France's ANSSI will stop certifying security products without quantum-resistant encryption in 2027, aligning with US NSA timelines and pushing vendors to adopt post-quantum cryptography for government contracts.
Qantas has again postponed its direct Sydney to London flights, now slated for October 2027. The delay is attributed to extended wait times for new Airbus A350-1000ULR aircraft, with the first delivery pushed to April 2027, impacting the previously announced 2027 launch.
Microsoft reportedly ended talks for a $3 billion cloud infrastructure deal with Oracle due to FedRAMP security concerns. Oracle disputes the claims, highlighting their partnership. The failed deal underscores the strain on computing resources amid the AI boom, with Microsoft seeking capacity elsewhere.
South Korea's homegrown KF-21 fighter jet has received government flight safety certification, announced by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The aircraft met all 745 requirements across 14 assessment areas, paving the way for initial deliveries to the Air Force.
Despite the expiration of Title VII of FISA, Section 702 surveillance powers will continue under existing certifications until March 2027. Experts from the Brennan Center and Cato Institute state that claims of a "go dark" scenario are inaccurate, as the law was designed for such lapses. Meanwhile, other surveillance authorities like Executive Order 12333 remain unaffected.
Hong Kong officials stated that new legislation allowing certain criminal cases to be handled under national security procedures will be used rarely. The regulation empowers the chief executive to classify offenses as endangering national security, leading to stricter procedures like longer detention and tougher bail conditions.
China has launched the world's first wind-powered underwater data center, utilizing seawater for natural cooling. This innovation addresses the significant water usage issues faced by major data center operators like Google and Microsoft.
Guangzhou is leveraging testing and certification to boost strategic emerging industries like intelligent connected vehicles and new energy storage. The city aims to enhance technological capabilities and support domestic innovation in core components.
Airbus is certifying the A350-1000ULR for non-stop flights between Australia and Europe. The first test flight lasted 3 hours and 43 minutes, reaching over 12,500 meters altitude. Modifications include an extra fuel tank to extend range by 1,850 km, enabling flights up to 22 hours.
Bluetooth SIG certification reveals Samsung's upcoming foldable phone will be named Z Fold8 Ultra, suggesting a new top-tier positioning for the flagship line. Rumors indicate a dual-model Z Fold8 series, with the Ultra model potentially featuring a triple-camera system and the standard Z Fold8 possibly being a new 'wide-fold' design.
Five agricultural products from Longde County, Ningxia, including Longde Angelica sinensis, flaxseed oil, chili peppers, oyster mushrooms, and shiitake mushrooms, have been recognized as national "Famous, Special, Excellent, and New" agricultural products, highlighting the region's unique quality advantages and mature industry.
Samsung Electronics has obtained an Environmental Claim Verification (ECV) certification from UL Solutions for its new material made from recycled styrofoam packaging, which is used as an internal component in its air conditioners and air purifiers.
The United Aircraft Company (UAC) is nearing completion of its first batch of civilian aircraft, with Tu-214 deliveries ongoing and the first Il-114-300 expected this year. Certification for SJ-100 and MC-21 planes is also in its final stages.
The Ilyushin Il-114-300 regional aircraft is nearing certification, with United Aircraft Corporation CEO Vadim Badekha expecting it soon. The modernized turboprop has completed certification flights and Arctic tests, with production planned to reach 12 aircraft annually by 2030.
Kazakhstan has successfully conducted an unmanned test flight of its first air taxi, the V2000 Prosperity eVTOL, in Alatau City. The project aims to establish an urban air mobility network with multiple vertiports by 2028.
Samcheok City is launching a completion certification program for its 'Orapdeuri Oxygen Trail,' a 20km walking course featuring coastal, forest, and riverside scenery. Participants can earn rewards by completing five different routes.
Portable chargers are common but carry fire risks, as seen in recent incidents in Guangxi and Fujian. New national standards (GB 47372-2026) and CCC certification rules, effective March 31, 2027, enhance safety testing and require unique product codes and recommended safe usage periods to mitigate risks.
New rules allow 529 savings plans to fund lifelong education, including career training, certifications, and K-12 expenses, beyond traditional college costs. The changes, part of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' offer tax-free growth and withdrawals for a wider range of qualified educational programs.
China includes AI chips in 'secure and reliable' tech assessments for the first time, part of its Xinchuang initiative to replace foreign hardware/software with domestic alternatives, targeting AI infrastructure amid US export controls.
Apple has received FCC certification for an unreleased product, model A3577, identified as Bluetooth over-ear headphones. While details are scarce, speculation suggests it may be a successor to the Beats Studio Pro, given its age since its 2023 launch.
The Calcutta High Court refused to interfere with the West Bengal government's notification restricting the slaughter of bulls, cows, and buffaloes ahead of Bakr Eid, stating it complied with earlier court directions. The court noted the Supreme Court's view that cow sacrifice is not mandatory in Islam.
Only four of Hong Kong's 110,000 subdivided homes have been submitted for certification approval since a new law to phase out substandard units was enacted, indicating a very low participation rate. One landlord submitted three applications, citing renovation challenges.
Newly elected BJP MLA Rekha Patra has caused a stir by demanding 'birth certificates' for cattle, linking it to slaughter regulations. The controversy highlights Bengal's laws against slaughtering animals without proper certification.
Hong Kong delays lowering age threshold for mandatory medical certification for commercial vehicle drivers from 70 to 65 and annual check-ups due to stakeholder review, following a fatal taxi accident.
