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Tesla Triumphs in Landmark Autopilot Case, Signalling Legal Victory for Full Self-Driving

Aditya Saikrishna
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Tesla Triumphs in Landmark Autopilot Case, Signalling Legal Victory for Full Self-Driving

UNITED STATES: Tesla Inc. emerged triumphant in its first U.S. trial concerning allegations that its Autopilot feature was responsible for a fatal accident. The case centred around the tragic incident involving Micah Lee’s Model 3, which veered off a Los Angeles highway, ultimately colliding with a palm tree and catching fire.

After four days of deliberation, a 12-member jury voted 9-3, determining that no manufacturing defect was evident in the vehicle. This verdict follows Tesla’s previous success in a Los Angeles trial, where the company successfully emphasized the importance of human supervision despite the suggestive names “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving.”

Jurors who shared their thoughts after the trial emphasized that Tesla had provided sufficient warnings about the system and attributed the accident to distracted driving. The stock market responded positively to the news, with TSLA shares ending Friday’s trading at $219.96, marking a 6.1% increase for the week.

In China’s electric vehicle market, October brought a flurry of activity as major players announced their delivery results. While Tesla faced a 2.6% drop in October deliveries of its China-made electric vehicles, the company remained committed to its sales-focused strategy, banking on an upgraded Model 3 launched in September for a potential turnaround.

Meanwhile, Chinese automakers Li Auto and Xpeng reported robust growth. Li Auto achieved an impressive 302.1% year-on-year delivery increase, surpassing 40,000 monthly deliveries for the first time. 

XPeng, on the other hand, recorded a record high of 20,002 units delivered, showcasing the success of its Smart EV line and unveiling ambitious plans for its advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).

Nio experienced a 3% monthly increase, delivering 16,074 vehicles in October. Despite a slight decline in SUV sales, its sedan sales surged by 21%, demonstrating resilience in a competitive market. However, analysts anticipate NIO’s 4Q guidance to indicate a conservative approach, with expectations of a sequential decline in vehicle volumes.

In light of recent developments, Nio announced its decision to cut 10% of staff positions, citing the need to eliminate “duplicate” and “inefficient” roles as well as reevaluating project investments not expected to contribute to the company’s financial performance within the next three years.

Also Read: Tesla’s Optimus Robot Strikes a ‘Namaste’ Pose, Ignites Calls for Indian Expansion

Blazing Ryan Blaney Ignites Phoenix Showdown, Seizes First NASCAR Championship

Aditya Saikrishna
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Blazing Ryan Blaney Ignites Phoenix Showdown, Seizes First NASCAR Championship

UNITED STATES: Ryan Blaney, the soft-spoken third-generation racer from Ohio, won his first NASCAR Cup championship in a dramatic showdown at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday. In a drive that showcased a fiery and aggressive side of Blaney rarely seen by the public, he secured the championship title by outperforming fellow contenders Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Christopher Bell, who were eliminated with a last-place finish after breaking a brake rotor early in the race.

Ryan Blaney’s path to victory was marked by intense clashes with his competitors, including deliberate collisions with Martin Truex Jr. and Ross Chastain, the eventual race winner. Blaney’s aggressive approach caught the attention of fans and fellow racers alike.

Ryan Blaney’s aggressive racing style was no surprise to his competitors, as Larson remarked, “He’s a quiet guy, but I feel like he races really hard, and he gets extremely fired up, too. He earned it. He worked hard.” Team owner Roger Penske, who celebrated back-to-back Cup titles with Blaney’s win, described Blaney’s frustration level as “above the boiling point.”

Ryan Blaney’s victory was a historic one, making him the first Ohio-born driver to win the Cup title. He followed in the footsteps of his teammate Joey Logano, who won the championship for Team Penske the previous year. Blaney’s win was a testament to the Ford Performance team, which had struggled during most of the season but made a strong comeback with Blaney, who secured two wins in the final six playoff races.

Ryan Blaney, whose family has a rich racing heritage, including his father’s extensive Cup career, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete and win championships. His achievement added to Team Penske’s legacy, which has now secured three Cup titles in the past six seasons. 

Penske, an 86-year-old motorsports legend who recently battled shingles and missed Ryan Blaney’s win at Martinsville Speedway, was on hand to congratulate his champion driver, emphasizing that Blaney’s title was well-deserved.

Also Read: Controversy Brews in F1: Disqualifications, Track Limits, and Entry Fees

Global Alliance Grows as Iceland and Netherlands Join Artemis Accords for Lunar Exploration

Aditya Saikrishna
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Global Alliance Grows as Iceland and Netherlands Join Artemis Accords for Lunar Exploration

UNITED STATES: Iceland and the Netherlands have officially become the 30th and 31st signatories to the Artemis Accords, a framework established by NASA and the U.S. Department of State to guide peaceful, transparent, and sustainable lunar exploration.

The announcement was made by NASA officials on Wednesday (Nov. 1), following the inclusion of Iceland last month and the Netherlands during a ceremony at the Dutch Ambassador’s Residence in Washington. The accords are a key component of NASA’s ambitious Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent human presence on and around the moon by the end of this decade.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson expressed a warm welcome to the Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of global leadership and cooperation in ensuring the peaceful exploration of space for future generations. “As one of America’s oldest allies, NASA is proud to expand our partnership with the Netherlands and build a future defined by limitless opportunity and discovery,” he stated.

The 31 signatories represent a diverse group of nations, including prominent spaceflight players such as Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. Together, they will work in tandem with private industry to achieve the ambitious goals set forth by the Artemis program.

In contrast, China is spearheading a separate effort to establish a crewed lunar base near the moon’s south pole in the 2030s. Six nations—Azerbaijan, Belarus, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, and Venezuela—have pledged their cooperation in this endeavour.

The inclusion of Iceland and the Netherlands in the Artemis Accords further solidifies the global commitment to cooperative space exploration and marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of a sustainable human presence on the moon.

Also Read: NASA Prepares Advanced Rocket for Landing Humans on Moon

Smithsonian Unveils NASA OSIRIS-Rex’ Bennu Asteroid Sample in Landmark Exhibition

Aditya Saikrishna
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Smithsonian Unveils NASA OSIRIS-Rex’ Bennu Asteroid Sample in Landmark Exhibition

UNITED STATES: In a historic event, a substantial crowd gathered at the National Museum of Natural History to witness the unveiling of a fragment of the asteroid Bennu, brought back to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission.

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft completed an astonishing 1.4-billion-mile journey, safely landing its sample return capsule in Utah on September 24.

Tim McCoy, the museum’s curator of meteorites, expressed his excitement, stating, “What we are doing today is a milestone. It is a start in where we are going, which is trying to use this sample to understand our unique planet.”

About 50 individuals, including the press and members of the public, gathered to be among the first to view the Bennu sample, displayed within a stainless steel bottle in a pure-nitrogen environment to preserve its pristine condition.

The exhibit also featured scale models of the ULA Atlas V rocket and the Lockheed Martin-built OSIRIS-REx probe that played pivotal roles in the mission.

The exhibit’s backdrop poses a profound question, “Could this fragment of an asteroid hold information about the beginnings of our solar system and the formation of life on Earth?”

Scientists aim to unlock the secrets of the Solar System’s origins, Earth’s oceans, and life itself through the study of the water-rich minerals and carbon-rich molecules within the Bennu fragment.

A CT scan revealed that the stone, labelled OREX-800027-0, is composed of numerous smaller rocks fused, showcasing signs of heavy alteration by water, resulting in the presence of clays, iron oxides, iron sulfides, carbonates, and carbon.

McCoy shared insights into the selection process for the displayed rock, emphasizing the need for durability and photogenicity. The chosen fragment, a perfect representation of the material brought back, now stands as a testament to this monumental achievement.

In addition to the showcased stone, the Smithsonian received another Bennu fragment for further scientific examination. Two more rocks are slated for display at the University of Arizona’s Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum and Space Center Houston in Texas, marking the continuation of this groundbreaking exploration.

The opening dates for these exhibits are anticipated soon, with November 15 as a potential launch date.

Also Read: NASA’s Lucy Spacecraft Achieves Milestone with Successful Flyby of Asteroid ‘Dinky’

Max Verstappen Squashes AlphaTauri Switch Rumours, Focuses on Red Bull’s Championship Bid

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Max Verstappen Squashes AlphaTauri Switch Rumours, Focuses on Red Bull’s Championship Bid

BRAZIL: In a season filled with Formula 1’s rumour mill churning out speculation after speculation, the latest buzz surrounds Max Verstappen’s potential move to AlphaTauri. However, fans of the Dutch driver can rest easy, as Verstappen himself has debunked these rumours.

As the reigning World Champions, Red Bull has been at the centre of swirling rumours throughout the season. From Sergio Perez’s uncertain future to Helmut Marko’s comments, it now appears to be Verstappen’s turn to be in the spotlight.

With a remarkable season tallying 16 Grand Prix victories, four sprint wins, and clinching the World title, Verstappen’s rumoured shift to AlphaTauri was seen as a move to bolster their standing in the championship. AlphaTauri currently sits in eighth place, trailing Williams by a mere 12 points.

However, Verstappen put the speculation to rest, affirming that he will not be leaving Red Bull to join AlphaTauri. When questioned about the rumours, Verstappen responded with a laugh, stating, “Luckily, I didn’t see them and I didn’t read them.”

While one rumour persists with remarkable tenacity—Sergio Perez’s potential replacement by Daniel Ricciardo—Marko remains steadfast in his support for the 33-year-old Mexican driver. Despite assurances, this particular speculation continues to linger.

Verstappen refrained from taking sides in the Perez versus Ricciardo debate, emphasizing that the decision was beyond his purview. “I always find with these kinds of things whatever I respond people take it out of context,” he remarked.

As for Perez, Verstappen believes the seasoned driver is unfazed by the relentless rumours. “Of course, he was disappointed about the last race but that’s life as well. That happens in Formula One, you move on,” Verstappen acknowledged. He added, “I think with the rumours as well like you just don’t pay attention.”

Amid this whirlwind of speculations, Verstappen remains laser-focused on the task at hand: securing victories for Red Bull and sealing their championship bid.

Also Read: Liam Lawson Leaves AlphaTauri with Grit and Glimmer of Promise

Ford Unveils Mustang GT4, Ready to Roar in SRO GT4 Category from 2024

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Ford Unveils Mustang GT4, Ready to Roar in SRO GT4 Category from 2024

UNITED STATES: Ford has unveiled the latest addition to its Mustang race car family, the Mustang GT4. Coming hot on the heels of the Mustang GT3’s debut just a month ago, this remarkable racing machine is all set to roar into the SRO GT4 category, poised to take on competitors starting in 2024.

The Mustang GT4, like its GT3 sibling, is built upon the foundation of the Mustang Dark Horse road car.

Crafted through a collaborative effort with the renowned Canadian company Multimatic, known for its role in building the iconic Ford GT, this racing beast is powered by a Coyote-based V-8 engine, specially developed by Ford Performance.

The engine sends its might to the rear wheels through a Holinger dog-ring gearbox, equipped with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Noteworthy features include “natural fibre” body panels, Multimatic DSSV dampers, and an exclusive aerodynamic package meticulously designed to outshine competitors in the demanding GT4 category.

Ford Performance motorsports director Mark Rushbrook, expressed his excitement, saying that the Mustang GT4 is a key member of its motorsports lineup.

The GT4’s placement between the Mustang GT3 and the soon-to-be-unveiled Mustang Dark Horse R keeps the brand in competition at all levels of competition and is an important part of our customer racing program.

With the latest version of the iconic car, which is based on the seventh generation’s new Dark Horse model, Ford has upped the game and is ready to challenge an entire world of competitors.

The Mustang GT4 is the latest addition to Ford’s impressive lineup of six Mustang racers introduced in September. Alongside the Dark Horse R, fans can anticipate the arrival of the Dark Horse S and a dedicated drag racing car.

Muscle car enthusiasts are undoubtedly in for a treat this year, as Ford continues to dominate the racing world with its relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsports.

Also Read: Honda Elevate SUV Roars into India with Exciting Features and Affordable Pricing

Valentino Rossi Prepares to Take a Spin in World Endurance Racing in LMP2

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Valentino Rossi Prepares to Take a Spin in World Endurance Racing in LMP2

ITALY: Valentino Rossi is a legendary figure who commands the devotion of a diverse array of fans. Whether you’re a die-hard motorcycle racing enthusiast or simply enamoured with Rossi’s magnetic charisma, the “Doctor” continues to captivate the hearts of fans worldwide.

Now, the seven-time MotoGP World Champion is about to embark on a fresh racing adventure as he joins the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) Rookie Test, set to take place on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

For those admirers of Rossi who are more interested in his talent than the number of wheels on his racing machine, this announcement is sure to spark excitement. Rossi is all set to slide into the driver’s seat of a Le Mans Prototype car, specifically an LMP2 category vehicle, in accordance with current FIA WEC regulations. 

LMP2 cars are characterized by their closed cockpits and no production minimums. The FIA WEC features two LMP classes, with the LMP2 class designed for independent teams that aren’t manufacturers or engine suppliers.

Rossi’s chosen ride for the Rookie Test is the potent Oreca 07, powered by a 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine delivering around 540 horsepower.

The Italian racing icon will be representing Team WRT, a fitting choice considering his participation with the team’s BMW M4 GT3 car in the 2023 Fanatec GT Endurance Cup and Fanatec GT Sprint Cup.

Additionally, Rossi looks forward to being in Bahrain to witness the final race of the season, as he harbours hopes of racing in the FIA WEC in the future.

Notably, the FIA WEC will discontinue the use of LMP2-class cars in most of its races in 2024, with exceptions made for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

However, Team WRT plans to enter two of its BMW M4 GT3 cars in the new GT3 class, offering Rossi’s fans a promising prospect to anticipate. The world of motorsports is in for an exciting chapter as Valentino Rossi takes on the FIA WEC Rookie Test in his pursuit of new thrills on four wheels.

Also Read: Alex Rins Set for MotoGP Comeback at Honda’s Home Race in Motegi

FIA Implements Ban on Pit Lane Impeding ahead of Brazilian GP

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
FIA Implements Ban on Pit Lane Impeding ahead of Brazilian GP

BRAZIL: In a bid to enhance safety measures during qualifying sessions, the FIA has introduced a ban on drivers stopping in the fast lane of the pit lane. This move comes after the United States and Mexican Grand Prix rounds witnessed drivers being reprimanded by stewards for impeding traffic flow by obstructing the pit lane.

Previously, a maximum permitted time for an out-lap was implemented to combat hazardous, slow-moving traffic. However, this unintentionally led to drivers attempting to create gaps by delaying their departure from the pit exit, causing further congestion.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella advocated for changes ahead of the Brazilian GP, a plea that has now been granted. Under the new regulations, any driver who prolongs their stay in the fast lane to create a gap will be considered to be driving in an “unnecessarily slow” manner and will face penalties from the stewards.

Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, Article 33.4, stipulate that drivers are prohibited from driving unnecessarily slowly, including stopping a car in the fast lane of the pit lane. During the sprint shootout and qualifying, drivers may create a gap between the pit exit lights and the Safety Car 2 line, but they must position themselves as far left as possible to allow other drivers to pass on the right side of the pit exit road.

Max Verstappen, after the Mexican GP, expressed his confusion over the impeding investigation and called for an alternative solution. He emphasized the challenges of balancing the need for gaps while adhering to minimum lap times, highlighting the complexity of finding a suitable compromise. 

With these new measures in place, drivers will be required to devise alternative strategies for creating gaps in the car ahead while staying within the maximum permitted time.

Also Read: F1 Teams’ Concerns over Andretti Entry Addressed: FIA and FOM Hold Final Say

India’s Chandrayaan-3 Lander Kicked Up Lunar Dust ‘Halo’: Reports

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
India’s Chandrayaan-3 Lander Kicked Up Lunar Dust ‘Halo’: Reports

INDIA: On August 23, 2023, India achieved a historic milestone by successfully soft-landing Chandrayaan-3 on the moon, becoming only the fourth nation in the world to accomplish this incredible feat. Millions of people worldwide watched in awe as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) executed this groundbreaking mission, marking a significant leap in lunar exploration.

Chandrayaan-3’s landing was witnessed not only by Earthbound spectators but also by its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, which captured striking images of the lunar surface during the touchdown. Among the remarkable discoveries from these images was the revelation of an “ejecta halo,” a vast ring-shaped plume of moon dust created by Chandrayaan-3’s landing thrusters.

Scientists, in a new study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, estimate that the landing displaced approximately 2.06 metric tonnes (4,500 pounds) of lunar regolith, spreading it across an area of 1,167 square feet (108.4 square meters). This phenomenon was identified through variations in reflectivity in the freshly disturbed top layers of moon dust.

The loss of cohesion in the epi regolith (top layer of lunar soil) due to the landing led to increased photometric scattering and the formation of the distinctive reflectance anomaly known as the ejecta halo.

Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, had aimed to achieve a similar mission to land in the lunar south polar region but lost contact with its lander just above the moon’s surface. Despite this setback, Chandrayaan-2’s orbiter continued to operate, capturing high-resolution images and mapping lunar terrain.

Chandrayaan-3, nearly four years later, embarked on the same mission to land a rover in the lunar south polar region, achieving success where its predecessor had faltered.

With India’s achievement, only three other countries—the United States, the Soviet Union, and China—have accomplished soft landings on the moon. This significant milestone opens the door to further lunar exploration, with NASA’s Artemis program and other nations preparing for their moon missions shortly.

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has not only made history but has also expanded our understanding of lunar geology with the discovery of the remarkable ejecta halo, a testament to the nation’s growing prominence in space exploration.

Also Read: Foreign Residents Leaving Gaza as Israeli Airstrikes Continue, Causing Casualties

Scarlett Johansson Takes Legal Action against Unauthorized AI App Using Her Image, Voice

Aditya Saikrishna
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0
Scarlett Johansson Takes Legal Action against Unauthorized AI App Using Her Image, Voice

UNITED STATES: Renowned actress and activist Scarlett Johansson has launched legal proceedings against a company that utilized her likeness and voice without consent for their AI application. Johansson’s attorney, Kevin Yorn, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We do not take these things lightly,” and assuring that they will employ all available legal means to address the matter.

The unauthorized 22-second advertisement came to light on October 28 when it was shared on X/Twitter by the image-generating app Lisa AI: 90s Yearbook & Avatar. The clip, unapproved by Johansson, features an AI rendition of the Marvel star purportedly on the set of the film ‘Black Widow’.

In the video, the simulated Johansson invites viewers, saying, “What’s up, guys? It’s Scarlett, and I want you to come with me,” from a backstage area. Under the ad, in fine print, a disclaimer reads: “Images produced by Lisa AI. It has nothing to do with this person.”

The incident highlights broader concerns over the regulation of AI technology, a subject that actors have been advocating for during the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher underscored the industry-changing impact of streaming, digital, and AI technologies, emphasizing the need for updated regulations.

Several prominent actors, including Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks, have also voiced their concerns about the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence. Tom Hanks cautioned his followers on Instagram in September about a promotional video featuring a computer-generated version of himself for a dental plan, firmly stating, “BEWARE! There’s a video out there promoting some dental plans with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.”

Also Read: Nippon Steel Drops Lawsuit against Toyota, Prioritizing National Competitiveness in Electric Vehicle Race

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