DEEPAL, the intelligent electric mobility brand under Changan Automobile, has significantly strengthened its presence in the UAE with the introduction of the G318, a Super Hybrid SUV. This strategic move, executed in collaboration with Al Tayer Motors, the brand’s exclusive distributor, underscores DEEPAL’s ambition to become a dominant player in the Middle East and Africa’s rapidly evolving mobility sector. The launch aligns with the UAE’s growing demand for hybrid and electric vehicles, driven by national policies promoting sustainable transport, advanced infrastructure, and innovation-focused consumer trends.
标签： North America
北美洲
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Auto Buzz: Honda unveils two motorcycles, Dubai gets a Škoda showroom
The automotive industry in the Middle East is witnessing a surge of activity, with significant developments from Honda, XPENG, and Škoda. Honda has marked the 50th anniversary of its iconic Gold Wing motorcycle by unveiling two new models in the MENA region. The 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour feature advanced technology, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and enhanced audio systems, alongside exclusive 50th Anniversary badging and Euro 5 compliance. These models continue the legacy of the Gold Wing, which has evolved over five decades to become a symbol of luxury and long-distance touring. Meanwhile, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG has opened a state-of-the-art spare parts warehouse in Dubai, developed in collaboration with JD Logistics. This facility aims to enhance customer service across the Middle East and Africa, leveraging advanced supply chain technology for efficient inventory management and rapid order fulfilment. The move aligns with the UAE’s growing electric vehicle market, projected to reach $16.3 billion by 2030, and supports national sustainability goals. Additionally, Škoda has inaugurated a flagship showroom on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, offering a modern, customer-centric experience. The 10,010-square-foot facility showcases Škoda’s latest models, a live car configurator, and a range of branded lifestyle merchandise, reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation and active living. These developments underscore the region’s dynamic automotive landscape and its alignment with global trends in mobility and sustainability.
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Ex-federal worker accused of staging own attack with slashes, political slurs on body
A shocking case has emerged in New Jersey, where a former congressional staffer stands accused of orchestrating a fabricated violent political attack. Natalie Greene, 26, allegedly conspired with an accomplice to stage the incident on a nature trail in Egg Harbor Township. According to prosecutors, Greene claimed that three gunmen attacked her, tied her up, and inscribed derogatory messages on her body, including ‘Trump whore’ on her stomach. She also alleged that the attackers referenced her employment with New Jersey Republican Representative Jefferson Van Drew, though he was not named in the indictment. Greene has been charged with conspiracy to falsely report a violent attack and providing false statements to law enforcement. The incident occurred on July 23, when Greene and her co-conspirator called 911, reporting an ambush by three men. Police found Greene bound with zip ties, her shirt pulled over her head, and multiple lacerations on her body. However, inconsistencies in their stories and evidence, including a receipt for a $500 payment to a body modification artist, led investigators to conclude the attack was staged. Greene faces up to 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine if convicted. A spokesperson for Rep. Van Drew expressed sadness over the news and wished Greene well. Greene was released on a $200,000 bond, and her lawyers have yet to comment.
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CFI Group strengthens board of directors with strategic appointments of global experts
CFI Group, a prominent global trading and investment firm based in the UAE, has announced the strategic addition of three highly accomplished independent members to its Board of Directors. This move underscores the Group’s dedication to fostering world-class governance, driving long-term value creation, and advancing innovation across its international operations. The new board members bring a wealth of expertise in institutional markets, fintech innovation, and regulated brokerage leadership, further solidifying CFI’s strategic vision and global growth trajectory. Federico Cirulli, with over two decades of executive experience in regulated brokerages and asset management, joins the board. His tenure includes leadership roles at ActivTrades Ltd UK, Swissquote Ltd UK, and CMC Markets UK Plc, coupled with his current position as CEO of Atlantide Asset Management. Cirulli is renowned for his contributions to digital transformation, global expansion, and sustainable growth. David Haglund, another new appointee, brings over 20 years of investment leadership and corporate governance expertise, particularly in emerging markets. His distinguished career includes roles as a portfolio manager at Franklin Templeton and board membership at Aramex, where he contributed to governance, risk oversight, and sustainability strategies. Prema Varadhan, the third addition, boasts over 25 years of experience in fintech and enterprise product leadership. As president of product and chief operating officer at Temenos, she has spearheaded large-scale cloud and digital transformations across financial institutions globally. Varadhan is celebrated for her work in product innovation and AI-enabled financial infrastructure. Hisham Mansour, chairman of CFI Group’s board, emphasized the significance of these appointments, stating that they mark a pivotal step in the company’s evolution. He highlighted the new members’ ability to enhance strategic thinking, innovation, and responsible growth. This expansion reflects CFI Group’s commitment to embedding governance as a cornerstone of its growth strategy, ensuring accountability, foresight, and regulatory excellence as the company continues to expand its global footprint.
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Bush lauds Dick Cheney as a ‘thinker and listener’ at funeral
In a rare display of unity, prominent figures from both the Democratic and Republican parties gathered in Washington, D.C., to honor the life and legacy of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, passed away in early November at the age of 84 due to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. His funeral, held at the Washington National Cathedral, drew a diverse crowd of political leaders, including former Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden. Bush, in his heartfelt eulogy, praised Cheney as a ‘thinker and listener’ in a profession often dominated by talkers, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty and competence as a second-in-command. Cheney, a pivotal figure in shaping Bush’s ‘war on terror’ post-9/11 and a staunch advocate for the Iraq invasion, was remembered as one of the most influential vice presidents in U.S. history. However, his later years saw him fall out of favor within the Republican Party after he publicly criticized former President Donald Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results. This rift extended to his daughter, former Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, who also clashed with Trump. Notably, both Cheneys endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 White House election. Harris, along with former Vice Presidents Mike Pence and Al Gore, attended the funeral, while Trump and Vice President JD Vance were absent. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Cheney’s enduring impact on American politics, despite the controversies that marked his career.
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US broadcast regulator writes to BBC over Panorama edit of Trump speech
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated an inquiry into the BBC following a controversial episode of its Panorama program that spliced parts of a 2021 speech by former US President Donald Trump. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr sent letters to the BBC’s outgoing Director General Tim Davie, as well as executives at US public service broadcasters NPR and PBS, which occasionally air BBC content. Carr’s letter seeks to determine whether the BBC provided the edited material to any FCC-regulated broadcaster for airing in the US. The Panorama episode, titled ‘Trump: A Second Chance?’, allegedly misrepresented Trump’s speech by editing together separate segments, creating the impression that he directly incited violence during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump has threatened legal action, accusing the BBC of defamation and demanding financial compensation. The BBC has apologized for the misleading edit but maintains it did not distribute the episode in the US and restricted its availability to UK viewers on BBC iPlayer. The broadcaster also argued that the documentary did not harm Trump, as he was re-elected shortly after its release. The FCC’s investigation hinges on whether the edited clip was broadcast in the US, which could establish jurisdiction. Media experts suggest the FCC is unlikely to find evidence supporting Trump’s claims if the program was not aired in the US. The controversy has led to the resignation of BBC Director General Tim Davie and BBC News chief Deborah Turness. The BBC is regulated by the UK’s Ofcom, while US broadcasters fall under the FCC’s jurisdiction. The FCC has yet to comment further on the matter.
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UAE: How to build strong GRC programme amid new risks; experts weigh in
In an era marked by geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advancements, and evolving regulatory landscapes, the importance of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) programmes has never been more critical. Experts emphasize that GRC is no longer a back-office function but a strategic capability essential for organizational resilience and integrity. As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) undergoes significant transformation—driven by diversification, digitalization, and emerging industries—GRC must evolve to address new risks and opportunities.
According to Besfort Kuqi, CEO of Swiss GRC, the GCC’s rapid pace of change demands a proactive approach to GRC. He highlights that successful GRC programmes are rooted in organizational culture, requiring leadership commitment and a clear vision from the top. Kuqi stresses that GRC must be simple, effective, and accessible, enabling organizations to manage risks in a structured and reliable manner.
The complexity of today’s business environment, characterized by fragmented supply chains, local content regulations, and cybersecurity threats, necessitates a 360-degree view of risk. Dallal Slimani of Schneider Electric underscores the importance of end-to-end visibility, enabled by technology, to make informed decisions. Rajeev Dutt of Swiss GRC adds that modern GRC programmes must leverage automation to streamline workflows, eliminate redundancies, and create a single source of truth.
AI governance is emerging as a critical frontier in GRC, requiring a sociotechnical approach that integrates people, culture, and technology. Akshay Dalal of Google emphasizes that responsible AI is fundamentally a human challenge, not just a technological one. Organizations must adopt adaptable frameworks and embed responsible-AI thinking into their GRC practices to navigate the complexities of AI-driven change.
Ultimately, GRC is transforming from a compliance function into a strategic enabler, empowering organizations to innovate responsibly, build resilience, and achieve sustainable growth. As Dalal aptly notes, there is no one-size-fits-all solution—each organization must tailor its GRC approach to its unique challenges and risks.
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US congresswoman charged with stealing $5m in federal disaster funds
A Florida congresswoman, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, has been indicted on charges of embezzling $5 million in federal disaster funds. The 46-year-old Democrat, elected to Congress in 2022, is accused of laundering a portion of the misappropriated Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds into her 2021 election campaign. The alleged fraud was orchestrated through Trinity Healthcare Services, a company she co-owned with her brother, Edwin Chefilus, who is also implicated in the scheme. The company had secured a FEMA contract to register individuals for COVID-19 vaccines but reportedly received an overpayment of $5 million in July 2021. Prosecutors claim the siblings attempted to conceal the money’s origin by funneling it through multiple accounts, with a significant portion allegedly used to finance her congressional bid. Additionally, funds were reportedly diverted to friends and relatives, who then contributed to her campaign as personal donations. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the act as a ‘particularly selfish, cynical crime,’ emphasizing that no one is above the law. If convicted, Cherfilus-McCormick faces up to 53 years in prison. She has vehemently denied the charges, calling the indictment ‘unjust and baseless,’ and vowed to clear her name. The House Ethics Committee is also investigating her conduct, and Florida Republican Congressman Greg Steube has proposed a resolution to expel her from Congress, citing the severity of the allegations.
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Sonam Kapoor announces her second pregnancy in style
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor has joyfully announced her second pregnancy with her husband, businessman Anand Ahuja. The ‘Neerja’ star shared the exciting news on Instagram, posting a series of elegant photos that showcased her baby bump. In the caption, she simply wrote, ‘Mother,’ accompanied by heartfelt emojis. The announcement quickly garnered widespread attention and warm wishes from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Kapoor chose a stunning hot-pink pure wool suit for the reveal, featuring oversized padded shoulders and a soft, curved silhouette, embodying her signature style. In her Instagram story, she further confirmed that the baby is due in spring 2026. The couple, who tied the knot in a traditional ceremony on May 8, 2018, welcomed their first child, son Vayu, on August 20, 2022. At the time, they expressed their gratitude to their support system, stating, ‘Our lives are forever changed.’ Anand Ahuja humorously commented on the post, calling Kapoor ‘Baby ma.. also chicccccc mama!’ and teasing ‘double trouble.’ Kapoor, known for her roles in films like ‘Raanjhanaa,’ ‘Veere Di Wedding,’ and ‘Delhi 6,’ took a break from acting after the birth of her first child. She recently returned to the screen in the 2023 crime thriller ‘Blind.’ The pregnancy announcement ends months of speculation and marks a new chapter for the beloved actress and her growing family.
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More than 250 arrested in Charlotte as immigration crackdown escalates
In a significant escalation of President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts, U.S. Border Patrol agents have detained more than 250 individuals in Charlotte, North Carolina, since Saturday. This operation, dubbed ‘Operation Charlotte’s Web’ by federal authorities, targets undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal backgrounds or gang affiliations. Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized that the arrests include individuals convicted of serious offenses such as assault on law enforcement, theft, and document tampering. However, the crackdown has sparked widespread criticism from local leaders and residents. North Carolina’s Democratic Governor Josh Stein accused federal agents of racial profiling, citing instances of heavily armed officers targeting individuals based on skin color. Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles echoed these concerns, urging federal agents to respect the city’s values while commending protesters who rallied against the administration’s actions. The operation’s duration remains unclear, with similar measures in cities like Chicago still ongoing. As fear spreads among Charlotte’s immigrant community, reports suggest the crackdown may extend to Raleigh, prompting renewed calls for a focus on violent criminals rather than ordinary residents.