Dubai completes world's first purpose-built flying taxi station
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Dubai has completed its first flying taxi station, with commercial operations anticipated to commence by the end of the year. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, crown prince of Dubai and United Arab Emirates deputy prime minister, visited the facility, which is described as the world's first purpose-built electric vertical take-off and landing eVTOL Air Taxi Station. The four-story station, spanning 3,100 square meters, includes a two-level car park, two Air Taxi take-off and landing pads, and dedicated charging infrastructure. Located near Dubai's international airport, it will serve as the main hub for Air Taxi operations, with a capacity for up to 170,000 passengers annually. Three additional flying taxi stations are planned. Joby Aviation, a California-based company, will operate the flights with exclusive rights for six years. Sheikh Hamdan stated that this infrastructure marks a significant step in adopting sustainable transport and enhancing Dubai's future readiness.
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to establish the Nigeria Genomic City, an initiative designed to transform the country into a knowledge- and innovation-driven economy. This project aims to leverage Nigeria's genomic resources to advance scientific research, improve healthcare, strengthen food security, and accelerate economic growth. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, stated that the initiative is a strategic national investment intended to position Nigeria as a leading African hub for genomics, biotechnology, and precision medicine. He emphasized that the project, conceived over 20 months ago, is a multi-agency and multi-ministerial effort, reflecting its national significance. The Minister highlighted that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is committed to transitioning Nigeria from a resource-based economy to one driven by knowledge, research, technology, and innovation. The Nigeria Genomic City will be hosted by the University of Abuja, with support from the National Information Technology Development Agency and the National Board for Technology Incubation. The Federal Ministry of Education will coordinate its implementation. The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, described the project as a unique opportunity for Nigeria to become a global leader in scientific innovation. Prof. Mayowa Ojo Owolabi, Pioneer Director of the Centre for Genomic and Precision Medicine at the University of Ibadan, presented the techn
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's detailed penalty notes for Argentina players were discovered by Lionel Messi and his teammates after their 2-1 victory in the World Cup semi-final. Pickford had prepared instructions for each Argentine player, including faking dives or delaying movement, in anticipation of a penalty shootout that ultimately did not occur. For instance, his notes for Messi suggested diving one way after initially feigning to go the other, while for Enzo Fernandez, he expected a shot down the middle. Tottenham defender Marcos Senesi was seen explaining the English notes to Messi. The notes were taped to Pickford's water bottle and found as Argentina celebrated their comeback win. The image of the bottle was reportedly shared on Instagram by Argentina fitness coach Luis Martin and widely circulated by journalist Fabrizio Romano. While goalkeepers routinely study penalty takers, Pickford's preparations were not utilized as Argentina secured their win in normal time. The leaked notes could potentially aid Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon in the upcoming final against Argentina, as Argentina's penalty routines are now public.
Britain's communications regulator, Ofcom, has launched an investigation into TikTok to determine if the social media platform is adequately protecting children from harmful online content under UK law. The probe will specifically examine TikTok's age verification model. Ofcom stated that the investigation aims to establish if there are reasonable grounds to believe TikTok has failed to comply with its legal obligations. TikTok, owned by China-based ByteDance, expressed confidence that it meets the requirements of Britain's Online Safety Act, enacted last year to strengthen laws concerning children's online safety. A TikTok spokesperson stated that the company strictly enforces age-appropriate experiences through platform rules and advanced age inference technologies. The Online Safety Act seeks to prevent minors from encountering harmful content related to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, and pornography. It also mandates that tech firms protect children from misogynistic, violent, hateful, or abusive material, online bullying, and dangerous dares or challenges. Companies found in violation of these rules could face fines of up to 拢18 million or 10 percent of their revenue.