China now global leader in 90% of critical tech research: think tank

Nikkei Asia

TOKYO — China is the top research nation in the vast majority of advanced technologies, according to a new study by an Australian think tank that calls on the U.S. and its Asian allies to work together to catch up.

The government-backed Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s (ASPI) Critical Technology Tracker assesses countrie’sresearch competitiveness based on the number of research paper citations in 64 technology categories. China grabbed the top spot in 57 areas, or nearly 90%, for papers released between 2019 and 2023, according to a report released Wednesday.

This represents a turnaround from the 2003-2007 period, when the U.S. led in 60 out of 64 categories, while China topped just three. For 2019-2023, the U.S. ranked first in just seven categories, including quantum computing and biotechnology, gene technologies and vaccines In particular, China has made strides in dual-use technologies that have possible military applications. There are 24 categories classified as being at high risk of being monopolized by a country, including radar, satellite positioning and drones.

When it comes to citations related to hypersonic detection and tracking, China has a 73% share, the U.S. has 13% and the U.K. 3%. For advanced aircraft engines, China leads with 63% while the U.S. trails at 7%. Scientific breakthroughs and research innovations in key defense technologies are increasingly likely to occur in China, the ASPI report says.

‘Didi, how dare you…?: Assam CM blasts Mamata Banerjee’s ‘burn’ warning to Modi.

HindustanTimes,

Mamata Banerjee had claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was using BJP to ignite fire in Bengal over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday lashed out at his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee over her remarks on the BJP-sponsored 12-hour shutdown which was marked by sporadic instances of violence, accusing her of spreading unrest and divisive politics across India. “Didi, how dare you threaten Assam?” Sarma posted on X.

Medical report found Karsaz accident driver was ‘under influence of crystal meth’: Sindh IG

Dawn, Pakistan,

Sindh Inspector General (IG) of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon on Wednesday said that the medical report of Natasha Danish, the driver booked in the case of the deadly Karachi traffic accident last week, shows she was under the influence of the narcotic methamphetamine (crystal meth).

On August 19, a speeding Toyota Land Cruiser, driven by Danish, hit three motorcycles and another car before overturning on the city’s Karsaz Road.Sixty-year-old Imran Arif and his 22-year-old daughter Amna were killed in the accident, while three others were wounded.

The driver was arrested and booked for manslaughter charges. In a court hearing on Aug 21, a counsel of the victim had called for a probe into the “kind of drug” that the suspect was allegedly under the influence of at the time of the accident. The court had subsequently sent Danish on a 14-day judicial remand.

IG Memon had previously said that the report of the driver’s blood test was expected soon, and in light of the medical reports, more sections would be added to the first information report (FIR) to guide the future course of action related to the probe.

Malaysia moves to tackle mechanical and manpower issues faced by national carrier group

The Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian government is moving to tackle serious issues faced by Malaysia Airlines that have forced the national carrier and its two sister airlines to reduce flight frequencies and routes until December, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said on Aug 28.

He said mechanical issues and a shortage of skilled aircraft maintenance workers were among key factors affecting the group,following three incidents in August involving Malaysia Airlines that have raised concerns over the reliability of its aircraft.

Two flights had to turn back to Kuala Lumpur International Airport due to technical problems while in the air. A third flight en route to Kuala Lumpur from Melbourne had to make an emergency landing at Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory due to technical issues.