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Israeli forces fired at UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon, injuring two Indonesian peacekeepers. UNIFIL – the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon – said on Thursday that two peacekeepers were injured when an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower at the force’s headquarters in the border area town of Naqoura, causing them to fall. Any attack on peacekeepers is a “grave violation of international humanitarian law”, UNIFIL said in a statement. On Friday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Israeli army hit a watchtower of a Sri Lankan battalion in Naqoura, part of UNIFIL, in the second such attack in as many days. The peacekeeping organisation, which consists of about 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries and was established in 1978, said Israeli forces had “deliberately” fired at its positions along the border.Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN undersecretary general for peace operations, told the UN Security Council that the “safety and security” of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon is “increasingly in jeopardy”. He said that operational activities had virtually come to a halt since September 23, when Israel launched a wave of strikes against Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon. “Peacekeepers have been confined to their bases with significant periods of time in shelter,” he said, adding that UNIFIL was ready to support all efforts towards a diplomatic solution. “UNIFIL is mandated to support the implementation of resolution 1701, but we must insist that it is for the parties themselves to implement the provisions of this resolution,” he told an emergency meeting of the 15-member council. UN Security Council resolution 1701 gives UNIFIL a mandate to help the Lebanese army keep its southern border area with Israel free of weapons or armed personnel other than those of the Lebanese state. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told Al Jazeera that the attack was a “very serious” development. Tenenti explained that Israel had previously asked the peacekeepers to move from “certain positions” near the border, but “we decided to stay because it’s important for the UN flag to fly in [the] south of Lebanon”. “If the situation becomes impossible for the mission to operate in the south of Lebanon … it will be up to the Security Council to decide how to move forward,” he said. “At the moment, we are staying, we are trying to do whatever we can to monitor [and] to provide assistance,” Tenenti added. Indonesia Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi confirmed on Friday that two Indonesian peacekeepers had been injured in the assault and are in hospital for further observation. “Indonesia strongly condemns the attack,” she said. “Attacking UN personnel and property is a major violation of International Humanitarian Law.” Indonesia, a staunch critic of Israel and supporter of Palestine, has about 1,232 personnel currently deployed with UNIFIL in Lebanon. Israel Israel’s military said its troops opened fire near a UNIFIL base after instructing UN forces in the area to remain in protected spaces. It said in a statement that Hezbollah fighters operate from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near UNIFIL posts. The military said it “is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL”. Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, said he recommended that the peacekeeping force relocate five kilometres (3.1 milies) north “while the situation along the Blue Line remains volatile as a result of Hezbollah aggression”, referring to the demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. The White House is “deeply concerned” by reports Israel fired on UN peacekeeper headquarters in south Lebanon, a National Security Council spokesperson said. “We understand Israel is conducting targeted operations near the Blue Line to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure that could be used to threaten Israeli citizens,” the spokesperson said. “While they undertake these operations, it is critical that they not threaten UN peacekeepers’ safety and security.” Italy Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto called the attack on the UNIFIL bases “totally unacceptable”. “This was not a mistake and not an accident,” Crosetto told a news conference. “It could constitute a war crime and represented a very serious violation of international military law,” he said. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/10/world-reacts-to-alleged-israeli-attack-on-un-peacekeepers-in-lebanon

Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang said that the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be services that can “reason,” but such a stage requires the cost of computing to come down first. Next-generation tools will be able to respond to queries by going through hundreds or thousands of steps and reflecting on their own conclusions, he said during a podcast hosted by Arm Holdings Plc CEO Rene Haas. That will give this future software the ability to reason and set it apart from current systems such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, which Huang said he uses every day. Nvidia will set the stage for these advances by boosting its chip performance every year by two to three times, at the same level of cost and energy consumption, Huang said. This will transform the way AI systems handle inference — the ability to spot patterns and draw conclusions. “We're able to drive incredible cost reduction for intelligence,” he said. “We all realize the value of this. If we can drive down the cost tremendously, we could do things at inference time like reasoning.” The Santa Clara, California-based company has more than 90 percent of the market for so-called accelerator chips — processors that speed up AI work. It has also branched out to selling computers, software, AI models, networking and other services — part of a push to get more companies to embrace artificial intelligence. Nvidia is facing attempts to loosen its grip on the market. Data center operators such as Amazon.com Inc.'s AWS and Microsoft are developing in-house alternatives. And Advanced Micro Devices, already an Nvidia rival in gaming chips, has emerged as an AI contender. AMD plans to share the latest on its AI products at an event Thursday.' https://www.gadgets360.com/ai/news/nvidia-ceo-reasoning-ai-depend-cheaper-computing-6760659

Google's AI image generator Imagen 3 is now available to all Gemini users on mobile or desktop, for free. So, if you ask Gemini to create an image for you it will now use Imagen 3 by default, even on the free tier, but there’s one annoying limitation. Google calls Imagen 3 its highest-quality image generation model yet and claims it’s better at following your instructions and produces fewer visual artifacts than its previous models. However, there is one annoying limitation – if you want to generate images of people you need to be a Gemini Advanced customer. Gemini Advanced costs $19.99 (£18.99, AU$32.99) a month and comes as part of the Google One AI Premium Plan that includes 2TB of storage and Gemini in Google Docs. Unlike some other AI image generators, Imagen works by generating just one image from each prompt. You can refine the image by requesting changes, so it remembers what you asked for previously, but a new image is generated for every prompt you enter. If you like the preview you see you can download the image and you’ll get a 2048 x 2048 resolution JPEG. You can download as many images as you like because there’s no specific daily limit for image creation, even on the free tier. The main restriction, of course, is that you can’t create images of people. Animals however aren't a problem. Of course, once you upgrade to Gemini Advanced you can create as many images of people as you like. Imagen 3 has a range of features that are worth exploring. For example, you can ask it to create photorealistic landscapes, richly textured oil paintings, or even claymation scenes. Google is very proud of Imagen 3's great text rendering capabilities. So, if you ask it to create a comic book panel with a speech bubble coming from one of the characters, the text should be readable. However, we found that it still had some work to do in this area. For example, the prompt "create an image of a panel from a 1950s sci-fi comic where a man and woman look out at a futuristic city and a speech bubble from the man says "I never thought Mars would have such a great atmosphere", generated this unfortunate image:You can also ask it to create words made out of other shapes, or carved into buildings and it should look realistic. All these improved features mean that Imagen 3 is going to deserve a place amongst the best AI image generators. https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/google-geminis-new-ai-image-generator-just-rolled-out-to-everyone-for-free-with-one-annoying-limitation

The only major semiconductor asset in Vietnam is Intel's assembly and test facility. However, the company plans to establish itself as a major global player in the semiconductor industry by 2050. Prime Minister Pham Minh's strategy, which TrendForce reports, lays out specific goals, detailed timelines, and actionable steps to drive the sector's growth and ensure long-term sustainability. Vietnam's strategy that was adopted by PM's Decision No. 1018/QD-TTg is quite comprehensive and is built around five primary objectives: designing specialized chips, fostering growth in the electronics sector (which will use chips developed and built in Vietnam and elsewhere), creating a skilled workforce, attracting investments, and implementing other relevant initiatives to boost the industry. The general goals by 2050 include three semiconductor production facilities, 20 packaging and testing facilities, and establishing hundreds of local chip designers. Phase 1: Set the stage for future growth with one fab and 50,000 engineers During Phase 1 (2024-2030), the focus is on leveraging Vietnam's strengths to draw foreign direct investment and establish core semiconductor research, design, manufacturing, and testing competencies. By the end of this phase, the country aims to set up at least 100 design companies, one small semiconductor fab, and ten packaging and testing facilities. The company targets over $25 billion in semiconductor revenue and a workforce of more than 50,000 engineers and university graduates. Also, Vietnam expects its electronics industry to surpass $225 billion in revenue by 2030, which probably includes building additional electronics assembly facilities in addition to today's existing ones. Phase 2: Two more fabs and 100,000 engineers With 50,000 semiconductor engineers and university graduates, Vietnam's strategy for advancing its semiconductor and electronics sectors during the Phase 2 (2030 – 2040) plan involves combining self-reliance with foreign direct investment. The country aims to solidify its position as a semiconductor hub by establishing at least 200 chip design firms, building two fabs, and 15 facilities for packaging and testing. The development of human resources is a crucial element of this phase. Vietnam intends to cultivate a highly skilled semiconductor workforce, growing from 50,000 to over 100,000 qualified professionals by 2040, ensuring that talent is aligned with the sector's evolving needs. The plan projects semiconductor industry revenue to surpass $50 billion annually, with a 15-20% value-added impact. The electronics industry's yearly revenue is expected to reach over $485 billion, contributing 15-20% in added value. Phase 3: Three more fabs and 300 design firms During Phase 3 (2040 – 2050), Vietnam intends to establish at least 300 design firms, build three semiconductor manufacturing plants, and 20 packaging and testing facilities. With 600 chip design companies, Vietnam wants to become a leading semiconductor research and development country. Vietnam's revenue targets for Phase 3 are set at more than $100 billion while increasing self-sufficiency. Alongside these goals, the strategy envisions the Vietnamese electronics industry exceeding an annual revenue of $1 trillion by 2050. This phase is expected to deliver a significant value-added contribution to the country's economy, with targets ranging from 10% to 25% across different plan phases. Already developing Although Vietnam is not typically associated with chip manufacturing, Intel stands out with its significant test and assembly plant near Ho Chi Minh City, which is critical to Intel's global operations. Additionally, numerous electronics assembly companies operate in Vietnam. Companies like Samsung Electronics, Intel, ASE, Amkor, Texas Instruments, NXP, ON Semiconductor, Qualcomm, Renesas Electronics, Marvell, Infineon, and Synopsys have already made significant investments in the country, which proves their confidence in Vietnam's growing potential. Even Nvidia expressed confidence in Vietnam last year. However, several challenges, including energy supply issues, low wages, and gaps in technological infrastructure, stand in the way of Vietnam's ambitious goals. Addressing these barriers will be crucial for realizing the country's vision for the semiconductor sector. https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/vietnam-to-build-six-semiconductor-fabs-country-aims-to-become-a-major-player-in-the-semiconductor-industry-by-2050

A chicken has been seen scratching around on the forecourt of a supermarket petrol station for at least a week-and-a half, causing a social media stir in a Welsh town. Regular sightings of the bird have been reported at Morrisons in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. Ems Hanley - who does wildlife rehabilitations in the town - helped form what she is calling a chicken rescue team. "A witness said she saw a chicken jump from one of the battery lorries, so we have kind of an idea where [it] came from," she said.It is understood the chicken made a bid for freedom while the lorry she was in had stopped for fuel. "According to the manager of the petrol station she's been there coming up on three weeks now," she told the BBC Radio Wales Phone In. Ms Hanley also said it could also be more than one chicken that is being spotted. "There are supposedly three," she said of the latest theory in social media comments. "We've seen pictures that look like at least two chickens," she explained. "We've not seen pictures of a third chicken.""Unfortunately they are terrified of people," she said, adding how they seem to be a green area adjoining the forecourt carpark, hidden in what she called "thick privet hedges". Ms Hanley said her team was waiting to get technical help with a thermal scanner in the hopes of searching the thicket on Thursday night. It comes after the team set up an upturned crate, held up at one end by a stick attached to a trigger string. But the chicken, or chickens, have so far not let themselves get penned in again. "We nearly got her in and then a group of people walked past," she lamented. Another team member crawled into the hedges and has a chicken in his sights, but just out of reach, she said. "It is the quickest chicken I have seen in my life, no exaggeration." https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz6w77vy5eno

Batter Harry Brook said he and Joe Root "didn't know" the long-standing England partnership record they broke during an astonishing fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan. Brook, who became England's first triple centurion for 34 years, shared a partnership of 454 with Root, beating the previous best of 411 made by Colin Cowdrey and Peter May 57 years ago. It came as England posted 823-7 declared - the fourth-highest total in Test history - and then reduced Pakistan to 152-6 to close in on a remarkable victory in Multan. "We asked each other what the record was," Brook told BBC Test Match Special. "We didn't know what it was." So, what were the records? Brook's 317 was England's first score of 300 or more since Graham Gooch reached the landmark in 1990. It was also only the sixth triple hundred by an England batter. The stand with his fellow Yorkshireman Root was the highest for the fourth wicket for any team and the best in Test history by a pair playing away from home. They dominated the bowling, scoring their 454 runs in 522 balls. When May and Cowdrey put on their record stand, they were together for 1,140 deliveries. "I think we keep each other going," Root, 33, said. "We have a good laugh out there together. We have played a lot of cricket together whether it be for Yorkshire or for England. He does make you laugh, sometimes without even trying. He's fun to play with." Brook added: "We didn't talk much at all. "There was a fist pump in the middle. We were pretty tired - it was hot and tough work running between the wickets." Brook reached 300 in 310 balls, making it the second-fastest Test triple hundred behind India great Virender Sehwag's 278-ball effort. England's innings was only the third time in Test history two batters have scored 250 or more in the same innings. Just one maiden was bowled in the 150 overs. Never before had there been fewer than three in an innings of 100 overs or more. 'Like a combination of Root and Pietersen' Root's 262, also his highest Test score, was one of relentlessness and determination. He scored just 68 of his 264 runs in boundaries meaning the rest were taken by running ones, twos and threes in sweltering heat nearing 40C. That was made more impressive by the fact, until being dismissed in the 286th over of the match, he had been on the field for all but eight deliveries. In comparison, Brook crashed 29 fours and three sixes, once again showing his wide-array of attacking shots. "Harry Brook has the shots of Kevin Pietersen and the rhythm and hunger of Joe Root," former England captain Nasser Hussain said on Sky Sports. "That is a combination of two of England greatest players." Brook, 25, eased beyond his previous best Test score of 186 before attacking further late in his innings. His knock also added to his five centuries in his previous 18 Tests and took his average to 62.50 - the third-highest of any player to have played 20 or more innings. Root said: "He's got such a complete game: he can score all around the wicket. "He plays seam well, spin well and high pace well, and that's a pretty good recipe for scoring runs. "I'm not surprised at all in him going on and doing something special like that, but I don't think it'll be the last time we see him with a monster score by his name." One of the flattest pitches on record Brook and Root were helped by one of the flattest pitches on record in Multan. Although it started to show signs of deterioration late in the day as England's fresh bowlers had their turn, the amount of swing on offer (0.63 degrees) is the lowest in any Test in Pakistan since the start of 2022. The average amount of turn for the spinners (2.86 degrees) is the third-lowest in the same time period. Overall, analysts CricViz gave the pitch a difficulty rating of 2.9, which makes it the eighth-flattest pitch for the first four days of a Test since such records began in 2007. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c2kd38950gxo

Indian filter coffee, with its rich aroma and bold flavour, has earned international recognition, ranking second on TasteAtlas’s list of the best-rated coffee drinks in the world released this week. “These are the best-rated coffee drinks in the world!” the caption mentions. Among the top three were Espresso Freddo from Greece on the third spot, while Cafe Cubano from Cuba grabbed the top spot. Known for its unique brewing method, this beloved beverage has been a staple in many South Indian households for generations. While its global po[CENSORED]rity grows, so does the curiosity around how many cups can be safely consumed in a day without compromising health. To better understand how much filter coffee is safe for regular consumption, we turned to clinical dietician and diabetes educator Kanikka Malhotra for insights into balancing the enjoyment of this cultural favourite with health considerations. The unique brewing method Malhotra explains, “Indian filter coffee, renowned for its bold flavour and frothy texture, is distinct from other brewing methods due to its decoction process and churning with milk. This preparation results in a strong, concentrated brew with a rich, earthy taste.”While it’s a beloved beverage, excessive consumption can lead to health issues due to its high caffeine content and the addition of milk and sugar. “To enjoy Indian filter coffee responsibly, it’s advisable to consume it in moderation, dilute it with milk or water, and opt for low-fat or skim milk. By following these guidelines, you can savour this unique brew while maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” states Malhotra. How much Indian filter coffee can one safely drink in a day? The recommended daily intake of Indian filter coffee varies based on individual factors. “While it’s generally advisable to limit caffeine intake to 400 milligrams per day, this can vary depending on personal circumstances,” informs Malhotra. To estimate your safe consumption, she says to consider the caffeine content and serving size of your preferred coffee. Exceeding the recommended limit may lead to health issues like anxiety, insomnia, and digestive problems. Specific factors that influence the amount of filter coffee an individual should consume Yes, several factors can influence how much filter coffee an individual should consume. According to Malhotra these are as follows: -As people age, their sensitivity to caffeine may increase. Older adults may need to limit their caffeine intake to avoid side effects like insomnia and anxiety. -Heavier individuals may metabolise caffeine more quickly, allowing them to tolerate higher amounts. However, it’s still important to consider overall health and individual sensitivity. -Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety disorders, and acid reflux, can be exacerbated by excessive caffeine consumption. Individuals with these conditions should consult their healthcare provider to determine a safe intake level. -Some medications may interact with caffeine, affecting its absorption or metabolism. It’s essential to check with a healthcare professional or pharmacist to determine if there are any potential interactions. People vary in their sensitivity to caffeine. Even at low doses, some individuals may experience side effects like jitteriness, headaches, or stomach upset. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/indian-filter-coffee-taste-atlas-second-best-rated-drink-world-9613397/

Ratan Tata, who has died aged 86, was one of India's most internationally recognised business leaders. The tycoon led the Tata Group - known as a "salt-to-software" conglomerate of more than 100 companies, employing some 660,000 people - for more than two decades. Its annual revenues are in excess of $100bn (£76.5bn). Founded by Jamsetji Tata, a pioneer of Indian business, the 155-year-old Tata Group straddles a business empire ranging from Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Steel to aviation and salt pans. The ethos of the company "yokes capitalism to philanthropy, by doing business in ways that make the lives of others better", according to Peter Casey, author of The Story of Tata, an authorised book on the group.Tata Sons, the holding company of the group, has a "number of companies that includes privately held and publicly traded companies, yet they are in essence all owned by a philanthropic trust", he explains. Ratan Tata was born in 1937 in a traditional family of Parsis - a highly educated and prosperous community that traces its ancestry to Zoroastrian refugees in India. His parents separated in the 1940s.Tata went to college in the US, where he got a degree in architecture at Cornell University. During his seven-year-long stay, he learned to drive cars and fly. He had some harrowing experiences: he once lost an engine while flying a helicopter in college and twice lost the single engine in his plane. "So I had to glide in," he told an interviewer. Later, he would often fly his company's business jet. He returned to India in 1962 when his grandmother Lady Navajbai fell ill and called for him. It was then that JRD Tata - a relative from a different branch of the family - asked him to join the Tata Group. "He [JRD Tata] was my greatest mentor... he was like a father and a brother to me - and not enough has been said about that," Tata told an interviewer.Ratan Tata was sent to a company steel plant in Jamshedpur in eastern India where he spent a couple of years on the factory floor before becoming the technical assistant to the manager. In the early 70s, he took over two ailing group firms, one making radios and TVs and the other textiles. He managed to turn around the first, and had mixed results with the textile company. In 1991, JRD Tata, who had led the group for over half a century, appointed Ratan Tata as his successor over senior company aspirants for that position. "If you were to find the publications of that time, the criticism was personal - JRD got clubbed with nepotism and I was branded as the wrong choice," Ratan Tata later said. Peter Casey writes that under Ratan Tata's leadership, a "great but rather stodgy Indian manufacturer began emerging as a global brand with great emphasis on consumer goods".During his tenure the group made many bold acquisitions, among them the takeover of Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus and UK-based car brands Jaguar and Land Rover. Some of those decisions paid off, while others - including a failed telecom venture - have cost the company a lot of money. A high point came in 2000, when Tata bought Tetley and became the world's second-largest tea company. The deal was the largest takeover of an international brand by an Indian company. A few years later, a visiting journalist from a UK-based newspaper asked Tata whether he liked the irony of an Indian company buying a leading British brand. "Tata is too shrewd and too shy to be caught gloating about his successes like some territory-grabbing East India Company nabob," the journalist later wrote. Tata's foray into building a safe, affordable car turned out to be a disappointment. It was launched amid great fanfare in 2009 as a compact with the base model costing just 100,000 rupees ($1,222; £982). But after the initial success and euphoria, the brand began to lose out to other manufacturers due to issues with production and marketing. Tata later said it was a "huge mistake to brand Nano as the world's cheapest car. People don't want to be seen driving the world's cheapest car!" His resilience was also tested during the Mumbai terror attacks of 26 November, 2008. Tata's marquee Taj Mahal Palace was one of the two luxury hotels that was attacked, along with a train station, a hospital, a Jewish cultural centre, and some other targets in Mumbai. Thirty-three of the 166 people who died in the 60-hour siege were at the Taj. This included 11 hotel employees, a third of the hotel's total casualties. Tata pledged to look after the families of employees who were killed or injured, and paid the relatives of those killed the salaries they would have earned for the rest of their lives. He also spent more than $1bn to restore the damaged hotel within 21 months. Towards the end of his career, Tata found himself embroiled in an unsavoury controversy. In October 2016 he returned to Tata Sons as interim chairman for a few months after the previous incumbent, Cyrus Mistry, was ousted, sparking a bitter management feud (Mistry died in a car crash in September 2022). The role was eventually given to Natarajan Chandrasekaran, who was formerly the chief executive of Tata Consultancy Services, India's most valuable company with a market capitalisation of $67bn. Peter Casey described Tata as a "modest, reserved and even shy man". He found a "stately calm" about him and a "fierce discipline", which included preparing a handwritten to-do list every day. He also described himself as a "bit of an optimist". Tata was also a modest and reflective businessman. After the police were called in to end a strike that crippled operations at one of his firm's factories in Pune in 1989, Tata told journalists: "Perhaps we took our workers for granted. We assumed that we were doing all that we could do for them, when probably we were not." In 2009, Tata spoke at a school alumni function about his dream for his country, "where every Indian has an equal opportunity to shine on merit". "In a country like ours," he said, "you have to try and lead by example, not flaunt your wealth and prominence." https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd11lz4vpr7o

Helldivers 2 is approaching an important fictional anniversary: Liberty Day. On October 26 the citizens of Super Earth, Arrowhead Game Studios, and the playerbase celebrate glorious liberty, an occasion that the original game would mark with title screen fireworks and (often though not always) in-game events or content additions. It certainly looks like Arrowhead is prepping for something, because players are in the process of building the new Democracy Space Station (DSS), "a powerful strategic tool for reshaping the Galactic Map." The game's Major Orders (which is how the Helldivers are herded around planets) have focused on liberating relevant planets over the last few weeks, ping-ponging players between Automaton and Terminid planets. Well, mostly Automaton to be honest. The Helldivers have largely succeeded with these MOs: Most recently, Claorell was taken down, with the prize a new alloy enabling the DSS to make FTL jumps. Cloarell has unfortunately proven a bit of a repeat offender over this period, with the bots unwilling to give up control and pushing back, but this latest victory brought the news of a material the Automatons are using in construction, which is almost definitely trailing the Iron Fleet enemies found in the game's files (flying, armoured bots). "I'm hoping [Liberty Day is] when the DSS is finished," says Least_Clothes, with xPsyrusx agreeing "this is the safest bet." But the copium fumes are all leading in one direction: the game's as-yet-unseen third enemy faction stomping in to ruin the party. "We finally finish the DSS then the Illuminate show up and immediately destroy it," reckons Chancer93. "The Illuminate, starting with an invasion of Super Earth in the middle of the celebrations," says Everkid612. "We're gonna get Battle of Coruscant'd and they're going to use the distraction to establish themselves in the galactic south." "Although it's probably not going to happen please make the ultimate reference by pulling an Independence Day," agrees Kid-Colt, "releasing the Illuminate on Liberty Day with no warning whatsoever ever would be the best possible move." The likelihood is that Liberty Day will involve the DSS in some way, because the timings are just a tad too convenient. But this is the first chance Arrowhead's had to celebrate Liberty Day in the new game, and Helldivers 2 has of course been successful beyond expectations, so there's going to be some sort of blowout: but whether that's just a shiny new base of operations or a full-fat Illuminate invasion remains to be seen. We'll be on the Super Earth frontlines reporting back either way. Finally, an especially nice touch is the date itself. The Helldivers celebrate Liberty Day on October 26 because, on October 26 1959, the novel Starship Troopers was first published. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/helldivers-2-players-are-constructing-a-democratic-space-station-in-the-runup-to-liberty-day-which-some-think-is-just-so-that-the-illuminate-can-steam-in-and-blow-it-up/

Xiaomi has reportedly filed a patent application for a new smartphone design. As per the report, the Chinese consumer tech brand is working on a clamshell-styled foldable smartphone that can be detached into two segments. Based on the images seen, the smartphone appears similar to the Xiaomi Mix Flip, which was launched last month. When not detached, the smartphone has a tall design with a single display and can be folded into half like typical flip phones. Separately, the company is also expected to launch the Xiaomi 15 Pro before the end of the year. Xiaomi Reportedly Working on Detachable Smartphone According to a 91mobiles report, the patent application for the new smartphone design was spotted on the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the patent and trademark regulator of the country. The application contained several diagrams showcasing the design and functioning of the phone. Based on the images, the smartphone in its non-detached state has a design similar to standard flip-styled smartphones. It appeared to have a taller body than a typical candy bar-like handset in the unfolded state. The display connected in the middle and there was no separation edge to protect the display in the detached state. When folded, the smartphone reportedly did not have an external hinge mechanism. Instead, both sides contained grooves for pogo pins, which could be the way the two segments attach to one another. The hinge mechanism could exist on the sides or via magnets, however, it cannot be said for sure. Gadgets 360 staff members could not verify the documents. Additionally, one of the drawings showcased the smartphone rotating across the vertical axis. The purpose of the movement is also not known. However, considering how Xiaomi has experimented with unique designs, this would not entirely be on the left field.However, it should be noted that the details of the patent application have not been confirmed by Xiaomi. And as it stands with patent applications, even if the design is granted, it is not necessary that the company will bring out a similar phone soon, or ever. However, this is another design option the Chinese brand now has in its arsenal. https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/xiaomi-patent-application-detachable-clamshell-foldable-smartphone-prototype-report-6752632

This Amazon Prime Day sale has made the online store one of the best places to grab a deal on a wide variety of products, but one thing it might not be the best site for is a Meta Quest 3 deal. That’s because the best Meta Quest 3 model – the now discontinued Meta Quest 3 128GB – is no longer available to buy from Amazon in the US or UK unless you go for a preowned or refurbished option. Instead you can find the Meta Quest 3 (128GB) for $429.99 at GameStop (was $499.99) in the US, while in the UK you can find the Meta Quest 3 128GB for £409.99 at Argos (was £479.99). • Shop other Prime Day deals You’ll want to act quick though as I’ve highlighted above the 128GB headset has already sold out at many other stores, and I expect it won’t be long for this world at these retailers either. If it has sold out I’d recommend grabbing either the 128GB Meta Quest 3S for $299.99 / £289.99 or 512GB Meta Quest 3 for $499.99 / £469.99. Neither is currently on sale, though they both do come with a free copy of Batman: Arkham Shadow. If you want a VR headset, 95% of you will want a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S. That’s because for the vast majority of people these budget-friendly to mid-range standalone options are ideal. They have the specs to run the best standalone VR games and apps, use the superb HorizonOS operating system which is home to a bounty of exclusive software you can’t find on rival headsets, and comes at a relatively affordable price. IIf you want to go all-in on PCVR there are some solid alternatives like the recently revealed Vive Focus Vision, but not needing to be tethered to a high-end gaming rig has some immersion and cost advantages you can’t ignore. https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/my-favorite-meta-quest-3-deal-isnt-at-amazon-this-prime-day-but-if-you-act-fast-you-can-still-find-it-elsewhere

' The developers of EmuDeck have canceled an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for a mini-PC hardware project because “nobody bought it.” We checked the Wayback machine and discovered that just six people had pledged $600+ to get one of the finished mini-PCs before the campaign was shuttered. When the crowdfunding closed, it was only 25% funded, and EmuDeck felt there wasn’t time to rescue it. The campaign began in late August. According to the EmuDeck Team’s social media, they are currently busy refunding the handful of enthusiasts (four from the US, two from Europe) who pledged their hard-earned cash to back the hardware project. However, the EmuDeck Team is already teasing that they are “working on something else,” so if a custom mini-PC for emulation fun would appeal to you, it may be worth watching for future announcements. EmuDeck is best known for its po[CENSORED]r multi-platform emulation tool, which makes it easy to install a range of emulators, support and configuration files, bezels, hotkeys, and performance fixes across SteamOS, Linux, Android, Windows, and other OSes. In this context, it is somewhat surprising they couldn’t get enough traction with a mini-PC crowdfunding project. 3D Printed prototype of the EmuDeck Machine, too bad nobody bought it! I'm canceling the project and refunding all money to the ones that did back the project since its clear it's not going to make the IGG goal pic.twitter.com/FJe32rpuiEOctober 3, 2024 The EmuDeck Machine, a retro-inspired ITX PC, offered decent specs. However, we have seen plenty of prior mini-PCs with similar hardware and even one or two with retro gaming styling. To us, it looked like a NUC cosplaying as a Sega Dreamcast. Inside the machine would be an AMD Ryzen 7 7840 processor sporting relatively potent onboard Radeon 780M graphics. There were also plans for a Radeon RX 7600-powered eGPU dock to match the EmuDeck Machine. In what sounds like a rather fluid creation process, a DIY kit was also floated as an idea without kindling much interest. It is good to hear that those who pledged towards this project have their money back or should do so soon. We always remind readers of the risks of crowdfunding, but at least these backers have the cash to soothe the disappointment of the failed project. Hopefully, this will be a valuable learning process for EmuDeck, and they will come back with an irresistible piece of hardware for emulation enthusiasts. https://www.tomshardware.com/desktops/mini-pcs/emudeck-retro-gaming-mini-pc-crowd-funder-ends-in-tears-after-nobody-bought-it

A Sussex charity has issued a warning after a cat narrowly escaped death when a toy dart got stuck in his intestines. Milo, a seven-month-old kitten from East Grinstead, was handed over to the Cats Protection charity at Chelwood Gate when his owners became overwhelmed living with a kitten and young children in their flat. He began vomiting large pieces of sponge soon after arriving at the centre and, following an examination, vets discovered the cat had a dangerous blockage in his guts that needed surgery to remove. "Urgency was paramount," said centre manager Danielle Draper. "If it had been left he would have most certainly died."The operation was successful and, when the regurgitated bits were put together with the plastic removed from his stomach, the team realised Milo had eaten an entire plastic dart from a toy gun. Ms Draper urged parents to ensure small toys were kept out the way of pets. "Children’s toys can be dangerous to cats and especially to kittens who see everything as a plaything," she said. Dog day care owner spends £12k on abandoned pets Milo has recovered fully from his operation and Cats Protection is now looking to rehome him. The charity said he would make an "ideal pet" as he is young and can adapt to most environments. “Milo is friendly, loving and so affectionate,” said Ms Draper. “He’s full of energy and... loves to play. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cew1712k700o

All three of Prince William and Kate Middleton's children have clearly inherited their parents' love for sports and staying active. Prince George in particular, is known for his passion for football, often spotted with his father at major matches like the Euros final earlier this year. The royal father-and-son duo have also strengthened their bond through rugby and cricket. But now, Prince George has taken on an exciting new challenge—triathlon! According to The Mirror, the young royal's latest sporting obsession was revealed by none other than his proud father, Prince William, during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. While presenting triathlete Non Stanford with an MBE for her contributions to the sport, William shared that George has recently begun participating in triathlons at school, diving into this demanding and thrilling new hobby with enthusiasm. Non Stanford, the 2013 women’s triathlon champion, shared an exciting detail about her conversation with the Prince of Wales during the Windsor Castle investiture ceremony. Stanford revealed, "He was telling me how George has been getting into triathlons at school." In a fun twist, Prince George has even been picking up pro tips. According to her, a gentleman who now works with William and has competed in triathlons himself, has been offering George some practical advice—like using talcum powder in his shoes to make transitions smoother. "George has been sharing the talc trick with his classmates, and they’re all buzzing with excitement over these new tips," Stanford said. Prince William also took the opportunity to discuss the future of game and the emerging talent in the sport during their chat, making for a lively and insightful exchange. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1238426-prince-george-embarks-on-intense-sport-as-kate-middleton-limits-screen-time

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and promote well-being. The day is celebrated by conducting various activities designed to educate people about mental health issues and how to manage them. The day is meant to clear misconceptions about mental health disorders. It also encourages people to understand and be empathetic to those who struggle with mental issues.One of the main goals is to make sure that everyone in the world can get the care they deserve. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of World Mental Health Day, how to celebrate it, and the significance of this year’s theme.This year’s theme ‘Mental Health At Work’ focuses on addressing mental health at work. Its primary objective is to provide a safe space for employees facing work-related stress to speak up without hesitation. On the other hand, it also encourages employers to establish positive environments where employees can work well and succeed. The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is a global organisation established in 1948. Its mission is to prevent mental disorders while ensuring proper treatment is given to those in need. Initially, WFMH was made up of societies from 46 different countries, rather than individual members or nations. Years later, World Mental Health Day was first celebrated on October 10, 1992, thanks to Richard C. Hunter, who was the Deputy Secretary-General of the WFMH during the time. Since then, this day has been observed every year. In 1994, the organisation started using a specific theme for the day, which was suggested by then Secretary-General Eugene Brody.The main goal of World Mental Health Day is to help people understand different mental health conditions and how to manage them with care. It also motivates individuals to reach out for support from professionals, family, friends, or anyone else without feeling embarrassed or anxious about it.To celebrate this special day, people can volunteer or make donations to support mental health organisations. Many seminars and workshops are arranged, which allow individuals to discuss mental health topics openly and without judgment. One can also take part in activities like exercising, meditating, or simply spending time alone to help reduce stress. https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/world-mental-health-day-2024-history-significance-theme-and-how-to-celebrate-9074649.html

A new podcast hosted by Sky News' Yalda Hakim and NBC News' Richard Engel is the place for all the latest news and analysis on global affairs, at a time when the US election looms and the Middle East is on the brink of further escalation. Sky News and NBC News are jointly launching a new podcast on global affairs - and the first episode is out now, with a focus on how America's next president might affect the crisis in the Middle East. Sky News' lead world news presenter Yalda Hakim and NBC News' chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel have teamed up to share their experiences from the frontline in a new podcast that will be available every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts. On The World With Richard Engel And Yalda Hakim, the pair will debrief from global flashpoints and discuss their encounters with the biggest decision makers. They'll also be joined by some of those key players to help make sense of world events. With the US election on 5 November less than a month away, the pair discuss how a potential Kamala Harris administration will handle rising tensions between Israel and Iran's proxies and, crucially, how this will differ from a potential Donald Trump administration. But they also discuss how the ongoing Middle East turmoil might impact the American race - especially if Israel strikes Iran's oil industry before the vote. "I think that if Kamala Harris wins this election, it will be a continuation as far as Benjamin Netanyahu is concerned of how he has behaved under the Biden administration," Hakim says. She adds: "We're still unclear of exactly what her policies are, what she stands for. She seems to be very thin on explaining exactly who and what she is and what her administration would look like. "If Donald Trump gets re-elected... some people say the situation could get worse on the ground. [But] I'm not sure because Trump is so incredibly unpredictable. Last time, he left his adversaries and America's allies guessing constantly." "It is unnerving," Hakim adds. She says: "I've had people who say to me, 'If Donald Trump gets re-elected, we're screwed. If Kamala Harris gets re-elected, we're screwed.'" Engel says that whatever the outcome of the election, there will be "turmoil in the US between the election and inauguration" - which is scheduled for Monday 20 January. "If [Trump] wins he'll start governing right away because that is his style," he says. "Let's say he wins on 6 November. The 7 November is clear, and then he starts making policy. "He has been saying the Ukrainians don't need any more weapons, that they've had enough and they should have a peace deal. Or in Gaza, he is signalling how he wants that to end - that's not policy at this stage. "If she wins, it's already clear that it's very likely going to be a contested result in the courts. I'm estimating that there's going to be a vacuum of power, some sort of chaos at the very least until inauguration, if not beyond." One thing that will have a "huge impact" on the US election, according to Engel, is if Israel launches retaliatory strikes against Iran - and hits the country's oil industry. Engel says: "Suddenly gas prices are up. That's not good for Harris. It helps Trump. He can say, 'Look at the chaos here. I would fix all of this.' "So there are real consequences of what might happen [after] an Israeli reprisal." Agreeing, Hakim adds: "There will be some in the US who think, 'Yeah, go in, smash Iran'... but that feels very much like a very simplistic, naïve approach to resolving what feels so deep and unresolvable at this moment." Listen below to a short introductory episode of The World podcast - then check out episode one wherever you get your podcasts, or at the top of this article. Also on Wednesday's episode, the pair discuss the anniversary of the 7 October attacks and ask whether there is a way out of further escalation in the region. Episodes of The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim will be available every Wednesday on all podcast platforms. https://news.sky.com/story/the-world-podcast-richard-engel-and-yalda-hakim-discuss-how-the-new-us-president-will-handle-war-in-middle-east-13230481

Rockstar, you rascals, you did it again. We're all well-used to the company's weird song and dance that happens with all of its new releases: It'll hit consoles, then around a year or so later it inevitably makes the leap to PC where lots of people buy it again, but I confess I wasn't expecting it to pull the same stunt with the original Red Dead Redemption. The OG RDR hit the Nintendo Switch and PS4 last year in a move I called "baffling" for its apparent decision to skip PC. A little over a year on and, well, guess what? Red Dead Redemption 1 is coming to PC, alongside its spooktacular American Nightmare expansion. It hits on October 29, just in time for Halloween. No multiplayer though. Sorry, social people. It's got a bunch of bells and whistles to make up for the wait, too. Per Rockstar's announcement, the PC version of RDR is coming with all sorts of enhancements to make John Marston more excruciatingly detailed than ever. That means "native 4K resolution at up to 144hz on compatible hardware, monitor support for both Ultrawide (21:9) and Super Ultrawide (32:9), HDR10 support, and full keyboard and mouse functionality." There's also DLSS 3.7 and FSR 3.0 support, just like they had in the real Wild West. If you're sat there asking yourself what the heck a Red Dead Redemption is, then firstly, welcome to Earth, and second: It's Rockstar's sombre cowboy tale from all the way back in 2010. It takes place after Red Dead Redemption 2 and stars John Marston as he tracks down the surviving members of the Van der Linde Gang. Think of it as, well, a kind of cowboy GTA, but with a bit more soul and a bit less nihilism than you can find in GTA 5. Rockstar was still in its soulful GTA 4 era back then, after all. RDR 1 is coming to most places you might want to buy it. You'll be able to find it on Steam, the Epic Games Store (no live link yet), or directly from Rockstar, if that appeals. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/red-dead-redemption-1-is-coming-to-pc-with-a-bunch-of-enhancements-this-month-a-year-after-its-very-confusing-switch-and-ps4-port/

Honor X7c 4G's launch is yet to be confirmed officially by Honor, but ahead of it, renders and key specifications of the 4G phone have surfaced online. The renders suggest black, green, and white colour options for the handset. It is said to have a Snapdragon 685 SoC under the hood. The smartphone is tipped to pack a 108-megapixel primary sensor and a 5,200mAh battery. The Honor X7c is believed to come as a successor to the Honor X7b. 91Mobiles has shared alleged renders and specifications of the Honor X7c. As mentioned, the leaked renders show the handset in black, green, and white finishes. The green and white colour variants appear to have textured back panels. It is seen with a punch-hole display with flat edges. The alleged renders further show a square camera unit arranged in the upper left corner of the Honor X7c. The renders also suggest that the right spine of the handset houses the power and volume buttons. As per the report, the Honor X7c will run on Andorid 14-based MagicOS 8.0 and feature a 6.77-inch IPS display (720x1,610 resolution) with a 120Hz refresh rate, 261ppi pixel density, and a 20.1:9 aspect ratio. It is tipped to run on a Snapdragon 685 chipset like last year's Honor X7b. It could come with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. The Honor X7c could carry a dual rear camera unit, comprising a 108-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel secondary sensor. For selfies, there could be an 8-megapixel front camera. It is said to boast a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for authentication.The report further claims that Honor X7c 4G will pack a 5,200mAh battery with 35W fast charging support. It is likely to have an IP64-rated build for dust and water resistance. Connectivity options on the phone are likely to include NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It could measure 166.9 x 76.8 x 8.1mm and weigh 191 grams. https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/honor-x7c-4g-specifications-design-renders-report-6745217

If you rely on screen recording tools, Apple’s macOS Sequoia 15.1 update could have some good news for you: fewer permission pop-ups. One of Apple’s key goals with Sequoia was to strengthen security and privacy for its users. Unfortunately, these protective measures felt a little too like an overbearing, over-worrying parent. Early Sequoia beta testers were effectively being made to reauthorize screen recording apps on a weekly basis, which quickly became irritating for many users. Just before the launch of Sequoia, Apple addressed this by making the requests monthly instead. Now, Apple is reportedly taking it down a further notch. The reminders serve an important role: ensuring users are aware of the real risks of screen recording – if an app can directly see your screen it can see all sorts of sensitive data. There’s no doubt about the importance of such measures, but when you’ve granted permission to the app already and use it daily, those frequent reminders are a nightmare.Previously, the Amnesia app was developed to disable the monthly reminders on an app-by-app basis. Fortunately, Apple now seems to have found a balance between security and convenience. In the latest beta release notes, Apple explains there’s been a change in how macOS handles older content capture tech, which means that trusted apps will trigger fewer interruptions. Mind you, this doesn’t mean the prompts will disappear altogether – privacy is still Apple’s top priority – they just won’t be as obnoxious for frequent users of the apps. If you screen-record daily, you can be slightly less grumpy now, though some users may still want to reserve judgment until they see the update in action when it’s released on October 28. https://www.techradar.com/computing/mac-os/apple-claims-to-have-found-a-balance-between-user-privacy-and-convenience-with-a-tweak-in-macos-sequoia-fewer-permission-alerts-for-screen-recording

Another MacBook Pro M4 unboxing video has been released today. This time po[CENSORED]r Russian TechTuber Romancev768 shows off the illicit goods. Simultaneously, there are also reports of hundreds of MacBook Pro M4 units being up for sale via private social media groups. After enjoying years of enviable leak-resistant product launches, the barn doors seem to have well and truly been blasted off at Apple. Yesterday we reported on the Russian YouTube channel Wylsacom scooping the Apple MacBook Pro M4 launch event, with an unboxing, hands-on, and even running a handful of benchmarks. Today another multi-million subscriber Russia-based tech channel has uploaded a similar video. This time Romancev768 unboxes, inspects, and gives this sleek laptop a quick road test. Some of the extra info revealed in the latest video includes a clear view of the rear of the packaging where many specs are confirmed. The M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage are highlighted on the box. But we can see more if we look closely, so details like the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU are listed here, as are the screen specs, ports, size, and weight of the device, and more. Further into the video we see the ‘About This Mac’ screen of the MacBook Pro M4. Romancev768’s focus on this dialog shows the device is identified by the OS as a “November 2024” model. That date coincides with the Nov 1 launch date put forward by Bloomberg a few days ago. The story is that Apple will officially unveil these MacBook Pro M4 laptops and a few other products at an event on October 21-22. That would mean a gap of around 10 days between reveal and availability. The scale of this leak is quite shocking for Apple. It casts a big shadow on the well-known Apple iPhone 4 leak, based on a device left behind in a California bar in 2010. This time there could be hundreds of these MacBooks available in the public domain. I saw some seller said they have 200 units of M4 Macbook Pro in stock. This is probably the biggest warehouse leakage I’ve ever seen.October 7, 2024 According to Apple-centric Twitter/X user ShrimpApplePro, there are around 200 units available for sale to interested parties via a private Facebook group. They add “This is probably the biggest warehouse leakage I’ve ever seen.” It is fascinating to see the scale of this Apple leak unfolding, and that we have some user-testing going on weeks ahead of a purported official launch. However, please be mindful that there is a possibility that these leaks are fake, however elaborate and convincing they might be. https://www.tomshardware.com/laptops/apple-macbook-pro-m4-leakage-gets-serious-with-200-units-reportedly-up-for-sale-on-social-media

Zoo keepers are celebrating the arrival of a litter of bush dog pups. The four pups, who have yet to be named, were born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park in July to proud parents Belle and Gaston. The youngsters initially remained in their den, but staff at the park near Doncaster said they had now bonded with the rest of their pack and were busy exploring the enclosure. Bush dogs, which are native to South America, are listed as "near threatened", so the wildlife park hailed the birth as a "conservation landmark". Belle, five, and Gaston, two, were introduced at Yorkshire Wildlife Park last November and "quickly bonded". "On 5 July, rangers reported that Belle had given birth to a litter of puppies overnight,” said Dr Charlotte McDonald, animal director at the park."The pups stayed safely tucked away in the den for weeks and Gaston and Belle have done an amazing job of caring for them. "Belle spent most of her time in the den, while Gaston could be seen guarding the entrance." Now, the two male and two female pups are exploring their surroundings and interacting with others. "They are becoming bolder and bolder – much to the delight of visitors," Dr McDonald added.Bush dogs live in family groups of up to 12 and build strong bonds, according to staff. They sleep close to each other, hunt together and feed without squabbling. But their numbers are "rapidly dwindling", despite not yet being endangered. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czj91m2m98do

There were times on the first day of the first Test against Pakistan that England must have hoped for help from the patron saint of taking wickets. An inexperienced attack, the most docile pitch, sun burning hot enough to make statues sweat and a Pakistan captain determined to make up for 10 consecutive winless home matches. This was as tough as it gets. Still, England stood up. Despite skipper Shan Masood plundering 151, supported by Abdullah Shafique’s 102, the tourists stuck at it. As the light faded and the second new ball shone, the gift of Babar Azam plonking his pad in front of the stumps was nothing more than England deserved. At 328-4, Pakistan had the better of the day, but England’s smiles and high fives as they made their way to the dressing room showed they have taken something from it. A good start to day two and they will be right in the match. There was a temptation to think that England could simply pick up where they left off here two years ago, when a 3-0 series win was perhaps the greatest ever in a foreign country not called Australia or India. It was certainly the peak of the Bazball era to date. But there is plenty different to 2022. Despite their wretched run, Pakistan look stronger on paper than they did then. A subtle change is the time the series is being played. December then to October now doesn’t sound much, but the elevation in temperature is uncomfortable. The biggest difference is the make-up of England’s pace attack. Gone are the retired James Anderson (more on him later), the injured Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson has been sent to Coventry. In their place have come the notoriously travel-sick Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, a summer revelation but untried away from home, and Brydon Carse, untried anywhere and only just off completing a ban for historic gambling offences. It was the seamers who were key to England’s previous success here. Whereas in 2022 the spinners largely matched each other – England’s took 33 wickets at an average of 37.3, Pakistan’s 35 wickets at 36.2 – the touring seamers comfortably out-bowled the hosts. England claimed 26 victims at 23.3, Pakistan just 11 at a whopping 62.7. Some help from the toss would have been appreciated, but Ollie Pope has now lost four out of four standing-in for injured England skipper Ben Stokes. If England were looking for assistance from the pitch, they were left disappointed. Pre-match talk of grass was dashed by a mower on Monday morning. A penny for the thoughts of Saim Ayub, who somehow tickled Atkinson’s 10th ball in an away Test down the leg side to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. He had to watch Shafique and Masood plunder runs from the fourth over of the day until well after tea. According to data analysts Cricviz, the Multan pitch was the second-flattest for day one of a Test anywhere in the world since they started collecting such information in 2007. Across the three sessions, the 0.47 degrees of swing was the least amount of movement in the air for day one in Pakistan since the beginning of 2022. If there was nothing to encourage the seamers, the spinners got little more. The 2.64 degrees of turn was the second-lowest for the opening day in this country over the same time period. Shoaib Bashir struggled – only once in his short Test career has he bowled more overs without taking a wicket - but Jack Leach impressed in his first Test since January. Despite all of the disadvantages, England hung in. The fielding was never anything but wholehearted, the only error being Pope’s miss at the stumps when Shafique should have been run out on 34. Aside from that, Pope did a fine job at recreating the creativity of Stokes that was crucial to England’s win in 2022. Bowlers were shuffled, fields tinkered. Shafique’s eyeline was flooded with catchers in front of the bat and he eventually popped Atkinson to cover. Left-armer Leach toyed with his angles to come round the wicket to left-hander Masood and was rewarded with a return catch. The only mild criticism was an over-eagerness to bowl bouncers, a favourite tactic of England. Carse, who touched 90mph, was asked to go to the short ball as early as the 15th over of the match. Overall, 40% of the deliveries Carse sent down were bouncers, 61% short of a good length. It is a plan England often revert to for bowlers with extra pace. Jamie Overton bowled 34% bouncers in his only Test against New Zealand in 2022 and Olly Stone 33% in his two Tests against Sri Lanka earlier this year. Wood, albeit faster and more skilful than the other three, is not used as such a blunt instrument. Perhaps the biggest boost for England was the late impact of Woakes. Quiet for most of the day, he grabbed the second new ball to produce a nip-backer that removed Pakistan’s best player in Babar. The UK is on its fifth different prime minister since Woakes’ previous Asian Test wicket in 2016. It was a delivery worthy of Anderson, the absence of whom was made much of in the build-up to the Test. England’s bowling consultant has been playing golf at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. When Anderson does arrive in time for day two, he will join a team that can be optimistic following their first-day showing. In truth, unless England were going to ask Anderson to take the new ball, there seems little he could have passed on to the bowlers that would have made their job any easier. In the City of Saints, England did just fine without Saint Jimmy. https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/cd6qw1w8vqdo

Islamabad: The Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, in collaboration with the Pakistan Association of Lifestyle Medicine (PALM), hosted the 5th International Conference on Lifestyle Medicine Retreat from October 4 to 6. Held at the serene Highland Country Club, this first-of-its-kind retreat-style conference in Pakistan offered participants a unique opportunity to explore the latest advancements in lifestyle medicine within a peaceful and rejuvenating environment. Over the course of three days, attendees engaged in workshops, scientific sessions, and insightful discussions, all while enjoying wellness activities such as early morning meditation and nature walks to enhance their well-being. The event featured remarks by Hassan Muhammad Khan, Chancellor of Riphah International University (RIU), who emphasised the importance of the Lifestyle Medicine Conference . Distinguished speakers included Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmed, Dr. Zia Abbas, President of PALM, Dr. Shagufta Feroz, Director of the Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Beth Frates, President of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Munira Abbasi, Vice President of PALM, along with other esteemed national and international experts. Themed ‘Health Revolution: Lifestyle Medicine as Your First Choice for Health,’ the conference highlighted how lifestyle interventions can be integrated into the healthcare system to prevent, treat, and reverse cardiometabolic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Participants left the retreat feeling inspired and invigorated, having had the chance to connect with global experts, share knowledge, ability to make meaningful connections and contribute to the growing movement of lifestyle medicine, all while surrounded by the beauty of nature. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1237834-lifestyle-medicine-conference-hosted

Tens of thousands of people have rallied around the world, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon as Israel’s genocide against Palestinians completes a year. Protesters gathered in dozens of cities on Monday to mark the first anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel, as Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza and Lebanon, raising fears of a wider regional war. In New Zealand, pro-Palestinian demonstrators, who gathered on Monday outside Auckland’s TVNZ public television demanding a ceasefire, clashed with followers of a far-right fundamentalist Christian group, Destiny Church. According to The New Zealand Herald, 35 police officers were at the scene to separate the rival groups. One protester was pepper-sprayed as police attempted to break the commotion that spilled over onto the road near TVNZ, according to the report. Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said New Zealand will continue to call for a ceasefire, restraint and de-escalation, “not for retaliation and reprisal”. In Australia, crowds gathered outside the country’s largest mosque in Lakemba, a suburb of Sydney, before an afternoon rally. Participants were seen waving Palestinian flags and standing on the footpath and the street which was blocked off for the event, according to The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. People in Pakistani cities also held rallies and demonstrations to express solidarity with Palestinians on the first anniversary of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. Different political and religious groups organised a string of events in the commercial capital, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan, Sargodha, Hyderabad, and other cities. Thousands of citizens, including students, women and children, came out of their homes, offices and schools to participate in the demonstrations. A memorial event was also held in the Indian capital, New Delhi, as dozens of participants sang songs and raised slogans against the war in Gaza. Other vigils, ceremonies and protests are planned later on Monday after a weekend of similar events across the world. In the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, more than 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the US Embassy on Sunday, demanding that Washington stop sending weapons to Israel. In Morocco, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the capital, Rabat, waving Palestinian flags and calling to break off diplomatic ties with Israel, which the kingdom normalised in 2020. Thousands also marched in support of Gaza and Lebanon in cities across Turkey, including Istanbul and Ankara. At the Vatican, Pope Francis called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and Lebanon, warning of the risk of an “even larger war”. Thousands also marched through New York’s Times Square on Saturday, some carrying pictures of people killed in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. In Washington, DC, a man set himself on fire as more than 1,000 people demonstrated outside the White House, demanding an end to US military aid to Israel. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/7/calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-lebanon-as-world-marks-october-7-anniversary

If you're a big cat lover, I advise you to tread with caution with Copycat. But you should also immediately play it because it's an excellent game. It'll just make you never let your cat out of sight again. I'm allergic to cats, so rather than clutching my four-pawed pal once I finished and sobbing quietly, I had to dwell in the emotional turmoil Copycat had put me through. This is probably why I want to project it onto as many people as I possibly can so I feel less alone in all this. At the start of the game, you take on the role of Olive, an elderly lady who is visiting her local animal shelter to adopt a cat. The dialogue between Olive and the shelter worker implies that it is Olive's first visit to adopt a cat, but the worker comments that she visited a few months ago, a fact that will make a lot more sense later on. As you pick out your cat, you're told about how they ended up in the shelter and what sort of attitude they have, which I thought was a nice touch rather than leaving you in silence as you stare at the selection. I took this decision seriously, as you play as the cat once you leave the shelter rather than staying as Olive. I opted for a ginger cat that has a striking resemblance to my friend's cat, Soup (which was a terrible idea given how emotional the story gets), and headed home. Fortunately, I wasn't burdened with naming the cat, which is huge a plus for anyone like me who gets far too attached to anything they name. Olive branded me as Dawn, which is nice enough I suppose, and took me home. From the second I arrived, I wasn't exactly pleasant to Olive. My options as she stuck her hand into the cat carrier were to either bite or scratch her, and as soon as I stepped out of the carrier I wanted to run away from her. Lucky for me, Olive has the patience of a saint and left me on my own to adjust to the new home. Before long, Olive explained she used to have a cat that looked exactly like me, but something happened to cause her to run away and never come back. But regardless of how much time and patience Olive was prepared to give me, I had only one thing on my mind—and that's escaping. This temptation is the only direction you have at the start of the game, and it becomes overwhelming at points. No matter how hard I tried to stay put, my hand was forced into leaving. But I guess if I could just stay with Olive and continue scratching up her furniture and stealing her dinner, I'd just be playing a cat simulator and Copycat would never have the opportunity to showcase its emotional story, which begins after Olive is involved in an accident and rushed to hospital, leaving me behind. The illusion of choice plays a big part in Copycat, with it seeming like you have control over what will happen when in reality you don't. For example, when I was let into the garden for the first time, there was a hole in the hedge from which I could easily escape. But when I tried, something would forcibly distract me and I wouldn't be able to leave just yet. This gave me just enough time to feel settled in Olive's house before being thrust into another entirely new environment once I finally could escape, but I wish control wasn't wrenched from me to achieve this. Despite the urge to escape that overpowers every action at the start of the game, when Olive is taken to hospital this feeling is completely stripped away. All you can do is sit and wait for Olive to come back, which she does a few days later, but it's not the same. Her daughter is with her and was furious that I had trashed the place in Olive's absence. She kicked me out of the house and onto the streets, telling me not to come back like last time because Olive is too vulnerable to look after a pet. It's then that I realised this is what happened to the last Dawn, and probably the one before that too. When I was on the streets I felt free. Freedom gets boring after a while, though, so I decided to return to Olive's with my tail quite literally between my legs, ready to meow at the door until her nasty daughter let me in, but it wasn't that straightforward. When I got home, I was already replaced by another cat who looked exactly like me, also called Dawn. The relationship we'd built before I left was reduced to nothing, and all I could think about was the shelter worker saying he knew Olive from somewhere. It's because she was constantly replacing the cats she adopted with identical replicas and pretending that they had never run away. At times, Copycat feels like a horror game, contrasting with the wholesome yet heartbreaking experience I knew I was signing up for. After all, the life of a shelter cat is far from easy. When I finally took control of Dawn, I very quickly felt nervous about running around corners or exploring new parts of the house, mostly because I didn't want to encounter Olive. She's a nice enough character, but the way she constantly towers over you in the house at the start is haunting. Moreso when you realise she's just been replacing her cats with replicas when they run away. But that's the point, Copycat is supposed to instill this anxiety within you to simulate the feeling of feeling minuscule in a daunting new environment, and it's something it achieves perfectly. Even though I went into Copycat knowing that I'd be in for quite a heartbreaking journey I didn't realise it would be this rough. There were moments when it felt impossible for me return home, especially after Olive looked at me on the porch and told me that I looked exactly like her cat and told me to be on my way. It takes a lot to make me cry unless an animal is involved, so as you can imagine Copycat became a bit of a tear-jerker. But it has made me want to go to whichever animal shelter is closest and bring home every single cat regardless of my allergies, which is probably the most positivity you can get from a game so sad. https://pcgamer.com/games/adventure/copycat-is-an-emotional-adventure-about-a-cat-facing-its-greatest-adversary-an-extremely-forgetful-old-woman/