The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will investigate a near-miss incident that took place on Friday, March 28, involving a Delta Air Lines flight and a US Air Force jet near Reagan Washington National Airport. This event comes after a deadly mid-air collision on January 29 near the same airport, where a passenger jet and a US Army helicopter crashed, resulting in 67 fatalities—the first fatal passenger airline crash in the US in 16 years. Concerns over aviation safety have been growing due to multiple near-miss incidents in the past two years, highlighting staffing shortages in air traffic control operations.

On Friday, Delta Flight 2389, an Airbus A319 en route to Minneapolis, was cleared for takeoff around 3:15 p.m. ET while four US Air Force T-38 Talon jets were approaching Arlington National Cemetery for a flyover, according to the FAA. The Delta aircraft’s cockpit collision warning system detected another plane nearby, prompting controllers to issue corrective instructions to both aircraft.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, representing Minnesota, described the situation as "unbelievably dangerous" and expressed relief that no one was harmed. She pledged to contact the Department of Defense to question why military aircraft were flying just 500 feet below a passenger plane. The Pentagon acknowledged reports of the incident but did not provide an immediate response. Delta confirmed that the flight had 131 passengers and five crew members, stating that the crew followed all procedures and would cooperate with regulators in reviewing the event.

According to CNN, audio from LiveATC.net captured the Delta pilot asking air traffic controllers whether another aircraft was positioned 500 feet below. The controller confirmed this, CNN reported. The January collision had previously raised concerns over the military’s failure to implement the ADS-B safety system on helicopter training flights. In response, the FAA imposed permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations around Reagan National and prohibited helicopters and passenger jets from flying in close proximity. The changes followed safety recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board.

Additionally, in recent months, other aviation safety incidents have occurred. In February, a Southwest Airlines flight came within 200 feet of a business jet before executing an emergency maneuver at Chicago Midway Airport. On March 1, more than a dozen planes on final approach to Reagan National received false cockpit collision alerts, leading to at least six aborted landings. The FAA and a senator later revealed that these false warnings were caused by government testing of counter-drone technology.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

CAIRO – A sightseeing submarine sank off the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of six Russian tourists, while 39 foreign tourists were safely rescued, according to the local governor’s office on Facebook. Officials confirmed that no passengers or crew members remain missing.

The Red Sea Governorate stated that the vessel, named Sindbad, was carrying 50 people at the time—45 tourists from Russia, India, Norway, and Sweden, along with five Egyptian crew members. "Most passengers were successfully rescued and taken to hotels or hospitals in Hurghada," the Russian consulate reported.

The submarine, designed with large portholes to offer views of the Red Sea’s marine life and coral reefs, was capable of diving up to 25 meters, as per the operator's website. Unlike deep-sea submersibles used for extreme explorations, such as the one that imploded near the Titanic wreck in June 2023, Sindbad was intended for leisure cruises.

The Red Sea plays a crucial role in Egypt’s tourism sector, a major contributor to the country’s economy, with Russian visitors making up a growing share. Egypt also draws tourists with its iconic pyramids and Nile River cruises in Luxor and Aswan. Successive Egyptian governments have cracked down on Islamist militant groups, whose past attacks on foreign visitors had severely impacted tourism.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the submarine’s sinking, with Red Sea Governor Amr Hanafy stating that the vessel was legally licensed and operated by an Egyptian owner. The crew captain also held a valid license. Recent months have seen multiple maritime accidents involving tourist boats in the region. In June, a vessel was severely damaged by high waves and sank, though no casualties were reported. Another boat capsized in November during a multi-day diving trip, leading to at least 11 fatalities. More recently, a tourist boat overturned last month while traveling to Hurghada after undergoing maintenance.

Neither the Tourism Ministry nor the Chamber of Diving responded to Reuters' requests for comments. A United Nations report ranked Egypt as Africa’s top earner from tourism in 2024, generating $14.1 billion—more than twice the revenue from the Suez Canal—underscoring the industry’s importance to the country’s economy.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

The rise of artificial intelligence is no longer a distant concept; it is rapidly transforming industries in ways previously unimaginable. While AI brings remarkable efficiency and innovation, it also fuels concerns about widespread job displacement. Tech mogul Bill Gates has cautioned that automation will eliminate numerous roles, putting countless workers at risk. However, not every profession is equally vulnerable to AI's influence.

In an interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, Gates discussed three fields that, at least for now, remain beyond AI’s reach. One of these is software development. The irony is that the very individuals responsible for creating AI—coders—are among those whose jobs remain secure. While AI can assist in generating code, it still lacks the precision, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities required for complex software development. Gates believes that human programmers will continue to play a crucial role in refining, debugging, and advancing AI itself. In other words, AI may serve as an aid in coding, but it still requires skilled professionals to guide its evolution.

Another field that remains resilient is the energy sector. Managing global energy demands, regulatory challenges, and sustainability initiatives is a complex task that AI alone cannot handle. From oil and nuclear power to renewable energy solutions, industry professionals must make critical decisions, especially during crises. Although AI can improve efficiency and provide valuable insights, it cannot replace human expertise in navigating unpredictable challenges and long-term planning. Gates emphasized that human decision-making remains essential in shaping the future of energy.

Similarly, in the field of biology, AI serves as a powerful tool rather than a replacement. Medical research and scientific discovery require intuition, creativity, and critical thinking—skills that AI has yet to master. While AI can process massive datasets and assist in diagnosing diseases, it cannot generate groundbreaking hypotheses or make intuitive leaps that drive scientific breakthroughs. Gates predicted that biologists will remain indispensable in advancing medicine and understanding life’s complexities, with AI acting as an aid rather than a substitute.

Although these professions appear secure for now, Gates acknowledged that AI’s influence on the job market will continue to evolve in ways we cannot yet predict. Just as past technological revolutions reshaped industries, AI will redefine the skills that remain valuable. While those in software development, energy, and biology may have a degree of job security, others must adapt, innovate, and prepare for a future where AI is not just a tool but a formidable competitor.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

WASHINGTON/MOSCOW/KYIV — The United States secured separate agreements on Tuesday (March 25) with Russia and Ukraine to pause hostilities at sea and on energy infrastructure, while also pledging to advocate for easing some sanctions on Moscow. Although the specifics of the Black Sea maritime security deal remain unclear, the agreements mark the first formal commitments between the warring nations since President Donald Trump took office. Trump has been actively pushing for an end to the Ukraine conflict and a swift reconciliation with Moscow, a stance that has raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe.

The U.S. deal with Russia extends beyond the one with Ukraine, as Washington committed to seeking the removal of certain international sanctions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports—long-standing demands from Moscow. Following the U.S. announcement, the Kremlin stated that the Black Sea agreement would not take effect unless Russia regained access to international financial systems for some of its banks. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy argued that the truce did not hinge on sanctions relief and should take effect immediately, accusing Moscow of attempting to "manipulate" the terms.

"They are already twisting the agreements and deceiving both our intermediaries and the global community," Zelenskiy said in his nightly address. Both Kyiv and Moscow indicated that they would rely on Washington to enforce the deals, though each side expressed skepticism about the other's commitment. "We require clear guarantees," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. "Given our past experiences with agreements solely involving Kyiv, the only reliable guarantees would come from direct orders by Washington to Zelenskiy and his administration."

Zelenskiy stated that any Russian violations would prompt him to request Trump to impose additional sanctions on Moscow and increase military aid to Ukraine. "We do not trust Russia, but we will remain constructive," he added. Despite the agreements, reports surfaced of drone attacks by both sides in the hours following the announcement, though no immediate damage was confirmed on Black Sea or energy targets. Meanwhile, in an interview with Newsmax, Trump acknowledged that Russia might be stalling efforts to end the war. "I think Russia wants to see it end, but they could be dragging their feet. I've done that before," he remarked.

Path to a Wider Ceasefire: The agreements emerged from parallel negotiations in Saudi Arabia, following Trump's separate calls with Putin and Zelenskiy last week. If successfully implemented, they could mark a significant step toward Trump's broader goal of securing a more comprehensive ceasefire in the ongoing war. Trump had proposed a 30-day full ceasefire, which Ukraine supported, but Putin rejected.

"We're making great progress," Trump told reporters, while noting the "tremendous animosity" in discussions. "There is a lot of hatred, as you can see, but it also provides an opportunity for mediation and negotiation to stop the conflict. I believe it will work," he added. Recent U.S. rhetoric toward Russia has softened, with Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, stating that he did not view Putin as a "bad guy," a remark that unsettled European officials wary of Moscow's intentions.

Lavrov dismissed Witkoff’s optimism, claiming it overlooked the influence of European leaders who, in his view, sought to pressure Zelenskiy into maintaining a hardline stance. "He overestimates Europe's elites, who aim to burden Zelenskiy to prevent any concessions," Lavrov said. Ukraine and its European allies fear that Trump may negotiate a deal favoring Russia, potentially undermining their security by pressuring Kyiv to abandon NATO aspirations and cede contested territories to Moscow.

Temporary Halt on Energy Strikes: The Kremlin confirmed that it had agreed with the U.S. to suspend attacks on energy targets in both Russia and Ukraine for 30 days, starting from March 18—when Putin first discussed the matter with Trump. Moscow also signaled openness to extending the arrangement. Ukraine had previously insisted that any such agreement required formalized terms. Both nations have targeted each other's energy infrastructure throughout the war—Russia has used missiles and drones to damage Ukraine’s power grid, while Kyiv has struck Russian oil and gas facilities. These attacks have played a crucial role in weakening each other's war capabilities.

While the temporary halt in energy strikes is a new initiative, the Black Sea security deal revisits a longstanding issue. Early in the war, Russia effectively blockaded Ukraine’s ports, exacerbating a global food crisis due to Ukraine’s role as a major grain exporter. Although maritime conflicts have become less frequent, Russia’s continued aerial assaults have disrupted Ukrainian exports. Zelenskiy stated that the agreement would prohibit such strikes.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov warned that any movement of Russian military vessels outside the eastern Black Sea would be considered a violation, granting Ukraine the right to respond. Moscow, however, maintained that the deal required additional concessions, including restoring Russian agricultural export bank links to the SWIFT international payment system. Such measures would likely require agreement from European nations.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Malaysian retail group Macro-value is set to acquire Cold Storage Singapore, raising questions about the potential impact on the country's food security. In a discussion with Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin, Professor William Chen, Director of the Future Ready Food Safety Hub at NTU, examines whether foreign ownership of major supermarket chains could affect Singapore’s long-term food sustainability goals.

With food security being a key national priority, the takeover sparks concerns about supply chain stability, sourcing practices, and the ability to maintain resilient food networks. Professor Chen explores the possible challenges and implications of such acquisitions, particularly in terms of local food production, import strategies, and price stability. As Singapore continues its efforts to enhance food sustainability and self-sufficiency, the discussion sheds light on whether foreign ownership of essential retail infrastructure could influence government initiatives and the broader food ecosystem. The conversation highlights the importance of strategic planning to ensure that national food security remains uncompromised despite shifts in supermarket ownership.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA News.

In the latest episode of Destination Anywhere, host Melanie Oliveiro explores Scarce City, an immersive interactive experience currently on display at the National Gallery Singapore. Blending art, technology, and thought-provoking gameplay, the exhibition offers visitors a unique and reflective journey. Its creator, Elizabeth Mak, sheds light on the project’s innovative 3D-printed environment, crafted entirely from recycled plastic, emphasizing both its artistic impact and its deeper message about humanity’s relationship with resources. Scarce City challenges audiences to reconsider what it means to have enough in a world preoccupied with scarcity, encouraging reflection on global consumption patterns and sustainability. Through its striking visuals and interactive design, the exhibition serves as a compelling commentary on modern society’s fixation with limited supplies.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA News.