Cruise control, a feature designed to enhance driving convenience, can occasionally malfunction, posing significant risks to drivers. Experts warn that such failures, though rare, can occur in both new and older vehicles due to mechanical faults, electronic errors, or extreme heat conditions prevalent in the UAE. Certified automotive technician Syeda Aisha Atif emphasizes that machines are not infallible, and even minor malfunctions can disrupt the system’s functionality. ‘In older cars, issues like bad wiring or blown fuses can be culprits, though complete cruise control failures are uncommon,’ she noted. Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers. Last week, Dubai Police swiftly responded to a driver whose cruise control became stuck on Emirates Road, averting a potential accident. Automotive expert Sudeep Koshy explains that disruptions in loop mechanisms, faulty electronic components, or speed sensor issues can trigger such malfunctions. Jowana Burgen, founder of Girls Mechanic Team, points out that newer vehicles, with their advanced technologies like adaptive cruise control, are particularly susceptible. ‘Extreme heat can affect electrical components, increasing the risk of failure,’ she said. In case of a malfunction, experts advise drivers to remain calm, shift to neutral gear, and call Dubai Police at 999 for immediate assistance. Regular vehicle maintenance is crucial to prevent such issues, as wear and tear can lead to unexpected failures. Drivers are also encouraged to test cruise control at lower speeds before using it on highways to ensure safety.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Australia sues Microsoft for misleading customers into paying 45% more for AI-linked software
Australia’s competition watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has initiated legal proceedings against Microsoft, accusing the tech giant of misleading millions of customers into paying significantly higher prices for its Microsoft 365 software. The lawsuit centers on Microsoft’s bundling of its artificial intelligence tool, Copilot, with the software, which allegedly forced users to upgrade to more expensive plans without clear disclosure of cheaper alternatives. According to the ACCC, the annual subscription cost for Microsoft 365 personal plans surged by 45% to A$159 ($103.32), while family plans increased by 29% to A$179 after the integration of Copilot. The regulator claims that Microsoft failed to inform users about the availability of a cheaper ‘classic’ plan without Copilot until they initiated the cancellation process. This omission, the ACCC argues, violates Australian consumer law by withholding critical information and creating a false impression of available options. Microsoft has stated that it is reviewing the ACCC’s claims. The regulator is seeking penalties, consumer redress, injunctions, and costs from both Microsoft Australia Pty Ltd and its U.S. parent company, Microsoft Corp. The potential penalties could reach up to A$50 million per breach or three times the benefits obtained from the alleged misconduct. The ACCC emphasized that any penalties would ultimately be determined by the court.
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Preserving Russian ethnic culture in Xinjiang
In the heart of Tacheng prefecture, Xinjiang, Wang Guangsheng stands as a beacon of cultural preservation, dedicating her life to safeguarding the rich heritage of the Russian ethnic community. As an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage, Wang employs a multifaceted approach to keep the traditions alive. Through the meticulous curation of ancient artifacts, the revival of traditional melodies, and the facilitation of intergenerational dialogues, she ensures that the essence of this ancient culture is not lost to time. Wang’s journey is a testament to the resilience and dedication required to preserve cultural identity in a rapidly modernizing world. Her efforts not only honor the past but also provide a bridge for future generations to connect with their roots. This story highlights the importance of cultural preservation in maintaining the diverse tapestry of China’s ethnic communities.
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Malaysia’s Anwar calls for dialogue over coercion at East Asia summit
At the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation over coercion and confrontation. Addressing leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, Anwar highlighted the need for multilateralism and adherence to international law, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and North Korea, as well as the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry. The summit, a forum involving ASEAN and its key partners including Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States, focused on political, security, and economic challenges. Anwar also called for the resolution of the South China Sea territorial disputes through a negotiated Code of Conduct, warning against external pressures that could escalate tensions. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. supported this stance, vowing to accelerate the Code of Conduct’s conclusion when the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairmanship next year. Meanwhile, Chinese officials blamed Philippine actions for the maritime tensions. On other issues, Anwar commended U.S. efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict but stressed the need for a just and lasting solution for Palestinians. He also expressed concern over North Korea’s missile launches and reiterated ASEAN’s commitment to the Five-Point Consensus for peace in Myanmar. The summit also saw discussions on economic resilience, with leaders from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) vowing to enhance regional economic integration and counter U.S. tariff impacts. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to accelerate free trade talks with ASEAN, aiming to double non-U.S. exports in the next decade. The event concluded with a celebration of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s 80th birthday, marking a lighter moment in the otherwise intense diplomatic gathering.
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Staff members harvest apples in Xinjiang
In the heart of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the apple harvest season is in full swing. On October 23, 2025, an aerial drone captured the bustling activity at an orchard in Alaer city, where workers diligently transported freshly picked apples. Known for its unique climate, Xinjiang boasts abundant sunshine and dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night, creating the perfect environment for cultivating fruits with naturally high sugar content. Among these, the apple stands out as a regional specialty, celebrated for its thin skin, dense texture, and juicy flesh. This year’s harvest not only highlights the agricultural prowess of the region but also underscores the economic and cultural significance of this beloved fruit. As the apples make their way to markets across the country, they carry with them the essence of Xinjiang’s rich agricultural heritage.
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Macao’s 3 exhibitions drive industrial development with over 140 deals
The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) recently hosted three major exhibitions that concluded with remarkable success, fostering industrial development and international cooperation. The 2nd China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Expo (Macao), the 30th Macao International Trade and Investment Fair, and the Macao Franchise Expo 2025, organized by the SAR’s Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), wrapped up on Saturday, October 25, 2025. These events collectively generated over 140 signed agreements and 68 business expansion projects. Among the participating companies, 24 have already initiated or completed procedures to establish new businesses. The exhibitions attracted more than 85,000 visitors, including 15,000 trade visitors and professional buyers, significantly supporting Macao’s ‘1+4’ economic diversification strategy. Nearly 80% of the agreements were linked to key industries targeted by this strategy. Additionally, approximately 15% of the deals involved Portuguese-speaking Countries (PSCs), underscoring the event’s role as a crucial platform for China-PSC collaboration. The success of these exhibitions highlights Macao’s growing influence as a hub for international trade and investment, further driving economic diversification and regional cooperation.
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Global warming reshapes extreme rainfall, snowfall across Northern Hemisphere: study
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has revealed profound changes in extreme rainfall and snowfall patterns across the Northern Hemisphere over the past seven decades. Published in the journal *Advances in Climate Change Research*, the study highlights how global warming has altered the distribution of both liquid and solid precipitation, significantly impacting their intensity and frequency. Using ERA5-Land reanalysis data from 1950 to 2022, the team analyzed long-term trends, temperature sensitivity, and underlying mechanisms driving these extreme weather events. The findings indicate that extreme rainfall has intensified at a rate of 0.269 mm per year, nearly nine times faster than the increase in extreme snowfall, which stands at 0.029 mm per year. The study underscores that rising temperatures are primarily responsible for the surge in extreme rainfall, while their impact on snowfall remains relatively modest. Li Yupeng, the study’s lead author, emphasized the critical role of extreme precipitation in risk management, urging mid-latitude regions to focus on flood mitigation and high-latitude and alpine areas to address snow-related hazards. The research provides valuable insights for understanding global precipitation patterns and supports the development of region-specific climate adaptation and disaster prevention strategies.
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Jiangsu survey reveals strontium deposit
A significant strontium ore deposit has been unearthed in the Lishui district of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, according to the Geological Survey of Jiangsu. The deposit, located at a depth of less than 1 kilometer, contains an estimated 545,000 metric tons of ore and 265,000 tons of minerals, with an average grade of 48.65 percent. Strontium, classified as a critical rare metal, is essential for manufacturing special ceramic materials and magnetic alloys, which are vital components in high-end electronic devices. The European Commission recognized strontium as a Critical Raw Material in 2020, underscoring its global importance. Professor Tan Hongbing of Hohai University highlighted the deposit’s high grade and substantial reserves, emphasizing its significant mining value. He also noted that China holds over 60 percent of the world’s proven strontium reserves, reinforcing its leading role in the global strontium market. The discovery, located near the Aijing Mountain deposit in the Lishui volcanic basin, marks a continuation of Jiangsu’s rich history in strontium mining, which dates back to the 1960s. The Geological Survey of Jiangsu conducted a four-year study to map the basin, overcoming challenges such as dense human activity. Their research identified five concealed strontium ore bodies in the Mashantou area, along with deposits of copper, lead-zinc, and pyrite. This discovery not only enhances Jiangsu’s mineral wealth but also provides valuable insights for future strontium exploration.
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UN peacekeepers in Lebanon come under Israeli fire, no casualties reported
A United Nations peacekeeping patrol in southern Lebanon was targeted by Israeli forces on Sunday, according to a statement from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The incident occurred near the village of Kafr Kila, where an Israeli drone dropped a bomb near the patrol at approximately 5:45 pm local time (1545 GMT). Shortly after, an Israeli tank fired in the direction of the peacekeepers. Fortunately, no injuries or damage to UNIFIL personnel or equipment were reported. UNIFIL condemned the actions as violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon’s sovereignty, emphasizing that such incidents endanger peacekeepers fulfilling their mandate in the region. This event follows a similar encounter earlier in the day, where an Israeli drone flew aggressively over a patrol, prompting UNIFIL to take defensive measures. Israel has not yet responded to the allegations. Since the outbreak of cross-border clashes following the Gaza war in October 2023, UNIFIL positions have been targeted multiple times. Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has continued periodic strikes in Lebanon, citing threats from Hezbollah, and has maintained border positions beyond a February 18 withdrawal deadline.
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Chinese legislators hear reports at NPC standing committee session
The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) convened its third plenary meeting on October 26, 2025, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Chaired by Zhao Leji, the NPC Standing Committee Chairman, the session focused on deliberating several critical reports that underscore China’s legislative and financial priorities. Among the key discussions was a report on the implementation of the Food Security Law, which highlighted both achievements and challenges in enforcing the legislation. The report emphasized the need for a comprehensive revision of the law to ensure its effectiveness. Additionally, lawmakers reviewed a report on the Forest Law’s implementation, noting significant progress in forest conservation and ecological restoration while identifying areas for improvement. The financial sector was also a focal point, with a report outlining developments since November 2024 and proposing measures such as a moderately loose monetary policy and enhanced financial regulation. Other reports addressed state-owned asset management, criminal punishment enforcement, and maritime trials, reflecting the NPC’s broad oversight role. The meeting concluded with Zhao chairing a session of the Council of Chairpersons, where senior lawmakers discussed various legislative bills.