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A male osprey has been sighted at Ranworth Broad in Norfolk A wildlife charity says it is hopeful that a rare bird of prey may breed in a region for the first time in 250 years. Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) says regular sightings have been made of a male osprey at the Ranworth Broad nature reserve, near Norwich. A pair of ospreys were present for most of last summer and a roosting platform was created. The male bird recently returned and has been showing interest in the nest site, NWT said. Ospreys are migratory birds, present in the UK in summer and currently nest in parts of Scotland, Cumbria, the East Midlands andThe NWT said it is not unusual to see a travelling osprey over any large body of water, with the Norfolk Broads often playing host to several on their journey to Scotland. A roosting platform was recently built at the beauty spot to encourage ospreys to breed Adam Pimble, from the NWT, said: "We would usually expect a female to arrive around four weeks after the male, so the next few weeks are going to be nail-biting waiting to see if she arrives. "Sadly there is no guarantee, as habitat destruction, pollution and continuing persecution makes migrating a perilous affair. With some luck and lots of hope, who knows, we may be celebrating another conservation success story for Norfolk." NWT was established in 1926 and manages more than 50 nature reserves and other protected sites around the county. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-norfolk-65266563

One German newspaper has described Volkswagen's rigging of emission tests as the "most expensive act of stupidity in the history of the car industry". To that might be added that VW could now be entering one of the longest legal nightmares in corporate history. The legal fallout from the scandal is potentially so vast and its tentacles so international and numerous that it lends credence to the joke: "These days there are two types of lawyer. Those instructed by Volkswagen and those about to be instructed by Volkswagen." Thus far, at least 10 government authorities around the world have opened investigations into VW. That number could grow. On 18 September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US announced that VW had violated the Clean Air Act by unlawfully installing software into diesel cars between 2009 and 2015 that allowed the cars to cheat emissions tests. That meant they were emitting toxic gases up to 40 times above permitted levels. VW admitted that 11 million cars worldwide were fitted with the software. It is now being investigated in the US, South Korea, France, Italy, Canada, Germany and the UK. Australia says it is monitoring the situation. US criminal probes So, let's start with the possible criminal liability of the company and its staff in the US. The admission of corporate dishonesty by VW's American CEO Michael Horn makes some kind of criminal liability there look likely Michael Horn, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America: "Our company was dishonest... we have totally screwed up" The US Department of Justice (DoJ) and New York regulators have opened criminal probes, others could follow. And there simply couldn't be a worse time to be a VW executive on the receiving end of such investigations. On 9 September 2015, the Department of Justice issued a new policy memorandum, signed by Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates, covering the prosecution of individuals in corporate fraud cases. Entitled "Individual Accountability for Corporate Wrongdoing" it is more commonly known as "the Yates Memorandum". It places a much stronger focus on the investigation and prosecution of corporate executives than ever before. Previously there was a sense that if companies "fessed up" and co-operated with investigators, key individuals would be spared. Not now. The memo makes clear that: "To qualify for any co-operation credit whatsoever, in both criminal and civil cases, corporations under investigation must provide DoJ with all relevant facts about the individuals involved in corporate misconduct." Follow the evidence Michael O'Kane, a partner at the law firm Peters & Peters says: "Investigators are now bound to go after key individuals from the start. "They must follow the evidence in emails, documents, minutes of meetings etc, to find out who knew or connived in the rigging in order to find the most culpable and senior individuals." Bad news for any individuals at VW involved in the rigging. But bad news also for the company. The US is a country that takes white collar and environmental crime very seriously. VW has said 11 million cars are affected The EPA, which is still investigating VW, could levy fines of up to $18bn (£11.8bn). The DoJ's Environmental Division can prosecute civil and criminal charges against individuals and companies, as can state prosecutors. US v UK prosecutions It is also worth noting that it is much easier to prosecute a company in the US than in the UK. In the US any criminal act by an employee criminalises the company. In the UK the act has to be at board level or equivalent because the prosecution has to prove the crime was committed by a "controlling mind" of the company. It is important not to rush to guilt. VW may have defences to criminal charges if the software in the cars was installed for a legitimate purpose. Prosecutors would need to prove an intention to rig the tests. That does not apply in civil cases. The rigged vehicles' engines actually emitted nitrogen oxide pollutants up to 40 times above what is allowed in the US Deferred prosecution? VW isn't the only car manufacturer to face a US criminal investigation. Last year, Toyota agreed to pay $1.2bn to settle a claim that it concealed a technical problem with brakes, accelerator pedals and floor mats in its cars which caused some vehicles to accelerate suddenly. This month, General Motors agreed to pay $900m for concealing an ignition-switch defect. Both GM and Toyota entered what are known as "deferred-prosecution agreements" that give them time to put their house in order and can mean that criminal charges are dropped at a later date - a kind of corporate probation period. That might seem an attractive option for VW, but prosecutions for environmental crimes by the DOJ have required companies to either plead guilty or take their chances at a trial. Extradition laws But if the "rigging" was planned abroad, could the US get hold of any VW executive or employee based in Germany? Embattled chief executive Martin Winterkorn resigned on Wednesday The challenge for the US is that the German constitution prohibits any German national from being extradited outside the EU. What the US has done in other cases to get their man is issue an Interpol Red Notice, preventing the suspect leaving Germany. This tends to result in the executive agreeing a plea deal in the US, in exchange for the Red Notice being lifted. It is worth noting that if an offence was committed under UK law and UK prosecutors seek the extradition of VW executives, the extradition issue is not a problem as Germany has to extradite its nationals within the EU under the European Arrest Warrant scheme. Class actions In addition to possible prosecutions of the company and its staff by state authorities, there is the not small matter of civil claims brought by individuals or groups. These consist of customers suing for breach of contract because VW misrepresented the emission levels of the vehicles. Group actions are inevitable here and are likely to take place in all of the countries where "rigged" cars were sold. Volkswagen faces a long road ahead to rebuild its reputation There are already reports of class actions being filed in a number of US states and in Canada. Bob Clifford, a partner at Clifford Law Offices in Chicago and a lead lawyer in the 9/11 litigation, filed a class action on behalf of VW customers on Tuesday. "Actions will be filed in district courts around the country," he says. "These will be consolidated in a 'multi-district litigation', resulting in one very large overall claim to be heard in front of a single federal judge." VW dealerships could also bring group actions for breach of contract if they were misled and the company's shareholders could sue following the loss in value of their shares. There could in addition be actions taken by groups of asthma sufferers affected by the increased emissions or by environmental groups seeking to hold VW to account. Bearing in mind the admissions already made by the company, "no win, no fee" lawyers will be amassing in large numbers on the outskirts of courts. Expect a rash of those annoying unsolicited phone calls and texts. After all, potentially 11 million people have to be contacted. Even heavily polluted clouds have sliver linings... if you are a lawyer. This one looks like solid gold. And if other car manufacturers are involved in the scandal, you can upgrade that lining to platinum. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34352243

Hidcote’s astonishing maze of garden ‘rooms’ is just as magical today as when it first opened 75 years ago If the previous owner of your garden came to visit, which part would you show them first? That’s what somebody asked Lottie Allen recently. She took a moment to think it over. Allen is head gardener at Hidcote, in Gloucestershire, one of the National Trust’s flagship destinations – and the first to be acquired, in 1948, specifically because of the garden rather than the house. Since then, visitors have drawn inspiration from its ingenious architectural layout – a series of small rooms divided by hedges – as well as the dense, colourful planting, which includes many rare varieties. Allen is keen to raise the profile of the man who created all this. On the 75th anniversary of its acquisition, the Trust is putting on a series of major exhibitions. “Lots of people have heard of Hidcote, but not of Lawrence Johnston. This was his only garden. If it wasn’t for him, this wouldn’t exist.” If it wasn’t for him, this wouldn’t exist’: Lawrence Johnston with gardeners and his dogs at Hidcote in the 1930s. Photograph: National Trust Images So the first thing she would show Johnston, if he happened to visit, would be something that reflected continuity with his original vision. But with so much variety, what would that be? The old garden? The white garden, maple garden, pillar garden? Gazebos? Red borders? Bathing pool? One of the terraces, stream gardens or wildernesses? The great lawn? The souvenir guide lists 37 separate highlights. Allen has been a head gardener at the National Trust for 20 years. But coming to Hidcote was a “massive, daunting” prospect. Its sheer complexity required her to write a five-year plan. “It would be so easy to come in and be scattergun,” she says. On my first visit, in March, I walked around the garden before going in, on a path provided for dog-walkers. Keeping tightly to the perimeter, it provides tantalising glimpses of what’s inside. Most striking, high above the rest, was a giant Magnolia campbellii waving its big pink hands to welcome me inside. ‘Spaces to arouse curiosity’: the lily pool. Photograph: James Dobson/National Trust Images Map in hand, I entered the mazy garden and instantly felt a slightly anxious thrill: how could I possibly manage to see it all? And that Fomo is built into the design quite deliberately. Johnston was born to a wealthy American family. His parents divorced when he was 12, and his mother brought him to England. He made a career in the army, but was always interested in gardening: three years before buying Hidcote, in 1907, he became a fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society. He was influenced by Thomas Mawson’s idea of creating a series of spaces to arouse curiosity, rather than a panorama that can be grasped in one view. – He built out gradually from the house, adding a series of garden rooms. It’s easy to imagine that without an initial design for the finished garden, he might have ended up with something boxy and even claustrophobic. But he had studied architecture and ensured that Hidcote includes long, framed views – across its own extent and out into land beyond. In the lime arbour, Johnston mani[CENSORED]ted perspective by gradually reducing the width of the path at the far end, giving an illusion of greater distance. And not for nothing is the elegant wrought-iron gate in the stilt garden, looking towards the Malvern Hills, known as Heaven’s Gate. It would be so easy to come in and be scattergun’: head gardener Lottie Allen. Photograph: James Dobson/National Trust Images In the 1920s, Johnston undertook expeditions to South Africa, China, the Swiss Alps, Kilimanjaro and the Appalachians. Within four years of buying Hidcote he was recognised by the RHS for a pink primrose, Primula pulverulenta. And over his lifetime he introduced more than 70 plants into cultivation. Several became staples in our gardens: Hypericum ‘Hidcote’, Lavendula ‘Hidcote’ and Verbena ‘Lawrence Johnston’. Johnston spent the last years of his life in France. When he approached the Trust to discuss Hidcote’s future, he wasn’t able to offer an endowment. But the Trust partnered with the RHS to raise funds: “There has been no more beautiful formal garden laid out since the time of the old Palace of Versailles,” said the president of the RHS. In this anniversary year, the schedule of exhibitions will combine Johnston’s legacy with contemporary inspiration. Currently, Through The Lens: A Gardener’s Photographic Journey, shows Hidcote through the seasons. Gradually reducing the width of the path at the far end, gave an illusion of greater distance’: red borders line a pathway. Photograph: James Dobson/National Trust Images Allen, having thought it over, says she would take Johnston first to the lilac circle. It reflects both his architectural knowhow, and his plantsmanship. “In small spaces, he used smaller numbers of plants, but in profusion. Here, there are lilacs with irises, and afterwards ceanothus, then lavender.” Of course, not every visitor to the garden cares to know the intricacies of Hidcote. Children float leaves in the bathing pool, lovestruck couples yo-yo up and down the long lawn, while groups of elderly visitors bend backwards to enjoy the magnolia flowers against blue sky. But many do want to know the facts. They stop to study the guidebook and mutter plant names. These are the people who tend to level questions at Allen and her team of 11 gardeners. A common query is about the hedges that divide the garden rooms and shape the long views. Architectural delight: a stunningly situated gazebo. Photograph: James Dobson/National Trust Images There’s so much hedge, it takes four members of staff four days a week for four months to cut it all. “People are fascinated about how we manage it,” says Allen. Two questions come up again and again. “How do we cut the top? And do we use spirit levels?” The answers, like so much about Hidcote, divide into ideas that most gardeners can only dream of (“We have a mechanical cherrypicker”) and ideas that we might strive to practise ourselves: “No, it’s done by eye.” Through the Lens: a Gardener’s Photographic Journey, is on at Hidcote until 30 May (nationaltrust.org.uk) https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/apr/16/walking-through-beauty-in-hidden-gardens-of-hidcote

Protesters have been holding up signs saying: "No to military rule" In our series of letters from African writers, former BBC journalist Mohanad Hashim - who had returned to live in Sudan after the 2019 revolution - says the hopes of many have been scuppered following the army's recent seizure of power. I was supposed to be flying back to Khartoum this week to continue my duties as a member of staff at the Sudan National Broadcasting Corporation (SNBC) - I had started work at the national broadcaster in August last year. But last month's coup has thrown my life into disarray. It took place when I was on leave in London to see family - and now I find myself without a job and my homeland is in turmoil as the junta tries to consolidate its grip on power in the face of mounting resistance from a pro-democracy movement. There is a prevailing sense of betrayal among those I have managed to speak to back home. Many Sudanese remember the massacre of 3 June 2019 at the sit-in protest site outside the army's headquarters in the capital. The thousands gathered were demanding that the military hand over power to civilians - the generals had ousted President Bashir two months earlier after weeks of mass protests against him. But on that day in June, the security forces moved in on the protesters and at least 87 people were killed There is a lingering sense of injustice two years on - and the coup is seen as the second time army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has reneged on his promises and turned against the people. Four days before the coup, millions had marched nationwide in support of a transition to full civilian rule Many I know are angry at what is seen as a brazen, self-serving act by the military's top brass. While the takeover was not unexpected - there had been tensions between military and civilian leaders who had been sharing power since August 2019 - the timing was daring, and seen as an insult. Suspended or ridiculed Only four days before the coup, millions had marched across the country in support of civilian rule - something that was featured prominently on the national broadcaster. But on the morning of 25 October, an armed army unit took over the SNBC office in Omdurman, the city across the River Nile from Khartoum, and patriotic music was played. Former generals and security officers took to the airwaves to justify the move, saying the measures were to rescue the revolution and correct its path. Efforts were being made to ensure a variety of voices and views were heard on SNBC For the next few days, two officers ran the national broadcaster. A brigadier was in charge of the TV arm and a colonel in charge of radio. Then former Bashir-era SNBC director Ibrahim al-Buzaee was reinstated. Colleagues tell me loyalists of Bashir's old ruling party - the National Congress - have also been brought back. They are known for their Islamist leanings and had been expelled from the corporation by the committee responsible for dismantling the Bashir regime. ANALYSIS: Why the army is gambling with Sudan's future AT THE SCENE: 'They cannot kill us all' Some members of staff have been suspended - accused of loyalty to the government of the ousted civilian Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who remains under house arrest. Others say they have been subjected to verbal abuse and ridicule for siding with the so-called seculars, a label used by the pro-coup voices to criticise Mr Hamdok and members of his civilian cabinet. Protesters want Abdalla Hamdok, who is under house arrest, reinstated as prime minister Editorially, all efforts to change the decades-long traditions have been rolled back: SNBC is once again the mouthpiece of the regime. Watching Sudan TV these days, you would not notice any difference in tone from the days of Bashir. A new studio equipped with an LED video wall - paid for by USAid to foster an open media and encourage pluralist views - is now being used by putschists to spread their propaganda. Voices of resistance I was part of efforts to attract Sudan's nascent creative talent to collaborate and open the gates of the national broadcaster so it could reflect a new Sudan. This state-of-the-art studio at SNBC was funded by USAid But after weeks of an internet blackout, the repression and arrest of journalists, the closure of newspapers and FM stations, the suspension of the BBC's and RFI's local FM relays and the enactment of laws to curb the freedom of anti-coup voices, this dream seems lost. Yet pro-democracy activists have not given up. In my neighbourhood in Omdurman, young volunteers run local service committees that ensure essentials such as bread, sugar and cooking gas are available. Neighbourhood committees are organising anti-coup demonstrations It is these resistance committees that have become the pro-democracy movement organisers, mobilising residents in their areas. They arrange mass demonstrations, neighbourhood rallies, vigils and erect barricades to stand against the military. Those under the age of 30 make up around 65% of Sudan's po[CENSORED]tion - a majority of whom want their voices heard despite attempts to silence them. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-59345561

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Israeli government ministers have described the protesters as "anarchists" By Yolande Knell BBC News, Jerusalem Israelis protesting against contentious judicial reforms are blocking roads and railways in a "day of disruption". In Tel Aviv, police used stun grenades and water cannon, and were filmed kneeling on the neck of a demonstrator as he was detained. The protesters believe the sweeping changes being pushed through parliament will undermine judicial independence and threaten democracy. Ministers say they will restore balance between the branches of government. They have described the protesters as "anarchists".Live footage from Tel Aviv showed a number of scuffles as police dragged away demonstrators. Officers on horseback tried to stop some breaking through barricades. Speaking on Israeli Channel 13 TV, one protester called Zeev commented: "This is terrible violence, no-one touched the policemen. We were in a protest of civil people. We didn't expect such a thing. We are here to support democracy." However, the far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, said police had been "very patient" and had barriers and stones thrown at them. He backed the measures being used, saying the force "must use all the means at its disposal to maintain public order and the daily routine of Israeli citizens". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wrote on Twitter: "The right to protest is not the right to anarchy." In parliament, which is in Jerusalem, members of the opposition boycotted a vote by the constitution, justice and law committee as it gave initial approval to more proposals in the judicial reforms plan. Changes to the justice system are a cornerstone of the policy of Israel's new nationalist-religious coalition led by Mr Netanyahu. They aim to give the elected government decisive influence over the choice of judges and limit the ability of the Supreme Court to rule against the executive or strike down legislation. Critics say that this endangers the political system of checks and balances, given that Israel has no constitution and only one parliamentary chamber that is controlled by the ruling coalition. Tens of thousands of people have turned out for weekly mass rallies against the new legislation in recent weeks.Protesters blocked a main road in Tel Aviv with vehicles on Thursday morning At times on Thursday, protesters brought traffic to a halt on the busy main route between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Many waved the blue and white Israeli flag. Shouts of "democracy" went up and "Israel is not a dictatorship, Israel is not Hungary" - whose right-wing nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orban, has been accused of undermining democratic institutions, including the judiciary. Polls have suggested the government's plan is not po[CENSORED]r and most Israelis would prefer a compromise to be reached. President Isaac Herzog, who serves in a mainly figurehead role, has been pushing for dialogue between the government and the opposition, warning that the country is on the brink of "constitutional and social collapse". Many of Israel's foreign allies have expressed concern about the new legislation. "Slow down a little a bit, maybe bring people together, try and build some consensus," US ambassador to Israel Tom Nides said this week. Meanwhile, veterans of an elite Israeli military intelligence unit, Unit 8200, have joined a growing list of army reservists threatening to refuse to perform reserve service in protest. "It's completely unusual," one reserve officer told the BBC. "We tend to remain impartial in these matters but it's not a routine political debate. It's a dramatic change. We are worried that our crucial principles of democracy will be completely ruined." Workers in high-tech, lawyers and bankers have also expressed alarm about the impact, including on the economy. Mr Netanyahu - who is on trial for corruption, which he denies - says the changes will boost business.. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64810148

Mrs G, one of the UK's most successful breeding Ospreys, has not returned this year A female osprey that has been coming to Wales to breed for 20 years may never return, a conservation charity fears. Mrs G was due to return to Glaslyn Ospreys, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, for the 20th time this year. Her partner, Aran, arrived on 3 April without Mrs G there to greet him and he has since spent much of the time alone on the nest. Heather Corfield of Glaslyn Ospreys said staff were "upset" despite always knowing this day would eventually come. Mrs G is one of the UK's most successful breeding female ospreys and had been breeding since 2004 in the nest she and her first partner built.Over the years a total of 44 chicks successfully migrated from the nest under her care, with several of those going on to breed themselves, making her a grandmother to at least 130.The majority of UK ospreys migrate to western Africa, more than 3,000 miles away, before returning in the spring "She has been a quite remarkable bird and has made an immense contribution to the osprey breeding programme in the UK," added Ms Corfield. "Thousands of people at home and abroad have avidly followed her story for almost two decades. She will always be remembered and celebrated by Glaslyn Ospreys." Although it is not known where Mrs G spent her winters, the majority of UK ospreys migrate to western Africa, more than 3,000 miles away. Many of her offspring have been sighed in Senegal. Ms Corfield said it meant Mrs G has probably flown close to 120,000 miles migrating back and forth from Wales to Africa.Glaslyn volunteer Margaret Humphreys says visitors are "devastated" by the loss of Mrs G Glaslyn volunteer Margaret Humphreys said the loss of the osprey matriarch had broken everyone's hearts. "Everybody is really sad about it - devastated one person told me today," she said. "But we've just got to accept that she's not going to come." The charity now hopes that Aran will attract a new partner and that chicks will be seen again in the nest this summer. He has already been seen in the company of two new female ospreys who have visited the reserve for the very first time this spring. "There's a good chance we will have another breeding pair here, with Aran," added Mrs Humphreys. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-65273397

Volkswagen cars with bigger diesel engines also contained software devices designed to cheat in emissions tests, according to US regulators. Porsche, Audi and VW cars are all included in this new investigation, which affects at least 10,000 vehicles. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that cars with 3.0 litre engines from the years 2014 to 2016 were affected. However VW denies the vehicles have software designed to cheat tests. Instead the company says that cars with the 3.0 litre diesel V6 engines "had a software function which had not been adequately described in the application process".Porsche 'surprised' Volkswagen said it was cooperating with the EPA to "clarify the matter". "Volkswagen AG wishes to emphasize that no software has been installed in the 3-liter V6 diesel power units to alter emissions characteristics in a forbidden manner," the company said in a statement. Meanwhile, Porsche said it was "surprised" by the EPA's allegations. "Until this notice, all of our information was that the Porsche Cayenne diesel is fully compliant," it said in a statement. The EPA says the investigation is ongoing. "VW has once again failed its obligation to comply with the law that protects clean air for all Americans," said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator at the EPA's enforcement unit. The EPA identified these diesel models as containing software aimed at cheating tests: 2014 VW Touareg 2015 Porsche Cayenne 2016 Audi A6 Quattro; A7 Quattro, A8, A8L and Q5 line Analysis: Theo Leggett BBC business reporter Although the number of cars involved in the US is relatively small, the latest allegations from the EPA represent a very serious new headache for Volkswagen. Firstly, it suggests that the fitting of defeat devices was more widespread than previously thought - although VW has issued a statement contesting the EPA's verdict. If the EPA sticks to its guns, that could mean higher fines, more lawsuits - and yet more recalls over and above the millions already announced. So the multi-billion dollar bill for the scandal may get a lot bigger. And then there's a new brand involved: Porsche. Not a manufacturer usually associated with diesel motors, but in fact they are a po[CENSORED]r option for larger models such as the Panamera, Macan and Cayenne. This is very bad news for VW's new chief executive, Matthias Mueller. He's the man charged with clearing up the mess at the company. But since he was head of Porsche before taking on the top job, if there was wrongdoing associated with Porsche cars, it would have happened on his watch. Volkswagen: The scandal explained VW could face long legal nightmare VW scandal: The unanswered questions line In early September Volkswagen admitted to the EPA that cars from the model years 2009 to 2015 contained software designed to cheat emissions tests. It said that 11 million cars were affected. That prompted US regulators to run further tests designed to detect such defeat devices and led to today's announcement from the EPA. "These tests have raised serious concerns about the presence of defeat devices on additional VW, Audi and Porsche vehicles. Today we are requiring VW Group to address these issues. This is a very serious public health matter," Ms Giles said.Criminal investigations Regulators all over the world are now looking at Volkswagen's diesel cars and the company is also facing criminal investigations. State and federal prosecutors in the US have announced criminal investigations and German prosecutors are looking into the scandal. The company's chief executive Martin Winterkorn resigned in late September as the scale of the scandal emerged. At the time he said he was "not aware of any wrongdoing on my part" but was acting in the interest of the company. Mounting costs Last month Volkswagen reported its first quarterly loss for at least 15 years after taking a big charge to cover the costs of the scandal. VW said it had set aside €6.7bn ($7.4bn; £4.8bn) to cover costs related to emissions cheating, which left it with a €2.52bn pre-tax loss for the third quarter of the year. Many analysts expect that the firm will have to set aside more money to cover the recall of cars, penalties and lawsuits. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-34705604

Tell us about your favourite Italian trip – the best tip wins £200 towards a Coolstays break. With its epic cities, feted gastronomy, romantic landscapes and historic sites, Italy has enough variety for a lifetime of holidays. But what has been your favourite discovery? Perhaps it was a foodie break, a lazy beach holiday at a less-known Mediterranean resort, a culture-fuelled weekend at an under-the-radar town, or a hiking tour exploring the country’s wilder side.Share your suggestions for Italy beyond the usual big-hitters, for a chance to win a holiday voucher. If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words that will be judged for the competition. Keep your tip to about 100 words The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet, will win a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website. We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition. The competition closes on 17 April at 9am. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/apr/10/share-tip-on-undiscovered-italy-win-a-holiday-voucher

At least three have died as Sudan's army and a notorious paramilitary force battle with heavy weapons in the capital Khartoum amid tensions over a proposed transition to civilian rule. Video showed a civilian plane ablaze at Khartoum airport. Saudi airline Saudia said its airbus "had an accident". Both sides say they control the airport and other key sites. The army says jets are hitting bases of its opponents, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). People are sheltering from the clashes. "Shooting is still ongoing and people are staying indoors - there is so much panic and fear," an eyewitness told the BBC via her Kenya-based sister.Residents had not been expecting the clashes, she said, and many had been caught in transit. with bridges and roads closed and many schools in lockdown. Duaa Tariq was speaking to the BBC when a military plane flew over her building - "They're shooting live ammunition at the roof of the house next door and we're just now taking shelter," she said. US Ambassador John Godfrey said he "woke up to the deeply disturbing sounds of gunfire and fighting. I am currently sheltering in place with the Embassy team, as Sudanese throughout Khartoum and elsewhere are doing". He urged senior military leaders to stop the fighting. Russia's embassy was also concerned by the "escalation of violence" and urged a ceasefire, Reuters reports. The RSF claims control of at least three airports, the army chief's residence and the presidential palace, but army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan denied this in an interview with al-Jazeera. There are also reports of clashes at the state TV station, and eyewitnesses say it is now controlled by the RSF. RSF commander Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, told al-Jazeera that he would fight on until all army bases had been captured. He said Gen Burhan was a "criminal" and would either be killed or "face justice". Follow live updates A simple guide to what's going on in Sudan Earlier the RSF had said that one of its camps in the south of Khartoum had been attacked. For its part, the army has said that RSF fighters have been trying to seize the military headquarters. "Fighters from the Rapid Support Forces attacked several army camps in Khartoum and elsewhere around Sudan," the AFP news agency quotes army spokesman Brig Gen Nabil Abdallah as saying. "Clashes are ongoing and the army is carrying out its duty to safeguard the country." The Reuters news agency is also citing witnesses as saying that there was gunfire in the northern city of Merowe. The RSF deployed forces near that base on Thursday as tensions increased.Generals have been running the country, through what is called the Sovereign Council, since a coup in October 2021. Gen Burhan is president of the council while Hemedti is its vice-president. But a proposed move to a civilian-led government has foundered on the timetable to integrate the RSF into the national army - the RSF wanted to delay it for 10 years, but the army said it should happen in two years. Hemedti was a key figure in the conflict in Darfur that began in 2003 and has left hundreds of thousands dead. Western powers and regional leaders had urged the two sides to de-escalate tensions and to go back to talks aimed at restoring civilian rule. There had been signs on Friday that the situation would be resolved. The 2021 coup ended a period of more than two years when military and civilian leaders were sharing power. That deal came after Sudan's long-term authoritarian President Omar al-Bashir was overthrown. There have been regular pro-democracy protests in Khartoum ever since the coup. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65284945

HIGHLIGHTS Xiaomi 13 Ultra will likely feature a 6.7-inch WQHD+ AMOLED LTPO display The phone may be powered by a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC It is expected to house a 4,900mAh battery with 90W charging supportXiaomi 13 Ultra is scheduled to launch in China on April 18. Ahead of the launch, the Chinese manufacturer has started teasing several aspects of the phone. Most recently, the company revealed some details about the camera sensors used in the smartphone. Now, the company has given us a first official look at the design of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and it looks more like a camera than a smartphone. The upcoming flagship is expected to succeed the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, and will feature Leica-tuned cameras.In a recent Weibo post, Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun shared a couple of promotional images of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, that teases the design of the upcoming handset. It is a silhouette image of the smartphone with a camera-like design. Jun wrote in the post, “With the blessing of this suit, the phone turns into a camera! Mi 13 Ultra has a full range of professional photography. There are so many fun things in this set,” and added that more information will be divulged and discussed at the press conference.Even though it is not very clear, from the post, it can be assumed that the camera-like bump and grip seen in the promotional image is an external case that can be attached and detached from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. It is important to note that the Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept allowed users to attach a Leica M-series lens module to its body, therefore it is possible that Xiaomi will implement a similar mechanism this time. The company says that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra “is a professional imaging device, not a camera phone.” (translated) The official post also adds that at the April 18 launch press conference a unique model of the phone will be given away for “re-evaluation.” Earlier today, the handset was confirmed to feature Leica-tuned cameras with special Summicron lenses and Sony IMX989 and Sony IMX858 sensors. The quad camera setup will include a 50-megapixel Sony IMX989 sensor and three 50-megapixel Sony IMX858 sensors that are said to offer improved noise reduction technologies and HDR features.According to previous reports, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra could be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. The handset will reportedly include a 6.7-inch WQHD+ AMOLED LTPO display with a refresh rate of 120Hz.The smartphone is also tipped to come with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra is expected to ship with Android 13-based MIUI 14. It could also house a 4,900mAh battery with 90W fast charging capabilities, as per leaked reports. https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/xiaomi-13-ultra-design-teaser-leica-camera-body-launch-april-18-3948880

Microsoft has finally launched the SwiftKey keyboard with the new ChatGPT-based Bing , which includes the search engine icon on the keyboard toolbar to allow users to query with its Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology directly. SwiftKey is a virtual keyboard that stands out for its AI-powered predictive text technology and was designed to make it easy to send messages without typographical errors even in situations where you type fast, as detailed by Microsoft. This keyboard can be used on both iOS and Android and offers the possibility to set it as the default keyboard to use its advantages in all the applications of the device. Some users began to report last week that Microsoft's virtual keyboard had a shortcut to access Bing in any application that integrates this tool. This novelty was confirmed by Microsoft, who explained that it was a beta version for Android. Now, the technology company has finally launched the stable version of SwiftKey with the Bing 'chatbot', powered by Open AI, through an icon that appears on the left side of the toolbar with the option to make queries in three different ways , as he has explained in a statement on his blog. In this sense, one of the options it offers is the chat function , with which it takes the user directly to Bing to ask more detailed questions about a topic. This is a useful function to search for specific data or information on a specific issue very quickly. In terms of how it is used, it is a function very similar to the ChatGPT application. Following this line, another of the functions that it offers is Tone , with which it allows a more "effective" communication by customizing the text through AI. In this way, the text will be adapted according to the specific situation , for example, it will be more formal if it is a work email. Specifically, it offers four forms of expression: for a professional setting, for a casual situation , a polite tone , or for a post on a social network. Likewise, Microsoft details that the Tone function is also beneficial for situations in which the user is learning a language , since it can help to choose some words or others , depending on the most suitable for what is meant, taking into account the environment . Finally, the third option that it offers is the search function , which is focused on making quick queries directly from the keyboard , without having to change the application. With this type of search, the user will be able to find information about specific things directly from the chat of a conversation, for example. These new functions are available to all users, both for Android and iOS devices , starting this Friday in the regions where the new Bing is available with its Chatbot based on ChatGPT. https://www.europapress.es/portaltic/software/noticia-microsoft-agrega-definitivamente-chatbot-bing-basado-chatgpt-teclado-swiftkey-20230414173355.html

Experience a next-gen hardcore FPS on mobile!Arena Breakout is Tencent‘s latest work in the mobile FPS genre. Developed by a Tencent games studio, MoreFun Studios, Arena Breakout is a free-to-play shooter which emphasizes strategic gameplay. The game drops players into an open world, where they must scavenge for loot and battle with other enemies. Unlike most Battle Royale games, where the aim is to be the last man standing, the goal in Arena Breakout is to reach extraction points with as much loot as possible. Fans of the po[CENSORED]r PC game, Escape from Tarkov, will be aware of these mechanics. In this article, we will review Arena Breakout and share our first impressions of the game.The game promises high-end graphics and an immersive experience for players. It looks like Tencent are adding another competitive environment to their portfolio, similar to that in their other games such as Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile. Admittedly, there was a sense of Déjà Vu when the news of yet another hardcore mobile shooter first broke out. This genre is packed with all kinds of different themes and ideas already. However, considering the kind of approach Arena Breakout has taken, it seems like this game has potential despite the saturated market. Arena Breakout showcases the nitty-gritty life on the battlefield Starting with the Arena Breakout review, one thing which is quite striking about this game is that it stays real and authentic. The game features a series of mechanics that showcase what life is really like on a battlefield. The intricate full-body injury system, detailed recoil effects, and weapon animations are just a few of the ways in which Arena Breakout builds up that immersive soldier experience.In particular, the injury system is something that deserves its own praise. Damage is dealt with separately to each body part and there are varying effects depending on which part is hit. For example, a fracture to the leg can reduce movement speed and limit jump height, running would make this worse.Fractures on the arms reduce the speed of picking up and using items, and damage to the stomach impacts thirst and stamina. HP is no longer just a bar on the screen indicating how close you are dead, there are multiple factors to keep in mind, and not paying medical attention to these causes further damage. As expected from a Tencent game, the graphics are great, and the game runs well too. Of course, the best balance here will depend on the quality of the device. Tencent had promised an immersive experience through Arena Breakout and it looks like we are getting exactly that. The gameplay mechanics reward strategy and punishes disorganizationIt’s rarely a good idea to dive into gunfights head-first in Arena Breakout. This game promotes and subsequently rewards strategic and out-of-the-box thinking. Additionally, Arena Breakout puts focus on teamwork and cooperation to succeed. From dealing with groups of enemies to clearing out rooms, everything is much smoother and satisfying when coordinated with teammates.Tencent has a solid track record with FPS games so it would be a surprise if they fumbled on the controls. For fans of COD Mobile, PUBG Mobile, and the like, the controls and UI should be very familiar. For a game of competitive potential, it’s important for the controls to be inch-perfect, and Tencent has made sure that is the case.In terms of ways to play, Arena Breakout currently offers two modes, Tac Ops and Covert Ops. The former is the standard way to play, where players can choose what equipment to take into battle. Alternatively, Covert Ops creates a loadout for the player. The aim of extraction is similar, but NPCs in the game function differently. Additionally, there are 3 maps available, including a farm, a secluded valley, and a war-ridden town. https://gamingonphone.com/reviews/arena-breakout-review-immerse-into-a-modern-day-battlefield-experience/

WWE 2K23 sees the series return to form by building on the solid foundations laid down last year to improve both its in-ring action and suite of game modes. The legendary Shawn Michaels retired from pro wrestling in 1998 after suffering a career-ending back injury at the Royal Rumble. No one expected him to lace up his boots and step back into the ring again, yet the Heartbreak Kid made a triumphant return in 2002, eventually going on to cement his legacy with unforgettable matches against the likes of Triple H, The Undertaker, and Ric Flair. The quality of the second half of Michaels' career ensured that his surprise comeback would be remembered as one of the most spectacular returns in WWE history, and it's one that's echoed in some ways by WWE 2K23. Following the disaster that was 2K20--a game so bad its successor was outright canceled--developer Visual Concepts returned to the squared circle last year with a solid foundation that 2K23 improves upon in a variety of ways, finally putting the long-running series back on form with a surprise comeback Mr. WrestleMania himself would be proud of. Little has changed since last year's entry from a gameplay perspective. You still alternate between light and heavy strikes to execute various combos; grapple your opponent to hit them with suplexes, DDTs, and spinning neck breakers; and build up meters to gain access to signature moves and flashy match-ending finishers. Some may bemoan that it still doesn't play like No Mercy--an N64 game that many still consider the best wrestling game ever--but the series has never tried to. 2K23 is a solid wrestling sim, with most matches swaying back and forth as momentum shifts via desperate reversals and last-ditch kick-outs. The improvements Visual Concepts has implemented are subtle, yet prove to be welcome adjustments, successfully banishing some minor annoyances from 2K22. The timing window on reversals, for instance, has been tightened up. Previously, it was a little too easy to turn the tide of a contest thanks to the generous amount of time you were given to nullify an attack. With a shorter window, reversals feel more impactful this year, encouraging you to study your opponent's move set and sharpen your reaction times as a result. This ensures matches are more engaging and also imbues each one with some added tension. The new pin-break mechanic, where you flick the right stick up to mimic a kick-out, also enhances the in-ring action. It's not a huge, game-changing addition, but nailing the timing of this simple mini-game becomes more challenging later on in matches when your energy is waning, and there's something about imitating the physicality of a wrestler erupting out of a pin that adds to the drama. You can still stick with button-mashing if you'd prefer, but flicking the right stick just makes more sense on a fundamental level.The other changes to 2K23's action aren't as immediately obvious, but it doesn't take too long to notice how each one has a positive impact. There's a stronger emphasis on stamina in this year's game, with wrestlers slowing down the longer a match lasts. You can perform in-ring springboard attacks as well, and tag teams will work together in the Royal Rumble instead of immediately trying to eliminate each other. The AI has also been tweaked so that each Superstar behaves closer to their real-life counterparts--which means you won't see a giant like Omos flying off the top turnbuckle. You can even access sliders to edit these tendencies yourself--Fire Pro Wrestling style--so those who enjoy running AI vs. AI match-ups should be able to create matches that aren't too far removed from what we see on an episode of Smackdown each week.The AI, in general, is much improved from last year, as Superstars tend to use their full repertoire this time around, even utilizing possum attacks and leverage pins to get the jump on you. Tag-team AI isn't as busy as it was in 2K22 either. Teammates don't break up submission and pin-fall attempts as frequently as they used to, and you can strike your opponent's teammate when they're standing on the apron to inflict a stun state, so tag matches flow more smoothly. The AI does still have a tendency to throw you outside the ring a little too often, and there are some janky collision issues that will make you miss attacks you really shouldn't, but these are minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things.Showcase mode returns once again, this time putting the spotlight on John Cena's 20-year WWE career. The 16-time world champion gives candid interviews to talk you through some of his greatest matches and rivalries, with you then recreating them by completing various objectives throughout each match as archive footage seamlessly melds with the in-game action. In a neat twist, you don't actually play as Cena, instead taking on the role of some of the Superstars who have defeated him over the years. When someone wins as often as Cena did--to the point where he was practically unbeatable at times--it makes his losses all the more notable, so it's a smart direction for 2K23's Showcase mode. Plus, playing as a different character in each match helps to freshen up the formula. eye-watering $120, asking you to part with more money to potentially acquire a special card is egregious, even if it's mostly par for the course with these types of modes. It's equally disappointing that gimmick and attire updates are still exclusive to MyFaction when they should really take effect in every mode to better reflect the on-screen product. These misgivings aside, WWE 2K23 sees the series build on its immediate predecessor and return to form after hitting rock bottom (pun intended) with the infamous 2K20. Almost every mode has been improved--with the exception of Showcase and MyFaction--while the in-ring action is as polished as ever. WarGames is a fun and chaotic new addition, and the likes of Universe, MyGM, and MyRise are endlessly playable to the point where they could keep you busy by the time next year's WrestleMania rolls around. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/wwe-2k23-review-head-of-the-table/1900-6418048/

NewsHardwareGamingMobileFinanceSoftwareDealsReviewsVideosHow To AnnouncementHardware ASUS Goes Pro at NAB 2023: Unveils ProArt GeForce RTX 40 & ProArt Cinema PQ07 135-Inch Micro-LED Display Hassan Mujtaba•Apr 14, 2023 02:25 PM EDT19 ASUS has unveiled its brand new ProArt products at NAB 2023 which include the ProArt GeForce RTX 40 GPUs & the Cinema PQ07 135-Inch display. ASUS Showcases Content Creator Products At NAB 2023: ProArt GeForce RTX 40 & PQ07 135-Inch Micro-LED Display Press Release: ASUS today announced the ASUS ProArt Power Up Next-Gen Production exhibition at the 2023 NAB Show Centennial in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada from April 16–19. ASUS ProArt will be announcing several new products at the show, including the ProArt Cinema PQ07 and ProArt Display PA24US professional monitors, as well as the first ASUS ProArt graphics cards. New ProArt monitors and graphics cards New ASUS ProArt products to be launched during the 2023 NAB Show include the ProArt Cinema PQ07 — the first ASUS micro-LED display — and ProArt Display PA24US, the first ProArt monitor with SDI connectivity, along with the first ProArt graphics cards. ASUS ProArt Cinema PQ07 is a 135-inch 4K HDR monitor featuring advanced panel technologies, an ultra-small 0.7815 mm pixel pitch, 2000-nits peak brightness, high contrast, and a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut to ensure the best viewing experiences. Compared to conventional micro LED displays with a 1.2 or 1.5 mm pixel pitch, ProArt Cinema PQ07 delivers smoother and more vibrant visuals. The large-screen display is well-suited for various scenarios, home cinema, virtual productions, and broadcasting, and is fully scalable for different sizes and aspect ratios.ProArt Display PA24US is the first ProArt model with SDI connectivity and is ideal for real-time on-set previews and playback. This 23.6-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) HDR display has a maximum brightness of 600 nits, true 10-bit color, 99% Adobe RGB, 95% DCI-P3, and Delta E < 1 color accuracy. PA24US supports multiple HDR formats, including HDR10 and HLG, and includes a built-in motorized colorimeter for self-calibration, 12G-SDI, and a full-function USB-C port with 80-watt power delivery. The ProArt GeForce RTX 4070 Ti and ProArt GeForce RTX 4080 will also debut at the 2023 NAB Show Centennial. These sleek and compact 2.5-slot footprint graphics cards are compatible with chassis of various sizes, and each features Axial-tech fans with dual ball bearings for higher airflow, lower noise, and increased durability. The GPU Tweak III Profile Connect feature enables creators to seamlessly optimize system performance and cooling for any task. ASUS Auto-Extreme manufacturing ensures the graphics cards are built with the highest quality and reliability. Editors Note: The ASUS ProArt GeForce RTX 40 series graphics cards come in RTX 4080 & 4070 Ti flavors. Both of these cards have been designed for content creation PCs which means that they are specifically tuned for around 2.5 slot design with a lower noise output of 44dB and 0dB if the load isn't major. Both cards are 300mm long which means that they will be easy to install in SFF chassis and no RGB has been added to provide a cleaner and less intrusive look to creators. 2023 NAB Show Centennial promo ASUS ProArt is celebrating the 2023 NAB Show Centennial with a special promotion: Enjoy up to $700 off on selected ProArt display purchases from April 15–23, up to $200 off on selected ASUS creator laptops (from April 16–19), and up to $40 off selected ProArt motherboard from April 9–29 April, plus all purchases during the promo will include a 3-month Adobe Creative Cloud membership. https://wccftech.com/asus-goes-pro-nab-2023-unveils-proart-geforce-rtx-40-proart-cinema-pq07-135-inch-micro-led-display/

Final Fantasy XVI has gone gold, as announced today with a celebratory tweet by the developers at Square Enix. It's very early, considering the game won't be out until June 22nd, which is nearly three months out. Usually, games reach gold status (when the printing of physical copies begins) about one or one and a half months in advance. That bodes well for the level of polish of Final Fantasy XVI. It also serves to reassure fans on the ever-present danger of a delay, given that it is extremely rare for a game to be delayed after going gold (CD Projekt RED's Cyberpunk 2077 being the exception to that rule). Final Fantasy XVI is the first mainline entry in the po[CENSORED]r JRPG series since 2016's FFXV. Its development went far smoother than its predecessor, likely due to the presence of Naoki Yoshida, who more than earned his stripes on Final Fantasy XIV, as the game's producer. Originally announced in September 2020, Final Fantasy XVI was immediately showcased with an in-game trailer to reassure fans of the advanced status of development. It would have likely been released even earlier if it wasn't for COVID, which caused at least a six-month delay in the schedule, according to the developers. Unlike Final Fantasy XV, the new franchise entry won't feature a seamless explorable open world. Yoshida-san cited several reasons for that choice, such as wanting to tell a globe-spanning story that wouldn't be limited to a single space. To do that in an open world would have taken fifteen years or so, making it nearly impossible to create a global story within an open world game. Final Fantasy XVI is also the first game in the series to completely abandon turn-based combat in favor of action combat. On that note, Naoki Yoshida commented that realistic graphics and turn-based combat don't fit well anymore, creating a kind of dissonance that some players wouldn't be able to get over. Another major change from most previous Final Fantasy games is the darker tone that earned Final Fantasy XVI a mature rating for violence and sexual elements. In terms of length, the developers estimate it would take around 70-80 hours to be fully completed. They also commented on the game's action and RPG formula being fairly similar to the new God of War titles. Final Fantasy XVI will be released exclusively for PlayStation 5. A PC release will probably happen, but not anytime soon. For our recent hands-on preview and Q&A with the developers, click here and here, respectively. https://wccftech.com/final-fantasy-xvi-goes-gold-nearly-three-months-before-launch/

The pilots are the latest military reservists to threaten not to serve.Fighter pilots in an elite Israeli Air Force squadron have vowed not to attend training, in an unprecedented protest against the government. Nearly all of the 40 reservist pilots from 69th Squadron have refused to join a one-day training exercise this week. It is seen as an unparalleled political move by some of Israel's most strategically important reservists. It is also a sign of growing opposition to the ruling nationalist coalition's plans to overhaul the legal system. One unnamed pilot told the Ynet news website that the squadron was "signalling that we won't be prepared to serve a dictatorial regime".Meanwhile, the national airline El Al said it had found a crew to fly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife to Italy for a planned state visit this week, following media reports its pilots had refused to fly the couple as part of the protests. And in a further sign of growing concern among Israel's military leadership, 10 former Israeli Air Force chiefs published an open letter calling on Mr Netanyahu to "stop and find a solution" to the crisis, given the level of protest among pilots and aircrews. "We are fearful over the consequences of these processes and the serious and tangible danger posed to the national security of the State of Israel," the letter said. It follows an announcement last week by reservists in the elite 8200 intelligence unit, who also said they would not turn up for aspects of their reserve duty. Israel's reservists are a key component of its military forces, often carrying out frontline roles, and in the case of the air force, regularly involved in active combat operations. Over the weekend Mr Netanyahu responded, tweeting a black-and-white picture of his military ID from when was conscripted in 1967.When we're called for reserve duty, we always turn up. We are one nation," he wrote. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also called for reservists to turn up for duty. "Any call for refusal harms the functioning of the IDF and its ability to carry out its tasks," he said. Anti-government protests have continued to grow since Mr Netanyahu returned to power at the end of last year, leading the most right-wing, nationalist coalition in Israel's history and promising radical changes to Israel's legal system. They include new laws which would give the government full control over nominating judges and would ultimately strip the Supreme Court of crucial powers to strike down legislation. Most legal scholars say the reforms would effectively destroy the independence of the judiciary, while opposition figures describe the proposals as an attempted "regime coup" by the prime minister and his coalition. Mr Netanyahu is also on trial for corruption charges, which he denies, and opponents claim the legal reforms could help shield him from conviction. The proposals have sparked some of the biggest anti-government demonstrations in Israel's history, with an estimated 150,000 people on the streets of Tel Aviv and tens of thousands more in protests elsewhere on Saturday. During demonstrations last week, security forces used stun grenades and water cannon against protesters, after the far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, vowed to crack down on "anarchists" who blocked roads. Mr Netanyahu says the reforms are designed to stop the courts over-reaching their powers and that they were voted for by the Israeli public at the last election. The pilot reservists are also reportedly concerned that the new hardline government's conduct could expose them to prosecution by the International Criminal Court, without being able to argue that an independent judiciary in Israel is responsible for ultimately investigating wrongdoing by its forces. Human rights groups and Palestinian officials, however, have long dismissed Israel's own inquiries into its forces' conduct as a whitewash. Threatened boycotts by reservists in Israel are not uncommon, but the scale and seniority of those now involved is unprecedented. The pilots' protest adds to announcements by reservists in almost every combat or intelligence unit in recent weeks threatening not to serve if the government presses ahead with the highly controversial changes. Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi has reportedly spoken to Mr Netanyahu, warning him that the action could harm the military's operational capabilities. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-64866873

Owners of dogs attacking and worrying livestock can now be jailed A 73-year-old man has been charged after four lambs died in an incident with a dog in Moray. Police Scotland said the sheep worrying incident happened in the Keith area sometime between Tuesday 21 March, and Wednesday 12 April. Owners of dogs attacking and worrying livestock can now be imprisoned and fined up to £40,000. A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal. The man is expected to appear in court at a later date. Warning: This article contains images which some readers may find upsetting. Wildlife crime and environmental officer PC Hannah Corbett said: "The dog does not have to physically attack the sheep to cause them extreme stress or death. "When you are walking dogs near livestock, please ensure that your dog is kept under control, restrained on a lead, even if you can usually trust it to recall." It comes after a shepherd lost 16 lambs in a dog attack in a separate incident Kelty, Fife last week.A sheep farmer in Fife has lost 16 lambs following a dog attack Stuart McDougall said it was a scene of "wanton destruction" at his farm, where he keeps a flock of 130 pure black-faced ewes. A total of 301 incidents of livestock attacks by dogs were recorded by Police Scotland in 2021, with provisional figures suggesting that number dipped to 262 in 2022. Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021, dog owners could be fined £40,000 and sent to prison for allowing their pet to attack or worry farmed animals. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-65275687

Volkswagen's boss has warned that a deal with US authorities over its emissions scandal could take longer and cost more than expected. Speaking at the Geneva Motor Show, Matthias Mueller told the BBC that VW was still in "constructive dialogue" with regulators and hoped the firm would be "judged fairly". He said he was "impatient" for answers. The VW boss also warned that the €6.7bn (£5.2bn) set aside to cover the costs of the scandal might not be enough. "I've postponed our year-end financial results and the AGM to improve their quality, so that we can be even more confident and take even more care and diligence in establishing the figures."Then we'll see if we have to make additional provisions, over and above the 6.7bn [euros]," he added. Mr Mueller said an internal inquiry could be ready in April.Around 11 million vehicles globally have been fitted with the so called "defeat devices" Last September, US authorities discovered that VW used computer software to massage emissions data during tests, sparking the biggest crisis in VW's history and leading to the departure of Mr Mueller's predecessor. The US Justice Department is suing VW for breaching environmental laws, and VW has been ordered to fix almost 600,000 diesel vehicles in the country fitted with so-called "defeat devices". However, about 11 million vehicles globally have been fitted with the devices. Mr Mueller told the BBC that it had been a "grave mistake… We have lost a lot of trust with our customers, and we now need to win them back". 'The truth' He added: "We need to face the allegations of the authorities, and I expect a fair ruling here. And then it's important to look ahead, and to make Volkswagen into an even better company." But he said he would not pre-empt the internal inquiry underway by lawyers Jones Day into what management knew about the emissions issues before it was exposed. After publication of the report "we will know the whole story, and the truth will be on the table," Mr Mueller promised. "It is simply expedient that we carefully consider the whole situation to bring the truth to light. The complexities require time and care," he said. He insisted, however, that VW had not been "paralysed" by the emissions crisis and that it was looking to "the future with confidence". https://www.bbc.com/news/business-35693218

Walks through gorges and lovely quiet towns plus secluded coves to swim in: our readers give the lowdown on the Greece you really want to visit.Winning tip: Ideal island retreat, Gulf of Corinth Trizonia, in the Gulf of Corinth is a small island visited mainly by Greek families and “yachties”. We spent time there while sailing round the Med, from our home on the Isle of Skye. Filled with olive groves and wildflowers, Trizonia is a 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland and makes for an ideal retreat, or a base for exploring the mainland. No cars, just donkeys. There are tavernas and bars in the pretty village, and various accommodation options. Porto Trizonia Taverna is our favourite. A mainland town nearby is historical Nafpaktos with its Venetian harbour. Fiona Mandeville Spectacular train ride to the coast, Peloponnese.The Odontotos train passes over the Vouraikos River. Photograph: Isidoros Andronos/Alamy While backpacking last summer, a local farmer gave me a lift on his tractor to the mountaintop village of Kalavryta in the northern Peloponnese and told me about a beautiful train ride to the coast. A spectacular trip on an old narrow rack railway, called Odontotos (the toothy one), took me across 49 bridges through the Vouraikos gorge and river. The main route was opened by Hercules – who, according to legend, split a massive rock blocking his path to the sea and his lover. It’s a lovely area, off the beaten track, full of dense forests and fir trees, and there are locals ready to offer fruit from the roadside stalls you pass. Nick Promenade and throw pots in Preveza.Alamy Base yourself in Preveza,on the mainland’s west coast, south of Corfu, and you can sunbathe on the white, sandy Monolithi beach (which runs for nearly 14 miles). You can also explore the ruins of the ancient Roman victory city of the Nicopolis, shop in Parga, and kayak on the Acheron River, entrance to the mythological realm of the dead. Or you can swim in the early morning at Alonaki beach, celebrate Easter by throwing pots from the balconies and spend your evenings promenading along the seafront before choosing your favourite taverna for the evening. Jennifer.The island of Chios doesn’t attract the same attention as its more touristy Aegean neighbours. It retains a Greek feel and has a wealth of history, from the beautiful Unesco-listed Byzantine monastery of Nea Moni to the mastic villages around Pyrgi, with their characteristic geometric exteriors. The island has a bloody past in the Greek war of independence, the fortified villages of Avgonima and abandoned Anavatos bearing testimony to the resilience of the po[CENSORED]tion. The coastal town of Vrontados comes to life every Greek Easter, with thousands of homemade rockets fired between two churches in the village. Chris. https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/apr/14/readers-favourite-places-greece-off-the-beaten-track

The settlements are seen as illegal under international law, although Israel disagrees Israel's government has advanced plans for more than 3,100 new homes in Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. A planning committee gave its final approval for 1,800 housing units and preliminary approval for 1,344 others. The announcement follows a public rebuke of Israeli policy from US President Joe Biden's administration. It warned that it "strongly opposed the expansion of settlements" because it damaged prospects for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. More than 600,000 Jews live in 145 settlements built since Israel's occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. Most of the international community considers the settlements illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.The Palestinians have called on the world to confront Israel over the "aggression" constituted by settlement construction on land they claim for a future independent state.February 2020) The Gharib family's house is in a fenced-off enclave within an Israeli settlement. This week has seen the most significant announcements for expansion of Israeli settlements since President Biden entered the White House in January, says the BBC's Yolande Knell in Jerusalem. The Israeli anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now reported that the vast majority of the new homes approved on Wednesday would be built in settlements deep inside the West Bank, and that several isolated settlements would undergo a "massive expansion". The decision follows another development on Sunday, when the Israeli authorities asked builders to submit bids for the construction of more than 1,355 settler homes that already have final approval. Can the Jewish settlement issue be resolved? Israel's borders explained in maps The Israel-Palestinian conflict explained On Tuesday, US state department spokesman Ned Price told reporters that it was "deeply concerned" by the Israeli plans. "We strongly oppose the expansion of settlements, which is completely inconsistent with efforts to lower tensions and to ensure calm, and it damages the prospects for a two-state solution," he said. Mr Price added that the Biden administration would "raise our views on this issue directly with senior Israeli officials in our private discussions". Former US President Donald Trump displayed a much more tolerant attitude towards settlement activity and declared that settlements were not inconsistent with international law. Israel promoted plans for more than 30,000 settler homes in the West Bank during the four years he was in power, according to Peace Now.Joe Biden (R) reaffirmed his support for a two-state solution at talks with Naftali Bennett (L) in August A senior Israeli official told Reuters news agency on Wednesday that Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's government was "trying to balance between its good relations with the Biden administration and the various political constraints". Mr Bennett is a right-wing nationalist who took office in June at the head of a coalition of eight parties from across the entire political spectrum of Israeli politics. He has long championed the right of Jewish settlement in the West Bank and rejects the notion of the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel. The prime minister has ruled out resuming peace talks with the Palestinians and said he will instead focus on initiatives to improve living conditions for them. Next week, the Israeli planning committee is scheduled to discuss plans for 1,300 new homes in Palestinian villages in the 60% of the West Bank, classified as "Area C" under the Oslo Accords, that is under full Israeli military and civil control. It would be the largest number of homes for Palestinians approved by Israel for more than a decade, according to Israeli media. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59062909

Xiaomi just held its Smarter Living 2023 event in India on Thursday and launched a slew of products, including the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 series, the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Mop-2i, and the latest Smart TV X Pro range. The new air purifier lineup from the Chinese tech giant comprises of two models — Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 and Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite. Both models feature triple-layer filtration technology and offer Amazon Alexa as well as Google Assistant support. The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2i includes a motorwith 2,200pa suction output and houses 25 sensors. The robot vacuum cleaner can be controlled through Xiaomi Home App. Xiaomi has also added new products to its personal grooming portfolio — Xiaomi Grooming Kit and Xiaomi Trimmer 2C. Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 series, Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Mop 2i price in India, availability The new Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 carries a price tag of Rs. 13,999. It will be available for an early sale via Mi.com and retail partners starting April 20. It will go on sale via Amazon from April 23. The Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite, on the other hand, is priced at Rs. 9,999. The early sale will start on Mi.com and retail partners starting April 20 and it will go on sale via Amazon and Flipkart from April 23.The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum Mop 2i (Xiaomi RVC Mop 2i) comes with a price tag of Rs. 16,999. It will go on sale through Mi.com and retail stores from April 25 and will be available via Amazon starting April 28. Additionally, the Xiaomi Grooming Kit and Xiaomi Trimmer 2C are priced at Rs. 1,199 and Rs. 1,799, respectively. Early access sale of the grooming products started today at 4:00pm IST on mi.com. They will be up for sale on Flipkart, Amazon, and offline retail partners from April 16. In the ongoing Xiaomi Fan Festival sale, the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 can be purchased for Rs. 13,249 with bank discounts. The special sale will bring down the effective price of the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite to Rs. 9,499 and the Xiaomi RVC Mop 2i to Rs. 15,999. Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4, Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite features The Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 and Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite come with Triple Layer Filtration that is claimed to remove up to 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They pack a negative ion generator for eliminating airborne particles including pollen, animal dander, dust, and mould spores. They come with 360° filtration and a True HEPA Filter.Xiaomi's Smart Air Purifier 4 is rated to offer a Particle Clean Air Delivery Rate (PCADR) of up to 400m3/h. It is said to be capable of circulating air of up to 516 square feet within 10 minutes. The toned-down model, Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier Lite, comes with a PCADR of up to 360m3/h and is said to deliver up to 6,000 litres of clean air per minute.The new portable air purifiers feature OLED displays with two touch controls that give users a glimpse of particle pollution by showing PM 2.5 levels, temperature, humidity, and Wi-Fi connection. They can also be connected to the smart app with Google Assistant as well as Amazon Alexa.Moreover, the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 makes 32.1dB of noise, while the Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 Lite has 33.4dB of noise. The former is said to consume 3W power in sleep mode.Xiaomi Robot Vacuum-Mop 2i has remote control support and can be connected to the Mi Home app. Users can customise cleaning schedules, adjust cleaning modes and water levels, track device location, and more via the connected app. It supports Google Assistant as well as Amazon Alexa. https://www.gadgets360.com/smart-home/news/xiaomi-smart-air-purifier-4-lite-robot-vacuum-mop-2i-trimmer-2c-grooming-kit-launched-price-in-india-rs-13999-9999-16999-sale-features-3945862