A WhatsApp account takeover scam is spreading through messages that ask users to vote for a friend or relative in an online competition, before covertly linking the victim’s account to a device controlled by criminals. The attack often begins with a message from a familiar contact whose account has already been compromised. The recipient is asked to support someone participating in a dance contest, school competition, pet […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The global oil market has lost more than 2.6 billion barrels since the US-Israeli war with Iran began on February 28, Saudi Aramco chief executive Amin Nasser has said, warning that depleted inventories will take more than a year to rebuild. The cumulative loss is equivalent to nearly one month of worldwide oil consumption and reflects the prolonged disruption of shipping through the […]
The certification recognizes the substantial progress Vinhomes Green Paradise has made in advancing its smart city development in alignment with international standards. WCCD acknowledged that the project has achieved remarkable progress in its design, planning, and development strategy. This WCCD Certification serves as an important foundation for the project as it advances toward Full Certification upon commencement of operations.
The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by the WCCD and based upon the customized indicators framework WCCD specifically developed for greenfield development projects. The framework incorporates the core principles of ISO 37122, one of the world’s most respected international standards for measuring and evaluating smart city performance.
Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of the World Council on City Data (WCCD) and Director of Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM), stated: “This WCCD InterimCustom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification recognizes Vinhomes’ long-term vision and commitment to developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready urban model. The Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio urban development project is now equipped with a powerful baseline of data designed to propel success, providing a strong foundation for year-over-year monitoring of development goals in smart urban governance, infrastructure development, technology adoption and sustainability, ensuring Full ISO 37122 Certification once operations commence. We congratulate Vinhomes on this important certification milestone, a global first, setting a new precedent for greenfield developments in cities worldwide.“
Mr. Chulse Oh, Head of AX Group at Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC), commented: “The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification marks an important milestone in realizing the vision of a world-class smart city in Vietnam. KMAC will continue to support the project in developing smart city solutions and implementation strategies and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model during the operational phase.”
In March 2026, Vinhomes Green Paradise officially launched its Smart City Certification Project in partnership with WCCD, SUM, and KMAC. Under the agreed roadmap, the Interim Custom Certification represents the first major milestone in the process of assessing and refining the criteria for a comprehensive smart city model aligned with international standards.
Vinhomes Green Paradise benefits from a unique geographical setting, overlooking the Can Gio Sea and adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, which spans over 75,000 hectares. The development features a total area of 2,870 hectares, and a construction density of only 16%. Vinhomes is pioneering the project under its enhanced ESG++ model, structured around five pillars: Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Climate Adaptation.
Upon full operation, the entire urban management system will be greened, with the goal of utilizing 100% clean electricity generated from renewable energy sources and achieving 100% net-zero emission transportation. In addition to strict compliance with environmental protection standards, the project places a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration, aligned with Ho Chi Minh City’s climate adaptation strategy.
To support these efforts, a Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund will be established to finance research, restoration, and long-term resilience initiatives. A key focus of the fund is the regeneration of the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem, helping to create a protective green belt for the entire development.
With its pioneering ESG++ vision, Vinhomes Green Paradise has become the first Official Participant in the “7 Wonders of the Future Cities” campaign initiated by New7Wonders.
The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification further reinforces Vinhomes Green Paradise’s pioneering vision in advancing a smart and sustainable urban model that meets international standards, while progressing toward becoming a benchmark future city for the region and the world.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate investment, development, and management company. It currently operates 32 urban developments while expanding its portfolio of flagship projects across strategically important provinces and cities nationwide. By integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles with modern, highly connected infrastructure, Vinhomes is creating world-class integrated townships and megacities that are redefining Vietnam’s real estate market, driving sustainable development, and elevating the country’s urban landscape to international standards.
Established in Canada in 2014, the World Council on City Data (WCCD) is committed to helping cities and communities of all sizes globally embrace ISO standardized, independently verified, and globally comparable city data. The organization facilitates data-driven decision-making processes in management, planning, and investment, enabling cities to become more sustainable, safe, resilient, prosperous, inclusive, and smart.
The WCCD team of professionals spearheaded the development and implementation of three international standards on city data, which have been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva. These standards, referred to as the WCCD ISO 37120 Series on City Data, encompass ISO 37120 (Indicators for Sustainable Cities), ISO 37122 (Indicators for Smart Cities), and ISO 37123 (Indicators for Resilient Cities).
Since its inception, the WCCD has been expanding its global network of cities dedicated to high-caliber data. The WCCD collaborates with more than 125 cities across 40 different countries.
About Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM):
Cities worldwide are taking centre stage in the drive toward sustainable development and the prosperity of nations. Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) is designed to build on the strengths of its rapidly expanding global network of city leaders, senior levels of government officials, private capital market professionals and key international organizations and industry innovators dedicated to securing a better future for cities.
SUM’s service provision spans services connected to the ISO 37120 Series (ISO 37120 – Indicators for City Services and Quality of Life, ISO 37122 – Indicators for Smart Cities and ISO 37123 – Indicators for Resilient Cities) in partnership with the World Council on City Data (WCCD). The SUM team work with city leaders and private developers to customize these ISO certifications for new greenfield developments – new cities, new business districts and new communities.
SUM houses a new global first – the ISO 37125 International Standard on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Indicators for Cities and Regions. The SUM ISO 37125 certification protocol supports cities to report ESG city level data in conformity with the ISO globally standardized definitions and methodologies. SUM’s third-party verification process ensures the highest calibre data for cities across the globe. This Standard provides city leaders, governments, and the private sector with a robust, data-driven framework to guide ESG initiatives, drive infrastructure investment, attract investment, create and implement strategic planning decisions, propel innovation, and ensure socially inclusive planning and management. SUM is welcoming cities to join an exciting global cohort of World Premiere Cities – the first ISO 37125-certified cities.
SUM establishes a global hub for innovative learning partnerships among leaders of cities and private capital markets. Together, SUM and its partners foster innovation, imagine alternative futures, and create more livable cities. Certification by SUM underscores a collective commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future for cities and regions.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Patricia McCarney
President & CEO, World Council on City Data (WCCD) and
Director, Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM)
[email protected]
About KMAC
Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC) is one of Asia’s leading management consulting firms, delivering end-to-end capabilities from strategy formulation and transformation design to operational implementation and performance improvement. For decades, KMAC has served as a trusted innovation partner to the Korean government, public institutions, and leading private-sector enterprises, helping shape and execute initiatives that strengthen national competitiveness, modernize industries, and advance digital and AI transformation, sustainability, and organizational excellence. By combining deep sector expertise, rigorous strategic insight, and proven execution capabilities with an extensive regional network, KMAC enables clients to convert ambitious visions into actionable roadmaps, measurable operational outcomes, and sustainable growth across Asia and global markets.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Young Hwan Park
Team Lead of Asia Business Center,
Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC)
[email protected]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2026 – Every August, Singapore celebrates more than another year of nationhood. It celebrates the people, businesses and traditions that have quietly grown alongside the nation, becoming part of its shared identity and everyday life.
This National Day, as Singapore marks its 61st birthday, one of its oldest homegrown food brands reaches a remarkable milestone of its own.
For 90 years, Woh Hup has flavoured family dinners, festive reunions, neighbourhood barbecues and everyday meals that have become cherished memories across generations of Singaporeans. From humble beginnings in 1936 in Chinatown, Woh Hup has become a trusted name in kitchens both locally and internationally. By the 1980s, Woh Hup had established itself as the leading producer of oyster sauce in Singapore, a testament to its dedication and expertise.
Woh Hup sauces are now enjoyed, not just in Asian kitchens, but tables worldwide.
This August, as Singaporeans look forward to celebrating National Day with family, friends and neighbours, Woh Hup marks its 90th anniversary by unveiling four exciting additions to its chilli sauce family—bringing fresh inspiration to the tables where memories continue to be made.
More than a product launch, the new range reflects a heritage brand confidently looking ahead— combining nine decades of craftsmanship with the bold, adventurous flavours embraced by today‘s global consumers.
“For 90 years, families have welcomed Woh Hup into their kitchens and celebrations. That trust is our greatest honour – and our reason to keep evolving. These four new sauces honour where we came from, while embracing the bold flavours of modern Asian dining,” said Leong Chee Kang, Chief Executive Officer of Woh Hup.
The launch introduces four new sauces, each designed to bring versatility, convenience and vibrant flavour to today’s kitchens.
Mala Sriracha Chilli Sauce combines the unmistakable tang of sriracha with a tingling, numbing mala warmth, delivering a bold, layered heat that pairs naturally with fried chicken, dumplings, ramen and hotpot favourites.
For seafood lovers, the new Green Chilli Sauce for Seafood blends lively green chillies with refreshing notes to complement grilled fish, oysters, calamari and Singapore’s iconic seafood feasts.
Smoky Sriracha Chilli Sauce layers rich smokiness over classic sriracha — an ideal companion for burgers, barbecue skewers, grilled meats and hearty comfort food.
Rounding out the launch is Mala Seasoning Sauce, which delivers the signature tingling, numbing heat of Sichuan-inspired mala balanced with rich savoury notes. In an easy-to-use liquid form that mixes evenly for consistent colour and flavour, just a few drops transform stir-fries, soups and noodles into a multi-layered sensory experience — bringing bold mala excitement to everyday cooking.
Packaged in convenient new squeeze bottles, the three chilli sauces make everyday cooking and entertaining easier than ever — no spoons, no mess, just great flavour at a squeeze. The seasoning sauce comes in a classic glass bottle, ready to drizzle straight onto your meal or into the wok — bold Asian flavours to elevate every dish.
The new Woh Hup range — Mala Sriracha Chilli Sauce, Green Chilli Sauce for Seafood, Smoky Sriracha Chilli Sauce and Mala Seasoning Sauce — will be available at leading supermarkets and retail outlets across Singapore from August 2026.
As Singapore celebrates another year of nationhood, Woh Hup celebrates something equally meaningful—the millions of meals, conversations and family moments its products have quietly accompanied over the past nine decades.
Ninety years on, the recipe hasn‘t changed: bring people together, one meal at a time.
Hashtag: #WohHup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Founded in 1936, Woh Hup is one of Singapore‘s longest-established homegrown food brands and a trusted name in Asian sauces. For 90 years, the company has remained dedicated to crafting high-quality flavours that inspire home cooks and professional chefs around the globe.
Today, Woh Hup‘s growing portfolio of sauces, cooking pastes and convenience products is enjoyed by consumers in Singapore and international markets, reflecting the brand‘s enduring commitment to heritage, innovation and culinary excellence.
Etihad Rail will open passenger stations in Dubai and Al Dhaid on September 30 as the UAE’s national railway operator accelerates a phased expansion supported by strong early demand.The two openings will mark the formal launch of the wider passenger network, three months after introductory services began between Mohamed bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30. More than 70,000 tickets have been sold […]
The debate in Parliament on Tuesday followed public opposition to proposals that could involve clearing about 15 hectares of Maju Forest at Sunset Way and at least 10 hectares of forest around Gillman Barracks. Eighteen parliamentary questions were raised, with lawmakers pressing the government on alternative sites, ecological damage, public consultation and whether development could be abandoned.
Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said the two areas would proceed towards housing development because they had been designated for residential use and were needed to meet demand over the next decade. He said, however, that environmental and heritage studies were part of the process of shaping the projects rather than exercises designed to justify predetermined plans.
“The question before us is not whether housing, greenery or heritage matters. They all do,” Tan told Parliament. “The challenge is how we balance these needs responsibly within our limited space.”
The formal period for public comments on the environmental and heritage assessments closes on August 6, but government agencies will continue discussions with residents, nature groups and other stakeholders. Feedback could result in changes to construction footprints, development density, ecological corridors and the number of heritage structures retained.
Maju Forest covers about 23 hectares beside Sunset Way in Clementi. The land has largely been zoned for residential development since the 1980 Master Plan, although decades of natural regeneration have created secondary forest containing streams, native vegetation and threatened wildlife.
Housing authorities have proposed retaining about eight hectares, including a freshwater stream and surrounding buffer zone, as a refuge for wildlife and a corridor connecting neighbouring green areas. The remaining land would accommodate public housing, although the number and mix of flats have not been finalised.
Environmental surveys recorded several species of conservation importance, including the critically endangered straw-headed bulbul. Earlier studies connected with the Cross Island Line also identified the Sunda pangolin in the wider forest area.
Nature groups have argued that narrowing the habitat could displace animals, increase roadkill risks and weaken connections between Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Clementi Forest, the Rail Corridor and the Southern Ridges. They have also warned that secondary forests cannot be quickly replaced because mature ecological systems take decades to regenerate.
Christopher de Souza, a lawmaker from Holland-Bukit Timah, urged the government to examine other land near Maju Forest, including a construction site being used for the Cross Island Line. He cited changes made to earlier plans for Dover Forest, where part of the forest was preserved after alternative housing arrangements were considered.
Tan said the Cross Island Line site could be assessed for homes once railway construction was completed, but it was not available to satisfy near-term demand. Authorities were already prioritising vacant and previously developed land where practical, he added.
Gillman Barracks presents a different planning challenge because the area contains both forest and buildings associated with Singapore’s military and cultural history. Established as a British garrison in 1935, it was converted into an arts precinct in 2012 and now accommodates galleries, restaurants and lifestyle businesses.
The environmental and heritage studies covered 47 hectares, including an estimated 40-hectare development zone and a seven-hectare green area north of Telok Blangah Heights. The wider study area contains about 21.8 hectares of forest and 10 hectares of urban vegetation, scrubland and grassland.
Authorities are considering retaining most of the native-dominated secondary forest and creating ecological routes linking Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Berlayer Creek and Labrador Nature Reserve. Proposed corridors would be at least 30 metres wide to support the movement of birds and other wildlife.
Gillman Barracks has 86 buildings, with preliminary plans indicating that 25 could be retained. Officials are studying the preservation of all structures assessed as having exceptional heritage value and most buildings considered highly significant.
Rachel Ong, who represents the area, questioned whether alternative housing sites had been evaluated and called for continued dialogue with residents, conservation groups and heritage specialists.
Workers’ Party representatives also challenged the government on whether cancelling the projects remained possible. Tan said the developments would proceed because of national housing requirements, but the design, scale and conservation measures remained under review.
The government’s position places the two projects within a broader effort to maintain an adequate housing supply while controlling prices and meeting demand from new households. Singapore has also been converting previously developed sites, including the former Old Police Academy at Mount Pleasant and land occupied by golf courses, into residential districts.
US President Donald Trump has made Saudi Arabia’s entry into the Abraham Accords a condition for advancing a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, adding a major political hurdle to a partnership designed to reshape energy and security ties between Washington and Riyadh. Trump said the proposed programme would be confined to civilian purposes and would not permit uranium enrichment. His intervention came after the two governments signed a […]
Dubai-based mobility platform Zed is offering passengers 15 per cent cashback on completed rides throughout August, seeking to build customer loyalty as competition intensifies across the emirate’s app-based transport market. The reward is credited automatically to a passenger’s Zed Wallet after each qualifying journey and can be used towards later bookings on the platform. Customers can receive up to Dh20 for an individual trip, giving regular commuters […]
Dubai has established a committee to coordinate the emirate’s media narrative across government, semi-government and private sector organisations, seeking greater consistency in how its development, policies and ambitions are communicated worldwide. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, issued Council Decision No. 16 of 2026 establishing the Dubai Media Narrative Committee. The committee will […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 –Singapore is estimated to record approximately 19,290 new cancer cases in 2024, underscoring the growing demand for advanced treatment options and the manufacturing systems needed to produce them consistently. As cell therapies move from research towards clinical use, the reliability of every raw material used in production becomes increasingly important.
AuctuCel Pte Ltd, a Singapore biotechnology company specialising in AI-powered bioprocess technologies, today announced the launch of AuctuPrime, a next-generation chemically defined cell culture medium developed in collaboration with Sperikon. The formulation is designed to remove dependence on both animal serum and donor-derived human platelet supplements during cell therapy manufacturing.
The launch comes as both markets continue to deepen their advanced therapy ecosystems. The Singapore Economic Development Board reported that the country saw a fourfold increase in locally incorporated biotechnology companies since 2015. In Malaysia, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency issued updated cell and gene therapy product guidance in September 2025, including revised Good Manufacturing Practice requirements. As more research moves towards clinical translation, the reliability and traceability of manufacturing inputs are receiving greater attention.
A less visible bottleneck in cell therapy
Cell therapies are advancing across cancer, autoimmune disease and regenerative medicine, but manufacturing remains one of the major barriers to wider clinical and commercial adoption. Many conventional culture processes still use animal serum or platelet-derived supplements from human donors. These biological materials can vary between batches and may introduce additional sourcing, testing and documentation requirements.
AuctuPrime replaces these supplements with a fully chemically defined formulation. By giving researchers and manufacturers clearer control over what enters the process, it is intended to provide a more reproducible foundation for scale-up from laboratory research to clinical and commercial manufacturing.
The formulation is designed to support:
* Elimination of animal serum and human platelet supplements
* Reduced batch-to-batch variability in the culture process
* Lower dependence on donor-derived biological raw materials
* Greater supply chain resilience through chemically defined inputs
* More consistent scale-up and technology transfer across manufacturing stages
* A xeno-free approach for regenerative medicine and cell therapy workflowsWhy the manufacturing medium matters to patients
“Culture medium is not the therapy itself, but it can influence how reliably cells are produced. By removing animal serum and human platelet supplements, AuctuPrime gives researchers and manufacturers greater control over the process, helping to reduce variability and prepare for larger-scale production.” said Dr Zach Pang, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of AuctuCel.
Supporting Singapore’s advanced therapy ecosystem
Singapore is strengthening its position as a regional hub for advanced therapies, supported by its universities, hospitals, research institutions and biotechnology companies. These organisations are building capabilities that connect early-stage research with regulated manufacturing and future clinical applications. Chemically defined media can support this progress by reducing reliance on variable biological inputs and enabling processes to be reproduced more consistently across local research and manufacturing facilities.
“Singapore’s continued progress in regenerative medicine will depend not only on scientific breakthroughs, but also on the ability to manufacture therapies safely, consistently and at scale. AuctuPrime represents an important step towards building a more reproducible manufacturing platform and can support local research and industry teams as they prepare for future clinical and commercial demand,” said Dr Chee Wai Fhu, Chief Executive Officer of AuctuCel.
For the wider region, stronger manufacturing foundations also matter for healthcare resilience. Cell therapies are complex products with demanding quality requirements, and the ability to manufacture them consistently will shape how quickly promising research can progress towards clinical use.
“The future of regenerative medicine depends not only on scientific breakthroughs, but on our ability to manufacture these therapies safely, consistently and at scale,” said Dr Chee Wai Fhu, Chief Executive Officer of AuctuCel. “AuctuPrime is an important step towards a more reproducible manufacturing platform. By removing dependence on animal serum and human platelet supplements, we hope to help researchers and manufacturers build processes that are better prepared for future clinical and commercial demand.”
Regional collaboration behind the launch
AuctuPrime was developed through a collaboration between AuctuCel and Sperikon, combining AuctuCel’s bioprocess and culture media expertise with Sperikon’s experience in regenerative medicine and cell therapy development.
Behind every cell therapy breakthrough is a production process that must work repeatedly, not only once. Improving that process is one of the practical steps needed to bring the next generation of therapies closer to the patients who may benefit from them.
Notes to editors
A chemically defined medium is a formulation in which the components and their concentrations are known and controlled. In this context, xeno-free means the formulation does not rely on animal-derived materials. AuctuPrime is a manufacturing input used during cell culture and is not itself a cell therapy product.
Hashtag: #AuctuCel
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AuctuCel is a Singapore-based biotechnology company spun out of A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute. The company develops AI-powered bioprocess technologies and ready-to-use culture media solutions that help biotechnology and cell therapy companies improve manufacturing consistency, productivity and scalability. By combining advanced modelling, scientific expertise and bioprocess innovation, AuctuCel supports the translation of research into commercially viable biomanufacturing. The company has active operations and partnerships across Singapore, Malaysia and the wider Asian region.
Sperikon is a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine, cell culture technologies and translational research. The company works with academic institutions and industry partners to develop scalable solutions that support the clinical and commercial adoption of advanced cell therapies. Through its collaboration with AuctuCel, Sperikon contributes to the development of next-generation chemically defined manufacturing platforms.
Greenlogue/AP A UAE-led multinational operation has arrested 839 suspects and seized assets linked to environmental offences worth more than $280 million across the Amazon Basin, sharply expanding cross-border enforcement against illegal mining, logging and wildlife trafficking. Operation Green Shield 2026 brought together law enforcement agencies from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, with organisational leadership and coordination provided by the UAE through the International Initiative of Law […]
By Nitya Chakraborty Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emerged as a clear winner at the end of his crucial talks with the U.S. envoy for South Asia Sergio Gor last week as he was able to extract maximum concessions from the U.S. team on big investments in his country to help the struggling economy as […]
The article Bangladesh Is A Clear Winner In U.S.- China Diplomatic Battle Over Its Loyalty appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Officials are expected to question the Facebook and Instagram parent over the handling of child sexual exploitative and abuse material, including allegations that paid advertisements on Instagram promoted access to illegal content. The discussions on August 5 and 6 will also examine the spread of AI-generated material and safeguards governing prominent verified accounts.
Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S Krishnan confirmed that the issues would be raised during the global team’s visit. The meeting marks a widening of the government’s engagement with Meta beyond an earlier dispute involving the temporary restriction of a Facebook post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The post was briefly limited by Facebook’s automated systems before being restored. Meta apologised for the action, but officials have sought a fuller explanation of how the decision was made and whether algorithmic processes can incorrectly restrict authentic material posted by verified public figures.
The government is expected to ask for technical details about Meta’s moderation architecture, escalation procedures and human-review mechanisms. A technical representative from Instagram has also been sought, reflecting demands for clarity on how advertisements, recommendations and account-level enforcement decisions are assessed.
Concerns over child abuse material intensified after allegations that advertisements on Instagram directed users towards outside channels offering exploitative content. The government subsequently issued a notice seeking information on Meta’s preventive systems, the removal of offending advertisements and action taken against the accounts behind them.
Meta has said it maintains zero tolerance for child exploitation and uses artificial intelligence, behavioural signals and automated detection systems to identify suspicious activity. The company said it removed more than four million suspicious accounts worldwide last year and 160,000 accounts in the country during a six-month period.
It also reported removing 36 million pieces of content linked to child exploitation through automated systems. Meta has argued that several advertisements and accounts connected to the allegations had already been disabled before the matter was brought to its attention, with further action taken after an internal investigation.
Officials are likely to examine whether those measures were fast and comprehensive enough, particularly when paid advertising systems are involved. The appearance of prohibited promotions raises questions about how advertisers pass automated checks, whether commercial incentives weaken enforcement and how recommendation systems may amplify harmful networks.
The talks are also expected to cover generative AI and synthetic media. Revised intermediary rules that took effect in February strengthened duties concerning AI-generated audio, video and images. The framework requires platforms to take reasonable technical measures against unlawful synthetic material and provide prominent labelling or identifiers for permissible AI-generated content.
Those requirements have gained importance as generative tools make it easier to produce convincing impersonations, deceptive political material and synthetic sexual imagery. Child-protection specialists have warned that AI-generated abuse material can revictimise survivors, imitate identifiable children and overwhelm investigators attempting to distinguish synthetic files from evidence of physical offences.
Government representatives are expected to seek assurances that Meta’s AI systems can recognise prohibited synthetic material without indiscriminately restricting lawful content. The challenge is particularly significant for platforms operating at national scale, where automated moderation must interpret multiple languages, dialects, cultural contexts and political references.
The temporary restriction of Modi’s post has placed algorithmic accountability at the centre of the dispute. Officials want to establish whether Meta’s systems treated authentic political communication as manipulated material and what safeguards exist to prevent similar errors involving constitutional authorities, verified journalists or public institutions.
Meta faces a parallel challenge in explaining how it balances automated enforcement with human oversight. Automated tools can act rapidly across billions of posts, but errors can become politically sensitive when they affect influential accounts. Excessive reliance on human review, however, can slow action against abusive content that spreads quickly.
The company’s representatives may also be questioned about the suspension or restriction of other prominent verified accounts and the availability of effective appeal channels. Authorities are seeking more predictable procedures, particularly where platform decisions may affect public communication, access to information or public order.
Siemens and Arizona State University have launched an online printed circuit board design programme aimed at expanding the pool of engineers and technicians capable of turning electronic concepts into production-ready hardware. The 40-hour, self-paced programme, titled “PCB Design Fundamentals: From Discovery to Production”, combines university instruction with practical training using Siemens’ Xpedition electronic design automation software. It is open to engineering students, working professionals, technicians and career […]
Flight AI2379 landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport after the disturbance during the cruise phase of its journey. Medical teams examined those affected after the aircraft reached the terminal, while airport personnel assisted passengers requiring wheelchairs or additional support.
Initial accounts indicated that about 12 to 14 people, including cabin crew, sustained injuries. Air India described the injuries as minor and said nobody was believed to be in a serious condition. A small number of passengers and employees were taken to the airport’s medical facility for precautionary assessment and care.
The airline said the aircraft experienced a brief turbulence-related event that caused a momentary change in altitude. It confirmed that everyone on board disembarked after the landing and that support was being provided to those affected.
Airport officials had ambulances and medical personnel ready when the flight arrived. Images from the terminal showed passengers receiving assistance, including people with bandages and others being moved in wheelchairs. The precise nature of all the injuries had not been disclosed.
Preliminary operational information suggested that the aircraft lost about 300 feet of altitude during the disturbance. The figure remained subject to confirmation through flight data and the formal examination of the event. The flight had been expected to arrive in Delhi at about 11.15am.
Some accounts placed the number of injured at 10 passengers and four crew members. Other reports cited a slightly lower total. The variation reflected early assessments made while passengers were still being examined and before a final medical count was available.
A passenger claimed that several people were thrown against cabin surfaces during the jolt and alleged that injuries included damage to an ear and a shoulder. Those claims had not been independently confirmed, while the airline maintained that no serious injuries had been identified.
The aircraft, identified in preliminary reports by the registration VT-EXO, was expected to undergo technical inspections following the incident. Such checks typically examine the airframe, cabin fittings and equipment after severe or unexpected turbulence, even when the aircraft lands normally and no structural damage is immediately visible.
Air India said it was cooperating with the relevant authorities. Aviation regulators are expected to review operational records, weather information, cockpit reports and data captured by the aircraft. Investigators may also examine whether seat-belt warnings were active and whether passengers and crew were secured when the turbulence struck.
Turbulence can develop when an aircraft passes through unstable air, thunderstorms, jet-stream boundaries or rapidly changing wind patterns. Clear-air turbulence is particularly difficult to detect because it can occur outside visible cloud formations and may not always be identified by conventional onboard weather radar.
The incident underlined the danger faced by passengers who remain unrestrained when an aircraft is cruising. Aviation safety guidance advises travellers to keep their seat belts fastened whenever seated, even when the warning sign is switched off, because sudden vertical movement can occur without enough time for the crew to issue an alert.
Cabin crew members face greater exposure because their duties require them to move through the aircraft during flight. Turbulence injuries frequently occur when employees are serving meals, securing equipment or helping passengers and cannot immediately reach their seats.
Airlines use forecasts, pilot reports and information shared between aircraft to avoid areas of known turbulence. Pilots may change altitude or alter course when conditions are detected ahead. However, rapidly developing air movements can still produce unexpected jolts, particularly during monsoon weather and near powerful convective systems.
Apache NiFi has released version 2.11.0 to address four vulnerabilities in its web application programming interface, including high-severity weaknesses that could exhaust server memory or allow users with limited permissions to manipulate sensitive configuration processes. The most broadly applicable flaw, tracked as CVE-2026-68981, affects NiFi versions 1.5.0 through 2.10.0. It stems from the way the platform processed gzip-compressed HTTP requests sent to its REST API. NiFi enforced […]
Revenue for the financial year ended March 2026 rose from nearly $9 billion a year earlier, driven mainly by demand for iPhones, Mac computers and services. The increase came as Apple widened its company-owned retail network, expanded financing options and deepened distribution beyond the largest metropolitan centres.
The performance marks a sharp acceleration from the roughly $8 billion recorded in the year ended March 2024. It also underlines Apple’s ability to gain ground in a price-sensitive market where devices using Google’s Android operating system account for the overwhelming majority of smartphone sales.
The iPhone remained Apple’s largest source of revenue in the country. Sales were supported by premiumisation in the smartphone market, trade-in programmes and instalment plans that reduced the upfront cost of devices. Older iPhone models also continued to attract buyers after price reductions following new product launches.
Apple does not disclose country-level sales in its global financial statements. The India figure reflects sales booked through its local operation and may include products distributed through company stores, online channels, authorised resellers and large electronics chains.
The company now operates six physical stores across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and Noida. Its latest outlet opened in Borivali, Mumbai, in February, adding to Apple BKC, Apple Saket, Apple Hebbal, Apple Koregaon Park and Apple Noida.
Further retail expansion is being prepared, including another store in Bengaluru. Apple has also been recruiting specialists, technical staff and customer-support employees for multiple locations, indicating that its direct-sales presence will continue to grow.
Company-owned stores offer Apple greater control over pricing, product presentation and after-sales support. They also provide space for training sessions, product demonstrations and technical services, helping the group build customer loyalty in a market where many purchases have traditionally been made through third-party retailers.
The Apple Store online, launched in 2020, remains an important part of the company’s strategy. It allows customers across the country to access trade-ins, custom Mac configurations, education pricing and direct delivery, including in cities without a physical Apple outlet.
Apple’s sales expansion has coincided with a substantial increase in local manufacturing. Contract manufacturers Foxconn and Tata Electronics have raised iPhone assembly capacity, while suppliers are expanding component operations to support a broader production ecosystem.
The country is expected to account for about a quarter of global iPhone production during 2026. Apple has also been working to supply a larger share of devices sold in the United States from factories operated by its partners in the country, reducing dependence on China.
The manufacturing network includes operations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with further investment planned in assembly, enclosures, display components and semiconductor-related infrastructure. The expansion is being supported by production incentives and proposed tax concessions for foreign companies supplying equipment to contract manufacturers.
Authorities have proposed extending exemptions covering machinery provided to electronics producers until 2041. The measures are designed to reduce tax uncertainty for global suppliers and encourage longer-term investment in mobile phones, laptops, tablets and wearable devices.
Local production has helped Apple avoid some import duties and improve product availability. However, the company still relies heavily on components sourced from abroad, and manufacturing costs can remain higher than in China because of logistics, tariffs and a less developed supplier base.
India delivered another record quarter for Apple during the three months ended June. Mac sales reached an all-time high in the country, while demand for iPhones and other devices continued to expand.
Globally, Apple reported revenue of $109.42 billion for its fiscal third quarter, up 16 per cent from a year earlier. iPhone revenue climbed 22 per cent to $54.25 billion, while Mac revenue advanced 29 per cent to $10.35 billion.
Despite its growth, Apple remains a relatively small player by unit volume in the country’s smartphone market. Its share is considerably stronger in the premium category, where consumers are showing greater willingness to spend on high-end devices, financing plans and connected services.
Microsoft has warned travellers and organisations about a Russian state-linked cyberespionage campaign that manipulates hotel and venue Wi-Fi networks to steal credentials, compromise cloud accounts and install surveillance malware. The operation, named CaptiveCrunch, has been active since early May and is attributed to Storm-2945, an operational subgroup of Midnight Blizzard. The wider hacking organisation, also known as APT29 and Cozy Bear, has been linked by the United […]
A tracked firefighting robot developed at Northeastern University is using liquid nitrogen to extinguish small fires, offering a potential new tool for containing wildfire hotspots before they grow beyond firefighters’ control. The prototype sprays the cryogenic liquid directly on burning vegetation. Liquid nitrogen rapidly vaporises when exposed to heat, cooling the fuel while displacing oxygen around the flames. Laboratory tests have shown that the combined effect can […]
Dubai Chamber of Commerce has supported Techies Infotech’s expansion into South Africa, enabling the Dubai-headquartered technology company to establish operations in Johannesburg and Cape Town as part of a wider push into African markets. Techies Infotech registered a local company, opened its South African head office in Johannesburg and established an engineering and technology delivery centre in Cape Town. The expansion followed the company’s participation in a […]
UAE stargazers are preparing for one of the year’s strongest meteor displays as the Perseid shower peaks overnight on August 12 and 13, with moonless skies expected to improve visibility across desert and mountain locations. The annual shower could produce dozens of visible meteors an hour under clear, dark conditions. Observers are likely to get the best views after midnight and before dawn on August 13, when […]
From Thailand–Canada Collaboration to Industrial-Scale Deployment
TCMA announced progress in its strategic Thailand–Canada partnership under the project “Decarbonization of the Cement and Concrete Sectors in Thailand.” As part of the initiative, a Mobile Carbon Capture Unit (MCCU) has been deployed in Thailand for the first time to test the technology’s performance in real industrial conditions within the cement sector.
The deployment of the MCCU marks a significant step in strengthening technological readiness for carbon capture—one of the key solutions for high-emission industries such as cement—while supporting the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA and President of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM), stated that the project reflects Thailand’s strong commitment to driving industry toward Net Zero through international collaboration. TCMA serves as a central platform linking industry, government, academia, and global organizations to develop practical carbon reduction solutions.
“The transition to Net Zero for hard-to-abate sectors such as cement cannot be achieved in isolation. It requires policy support from the government, as well as international collaboration in technology, finance, and knowledge transfer to accelerate real-world implementation,” Dr. Chana said.
Connecting Technology and Investment Through Global Collaboration
The project is funded by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) serving as the implementing agency. The initiative aims to develop a technology and innovation ecosystem for decarbonizing Thailand’s cement and concrete industries.
Ms. Richelle Bourgouin, Deputy Minister of Trade and Export Development, Saskatchewan, Canada, noted that the collaboration highlights the power of integrating knowledge, technology, and innovation to support the transition toward a low-carbon economy.
“This partnership also opens opportunities to connect expertise in clean technology, research, and innovation between the two countries, enabling the development of practical solutions and fostering future trade and investment cooperation in Thailand and across ASEAN,” Ms. Richelle said.
A key outcome of the project is the deployment of the MCCU, developed by the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRI) at the University of Regina, Canada. The unit will be tested in Thailand to evaluate its performance and applicability within the Thai cement industry.
“Saraburi Sandbox”: A PPP Model for Accelerating Low-Carbon Industry
Under the project, TCMA is collaborating with Chulalongkorn University to study and transfer knowledge on carbon capture technology while building human capacity. The MCCU will be rotated across cement plants operated by TCMA member companies in Saraburi province to test performance, collect technical data, and assess future investment pathways.
The “Saraburi Sandbox” serves as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) platform, bringing together government, industry, academia, and international partners to pilot and scale carbon reduction technologies, while establishing investment models for a low-carbon economy.
The area is being developed as a prototype low-carbon city, integrating technology, infrastructure, standards, and investment frameworks to support Thailand’s long-term industrial transition.
Accelerating Readiness for a Low-Carbon Future
Dr. Chana emphasized that deploying the MCCU in Thailand represents an important step in enhancing technological and knowledge readiness, particularly in carbon capture technologies that are essential for industries facing significant decarbonization challenges.
Preparation must begin today, as the transition to Net Zero requires time for technological development, workforce readiness, and infrastructure buildout, alongside appropriate support mechanisms. This is especially important as global carbon measures—such as carbon pricing and emissions trading systems (ETS)—become increasingly stringent.
“The success of decarbonizing the cement industry depends on collaboration across all sectors to create an enabling ecosystem for investment and to accelerate the adoption of technologies at scale,” Dr. Chana said.
TCMA’s efforts not only reflect the Thai cement industry’s commitment to translating decarbonization plans into action, but also reinforce the importance of Thailand–Canada collaboration in advancing clean technologies and innovation in the industrial sector. This includes knowledge transfer, technology development, and expanding future investment partnerships.
This collaboration represents a key mechanism in laying the foundation for Thailand’s cement industry to remain competitive in a low-carbon economy, while accelerating progress toward Net Zero 2050 and strengthening Thailand’s role as a regional model for low-carbon industrial development in ASEAN.
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Amazon’s market value crossed $3 trillion for the first time on Monday as accelerating cloud revenue and artificial intelligence demand pushed its shares to a record high. The stock gained about 5% to trade near $285 in New York, valuing the ecommerce and cloud-computing group at roughly $3.08 trillion. The advance extended Amazon’s gain for 2026 to more than 23% and placed it among a small group […]
A newly identified malware operation has used a counterfeit Python component to bypass security scrutiny, disable parts of Microsoft Defender and establish persistent remote access inside a law firm’s network. The intrusion compromised two endpoints after employees received spear-phishing emails directing them to an encrypted archive hosted on the Mega file-sharing service. The archive contained a malicious Windows shortcut named “Case Documents”, designed to resemble material connected […]
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