A Chinese humanoid robot, developed by Shanghai-based Agibot, has achieved a groundbreaking feat by walking 106 kilometres between the cities of Suzhou and Shanghai, setting a new Guinness World Record. The robot, named A2, embarked on its journey on the night of November 10th and successfully reached the Bund in Shanghai in the early hours of November 13th. Powered by Agibot’s advanced rapid hot-swap battery system, the robot maintained continuous operation throughout the entire distance, officially certified at 106.286 kilometres on Thursday. Wang Chuang, Senior Vice President of Agibot, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, ‘Walking from Suzhou to Shanghai is a tough task even for many humans, but the robot achieved it. This demonstrates the maturity of the robot’s hardware, cerebellar balance algorithms, and endurance, paving the way for large-scale commercial deployment.’ Upon completing the journey, the robot humorously remarked that it was ‘an unforgettable experience in its machine life’ and quipped that it ‘might need new shoes.’ This milestone follows another notable achievement in April, when the Tien Kung Ultra, developed by the Beijing Humanoid Robot Innovation Centre, completed a 21-kilometre half-marathon in just 2 hours and 40 minutes.
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One dead after days of torrential rain brings flooding across large swaths of Albania
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Albania is grappling with severe flooding following days of relentless rainfall, which has claimed at least one life and left numerous communities isolated. Police confirmed on Saturday that a 76-year-old woman was found dead in the southeastern municipality of Devoll after floodwaters receded. Her son had reported her missing, and a search operation by soldiers on Friday proved unsuccessful. Authorities suspect she was swept away by powerful currents. The heavy rains caused the Vjosa and Seman rivers to overflow, inundating vast stretches of agricultural land. The Vjosa flows through southern Albania, while the Seman traverses the low-lying Myzeqeja plain. In the northwestern Lezha region, approximately 220 hectares (544 acres) of land remain submerged, according to the Civil Protection Agency. Distressing footage shared online depicted flooded homes and farmland, with farmers reporting significant crop losses. Defense Minister Pirro Vengu visited the southern Sarande District on Saturday to evaluate the damage firsthand. With more rain predicted in the coming days, fears are mounting that conditions could deteriorate further. Civil Emergency Teams remain on high alert to respond to potential crises.
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How Abu Dhabi is using AI racecars to build self-driving tech on normal roads
While Silicon Valley and China vie for dominance in autonomous vehicle technology, Abu Dhabi is carving out a unique niche by leveraging AI-powered racecars to accelerate the development of self-driving systems for everyday roads. The capital of the United Arab Emirates is creating a comprehensive innovation pipeline that transitions AI research from laboratories to racetracks and ultimately to urban streets faster than any other region. This groundbreaking approach was demonstrated when an autonomous racecar from Italy’s Unimore team completed a lap at Yas Marina Circuit in 58.87 seconds, surpassing a professional driver’s benchmark of 59.20 seconds. This achievement underscores the potential of AI to make split-second decisions in real-world scenarios. Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE and A2RL, emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s investment in autonomous racing is not for spectacle but to shape the future of autonomy. ‘Racing provides a high-speed laboratory where sensors and algorithms are pushed to their limits in full public view,’ he told Khaleej Times. Earlier this year, an AI-powered drone outperformed a world champion pilot in Abu Dhabi, and now autonomous cars are surpassing professional drivers. These milestones validate the technology’s readiness for real-world applications. Timpano explained that the systems ensuring safety at 300 kilometers per hour on the racetrack will eventually guide autonomous shuttles, drones, and delivery fleets through city streets. Each racing lap generates 200 gigabytes of data, with a full test day capturing 24 terabytes—equivalent to years of real-world scenarios compressed into hours of intense testing. Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem integrates the Advanced Technology Research Council, which sets national strategy; ASPIRE, which designs competitions; the Technology Innovation Institute, which conducts research; and VentureOne, which commercializes the technology. ‘The UAE’s model is distinctive because it connects every part of the innovation chain under one umbrella,’ Timpano noted. Teams now train their AI systems year-round through virtual racing before testing on real tracks, compressing development timelines from years to months. ‘Through A2RL, we compress years of research into minutes of competition. It is about accelerating how fast AI can mature and building public confidence in its capabilities,’ he added. Abu Dhabi’s goal is not merely to host autonomous races but to set global standards in safety, governance, and innovation.
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‘Nation lost a brave pilot’: India mourns Namansh Syal after Tejas jet crash at Dubai Airshow
India is in mourning following the tragic death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF), who lost his life in a Tejas fighter jet crash during the Dubai Airshow on Friday. The incident has drawn widespread grief and condolences from across the nation and beyond. Syal, a native of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, was hailed as a courageous and dedicated officer who embodied the pride of the IAF. His untimely demise has left the nation in shock and sorrow. Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu described the news as ‘extremely heartbreaking’ and paid tribute to Syal’s bravery and commitment to national service. Indian actor Kamal Haasan also expressed his condolences, calling Syal ‘a brave son of India taken far too soon.’ The Dubai Media Office confirmed the tragic incident, stating that emergency teams responded swiftly to the crash. The IAF has initiated a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident. India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and the entire Indian Armed Forces expressed deep regret over the incident and extended their support to the bereaved family. The loss of Wing Commander Syal has not only left a void in the IAF but also underscored the risks faced by those who serve in the defense of the nation.
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Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
Renowned Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe, celebrated for his influential contributions to British and Irish fashion, has passed away in London at the age of 80. His family confirmed the news in a statement on Saturday, expressing their profound sorrow over his death following a brief illness. Costelloe, who was surrounded by his wife and seven children, died peacefully in London. Born in Dublin, Costelloe’s journey into fashion began in his hometown, where his father managed a thriving raincoat manufacturing business. After honing his skills at the Grafton Academy of Fashion Design, he moved to Paris to study at the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. In 1979, Costelloe established his eponymous label, Paul Costelloe Collections, and quickly rose to prominence, showcasing his designs at major fashion weeks in London, Paris, Milan, and New York. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as the personal designer to Diana, Princess of Wales, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Costelloe was known for incorporating traditional Irish fabrics such as linen and tweed into his creations, blending heritage with modernity. He also collaborated with Dunnes Stores and played a pivotal role in the inaugural Ireland Fashion Week in October this year. Despite facing criticism in 1998 for his controversial remarks about Irish women’s sense of style, Costelloe later reflected on Ireland’s evolving fashion identity, noting its growing European influence in a recent interview with RTÉ. His legacy as a trailblazer in the fashion industry remains indelible.
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Israeli military kills 13 in Lebanon strike, says ‘Hamas terrorists’ eliminated
In a recent military operation, Israel conducted a targeted strike on the Ain al-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 13 individuals. The Israeli military claimed that the strike eliminated ’13 Hamas terrorists,’ including Jihad Saidawi, who was allegedly involved in training militants to carry out attacks against Israel from Lebanese territory. However, Lebanese authorities reported that the strike killed at least 13 people without specifying their identities. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, disputed Israel’s claims, stating that the targeted site was an open sports field frequented by young boys and described the incident as a ‘horrific massacre’ of innocent civilians. The Ain al-Helweh camp, located near the coastal city of Sidon, is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. This strike occurred despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, which aimed to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, a Hamas ally. The Israeli military defended its actions, accusing terrorist organizations of exploiting civilian infrastructure in Palestinian camps. The incident has reignited tensions in the region, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation.
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Drones spotted near Dutch military base
Unidentified drones were reported hovering over Volkel Air Base, a key NATO military installation in the Netherlands, prompting heightened security measures. The incident occurred between 19:00 and 21:00 local time on Friday, with Dutch military personnel deploying weapons in an attempt to intercept the drones. However, the devices reportedly departed and were never recovered, leaving authorities without concrete evidence of their origin. This event is part of a broader pattern of drone sightings across northern Europe, including Belgium, Denmark, and Germany, which have disrupted air traffic and raised significant security concerns. While some European officials have suggested these incidents could be linked to “hybrid warfare” tactics by Russia, the Kremlin has consistently denied any involvement. In response, defense ministers from 10 EU countries have agreed to establish a “drone wall” to enhance surveillance and countermeasures. The Netherlands, along with its NATO allies, continues to investigate the incidents, but the lack of evidence has complicated efforts to identify the perpetrators or their motives.
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Jair Bolsonaro arrested after being deemed a flight risk
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been taken into custody after being deemed a “concrete flight risk” while under house arrest. Bolsonaro, who was convicted in September for orchestrating a military coup, had been serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest pending appeals. However, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered his detention following the emergence of “new facts,” including attempts to tamper with his ankle monitor and calls for a public vigil that could facilitate his escape. Justice Moraes cited evidence suggesting Bolsonaro’s intention to break his electronic monitoring device, potentially aided by a demonstration organized by his son, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The vigil, scheduled for Saturday night, was framed as a gathering to “pray for his health and the return of democracy.” Moraes also highlighted concerns that Bolsonaro might seek asylum at a nearby embassy, with the U.S. embassy in Brasília located just 13 kilometers from his residence. Bolsonaro’s legal troubles have drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports in response. Bolsonaro is currently held at a Federal Police station in Brasília and will face a custody hearing on Sunday. His lawyers had previously requested that he serve his entire sentence under house arrest, citing medical needs, including treatment for pulmonary infections. Bolsonaro was convicted of conspiring to retain power after losing the 2022 election to left-wing rival Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The plot included plans to assassinate Lula and his running mate, Geraldo Alckmin, and to execute Justice Moraes. The conspiracy was foiled due to lack of military support, and Lula was inaugurated without incident on January 1, 2023. However, a week later, Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, leading to 1,500 arrests. Bolsonaro has dismissed his trial as a “witch hunt” aimed at preventing his 2026 presidential bid.
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‘We love off-roading’: KT Desert Drive 2025 kicks off; hundreds hit RAK dunes
The KT Desert Drive 2025, one of the UAE’s most anticipated off-road events, kicked off with immense enthusiasm on Saturday, November 22, at the Dunes Camping and Safari in Ras Al Khaimah. Organized by Khaleej Times and presented by Legend Motors 212, the event attracted hundreds of off-road enthusiasts, ranging from families and beginners to seasoned drivers, all eager to experience the thrill of desert driving. The day began with an official flag-off ceremony at 9:00 AM, led by Charles Yardley, CEO of Khaleej Times, who raised the flag to mark the start of the adventure. The first car, driven by marshal Nick and accompanied by a Khaleej Times reporter, led the convoy into the dunes, setting the tone for a day filled with excitement and camaraderie. Participants gathered as early as 6:30 AM to prepare their vehicles, check tire pressure, and collect essential supplies. The event’s route spanned approximately 120 to 140 kilometers, with safety exits every 20 kilometers and real-time tracking via a navigation app. Ahmed Pervez, founder of Dubai Off Roaders and a key figure behind the event, emphasized that the drive was not a rally but a fun, community-focused experience. The event also featured sponsors like Bridgestone, Valvoline, and RAK Properties, who contributed to its success. Families, friends, and off-roading veterans alike enjoyed the scenic dunes, with many expressing their eagerness to return for future editions.
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Dubai: Man jailed, to be deported for embezzling gold worth Dh3.2 million
A Dubai court has handed down a severe verdict in a high-profile embezzlement case, sentencing an Asian man to jail and deportation for stealing 15kg of 24-karat gold valued at Dh3.2 million. The defendant was also ordered to repay the full amount, plus 5% annual legal interest, from the date the judgment became final until the debt is settled. The case, which began in early 2024, involved two partners who filed a criminal complaint with Dubai police after discovering the theft. The Public Prosecution’s investigation confirmed the defendant’s guilt, leading to his conviction for embezzlement of entrusted property. Initially, the Dubai Criminal Court sentenced him to six months in jail, imposed a fine equivalent to the stolen gold’s value, and mandated his deportation. Despite appeals to higher courts, the verdict was upheld. Subsequently, the partners pursued a civil lawsuit, seeking Dh4.5 million in compensation, which included the gold’s value and additional damages for financial and moral harm. The civil court ruled in their favor, emphasizing the defendant’s direct financial and moral harm to the plaintiffs. The court’s decision underscores the legal consequences of property rights violations in Dubai.