Latest news with #squeezing
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Pilot shares ominous reason passengers have to activate airplane mode on phones
A commercial pilot has revealed why you're asked to put your phone in airplane mode before takeoff - and it's nothing to do with the plane crashing The holiday season is back, and with it all the niggling hassles like squeezing into last summer's shorts, digging out your forgotten passport, and sprucing up those toenails for sandal-worthy feet. Once you've finally boarded your plane, you're often met with a stark reminder from cabin crew to switch your mobile to airplane mode. Is it really plausible that one tiny device could threaten the integrity of a gargantuan jet? This question has been addressed by aviation boffins, and indeed they suggest there's a need for caution. Commercial aviator Perico Durán advises: "Smart people think that something could happen if we don't activate airplane mode, so do it." Back when mobiles were becoming omnipresent, there was genuine concern regarding their potential to disrupt aircraft systems. Notably, in 2011, Boeing 737 cockpit displays were discovered to be vulnerable to mobile-induced interference. Perico clarifies that while interference wouldn't cause an engine failure or stop landing gears from deploying, it might lead to misreadings or untimely distractions: "What might happen is a false indication of something, a distraction at a specific moment." According to Perico, air travel regulations are formulated to preclude even the most minute hazards: "We tell people to activate flight mode to avoid distractions," he asserts. He emphasises the triviality of being disconnected briefly: "What difference does it make?" Perico remarked. "It's only ten minutes from ten thousand to fourteen thousand feet. Put your phone in flight mode and avoid a distraction. Being without your mobile phone for ten minutes is nothing." A 2017 survey by Allianz Travel Insurance involving over 1,500 Americans revealed that 40% don't always switch their phones to airplane mode, with nearly 14% admitting to sneaking texts or calls mid-flight. In the US, adherence to the flight attendant's advice is more stringent due to Federal regulations which state, "cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons, or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off." However, European travel offers a more laid-back approach. With the introduction of 5G technology on airlines in 2023, EU passengers can now freely make and receive calls and texts during flights, thanks to EU 5G networks operating on different frequencies than American ones, thus not interfering with aircraft systems. If you're concerned about your mobile phone battery dying mid-flight, it's perfectly acceptable to bring an external power bank in your carry-on luggage. However, they should not be packed in your checked luggage due to the lithium batteries they contain, which can occasionally ignite. Should a battery fire break out in the passenger cabin, flight attendants can quickly identify and extinguish it before it causes significant damage. Conversely, if a fire starts in the cargo hold, it could become dangerously widespread before an alarm is triggered. If crucial documents like your boarding pass are stored on your phone, having a backup battery is a wise move. While airline staff will likely assist if your phone does run out of juice during your journey, it's always better to be prepared.
Mint
23-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Spot freight rates could surge further if Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz
New Delhi: Global shipping freight rates, already rocked by the trade war unleashed by US President Donald Trump, are expected to become more volatile as the West Asia conflict escalates. Over the past 7-10 days, since Israel attacked Iran, spot freight rates have increased by about 150% because of a shortage of vessels willing to go near the war-affected region. Now, with Iran threatening to block the Strait of Hormuz after the US bombed its nuclear facilities, freight rates and premiums may increase further, increasing the landed cost of key supplies such as oil, industry executives and government officials said. The Strait of Hormuz, a sea passage between Oman and Iran, sees nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments and about one-third of the world's liquified natural gas passing through it. While only about 2% of global container traffic moves through the region, if transshipment hubs such as the ports in Dubai are impacted, container movement would also become expensive, said an industry expert. The shipping industry, which plays a major role in global trade, was already fighting a squeezing of trade routes through the Red Sea corridor due to Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine. 'Close to two-thirds of India's crude oil and 50% of its LNG imports are through the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea handles 80% of its merchandise trade with Europe," said Darshan Ghodawat, managing director and chief executive, AVA Global Logistics. Also read | Oil shock looms as Iran threatens Strait of Hormuz. What it means for India If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, both oil prices and tanker and vessel rates on the route are expected to surge significantly. Shippers also fear the war cover provided to vessels operating in the region may be withdrawn if the Israel-Iran conflict escalates further. Anil Devli, chief executive of the Indian National Shipowners' Association (INSA), said spot freight rates had increased by 150% since the start of the Israel-Iran war and could rise further if the movement of vessels along the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted. Daily freight rates of tankers and vessels from West Asia to Japan and South Korea have increased to $50,000 from $20,000 about 10 days ago. 'Iran has not yet shut down the Persian Gulf, but its parliament has approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz—the key maritime chokepoint linking the Persian Gulf to global markets—in response to recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites," Devli said. 'Experts and analysts note that a complete closure is unlikely due to the severe economic and strategic risks for Iran itself, though the threat has already heightened tensions and could lead to increased harassment of shipping in the area," he added. Also read | India concerned about crude oil supply disruptions in Strait of Hormuz War risk premiums Rising war-related insurance costs are also to blame for the recent increase in freight charges. 'The present conflict has increased freight and insurance costs. Crude shipping costs have risen by around 8-9% and war risk insurance premiums have more than tripled for those using the Red Sea," said Ghodawat of AVA Global Logistics. 'Longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope are an option but add increased transit times and higher operational expenses for the business." The escalating Israel-Iran conflict is driving a sharp surge in marine insurance premiums and disrupting lifeline shipping routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, said Jitendra Srivastava, CEO of Triton Logistics and Maritime. Insurance rates for a ₹50-crore bulk cargo shipment can increase from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹6.5 lakh as ships need to add a war-risk cover to transit through risk-prone zones such as the Red Sea, he added. 'This rise in insurance costs, combined with greater security risk, is compelling freight rates to jump by 30-50% as shipping lines transfer costs to customers," Srivastava said . Gaurav Agarwal, vice president, special lines, marine, Prudent Insurance Brokers, said the Persian Gulf has been treated as a high-risk area for several years now. 'Until (Friday), there was a status quo. But with the US entering the war, tensions are expected to escalate significantly. If the situation worsens, we may see a rise in war premiums for shipments to and from the Persian Gulf," Agarwal said. 'In an extreme scenario, insurers could even withdraw the war cover completely, similar to what occurred in the Black Sea area following the occurrence of the Russia-Ukraine war—a suspension that remains effective even to this day," he added. Also read | Where the Iran war goes from here. Three scenarios for oil and stocks. India's assets in the conflict zone Rohit Chaturvedi, partner for transport and logistics at consulting firm Forvis Mazars in India, said container freight operators could face a shortage of containers and longer routes, additional factors that could increase freight costs, especially for the Europe-Asia trade corridor. 'The container shortages may have wider implications, causing disruption in trade along all the routes. Importers must plan for higher logistics costs, longer lead times, and explore alternative sourcing and routing strategies to mitigate supply chain risks," he said. For India, the latest sea cargo threat highlights the need to 'bolster inland logistics and port-related infrastructure" and become 'a more reliable cargo hub", said Anil Kumar Yendluri, managing director, Vishwa Samudra Engineering Pvt. Ltd. For India, the Israel-Iran war also means an urgent need to ensure the safety of its assets in the region. India owns and operates Chabahar Port in Iran, which may see its activities suspended as the conflict escalates. The Adani Group-operated Haifa port in Israel remains operational. On a positive note, the Drewry's World Container Index, which tracks freight rates on eight major shipping routes, decreased by 7% to $3,279 per 40 ft container last week, mainly due to low demand for US-bound cargo. Also read | Is the Israel-Iran war a billion-dollar threat to Adani Ports & SEZ?
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Dad of 2 Dies 10 Days After Brain Tumor Diagnosis, Holding His Family's Hands in Final Moments
Glenn Colmer struggled with headaches but was told he likely needed new eyeglasses The father of two had a sudden seizure and was diagnosed with a devastating brain tumor His widow, Ali, says he kept reaching for her and their children's hands as he was dying, "squeezing tightly as if to say 'goodbye' "A father of two died less than a week after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Glenn Colmer, 51, struggled for a year with headaches and body aches but was told to take pain medication. Some of his issues were chalked up to needing new eyeglasses, his wife, Ali, said, according to The Daily Mail. But that all changed when, on February 18, Glenn had a sudden, debilitating seizure at home in the English city of Southampton. He'd just gotten up that morning and started to put his bathrobe on when he suddenly froze, Ali said. 'I asked if he was okay. He replied, 'No, I'm not,'' she said, sharing that he began shaking and gasping for air. 'I called an ambulance, staying calm for his sake, whispering words of reassurance until help arrived. The paramedics were quick to respond. Although the seizure had passed, Glenn was in visible pain, particularly in his arm, which had locked during the seizure. His eyes were vacant.' 'The trauma was immediate and life-altering,' said Ali, who explained that scans showed that he had a mass on his brain. Four days after he arrived at the hospital, on February 22, Ali, Glenn, and their two children, Grace, 19, and Joe, 16, were given the devastating news: The mass was a high-grade glioma brain tumor. As the Mayo Clinic explains, it's a bleak diagnosis: 'There's no cure for glioblastoma. Treatments might slow cancer growth and reduce symptoms.' The news, Ali says, was 'horrendous.' 'My world fell apart. The doctor tried to explain the scan. Glenn didn't want to look. He couldn't. He wasn't ready. His expression, once so full of life, humor, and warmth, was robbed from him, replaced with silence and vacancy,' she said. When he was discharged and sent home for his final days, it was 'unbearable' for 'fit and healthy,' Glenn, who had worked as a Director of Curriculum for Sports and Protective Services at Itchen Sixth Form College, where he'd been a teacher for 20 years. 'His right side remained weak, and the vibrant man who once did every sport imaginable now needed help with the most basic tasks,' she said. 'He refused visitors. He didn't want people to see him this way.' Glenn's pain escalated, and on February 25, he was rushed back to the hospital where doctors confirmed he had a brain hemorrhage. 'He kept reaching for my engagement ring and the children's hands, squeezing tightly as if to say 'goodbye.' He placed my hand on his heart, as if to say, 'Thank you.' Though no one had said it yet, I could see that Glenn was dying,' said Ali. 'Even as his body began to shut down and he was unable to speak, Glenn remained present. He kept reaching out, holding hands, squeezing gently,' said Ali. Glenn died on February 28; a GoFundMe has been established to raise funds for a memorial bench in his honor. 'Glenn was more than his diagnosis. He was a mentor, a joker, a passionate teacher and friend,' said Ali who added that more than 500 people attended his funeral. 'He touched lives across the world. He made people feel seen, valued, and inspired.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Read the original article on People
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Oil and gas sector tax proposals for Federal Budget 2025-26
The upcoming Federal Budget 2025-26 of the country is arriving in a scenario when world is reeling from the shocks of US sanctions on the rest of the world, especially China. The trade war between two superpowers of the world has sent the world economy, particularly oil and gas sector, into a recessionary circle, whereby Crude Oil prices and refinery margins are squeezing, leading to projected closure of upstream and downstream businesses world over. Simultaneously, contrary to the expectations from the alternate sources of energy, Oil and Gas demand continues to grow. Oil and gas sector is the biggest contributor to the national economy. Upstream Exploration and Production (E&P) and downstream (Refineries and Oil Marketing Companies) contribute a substantial chunk of country's budget in the form of Petroleum Development Levy (PDL), Windfall and Discount, Sales Tax and Income Tax and other Federal, Provincial and Local Government levies and taxes. In view of its importance, the budgetary policies and measures should be designed in a way so as to boost the earning capacity of this sector. Challenges being faced by Oil & Gas sector Last year, we witnessed some positive developments in oil and gas sector of Pakistan as major international players had entered the marketing business while all the local refineries of the country were gearing to sign their respective upgrade agreements under the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy-2023 for existing/ Brownfield refineries with potential investment of around US$ 6 billion to the ailing economy of the country. Ideally, the budgetary measures should have been positively inclined to facilitate this investment environment. Unfortunately, the measures adopted were contrary to the expectations; whereby in order to resolve the operational issue of outstanding refunds of OMCs, the major petroleum products were declared as 'Sales Tax Exempt Supplies' disallowing OMCs and refineries from adjusting their input sales tax. Proposals for upcoming budget The government is urged to adopt tax measures proposed by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), which should restore the confidence of local and foreign investors and facilitate the implementation of Pakistan Oil Refining Policy — 2023 for existing/ Brownfield refineries. The OICCI urges the government to undo the exemption of sales tax on major petroleum products; namely, Motor Spirit (Petrol), High Speed Diesel Oil, Kerosene, and Light Diesel Oil, brought through Finance Act 2024 and these should be declared as Taxable Supplies at an appropriate sales tax rate. The disallowance of input tax has increased the operating costs as well as cost of infrastructure development of the industry; impact for TY 2025 is expected to be more than Rs. 33 billion. The excessive tax burden on the formal corporate sector and especially the oil industry, which is already bearing the brunt of compliance and regulation, requires urgent review to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Further, taxation regime of E&P companies is governed under the respective Petroleum Concession Agreements (PCAs) signed by the President of Pakistan. The PCAs contain a freezing clause for pricing and taxation to provide fiscal stability and long-term investment security to E&P Companies. Imposing Super Tax on E&P companies violates the fiscal stabilization/freezing clause of the PCAs. Super Tax, originally introduced as a one-time levy, has been extended well beyond its initial scope. In light of the current economic climate and the need to support documented and responsible businesses, OICCI recommends the gradual abolishment of Super Tax in three years. Prices of Petroleum Products (High Speed Diesel and Motor Spirit — Petrol) and the margins thereon are fixed by the Government of Pakistan and cannot be changed unless approval of the relevant Ministries of the Government is obtained. This fixed margin covers all costs related to establishment, development, and set-up of the business and running of the business, including capital cost and financial costs, at the current price, the Minimum Tax eats up around 16% of OMCs' fixed margin. It's recommended that Minimum Tax applicable on Refineries and OMCs should be reduced to 0.25% and abolished in the subsequent year. Since the early 1990s, petroleum products produced by refineries have been exempt from withholding tax under the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, with the Commissioner granting exemptions in accordance with the law. This exemption was provided because, despite the high sales volume of refineries, their profit margins are low. Due to this change, refineries are facing significant withholding tax liabilities without corresponding income to offset it. It is, therefore, OICCI's recommendation that the Commissioner's power for issuing Exemption Certificates should be reinstated. (The writer is the Managing Committee member of OICCI) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Vogue Singapore
22-04-2025
- Health
- Vogue Singapore
Are Australian sunscreens really the best on the market?
Daily SPF as a non-negotiable. It's a basic law of beauty and health that should, by now, be second nature. However, with increasing access to top-grade SPF formulas, it can be hard to sort out the best sunscreens for our complexions. With terms like 'broad spectrum', 'UVA' and 'UVB' adorning the shelves, how are we to know which products are truly the best for us? Enter Australian sunscreens. As of late, brands like Ultra Violette, Mecca Cosmetica and Bondi Sands have been earning international credence, widely regarded as some of the most superior formulas on the market. Picturing stereotypical images of Australia's sunny beaches and outdoor-heavy lifestyles, it's not hard to understand why their sunscreen should be a national treasure. But is it simply savvy marketing, or do these claims have truth to them? Vogue Singapore reached out to Dr Michelle Wong, Australian science educator, cosmetic chemist and founder of Lab Muffin, for her insight on what sets Australian SPFs apart. Read on for her expertise, alongside the best Australian sunscreens to shop in Singapore. What is it about Australian SPF formulas? As Dr Michelle Wong explains, it's true that Australian sunscreens face tough regulations to appear on the shelves. 'Australian sunscreens are regulated as therapeutic goods, which means they're subject to a higher level of scrutiny than in most other countries,' Wong advises. Consider the term 'broad spectrum'. A sunscreen that's broad spectrum will offer significant protection against UVA rays of longer wavelength, which 'are less associated with sunburn but still contribute to premature ageing, skin cancer and hyperpigmentation.' In Australia, a 'broad spectrum' sunscreen needs to fulfil strict criteria based on both the UVA ray wavelengths they protect against, and the UVA protection factor offered itself. 'Australia also has longer water resistance standards, with two- and four-hour protection claims being commonplace,' continues Wong. So while meeting these standards certainly makes a great case for the potency of Australian formulas, it's mostly important to have an understanding of how your SPF selection is working for you—regardless of its country of origin. Pressed for her advice on making a choice, Wong shares: 'The most important things to look out for are standardised claims (SPF, broad spectrum, and water resistance if you're planning to do a lot of activity), comfort and budget. You'll also want to look out for any specific ingredients you're allergic to. The best sunscreen is one that you'll be able to apply a lot of, consistently.' How should I apply my sunscreen? While other beauty bases may allow for a sparing attitude—from simplified skincare routines to light-handed make-up approaches—Dr Wong asserts that generosity is key where SPF is concerned. 'You want to aim for about a quarter of a teaspoon for your face alone,' Wong says. 'This is more than you'd expect, so I recommend squeezing out generous lines on two fingers, then scraping that into a quarter-teaspoon measuring spoon to see how close you are to the right amount.' 'For the whole body, you want to use the equivalent of a 30ml shot glass. Again, it's more than you'd expect, so I'd recommend measuring this out in a shot glass!' Reapplication is also an important, if oft-neglected, step to remember as part of your SPF routine. Dr Wong recommends setting a timer if you're outdoors for an extended period of time. 'It's generally recommended that you reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you're sweating a lot or going into water.' Knowledge is power where sunscreen is concerned. With UV rays capable of wreaking damage that can manifest as wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and skin cancer, it pays to be informed—regardless of where your sunscreen comes from.
