标签: North America

北美洲

  • US to consider obesity, special-needs children as factors in refusing long-term visas

    US to consider obesity, special-needs children as factors in refusing long-term visas

    The United States is set to consider obesity and the presence of children with special needs as grounds for rejecting long-term immigrant visas. This move, part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, aims to prevent individuals who might become a ‘public charge’ from entering the country. In a recent directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed US embassies to evaluate visa applicants based on factors such as obesity, which could necessitate costly long-term medical care. Additionally, embassies are to assess whether dependents have disabilities or chronic conditions that might limit the applicant’s ability to work. The policy, first reported by KFF Health News and confirmed by a source to AFP, underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on American taxpayers. The United States, already grappling with high obesity rates, particularly in states that supported Trump, will apply these criteria to immigration applicants but not to short-term visitors. This initiative aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to tighten immigration controls, including the deportation of undocumented migrants, even those without criminal records beyond immigration violations. Rubio has also targeted visa cancellations for individuals perceived as opposing US foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel.

  • Peru eyes more Chinese investment after Chancay Port boost

    Peru eyes more Chinese investment after Chancay Port boost

    Peru is actively pursuing increased Chinese investment to bolster its economic development and enhance public welfare, following the successful inauguration of the Chancay Port, a key project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Gonzalo Talavera, the charge d’affaires ad interim of the Peruvian Embassy in China, emphasized this goal during a recent event in Beijing, where he highlighted investment opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and public well-being. The Chancay Port, which celebrated its first anniversary on Friday, has emerged as a pivotal trade hub in Latin America, significantly reducing maritime transport times and boosting trade between China, Peru, and the broader South American region. According to Peru’s Customs authority, the port has facilitated $603 million in exports and $984 million in imports in the first nine months of this year, generating $207 million in tax revenue and supporting regional economic growth. Talavera noted that the port has enhanced connectivity for landlocked neighboring countries and reduced logistics costs across South America. He also praised China’s leadership in railway construction and solar energy, inviting more Chinese enterprises to invest in Peru and share their expertise. ‘We consider China a reliable partner,’ Talavera stated, adding that increased Chinese investment would drive Peru’s socioeconomic development and benefit both nations.

  • AI that predicts future? UAE’s MBZUAI develops tech that anticipates ‘what’s next’

    AI that predicts future? UAE’s MBZUAI develops tech that anticipates ‘what’s next’

    In a groundbreaking development, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi has introduced PAN, an advanced AI model capable of predicting future events while maintaining human-like consistency in its responses. Unlike existing systems such as OpenAI’s Sora and Google’s Veo, which often produce visually stunning but temporally inconsistent video clips, PAN excels in preserving scene structure and object continuity over extended sequences. This innovation marks a significant leap in AI technology, addressing a critical gap in current video generation models. PAN operates through a two-stage process: first, it creates an internal representation of the environment by recognizing objects, motion, and relationships over time. Second, it translates this understanding into coherent video outputs, updating them dynamically as instructions evolve. This approach ensures stability and realism, making PAN particularly valuable for applications in robotics, autonomous systems, and industrial planning. Developed collaboratively by MBZUAI teams in Abu Dhabi, Paris, and Silicon Valley, PAN is part of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on imported technology. The model and its technical documentation are freely accessible at panworld.ai, positioning the UAE as a leader in open AI research. PAN’s ability to anticipate outcomes and understand the physical world’s dynamics represents a significant step toward AI systems that can reason and predict with genuine accuracy.

  • NMC Healthcare offers free health checks on World Diabetes Day

    NMC Healthcare offers free health checks on World Diabetes Day

    In a significant move to mark World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2025, NMC Healthcare, a leading private healthcare provider in the UAE, has announced the launch of free health screenings across various malls and community shopping centers in the country. The initiative aims to promote early detection and prevention of diabetes, a condition that affects millions globally. The screenings, available without prior appointments at designated NMC kiosks, will include essential tests such as blood cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI measurements. These tests are crucial for identifying prediabetes and diabetes, enabling timely medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments. Dr. Zaka Ullah Khan, Chief Clinical Officer at NMC Healthcare, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating, ‘Diabetes is a pervasive health issue that transcends age and background. Early detection through screenings like these can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. NMC is dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and empowering individuals to take preventive measures.’ The screenings will be held at multiple locations across the UAE, including Khalidiyah Mall and Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, The Market Mall in Dubai, and Al Ramez Mall in Sharjah, among others. For further details, visit NMC Healthcare’s official website at https://nmc.ae/en.

  • Salman Hyder: Simplifying the UAE visa experience for the world

    Salman Hyder: Simplifying the UAE visa experience for the world

    In the dynamic digital environment of the UAE, Salman Hyder, a Pakistani entrepreneur, has emerged as a trailblazer in transforming the nation’s visa and business services. As the founder of UAEVisa.com and Express Business Formation and Services (EBFS), Hyder has redefined the landscape of online visa applications and business setup processes. His platforms have become synonymous with innovation, transparency, and customer-centric solutions. Born in Karachi, Hyder’s expertise in information technology and marketing has enabled him to simplify complex systems for global users, making the UAE more accessible to travelers and entrepreneurs alike. His journey began with the creation of DubaiVisa.com, a pioneering online visa platform. Despite its success, financial challenges led him to part ways with the project, fueling his determination to build something even more impactful. This vision materialized as UAEVisa.com, which has set new standards in the visa facilitation industry. The platform offers a streamlined, hassle-free process, ensuring applicants receive their UAE visas quickly and confidently. Beyond tourism, Hyder’s EBFS provides comprehensive business setup services, including company registration, licensing, and visa processing, empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the UAE’s dynamic business environment. Hyder’s work is driven by a commitment to trust and transparency, ensuring compliance with UAE government guidelines. His story is a testament to resilience and innovation, blending South Asian ingenuity with Middle Eastern opportunities. Looking ahead, Hyder envisions UAEVisa.com as a holistic travel and business facilitation ecosystem, integrating services like travel insurance and digital ID verification. His journey exemplifies how vision and purpose can transform challenges into extraordinary achievements.

  • Walmart boss retiring after more than a decade

    Walmart boss retiring after more than a decade

    Doug McMillon, the long-serving CEO of Walmart, is set to retire in January, marking the end of a transformative era for the retail giant. McMillon, 59, has led the company for over a decade, during which Walmart significantly expanded its e-commerce operations and streamlined its international ventures. His successor, John Furner, a seasoned Walmart executive who rose through the ranks from store-level positions, will assume the role of CEO. Furner currently oversees Walmart’s U.S. operations and is poised to guide the company through its next phase of growth. The leadership transition comes at a time when Walmart has demonstrated resilience, achieving steady growth despite challenges such as new tariffs and fluctuating consumer spending. Greg Penner, Walmart’s chairman, praised McMillon for his strategic investments in digital capabilities, supply chain modernization, and employee development, which have strengthened the company’s financial performance. McMillon will remain on the board as an adviser until June 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. In a statement, McMillon expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead Walmart and lauded Furner’s readiness to drive the company’s AI-driven transformation. Despite the announcement, Walmart’s shares dipped by 2% in early trading, reflecting investor reactions to the leadership change.

  • UAE: Emirates to suspend flights to Damascus starting November 15

    UAE: Emirates to suspend flights to Damascus starting November 15

    Emirates, the Dubai-based airline, has announced the suspension of its flights to Damascus, Syria, effective November 15, 2025. The decision, confirmed by an Emirates spokesperson, stems from a routine operational review aimed at optimizing fleet utilization in alignment with the airline’s business objectives. Passengers with bookings on Emirates flights after November 14 will be rebooked on flydubai, ensuring continued air connectivity between Dubai and Damascus. The airline expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and emphasized its commitment to resuming operations at the earliest opportunity. This suspension marks a temporary halt in Emirates’ services to Damascus, which were reintroduced in July 2025 after a 13-year pause due to the Syrian civil war. Initially operating three weekly flights, Emirates expanded its services to daily flights in October 2025, utilizing a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft. The reintroduction of flights earlier this year followed a thorough evaluation in collaboration with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority. Other UAE carriers, including Etihad and flydubai, continue to operate flights to Damascus. Emirates’ decision underscores the dynamic nature of airline operations and the challenges of maintaining routes in regions with complex geopolitical landscapes.

  • Watch: UAE President meets Sheikh Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince

    Watch: UAE President meets Sheikh Mohammed, Dubai Crown Prince

    In a significant gathering of the UAE’s top leadership, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The meeting, held on November 14, 2025, was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with other prominent figures including Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The leaders engaged in cordial and fraternal discussions on a wide range of topics, reflecting the unity and collaborative spirit within the UAE’s leadership. The meeting underscored the nation’s commitment to addressing key issues through dialogue and cooperation. A video of the event was shared by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), highlighting the warm and productive nature of the discussions.

  • Humans teaching AI: How driverless cars racing in Abu Dhabi run on code, brainpower

    Humans teaching AI: How driverless cars racing in Abu Dhabi run on code, brainpower

    The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is set to host the world’s largest autonomous car race, where 11 teams from across the globe will compete for a $2.25 million prize pool. This event, part of the Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), features six fully autonomous cars from Germany, Italy, and the UAE, alongside five others in the Silver Race. The competition highlights the intersection of human ingenuity and artificial intelligence, as engineers and mechanics work tirelessly to refine the algorithms and systems that power these driverless vehicles. Unlike traditional Formula One races, there are no pit-to-driver radios or tyre strategies. Instead, each car relies on sensors, algorithms, and the ‘personality’ coded into it by its creators. The event also includes a Human vs AI showdown, pitting reigning champions TUM against former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Teams like Code 19, founded by ex-military personnel, bring a unique perspective, emphasizing speed, innovation, and precision. The race underscores the rapid advancements in autonomous technology, with cars now achieving speeds comparable to human-driven vehicles. As the machines grow faster, the human role shifts from driving to strategic oversight, marking a new era in motorsport.

  • BBC apologises to Trump, but rejects defamation claim

    BBC apologises to Trump, but rejects defamation claim

    The BBC has issued an apology to former US President Donald Trump for a misleading edit of one of his speeches but has firmly rejected any grounds for a defamation lawsuit. The controversy stems from a documentary aired in October 2024, which suggested Trump had directly incited ‘violent action’ before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The broadcaster acknowledged the error, with BBC Chair Samir Shah sending a personal letter to Trump expressing regret. However, the BBC emphasized that it does not believe the incident justifies a defamation claim, as stated in a response to Trump’s legal team. The editing row has escalated, leading to the resignation of the BBC’s director-general and top news executive. The broadcaster is also investigating another instance of a misleading edit from June 2022, where phrases from Trump’s speech were spliced together to imply he urged supporters to ‘fight like hell.’ This controversy arises during a politically sensitive period for the BBC, as it prepares to renegotiate its Royal Charter, set to expire in 2027. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government have been cautious, supporting the BBC’s independence while avoiding direct confrontation with Trump.