分类： technology

China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the CNS Sichuan, has successfully concluded its maiden sea trial, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s naval advancements. The vessel, which is the largest and most advanced of its kind in China, returned to the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding yard in Shanghai on Sunday afternoon after a three-day voyage. During the trial, engineers meticulously tested and verified the ship’s electric, propulsion, and other critical systems, achieving the desired results. Further tests are planned as part of the ship’s construction blueprint. The Sichuan, with a hull code of 51, displaces over 40,000 metric tons and is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system, making it the first Chinese amphibious assault ship capable of deploying fixed-wing drones. This technology, previously seen only on the CNS Fujian aircraft carrier, underscores China’s growing prowess in naval innovation. Once commissioned, the Sichuan will support a range of operations, including amphibious landings, airstrikes, and airborne missions. The PLA Navy currently operates four Type 075 amphibious assault ships, each with a full displacement of nearly 40,000 tons, built at the same Shanghai shipyard.

At the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums in Dubai, officials and scholars emphasized the pivotal role of museums as custodians of civilization. The event, the largest global gathering of museum professionals, highlighted the importance of integrating new technologies and engaging younger generations to protect cultural heritage and foster mutual understanding among civilizations. Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and chairwoman of the conference’s organizing committee, underscored the shared commitment to leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual interaction to create inclusive and impactful cultural experiences. Harith Al Battashi, an expert from the National Museum of Oman, stressed that attracting and nurturing young talent is central to museums’ missions. He praised the Chinese video game *Black Myth: Wukong* as a groundbreaking example of how cultural heritage can be promoted globally through youth-centric mediums. The game, which integrates Chinese folklore, has sparked international interest and bridged the gap between tradition and modern youth culture. At the conference, Zhejiang University’s Department of Cultural Heritage showcased the International Alliance of Teaching Museology in Universities, an initiative aimed at advancing global museum education and professional training. The alliance, comprising nearly 20 members from East Asia, Europe, and North America, seeks to foster collaboration with Middle Eastern universities to develop a more open museology education system. Chinese companies like Bangda Group also demonstrated their innovative solutions for cultural relic preservation, including earthquake-resistant storage facilities with real-time environmental monitoring. Omar Al Kaabi, an official from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, announced the upcoming opening of the Zayed National Museum, which will utilize VR and AI technologies to showcase the UAE’s rich cultural history. He expressed openness to adopting Chinese technologies for heritage protection and promotion.

Indian authorities have uncovered a sprawling cybercrime operation involving the hacking and sale of sensitive CCTV footage from hospitals and other institutions across the country. The breach, which compromised over 50,000 surveillance systems, has raised significant concerns about privacy and cybersecurity in India, where CCTV cameras are ubiquitous. The investigation began after videos from a maternity hospital in Gujarat were discovered on YouTube and Telegram, showing intimate medical procedures involving pregnant women. These videos were linked to Telegram channels where longer clips were sold for 800–2,000 rupees ($9–22). The hospital director claimed the cameras were installed to protect doctors from false allegations, but they have since been removed from sensitive areas. Police have arrested eight individuals connected to the racket, charging them with violations of privacy, voyeurism, and cyber terrorism. Cybersecurity experts warn that poorly secured systems, often using default passwords, are vulnerable to hacking. They recommend robust passwords, regular audits, and manufacturer warnings to improve security. The case highlights the broader issue of inadequate cybersecurity measures in India, where surveillance systems are widely used but often lack proper safeguards.

Oman Airports has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first airport operator globally to fully deploy WiFi 7 technology across its facilities. This advanced upgrade, developed in collaboration with Huawei, promises passengers ultra-fast internet speeds, enhanced security, and a seamless digital experience tailored to the needs of modern travelers. The implementation of WiFi 7 marks a significant leap in airport connectivity, offering gigabit-plus performance, quick downloads, and smooth streaming on compatible devices. This innovation is particularly timely as Gulf states prepare to introduce the GCC’s new ‘one-stop’ travel system, which will streamline immigration and security checks for Gulf citizens by processing all formalities at the departure airport. WiFi 7’s capabilities, including the ability to utilize the 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz bands simultaneously, ensure reduced latency, congestion-free peak hours, and reliable connections for biometric systems and e-gates. With stronger encryption and higher bandwidth, WiFi 7 also facilitates the secure and rapid transfer of passenger data, essential for the new travel model. Oman’s adoption of this technology positions its airports as future-proofed hubs, ready to handle the increased network demands of the region’s evolving aviation landscape.

The Czech Republic is forging ahead with an ambitious nuclear energy expansion, spearheaded by the $19 billion Dukovany project. The initiative, which includes the construction of two new reactors, aims to at least double the country’s nuclear output and solidify its position as one of Europe’s most nuclear-dependent nations. South Korea’s KHNP has been selected over France’s EDF to lead the construction, with each reactor boasting a capacity of over 1,000 megawatts. These new units, expected to be operational by the late 2030s, will complement Dukovany’s existing four reactors, which have been in service since the 1980s. Additionally, the deal includes an option for KHNP to build two more reactors at the Temelín plant, which currently houses two 1,000-megawatt reactors. The expansion is part of a broader strategy to transition away from fossil fuels, meet low-emission targets, and address the growing demand for electricity driven by data centers and electric vehicles. Petr Závodský, CEO of the Dukovany project, predicts that nuclear energy will account for 50-60% of the Czech Republic’s energy mix by 2050. The project has received a significant boost from the European Union, which has classified nuclear energy as environmentally sustainable, paving the way for financing. However, the initiative faces opposition from environmental groups like Friends of the Earth, which argue that the funds could be better spent on improving the energy industry. Austria, a neighboring country, remains skeptical of nuclear energy and has already rejected the Czech Republic’s plan for small modular reactors.

A groundbreaking app in the UAE is transforming how parents teach their children about financial responsibility while also addressing financial exclusion for the unbanked population. Botim Money, a platform already popular for money management, has introduced customizable controls that allow parents to set spending limits, restrict purchase categories, and provide access to prepaid, multi-currency wallets for their children. This innovative feature turns everyday transactions into valuable lessons in financial literacy. Dr. Tariq Bin Hendi, CEO of Astra Tech, Botim’s parent company, emphasized that the app empowers parents to monitor and guide their children’s spending habits, fostering long-term financial discipline. Additionally, the app enables parents to build a credit history for their children, a feature set to roll out in future updates. This is particularly significant as many young adults struggle to access banking services due to a lack of credit history. Beyond family use, Botim is also tackling financial exclusion among the UAE’s blue-collar workforce. By offering virtual IBANs, remittance services, and borrowing options, the app provides millions of unbanked individuals with access to essential financial tools. Dr. Tariq highlighted that over 4 million people in the UAE are unbanked or underbanked, and Botim aims to integrate them into the financial ecosystem. The app’s long-term vision includes embedding AI-powered financial education directly into the platform, offering interactive lessons in multiple languages to enhance users’ understanding of budgeting, savings, and responsible borrowing. Botim is shifting its focus from being a super app to specializing in consumer finance, a strategy that has already tripled user engagement. With plans for international expansion, the company remains committed to making financial access and education more accessible, safer, and smarter for underserved populations.