A groundbreaking tele-ultrasound system developed by Norway’s University of Stavanger in collaboration with Equinor has been awarded the UAE’s $1 million Human Energy Health and Wellbeing Award at ADIPEC 2025. The portable ultrasound devices, linked via secure telemedicine software, enable nurses on offshore oil rigs to perform live scans under the real-time guidance of onshore radiologists. This innovation is already operational at five North Sea installations, with 40 nurses trained to conduct ultrasound examinations remotely. The technology has proven instrumental in making faster and safer medical decisions during emergencies, reducing unnecessary helicopter evacuations and identifying critical conditions promptly. Project lead Nina Hjertvikrem highlighted its impact, stating, “We can now look inside the body immediately and decide whether to manage the patient on-site or evacuate them.” The system’s success has also transformed the handling of respiratory and cardiac cases, offering precise diagnoses that were previously based on guesswork. Steven Wines, CEO of Prometheus Medical International and co-founder of the award, praised the project for its practical application in extreme environments. The Stavanger team plans to use the prize money to expand the program to other remote healthcare settings, including ambulances, ships, and rural clinics. The project exemplifies the award’s mission to recognize innovations that protect workers in challenging conditions. Additionally, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the UAE’s NMDC Group were honored for their contributions to employee health and wellbeing.
作者： admin
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Easier flight refunds, free cancellations: India’s DGCA proposes new ticket rules
In a significant move aimed at enhancing passenger rights and streamlining air travel processes, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed a series of transformative changes to air ticket refund and cancellation policies. The draft Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR), released on November 4, 2025, introduces measures designed to address long-standing grievances related to ticket refunds and cancellations.
One of the most notable proposals is the introduction of a 48-hour ‘look-in period’ post-booking, during which passengers can cancel or amend their tickets without incurring additional charges, except for the standard fare. However, this provision will not apply to flights departing within five days for domestic routes or 15 days for international routes when tickets are booked directly through airline websites.
The DGCA has also emphasized that the responsibility for processing refunds for tickets purchased via travel agents or portals will rest solely with the airlines, as these agents act as their representatives. Additionally, airlines are mandated to complete the refund process within 21 working days.
Other key proposals include waiving charges for name corrections made within 24 hours of booking and offering refunds or credit shells for cancellations due to medical emergencies. These changes come in response to widespread concerns over delays and complexities in air ticket refunds.
The DGCA has invited feedback from stakeholders on the draft CAR until November 30, 2025, marking a step toward more consumer-friendly aviation regulations in India.
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The Old Course at St. Andrews to undergo strategic enhancements for 2027 Open
The historic Old Course at St. Andrews, widely regarded as the birthplace of golf, is set to undergo a series of strategic enhancements in preparation for the 155th Open Championship in 2027. Established in 1552, this iconic links course has continually evolved over centuries, adapting to the demands of modern golf while preserving its rich heritage. The latest project, led by renowned golf course architects Mackenzie & Ebert, aims to refine the course’s challenges for elite players while restoring traditional features that enhance the experience for all golfers. Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, emphasized the project’s respect for the course’s unparalleled history, stating that the changes are designed to balance competitive rigor with historical authenticity. Key modifications include increasing the total yardage by 132 yards to 7,445 yards, restoring historic bunkers, and adjusting several holes to improve strategic play. The 16th hole, for instance, will see the restoration of its historic playing route and the addition of two bunkers to heighten risk. Despite these changes, the course’s signature challenges—wind, fast-running fairways, and iconic bunkers—will remain intact, ensuring it continues to test even the world’s best players. The Old Course has hosted The Open 30 times, most recently in 2022, when Cam Smith claimed victory with a score of 20 under par. While purists often debate the necessity of such enhancements, the project underscores the course’s enduring relevance in the modern game. As Rory McIlroy aptly noted, winning an Open at St. Andrews remains one of golf’s greatest achievements. The 2027 Open promises to be a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the timeless allure of this legendary course.
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Emotional Morrison claims Rolex title, Ritchie crowned HotelPlanner Tour Number One
The 2025 HotelPlanner Tour season concluded in dramatic fashion at the Rolex Grand Final, held at Club de Golf Alcanada in Mallorca, Spain. James Morrison, a seasoned golfer with two DP World Tour victories under his belt, delivered a stellar performance to claim the title. His rounds of 71, 67, 65, and 70 culminated in a 72-hole total of 273, securing a three-shot victory. This win not only marked a triumphant return to the DP World Tour for Morrison but also ensured his place among the top 20 players who earned their 2026 Tour cards.
Morrison’s emotional victory was underscored by his family’s presence, particularly his 13-year-old son Finley, who caddied for him throughout the week. Reflecting on his win, Morrison shared, ‘When I said this was going to be my last event, it really was going to be, 100 percent. This has completely messed that up. I’m glad the week is over.’ He credited the challenging conditions, including the wind, for playing to his advantage.
Meanwhile, JC Ritchie of South Africa was crowned the HotelPlanner Tour Number One after a dominant season that included three victories. Ritchie, who entered the final week already assured of promotion, solidified his status as the season’s top performer. Italy’s Renato Paratore, another triple champion in 2025, also secured his DP World Tour card.
The tournament’s final day was marked by intense competition, with every birdie and bogey influencing the rankings. Albin Bergstrom of Spain clinched the 20th and final spot, ensuring his place on the DP World Tour for 2026. The event also highlighted the resilience of the players, with the top 75 who missed out on Tour cards retaining their HotelPlanner Tour Category 8 status.
Looking ahead, the HotelPlanner Tour will see a reduction in the number of players promoted to the DP World Tour, with only the top 15 advancing in 2026. This change promises to heighten the competition in the seasons to come.
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Magnitude 4.6 earthquake hits Musandam; tremors felt in UAE
A moderate earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale struck the southern region of Musandam on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 4:40 PM local time. The seismic event, recorded by the National Seismic Network of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), originated at a depth of 5 kilometers. While the tremors were felt by residents in the UAE, no significant damage or impact was reported in the country. The UAE, though not situated in a major earthquake-prone zone, occasionally experiences minor tremors due to its proximity to the seismically active Zagros mountain range, which spans Iran and Iraq. This region is known for frequent seismic activity, sometimes causing tremors to ripple into the Northern Emirates. Earlier this year, Oman’s Madha region, an exclave within the UAE, experienced a 2.2 magnitude quake in August, followed by a 3.3 magnitude tremor in Fujairah’s Safad area on August 22. Seismologist Mohamed Alhassani of the NCM highlighted that while such events are often centered far away, their effects can occasionally be felt in the UAE. The incident underscores the importance of continued seismic monitoring and public awareness in the region.
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Iran releases two French nationals from detention
In a significant diplomatic development, Iran has released two French nationals, Cécile Kohler, 41, and her partner Jacques Paris, 72, who had been detained since May 2022. French President Emmanuel Macron announced their release from Evin prison on Tuesday, with France’s foreign minister confirming their safety at the embassy in Tehran, pending their final return to France. Macron expressed relief at this initial step and emphasized ongoing dialogue to expedite their repatriation. The couple, arrested during a tourist trip, were the last French nationals held in Iran. Last month, Iranian state media reported they were convicted of espionage for France and Israel, receiving lengthy prison sentences. Their release follows a potential prisoner exchange deal involving Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian woman detained in France on terrorism charges, who was conditionally released last month. France has repeatedly accused Iran of state hostage-taking and inhumane detention conditions, allegations Tehran denies. The legal team of Kohler and Paris, based in Paris, stated their 1,277-day arbitrary detention had ended, with their families maintaining their innocence. This development marks a pivotal moment in Franco-Iranian relations, though underlying tensions persist.
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Carney seeks to fortify Canada against tariffs shocks in first budget
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government has introduced its first federal budget, outlining a bold economic transformation plan to address the pressures of US tariffs and foster long-term growth. Dubbed an ‘investment budget,’ the fiscal blueprint increases Canada’s deficit to C$78 billion, up from C$51.7 billion, while aiming to attract C$1 trillion in investments over the next five years. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne presented the budget in the House of Commons, emphasizing the need for ‘bold and swift action’ during a period of profound change. The budget includes significant spending on infrastructure, defense, and artificial intelligence (AI), alongside cuts to the federal workforce and international aid. To counter US tariffs, which have already impacted sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles, the government plans to invest C$280 billion to enhance productivity, competitiveness, and resilience. This includes modernizing trade infrastructure and doubling exports to non-US markets. The budget also proposes C$30 billion in defense spending, aligning with NATO commitments, and nearly C$1 billion to advance AI integration. However, the plan faces political hurdles, as Carney’s Liberal government lacks a majority and requires support from other parties to pass the budget. Opposition leaders have expressed concerns over the deficit and austerity measures, raising the possibility of a federal election if the budget fails to gain approval.
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15th World Socialism Forum kicks off in Beijing
The 15th World Socialism Forum commenced in Beijing on November 3, 2025, gathering nearly 90 communist leaders, Marxist scholars, social activists, and diplomatic representatives from 35 countries. Under the theme ‘At the Crossroads of World History: The Choices of All Nations,’ the forum delved into critical topics such as Chinese-style modernization, the rise of the Global South, and reforms in global governance to promote fairness and justice. Gao Xiang, president and Party secretary of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), inaugurated the event by emphasizing the shifting global power dynamics and China’s role in addressing global challenges through its Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance Initiatives. He underscored China’s commitment to fostering solidarity among socialist forces worldwide and advancing a non-Western path to modernization. International participants echoed these sentiments, with Alberto Moreno, general secretary of the Communist Party of Peru – Red Fatherland, praising China’s multilateral approach as a beacon for a fair and democratic international order. José Luis Centella, president of the Communist Party of Spain, highlighted China’s leadership in global governance as a counter to hegemonic strategies, urging progressive forces to reform international institutions. Maurizio Acerbo, secretary of the Communist Refoundation Party, acknowledged China’s role in challenging neoliberalism, while Jorge Kreneyss, general secretary of the Communist Party of Argentina, lauded BRICS as a platform for Global South autonomy. Chinese scholars emphasized the unique contributions of Chinese-style modernization, rooted in historical and cultural contexts, as a transformative model for global socialism. The forum concluded with a consensus on the importance of adapting Marxist principles to contemporary realities and leveraging international cooperation to achieve equitable global development.
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Tetra Pak Arabia unveils advanced automation and digital suite to accelerate AI-ready food factories
Tetra Pak Arabia has unveiled its cutting-edge automation and digital solutions portfolio, Tetra Pak® Factory OS™, at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 in Dubai. This innovative ecosystem aims to transform traditional food and beverage (F&B) production facilities into intelligent, energy-efficient, and AI-ready factories across the Middle East. The launch comes as the region’s F&B sector is projected to grow at a 6.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2031. Middle Eastern producers face significant challenges, including rising energy costs, water scarcity, cyber threats, talent shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Tetra Pak® Factory OS™ addresses these issues by integrating equipment and systems, converting fragmented data into real-time insights, and enhancing operational efficiency. The modular platform supports scalable growth, enabling producers to start small and expand as needed. Powered by advanced technologies such as edge computing, cloud connectivity, and robust cybersecurity, the system offers real-time performance visibility, predictive intelligence, and seamless AI integration. Konstantin Kolesnik, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Arabia Area, emphasized the platform’s role in reducing import dependency, strengthening food security, and unlocking economic value. Leading regional producers, including Al Rabie, National Food Products Company (NFPC), and National Dairy (Hayatna), are already leveraging Tetra Pak’s solutions to modernize operations. Tetra Pak® Factory OS™ is now globally available and showcased at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025, Booth A2-42, Hall 2.
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Netherlands’ firm Louis Dreyfus to introduce new products at CIIE
In a strategic move to deepen its presence in China’s burgeoning consumer market and bolster its global supply chain, Louis Dreyfus Co, a leading multinational agricultural trader and processor, is set to unveil its instant coffee and a range of innovative feed products at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. The event, scheduled from November 5 to 10, marks the company’s debut at the prestigious trade fair. Michael Gelchie, CEO of the Netherlands-based firm, revealed these plans during an interview on Tuesday, expressing confidence in the exponential growth of China’s consumer market over the next decade. Gelchie emphasized that Louis Dreyfus Co aims to not only serve as a key supplier of commodities to China but also to expand its role in the food and feed sectors. The company’s strategy aligns with China’s ongoing efforts to open its seed industry, diversify agricultural imports, and cater to the growing middle-income demographic. Gelchie highlighted the importance of the consumer goods sector in diversifying the company’s revenue streams, supported by China’s push for high-quality consumer products. Recent developments include the launch of a specialty feed protein production line in Tianjin, the company’s first commercial-scale facility of its kind, and the construction of a food technology park in Qingdao, set to open in 2027. Louis Dreyfus Co has also established its regional headquarters in Shanghai in 2021, followed by a global R&D center in 2023. Leveraging the free trade account mechanism in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone, the company plans to enhance its financing and risk management capabilities. Gelchie, who has attended the CIIE three times, noted the exhibition’s role in showcasing China’s technological advancements, particularly in electric vehicles, and how these innovations can be applied globally. With over 50 years of operations in China, Gelchie remarked that the company feels deeply rooted in the local market.