OpenAI’s advanced artificial intelligence agents created hidden communication channels inside the company’s testing infrastructure, sharing discoveries and attack techniques for months before models breached Hugging Face’s production systems. Researchers disclosed at the Black Hat cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas that independently launched agents had used a software repository connected to OpenAI’s cyber-testing sandbox as an improvised message board. The system allowed separate model runs to leave information, […]
Google is concentrating more of its artificial intelligence leadership and development work at its Mountain View headquarters as it seeks faster decisions, tighter product integration and a stronger response to Anthropic and OpenAI. The shift places Koray Kavukcuoglu, Alphabet’s chief AI architect, at the centre of the company’s effort to turn advanced research into widely used products. Kavukcuoglu has moved full-time from London to California after previously […]
Ransomware operators are using Ethereum smart contracts to conceal command-and-control addresses, giving malware a resilient way to locate attacker-controlled servers even after defenders block known domains. The technique has been linked to an affiliate of The Gentlemen ransomware operation, which deployed a Node. js backdoor known as EtherRAT during intrusions targeting Windows networks. Instead of storing a fixed command server inside the malware, EtherRAT reads a smart […]
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has rejected a report that the military has exhausted nearly 80 per cent of its principal high-altitude missile interceptors during the war with Iran, insisting that American forces retain the weapons required to sustain operations. Hegseth described the account as untrue after CNN reported that the Pentagon had used almost four-fifths of the interceptor inventory for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense […]
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will open to the public on 11 December 2026, bringing one of the world’s longest-awaited cultural projects to Saadiyat Island after two decades of planning, redesigns and construction delays. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi confirmed the date as preparations accelerate for the launch of the largest museum in the Guggenheim network. The institution will focus on global modern and contemporary […]
Chainlink’s LINK token is being withdrawn from centralised cryptocurrency exchanges at its fastest pace in more than a month, signalling that a growing number of holders may be moving assets into private wallets rather than preparing to sell them. About 1.26 million LINK left known exchange addresses during the 24 hours to August 4, the largest daily net outflow since June 29. The transfer was worth roughly […]
Chinese optical-component shares fell sharply on Wednesday after reports that Washington is preparing restrictions on data-centre equipment from China, raising fresh concerns over access to the world’s largest artificial intelligence infrastructure market.
Zhongji Innolight dropped about 10% in both Shanghai and Hong Kong, while Eoptolink Technology also lost 10%. Suzhou TFC Optical Communication declined roughly 6%. The CSI 300 Telecommunication Services Index fell as much as 9% during early trading before trimming some losses.
The sell-off followed disclosures that the administration of US President Donald Trump is drafting a measure that would bar imports of new Chinese optical transceiver models on national security grounds. The Federal Communications Commission is working on the proposed restrictions and is seeking to publish them before the end of the year.
No final decision has been announced, and the proposed rules could be altered, delayed or abandoned. Neither the White House nor the FCC has publicly detailed the measure.
Optical transceivers are essential components in modern data centres. They convert electrical signals into light and allow vast volumes of information to move at high speed through fibre-optic cables connecting servers, switches and computing clusters.
Demand for the devices has surged as technology groups build larger facilities for training and operating artificial intelligence models. These systems require thousands of advanced processors to communicate rapidly, making optical networking a critical part of the AI supply chain.
Chinese manufacturers have secured a substantial position in the global market by combining high-volume production with competitive pricing. Zhongji Innolight holds an estimated 27% share of the global data-centre transceiver market and is among the leading suppliers of high-speed products used in AI computing systems.
The company derived 62% of its revenue from the United States during the first quarter of 2026. It has previously warned that an escalation in trade tensions could produce a steep decline in earnings or lead to losses.
Eoptolink is similarly exposed, generating about 96% of its sales from overseas markets. TFC Optical also depends heavily on foreign customers, leaving all three companies vulnerable to any restriction affecting shipments to US cloud-computing operators.
The proposed action would mark a further expansion of Washington’s technology controls. Earlier measures concentrated mainly on preventing China from acquiring advanced semiconductors, chipmaking equipment and other technologies with potential military applications.
US policy is now extending towards limiting Chinese companies’ access to the domestic market. The FCC has already imposed or prepared restrictions covering telecommunications equipment, drones, routers, connected power inverters and advanced robots.
Under the plan being considered, the agency could initially prohibit imports of all new optical transceiver models and then grant exemptions to suppliers outside China. Existing devices may remain unaffected, although the scope of any final regulation has yet to be established.
US officials are concerned that foreign-made components embedded in data centres could enable data theft, malware installation or service disruption. Supporters of tighter controls argue that Washington should act before Chinese equipment becomes deeply integrated into critical AI infrastructure.
The approach reflects lessons drawn from Huawei, whose telecommunications equipment became widely installed before security restrictions were introduced. Removing or replacing those systems proved costly and complicated for network operators.
A ban would also create challenges for US cloud-computing companies. Amazon Web Services and other operators may have to shift orders to suppliers such as Coherent and Lumentum, potentially increasing procurement costs and slowing the expansion of data-centre capacity.
Shares of US optical-networking companies rose after details of the proposal emerged. Lumentum gained about 7%, Coherent climbed 11% and Applied Optoelectronics advanced 18%, as investors anticipated greater demand for non-Chinese products.
Industry specialists have cautioned that US suppliers may lack the manufacturing scale required to replace Chinese vendors quickly. Any abrupt change could tighten global supplies of high-speed transceivers at a time when technology groups are spending heavily on AI infrastructure.
Some market analysts also viewed Wednesday’s declines as excessive. They said the proposal could serve as a negotiating tool before an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States in September.
Trade relations remain shaped by mutual dependence. Washington relies on China for rare-earth minerals used in electronics and optical systems, while Chinese technology companies depend on US customers, processors and specialised equipment.
The UAE’s non-oil private sector expanded at its strongest pace in four months during July, supported by a revival in customer demand, improving exports and smoother regional trade flows. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 52.7 from 50.8 in June, moving further above the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction. The increase marked a sharp recovery from June, when business conditions […]
Qatar said mediators were making progress towards ending the war between the United States and Iran, but an attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz exposed the fragility of the diplomatic effort and renewed concerns over energy supplies. Doha’s assessment followed contacts involving Qatar, Oman and Pakistan, which have been working to move Washington and Tehran towards formal negotiations. The initiative has focused on […]
Apple has opened an internal lottery for United States retail employees to help manage its September product unveiling, signalling that preparations are advancing for the company’s most important hardware event of the year. The programme will bring selected store workers to Apple Park in Cupertino, California, where they will assist with the in-person gathering expected during the first half of September. Their duties will include organising queues, […]
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 […]
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2026 – The World Council on City Data (WCCD) has officially awarded Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio the InterimCustom ISO 37122Smart CityCertification. This milestone marks another significant step in Vinhomes Green Paradise’s journey toward becoming the first mega urban development in Vietnam to achieve an internationally recognized smart city certification, setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban development on a global scale.
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.
About Vinhomes
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.
About the World Council on City Data (WCCD):
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]
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 […]
Chemically defined medium removes animal serum and human platelet supplements as Malaysia and Singapore strengthen advanced therapy capabilities
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.
About AuctuCel
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.
About Sperikon
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.
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 government has summoned Meta’s global team for two days of talks beginning on August 5, expanding its scrutiny of the technology company to child safety, artificial intelligence, account restrictions and content moderation.
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 […]
Several passengers and crew members were injured after an Air India flight from Phuket encountered turbulence and abruptly changed altitude while travelling to Delhi on Tuesday.
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.
Apple’s annual sales in India surpassed $10 billion for the first time, strengthening the country’s position as one of the technology group’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
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 […]
