In a groundbreaking development for the maritime industry, China has launched its largest all-electric bulk carrier, named Gezhouba, in Yichang, Hubei province. This event, which took place on October 23, 2025, signifies a major leap forward in the nation’s pursuit of green and intelligent shipping solutions. The Gezhouba, measuring nearly 130 meters in length and capable of carrying over 13,000 tonnes, is powered by 12 lithium battery units with a combined energy capacity of 24,000 kWh. Notably, the vessel features rapid battery-swapping technology and can travel up to 500 kilometers on a single charge. This innovation underscores China’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable transportation technologies. The launch of the Gezhouba is expected to set a new benchmark for eco-friendly shipping globally, as industries worldwide seek to adopt cleaner energy alternatives.
分类： technology
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Nation to update cyber law to strengthen AI oversight
China is set to amend its Cybersecurity Law to bolster oversight of artificial intelligence (AI) security risks, ensuring the technology evolves in a safe, fair, and beneficial manner. Wang Xiang, spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, announced the move on Thursday, emphasizing the need to balance AI development with robust cybersecurity measures. The Cybersecurity Law, enacted in June 2017, has been instrumental in advancing China’s cyber capabilities and fostering the integration of digital and real economies. Wang highlighted AI’s transformative role in driving technological innovation and industrial progress, while also acknowledging the challenges it poses, such as increased cybercrime. To address these issues, the draft amendment includes provisions to support foundational AI research, improve ethical standards, and enhance risk monitoring and regulation. Additionally, the amendment aligns with existing laws like the Civil Code and the Personal Information Protection Law. The NPC Standing Committee will review the draft during its upcoming session, alongside revisions to the Organic Laws of Villagers’ and Urban Residents’ Committees, which aim to strengthen community governance and care for vulnerable groups. The session will also discuss amendments to the Environmental Protection Tax Law and a draft law on procuratorial public-interest litigation.
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Nation’s green tech in mining highlighted
China has made significant strides in green mining technologies, as highlighted at the 27th China Mining Conference and Exhibition in Tianjin. Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), the nation invested nearly 450 billion yuan ($63 billion) in mineral exploration, discovering 150 new deposits. The Ministry of Natural Resources reported that 2024 alone saw a record high in the production of energy minerals like coal, crude oil, and natural gas, alongside increased output of nonferrous metals. Vice-Minister Xu Dachun emphasized the rehabilitation of over 160,000 hectares of abandoned mines and expanded international cooperation, including agreements with 70 countries and the establishment of 30 bilateral platforms under the Belt and Road Initiative. These efforts have positioned China as a global leader in sustainable mining practices, aligning with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The conference also fostered international collaboration, with representatives from 42 countries discussing cutting-edge technologies and partnerships. South Africa and Namibia expressed interest in deepening ties with China, particularly in adopting its green mining innovations. Tianjin, the host city, showcased its strategic role in global trade, with its port ranking among the top 10 globally in cargo export volume.
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Alaska Airlines flights grounded across US due to IT outage
Alaska Airlines faced significant operational disruptions on Thursday as a technical issue forced the grounding of all flights across its US airports. The airline announced in a statement that it was grappling with an IT outage that severely impacted its operations, leading to the implementation of a temporary ground stop. While the carrier did not specify the duration of the outage or the exact number of affected flights, it assured that efforts were underway to restore normal operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the ground stop also impacted Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. Based in Seattle, Washington, Alaska Airlines is a major player on the US West Coast, serving 140 destinations across 37 states and 12 countries. This incident marks the second IT-related disruption for the airline this year, following a similar outage in July that halted flights for approximately three hours. The recent US government shutdown, which began earlier this month, has further complicated air travel, with shortages of air traffic controllers causing delays at several airports. Alaska Airlines has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the latest outage.
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China launches new communication technology test satellite
In a significant stride for its space and communication technology endeavors, China successfully launched a cutting-edge communication technology test satellite on Thursday evening. The satellite was propelled into space from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan province aboard a Long March-5 rocket at 10:30 pm Beijing Time. This mission marks the 602nd launch in the Long March carrier rocket series, underscoring China’s growing expertise in space technology. The satellite has already entered its designated orbit and is poised to conduct critical multi-band and high-speed communication technology validation tests. These tests are expected to enhance China’s capabilities in advanced communication systems, potentially paving the way for innovations in global telecommunications. The launch reaffirms China’s commitment to advancing its space exploration and technological infrastructure, positioning the nation as a key player in the global space race.
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First UAE plant to produce food-grade CO2 opens in Ras Al Khaimah
The United Arab Emirates has inaugurated its first carbon capture and utilization (CCU) plant in Ras Al Khaimah, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to reduce industrial emissions and enhance domestic CO₂ supply chains. Developed by Gulf Cryo in collaboration with RAK Ceramics, the facility captures CO₂ emissions from natural-gas engines and converts them into 99.99% pure, food-grade CO₂. This high-purity CO₂ is utilized across various industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, agriculture, and energy. The plant, which captures approximately 17,000 metric tons of CO₂ annually, employs an energy-efficient purification system to produce liquefied carbon dioxide, subsequently distributed to industries reliant on CO₂ for their operations. Prior to this facility, the UAE depended on imported CO₂ from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The new plant not only reduces this dependency but also supports the development of a circular carbon economy. The project aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, aiming for carbon neutrality through cleaner technologies and industrial efficiency. It also reflects the growing interest of private companies in carbon capture and utilization projects to meet national sustainability goals. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sheikh Saqr bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ceramics, and Sami Huneidi, Chief Administrative Officer of Gulf Cryo, alongside senior executives from both organizations. This initiative is part of RAK Ceramics’ broader decarbonization plan and contributes to the emirate’s sustainability targets under the Ras Al Khaimah Integrated Sustainability Strategy 2050. The facility stands as a local model for emission reduction and resource recovery within the manufacturing sector, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to sustainable industrial practices.
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Dubai-Based startup SpeakUp reaches 30,000 users in five months
SpeakUp, an innovative Dubai-based technology startup, has achieved a remarkable milestone by amassing 30,000 users within just five months of its launch. This AI-powered platform is transforming the global event and public speaking industry by facilitating direct connections between event organizers and speakers, eliminating the need for traditional intermediaries. Since its inception, SpeakUp has experienced a consistent monthly user growth rate of nearly 20%, attracting users from diverse regions including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The platform allows organizers to post speaking opportunities—ranging from conferences and summits to podcasts—while verified speakers can apply directly, streamlining the booking process and reducing delays typically associated with speaker bureaus or agent-led systems. Nick Zhuchkov, co-founder and CEO of SpeakUp, emphasized the company’s mission to simplify and democratize speaker-organizer interactions. ‘We designed SpeakUp to be intuitive, fast, and borderless, catering to everyone from grassroots podcast hosts to major international conferences,’ he stated. The platform integrates communication, smart recommendations, and booking into a single interface, leveraging artificial intelligence to match speakers with relevant opportunities. This automation has significantly reduced lead times for event planners, with most bookings occurring without manual negotiation. SpeakUp has also attracted high-profile users, including Uzair Merchant, a celebrated director in Hollywood and Bollywood, and Laura Buckwell, a renowned event host in the Middle East. The company has recently witnessed a surge in signups, with over 400 new users joining within a single hour during a recent evening. This momentum reflects a broader industry shift toward more efficient and accessible speaker engagement. SpeakUp is now focusing on expanding its product features and forging new partnerships across media, education, and events sectors, further solidifying its position as a game-changer in the industry.
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Awards, games: RAK to launch employee welfare app across tourism, hospitality sectors
Ras Al Khaimah is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform, ‘BeRAK,’ aimed at enhancing employee engagement and wellbeing across its tourism and hospitality sectors. The app, developed over a year with input from industry experts and wellbeing specialists, integrates four core pillars: engagement, wellbeing, communication, and development. It provides a unified space for hotel employees, tour operators, guides, and attraction staff to connect, share updates, access professional learning opportunities, and celebrate achievements.
BeRAK offers a blend of social and professional features, including spaces for celebrating milestones, dedicated channels for internal communication, and team recognition. It also introduces a playful, community-driven element where employees can participate in games, create cross-hotel challenges, and earn rewards for engagement. Points accumulated through app activity can be redeemed for vouchers, discounts, or gifts, providing tangible incentives for participation.
Beyond engagement, the app emphasizes employee wellbeing by offering access to psychologists, nutritionists, and personal development coaches. Employees can book up to five private sessions annually with certified experts and access on-demand training videos covering topics like stress management and healthy living.
Dr. Mira Zakharia, Senior Director of Human Resources at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, highlighted the app’s role in fostering a sense of belonging and support among employees. ‘Healthy people are happier and perform better, and when employees feel supported, that positivity extends naturally to guests and the workplace,’ she said.
The initiative is expected to set a new benchmark for employee engagement and wellbeing in the tourism and hospitality sectors, starting in Ras Al Khaimah. The app will be gradually introduced across all hotels and tourism establishments in the emirate, reflecting the region’s commitment to nurturing a connected and thriving workforce.
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Pirelli Cyber Tyre named “V2X Innovation of the Year” at Autotech Breakthrough Awards 2025
In a groundbreaking move, HONOR has introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G, setting a new benchmark in the mobile technology landscape. This cutting-edge device combines unparalleled durability, advanced AI capabilities, and sleek design, making it a standout in the competitive smartphone market. The HONOR X9d 5G is engineered to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring it remains functional even in the most challenging environments. Powered by state-of-the-art AI technology, the smartphone offers enhanced performance, seamless connectivity, and intelligent features that cater to the evolving needs of modern users. Its 5G compatibility ensures lightning-fast internet speeds, enabling users to stay connected and productive on the go. The device’s sleek and ergonomic design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures a comfortable user experience. HONOR’s commitment to innovation is evident in the X9d 5G, which integrates advanced materials and engineering techniques to deliver a device that is both robust and stylish. With its launch, HONOR continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in mobile technology, offering consumers a device that excels in both form and function.
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HONOR launches the unbreakable AI smartphone HONOR X9d 5G delivering toughness, power, and innovation in one sleek package
HONOR, a global leader in AI device ecosystems, has introduced the HONOR X9d 5G, a groundbreaking smartphone that combines rugged durability, exceptional battery life, and cutting-edge AI features. Designed for adventurers, professionals, and tech enthusiasts, this device is engineered to withstand the toughest conditions while delivering a seamless user experience. The HONOR X9d 5G has already made history by earning a Guinness World Record for surviving a 6.133-meter drop without a single crack, proving that durability and design can coexist harmoniously. The smartphone features a 6-layer drop-resistant structure and Ultra Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 3.0, offering 112% stronger protection than its predecessors. It also boasts an IP69K water resistance rating and extreme dust endurance, making it a reliable companion for any environment. The device’s 6.79-inch Eye-Comfort OLED display, with a 120Hz refresh rate and 6,000 nits of HDR brightness, ensures clarity even in direct sunlight. Powered by an 8,300mAh silicon-carbon battery, the X9d 5G can last up to two days on a single charge, supported by HONOR’s self-developed anti-aging algorithm for long-term performance. The smartphone also excels in photography, featuring a 108MP main camera with advanced stabilization and AI-powered editing tools for professional-grade results. With intuitive AI features like call translation and meeting summaries, the X9d 5G enhances productivity and connectivity. Available in four stylish colors, the HONOR X9d 5G will be available for pre-order in the UAE from October 24 to 30, starting at Dh1,299, with exclusive gifts for early adopters.