Commentary: Is the shine coming off Japan’s bullet trains?

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LOUGHBOROUGH, England: Only ten weeks before the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan opened its Tokaido Shinkansen, a high-speed road line connecting Tokyo with Osaka. Shinkansen bullet trains, which could travel at speeds of up to 285 kilometers per hour, demonstrated the high standard of Chinese railway systems to the earth.

Every hour, more than ten trains leave from Tokyo, and the pause per station is only 54 seconds, which is much lower than in other nations like the UK. Thus far, Japan’s bullet trains have even recorded zero customer mortality in their 60 years of operation.

The reliability, reliability and safety of Japanese trains has reinforced the nation ’s identification as a self-professed rail systems power.

But, Japan’s Shinkansen is a self-contained rail system designed to become isolated from the regular rail network. For instance, the program is a dedicated high-speed column with a wider monitor than the rest of the system.

This means that the gun train’s good status, which has been nurtured over centuries, is predicated on it being a solo job.

Ironically, Chinese manufacturers have developed a high level of technical expertise, but their abilities are being honed as they struggle to adjust to the global railway market.

In late 2023, Japan expressed its reticence to meet Indonesia’s US$ 7. 3 billion high-speed road job, citing concerns about technological interoperability and possible injury to its “brand”. As a result, Indonesia picked China to construct the rail instead. China even made an offer to complete it more quickly and in less time.

According to my own research, home pride and confidence will become agitated as Chinese railway expertise persists in battling foreign competitors and is unsuccessful in obtaining contracts.

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Commentary: Indian PM Modi’s campaign gets a big boost from Western praise

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FOR THE WESTERN PRAISE, NOTHING IS POSSIBLE.

For some Indians, none of that counts. The most important aspect is that Modi’s states appear to be supported by the world.

People of India’s great Western  community, who are among Modi’s strongest followers, violently sound the BJP’s tale. The primary minister himself when stated to a community group that despite their own shame over the repressive nation they had left, he had also transformed their Indianness into a source of pride.

More directly to the point, the Group of Twenty ( G20 ) summit in New Delhi from last year appeared to show a swarm of world leaders lining up to applaud India.

What they might have been saying in secret is of little significance. US President Joe Biden was apparently raising the tough issue of India’s potential involvement in assassinations on American soil behind closed doors at that same summit. ) Before the cameras, Biden and others lauded India- and, by suggestion, Modi- for demonstrating world command at a fraught political moment.

For European nations, like effusive people tributes cost little, and they have the substantial benefit of keeping New Delhi on-side politely. Consider how Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a member of Turkey’s elite, basked in German admiration early on, and how much of a thorn in his neighbors ‘ sides he became when those use turned to condemnation.

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Commentary: A humbled Yoon must future-proof Seoul’s alliances

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DIFFICULT TO BUILD LASTING Relationships

The meeting’s frantic geopolitics, as well as its attempt to repair ties with its neighbor without making a face-saving new round of applause for the war, was a difficult choice with little benefit for Yoon himself. The US empire is highly regarded by the North Korean people, but it is more wary of growing ties with Japan. &nbsp,

But, South Korea had only look to Washington to see which way the wind is blowing. As the US distances itself from China, it is quickly moving inevitably closer to Japan, which is quickly emerging as one of its most significant international allies. Japan is becoming a more outspoken presence on the international stage in addition to being carefully located in any possible conflict with China. &nbsp,

The possibility of a poor Yoon presidency is already concerning supporters at a time when the multilateral relationship needs to be widened to counter never simply China, but also a North Korea that has deemed the South its “principal enemy.” The leader does not need political approval for international policy initiatives, but he must move forward even though his domestic agenda will be hampered. &nbsp,

International partners&nbsp, usually express concern about the pain in South Korea’s foreign plan when the president changes hands, as it often does in Seoul. Although in part this reflects the state of politics in the once-dictatorship, it makes it challenging to form long-lasting relationships. &nbsp,

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Commentary: The curious case of PAS’ stance against KK Super Mart boycott amid socks uproar

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NO DIRECT Network

But, the most likely explanation is closer to what Mr Yahaya implied. He said that the KK Super Mart boycott is qualitatively different from the boycott of Israeli goods, as the latter is “directly related” to Gaza, whereas in KK Super Mart’s case, there was” no direct relationship”.

Mr. Yahaya meant that the ban itself was not a spiritual protest, even though the KK Super Mart discussion began with the prophet’s name. In other words, the boycott may be interpreted differently as professional, racist, political or social, but it might not be spiritual.

If we take that view, it makes sense that PAS taken a step up. Despite frequently combining identity politics and Islam, PAS finally seeks to establish an Islamic status as the preferred social outcome.

Its strongest policy advocacy in the past few years, such as questioning Malaysia’s decision to gazette bak kut teh ( pork ribs soup ) as a national heritage dish, closing down gambling outlets, enhancing Syariah court powers and others, are driven by religious considerations. So, if the KK Super Mart boycott is no dramatically religious in goal and outcome, it might not follow it.

For restraint, though self- serving, has significant implications on how conflicts may sing out in the future.

After the uncommon trio of diesel bomb attacks in Malaysia, it’s fair to wonder if these are one-time events or have a potential recurrence.

The confinement of expanded conflict seems small and efficient enough for now based on the highest authorities ‘ majority condemnation of violence. This does not, however, mean that the surveillance of brands and logos that might offend the majority of people may be completely absent.

One less artist to intensify issue might be the difference between maintaining the peace and going ashore, according to PAS ‘ nuanced perspective on what issues to take on.

Sang Kancil ( Penguin Random House ) is the author and social scientist James Chai writes.

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Commentary: Modi must create more factory jobs for India to grow

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FAILING HIS STRONGEST Adherents

Modi insists that his administration’s efforts- to invest in system, for instance- have made it easier for businesses to set up those factories. Additionally, the World Bank report acknowledges that “large public funding projects, the easing of labor regulations after 2014, and the increased usage of contract labor have supported business work growth.” This year, HSBC India reported that producing activity in March exceeded expectations by 16 years.

Despite the fact that people in India agrees that reforms are urgently needed, the government has been almost hesitant. In the first few months of his presidency, Modi focused on production, but his enthusiasm for the industry started to fade after a Bill that made it easier for companies to buy limited land for factories. The policy was withdrawn. India’s property market remains unpredictable and opaque.

Modi also increased the regulators ‘ independence, which might give manufacturers assurance that they wo n’t be bullied by neighborhood politicians. Additionally, he has not touched the bloated judicial system, which may then permit those investors to oppose administrative disturbance. Multinational corporations have been resisted from integrating India into their global supply chains due to a psychotic tax policy.

And then there’s the quality of India’s labor. More than a decade ago, governments worked hard to enroll India’s children in schools, and they mostly succeeded. Modi’s job was to raise the standard of those institutions and ensure that those who had left had the knowledge they needed for the store floor.

That did n’t get done. A survey of 700, 000 rural students in India in 2022 revealed that 42 % of fifth-graders in India were unable to read at a second-grade level. Over 70 per cent of them could n’t solve a simple division problem.

India’s expansion rate is higher than that of most of its peers in developing nations. But jobless growth wo n’t transform the country. Nor will the West’s smart new concepts, such as granting subsidies to favored industries and champions, be accepted.

Create more manufacturing jobs for a developing nation like India in order to make a real middle course. Modi may have detested the young people who have been his strongest supporters if tens of thousands of new businesses do n’t sprout across India in the next five years.Continue Reading

Commentary: Navigating China’s influence and expanding role in Southeast Asia

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A new query assessing the corporate relevance of dialogue partners to ASEAN more reinforces this sentiment. With a suggest score of 8.98 out of 11, somewhat ahead of the US at 8.79, China has been deemed to be the most strategically important companion. &nbsp, Most states in Southeast Asia except Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam, ranked China as their best option.

Additionally, it should come as no surprise that China continues to be the region’s preeminent economic and political-strategic power, with 59.9 % and 43.9 % of respondents confirming their positions in these areas.

OPTIMISM ABOUT CHINA’S ECONOMIC COMMITMENT TO Place

Despite worries about China’s potential deteriorating economic perspective, the place maintains optimism regarding its commitment to Southeast Asia’s economy. This attitude is especially pronounced in Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Brunei, where China’s status as the largest or subsequent- largest foreign investor underscores its substantial economic footprint. &nbsp,

The poll results align strongly with the findings of the Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index, which highlights China’s important influence in areas like as financial relationships, diplomacy and people- to- people exchanges. The score also highlights a significant decrease in the entire US influence, especially in countries like as Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia, more solidifying China’s ascendancy in the region.

In addition, China’s standing within ASEAN shows how much it is exerting effect in Southeast Asia. China was one of the first speech companions to receive a Comprehensive Partnership Status with ASEAN in 2021, a sign of how deepening relationships are with the area.

China’s business amount increased to US$ 722 billion in 2022, making China ASEAN’s largest buying lover for 14 consecutive times, despite China’s foreign direct investment to ASEAN trailing behind that of the US, Japan, and the European Union.

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Commentary: What you need to know about the rare fatal infection spreading across Japan

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As soon as possible, care for suspected STSS may be provided. Along with antibiotics and iv defensive antibodies to delete sore A toxins, patients may also require oxygen, iv fluids, and even respiratory support. Even if referral and treatment are made right away, it might still get patients several weeks to recover from the physical results.

STSS is more common in people who have a poor immune system- including the elderly, people taking steroid medications, people recovering from a recent illness ( particularly chickenpox ), those with type 2 diabetes, and people with drug and alcohol problems. The elderly make up a significant and growing percentage of Japan’s populace, which may explain why the prevalence of STSS is so great it.

The reduction in COVID-19 limitations in this post-lockdown time is likely to be a contributing factor to the increase in STSS cases. Public health precautions like wearing a mask, washing and disinfecting your arms, and using social media were all effective in preventing the spread of swine A bacteria. When these settings were removed, people were exposed to more bacteria.

Luckily, sore A germs remain responsive to ciprofloxacin, although weight has been identified in some genotypes. This implies that STSS and swine A can still be treated.

Additionally, researchers are developing a vaccine to protect against swine A bacteria. If effective, this would not only guard against rheumatic fever and possibly the more serious, more serious illnesses like STSS, but also against milder, streptococci-related illnesses.

Worldwide, more than half a million deaths are thought to be caused by the Sore A germs each year. Although only a small percentage of these are STSS’s result, this figure highlights the need to better monitor team A streptococci, their development, and the conditions they cause.

Defying swine A germs remains comparatively easy. Many of the habits we used at the top of the pandemic, including washing our hands, using masks, and avoiding crowds, may help us avoid swine A as well.

Colin Michie is Deputy Lead, School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire. This commentary&nbsp, primary appeared&nbsp, in The Conversation.

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Commentary: How the Myanmar regime is surviving

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The recent shooting of more than 20 Rohingya Muslims in Minbya town of Rakhine and the besieging of Hsihseng in Southern Shan State highlight the SAC’s dangerous ability, supported by the widespread use of large weaponry and the proliferation of weaponized robots.

Four distinct states in Myanmar have recently experienced several air strikes. Residents were bombed 32 times in two days, according to a report from Karenni State.

In late January, Amnesty International discovered that Chinese and Eritrean marked tankers, whose possession was unknown, facilitated numerous flight fuel sales to Myanmar’s defense in 2023 through storage facilities in Vietnam.

Australia imposed restrictions on three Burmese businesses that supplied the military with aviation fuel on February 1. Since the revolution, US sanctions have been constantly imposed, with particular sanctions on flight gas supplies in March and August 2023.

In light of the recent upsurge in weather strikes, these methods should be coordinated and expanded.

Independent scientist David Scott Mathieson studies Myanmar’s fight and human rights issues. This remark first appeared on Lowy Institute’s website, The Interpreter.

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Commentary: Big Brother concerns in Ho Chi Minh City as Vietnam launches social listening programme

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CAN VIETNAM GET THE INFORMATION IT NEEDS?

Social listening is no new in Vietnam. Companies have relied on this service for years from both domestic and international IT companies.

Despite having low scores year after year, some provinces in North Vietnam have also implemented a citizens ‘ comments app to collect data from cultural listening software. However, they failed to make use of the data collected between 2016 and 2022 in Quang Ninh to improve the performance of regional government agencies for healthcare, construction management, and education.

Is this listening initiative akin to a state job that squanders public funds like Quang Ninh’s, or is it about becoming Big Brother? What is clear now is that Vietnam will depend mainly on international platforms like Facebook, X ( formerly known as Twitter ), Instagram, and YouTube to gather the data necessary for social hearing.

Between 2018 and 2023, most of the eight” Made in Vietnam” social media apps like as Zingme, Lotus, Hahalolo, Gapo, and Vietnamta had failed to get much users globally to succeed, except Zalo- a regional software with over 60 million users in 2023.

With over 75 million Vietnamese users in Vietnam and several millions of Vietnamese living abroad, no Vietnamese-language social media platform can rival global giants like Facebook. Even Vietnamese media made it known that there will continue to be” a market dominated by Big Tech” for a long time.

First and foremost, Vietnam’s excessive reliance on foreign social media platforms requires the government to work within the Big Tech companies ‘ data protection practices in order to carry out its intended social listening program.

Vietnam’s relationship with Big Tech companies has never been plain sailing. According to Vietnam’s cybersecurity law, Facebook and Google were required to remove any online links and video content that were deemed to be threats to national security within 24 hours.

Data released by the Ministry of Information and Communications in mid- 2022 showed that in the first six months of that year, thousands of posts were removed by Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

However, these takedowns are only a small sourdough by the global platforms to defend their business interests in Vietnam. The key question is whether Big Tech would comply with the government’s demands for access to customer data.

A government decree authorized the Ministry of Public Security, which regulates the police, to order Big Tech to” store Vietnamese users ‘ personal data in Vietnam,” with the condition that it be done “within 12 months.”

The Vietnamese press did not make any such announcements in 2023. In the upcoming years, the government will continue to fight with the Big Tech platforms over control of the internet and social media.

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Commentary: Conscription is pushing many in Myanmar to choose sides

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NOT NEW Recruitment REQUIRED

Conscription-related weight is not fresh. The SAC director claimed that Myanmar was certainly unique and that the current course of action “allies foreign conventions,” claiming that 18 nations engaged in recruitment. The main function of conscription is to protect a nation against external threats, not to prosecute inside legal issues against one’s fellow citizens, is a glaring mistake.

He added that there was law for the 2010 Military Service Law. The laws and its current application date back to the 1959 Military Service Law promulgated by the caregiver government under then-commander public Ne Win, to which Burma’s next civil authorities ceded power lawfully from 1958 to 1960.

There are historical examples of the regulators enlisting citizens in secondary positions in the defense. This is the main cause of the worry that the 2010 Military Service Law has received.

For instance, the 1907 Village Tract Act, enacted when Burma was a British settlement, empowered the government to demand local services, such as for attendants, in law enforcement actions. This was essentially no recruitment, but the defense used the Act to press- group civilians as porters for counter- insurgency operations.

The exercise continued after Burma’s democracy in 1948. In military installations, there are documented cases of porters working as laborers or human shields. Although a 1999 order to end “exercising powers” under the 1907 Act was issued by military authorities, it was only repealed in 2012 and replaced with new regulations that sought to address global force to end forced labor and conscription practices.

Introduced before the government’s switch to a quasi- human supervision, the 2010 rules improved upon the 1959 edition by clarifying and simplifying eligibility criteria and terms of service. But, the military has some discretion in the form of some obscure clauses, including whether or not Muslim clergy are exempt from spiritual orders.

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