The US’s Artemis II mission aims to enhance lunar exploration, foster international collaboration, and prepare for Mars, driving scientific innovation and technological advancement.

Key Points

• The US is returning to the Moon with Artemis II to advance lunar exploration, foster international collaboration, and prepare for future Mars missions.
• This initiative promotes scientific innovation and technological development.

The United States is set to return to lunar exploration with the Artemis II mission, which aims to build upon previous missions while fostering international collaboration and laying the groundwork for future endeavors, particularly missions to Mars. This renewed commitment is emblematic of a broader space policy that recognizes the Moon as a strategic staging ground for deeper space exploration.

Artemis II marks a pivotal step in NASA’s Artemis program, which endeavors not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to stimulate technological innovation. By working alongside international partners, the mission aims to create a collaborative model reflecting the global nature of space exploration. This collaboration can enhance mission safety, share costs, and pool expertise, making the exploration of the Moon—and eventually Mars—more feasible and effective.

The intent behind returning to the Moon is multifaceted. Firstly, the Moon serves as an accessible laboratory for testing new technologies and systems essential for human exploration beyond Earth. For instance, the Artemis missions will evaluate life support systems and habitat construction in a relatively close, yet challenging extraterrestrial environment. Secondly, lunar exploration promises to yield valuable scientific data that can expand our understanding of the Moon’s geological history and its potential resources, such as water ice, which could sustain life and fuel future space missions.

Moreover, the Artemis II mission is seen as a stepping stone for setting a sustainable presence on the Moon. This endeavor will facilitate the establishment of a lunar base, which could support longer stays and more complex missions, whether for scientific research or commercial purposes. Ultimately, this groundwork is not only aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface but is also critical for the ambitious goal of sending astronauts to Mars in the coming decades.

Through Artemis II and subsequent missions, the US is demonstrating its resolve to lead in space exploration while inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts, thus promoting a vision of sustained human presence in outer space.

Read the original article : Why is the US going back round the Moon with Artemis II? A space policy expert explains

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CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max is shaping up as one of the most compelling flagship upgrades in years, with leaks pointing to a powerful 2nm A20 Pro chip, a groundbreaking variable aperture main camera, a significantly smaller Dynamic Island and potentially record-breaking battery life when it arrives alongside a new foldable iPhone in September 2026.

Industry analysts and supply chain sources say the device will retain the familiar 6.9-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate but introduce meaningful internal and photographic enhancements that could sway buyers waiting for the next big leap. While full under-display Face ID appears delayed, partial sensor integration could shrink the front cutout dramatically, giving the screen a cleaner, more immersive look.

The star of the rumored upgrades is the A20 Pro processor, built on TSMC’s advanced 2nm manufacturing process. This marks a significant efficiency jump from the 3nm A19 Pro in current models, promising roughly 15% better performance and up to 30% improved power efficiency. Combined with 12GB of RAM integrated directly onto the chip wafer, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to handle demanding AI tasks, gaming and multitasking with less heat and longer endurance.

Battery life stands out as a major highlight for the Pro Max variant. Multiple reports indicate a capacity boost to between 5,100 and 5,200 mAh — the largest ever in an iPhone — enabled by a slightly thicker chassis measuring around 8.8mm. The extra space, paired with the more efficient A20 Pro chip and optimized power management, could deliver up to 40 hours of mixed-use battery life, according to supply chain projections. For users who rely on their phones for all-day productivity, streaming and photography, this upgrade alone could prove transformative.

Photography enthusiasts have particular reason to watch the iPhone 18 Pro Max closely. Reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the main 48-megapixel Fusion camera will feature a variable aperture mechanism for the first time on an iPhone. This mechanical iris will let users — or the computational photography system — dynamically adjust the amount of light entering the lens, improving low-light performance while preventing overexposure in bright conditions and offering greater control over depth of field for professional-looking portraits. The triple-lens rear setup is also expected to include upgraded 48MP ultrawide and telephoto sensors, continuing Apple’s push toward higher-resolution imaging across the board.

On the front, leaks suggest a smaller Dynamic Island achieved through partial relocation of Face ID components beneath the display. While complete under-screen Face ID and camera remain challenges for mass production, moving some infrared sensors underneath could reduce the pill-shaped cutout by a reported 35%, with the selfie camera potentially shifting to a discreet top-left punch-hole. The display itself is expected to maintain or slightly improve peak brightness, potentially exceeding 2,500 nits, along with enhanced color accuracy and efficiency.

Design-wise, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is likely to stick close to the current titanium-framed aesthetic but with fresh color options. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is testing a striking “deep red” finish — a rich, dark burgundy tone that would mark the first red Pro model in years and replace the cosmic orange hero color from recent generations. Traditional black may continue to be absent for a second year, with the lineup emphasizing bolder, more vibrant hues enabled by the aluminum or refined titanium construction.

Connectivity gets a boost with Apple’s in-house C2 modem, promising better 5G performance, improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth via a new N2 chip, and possible enhancements to satellite features, including expanded emergency capabilities or even basic web browsing over satellite in remote areas. Storage options are rumored to top out at 2TB, giving power users ample room for high-resolution video, apps and AI-generated content.

Pricing is expected to hold steady despite rising component costs, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max likely starting at $1,199 as Apple aims to maintain accessibility for its premium segment. This stance aligns with analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions that the company will avoid significant increases for the Pro lineup.

Apple’s 2026 release strategy represents a notable shift. The fall event will focus on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the long-awaited foldable iPhone — expected to feature a roughly 5.5-inch outer screen that unfolds to about 7.8 inches internally. Standard iPhone 18 and more affordable models, possibly including an iPhone 18e, are reportedly delayed until spring 2027. This staggered approach allows Apple to prioritize its most advanced hardware while managing supply chain demands for the ambitious foldable debut.

The absence of a base iPhone 18 in September has sparked discussion among fans and analysts. Some see it as a smart way to spotlight the Pro models and the foldable without diluting attention, while others worry it could confuse buyers accustomed to a full annual lineup. Regardless, the Pro Max remains the flagship many enthusiasts target for its larger screen, superior camera system and extended battery.

Early dummy models and prototype leaks circulating on social media and YouTube channels show a refined camera bump with more rounded edges and a slightly more integrated look. The overall footprint stays similar to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, preserving the device’s substantial but manageable size for one-handed use where possible.

AI and software integration will likely play a bigger role, with the A20 Pro’s enhanced Neural Engine powering more sophisticated on-device processing for features like advanced photo editing, real-time translation and personalized Siri capabilities. While exact iOS 20 details remain under wraps, the hardware foundation suggests Apple is preparing its ecosystem for deeper artificial intelligence experiences without relying heavily on cloud computing.

Community reaction on forums and tech sites has been enthusiastic yet tempered with the usual caution that surrounds pre-launch rumors. Many users express excitement over the variable aperture camera, viewing it as a long-overdue nod to serious photographers who want more creative control directly from their phones. Others highlight the battery gains as a potential game-changer for travelers and heavy users tired of mid-day charging.

Skeptics point out that some ambitious features, such as full under-display Face ID, have been rumored for several generations without materializing, suggesting Apple prioritizes reliability and quality over rushed innovation. Supply chain sources emphasize that while late-stage production for the Pro models is ramping up, certain elements like the variable aperture assembly still require fine-tuning.

As excitement builds toward the expected September unveiling, the iPhone 18 Pro Max rumors underscore Apple’s commitment to incremental yet meaningful progress. The combination of a more efficient 2nm chip, superior imaging tools and extended battery life positions the device as a strong evolution rather than a revolutionary redesign — exactly the formula that has sustained the iPhone’s dominance for nearly two decades.

For consumers weighing an upgrade from older models, the Pro Max could represent a worthwhile jump, particularly in camera versatility and all-day reliability. Those holding iPhone 16 or 17 Pro Max units may find the changes subtler but still compelling for future-proofing against growing AI demands and high-resolution content creation.

Apple has not commented on the rumors, and official details will only emerge at the fall event. In the meantime, supply chain leaks from trusted voices like Ming-Chi Kuo, Mark Gurman and various Weibo analysts continue to paint an increasingly clear picture of a polished, high-performance flagship.

Whether the deep red color, variable aperture lens or massive battery proves the biggest draw, the iPhone 18 Pro Max is already generating buzz as a device that refines Apple’s formula while addressing some of the most common user requests for better endurance and photographic flexibility. With roughly five months until launch, anticipation continues to mount for what could be one of the strongest Pro Max offerings yet.

McDonald’s is moving deeper into the fast-growing specialty beverage market, expanding its menu with new “dirty sodas” and refreshers as consumer demand shifts beyond traditional soft drinks and coffee.

The push underscores a broader strategy to tap higher-margin, customizable beverages as restaurant chains compete for younger consumers and incremental traffic throughout the day.

Company documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal indicate the burger giant is preparing to roll out drinks such as a Dirty Dr Pepper and Mango Pineapple Refresher, part of a broader push into higher-margin, customizable beverages.

CHICK-FIL-A OFFERS FREE ICE CREAM IF FAMILIES DITCH PHONES AT THE TABLE IN PUSH TO UNPLUG

The push underscores a broader strategy to tap higher-margin, customizable beverages. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

In a statement to FOX Business, McDonald’s signaled the shift, saying: “Our fans’ love for McDonald’s beverages runs deep… Next month, we’re building on that passion with a new era of beverages, featuring a variety of Refreshers and crafted sodas rolling out nationwide.”

The company added that it will share more details soon.

Energy drinks — including reported offerings like a Red Bull-based beverage — are expected to launch later this year, according to reports.

MCDONALD’S PLANS MASSIVE OVERHAUL WITH MAJOR CHANGES TO RESTAURANTS AND MENUS

McDonald’s is reportedly going to add energy drinks to its menus later this year. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

The move comes as chains across the restaurant industry race to capitalize on booming demand for specialty drinks. Orders for energy drinks have risen over the past year, while coffee and tea orders have declined, according to market data.

Competitors, including Dutch Bros, Starbucks and Taco Bell, have leaned heavily into the trend, building out drink-focused menus aimed at younger consumers seeking customizable, “treat-style” beverages throughout the day.

FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS USING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO RESHAPE HOW CUSTOMERS PLACE ORDERS

A worker hands a drink to a customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Martinez, California, on Feb. 4, 2025. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

For McDonald’s, the strategy could deliver a meaningful boost to margins. Drinks are typically among the most profitable menu items, and franchisees have reportedly invested in new equipment to support the expansion without slowing service.

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The company has been testing specialty beverages for years, including through its now-closed CosMc’s concept, and appears to be preparing for a broader U.S. rollout.

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Profit after tax for Q4 stood at Rs 763 crore, up 10% from Rs 692 crore in the same quarter last year. Profit before tax rose to Rs 1,039 crore from Rs 917 crore in the year-ago period. The company also announced a dividend of Rs 12.4 per share.

Operating performance improved significantly during the quarter. Operating profit came in at Rs 1,128 crore, marking a 30% increase from Rs 866 crore in Q4 FY25, supported by tighter cost management and operating leverage.

Revenue remained strong, with revenue from operations rising 19% year-on-year to Rs 1,517 crore from Rs 1,269 crore. Total expenses eased to Rs 389 crore compared with Rs 403 crore in the year-ago period, aiding margin expansion.

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, profit declined. Net profit fell 17% from Rs 917 crore in Q3 FY26, mainly due to lower total income, although operating costs remained under control.

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For the full year, earnings growth was robust. FY26 profit after tax increased 24.4% to Rs 3,298 crore from Rs 2,651 crore in FY25. Profit before tax rose 24.7% to Rs 4,407 crore, while operating profit grew 28.9% to Rs 4,171 crore.
Business metrics also showed steady expansion. Quarterly average assets under management stood at Rs 11,04,787 crore as of March 2026, compared with Rs 8,79,412 crore a year earlier.The company reported a customer base of 17 million investors and a distribution network of over 1.14 lakh partners across 281 offices, reflecting its scale and reach in the domestic mutual fund market.

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The Wall Street bank said Billionbrains Garage Ventures, which runs the broking platform Groww, is “well positioned to capitalise on India’s retail investing tailwinds,” and expects the company to deliver revenue growth at a 30% CAGR over FY26-28. The initiation adds heavyweight institutional backing to a stock that has already delivered 31% returns in calendar year 2026 alone.

BofA described Groww as having best-in-class profitability, with further room for expansion as operating leverage builds. It projects EBITDA margins rising to 67% and PAT margins to 52% by FY28—an unusually rich margin profile for a growth-stage fintech, which the bank believes sets Groww apart from peers. The brokerage valued the company at 39x FY28 estimated P/E.

The bank flagged two near-term risks: a deterioration in broader capital market conditions, which could crimp transaction volumes and hurt revenue, and the expiry of a six-month post-IPO lock-in period, which could lead to a supply overhang as early investors gain the ability to exit.

Last month, JPMorgan initiated coverage on Groww with an ‘overweight’ rating and a price target of Rs 210 per share.

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Groww is the largest broker by active clients, with a 28% market share, compared with 15% for the second-largest player. This leadership is driven by its strong mutual fund funnel, easy-to-use UI and UX, and robust word-of-mouth traction.

NEW YORK — Shares of Strategy Inc. climbed more than 5% in early trading Tuesday as the company formerly known as MicroStrategy continued its aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy, with Bitcoin prices rebounding above $74,000 and investors positioning ahead of the firm’s first-quarter 2026 earnings later next month.

Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ: MSTR), which rebranded to emphasize its role as a Bitcoin treasury powerhouse, saw its Class A shares trade at $139.46, up $7.10 or 5.36%, shortly after the market open on April 14, 2026. The gain came on solid volume and reflected renewed enthusiasm for Bitcoin proxy stocks as the cryptocurrency recovered from recent dips and hovered near $74,900.

The company, led by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, has transformed into one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin, using a combination of equity offerings, convertible debt and operational cash flow to steadily add to its holdings. In recent weeks, Strategy executed multiple large Bitcoin purchases, including a $1 billion acquisition announced in early April that brought its total stash close to 780,000 BTC.

Strategy announced on April 13 that it acquired an additional 13,927 Bitcoin for approximately $1 billion during the previous week, funded partly through sales under its at-the-market equity offering program. The purchase pushed its Bitcoin treasury even closer to the symbolic 800,000 BTC milestone. The company has consistently messaged that its primary corporate strategy is to acquire and hold Bitcoin as a long-term store of value superior to cash reserves.

Bitcoin traded around $74,896 on Tuesday morning, up from levels near $70,000 earlier in the week. The cryptocurrency’s recovery helped lift related stocks, with Strategy often exhibiting amplified moves due to its leveraged exposure through heavy Bitcoin holdings relative to its market capitalization.

Strategy is scheduled to release first-quarter 2026 financial results on May 7, with a live video webinar and earnings conference call set for April 30 at 5 p.m. ET. Analysts expect the report to focus heavily on Bitcoin treasury updates, impairment charges or gains related to digital asset accounting, software business performance and details on ongoing capital raising activities.

The software analytics business, Strategy’s original core operation, continues to generate steady revenue but has become secondary to the Bitcoin strategy in the eyes of many investors. Fourth-quarter 2025 results, released in early February, showed revenue of $122.99 million that beat estimates, though the company reported a significant net loss driven largely by Bitcoin-related accounting.

Strategy maintains a massive Bitcoin balance sheet that has drawn both praise and criticism. Proponents view it as a sophisticated leveraged play on Bitcoin’s long-term appreciation, while skeptics point to volatility, potential dilution from equity issuances and the opportunity cost of tying up capital in a non-yielding asset.

In recent months, the company expanded its at-the-market offerings and issued preferred stock to fund Bitcoin acquisitions without overly diluting common shareholders. It also benefits from periodic convertible note issuances that provide low-cost capital for further purchases.

Wall Street analysts remain divided but largely constructive on the stock’s long-term potential as a Bitcoin play. Consensus price targets vary widely, with some firms maintaining targets above $350 while others have trimmed forecasts amid valuation concerns. The stock has experienced extreme swings in 2026, trading as high as the $450 range earlier and pulling back significantly before recent recovery attempts.

Tuesday’s move helped the shares rebound from levels near $128 seen in recent sessions. Technical traders noted the stock testing key support and resistance zones tied to Bitcoin’s price action.

Michael Saylor, the public face of the strategy, continues to advocate aggressively for Bitcoin adoption through social media and public appearances. He has described Strategy’s approach as a “Bitcoin standard” for corporate treasuries, arguing that holding the asset provides superior inflation protection and capital appreciation compared with traditional reserves.

The company’s rebranding to Strategy Inc. underscores its evolution from a business intelligence software provider to a Bitcoin development and treasury company. While the software segment still contributes revenue, management has signaled that Bitcoin acquisition remains the overriding corporate priority.

Challenges include regulatory scrutiny of digital asset accounting, potential changes in tax treatment of cryptocurrencies and the inherent volatility of Bitcoin, which can lead to large quarterly swings in reported earnings. Strategy accounts for its Bitcoin holdings under fair value rules, resulting in significant non-cash gains or losses that can obscure underlying business performance.

Investors will watch the upcoming earnings closely for any updates on the pace of Bitcoin purchases, average acquisition cost, financing plans and guidance on software revenue trends. Management may also provide color on the broader Bitcoin market outlook and how macroeconomic factors influence its strategy.

Strategy’s market capitalization reflects its unique positioning as the most prominent corporate Bitcoin holder. With holdings approaching 800,000 BTC — a figure that would represent a meaningful percentage of total Bitcoin supply — the company effectively offers investors leveraged, liquid exposure to the cryptocurrency without directly owning it.

Broader market sentiment toward risk assets improved Tuesday as Bitcoin stabilized and equity markets showed resilience. Strategy often moves in sympathy with Bitcoin but with higher beta, amplifying both upside and downside.

The company has faced periodic class action litigation related to disclosures and stock performance, though such suits are common among high-volatility names. Strategy has not commented in detail on ongoing legal matters in recent filings.

As the May 7 earnings date approaches, focus will intensify on execution of the Bitcoin strategy and any signals about future capital raises or acquisition pace. Positive Bitcoin price action combined with continued accumulation could support further upside in the shares.

Strategy Inc. employs a relatively lean team focused on both its legacy software products and Bitcoin treasury management. Its headquarters remain in the Washington, D.C., area, where it originated as a provider of enterprise analytics tools.

For long-term believers in Bitcoin, Strategy serves as a proxy that allows participation through traditional equity markets with the added layer of corporate leverage and professional management. Critics argue the premium valuation leaves little margin of safety if Bitcoin enters a prolonged bear market.

Tuesday’s 5%+ gain underscored ongoing investor appetite for the name despite recent volatility. With Bitcoin trading firmly above $74,000 and Strategy actively adding to its holdings, the stock appeared positioned for continued correlation with crypto sentiment.

As markets digest the latest Bitcoin purchase news, attention turns to whether Strategy can sustain its aggressive accumulation without excessive dilution and how the market prices in the growing scale of its treasury.

Strategy’s journey from software firm to Bitcoin powerhouse illustrates the transformative impact of cryptocurrencies on corporate balance sheet strategies. Whether this approach delivers superior long-term returns will be judged by Bitcoin’s performance over the coming years and the company’s ability to manage associated risks.