Category Archives: technology

Meet Srini Gopalan, IIM Ahmedabad alumnus turned T-Mobile’s new CEO

**Meet Srini Gopalan, IIM Ahmedabad Alumnus Turned T-Mobile’s New CEO**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 22, 2025, 08:00 PM*

**T-Mobile Announces Leadership Change**

T-Mobile has named its current Chief Operating Officer (COO), Srini Gopalan, as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 1, 2025. Gopalan will succeed Mike Sievert, who has led the company since April 2020 and will transition into a vice chairman role.

**Gopalan’s Journey at T-Mobile**

Srini Gopalan joined T-Mobile in March 2023 and quickly became a key driver of the company’s strategic initiatives. Prior to serving as COO, he was a member of T-Mobile’s board of directors. His leadership has been pivotal in advancing T-Mobile’s growth and innovation in the competitive telecom sector.

**A Track Record of Success at Deutsche Telekom**

Before joining T-Mobile, Gopalan led Deutsche Telekom’s Germany business, where he achieved remarkable growth by doubling the company’s expansion. Under his guidance, fiber-optic services were extended to millions of homes, and the company captured a record share of the mobile market.

During his time on Deutsche Telekom’s board overseeing European operations, Gopalan was credited with transforming the business into one of Europe’s fastest-growing telecom players, renowned for industry-leading customer satisfaction.

**Diverse Experience Across Telecom and Finance**

Gopalan’s extensive career includes senior roles at prominent companies such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone, and Capital One. Across these roles, he has championed operational excellence, digital transformation, and customer-focused strategies, solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader.

**Academic Background**

Born in India, Srini Gopalan completed his undergraduate studies in business administration at St. Stephen’s College in New Delhi. He later earned his MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Known for his operational expertise and transformative vision, Gopalan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role at T-Mobile.

With Srini Gopalan at the helm, T-Mobile is poised to continue its dynamic growth and innovation in the telecom industry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/srini-gopalan-appointed-as-t-mobile-s-new-ceo/story

Russia proposes Su-57 production in India: Report

**Russia Proposes Su-57 Production in India: Report**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 22, 2025 | 05:48 PM*

**What’s the Story?**

Russia has proposed to India the supply and local production of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets, according to the Russian news agency TASS. This proposal comes as Russia prepares to complete the delivery of five S-400 “Triumf” surface-to-air missile systems to India by 2026.

Dmitry Shugayev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, confirmed that discussions are underway for acquiring additional S-400 systems, signaling deepening defense collaboration between the two nations.

**Defense Collaboration: S-400 Deliveries and Beyond**

The $5.5 billion deal for five S-400 systems, signed in 2018, aims to bolster India’s air defense capabilities and counter China’s growing military presence. Despite earlier delays, the final two S-400 units are now expected to be delivered by 2026 and 2027.

Between 2020 and 2024, Russia accounted for approximately 36% of India’s weapons imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). France and Israel followed closely, supplying 33% and 13% respectively.

India’s armed forces have successfully employed the S-400 system during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May 2025, intercepting incoming missiles from Pakistan. This operation highlighted the system’s crucial role in India’s air defense strategy.

**A Strategic Defense Alliance**

India and Russia share a long-standing defense partnership, including licensed production of T-90 tanks and Su-30 MKI fighter jets. The two countries have also collaborated on significant projects like the BrahMos missile system.

The recent proposal concerning the Su-57 fighter jet production in India further cements this strategic alliance, potentially enhancing India’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities and modernizing its air force fleet.

**Political Dynamics: Steadfast Ties Amid Global Pressure**

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the strong ties between India and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin described Modi as a “dear friend,” to which the Indian leader responded by emphasizing that the two countries stand “side by side even in difficult times.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged India’s resistance to Western pressure aimed at curbing purchases of Russian resources. This steadfast relationship indicates a mutual commitment to continued cooperation despite shifting geopolitical dynamics.

**Conclusion**

With the proposed Su-57 fighter jet production in India and ongoing S-400 missile system deliveries, the Russia-India defense partnership is entering a new phase of cooperation. This development not only strengthens India’s military capabilities but also reinforces the strategic bond between the two nations amid complex global challenges.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/russia-proposes-su-57-production-in-india-report/story

Why getting VC jobs is now harder for MBA graduates

**Why Getting VC Jobs Is Now Harder for MBA Graduates**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 22, 2025, 01:18 pm*

The pathway from earning an MBA to landing a job in venture capital (VC) remains open, but recent data suggests this route is becoming more challenging. According to reports from PitchBook and academic research, the landscape of VC hiring is shifting.

In 2024, Harvard University placed 50 of its 1,004 MBA graduates into VC roles, with a median starting salary of $177,500. Meanwhile, Stanford saw about 30 of its smaller graduating class enter venture capital positions.

### Alumni Presence and Declining MBA Representation

PitchBook data reveals that over 10,000 MBA alumni from Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton currently hold senior roles in US VC firms. Despite this large presence, the dominance of MBAs in the venture capital world is gradually declining.

Stanford professor Ilya Strebulaev’s research shows that the share of mid-career venture professionals with MBA degrees has dropped from 44% in the early 2000s to 32% today. This signals a noticeable shift in the composition of VC talent.

### Changing Hiring Preferences

The evolving nature of venture capital itself is a key factor behind this trend. VC is expanding beyond traditional sectors into cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and hardware, where technical expertise tends to be more valued than business school credentials.

As a result, venture firms increasingly prioritize candidates with backgrounds from tech powerhouses such as OpenAI and SpaceX over those holding MBAs from top business schools.

“There is less appetite for MBAs currently,” notes executive recruiter Will Champagne in an interview with PitchBook.

### Student Interest Remains Strong

Despite these changes in hiring preferences, interest among MBA students in venture capital careers remains robust. At Stanford, for example, the VC club boasts around 600 members out of roughly 850 MBA students on campus.

However, pursuing an MBA at a leading program can be costly, with expenses often exceeding $200,000. Yet this high price tag does not seem to diminish students’ enthusiasm for venture capital roles.

As the VC industry evolves, MBA graduates may need to adapt by gaining relevant technical skills or experience to stay competitive in this dynamic job market.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/mba-to-vc-job-path-still-exists-but-changing/story

How sound waves can affect plant growth

**How Sound Waves Can Affect Plant Growth**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 22, 2025 | 01:43 pm*

### What’s the Story?

Sound waves have long fascinated scientists and gardeners alike for their potential effects on plant growth. Although it might sound unusual, emerging research suggests that sound waves can influence how plants develop. In this article, we explore the science behind sound waves and their possible impact on plant growth. By delving into this intriguing topic, we aim to provide insights into how sound waves could benefit gardening and agriculture.

### The Science Behind Sound Waves

Sound waves are vibrations that travel through air or other mediums. When these waves reach plants, they may trigger physical and chemical changes within them. Such changes could affect vital processes like photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.

The frequency and intensity of the sound waves play a crucial role in determining their effects on plant growth. Different sounds can cause different reactions, making it important to understand how sound interacts with living plants.

### Positive Effects on Plant Growth

Several studies have indicated that exposure to certain sound frequencies can promote seed germination and root development. For example, low-frequency sounds might stimulate cellular activity, encouraging faster growth rates.

Furthermore, some researchers suggest that specific musical genres might enhance plant vitality by creating a more favorable environment for growth. This opens up exciting possibilities for using sound as a natural growth enhancer in agriculture and gardening.

### Potential Drawbacks of Sound Exposure

While sound waves may offer benefits, excessive or inappropriate exposure can harm plants. High-intensity sounds have the potential to cause stress or physical damage to delicate plant tissues.

Therefore, it is vital to choose the right type of sound and carefully monitor its effects. Avoiding high volumes and prolonged exposure will help prevent negative outcomes and ensure plants remain healthy.

### Tip 1: Practical Applications in Gardening

For gardeners interested in experimenting with sound waves, it’s best to start with gentle, appropriate frequencies and limit exposure times. Playing soft background music or nature sounds can be a safe and enjoyable way to test this approach without overwhelming your plants.

Regular observation is key—monitor your plants closely to see if sound exposure is improving growth or causing stress. With patience and care, sound waves could become a valuable addition to your gardening toolkit.

Explore the fascinating connection between sound and plant growth, and discover new ways to nurture your garden naturally!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-make-plants-thrive-with-sound/story

Indian Tech Industry To Enhance Local Skilling, Hiring In US: Nasscom

The Indian IT and tech industry is investing more than $1 billion in local upskilling and hiring within the United States, marking a significant increase in the number of local hires, according to the industry’s apex body, Nasscom.

Over the years, Indian and India-centric companies operating in the US have significantly reduced their reliance on H-1B visas, steadily boosting their local hiring efforts. “Moreover, with the fee being applicable from 2026 onward, companies have time to further enhance skilling programs in the US and increase local hiring,” Nasscom noted.

Data shows that the number of H-1B visas issued to leading Indian and India-centric companies has dropped from 14,792 in 2015 to 10,162 in 2024. Nasscom added, “H-1B workers for the top 10 Indian and India-centric companies constitute less than 1 percent of their entire employee base. Given this trajectory, we anticipate only a marginal impact for the sector.”

The H-1B visa is designed for high-skilled worker mobility and serves as a non-immigrant visa that helps bridge critical skill gaps in the US labor market. Salaries for H-1B workers are on par with local hires, and H-1B workers represent only a very small fraction of the overall US workforce.

“Nasscom has consistently advocated for predictable and stable skilled talent mobility frameworks, which are essential for sustaining national competitiveness and have long fueled US innovation and economic growth,” the industry body said. Skilled talent mobility, it emphasized, is central to enabling businesses to make forward-looking investment decisions, accelerate research, and strengthen nations’ positions in the global innovation economy.

On September 20, the White House issued clarifications regarding the recent proclamation introducing a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. The clarification confirmed that this new fee will not affect current visa holders and will be applied as a one-time fee only to fresh petitions. This announcement has helped resolve immediate ambiguities surrounding eligibility and timelines, while also alleviating concerns about business continuity and uncertainty for H-1B holders currently outside the US.

*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. Only the headline has been changed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/indian-tech-industry-to-enhance-local-skilling-hiring-in-us-nasscom

Turning Frozen Tuna Into a New Energy-Saving Business

This initiative is attracting attention for its potential to work in tandem with demand response programs, which are viewed as key to a renewable energy era.

Demand response refers to a system in which electricity users adjust their power usage in response to supply conditions, helping balance the grid when renewable sources such as solar and wind fluctuate.

In this trial, frozen tuna act like an ice pack within the storage facility. Even when the refrigeration system is briefly stopped, the interior temperature remains stable thanks to the thermal mass of the fish.

By lowering consumption during peak times, operators can effectively sell their adjustment power to the market and receive compensation in return. Industry experts say this model could open the door to a new business opportunity in energy conservation.

If implemented on a larger scale, warehouses and food processors storing frozen products could become participants in the power market—not only saving energy but also generating revenue.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146964.php

iPhone Air gives a sneak peek at Apple’s upcoming foldable

**iPhone Air Gives a Sneak Peek at Apple’s Upcoming Foldable**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 06:30 PM*

Apple’s much-anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year, might resemble two iPhone Air devices placed side by side. This insight comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter.

### Design Speculation: The iPhone Air Prototype

The design of the foldable iPhone has sparked speculation that the iPhone Air may have served as a prototype for Apple’s first foldable device. The thin, sleek look of the iPhone Air could be a precursor to the design language Apple plans to implement in its foldable phone. Reports indicate that the foldable model will feature a titanium chassis, making it a notable technical marvel.

### Manufacturing Insights: Production in China

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting production would start in India, Gurman’s report reveals that Apple will manufacture the foldable iPhone primarily in China, with at least some production continuing there.

### Pricing and Launch Schedule

The foldable iPhone is expected to be priced around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.66 lakh), with some earlier rumors indicating a price range between $2,100 and $2,300 (₹1.75 lakh to ₹1.91 lakh).

Apple is likely to launch the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 series in the fall of 2026, with an official unveiling anticipated in September. However, similar to previous launches like the iPhone X in 2017, the release could be pushed to October or November.

Stay tuned as Apple gears up to introduce what could be its most innovative iPhone yet.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-s-foldable-iphone-could-closely-resemble-iphone-air-design/story

iPhone Air gives a sneak peek at Apple’s upcoming foldable

**iPhone Air Gives a Sneak Peek at Apple’s Upcoming Foldable**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 06:30 PM*

Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year, might resemble two iPhone Airs placed side by side. This intriguing insight comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter. The design is said to be a technical marvel, featuring a premium titanium chassis.

### Design Speculation: iPhone Air as a Prototype?

The sleek and thin design of the iPhone Air has sparked speculation that Apple may have used it as a prototype for its first foldable phone. Observers suggest that the lightweight, elegant look of the iPhone Air could hint at the aesthetic direction Apple is taking with its upcoming foldable device.

### Manufacturing Insights: Production to Begin in China

Contrary to earlier reports that production would start in India, Gurman’s report indicates that Apple will be manufacturing the foldable iPhone primarily in China, with at least some production occurring there. This aligns with Apple’s continued reliance on China-based supply chains for its flagship products.

### Price and Launch Timeline

The foldable iPhone is expected to start at a price of around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.66 lakh), though earlier reports suggested a price range between $2,100 and $2,300 (₹1.75 lakh to ₹1.91 lakh).

Apple plans to launch the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 series, likely in September 2026. However, the launch could be slightly delayed to October or November, following a pattern similar to past releases like the iPhone X in 2017.

Stay tuned as we get closer to Apple’s next big innovation!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-s-foldable-iphone-could-closely-resemble-iphone-air-design/story

iPhone Air gives a sneak peek at Apple’s upcoming foldable

**iPhone Air Gives a Sneak Peek at Apple’s Upcoming Foldable**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 06:30 PM*

Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year, could resemble two iPhone Air models placed side by side. This intriguing design insight was shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest *Power On* newsletter, suggesting the device will be a technical marvel featuring a titanium chassis.

**Design Speculation: Is the iPhone Air a Prototype for the Foldable?**

The sleek and thin profile of the iPhone Air has sparked speculation that Apple might have developed it as a prototype or a design precursor for its first-ever foldable iPhone. The concept hints at a future device combining portability with a larger screen experience, encapsulated in a premium, lightweight design.

**Manufacturing Insights: Made in China**

Contrary to earlier reports indicating production would start in India, Gurman’s report suggests that the foldable iPhone will primarily be manufactured in China. However, there will likely be “at least” some production happening in India.

Regarding pricing, the foldable iPhone is expected to launch with a starting price around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.66 lakh). Previous rumors placed the price slightly higher, in the range of $2,100 to $2,300 (roughly ₹1.75 lakh to ₹1.91 lakh).

**Launch Timeline: Fall 2026**

Apple’s foldable iPhone, tentatively called the iPhone Fold, is projected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series next fall, making September 2026 the most probable timeframe for its official unveiling. However, the launch window could shift to October or November, following patterns set by past iPhone releases such as the iPhone X in 2017.

As Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation, the foldable iPhone could mark a significant milestone in the company’s product lineup, blending cutting-edge design with enhanced functionality. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-s-foldable-iphone-could-closely-resemble-iphone-air-design/story

Researcher develops method for protein-protein structure prediction

A Nigerian researcher, Muinat Zubair, has developed an innovative method for predicting protein structure and protein-protein interactions by combining experimental and computational approaches.

Zubair made this discovery during her time as a graduate teaching and research assistant at Tennessee Technological University, USA, where she earned her MSc in chemistry. Speaking about her work, she explained that her research contributes to solving the protein folding problem—a challenge that has perplexed scientists for over 50 years.

“I used artificial intelligence software to predict the full-length structures and interaction between two mammalian enzymes,” Zubair said. These proteins are part of the larger mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is activated in response to cellular stress. According to her, malfunction in this pathway worsens symptoms of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“Understanding the structures of these proteins and how they bind and activate each other will help us develop therapeutic targets to manage these diseases and improve outcomes for patients and their families,” she added.

Neurodegenerative diseases are increasingly becoming a global pandemic, affecting millions of people worldwide. Zubair highlighted that this number is expected to rise as the global population of older adults grows.

The steady-state kinetics of these proteins had never been studied prior to her research. Supervised by Dr. Xuanzhi Zhan, she determined their apparent Michaelis-Menten parameters through kinase assays and Western blot quantification.

In addition, Zubair predicted the full-length structures and protein-protein interactions using AlphaFold2 and AlphaFold-Multimer—two cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools designed to elucidate the structure and behavior of proteins and other macromolecules.

“Previously, X-ray diffraction studies had only solved the structures of the kinase domains of these proteins,” she explained. “However, prior research showed that other parts of the enzymes also contribute to binding and activation, emphasizing the need to predict the entire structure.”

To validate her findings, Zubair used additional computational methods. “I applied molecular dynamics simulations to test and confirm protein stability and performed protein frustratometer analysis, contact mapping, and other assessments on the interface between the docked proteins. The protein structures remained stable under simulated physiological conditions,” she noted.

Beyond pioneering kinetic data on the MAPK pathway, Zubair emphasized that the computational methods she employed could be applied broadly to study other proteins. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that computational results require validation through wet-laboratory experiments.

“That is the next stage of the project,” she said. “It involves site-directed mutagenesis and studying the other two isoforms of the enzyme to further validate our results.”

Originally from Iganna in Oyo State, Nigeria, Zubair grew up in Ibadan and earned her first degree in biochemistry from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Nigeria. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in the highly selective Purdue University Interdisciplinary Life Science program (PULSe) and was awarded the prestigious Lynn Fellowship to support her PhD studies.

Looking ahead, Zubair expresses a strong commitment to advancing human health, particularly in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. “I find so much fulfillment knowing that I could potentially discover a druggable target or help improve our understanding of these diseases,” she said.
https://tribuneonlineng.com/researcher-develops-method-for-protein-protein-structure-prediction/