset?
According to layoffs.fyi which tracks job losses in tech, over 400 firms have eliminated positions since the start of this year.
Earlier this month, both Intel and Cisco sent shockwaves through the industry by firing 15,000 and 4,000 employees respectively.
But the data shows that these are not isolated incidents and form part of a wider crisis affecting everyone who works in tech. As economic uncertainty overshadows the world, companies are looking for new ways to cut costs through AI and outsourcing.
Dear Diary: a big August for New Era College
🎉 Here’s to endless possibilities. We welcomed our new students for the 2024-2025 academic year. Their journeys of growth and self discovery have officially begun. Our three day Orientation Programme delivered a vibrant combination of learning, networking and fun.
🏆 Cash and gifts galore for students in Form Four. We took the opportunity to sponsor the Shakawe Senior Secondary School prize giving ceremony, rewarding outstanding performers for their excellence in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Keep reaching for the stars.
⚙️ We were honoured to participate in National Science Week 2024 at Mafitlhakgosi Ground, where we inspired the next generation with the limitless potential of STEM. We presented our initiatives to the Minister of Communications, Knowledge, and Technology, Hon. Thulagano Segokgo.
🔋 Innovation meets collaboration: our 4th Annual STEM Hackathon has cemented itself in our rich calendar of events, giving our attendees three days full of creativity, tech breakthroughs and high-impact stimulation.