Author: OMN AI

When Kerry Dunstan and his partner went car shopping this summer, one question guided them: “How’s the battery?” They found a 2021 Nissan Leaf with 29,000 miles, and the dealer said its state of health (SOH) was still 93%. That was enough to convince them. For £12,500, they bought a practical electric car with a large boot and decent space. Dunstan, a cabinetmaker who also owns a sleeker electric Volvo SUV, admits the Leaf doesn’t excite him. “I like sporty cars – and this one’s a bit dull,” he says. Still, he’s satisfied. “It’s done exactly what I expected,” he…

Old Facilities Upgraded for a Smarter Energy FutureAcross the continent, energy providers are transforming long-serving power stations through large-scale digital upgrades. In Italy, France, and Germany, utilities are installing real-time monitoring tools, intelligent control systems, and data analytics platforms that improve performance and reduce operational risks. These retrofits enable technicians to predict faults before they cause shutdowns and adjust processes for optimal output. Engineering firms such as GE Vernova and Siemens Energy are leading many of these initiatives, helping extend the lifespan of legacy infrastructure while lowering emissions and improving efficiency. Digital Solutions Enhance Grid Stability and FlexibilityAs Europe’s energy…

Thousands of Americans filled streets across the country on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s leadership during coordinated “No Kings” demonstrations. Organizers held over 2,600 rallies in major cities, including New York, Washington, Boston, and Chicago, as well as hundreds of smaller towns. By midday, thousands gathered in Times Square and Washington, D.C., chanting “Trump must go now!” and waving signs denouncing his immigration policies. Many carried banners reading “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” and “Resist Fascism.” Marching bands filled streets with music, while activists signed a massive banner featuring the US Constitution’s “We the People” preamble. In Portland,…

Paramount Skydance will lay off about 2,000 employees in the US as part of a $2 billion cost-cutting initiative under new CEO David Ellison, according to Variety. The layoffs are expected to begin the week of 27 October. The cuts come after Skydance Media completed its $8.4 billion merger with Paramount Global in August, creating a new entertainment giant. Additional international job reductions are also anticipated, with full details expected in the company’s third-quarter earnings report on 10 November. In August, Variety reported that Paramount was preparing to eliminate between 2,000 and 3,000 positions by early November. As of December…

China is experiencing a notable increase in foreign visitors thanks to its expanded visa-free policy. The initiative has generated strong growth in international arrivals, continuing into the third quarter of 2025. The policy allows travelers from eligible countries to enter China without a visa for short-term visits. Officials report that this has lowered travel barriers and made the country more accessible for tourists, business travelers, and cultural exchanges. Tourism experts note that the surge in visitors is benefiting multiple sectors, including hospitality, retail, and transportation. Hotels and resorts have seen higher occupancy rates, while airports and public transport services report…

Country Garden, once China’s largest property developer, announced that its controlling shareholder will convert $1.14 billion of loans into equity. The move is part of an ongoing offshore debt restructuring strategy aimed at stabilizing the company’s finances. This conversion represents a key step in a broader $14.1 billion restructuring plan agreed upon with a core group of bank creditors in August 2025. By converting loans into equity, Country Garden aims to reduce debt pressure and strengthen its balance sheet amid a challenging property market. Shareholders are set to vote on the proposed restructuring plan on November 5, 2025. Approval would…

Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s fans still crave the roar, emotion, and power of petrol engines. The Italian supercar maker plans to keep them alive for at least another decade before going fully electric. Turning away from an all-electric rush During an interview at Lamborghini’s London showroom, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said enthusiasm for electric cars is falling. He sees this as a chance for the company to strengthen its commitment to hybrid performance instead of going all-in on electric power. The company will decide within weeks whether its upcoming grand tourer, the Lanzador, will be a pure electric model…

A long-acting injection to prevent HIV is set to be approved for use in England and Wales, offering a major new alternative to daily pills currently used for protection against the virus. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has recommended cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for adults and young people at risk of HIV who are unable to take oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The injection, administered every two months, is already available on the NHS in Scotland. Health secretary Wes Streeting called the approval “gamechanging.” He said, “For vulnerable people who are unable to take other methods of HIV prevention,…

An international jury, led by Garrick Ohlsson, selected 11 virtuosos to advance to the final stage of the 19th Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz stands as the country’s sole representative in the upcoming performances. The global classical music community now turns its attention to Warsaw, where the finalists will compete for one of the most coveted honors in piano performance. Established in 1927, the Chopin Competition remains a cornerstone of musical excellence, devoted exclusively to the works of Fryderyk Chopin. Global Pianists Prepare for the Final Performance The finalists include Kevin Chen (Canada), David Khrikuli (Georgia), Shiori Kuwahara…

Luxembourg to Host First Phase of TestingChinese autonomous driving company Pony.ai has entered a memorandum of understanding with Stellantis to jointly develop Level 4 autonomous electric vans for the European market. Initial testing will begin in Luxembourg, with broader deployment targeted from 2026. The collaboration merges Pony.ai’s advanced self-driving systems with Stellantis’ expertise in electric vehicle manufacturing and commercial fleet operations. Focus on Electric Light Commercial VehiclesThe project will use Stellantis’ medium-sized electric vans, including models from Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel, equipped with Pony.ai’s autonomous software, sensors, and perception technology. The vehicles are intended for both passenger and logistics services…