Dubai’s self-driving challenge, Pakistan’s IMF loan approval and more, Gulf News Editors comment on July 13 trending news

DUBAI SELF-DRIVING TRANSPORT CHALLENGE : Field trials have begun for competitors in the 3rd Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport 2023. The competition provides a sizeable $2.3 million prize pool — $2 million to industry leaders and $300,000 to local academic institutions. The trials are being conducted at the Dubai Silicon Oasis, a part of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). This edition follows the success of the first two, with a more competitive atmosphere. With 27 submissions from candidates around the world, the Challenge has more participation in both categories — 130 per cent rise in the intended number of applicants in the category of Industry Leaders as well as a 175 per cent jump in applicants in the category of Local Academia. This will help promote Dubai’s position in driving the transition to self-driving transportation technologies and support the government's goal of using self-driving vehicles for 25 per cent of all mobility journeys in Dubai by 2030. It also complements efforts to raise Dubai's visibility in the global self-driving transportation industry. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

PAKISTAN'S IMF LOAN APPROVAL BRINGS ECONOMIC RELIEF: Pakistan's recent approval to borrow $3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has provided much-needed respite for the nation's economy. With an immediate disbursement of $1.2 billion, the loan will ease Pakistan's need for cash and help stabilize its economic situation. The move has also generated positive sentiment, resulting in a credit score upgrade from Fitch Ratings and additional financing from creditor nations. However, it is crucial for Pakistan to implement key policies, including fiscal discipline and market-determined exchange rates, to ensure the success of the loan program. Moreover, with significant debt repayments looming, sustained reforms are essential to avoid default. While the IMF loan offers short-term relief, Pakistan must remain focused on addressing long-term challenges for a sustainable economic future. (By Nivetha Dayanand, Web Editor)

A LOUD AND CLEAR MESSAGE FROM ASHWIN: Veteran off-spiner Ravichandran Ashwin made a strong statement by claiming a five-wicket haul on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies. The wily spinner, not being part of the playing XI in the World Test Championship final against Australia, was a hot topic of debate. He clearly exhibited displeasure on the missed opportunity in no uncertain terms. However, the 36-year-old Chennai-based Engineering graduate has got off to a perfect start by spinning a web around the young West Indian team. Though the conditions are different in Roseau where the low bounce clearly worked in his favour, still it was a good and loud clear message that one can’t write him off in the long format game yet. (By A.K.S. SATISH, Sports Editor)

SUCCESSION DOMINATES EMMY NOMINATIONS: Nothing succeeds like ‘Succession’ or so we feel when we scan the 75th Emmy Awards nominations that were announced this morning. This wicked satire about a dysfunctional family of media billionaires makes for some golden television and we are not surprised that this series has dominated the Emmy season this year too. Last year, they took home four awards and all eyes are on them to see how they score this year. The shocking portrayal of mind and power games among the super wealthy – as shown in ‘Succession’ – has struck the right chord, making it a highly probably Emmy favourite. And we aren’t complaining. We need shows like these to survive the summer heat. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)