Author: Jiya Sharma

Curator and presenter of thematics of global interests in dimensions such as dialogue, design, business and innovation as an author at Asiana Times.

Cruise Agrees to Reduce Driverless Cars in San Francisco - Asiana Times

In a surprising turn of events, Cruise, a prominent player in the autonomous vehicle industry, has agreed to cut its driverless car fleet in half in San Francisco. This decision comes on the heels of a recent collision between one of Cruise’s driverless taxis and a fire truck, as well as other incidents that have raised concerns about the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles on city streets. The collision incident, which occurred less than a day before the decision was made, involved a Cruise driverless taxi and a fire truck at an intersection in San Francisco. While no fatalities…

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August 19, 2024, In an intense battle for third-place honors at the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sweden emerged victorious against co-host Australia with a resounding 2-0 win. The match took place at the iconic Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, and showcased Sweden’s relentless offensive pressure and clinical finishes that secured their podium finish. Sweden’s victory was sealed with a goal in each half, demonstrating their prowess on the field and their ability to capitalize on key opportunities. Despite a spirited performance from the home team, Australia, which was buoyed by an enthusiastic crowd, was unable to find the back…

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China’s forceful critique of the recent UN Security Council discussion on North Korean human rights abuses underscores its longstanding position and reveals its evolving diplomatic tactics on the global stage. Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, minced no words in dismissing the meeting as “irresponsible, unconstructive, and an abuse of power.” He emphasized that the Security Council’s primary mandate is to uphold international peace and security, not to delve into human rights concerns that China argues do not directly threaten global stability. This statement aligns with China’s consistent refusal to permit UN Security Council discussions on…

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The recent military coup in Niger has sent shockwaves through Western counterterrorism efforts in West Africa, specifically in the Sahel region. This coup poses considerable challenges to the Biden administration’s ongoing battle against Islamist militant groups on the African continent, which has been a central focus of American foreign policy. Coup’s Disruption of Counter-terrorism Efforts in West Africa Niger’s strategic significance as a centerpiece in the fight against Islamist militants cannot be understated. The Sahel, a semiarid region located south of the Sahara, has been witnessing the rapid advancement of groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State. The…

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Tragedy in Skies: Pilot dies in Miami Flight - Asiana Times

A distressing incident unfolded on a commercial flight from Miami to Chile, leaving passengers and crew shaken as a pilot’s sudden collapse in the bathroom led to an emergency landing in Panama. The flight, operated by LATAM Airlines, had 271 passengers onboard and was bound for Santiago. The unfortunate turn of events highlights the unpredictable nature of health emergencies even at cruising altitudes. Sudden Collapse and Emergency Landing Ivan Andaur, 56, the experienced pilot in command of the LATAM Airlines flight, suffered a severe cardiac arrest while the aircraft was en route to Chile. According to reports, the distressing incident…

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Mass Evacuations in Japan for Typhoon Lan Japan - Asiana Times

As Typhoon Lan made its presence felt in the western parts of Japan, the nation braced for mass evacuations and widespread flight cancellations. The storm’s approach triggered evacuation warnings, affecting more than 237,000 individuals across 11 prefectures, as reported by the nation’s fire and disaster management agency. The imminent threat of the typhoon prompted authorities to take swift action to safeguard lives and property. Widespread Disruption The impact of Typhoon Lan was keenly felt in the aviation sector. Commercial flights from Chubu, Kansai, and Nagoya airports were suspended, resulting in a staggering total of over 950 cancellations across the country.…

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Power Lines scrutinised as Cause of Maui Wildfires - Asiana Times

Amid the serene landscapes of Maui, tragedy struck as a wildfire, fueled by howling winds, devoured neighborhoods, leaving death and destruction in its wake. The unfolding catastrophe has drawn attention to a potentially harrowing cause – fallen utility lines – and ignited discussions about preparedness and accountability in the face of natural disasters. Unforeseen Tragedy As dawn broke over Maui, Shane Treu found himself at the epicenter of a disaster. Howling winds had disrupted the tranquil surroundings, and in a matter of moments, he witnessed a wooden power pole snap, its sparking line descending to ignite the dry grass below.…

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Faulty fire alarm system raises questions in Hawaii - Asiana Times

As the Lahaina fire ravaged through Maui, an unsettling revelation has emerged — none of the 80 warning sirens stationed around the island were activated to alert residents of the impending danger. Amidst the devastation, questions arise about the efficacy of Hawaii’s robust outdoor public safety warning system. Silent Sirens Amidst the Flames Despite boasting the largest system of outdoor public safety warning sirens in the world, none of these sirens were activated as the Lahaina fire unfolded. The absence of the deafening alarm calls into question the preparedness and communication during emergencies of such magnitude. Hawaii’s Robust Siren System…

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Tata group's makeover to Air India logo - Asiana Times

In a momentous stride towards reshaping Air India’s identity, Tata Group has unveiled a fresh logo, branding, and livery as part of a multi-million dollar transformation endeavour. This milestone marks a vibrant and forward-looking chapter in the history of the former national carrier. Tata Group’s Transformational Journey The unveiling of the new logo and branding for Air India marks a pivotal moment in Tata Group’s journey as it breathes new life into the airline’s visual identity. With a commitment to modernization and revitalization, Tata Group has embarked on a mission to usher Air India into a new era of air…

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Homosexuality or sexual deviance? Iraq media has decided - Asiana Times

A contentious directive from Iraq’s media regulator has ignited a fierce debate, as the country orders a ban on the use of the term ‘homosexuality’ across all media platforms. This sweeping decision, which mandates the use of the phrase “sexual deviance” instead, has triggered concerns over freedom of expression and the rights of the LGBTQ community. Suppressing Language in Media Iraq’s media landscape has been thrust into the spotlight with the recent mandate from the country’s official media regulator. In a bid to reshape discourse, all media and social media entities operating within Iraq are now required to refrain from…

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