China is poised to launch the Shenzhou XXI mission, marking another significant milestone in its space exploration endeavors. The mission, scheduled for Friday night, will send three astronauts to the Tiangong space station for a six-month stay. The crew, led by mission commander Senior Colonel Zhang Lu, includes spaceflight engineer Major Wu Fei and payload specialist Zhang Hongzhang. Their primary objectives include conducting 27 scientific projects, performing spacewalks, and undertaking China’s first in-orbit experimentation on rodents. The launch will take place at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, with the Long March 2F rocket propelling the Shenzhou XXI spacecraft into low-Earth orbit. The mission will also involve a crew shift, replacing the Shenzhou XX astronauts who have been aboard the space station for over six months. The Tiangong space station, completed in late 2022, remains the only independently operated space station in orbit. The Shenzhou XXI astronauts will focus on research in space life sciences, biotechnology, space medicine, and new spacecraft technologies. Additionally, the mission will observe the behavioral and physiological impacts of space on four mice, which will return to Earth for further analysis. This mission underscores China’s growing capabilities in space exploration and scientific innovation.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Trump hosts White House Halloween bash with superheroes and presidential lookalikes amid shutdown
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a festive Halloween celebration at the White House on Thursday evening, welcoming hundreds of costumed guests, including children dressed as superheroes, dinosaurs, and even the first couple themselves. The event took place on the South Lawn, where the Trumps emerged to the orchestral rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” While neither donned costumes, the president sported his signature blue suit, red tie, and “USA” cap, while Melania wore a brown coat over an orange dress. The couple distributed full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in boxes adorned with the presidential seal to a long line of children and parents. The festivities proceeded despite the ongoing 30-day government shutdown and Trump’s recent return from a six-day Asia trip. Temporary walls obscured the construction of the new White House ballroom, which has led to the demolition of the East Wing, though a bulldozer was visible nearby. The White House exterior was decorated with autumn leaves and fall flowers, and carved pumpkins adorned the balcony stairs. Attendees included children of military members and White House staffers, with costumes ranging from Spider-Man to ballerinas. Despite the political tensions, the event provided a moment of lighthearted celebration.
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Agentic AI emerges as key driver of enterprise transformation
The emergence of Agentic AI is transforming the landscape of enterprise automation, decision-making, and operational efficiency. Unlike traditional AI systems that merely execute commands, Agentic AI interprets intent, retains memory across interactions, and collaborates with humans and other agents to achieve outcomes. This shift from reactive to proactive intelligence is enabling businesses to tackle complexity with unprecedented agility. Leading this transformation is Inception, a UAE-based AI product company that has gained significant traction with its enterprise-ready solutions. Celebrating its first anniversary at GITEX Global 2025, Inception unveiled a suite of products under the theme “Authentic Intelligence. Real Impact,” including domain-specific and sector-agnostic tools like (In)Procurement, (In)Business Productivity, (In)Business Process, and (In)Sight. These tools are designed to integrate Agentic AI into core business functions, ensuring intelligent delegation and escalation when necessary. Inception’s approach emphasizes augmentation over replacement, particularly in regulated sectors such as finance and healthcare, where ethical, legal, or reputational risks are high. The company’s systems are built to escalate decisions in ambiguous scenarios, ensuring human oversight remains central while AI agents handle low-risk tasks with precision. One of the key challenges in scaling Agentic AI is data fluency, as many enterprises operate with fragmented systems that hinder real-time intelligence. Inception addresses this through coordination layers that manage agent behavior and ensure seamless collaboration across departments. Products like (In)Procurement not only automate workflows but also identify sustainable suppliers, accelerate sourcing cycles, and ensure compliance, delivering measurable savings and operational efficiency. Inception’s presence at GITEX also marked the announcement of strategic partnerships with global consulting firms such as Bain & Company and McKinsey, reinforcing its commitment to enterprise transformation and supporting the UAE’s ambition to become an AI-native nation. “Our goal is to deliver AI that is explainable, secure, and scalable,” said Ashish Koshy, CEO of Inception. “Agentic AI is not just a technology—it’s a new way of thinking about intelligence in the enterprise.”
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Enterprise AI moves beyond pilots as Magna AI seeks to set new benchmark
As artificial intelligence (AI) transitions from experimental pilots to full-scale enterprise deployments, organizations worldwide are facing significant challenges in scaling AI securely and effectively. A recent MIT report reveals that fewer than 10% of companies have successfully industrialized AI, citing fragmented systems, weak integration, and rising cybersecurity risks as major barriers. Addressing these challenges, Magna AI, a new venture supported by cybersecurity leader Trend Micro and global IT manufacturer Wistron, has emerged with a mission to redefine how AI is built, secured, and scaled across industries and governments. Dr. Moataz Bin Ali, CEO of Magna AI, emphasized the company’s goal to solve real-world challenges that hinder organizations from moving beyond AI pilots. Magna AI’s integrated platform combines infrastructure, intelligence, security, and operations into a seamless model, designed to make AI enterprise-ready from day one. The platform eliminates the need for disconnected tools and complex integrations, offering sovereign-ready AI factories, enterprise-grade applications, and robust security frameworks. This approach accelerates deployment, enhances trust, and ensures compliance with national data sovereignty laws. Magna AI is targeting strategic sectors such as government, finance, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities, where secure and scalable AI can drive transformative change. Its systems enable predictive intelligence, intelligent automation, and operational efficiency tailored to each industry’s unique needs. To support global adoption, Magna AI has established a tri-continental presence with its corporate headquarters in Japan, R&D center in Taiwan, and operations hub in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. Expansion plans are underway to strengthen its footprint in key markets. Security remains a cornerstone of Magna AI’s offering, with Trend Micro’s AI-secured architecture embedded across the platform to provide continuous protection against emerging threats like model integrity attacks and data leakage. Looking ahead, Magna AI anticipates generating over $10 billion in cumulative economic impact within five years, driven by productivity gains, faster time-to-value, and reduced transformation costs. The company aspires to become the default global partner for enterprise AI transformation, delivering secure, sovereign, and sustainable intelligence at scale. Dr. Bin Ali described AI as an industrial revolution, stating that Magna AI is committed to helping governments and enterprises harness its potential responsibly and with measurable impact.
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UAE students look east as India’s design industry powers global demand for creative talent
The global design industry is experiencing a seismic shift, propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence, digital experiences, and sustainability. At the forefront of this transformation is India, which is rapidly emerging as a hub for creative education and innovation. The World University of Design (WUD), India’s first university dedicated exclusively to creative disciplines, is attracting a growing number of students from the UAE and beyond, drawn by its forward-thinking programs and global relevance.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of WUD, highlights the evolving role of design in today’s world. “Design is no longer confined to aesthetics; it is driving industries ranging from technology and urban planning to fashion and digital experiences,” he explains. The global design industry, currently valued at $63 billion, is projected to reach $89 billion by 2033, with India playing a pivotal role in this growth.
India’s design sector is expanding at an impressive annual rate of 25%, fueled by innovations in digital products, gaming, animation, and user experience. Government initiatives like Make in India and Digital India, coupled with the rise of global R&D hubs, have positioned design at the core of the country’s economic engine. Design education, in particular, is shaping India’s trajectory toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, with design thinking bridging the gap between technology and human needs in sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and smart cities.
Dr. Gupta emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of future careers in design. “Employers increasingly value professionals who can think across boundaries—engineers who understand aesthetics, entrepreneurs who think like designers, and coders who empathize with users,” he says. WUD’s curriculum integrates design, business, and technology, fostering creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
For UAE students, India offers a unique blend of world-class education, cultural familiarity, and affordability. WUD’s multicultural campus and globally benchmarked programs prepare students for careers in Dubai, London, Mumbai, and beyond. With tuition and living costs significantly lower than in the West, India provides exceptional value for families seeking quality education.
As the UAE continues to invest in its creative industries, collaborations with India’s design education ecosystem are strengthening. Institutions like WUD are at the forefront of this partnership, shaping the future of design, innovation, and the creative economy in the Global South. Admissions for WUD’s 2026 intake are now open, with the WUD Design Aptitude Test (WUDAT 2026) scheduled for January 4, 2026.
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China urges Philippines to ‘mend its ways’ over South China Sea provocations
In a stern warning issued on Thursday, China urged the Philippines to ‘mend its ways’ and halt its repeated provocations in the South China Sea. Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks during a press conference in Beijing, addressing recent actions by the Philippines that China claims violate its sovereignty. According to the China Coast Guard, on October 12, two Philippine government vessels illegally entered waters near Tiexian Reef in the Nansha Islands, prompting Chinese forces to take control measures and expel the intruders. Similarly, on October 16, two Philippine reconnaissance planes were expelled after allegedly violating China’s airspace over Huangyan Island. The Philippines countered by claiming that China’s actions endangered the safety of its crew and aircraft. Zhang reiterated China’s ‘indisputable sovereignty’ over the South China Sea islands and adjacent waters, accusing the Philippines of ‘frequent infringements and provocations’ aimed at destabilizing the region. He also criticized Manila for spreading false information and seeking external support to pressure China. Zhang emphasized that China would continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty through ‘legitimate, legal, professional, and prudent actions.’ He called on the Philippines to return to dialogue and consultation, urging regional cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
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UAE-Türkiye ties deepen as bilateral trade, cooperation reach new heights
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Türkiye have solidified their strategic partnership, achieving unprecedented levels of bilateral trade and cooperation. Ambassador Lütfullah Göktaş, Türkiye’s envoy to the UAE, emphasized the deepening ties between the two nations, highlighting their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and multilateral collaboration. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa), effective since September 2023, has been a driving force behind this growth, propelling non-oil trade to $44 billion between September 2024 and August 2025—a 12% increase despite global geopolitical challenges. This milestone underscores the resilience and dynamism of the UAE-Türkiye relationship, which spans energy, trade, finance, defense, and technology. Ambassador Göktaş noted the strong historical, cultural, and religious bonds between the two nations, with over 50,000 Turkish citizens thriving in the UAE. High-level visits, including those by Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, have further strengthened bilateral ties. The partnership not only benefits both nations but also contributes to regional stability. As Türkiye celebrated its 102nd Republic Day, the 52nd anniversary of UAE-Türkiye diplomatic relations was also honored, marking a forward-looking alliance poised for continued growth.
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Radio Free Asia says it is halting its news operations due to funding troubles
Radio Free Asia (RFA), a prominent independent news organization, announced it will cease operations on Friday due to severe financial constraints exacerbated by the U.S. government shutdown and the Trump administration’s efforts to defund government-backed media services. Established in 1996, RFA has been a critical source of news in regions where information flow is heavily restricted, including China, Myanmar, and North Korea. Over the past few months, the organization has operated with minimal staff, focusing primarily on online content as its funding dwindled. RFA’s President and CEO, Bay Fang, stated that the shutdown is a necessary step to conserve resources and potentially restart operations if consistent funding becomes available. The closure will involve shutting down overseas bureaus and laying off staff, many of whom have been on unpaid leave since March 2023. Despite its challenges, RFA had seen a 20% increase in website visitors between 2023 and 2024, reflecting its growing influence. Meanwhile, RFE/Radio Liberty, a similar government-funded organization, continues to operate, though it has also faced funding cuts and legal battles with the administration. Voice of America, another affected entity, has essentially halted operations due to the funding crisis. The differing approaches of these organizations highlight the broader impact of the administration’s policies on government-funded media.
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‘He wanted to help animals’: Israel kills Gaza veterinarian after the ceasefire
In a heart-wrenching tale of loss and resilience, Moaz Abo Rokba, a 30-year-old veterinarian from Gaza, became one of the many victims of Israel’s repeated violations of the recent ceasefire. Known for his expertise in surgical operations, Moaz had saved countless animals in the besieged Gaza Strip, earning admiration and respect from his community. Despite the dangers, he returned to his hometown of Jabalia shortly after the truce was announced, only to be killed in an Israeli air strike.
Moaz’s journey was one of dedication and passion. After earning his veterinary degree with distinction from Egypt’s Zagazig University, he returned to Gaza in 2019, where he worked tirelessly to improve public health standards and later opened his own clinic. His commitment to animal welfare and his dream of expanding his practice were cut short by the ongoing conflict.
His brother, Abdelrahman, recounted Moaz’s unwavering courage, even in the face of constant bombardment. ‘He was scared, but he couldn’t stop helping,’ Abdelrahman said. Moaz continued treating injured animals and feeding strays, often risking his life under Israeli attacks. His family, displaced to southern Gaza, held onto hope for his survival until a stranger confirmed his death days later.
Moaz’s wife, Rania, mourned the loss of her husband, a devoted father to their two young sons. ‘He was only trying to heal animals,’ she said, her voice filled with grief. ‘Israel always aims to kill the mindful, educated people of Palestine.’
Moaz’s death is a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict, which has claimed over 68,643 lives since October 2023. His story highlights the resilience of Gaza’s people and the tragic loss of those who strive to make a difference amidst unimaginable adversity.
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Israel launches probe into leak of video showing troops raping Palestinian prisoner
Israel has initiated a criminal investigation to uncover the source of leaked footage from the Sde Teiman detention center, which allegedly depicts the rape of a Palestinian detainee. The decision, announced by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Wednesday, will also scrutinize individuals responsible for distributing the video, which was broadcast by Israeli Channel 12 in August 2023. The footage reportedly shows soldiers forming a human barrier around the detainee during the assault. Defense Minister Israel Katz endorsed the probe, describing it as a response to a ‘serious affair that created a blood libel’ against Israeli soldiers. Far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir had previously called for an investigation, with Smotrich accusing the leak of causing ‘tremendous damage to Israel’ globally. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with reports of systemic abuse, including torture, rape, and murder, at Sde Teiman and other detention facilities. Despite a conditional order from Israel’s High Court in July 2023 to close the center, it remains operational, with former detainees recounting harrowing experiences of torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Investigations by Middle East Eye, CNN, and the New York Times have corroborated these allegations, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and reform.