Latest news with #OST
Forbes
07-08-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Oilstainlab HF-11 Hypercar Nearing Production
Less than a year after its digital reveal, the Oilstainlab HF-11 is close to hitting circuits and roads around the world. Sporting a sub-2,000-pound curb weight, carbon fiber tub and bodywork, several thrilling powertrain choices, and wild exterior design, its overall vibe pays homage to various prototype race cars of yore. It's also counter to our current era of high weight, complexity, and the digitized automotive experience. I recently paid a visit to the company's HQ in Signal Hill, California, to get a closer look at the progress made. When I arrived, co-founder Nikita Bridan gave me a thorough rundown on what will set this $1,850,000 beast apart from other low-production, finely crafted hypercars. First thing's first: What was beautifully displayed under the facility's softbox was not a production HF-11, but rather a production-scale model. A development chassis has been making the rounds for a while now, including at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2024, but finalized models are planned to be ready this fall. Considering its solely digital form just nine months ago—and OST's very small team—having something empirically close to the final product to pour over certainly felt like a milestone. The HF-11's overall size and proportions are close to the 718-generation Porsche Cayman, yet with a very wide track and barely a hint of overhang past the wheelbase. It conjures up visions of purpose-built brawlers carving it up on Circuit de la Sarthe, Daytona, Road Atlanta, and any other place where prototype race cars have made their mark in history. HF-11's chassis consists of a conventional carbon fiber tub with welded framework bolted up to both ends. The tub is produced by Crawford Composites in North Carolina, a company with deep experience in producing components for open-wheel racing series around the globe, as well as homologated-for-racing prototypes. Bridan shared that the HF-11's overall rigidity is tremendously high, which ensures optimal handling characteristics and communication to the driver. Suspension is tubular-arm fare at all four corners, with in-board Ohlins adjustable coilover dampers and finely tuned spring rates to maximize grip, engagement, and ride quality. Massive Brembo carbon ceramic brakes keep speed in check. Bridan was quite enthusiastic about every detail of the HF-11, but one aspect particularly stuck out to me: Its interior. OST worked tirelessly to not only engineer the perfect driving position, but also ensure that a wide range of body types would comfortably fit inside. Then, once belted in, clients will have a beautifully crafted steering wheel, pedal arrangement, and shifter to really up the experience. And, provide a wonderfully opulent environment—finely machined aluminum, soft Alcantara, painstakingly pondered dimensions, and all. The lavish steering wheel even features a hidden quick-release for added race car zest. Instrument displays and basic, non-driving controls will be at a minimum, which was music to my ears in our era of complex digital screens. Finally, OST's choice of powertrains is quite fascinating. One option is a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated, air-cooled flat-six that will rev to nearly 12,000 RPM and produce 650 horsepower. While these specs point to Porsche as the basis of its construction, Bridan affirms that it's a bespoke block—he also wouldn't reveal any details about the supplier, but did say it's based in California. Next up is a planned 4.2-liter water-cooled flat-six, based on the 991-generation Porsche 911 RSR engine. This, too, will produce around 650 horsepower, yet only rev to 10,000 RPM. Only. The reason for offering an air- and water-cooled powerplant is due to accommodating clients in a wide range of climates. A EV powertrain is planned as well, which brings up one of the HF-11's more beguiling features: Quick swap-ability. Thanks to the use of aerospace-grade connectors throughout for wiring, fluids, etc., clients will have the ability to fairly easily swap between an EV powertrain and either of the ICE options. I didn't get a chance to inquire about the EV powertrain's output, but battery size will rival a Tesla Model 3 and range is expected to be around 200 miles—while this beast's very low weight and aerodynamic figure usually greatly improve range, the exposed massive, sticky tires cut into it. Two different gearboxes are available: A dual-clutch automatic unit originally found in the 718 Cayman MR and a six-speed manual box sourced from Holinger and built to withstand the HF-11's eyebrow-raising RPMs and output. It was a real pleasure to go over the HF-11 project with Bridan at OST's facility. With deep inspiration from different chapters of motorsports history, an immense amount of time dedicated to design and engineering, and use of the finest materials and components, the HF-11 will be quite the spectacle when it hits the track later this fall for media and potential client impressions. There's no shortage of bespoke, high-dollar hypercars on the market at the moment, but OST brings something truly fitting and unique to the table, and I'm anxious to see how it takes on circuits' tarmac. Monterey Car Week starts tomorrow, and OST has a few appearances planned for the HF-11. Check out the company's social media and website—and the links above—to find out where to revel in it, in-person.
Forbes
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
15 Boy Band Songs If You Love KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys ‘Soda Pop'
Netflix K-Content, "Saja Boys - Soda Pop (Official Lyric Video) | K-Pop Demon Hunters | Netflix" KPop Demon Hunters has not only taken over Netflix as a Number One movie but has sent its soundtrack soaring up the charts around the world. HitsDailyDouble reports the OST earning about 75,000 units from July 4-10, up 23 percent from last week's total of neraly 61,000, for the soundtrack's biggest week in America yet. Beyond the U.S., the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack hit Number One on the official album charts in Australia, New Zealand and Germany, while reaching the Top 5 in Canada, Austria, Portugal, Lithuania, Switzerland, Norway and more. While the soundtrack songs 'Golden' and 'Your Idol' made initial dents on the charts, even more songs from the film are surging like 'Soda Pop,' the debut single by the demons-in-disguise boy band Saja Boys. Its effervescent bubblegum-pop melody mixed with the group's charming good looks quickly turns everyone into a fan — including the movie's starring girl group, HUNTR/X. The vocals on 'Soda Pop" are handled by Andrew Choi, Danny Chung, samUIL Lee and Neckwav. Remarkably, Woo is a former K-pop boy band member (performing in U-KISS from 2008 until 2017), while Choi, Chung, Lee and Neckwav have written songs for major K-pop acts including, respectively, TWICE, BLACKPINK, RIIZE, miss A's MIN, plus many more. 'Soda Pop' taps into the bright and bubbly side of K-pop boy bands — a concept many acts use in their musical journey, usually at the start of their careers when the group is at its youngest but sometimes to change up or refresh their sound. As new fans continue to explore the movie and its soundtrack, now is the perfect time to dive deeper into the world of K‑pop if you are still to make the leap. Maybe you'll love some bright K-pop boy bands? So, if you love Saja Boys' here are TKTKTKTKTKTKT similar tracks from chart-topping K-pop groups like SHINee, NCT DREAM and ZEROBASEONE, as well as groups from elsewhere around the world like BGYO from the Philippines, to expand your musical world and playlists. 1. NCT DREAM, 'Chewing Gum' Originally conceived as a group for teenage K-pop stars before 'graduating' into other NCT units like 127, WayV or WISH, NCT DREAM's overwhelming popularity cemented them into fans' hearts that the first seven members were turned into a fixed group. No doubt their delicious debut single 'Chewing Gum' began the fan support early with such a catchy track and was likely a major inspiration as to why the Saja Boys are first introduced with their equally effervescent 'Soda Pop.' 2. ZEROBASEONE, 'Feel the POP' Created through millions of fan votes through a singing competition series, ZEROBASEONE is meant to represent the ideal, modern-day boy band. The ninesome's refreshing 'Feel the POP' has the same swoon-y, bubbly vibeTK that made millions in the movie — and, increasingly, in real life — fall for the Saja Boys and this song. 3. AB6IX, 'Cherry' Since AB6IX's 2019 debut, the outfit has tried out a range of different sounds and styles from slinky R&B to military-like marches, but 2021's 'Cherry' was the guys' sweetest release, written by members Park Woo Jin and Lee Dae Hwi, the latter of whom also co-composed the track. Mix this AB6IX hit with Saja Boys' first single and you get 'Cherry Soda Pop.' Yum! 4. SHINee, 'Dream Girl' With more than 15 years in K-pop, SHINee's 'Dream Girl' ranks as one of their biggest, hitting Number One on South Korea's singles chart and selling nearly one million downloads to date. The song also reached No. 3 on Billboard's U.S. World Digital Songs chart marking one of the group's highest-charting singles ever. And after one listen of this bright, soulful-pop gem will make it obvious why this song remains a sparkling gem in SHINee's pristine discography. 5. Kim Woo Seok, 'Sugar' Throughout his music career, Kim Woo Seok has proven his versatility as a soloist able to embrace darker concepts akin to Saja Boys' 'Your Idol' as well as 'Soda Pop.' The February 2021 release of 'Sugar' came right in time for Valentine's Day with Woo Seok showcasing a sweet and soft side of himself with candy-colored hair colors, whimsical face stickers and bright lip glosses as he sang on top of a giant frosted bundt cake. 6. RIIZE, 'Get a Guitar' Ushering in the latest generation of K-pop boy bands, RIIZE made immediate impact on the scene with their sweetly smooth debut single 'Get a Guitar.' Earning comparisons to One Direction's early work, RIIZE brought round a sweeter side of boy bands at a time when most were embracing intense and hard-hitting concepts. 7. Golden Child, 'Pump It Up' Golden Child debuted in 2017 with 11 members when successful groups like SEVENTEEN, WJSN, LOONA and I.O.I exascerbated the trend of groups with a large amount of members. The group began with a more fresh and innocent image with singles like 'Pump It Up' from 2020 letting their boyish charms breakthrough entirely. 8. CRAVITY, 'Groovy' Nine-member boy band CRAVITY entered the K-pop industry with their rebellious debut single 'Break All the Rules,' but 2023's 'Groovy' is a bubblegum-pop gem of a track that became one of their first chart hits in Korea. 9. THE BOYZ, 'Bloom Bloom' Originally a 12-member group, THE BOYZ have experimented with several different styles and sounds through since their late-2017 debut with their first breakout hit coming via 'Bloom Bloom' in 2019. The track embodies a bursting feeling of youthful, boyish charms with its lyrics partially written by members Sunwoo and Eric. 10. BGYO, 'Tumitigil Ang Mundo' As the Philippines is growing its music influence globally, its artists are showcasing a range of styles and colors. Five-member boy band BGYO embraced an energetic, feel-good vibe on 'Tumitigil Ang Mundo' (which translates to 'The World Stops') as the first single off their sophomore album Be Us from 2022. Peep the official music video below and look out for the BGYO guys performing on a neighborhood streets that's reminiscent to when we first meet Saja Boys performing 'Soda Pop.' 11. DRIPPIN, 'Free Pass' A younger brother group to Golden Child under the same label of Woollim Entertainment, DRIPPIN released 'Free Pass' in June 2021 to deliver a refreshing blast of feel-good pop for the summer. 12. TOO, 'Count 1, 2' Created similarly to ZEROBASEONE on a singing-competition series, TOO was the extremely promising boy band that left K-pop too early, disbanding three years after and going through several member changes and even a name change. Toward the start of their career, the guys dropped this gem of a summer single with 'Count 1, 2' embodying the bubbly feelings of a summer romance told with a classic, feel-good pop chorus. Even after the group's disbandment, several of the members continue their careers in entertainment: leader Jaeyun is a soloist that goes as Jayn Lee, Woonggi landed in the group AHOF, Yeojeong re-debuted in NEWBEAT and Donggeon is acting. 13. In Real Life, 'Tattoo (How 'Bout You)' While western boy bands don't typically embrace the saccharine, ABC's reality competition series Boy Band saw celebrity judges Nick Carter, Emma Bunton and Timbaland create In Real Life whose debut single 'Tattoo (How 'Bout You)' was a true bubblegum-pop treat and reached the top half of the U.S. Top 40 radio charts. 14. NCT DREAM, 'Yogurt Shake' With NCT DREAM's concept aligning perfectly with Saja Boys' 'Soda Pop' style, we'd be remiss to not include one of their sweetest and best snack songs in 'Yogurt Shake.' The track's addictive 'yogurt shake, yogurt shake, yogurt shake for me' hook gets instantly stuck in your head and the guys always look like they are having the best time when performing it. 15. THE BOYZ, 'Lip Gloss' Another sweet summer single from the versatile act, THE BOYZ's 'Lip Gloss' feels like it could have actually been a Saja Boys single with handfuls of easily accessible hooks. Bonus: Wonho, 'BLUE' While we know Wonho isn't a boy band, he is a former member of Monsta X and crafted the irresistible summer tune 'BLUE' that sounds like it could fit perfectly into any group's discography but instead sees the superstar handling it all on his own. While you're enocuraged to get into 'BLUE' below, make sure you also check out Wonho covering 'Soda Pop' as well as Saja Boys' other hit 'Your Idol' in this special video on his YouTube that already has over a million views.
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
On the Golden Dome: how Trump's missile shield tests space law
From golden citadels to divine shields, rulers across time have dreamt of impregnable security. But in every age, these ambitions have either collapsed under their own weight or have provoked greater instability. In 2025, this ancient dream went to orbit. In May, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a bold new national defence initiative called the 'Golden Dome', a $175-billion space-based missile shield designed to fend off ballistic, hypersonic, and orbital threats. The plan involves deploying a constellation of satellite interceptors, potentially armed with kinetic or directed-energy weapons, to form a protective layer over the U.S. Framed as a defence move, the project has sparked concerns worldwide for its geopolitical ramifications as well as for its implications under international space law. In particular, the Golden Dome challenges the Outer Space Treaty's limits, raises constitutional concerns within the U.S., and puts pressure on key strategic partners such as India. Loophole or legal red line? At the heart of the legal debate is Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty (OST), 1967. It prohibits placing 'nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction' in orbit or stationing them 'in outer space in any other manner'. It further mandates that celestial bodies shall be used 'exclusively for peaceful purposes'. The language of Article IV, particularly its explicit focus on Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), has created a loophole for conventional weapons in space. The term 'peaceful purposes' has been subject to various interpretations, with some nations claiming that it permits all non-aggressive military use, while others insist it implies complete demilitarisation. The treaty further states: 'The establishment of military bases, installations and fortifications, the testing of any type of weapons and the conduct of military manoeuvres on celestial bodies shall be forbidden.' The use of military personnel for scientific research or any other peaceful purposes isn't prohibited, however. The use of any equipment or facility necessary to peacefully explore the moon and other celestial bodies is also not prohibited (Article IV). Because the Golden Dome's interceptors are not classified as WMDs, they don't violate the letter of Article IV per se. There are a few concerns nonetheless. In arms control, the practical outcome must always take precedence over the technical details or official classifications of a weapon. This means what a weapon is called matters far less than its actual strategic effect. For instance, if kinetic interceptors are used to disable or destroy missiles or satellites, their impact could fundamentally alter the balance of power in space. This capability could create a dangerous first-strike advantage for one nation, thereby eroding the principle of mutual deterrence, which relies on the threat of retaliation to prevent an attack. Such a development would undermine the core goal of arms control treaties, which is to foster stability through restraint, and could trigger a significant and destabilising shift in the dynamics of power in outer space. UN General Assembly resolutions under the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) Treaty, while lacking legal enforceability, have successfully established an interpretive norm against the militarisation of space. The deployment of space-based interceptors, therefore, directly threatens this norm and could trigger a cascade of similar actions by other nations. These systems are plagued by dual-use ambiguity. A kinetic interceptor, ostensibly for missile defence, possesses the inherent capability to be instantly repurposed to neutralise an adversary's vital communication or surveillance satellites. This inherent uncertainty risks inflaming suspicion and driving miscalculation, especially during heightened crises involving major space powers like China and Russia, both of which have already explicitly condemned the proposed deployment. Partners in crossfire India, a rising space power and a key U.S. partner in satellite tracking and space situational awareness, now finds itself tactically aligned but normatively conflicted. Quiet cooperation in areas like debris monitoring could tacitly link India to the Golden Dome's strategic ecosystem. However, India is also a vocal champion of peaceful space use. It has consistently supported PAROS resolutions and has positioned itself as a leader of the Global South in advocating for equitable and demilitarised space governance. Supporting or even appearing to tolerate the Golden Dome could undermine that credibility, damaging India's image as a responsible spacefaring nation and a potential norm-setter in future treaty negotiations. Conversely, non-cooperation might strain its growing strategic ties with Washington. This dilemma becomes even more consequential in the context of India's pending Space Activities Bill, which will shape how the country defines and regulates dual-use platforms, private-sector participation, and treaty compliance. The Golden Dome is thus more than a U.S. policy issue: it's a litmus test for India's own legal and diplomatic posture and could significantly influence the direction and content of the Space Activities Bill. Less than golden precedent The broader concern is that the Golden Dome will normalise the weaponisation of outer space. If the U.S. crosses this threshold without facing legal repercussions, China, Russia, and other actors are likely to follow suit. This could trigger a destabilising cycle of orbital arms races, forcing smaller nations to resort to asymmetric capabilities, such as cyberattacks, jamming or even the deliberate generation of debris in orbit. Such developments would not only weaken the OST's authority but could also unravel the fragile consensus that has governed space for over half a century. In the absence of updated and enforceable treaties, outer space risks becoming a legal grey zone or, worse, a battlefield governed by force rather than law. Thus, the Golden Dome is more than a military gamble or a political spectacle. It's a legal inflection point for space governance in the 21st century. It exposes loopholes in a 58-year-old treaty, reveals structural weaknesses in domestic oversight, and underscores the urgent and immediate need for modern legal instruments that can keep pace with technological realities. Strategic partners, such as India, along with like-minded spacefaring nations, should notably push to clarify and modernise the OST, especially the parts pertaining to dual-use and conventional space-based weapons. Advocacy for legally binding instruments on the non-deployment of weapons in space is of paramount importance. This pursuit of international agreements, which play a crucial role, should be complemented by establishing comprehensive transparency mechanisms for military space projects to reduce ambiguity and mistrust. It's also crucial that national laws, such as India's Space Activities Bill, include clear guidelines for defence cooperation in space, fostering responsible practices both domestically and globally. Shrawani Shagun is pursuing a PhD at National Law University, Delhi, focusing on environmental sustainability and space governance.
Observer
30-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
First Oman-made long stroke pump unit launched
MUSCAT, JUNE 30 Oman has taken a bold step toward becoming a regional manufacturing hub for artificial lift systems with the successful production of the first Long Stroke Pump Unit (LSU) made entirely within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Developed by Oilfields Smart Technologies LLC (OST), this milestone marks the country's emergence as a serious player in oilfield technology. In an exclusive interview with Oman Observer, Mohammed Alawi, Business Development & Technical Director at OST, said: 'A significant number of wells in Oman already use artificial lift solutions, with most equipment currently imported. By manufacturing these units locally, we're establishing a base for in-country production that can evolve into a regional supply hub — if market feedback is strong, we're ready to scale quickly.' Artificial lift systems are critical to extracting oil from the most mature oilfields in MENA, because of many reasons like low-pressure reservoirs, challenging fields, etc. OST's locally produced LSU introduces a cost-effective and technically advanced alternative to widely used methods such as beam pumps, PCPs, and ESPs. 'The long stroke technology offers several technical benefits,' Alawi explained. 'It's especially effective in wells with high gas-oil ratios, heavy oil, or high-temperature and deviated well conditions. It also offers high energy efficiency, long lifespan, low operating costs, and minimal maintenance.' The company's innovation aligns closely with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the national economy and foster local industrial capabilities. By building and assembling complex artificial lift systems domestically, OST is creating new job opportunities and driving the development of specialised engineering and manufacturing skills among Omani professionals. Meanwhile, Abdul Malik al Bahri, CEO at OST said, 'Clients often cite overseas supply and service delays as a concern. By moving manufacturing to Oman, we can reduce lead times, lower costs, and offer more responsive support. This is also a chance to transfer know-how into the local economy — from mechanical and control engineering to reservoir analysis and materials science.' OST's manufacturing and support network includes workshops in Samayil Industrial City in the north and Al Mazyuna Free Zone in the south — strategically located to support oilfields across Oman's geography. The company is also open to establishing mobile or fixed facilities closer to clients as needed. The initiative is supported by a joint venture between Al Olia for Investment and Industry Gate LLC, an Omani firm involved in energy projects since 2014, and Dutch Smart Technology Holding B.V. (DST), a Netherlands-based investor in oil and gas innovation. This partnership provides OST with both local grounding and international technical expertise. According to Alawi, the specially engineered belt-driven LSU features advanced automation capabilities, including variable frequency drives (VFD), dynamograph monitoring, and load control systems. These allow for precision pumping and improved safety, tailored for high-performance onshore operations. 'While the LSU's rated capacity can reach up to 1,500 to 2,000 barrels per day, its actual output depends on well conditions like reservoir pressure, oil composition, and GOR,' he said. 'In fact, LSUs have recorded over 4,500 bpd in the Permian Basin in Texas. So the ceiling is high if the well/reservoir conditions can feed it.' The full value chain — from concept design to commissioning — is being built inside the Sultanate of Oman. This effort not only enhances In-Country Value (ICV) but also opens doors for young Omanis to pursue careers in high-tech manufacturing and oilfield services. 'This is more than just a product,' Al Bahri concluded. 'It's a platform for Oman to develop engineering talent, raise local manufacturing standards, and become a serious contributor to the regional oil and gas technology supply chain.' With the first unit ready for deployment and client engagement underway, OST's success could signal a broader shift in how Oman harnesses innovation to support its energy sector and economic future.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Row over shifting OST centre from Kozhikode Beach hospital
Amid reports of a possible relocation and demolition of the existing building housing the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre at the General Hospital at Kozhikode Beach (also known as Beach Hospital), the Pouravakasha Samrakshana Samithi, a citizens' rights group, has urged authorities to retain the centre within the hospital premises and integrate it with the outpatient (OP) facility. The OST and Counselling Centre, which provides de-addiction treatment to people struggling with narcotic drug dependence, currently operates from a building used earlier for waste processing, situated near the Department of Paediatrics. The centre functions until 2 p.m. daily. However, concerns have been raised over drug users reportedly lingering near the facility beyond operating hours, leaving used syringes and occasionally engaging in altercations. Several individuals and organisations have voiced concerns about the impact of the situation on patients, especially children, and hospital bystanders. Following these complaints, the State Human Rights Commission recommended relocating the centre outside the hospital compound. Subsequently, hospital authorities requested higher officials to consider shifting the centre. In a recent report to the District Police Chief (Kozhikode City), the hospital superintendent stated that security personnel in the hospital were unequipped to manage confrontations involving 'drug users', some of whom had allegedly threatened staff with syringes and sharp objects. The report also stated that the building housing the OST Centre was under consideration for demolition as part of the hospital's infrastructure development plans. However, the Pouravakasha Samrakshana Samithi has called for the centre to be relocated within the hospital's OP wing rather than being moved externally. 'There are 11 OST Centres in the State, and nine of them function within the OP wings of government hospitals. None of them face similar issues,' said Satheesh Parannur, secretary of the Samithi. He said that the problems arose because the centre is situated outside the main hospital building. He also cited the Union Ministry of Health's recommendation that OST Centres should function within hospitals. Meanwhile, hospital superintendent Dr. Jeevan Lal said that any decision on shifting the OST Centre would have to be taken by higher authorities.
