Latest news with #20
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
North Korea enabled Russia's attacks on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, says monitoring group
North Korea's help "contributed to Moscow's ability to increase its missile attacks against Ukrainian cities", according to the monitoring group's first report. PHOTO: EPA-EFE SEOUL - North Korea enabled Russia to increase missile attacks against critical Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and supplied more than 20,000 containers of munitions, according to a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team, a group comprising 11 UN members. The group, launched in October 2024 to monitor UN sanctions against North Korea after a Security Council panel was scrapped by Russia and China, also said Moscow helped the North improve missile performance in return by supplying data. As many as nine million rounds of artillery and rocket launcher ammunition was shipped from North Korea to Russia by Russian cargo vessels as part of military cooperation between the two countries in violation of UN sanctions, it said. "At least for the foreseeable future, North Korea and Russia intend to continue and further deepen their military cooperation in contravention of relevant UN Security Council resolutions," the group said, in its first report. The group comprises the US, South Korea, Japan, and eight UN member states and was introduced after Russia vetoed the renewal of a UN panel that enforced sanctions over North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes for 15 years. China abstained from the vote. North Korea's help "contributed to Moscow's ability to increase its missile attacks against Ukrainian cities including targeted strikes against critical civilian infrastructure," the report said. Since it started shipping ammunition to Russia in September 2023, North Korea has transferred at least 100 ballistic missiles, self-propelled artillery, long-range multiple rocket launchers and munitions for them, it said. Russia in return "supported North Korea's ballistic missile programmes by providing data feedback... leading to improvements in missile guidance performance," it said. Moscow also provided air defence equipment and anti-aircraft missiles as well as electronics warfare systems to North Korea, it said. After months of silence, North Korea and Russia confirmed in April Pyongyang had deployed troops to fight for Russia in the war in Ukraine as part of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty their leaders signed last year. The treaty includes a mutual defence pact. The two countries have not explicitly confirmed the exchange of military equipment or technology. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
ARN News Center
2 days ago
- Business
- ARN News Center
Two foreign bank branches fined AED 18 million for regulatory breaches
The Central Bank of the UAE has issued major financial penalties against two foreign bank branches operating in the country. The first bank was fined AED 10.6 million, while the second faces a penalty of AED 7.5 million. This comes after examinations by the Central Bank uncovered violations of anti-money laundering laws and failures to comply with regulations on combating the financing of terrorism and illegal organisations. The names of the banks involved have not been disclosed by the authority. In a statement, the Central Bank said it remains committed to ensuring that all banks and their employees follow national laws and uphold the highest standards of transparency, compliance and financial integrity. The #CentralBankUAE imposed financial sanctions on two branches of foreign banks operating in the UAE, amounting to AED10,600,000 for the first bank and AED7,500,000 for the second bank, pursuant to Article (14) of the Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering… — Central Bank of the UAE (@centralbankuae) May 28, 2025
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chengdu: Empower Dreams with the Wings of Sci-Fi
CHENGDU, China, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Once upon a time, sci-fi was synonymous with classic works from Europe and America such as Star Wars, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and Journey to the Center of the Earth. However, Chinese sci-fi author Liu Cixin made history when the first installment of his trilogy The Three-Body Problem won the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Novel at the 73rd World Science Fiction Convention, becoming the first Asian to receive this honor. The achievement marked the first time the world truly began to pay attention to Chinese sci-fi. Furthermore, Chengdu hosted the 81st World Science Fiction Convention in 2023, the first time the event was held in China and second time in Asia. Today, The Three-Body Problem has been translated into over 30 languages and has captivated global audiences through its novels and screen adaptations. Yet few know that the first book of the trilogy was originally serialized in Chengdu's sci-fi magazine Science Fiction World. To further promote Chengdu's sci-fi industry and strengthen international collaboration in the field, the Chengdu International Sci-Fi Industry Salon, organized by National Business Daily and hosted by NBD Think Tank, was held in Chengdu on May 28, 2025. The event brought together leading global sci-fi companies and experts to discuss the future of the industry. Attendees included representatives from France's Hachette Publishing Group (the world's second-largest publishing group), Japan's D'Art Shtajio Animation Studio (the first major anime studio led by African American creators). During the presentation, Hachette and D'Art Shtajio shared insights on sci-fi IP development, copyright management, and animation production, while delivering speeches on topics such as "ideal environments for sci-fi innovation" and "enhancing cross-border industry collaboration." The event also featured prominent international experts, including Brigitte Leblanc, Editor-in-Chief of Le Rayon imaginaire, Hachette Heroes, Hachette Livre (responsible for publishing the French edition of The Three-Body Problem comic), American animation director Dalton Grant (known for Cars and Shrek), etc. During roundtable discussions, Grant emphasized sci-fi's role in sparking unexpected creativity and overcoming perceived limits, while Leblanc cited The Three-Body Problem's global success as a model for international IP cooperation. The organizers stated that such platforms aim to drive Chengdu's sci-fi industry toward greater diversity, depth, and global integration, while amplifying the reach of Chinese sci-fi works abroad and fostering cultural exchange between China and the world. SOURCE National Business Daily Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Science
- Al Etihad
Inside the EAD gene bank protecting UAE's botanical treasures
29 May 2025 00:04 MAYS IBRAHIM (AL AIN)The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)'s Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC) in Al Ain is on a mission to preserve the UAE's native flora, and since it opened in 2024, it has already collected over 580 samples of 130 plant species from across the centre serves as a gene bank that stores plant material in multiple forms: seeds, tissue, live plants, DNA, and even with Aletihad at a media tour on Tuesday, Maher Kabshawi, Head of the Seed Collection and Preservation Section, explained the process that goes into conserving native plant seeds from across the UAE is no easy task, Kabshawi said. "We have to go to the wild during specific seasons when plants are mature but not dried out. It can take several attempts, especially when targeting rare or endangered species."The goal is to conserve around 600 documented plant species in the UAE, but due to the scale of this mission, priorities have been set, he said. The initial focus is on 23 Abu Dhabi species that have been considered "threatened" on the IUCN Red seeds undergo a meticulous multi-step process that includes cleaning, drying, testing, and cataloguing. Only once they meet strict moisture and quality standards are they stored in a 20°C cold room, designed to preserve up to 20,000 samples. Under these conditions, seeds can remain viable for up to 100 years, according to Kabshawi. A High-Tech Facility The seed lab, where cutting-edge innovation meets meticulous scientific methods, is the gateway for every sample that enters the the suite of specialised machines used at the lab is a videometer, the first of its kind in the country. This AI-powered device uses spectrometry to capture high-resolution images of seeds and read a wide range of traits, such as colour, shape, surface texture, and chlorophyll content."The videometer allows us to study seeds non-invasively," seed collection specialist Nuri Asmita said. "We can evaluate a seed's health, maturity, and moisture content without damaging it."The machine works by exposing seeds to specific light wavelengths, allowing scientists to detect internal traits based on how the seed reflects or absorbs tandem, the lab uses an aspirator machine to separate seeds from debris and impurities collected in the field. Once cleaned, seeds are packaged with another precision tool: a counter that uses a light beam to count individual seeds as they pass through. From Herbarium to Fungarium Plant specimens go to the herbarium, while tissue samples are used for cryopreservation and genomic research, supporting broader biodiversity conservation herbarium, which already houses over 4,000 sheets representing 705 species, uses digital imaging - including 3D rendering - to document and preserve plant specimens for future study."Once we press, dry, and mount the samples, we digitise them, creating a record that can last for a century," Sabitha Sakkir, a flora scientist, told centre has also launched the UAE's first fungarium, which currently includes around 40 fungal specimens, including the rare Ganoderma colossum, recorded for the first time in the country. Genome Sequencing One of the most ambitious parts of the PGRC's mission is genome collaboration with G42 and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, the centre completed sequencing for six native species in its first phase, including the iconic Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria), dwarf palm, and seagrass (Halodule uninervis)."Sequencing is complex," Salama Al Mansoori, Plant Conservation Specialist at PGRC, told Aletihad. "It's time-intensive and technically demanding. That's why we prioritise species based on IUCN Red List classifications and ecological importance."Phase two of genome sequencing will focus on three key species, each vital to their respective ecosystems, according to epapposum (Arfaj), which supports desert biodiversity, plays a role in soil stabilisation and helps regulate microclimates. Orchradenus arabicus, a salt-tolerant shrub, enhances vegetation in saline habitats, supports pollinators, and aids in land restoration. Halophila stipulacea, a key seagrass species, stabilises sediment, improves water quality, and provides habitat for marine life, indicating healthy coastal DNA from arid-adapted species is especially challenging due to their fibrous structures, requiring laborious preparation and contamination control across three genome sequencing platforms for best-in-class resolution. A Glasshouse for Native Flora A highlight of the centre is its 1,000-square-meter glasshouse, which simulates five major UAE habitats: coastal areas, sand sheets, sand dunes, wadis, and than 65 native species grow here under controlled conditions, according to horticulture specialist Hassan Al Mansoori pointed out that the building itself is a nod to local heritage and environmental consciousness. Its circular design mirrors the cross-section of the Ghaf tree, while the façade takes inspiration from Ghaf structure uses terracotta for natural cooling, skylights for daylighting, and solar panels that provide more than 25% of its energy needs. Even the paint is chosen carefully to avoid disorienting migratory birds, she the centre is not yet open to the general public, it actively hosts school and university interactive exhibition area with nine installations engages students in conservation science, plant identification, and genomics. Al Mansoori said the centre will launch educational programmes next month, offering students aged 15 and up a week-long, hands-on experience working alongside scientists.
Dubai Eye
3 days ago
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Two foreign bank branches fined AED 18 million for regulatory breaches
The Central Bank of the UAE has issued major financial penalties against two foreign banks operating in the country. The first bank was fined AED 10.6 million, while the second faces a penalty of AED 7.5 million. This come after examinations by the Central Bank uncovered violations of anti-money laundering laws and failures to comply with regulations on combating the financing of terrorism and illegal organisations. The names of the banks involved have not been disclosed by the authority. In a statement, the Central Bank said it remains committed to ensuring that all banks and their employees follow national laws and uphold the highest standards of transparency, compliance and financial integrity. The #CentralBankUAE imposed financial sanctions on two branches of foreign banks operating in the UAE, amounting to AED10,600,000 for the first bank and AED7,500,000 for the second bank, pursuant to Article (14) of the Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering… — Central Bank of the UAE (@centralbankuae) May 28, 2025
