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By Nitya Chakraborty In the neighbouring Bangladesh, the political developments take unpredictable course many times, but the latest alliance between the NCP, the party of the students body which led the July Revolution and the fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami, has shocked the progressive forces who supported the uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina […]

The article Khaleda Zia’s Death Is Helping BNP In February 12 Polls Through Sympathy Wave appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Riyadh Zoo has positioned itself as a family-centred destination within Riyadh Season 2025, offering child-focused environments designed around safety, comfort and controlled engagement with wildlife, according to official details released at the start of the year. The attraction, one of the season’s designated zones, is being presented as a model for how large-scale entertainment events in the capital are adapting to the needs of families with young children.

The zoo’s layout has been organised to prioritise safe movement and visibility, with dedicated pathways that reduce congestion and limit close contact points. Low-height viewing areas have been built to allow children clear sightlines to animals without the need for lifting or crowding, a feature aimed at reducing accidents while improving the overall experience. These design choices form part of a broader emphasis on balancing entertainment with parental reassurance.

Family seating areas are distributed throughout the zone, providing spaces for rest and supervision while maintaining visual access to enclosures. Organisers say this approach allows families to remain engaged without feeling overwhelmed by noise or foot traffic, an issue that has challenged other high-density attractions during the season. The emphasis on controlled flow and defined activity zones reflects planning standards that have been applied across several Riyadh Season venues.

Riyadh Zoo’s children’s facilities include interactive learning areas intended to introduce younger visitors to animal behaviour and conservation in an age-appropriate format. Educational elements are integrated into play-based experiences, with staff trained to manage group sizes and maintain clear boundaries between visitors and animals. This structure is designed to minimise stress for both children and wildlife while encouraging curiosity and awareness.

Safety protocols extend beyond physical design. Organisers have highlighted strict operational standards, including routine checks of barriers, continuous monitoring of visitor movement and the presence of trained personnel in high-traffic areas. Emergency response procedures have been aligned with wider Riyadh Season safety frameworks, ensuring coordination with medical and security teams operating across the city’s entertainment zones.

The focus on child-friendly environments aligns with Riyadh Season’s stated objective of expanding family-oriented destinations as part of the capital’s cultural and leisure transformation. Over successive editions, the festival has broadened its appeal beyond concerts and sporting events to include attractions that cater to younger audiences, reflecting demographic demand and changing leisure habits within the Kingdom.

Urban planners and event management specialists note that such initiatives also serve a longer-term purpose. By embedding safety-first design principles into popular venues, organisers can set benchmarks for future projects, particularly those involving children. The Riyadh Zoo model demonstrates how entertainment infrastructure can be adapted to local expectations while meeting international standards for visitor welfare.

Riyadh Season 2025 has placed increased emphasis on organisation and crowd management following feedback from earlier editions, when high attendance at certain zones led to congestion. The zoo’s structured layout and controlled entry points are intended to mitigate those risks, offering a calmer environment compared with more high-energy attractions elsewhere in the season.

Parents visiting the zoo have highlighted the value of clearly marked routes and viewing points that allow children to engage independently within defined limits. This approach reduces reliance on physical barriers alone, instead combining design, supervision and education to create a safer setting. For organisers, the challenge has been to preserve a sense of exploration while maintaining order, particularly during peak attendance periods.

The zoo’s role within Riyadh Season also reflects broader investment in leisure infrastructure as part of national diversification efforts. Family-oriented attractions are increasingly viewed as essential to building a sustainable entertainment economy, encouraging repeat visits and longer dwell times while appealing to residents and visitors alike.

Plans to turn India into a major semiconductor manufacturing hub are moving from policy to execution, with four companies scheduled to begin chip production during 2026 and the government setting its sights on becoming one of the world’s leading producers by 2035. The transition marks a decisive phase for a country long dependent on imported chips but now seeking to embed itself in global electronics supply chains amid geopolitical realignments and rising demand for secure manufacturing bases.

The most advanced of the announced projects is the large-scale fabrication facility planned at Dholera in Gujarat, a joint venture between Tata Electronics and Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. The plant, cleared with government backing and financial incentives under the Semiconductor Mission, is designed to manufacture mature-node chips used in automobiles, power electronics, consumer devices and industrial equipment. Construction work has progressed through 2025, with commercial production targeted to start the following year, according to timelines shared with policymakers and industry partners.

Alongside the Dholera fab, three other facilities are slated to commence output in 2026, primarily in the assembly, testing, marking and packaging segment. Micron Technology’s ATMP plant at Sanand in Gujarat is expected to be the first major operational unit, focusing on memory products for global markets. Two domestic groups, Tata Electronics and Kaynes Semicon, are also developing advanced packaging facilities, while CG Power, in partnership with Japan’s Renesas Electronics and Thailand’s Stars Microelectronics, is setting up an outsourced semiconductor assembly and test unit in Gujarat. Together, these projects are intended to establish a foundational ecosystem rather than a single flagship plant.

Government officials argue that the emphasis on both fabrication and packaging reflects a deliberate strategy. While advanced-node fabs require decades of experience and heavy capital, mature-node manufacturing and packaging are seen as realistic entry points that align with India’s strengths in engineering talent, scale and cost efficiency. Officials involved in the programme say the objective is to capture value across the semiconductor chain while gradually building capabilities for more complex processes.

Public funding has played a central role. Under the incentive framework, the central government is offering support covering up to half the project cost for approved semiconductor and display manufacturing units, with additional incentives from host states. The total committed investment across approved projects runs into tens of billions of dollars, according to official estimates, making it one of the most capital-intensive industrial initiatives undertaken in the country.

Industry analysts note that the timing coincides with a global rethinking of chip supply chains. Disruptions during the pandemic years, coupled with trade and technology tensions, prompted governments and companies to seek diversified manufacturing locations. India’s pitch combines policy stability, a large domestic electronics market and strategic partnerships with established chipmakers. Executives at electronics firms say the presence of local chip production could shorten supply chains and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

Challenges remain substantial. Semiconductor manufacturing demands ultra-reliable power, water and logistics, as well as a deep supplier base for chemicals, gases and equipment. Skills development is another constraint. While India produces large numbers of engineers, chip fabrication requires specialised expertise built through years of hands-on experience. To address this, training collaborations with overseas partners and academic institutions have been initiated, and several universities have launched semiconductor-focused programmes.

There is also scepticism about the 2035 ambition. Market researchers point out that becoming a “top” producer can be defined in different ways, whether by volume, value or technological sophistication. Countries such as Taiwan, South Korea and the United States dominate advanced-node manufacturing, while China has invested heavily across the value chain. India’s near-term projects focus on mature technologies, which serve vast markets but command lower margins. Supporters counter that demand for such chips is set to remain strong due to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and industrial automation.

Abu Dhabi Police have renewed warnings to motorists to maintain full attention at intersections and traffic signals, underscoring that brief lapses in concentration continue to rank among the leading causes of serious collisions on city roads. The force has emphasised that violations linked to distracted driving can trigger vehicle impoundment and an impoundment release fee reaching AED50,000, one of the toughest deterrents in the country’s traffic regime.

The advisory from Abu Dhabi Police highlights a pattern seen in crash investigations where drivers divert their eyes for seconds—often to mobile phones, dashboard screens or conversations—while approaching junctions. Officers say such moments are enough to miss a changing signal, fail to yield, or overlook pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Traffic and patrol officials note that intersections concentrate multiple risk factors: converging traffic streams, turning movements, pedestrian crossings and variable signal phases. A single distracted driver can therefore set off chain reactions involving several vehicles. Data reviewed by the force indicates that side-impact crashes at junctions account for a disproportionate share of severe injuries, reflecting the limited protection offered by vehicle sides compared with frontal impacts.

Under Abu Dhabi’s traffic law framework, distractions that contribute to dangerous driving are treated as high-risk offences. Police can impound vehicles involved in serious violations, with release subject to a fee of up to AED50,000 depending on the offence category and circumstances. The penalty is intended to reinforce behaviour change rather than operate as a revenue measure, officials say, pointing to parallel education and enforcement campaigns rolled out across the emirate.

The renewed messaging comes as vehicles become increasingly equipped with in-car technology. While advanced driver assistance systems are designed to enhance safety, police caution that overreliance on alerts, navigation screens or infotainment controls can create a false sense of security. Officers stress that such systems do not replace the driver’s responsibility to observe signals, mirrors and surrounding road users, especially at junctions where conditions change rapidly.

Road safety specialists working with authorities have also flagged a rise in “cognitive distraction,” where drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes forward but are mentally disengaged due to phone conversations or stress. Studies cited in safety briefings show reaction times can degrade significantly under cognitive load, reducing a driver’s ability to respond to a pedestrian stepping off the kerb or a vehicle braking suddenly.

Police patrols have intensified monitoring at high-risk intersections identified through collision mapping. These locations are selected based on traffic volume, past incident severity and proximity to schools, commercial centres and residential zones. Enforcement includes automated systems and on-ground patrols, with officers authorised to intervene immediately where behaviour poses imminent danger.

Public awareness efforts accompanying the enforcement push focus on practical guidance: slowing on approach to signals, scanning crosswalks even when the light is green, avoiding phone use entirely while driving, and anticipating red-light runners. Motorists are also reminded that penalties escalate when violations lead to injury or damage, extending beyond fines to black points, impoundment and potential court proceedings.

Transport planners in Abu Dhabi say engineering upgrades continue alongside enforcement, including improved signal timing, clearer lane markings and enhanced pedestrian phases at busy crossings. These measures aim to reduce conflict points, but officials emphasise that infrastructure cannot compensate for inattention behind the wheel.

Global charging technology brand CUKTECH has launched its first desktop super-fast charging station in Vietnam, marking a strategic push into Southeast Asia’s fast-growing market for high-power, multi-device charging solutions aimed at professionals and power users.

The CUKTECH 30 Ultra Charging Station enters a segment shaped by the rapid proliferation of laptops, tablets, cameras and high-capacity smartphones that increasingly demand desktop-class power delivery. The company said the device is designed for users who run several devices simultaneously, including content creators, developers and technology enthusiasts seeking a single hub that replaces multiple chargers without compromising speed or safety.

At the centre of the product is an ultra-high power output architecture capable of delivering fast charging across several ports at once, supported by intelligent power allocation that prioritises devices based on real-time demand. The station features a visual interaction interface that displays charging status, wattage distribution and thermal conditions, a move intended to give users greater control and transparency over how power is being delivered during intensive workloads.

Vietnam has emerged as a focal point for consumer electronics launches, driven by rising disposable incomes, a young digital-first population and the country’s growing role as a manufacturing and innovation hub. By choosing Vietnam for its first desktop charging station rollout, CUKTECH is signalling confidence in demand for premium accessories that support hybrid work, gaming and creative production environments.

Industry analysts note that desktop charging stations are evolving from simple multi-port adapters into intelligent power management devices. As laptops adopt higher-wattage USB-C standards and smartphones push faster charging thresholds, manufacturers are racing to balance speed with safety, heat control and long-term battery health. Products that fail to manage thermal loads or power negotiation effectively risk damaging devices or underperforming under sustained use.

CUKTECH’s 30 Ultra addresses these concerns with built-in safety systems that monitor temperature, voltage and current in real time, automatically adjusting output to protect connected devices. The company has highlighted compliance with international charging protocols, allowing the station to work across a wide range of brands and operating systems without proprietary lock-ins.

The launch also reflects intensifying competition in the charging accessories market, where established players and newer brands are vying to differentiate through design, smart features and ecosystem compatibility. Desktop charging stations, once niche products, are now being positioned as essential tools for modern desks, particularly as remote and hybrid work setups become permanent fixtures for many professionals.

For content creators, the appeal lies in the ability to power cameras, laptops, tablets and phones from a single device while monitoring output visually, reducing cable clutter and downtime. For businesses and co-working spaces, such stations offer a shared charging solution that can support multiple high-demand devices without the need for wall-mounted adapters or extension cords.

CUKTECH’s expansion strategy has drawn attention due to its roots in advanced charging research and its association with broader consumer electronics supply chains in Asia. The company has previously focused on portable power banks and fast chargers, building a reputation for high-wattage products that cater to users with demanding power needs. Moving into desktop charging stations represents a natural extension of that portfolio, while also placing the brand in direct competition with premium accessory makers targeting professional users.

Vietnam’s technology retail landscape has become increasingly receptive to such launches, with consumers showing greater willingness to invest in quality peripherals that promise durability and performance. Retailers have reported strong interest in fast-charging solutions that can future-proof desks as device power requirements continue to climb.

Market observers also point to regulatory clarity around USB-C and fast-charging standards as a factor accelerating adoption. As devices converge on common charging protocols, consumers are more confident that a single high-end station can serve multiple generations of hardware, improving value over time.

Largest-ever Hong Kong Tech Pavilion features 3 Innovation Award-winning game-changers showcasing immense potential to scale

LAS VEGAS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 January 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will join hands in spearheading the largest-ever Hong Kong Tech Pavilion to the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 6-9 (Tue-Fri). The showcase features 61 tech companies in a dynamic mix of early-stage and mature companies in AI, robotics, healthtech, and sustainability, to signify Hong Kong’s fast-rising technology advancements and the ability to empower innovators in and out of the city to scale imagination to global impact.

Taking centre stage this year, Hong Kong Tech Pavilion stars with several CES Innovation Award winning solutions, as well as world-firsts, in a display of technology strength across the Eureka Park and Global Pavilion that includes companies less than five years old and more established ventures. Highlights include:

• Widemount Dynamics Tech: named Best of Innovation for Product in Support of Human Security for All, their Smart Firefighting Robot is designed to detect fires, navigate smoke-filled environments, provide real-time mapping, and determine the best extinguishing agent to minimize costs and risks for losses of life and asset.
• PointFit: honored under the Digital Health category, the PF-Sweat Patch is an ultra-thin wearable built with patented biomarkers tracking technology, it offers a non-invasive alternative with continuous monitoring of vitals and performance for athletes and wellbeing enthusiasts.
• Eieling Technology: honored under the Digital Health category, FattaLab® is the world’s first intelligence-driven compact fatty liver diagnostic device, delivering assessment results with medical-grade accuracy in just 30 seconds. The high level of convenience promotes early treatment to those who suffer from the disease, enabling immediate preventive care, and potentially boosts longevity.

Happenings such as announcement, product launches and briefings, and conversations to business-match at the Pavilions are lining up. That includes an introduction of GumAI, a smart oral healthcare solution developed by Dentomi, sharing more on the “Dentist coming in handy” approach; a demonstration of how DRESIO puts forth its “AI Physiotherapy for Everyone” solution; the launch of “wuBiee & wuBiee wrap” that moftBODY integrates neuroscience into smart textile onto daily shapewear, and more awaits at the Pavilions. Click here for the full line-up at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, and schedule your visit now.

In addition, a Hong Kong Tech Networking Reception will be held on Day 2, welcoming all interested parties to engage in conversations of potential partnerships, and explore on business opportunities with Hong Kong tech companies. Registration is now open with details of the Reception as follows:

• Date: 7 January 2026
• Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
• Venue: Mercato Della Pescheria, The Venetian

Appendix: List of 61 tech companies at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, including 47 within the HKSTP ecosystem (in alphabetical order)

Remarks:

• The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is located across Eureka Park (booth #63200, Hall G) and Global Pavilion (booth #50732, Hall A-D) at The Venetian Expo.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HKSTP

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

A five-day global phenomenon uniting world-class and Thai artists with eco-friendly fireworks—captivating millions and redefining Bangkok as a premier New Year countdown destination.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 January 2026 – ICONSIAM, the global landmark on the banks of Thailand’s legendary Chao Phraya River, once again captured the world’s attention with “Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026“, a five-day world-class New Year celebration held from 27–31 December 2025 at River Park, ICONSIAM. Presented under the theme “A GLOBAL PHENOMENAL CELEBRATION AT THE ICON UNRIVALED,” the event united forces across public and private sectors to deliver an extraordinary global countdown experience. The River Park area was transformed into The Largest Entertainment Arena, featuring non-stop performances by more than 200 leading Thai and international artists across five themed nights, including Pop Power, Dance Force, Rock Infinity, Star Harmony and Global Phenomenon Stage.

The five-day celebration attracted over 1.8 million visitors from Thailand and around the world, placing Bangkok alongside the world’s leading countdown cities and reaffirming ICONSIAM as one of the top global countdown destinations.

Worldwide Media Broadcast and Record-Breaking Digital Impact

The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 generated over 100 million online views across all platforms over five days, reflecting its immense global reach and cultural resonance. The official hashtag #AmazingThailandCountdown2026 ranked No.1 trending in Thailand across Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter), underscoring the event’s dominance in both live attendance and digital engagement.

The celebration was broadcast live and reported nationwide and worldwide across major television and online platforms such as CNN, BBC, AP, AFP, CNBC-TV18, Reuters, NBC News, ABC News, CCTV, Hunan TV, Jiangsu TV, and Phoenix TV, among others, allowing audiences across continents to share in Thailand’s most spectacular year-end moment.

Grand Opening Scene and World-Class Entertainment

The grand opening scene on the night of 31 December unfolded as a spectacular fusion of traditional Thai artistry and international performances, led by Miss World 2025, Suchata Chuangsri. The showcase celebrated the beauty of Thai art, music, and heritage while honoring Thailand’s enduring legacy. The night continued with a stellar lineup of world-class and iconic Thai artists, performing against the breathtaking backdrop of the Chao Phraya River.

Where the Best of Thailand Meets the Best of the World

The pinnacle of the celebration, “The Unrivaled Global Performance: Where the Best of Thailand Meets the Best of the World,” came to life through an exclusive collaboration created especially for ICONSIAM’s countdown stage. This historic performance united world-class artist Mark Tuan with iconic Thai artists Jeff Satur and Phrimaphaa Khornrojjanachawin in a powerful rendition of the royal composition “Still on My Mind (In the Eternal Heart),” marking a truly unforgettable moment on the countdown stage.

1,400 Meters of Eco-Friendly Fireworks Celebrating Legacy and Sustainability

The grand fireworks presentation continued the tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, whose grace lives eternally in the hearts of the Thai people. Directed by Okuchi Yoshimasa, an award-winning Japanese fireworks master, in collaboration with Thai creative teams, the display combined artistry, technology, and sustainability.

Crafted from Thai sticky rice, the eco-friendly fireworks produced vibrant colors with minimal smoke and environmental impact—reflecting ICONSIAM’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. The panoramic display was visible within an 8-kilometer radius, delivering a breathtaking visual experience across Bangkok’s skyline.

The Power of Partnerships Driving Global Success

The success of Amazing Thailand Countdown 2026 reflects the strength of collaboration across both public and private sectors. ICONSIAM received major support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, alongside leading private organizations, including Charoen Pokphand Group Company Limited, and many esteemed partners.

These collaborations underscore the power of public-private partnerships in elevating Thailand’s presence on the global stage and reinforcing the nation’s position as one of the world’s most distinguished New Year countdown destinations.

This historic performance ushered in 2026 with grandeur, emotion, and unforgettable memories—leaving a lasting impression on audiences around the world and reaffirming ICONSIAM as a must-visit global landmark. For more information and updates on upcoming events at ICONSIAM, please visit www.iconsiam.com

Hashtag: #ICONSIAM #AmazingThailandCountdown2025 #ICONSIAMCountdown2025

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.