Splash Singapore Set to Debut After Successful Geneva Dry Forum.

After the strong success of Geneva Dry Forum 2026, organisers are preparing to launch a new global shipping conference called Splash Singapore, scheduled for September 24 at the Fairmont Hotel in Singapore.

The event is organised by the team behind maritime news platform Splash and the Geneva Dry forum. It aims to bring senior global shipping leaders together for direct, unscripted discussions on key industry challenges.

A New Style of Maritime Conference

Splash Singapore will follow a unique format with no presentations or sales pitches. Instead, it will focus on open conversations among top industry professionals. The event is supported by the Singapore Maritime Foundation and will feature shipowners, ship managers, and charterers from around the world.

Key Industry Topics

The conference will include several major sessions such as:

• Global shipping market challenges
• Tanker and dry bulk sector outlook
• Future of ship chartering
• AI and digitalisation in maritime industry
• Workforce transformation in shipping

A special highlight will be the new “SplashTech Digital Leaders Forum,” focusing on how digital tools and AI are reshaping global shipping operations.

Focus on AI and Maritime Innovation

One of the most anticipated sessions will explore how artificial intelligence and digital systems are transforming shipping efficiency, decision-making, and workforce roles. Industry leaders are expected to debate both the benefits and challenges of rapid digitalisation in maritime operations.

Global Industry Leaders Confirmed

The event will feature CEOs and senior executives from major shipping companies, including leaders from Performance Shipping, Norden, Hafnia, BW Group, Vale, and other global maritime firms. Veteran moderator Tim Huxley will guide discussions, adding expert insight and real-world industry experience.

Strategic Timing in Singapore

The event is strategically scheduled just before the Singapore Shipping Association annual dinner, making it part of a major maritime week in the region. Other global shipping events will also take place during the same period.

Ask.com Officially Shuts Down: A Former Google Rival Ends Its Journey.

The once-popular search engine Ask.com has officially been shut down, marking the end of a platform that once competed with Google in the early days of the internet. Launched in 1997, Ask.com—originally known as Ask Jeeves—was created by Garrett Gruener and David Warthen. It became famous for allowing users to type full questions in natural language, introducing the concept of “conversational search.”

Ask Jeeves was one of the first platforms to understand user queries in a more human-like way. This approach helped it gain global attention during the early internet era. In 2005, the company was acquired by IAC, which later removed the “Jeeves” branding and rebranded the service as Ask.com.

By 2010, the rise of Google’s advanced search algorithms significantly reduced Ask.com’s market share. As a result, the platform shifted away from core search services and focused more on a question-and-answer model.

Eventually, IAC announced the closure of the search division, stating that it was refocusing its business strategy.Ask.com was also known as the official search tool for NASCAR at one point. However, over time, it became more of a nostalgic symbol of the early internet era rather than a competitive search engine.Despite its closure, Ask.com is remembered as a pioneer of conversational search technology. Its approach laid the foundation for modern AI-driven search and virtual assistants. Today, it remains an important part of internet history.

OpenAI Plans AI Smartphone to Challenge Apple and Samsung

Artificial intelligence leader OpenAI is reportedly planning to develop a new generation of AI-powered smartphone that could challenge industry giants like Apple and Samsung.

The upcoming device is expected to move away from traditional app-based interfaces and instead operate using an AI-agent-driven system. This means users will no longer need to open individual apps; instead, they can directly interact with an AI assistant to perform tasks such as messaging, searching, scheduling, and more.

AI-Centric Smartphone Concept

The phone will function as a fully integrated AI device, where intelligent assistants handle most user actions in real time. This marks a major shift from conventional smartphone ecosystems that rely heavily on standalone applications.

To support this vision, OpenAI is collaborating with major semiconductor companies such as MediaTek and Qualcomm to develop AI-optimized chipsets designed for advanced machine learning performance.

Manufacturing Partnership

For large-scale production, OpenAI is partnering with Luxshare, a well-known manufacturer that also produces components for Apple devices. This partnership is expected to give OpenAI strong production capabilities and global supply chain access.

A New Era of Smartphones

If successful, the AI smartphone could redefine how users interact with mobile devices, shifting the industry toward fully AI-driven digital ecosystems and posing a serious challenge to current smartphone leaders.

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Infosys AI Policy: No Layoffs Announced, Employees Relieved.

Infosys has reassured its employees by announcing that the company will not carry out any layoffs despite the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the IT industry.

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Salil Parekh confirmed that Infosys is focusing on hiring and reskilling rather than reducing its workforce. He emphasized that the company aims to leverage AI technology to expand opportunities instead of cutting jobs.

This announcement has brought significant relief to thousands of employees who were worried about job security amid global tech industry layoffs.

Infosys also confirmed that it did not implement any workforce reductions last year and does not anticipate any layoffs in the near future. Instead, the company plans to continue large-scale campus recruitment, aiming to hire around 20,000 fresh graduates this year.

Parekh explained that while entry-level job roles are evolving, AI will expand job opportunities rather than reduce them. He highlighted that the company is actively training engineers to work with AI tools, enabling them to build, evaluate, and improve AI-generated code.

Meanwhile, several global IT companies such as TCS, HCLTech, Oracle, and Cognizant have recently undertaken restructuring and job cuts, raising concerns across the sector.

Despite these trends, Infosys stated that AI currently contributes about 5.5% of its revenue and is growing rapidly. The company expects AI to become a major driver of future growth rather than a threat to employment.

YouTube Rolls Out Picture-in-Picture (PiP) for All iPhone Users Worldwide.

YouTube has officially expanded its Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature to all iPhone and iPad users worldwide, making multitasking easier for millions of users.

Previously, this feature was limited to the United States and only available for YouTube Premium subscribers. With the new global rollout, even free users can now watch non-music videos in a small floating window while using other apps.

The PiP feature allows users to minimize a YouTube video into a resizable window that can be moved anywhere on the screen. Users can continue watching content while browsing, chatting, or using other applications simultaneously.

To activate the feature, users simply swipe up or exit the YouTube app. The video automatically continues playing in a floating window without interruption, improving multitasking efficiency on mobile devices.

However, access differs based on subscription type. YouTube Premium Lite users can use PiP only for long-form non-music videos, while full Premium subscribers get access to PiP for both music and non-music content.

YouTube has confirmed that the global rollout will continue over the coming months. The company expects this update to significantly improve user experience and make video consumption more flexible and convenient across mobile devices.

Intel Reclaims $14.2B Ireland Chip Plant Stake.

A major strategic step has been taken by Intel to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry, as a 49% stake in its advanced chip manufacturing facility located in Leixlip has been planned to be repurchased for $14.2 billion from Apollo Global Management.

The stake had originally been sold in 2024 for $11.2 billion during a period of financial pressure faced by Intel, when additional capital had been required to support large-scale manufacturing expansion projects across Europe and the United States. The transaction had allowed operational continuity to be maintained while financial flexibility was improved.

Now, the full ownership of the strategically important Fab 34 semiconductor facility is expected to be restored as Intel’s financial stability has been significantly strengthened through restructuring initiatives implemented under CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Increased efficiency measures and renewed investor confidence have been reported as key contributors to the recovery.

The decision has also been influenced by rapidly rising global demand for processors used in artificial intelligence applications and modern data-center infrastructure. As AI-driven computing adoption continues to expand worldwide, stronger control over advanced manufacturing assets has been considered essential for long-term competitiveness.

It has further been announced that the repurchase will be financed through a combination of existing company cash reserves and approximately $6.5 billion in new debt, ensuring that operational investment momentum will be maintained while ownership control is strengthened.

Through this move, Intel’s manufacturing independence in Europe is expected to be reinforced, while future profitability and processor supply capabilities for next-generation AI technologies are anticipated to improve significantly over the coming years.

Sri Lanka to Launch Digital ID Cards by 2026 to Simplify Public Services.

Sri Lanka is preparing to introduce a modern digital identity system that will transform how citizens access both public and private services. The government plans to roll out the first digital ID cards by the third or fourth quarter of 2026, marking a major step toward the country’s digital transformation journey.

Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, confirmed this initiative while addressing the national digital identity program. He stated that the project will improve efficiency, strengthen security, and enhance accessibility across multiple sectors.

Authorities aim to re-register all national ID holders within the next two years in order to build a unified and advanced identity system across the country. This new framework will replace outdated identification methods with a secure and scalable digital infrastructure, ensuring better service delivery and system integration.

The new digital ID cards will include advanced security features designed to protect user data. Biometric information such as fingerprints will be securely stored using encryption technologies. As a result, the system will reduce identity fraud risks while maintaining high levels of data protection.

In addition, the digital ID system will make accessing public services much easier for citizens. People will no longer need to visit government offices for routine identity verification. Instead, they will be able to confirm their identity remotely when using banking services, welfare programs, and official documentation processes.

The government also plans to introduce the system gradually. Both digital and traditional ID cards will operate together during a transition period. This approach will ensure that public services continue without disruption while allowing citizens enough time to adapt to the new system.

Overall, Sri Lanka’s digital ID initiative represents a major step toward building a fully digital economy. By combining convenience, security, and efficiency, the new system is expected to improve everyday life for citizens while modernizing the country’s national infrastructure.

AstraZeneca’s New COPD Drug Shows Strong Results in Final Trials

AstraZeneca has announced encouraging results from late-stage clinical trials of its new drug designed to support patients living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Researchers confirmed that the treatment significantly reduces sudden health complications linked to the condition.

The Phase 3 clinical study, known as Prestige, showed that the new therapy improves outcomes by 24 percent compared with standard treatments currently used for COPD patients.

Medical experts believe the drug could benefit people whose lungs have suffered damage from smoking and long-term exposure to air pollution. These groups face a higher risk of severe breathing difficulties and repeated hospital visits.

Researchers also confirmed that combining the new medicine with existing inhaler-based therapies improves lung function and stabilizes patient health more effectively than inhalers alone. Following these strong results, AstraZeneca plans to apply for approval from international drug regulators soon. If approved, the treatment could become available globally within the next stages of regulatory review.

Health specialists describe this development as a major step forward for respiratory medicine. COPD remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, so new treatment options offer hope to millions of patients affected by chronic breathing disorders. Despite ongoing global crises, advances like this highlight continued progress in medical research and innovation for respiratory disease treatment.

Sri Lanka ID Services Halted Due to IT Glitch.

The Department of Registration in Sri Lanka has announced the suspension of all public services, including the one-day national ID card issuance, effective tomorrow (27 March) until further notice. This decision follows a sudden technical failure in the department’s computer system, which occurred today (26 March) at 1:30 PM.

The department stated that services will remain unavailable until the IT system is fully restored. Earlier, the department’s data infrastructure had experienced a similar failure on 23 March, which temporarily halted all services. Services were briefly resumed on 24 March after repairs, but the system malfunctioned again today, prompting the current suspension.

Department Director Nayagam confirmed that efforts to restore the system are ongoing. He emphasized that the technical issues affect all operations, including issuing national ID cards and other public services managed by the department. Citizens are advised to postpone visits until the system is operational and further announcements are made.

Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital Launches 4D Angio CT Unit

Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital Launches South Asia’s First 4D Angio CT Unit

Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital officially opened South Asia’s first 4D Angio CT unit, introducing a major advancement in Sri Lanka’s public and private healthcare system.

In addition, the hospital launched a modern dental unit equipped with ten advanced treatment chairs. These facilities significantly strengthen diagnostic and treatment capabilities within the national healthcare sector. The Government of Japan funded the project with a grant exceeding Rs. 1,000 million. This investment supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize medical infrastructure and improve patient care services. Healthcare officials confirmed that the new technology allows doctors to perform faster and more accurate diagnoses. As a result, specialists can manage complex surgical procedures more safely and efficiently.Medical experts stated that the introduction of the 4D Angio CT system will improve treatment planning and clinical decision-making. Furthermore, the new imaging technology helps doctors detect conditions earlier and respond more effectively.

Authorities also emphasized that this milestone marks an important step forward in strengthening Sri Lanka’s advanced diagnostic imaging capacity across the region.