作者: admin

  • Thousands of US flights cancelled or delayed over government shutdown cuts

    Thousands of US flights cancelled or delayed over government shutdown cuts

    The ongoing US government shutdown has triggered widespread disruptions in air travel, with over 5,000 flights canceled or delayed on Friday as new mandates forced airlines to reduce operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented emergency measures, cutting flights by 4% initially, with plans to increase reductions to 10% by next week. These measures aim to alleviate pressure on air traffic controllers and other federal employees who have been working without pay since the shutdown began last month. The staffing crisis has led to fatigue among controllers, raising safety concerns and prompting unions to voice their frustrations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that flight cuts could escalate to 20% if the shutdown persists. Meanwhile, travelers faced significant inconveniences, with many rebooking flights or seeking alternative transportation. The shutdown has also impacted federal workers, including air traffic controllers, who are struggling to make ends meet. On Capitol Hill, negotiations between Republicans and Democrats remain deadlocked, with no clear resolution in sight. President Donald Trump has suggested ending the Senate filibuster to pass a funding bill, but this proposal lacks bipartisan support. The shutdown, now the longest in US history, continues to strain essential services and workers across the nation.

  • US judge says Trump cannot deploy National Guard to Portland

    US judge says Trump cannot deploy National Guard to Portland

    In a landmark decision, U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut has permanently barred President Donald Trump from deploying National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon. This ruling marks the first instance where the Trump administration has been definitively prevented from sending military personnel to U.S. cities. The decision follows a protracted legal battle over whether Trump violated federal law by dispatching troops despite objections from local officials.

    Judge Immergut, a Trump appointee, emphasized that the president lacked a lawful basis to federalize the National Guard in Portland. She clarified that her ruling does not preclude the president from ever using National Guard forces but stressed that in this specific case, there was neither a rebellion nor an imminent threat justifying such action. She also noted that Trump had overstepped his authority under the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers not explicitly granted to the federal government for the states.

    The ruling comes amid a broader effort by Trump to quell protests against federal immigration policies in Democrat-led cities, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. Earlier this month, Judge Immergut issued temporary restraining orders to halt the deployment of troops from Oregon, California, and Texas. In her 106-page decision, she stated that the administration failed to meet the legal threshold for deploying military forces in American cities.

    The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision, potentially escalating the issue to the Supreme Court. The case has highlighted the ongoing tension between federal and local authorities, with Portland officials and residents disputing the administration’s characterization of the city as ‘war-ravaged.’ Local leaders argue that the violence is limited and effectively managed by Portland police.

    Portland’s attorney, Caroline Turco, framed the case as a pivotal test of constitutional governance, stating, ‘This case is about whether we are a nation of constitutional law or martial law.’ The ruling underscores the broader debate over federal overreach and the balance of power between state and federal governments.

  • Look: UAE experts bring centuries-old Quran back to life at Sharjah book fair

    Look: UAE experts bring centuries-old Quran back to life at Sharjah book fair

    At the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), visitors are witnessing a remarkable process: the meticulous restoration of a centuries-old Quran by experts from the UAE National Archives. Working under bright lamps, conservators don gloves and magnifying lenses, using brushes, tweezers, and delicate Japanese paper to breathe new life into the fragile manuscript. ‘We are not rewriting history; we are preserving it,’ emphasized a senior restorer at the UAE National Library and Archives booth. The Quran, riddled with holes, missing pages, and faded ink, is being carefully repaired with natural adhesives and fine tissue, ensuring its longevity without altering its historical integrity. The restoration process, which can take days or weeks, involves flattening warped pages with controlled warm air and drying them under special sheets to prevent curling. Once restored, the Quran will be stored in a temperature-controlled archive, its age-old stains and tears preserved as testaments to its history. This live demonstration not only showcases the UAE’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage but also educates visitors on the delicate art of manuscript conservation.

  • Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal visits Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab

    Indian ambassador Dr Deepak Mittal visits Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab

    In a spiritually significant start to his diplomatic mission in the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, the newly appointed Indian Ambassador, visited the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai to mark Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Prakash Purab. Accompanied by his wife, Dr Alpna Mittal, the Ambassador participated in special prayers and sought blessings on the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru. The visit underscored the values of unity, faith, and the enduring teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Dr Mittal was warmly received by Dr Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, and Dr Bubbles Kandhari, Vice Chairperson of the Gurudwara, along with members of the management committee and the Sikh community. As a gesture of respect and blessing, the couple was presented with a Saropa, a traditional robe of honour. Addressing the gathering, Dr Mittal expressed his gratitude for commencing his tenure with divine blessings and praised the unity and devotion of the congregation. He highlighted the importance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings and India’s cultural heritage, which are upheld with pride. The Ambassador also commended the UAE’s leadership for fostering an environment of tolerance and freedom, allowing people of all faiths to practice their beliefs harmoniously. Dr Surender Singh Kandhari emphasized the profound significance of the Ambassador’s visit on such a holy day, noting that the Gurudwara symbolizes peace, service, and unity. The event concluded with the traditional Ardas (prayer) and Langar (community meal), embodying Sikh values of equality, humility, and service. The atmosphere was filled with devotion, music, and a spirit of togetherness, resonating with Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s timeless message: ‘Recognise all mankind as one.’

  • Dubai RTA announces temporary closure on Airport Road near DXB

    Dubai RTA announces temporary closure on Airport Road near DXB

    The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a temporary closure of Airport Road near Dubai International Airport (DXB) to facilitate expansion works at Terminal 1. The closure, effective from 2:30 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, will impact traffic heading to Deira, while traffic to Al Khawaneej will be affected from 2:30 AM on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Motorists are advised to plan their trips in advance, adhere to traffic signs, and use alternative routes via Al Garhoud to ensure smooth travel and timely arrival at the airport. The RTA emphasized the importance of these measures to minimize disruptions during the construction phase. Commuters are encouraged to stay updated with the latest traffic advisories through official channels. This temporary closure is part of ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and accommodate the growing passenger traffic at DXB, one of the world’s busiest airports.

  • Why tech giants are offering premium AI tools to millions of Indians for free

    Why tech giants are offering premium AI tools to millions of Indians for free

    In a strategic move to capture India’s burgeoning digital market, leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies such as OpenAI, Google, and Perplexity AI have partnered with Indian telecom giants to offer free or subsidized access to their AI tools. Starting this week, millions of Indian users will gain one year of complimentary access to ChatGPT’s new low-cost ‘Go’ chatbot. Similarly, Perplexity AI has teamed up with Airtel, India’s second-largest mobile network provider, while Google has partnered with Reliance Jio, the country’s largest telecom operator, to bundle AI services with monthly data plans. Analysts view these initiatives not as acts of generosity but as calculated investments aimed at securing a foothold in India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. Tarun Pathak, an analyst at Counterpoint Research, emphasized that the strategy is to familiarize Indians with generative AI before transitioning to paid models. India’s vast and youthful internet user base, exceeding 900 million, presents a unique opportunity for AI companies to gather diverse data and refine their models. However, this approach raises concerns about data privacy and the lack of robust AI-specific regulations in India. While the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) 2023 offers broad protections, its implementation remains pending, leaving gaps in addressing AI accountability. Experts argue that India must strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding user data, especially as global AI companies leverage the country’s flexible regulatory environment to scale their offerings. As the AI landscape evolves, the focus will be on ensuring that India’s digital growth aligns with ethical and transparent practices.

  • Summit urges joint efforts in shared digital future

    Summit urges joint efforts in shared digital future

    The 2025 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, held in Zhejiang province, brought together global leaders, experts, and tech executives to discuss the future of digital intelligence. With the theme ‘Forging an Open, Cooperative, Secure, and Inclusive Future of Digital Intelligence,’ the summit emphasized the need for joint efforts to build a shared digital future. Li Shulei, a senior official of the Communist Party of China, highlighted the importance of inclusive development, digital infrastructure, and the widespread adoption of digital technologies. He called for enhancing global digital literacy and bridging the digital divide to ensure that the benefits of digital development are shared worldwide. Wang Hao, Party secretary of Zhejiang, noted the province’s progress in integrating the digital economy with the real economy, with the digital economy accounting for over 50% of its GDP in 2024. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, praised China’s entry into the top 10 of the Global Innovation Index, attributing it to the robust digital economy. The summit also addressed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving the digital economy. Wu Yongming, CEO of Alibaba Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to open-source AI models and the importance of technological inclusiveness. Liu Qiangdong, founder of JD.com, discussed the transformative potential of AI and robotics in reducing logistics costs and creating new job opportunities. The summit concluded with a call for global collaboration to harness the power of digital technologies for the benefit of all.

  • Fragrance World unveils Street Origins, a new collection redefining modern perfumery

    Fragrance World unveils Street Origins, a new collection redefining modern perfumery

    Fragrance World has unveiled its latest innovation, ‘Street Origins,’ a groundbreaking fragrance collection that redefines modern perfumery. Inspired by the vibrancy of urban culture and the essence of individuality, the collection blends artistry, authenticity, and innovation to create a new standard in contemporary fragrance design. Developed under the leadership of Safeer Moidu, Joint CEO of Fragrance World, Street Origins introduces a range of long-lasting, gender-neutral scents that emphasize originality, performance, and accessibility. The collection aims to challenge a market often saturated with imitations, offering a fresh perspective on authenticity. Street Origins draws inspiration from the dynamic energy of global cities, translating the rhythm of urban life into bold colors, graphic artwork, and collectible bottle designs. The collection is divided into two tiers: the ‘Origins Range,’ featuring 26 everyday scents inspired by city moods, and the ‘Icon Range,’ comprising 14 limited-edition releases with statement finishes and exclusive sleeves. Safeer Moidu describes the collection as a ‘creative rebellion,’ a return to originality in an industry that has grown complacent with imitation. Beyond its olfactory appeal, Street Origins serves as a creative platform, fostering collaborations across art, music, and design. Through its innovation arm, French Avenue, Fragrance World has partnered with renowned international perfumers, including Jordi Fernández, Shinichiro Oba, Pascal Gaurin, and Jean-Christophe Hérault. The launch of Street Origins further solidifies Fragrance World’s influence in shaping the narrative of Middle Eastern perfumery, characterized by artistry, experimentation, and storytelling. The collection is now available for purchase at www.shopfragranceworld.com.

  • Technical glitch with air traffic system at Delhi airport resolved

    Technical glitch with air traffic system at Delhi airport resolved

    A significant technical malfunction in the Automatic Message Switching System (AMSS) at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, caused widespread flight disruptions over two days. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) confirmed the system was restored late Friday, but warned that normal operations would take time due to a massive backlog. The glitch, which began Thursday evening, delayed over 200 flights, including international carriers like ITA Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet saw their shares drop by 2% and 1%, respectively, as they warned passengers of ongoing disruptions. The AMSS, crucial for generating flight plans, forced air traffic controllers to manually process plans, significantly slowing operations. Delhi Airport, handling 78 million passengers in 2024, ranks as the ninth busiest globally. The incident follows a recent ransomware attack on European airports, highlighting vulnerabilities in aviation infrastructure.

  • Trump calls for probe of meat packers over beef prices

    Trump calls for probe of meat packers over beef prices

    US President Donald Trump has urged the Justice Department to investigate meat-packing companies, alleging their role in driving up beef prices through ‘illicit collusion, price fixing, and price manipulation.’ Trump’s call for an antitrust probe comes as soaring beef prices have become a political liability, threatening to undermine his promises to reduce food costs for American consumers. The announcement follows Republican losses in key elections, where concerns over the cost of living and Trump’s economic policies bolstered Democratic candidates. Trump has consistently highlighted beef prices as a central issue in his messaging on food inflation. However, his recent proposals to lower prices, including urging ranchers to reduce cattle prices and suggesting increased beef imports from Argentina, have sparked backlash from the ranching community. Ranchers argue that such measures could harm their livelihoods without significantly impacting retail prices. Trump’s latest focus on the meat-packing industry, which is dominated by four major firms—Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef—signals a potential shift in strategy. These companies control over 80% of the beef slaughtering and packing market and have faced lawsuits alleging price manipulation. Government data shows that retail prices for beef mince and steaks have risen by 12.9% and 16.6%, respectively, over the past year, outpacing general food inflation. Economists attribute the price surge to supply constraints, including a decades-long contraction in the cattle industry exacerbated by drought conditions, as well as robust demand for beef. The Biden administration had previously targeted corporate consolidation in the food supply chain, but Trump revoked those measures earlier this year. As the debate over beef prices continues, the investigation into the meat-packing industry could have significant implications for both consumers and producers.