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I am glad that the government has moved to protect birds and wildlife from toxic lead exposure by banning lead ammunition (Report, 10 July). It would be great if its next move could be to try to protect the estimated 200,000 children in the UK who have asymptomatic and undiagnosed lead exposure that will cause them lifelong health and cognitive impairments. At present we have a passive surveillance system that misses 99% of cases. Lee Crawfurd Senior research fellow, Center for Global Development When working for the same civil service department as Ian Arnott (Letters, 14 July), my husband was told by a senior manager that if he wanted to “get on” in his career he should “lose the beard”. He didn’t – and he didn’t. Dianna Hagerty Deal, Kent I chatted to a group of 16-year-old bearded students after an exam, pointing out the social changes they represented. When training to teach in the 1960s, we students had to shave our beards off when going into schools on teaching practice. Were we just unkempt or dangerous, lefty trendies? Brian Thomas Marden, Kent Re Barney Ronay’s article (11 July), Jasprit Bumrah is cricket’s Toshiro Mifune. A mesmerising samurai for our time, he has the gentle mien, the hunched shoulder, the warrior’s intensity and natural authority. And we love him. Mary Adams London What about Two Soups (Everybody’s favourite manic pixie dream aunt: Celia Imrie’s 20 best films – ranked!, 10 July)? Lucy Hamilton Weymouth, Dorset Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section. Even in moments when the deadline is seconds away and steam is coming out of the laptop — those last-ball finishes on which the entire story hinges — it remains a huge privilege to relay the action to our readers. And going by (most of) the comments and emails, we seem to have a good thing going: a shared love of dissecting a sport that is as absorbing as it is absurd, life-affirming and yet the perfect escape from it. And, very much in the don’t-ask-don’t-get spirit of the lbw law, this is a gentle reminder about the option to financially support the Guardian to help sustain all the above and plenty more. We like being free at the point of entry and do not take gambling industry advertising money, which underpins so much of sports media these days. And, beyond our cricket coverage, you would be backing an investigative, independent news organisation in an era of misinformation and assaults on the freedom of the press. If you can, please consider supporting us today. We value whatever you can share but a monthly subscription makes the biggest impact. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jul/15/protect-children-not-just-animals-from-lead-exposure

Arsenal are set to complete their first forward signing of the window in the form of Noni Madueke. They have also agreed on a fee with Sporting CP for the transfer of Viktor Gyokeres with the finer details being discussed as the club’s attempt to complete the deal in it's entirety. football.london understands the club want to add at least one more attacking player during this summer window. There have been two notable links in the form of Eberechi Eze and Rodrygo. At this time, Eze appears the far more likely candidate with discussions having taken place with the player’s representatives. Eze has a £67.5million release clause and football.london understands Crystal Palace expect the clause to be activated in order to sell their talisman, although there is some hope in north London that stance could soften. READ MORE: Liverpool about to deal Arsenal huge transfer blow as Rodrygo nightmare emerges READ MORE: What Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer means for Mikel Arteta and Premier League title aim Eze has drawn interest from other clubs, though, which would make Palace’s stance more resolute on the release clause. Many question whether Rodrygo would be the smarter choice. A natural winger at Real Madrid, he has fallen out of favour under Xabi Alonso, who has looked to utilise others in his place. Now reports in Spain suggest he could leave with a hefty price tag attached to him. There is, however, something of a misconception surrounding Rodrygo in the form of his potential when moving back to what is seen as his natural left side. With the presence of Vinicius Jr, he has predominantly played on the right-hand side for Los Blancos. You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2ozSuperior Ginseng| Sponsored We have a good sample size of his career numbers so far on both flanks. According to Transfermarkt, he has played 78 times on the left and 146 times on the right throughout his career. He has also featured through the middle on 84 occasions, but for the benefit of the comparison on either flank, let us focus on these figures. https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/rodrygo-transfer-claim-not-add-32064355

Around half of Hongkongers with pre-hypertension who joined a personalised healthy lifestyle coaching programme have seen their blood pressure return to normal after six months, a local university has found. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) on Tuesday released the findings of a study focused on its Jockey Club We WATCH Healthy Lifestyle Project, which targets middle-aged people to help them prevent chronic diseases. The study, conducted from 2022 to 2025, covered 4,399 participants aged between 35 and 59, who were at high risk of developing chronic diseases. It also found that 51 per cent of participants with borderline or high blood lipids had achieved normal lipid levels, while 48 per cent of those with pre-diabetes had their blood glucose restored to healthy levels. Professor Samuel Wong Yeung-shan, director of the university’s School of Public Health and Primary Care, said the findings showed significant improvements in the biometric parameters among participants with higher-risk conditions. “Instead of saying you are obese, you need to change, we say, what do you want to change and how do the changes affect and facilitate your life goals?” he said, noting that the project eschewed “traditional, conventional medicine where you have a more didactic and paternalistic approach”. “You really need to think about whether the person would find that change appropriate at this point in their life.” The participants took part in six months of personalised health management coaching and wore a smartwatch to monitor lifestyle biometrics. They also joined activities that focused on diet, physical activity and stress management. Wong added that there had been few studies in the past that combined medical intervention and personalised coaching, and that CUHK’s not only filled a gap but was also one of the biggest trials. The programme recruited 7,131 people, with 4,399 completing the course. Among those who joined, 73.8 per cent were women and 26.2 per cent were men. Around 66 per cent of them were full-time workers, while 9.1 per cent were part-time workers and 9.5 per were homemakers. More than 31 per cent of them worked 40 to 45 hours per week. The coaching received by participants included physical activity and weight control, stress management, support for smoking and alcohol cessation, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy and health guidance. Among those who had finished the programme, 2,169 of them originally had high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol”, which could increase the risk of coronary heart disease. After the programme, their mean LDL cholesterol level had decreased from 3.94 to 3.79 millimoles per litre. The 540 participants who had high triglycerides, a type of fat found in blood, also saw the mean level drop from 2.22 to 1.81 millimoles per litre. Around 54.6 per cent of 666 people initially diagnosed with pre-hypertension saw their blood pressure return to normal levels. The 415 people with pre-diabetes experienced a mean level reduction from 5.86 to 5.64 millimoles per litre in the relevant indicator. Wong said they also observed improvements in the participants’ fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity levels and sleep quality, as well as decreases in perceived stress levels and sleep disturbance. He said the key to the programme’s success was having lifestyle coaches with contextual and localised knowledge, and the ability to understand what mattered to the participants. “They would [observe] whether there are enough triggers in the environment to facilitate a change you need to see,” he said. “The importance of that is that if you change or you do the health coaching according to [participants’] needs, the change is likely to be sustainable because they have intrinsic motivation.” He said the programme helped participants set goals that they felt were important to their lives, such as being healthy enough to travel to the United Kingdom for their grandchildren’s graduation ceremony. The government in 2023 also rolled out a pilot scheme to provide Hongkongers aged 45 or older with screening and follow-up management for diabetes, hypertension and high blood lipids. The scheme was part of an effort to prevent the rise of chronic diseases in the city. https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3317504/hong-kong-hospital-authority-rejects-claim-locals-cant-secure-residencies?module=perpetual_scroll_1_RM&pgtype=article

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that Beijing and New Delhi should work towards mutual trust and “win-win” cooperation, after talks with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, state news agency Xinhua reported. China and India should “adhere to the direction of good-neighbourliness and friendship” and “find a way for mutual respect and trust, peaceful coexistence, common development and win-win cooperation”, Wang said, according to Xinhua. The two foreign ministers met in Beijing on Monday as the two rivals seek to repair ties following a 2020 clash on their border. The world’s two most populous nations are intense rivals competing for strategic influence across South Asia, and their 3,500-kilometre frontier has been a perennial source of tension. The 2020 clash between their troops led to a four-year military standoff, but they agreed in October on patrols in disputed areas. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping met for the first time in five years later that month, agreeing to work on improving relations. New Delhi is concerned over Beijing’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, seeing the region as firmly within its sphere of influence. Another source of tension is the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader India has hosted since he and thousands of other Tibetans fled Chinese troops who crushed an uprising in their capital Lhasa in 1959. The 90-year-old Dalai Lama says only his India-based organisation has the right to identify his eventual successor. China insists that it would have the final say on who succeeds the Tibetan spiritual leader. https://www.dawn.com/news/1924368/china-india-should-work-towards-win-win-cooperation-fm-wang

Removing @GeN-X from team Reason: no time to be active busy in his life

Pokemon GO debuts Tatsugiri as a region-specific Pokemon during the Water Festival 2025 event. The game releases three variants of Tatsugiri, each with the same typing but different appearances. Curly Tatsugiri, Droopy Tatsugiri, and Stretchy Tatsugiri are debuting. You can get all three Tatsugiri in Pokemon GO starting July 15, 2025, at 10 AM Local Time. The Water Festival 2025 event participants can partake in Tatsugiri Raids. Each Tatsugiri variant comes as a 1-Star Raid Boss, and winning the Raid rewards an encounter. That said, this guide details how to get all three Tatsugiri in Pokemon GO and explores if Shiny Tatsugiri is available. Pokemon GO Tatsugiri is known as the Mimicry Pokemon, and each of its variants shares the same dual Dragon and Water-typing. Curly Tatsugiri, Droopy Tatsugiri, and Stretchy Tatsugiri are region-specific Pokemon and only appear as Raid Bosses in their designated regions. You have to either physically travel to the location to get the respective variant or trade with a friend from that region. Players from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa can participate in Curly Tatsugiri Raids and encounter Curly Tatsugiri. Pokemon GO trainers from the Americas can participate in Droopy Tatsugiri Raids and get Droopy Tatsugiri encounters. Lastly, Asia-Pacific players can partake in Stretchy Tatsugiri Raids and encounter Stretchy Tatsugiri in Pokemon GO. All three forms of Tatsugiri in Pokemon GO have the same weaknesses, which are Dragon and Fairy-type moves. You must use such type-arttibute Pokemon with identical move-types for STAB bonus. Once you win Tatsugiri Raid, a Tatsugiri will spawn near the Raid location. The developers debuted three different forms of Tatsugiri during the Water Festival 2025. But you cannot get Shiny Tatsugiri in Pokemon GO yet. It is rare for game developers to release a Pokemon and its Shiny variant at the same event. https://gamerant.com/pokemon-go-how-to-get-tatsugiri-can-tatsugiri-be-shiny/

I cannot stop yapping about Umamusume: Pretty Derby, the horse girl gacha game which has become the quiet hit of 2025. Part of its draw is the fact that every waifu'd foal is actually based on a real-life racehorse, and while most of them are gnawing on greenery up in the sky, there are a few who are still alive. One such horse is Haru Urara, who was capturing hearts long before her Umamusume debut, but has now become a worldwide hit. She's so po[CENSORED]r now, in fact, that people are gifting high-quality $40 grass to her in droves and breaking the donation site in the process. I will admit I've developed quite the soft spot for Haru Urara myself. I wasn't totally sold on her Umamusume design until I started digging into her real-life history: A mare who ran in 113 races across her career… and lost every single time. Her dazzlingly poor performance caused folk to become awfully endeared to her. nicknaming her "the shining star of losers everywhere." Hell, people would even place bets on Haru Urara despite knowing it would be a guaranteed loss, using the betting slips as good luck charms. That came in awful handy during one race in 2003 where thousands of spectators flocked to her regular racetrack in Kochi—which had been suffering from financial strain—betting over 121 million yen on her to win and giving a much-needed economic boost to her home turf. Did I know all of that before playing Umamusume? Absolutely not, but do I tell everyone about Haru Urara every chance I get now? You bet I do. It's the kind of story that would get anyone rooting for a horse in a Hello Kitty race mask, and Umamusume's exposure beyond Japan has gained Haru Urara a whole lot more fans in the last few weeks—something even her farm acknowledged. Well, it seems fans caught wind—partly thanks to this Japanese X account which has horse facts aplenty—that you could donate ryegrass to various retired racehorses in Japan via the Namabokuso Bank, Haru Urara being one of the candidates. It costs a whopping $40 for 5 kilograms, but that hasn't stopped folk collectively donating 2520kg of the stuff to her. That's just under 4,000 Steam Deck OLEDs' worth of grass, for comparison. It's so much grass, in fact, that it caused the Namabokuso Bank website to crash from the sheer amount of traffic. It's unclear how long the site was struggling—I checked while writing this and things are back up and running smoothly now—but it makes it even clearer how much love there is for this silly little horse. It also proc'd the fun side effect of a ton of art drawing Umamusume Haru Urara drowning in ryegrass, which I've very much enjoyed.It's nice to see people's love for the game having real-life benefits—even if developer Cygames has had to put out some guidelines to make sure people are behaving when trying to visit stables—and Haru Urara isn't the only uma that folk can donate to if they're so inclined. There's Grass Wonder (who has even more grass accumulated at 3775kg) and Nice Nature, but there are also a ton of non-anime horses that would equally feel the love from a big box of the good stuff to chew on. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/sim/anime-horse-girls-are-causing-one-real-life-mare-dubbed-the-shining-star-of-losers-everywhere-to-receive-so-much-usd40-grass-she-broke-the-donation-website/

iPhone 17 series may be unveiled later this year, and the lineup is said to include the standard iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Several key details of these models have surfaced online over the past few months, giving us some clues about their features and design changes. A new leak has hinted at the possible colour options of the upcoming iPhone 17 series. The colours have been spotted in leaked lens protection covers for the successor to the iPhone 16 lineup. iPhone 17 Series Colour Options (Anticipated) Tech reviewer and tipster Sonny Dickson (@SonnyDickson) has leaked images of lens protection covers for the iPhone 17 series handsets. They are seen in various colourways, and they might indicate the colours of the purported iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the new iPhone 17 Air, which is expected to replace the iPhone 16 Plus. Lens protection covers for the vanilla iPhone 17 are seen in black, grey, silver, light blue, light green and light purple colourways. The images further suggest that the iPhone 17 Air may come in black, silver, light gold, and light blue colour options. This backs an earlier leak, which suggested similar colour options for the iPhone 17 Air variant. Meanwhile, the leaked lens protection covers for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models are seen in black, grey, silver, dark blue and orange shades. The tipster claims that the orange option might pertain to a dark gold or copper shade. Leaked images of the iPhone 17 Pro models previously showed the repositioned Apple logo on the purported models. The logo appeared to be placed slightly lower than where it appears on current handsets. The leak also hinted at a redesigned rear camera module, where three cameras are placed in circular units on the left side within a rectangular camera bar. Another leak shows the LED flash and LiDAR sensor on the right side of the camera island. The phones are expected to get aluminium middle frames and support MagSafe charging. https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/iphone-17-series-pro-max-air-colour-options-leak-8873051

It's getting pretty toasty outside, causing me to sweat buckets at my desk, and get excited for the next major ChatGPT launch that is expected to arrive very soon. Just a couple of weeks ago, Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, said ChatGPT-5 is "probably coming sometime this summer." As I write this article on the need for air conditioning in the UK, I'm pretty certain the summer has indeed arrived. So, where's the next iteration of GPT? If, like most of the wider po[CENSORED]tion, you don't follow the almost daily updates that happen in the world of AI, you're probably wondering what ChatGPT-5 even is, and why you should care about it? Well, while we don't know much about what the future of ChatGPT has in store for us, quotes from Altman and co give us an insight. No more confusion Information is pretty scarce surrounding ChatGPT-5, although we've had tidbits of information over the last few months that give us a rough idea of what to expect when the new AI model launches in the coming months. For starters, it'll obviously be the evolution of ChatGPT 4o's capabilities, allowing users to experience more powerful AI tools for everyday tasks. We won't know how much more powerful ChatGPT-5 will be compared to its predecessor until OpenAI launches the new model, and considering how big a deal the next release is likely to be, I'd suspect that happens in a livestream similar to 12 Days of OpenAI from December last year. The huge improvement we know is definitely coming with ChatGPT-5 is the streamlining of the AI selection process, something Sam Altman called "magic unified intelligence" back in February. Altman's roadmap shared on X is the best insight we've got into ChatGPT yet, where he said, "In both ChatGPT and our API, we will release GPT-5 as a system that integrates a lot of our technology, including o3. We will no longer ship o3 as a standalone model." "The free tier of ChatGPT will get unlimited chat access to GPT-5 at the standard intelligence setting, subject to abuse thresholds. ChatGPT Plus subscribers will be able to run GPT-5 at a higher level of intelligence, and Pro subscribers will be able to run GPT-5 at an even higher level of intelligence. These models will incorporate voice, canvas, search, deep research, and more." Last month, Altman sat down for the first episode of the official OpenAI podcaqst in which he detailed the expected release date of GPT-5 as sometime in the Northern Hemisphere's summer months. In the podcast, Altman said, "It used to be much clearer. We would train a model and then put it out, and then train another model and put it out. Now the systems have gotten much more complex, and we continually post train them to make them better. If we keep updating GPT-5, making it better and better, do we keep calling it GPT-5 like we do with 4o or do we call those 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 so you know about the version changes?" He goes on to say that he doesn't have an answer to that question just yet, but agrees there's a better way to name OpenAI's products than the way the company handled 4o. Altman adds, "I am excited to just get to GPT-5 and GPT-6, and I think that'll be easier for people to use, and you won't have to think, do I want o4-mini-high or o3 or o4?" At the end of the section of the podcast where he discusses the upcoming GPT-5 model, Altman prolaimes "I think we will be out of that whole mess soon." I hope so too, Sam, it's getting increasingly difficult to write about ChatGPT's wide variety of models when not everyone understands the differences. As far as I'm concerned, ChatGPT needs a branding overhaul where models are made for the general public to understand and truly use to their potential. GPT-5 might be the turning point that elevates AI to the next level, not just because of its power, but because of its way of streamlining the whole process. https://www.techradar.com/computing/artificial-intelligence/the-next-generation-of-chatgpt-is-just-around-the-corner-heres-why-gpt-5-could-transform-the-way-you-use-ai

After testing FSR and XeSS upscaling on a GTX 660, YouTuber GCS Hardware has moved on to the GT 1030 (the GDDR5 variant) to see how the slowest DX12-capable GPU copes with upscaling. According to a video they published on the matter, the GT 1030 technically can take advantage of FSR upscaling, but it still isn't enough to boost FPS to playable territory, except on GTA V: Enhanced Edition. The YouTuber expanded their testing suite with more modern titles, featuring: Kingdom Come Deliverance II, Space Marine II, Alan Wake 2, Cyberpunk 2077, CS 2, and GTA V Enhanced. The GT 1030 delivered a measly 8 FPS average at native 1080p resolution in Kingdom Come Deliverance II. Enabling FSR 3.1 performance mode significantly boosted performance to 15 FPS average, and moving to a 720p render resolution with the same settings yielded an even greater 21 FPS average. Despite the gains, performance was still well below playable FPS. Space Marine II was even worse, averaging just 6 FPS on the GT 1030 at 1080p native resolution with low settings. FSR performance mode upscaling more than doubled performance to 13 FPS, but the game was still far from playable. Alan Wake 2 was the worst-performing game of the bunch, performing in seconds per frame rather than frames per second at native resolution. Native 1080p performance was below 0 FPS average, and FSR ultra performance mode upscaling boosts performance to 3 FPS average. Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p native low settings achieved 12 FPS average on the GT 1030. FSR 2.1 ultra performance mode boosted FPS to 21 FPS average, and FSR 3 boosted FPS to 18 FPS average. XeSS had the opposite effect, achieving just 8 FPS average in performance mode. CS 2, boasted similar issues on the GT 1030 as on the GTX 660, which the YouTuber reviewed two weeks ago. Native performance was decent; 100 FPS average at low settings, but FSR upscaling did not provide any noteworthy performance improvements beyond native rendering. GTA V Enhanced ran surprisingly well despite overflowing the GT 1030 GDDR5's 2GB memory capacity. The game ran at 30-40 FPS average while consuming 3 GB of memory (video memory overflows to system RAM when full). FSR 3 performance mode boosted performance to 45 FPS, and FSR 1 performance mode boosted performance to 50 FPS average. Similar to GCS Hardware's GTX 660 testing, Nvidia's Pascal-based GT 1030 is not powerful enough to play the modern AAA games at playable FPS with upscaling, except for older titles featuring upscaling support. Still, the GT 1030's performance is a significant improvement from the GTX 660. The Pascal-based GPU was technically capable of performing significantly better with upscaling, in most of the aforementioned titles. The GTX 660, by contrast, did not benefit from upscaling at all in any game GCS Hardware threw at it. Nvidia's newer Pascal architecture contributes to the GT 1030's ability to take advantage of FSR upscaling better than the GTX 660. FSR is designed to use FP16 calculations to process the necessary data to upscale an image from a lower resolution to a higher resolution with as few artifacts as possible. Pascal was the first Nvidia architecture to natively support FP16 compute. By contrast, the GTX 660 was based on the Kepler architecture, which only features FP32 and FP64 compute support. FSR has an FP32 fallback mode for these types of GPUs, but using FP32 compute reduces performance. https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/upscaling-cant-save-the-worlds-slowest-modern-gpu-fsr-doubles-performance-on-gt-1030-but-titles-still-barely-playable

The London School of Economics will open the Jeremy Coller Centre for Animal Sentience on September 30, marking the world’s first scientific institute dedicated to studying animal consciousness, The Guardian reported. Funded by a £4 million commitment, the centre will unite experts in neuroscience, philosophy, law, AI, and more to better understand how animals think and feel. One key project will examine how AI could translate animal communication for humans, while addressing the risks of misleading “translations.” Professor Jonathan Birch, the centre’s director, warned that unregulated AI could harm animal welfare by telling owners what they want to hear instead of reality. The centre will also explore ethical issues around AI in farming and autonomous vehicles. Trustees hope their work will close the gap between beliefs and behaviour in animal welfare and shape global standards. Backer Jeremy Coller says AI could be the “Rosetta Stone” for understanding animal minds.] https://shiawaves.com/english/news/science/128911-uk-launches-worlds-first-centre-to-study-animal-consciousness/

Wicketkeeper-batter Haseebullah Khan has denied switching cricket allegiances from Pakistan to England, claiming via Instagram post that he plans on representing national side on an international stage for the foreseeable future. The response followed social media speculation that the cricketer had moved to England to pursue a future in English cricket. The social media post claimed Haseebullah had met with England Cricket Board (ECB) agents to discuss his future in cricket. “I would like to inform you all that I have arrived in England in connection with my domestic county contract and sponsorship obligations,” he wrote on an Instagram story. Haseebullah said he had no intention of switching national teams. “I remain fully committed to representing my country, Pakistan, with utmost dedication and passion.” It is worth noting that the 22-year-old has represented Pakistan in three T20 Internationals, scoring 36 runs at an average of 12. The wicketkeeper-batter was part of the Quetta Gladiators in the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) but featured in only one match, in which he scored seven runs. In his overall T20 career, Haseebullah has played 35 matches, scoring 599 runs, including three half-centuries, at an average of 19.96 and a strike rate of 118.37. https://www.geo.tv/latest/613916-haseebullah-khan-breaks-silence-on-moving-to-england

For Triptii Dimri, every day is a fashion moment. The actress has been acing one look after another. Carrying an aura of confidence with her, Triptii Dimri picked out a black blazer and a checkered dress for the trailer launch of her upcoming film, Dhadak 2. Picked from the shelves of Milan-based clothing label Antonio Marras, the outfit comprised a long, tailored coat in black. The puff-sleeved number came with strong, structured shoulders, sharp lapels and a sculpted waistline. It had a minimalist design with a straight, fitted silhouette that extended below her waist. Underneath, Triptii wore a crisp white blouse with a large, elaborate bow tied at the neckline. The cuffs of the shirt were visible at the end of the sleeves of the blazer. The lower half of the outfit consisted of a two-tiered skirt with a plaid pattern. While the upper section of the skirt featured a pencil-style fit in a grey-toned plaid, the lower section flared into a frill in a plaid pattern. For makeup, Triptii Dimri opted for a matte finish base, rosy cheeks, defined brows and dramatic smokey eyes. The Bollywood star rounded off the look with a nude brown lip colour. Her brunette tresses were tied in a sleek bun, with some left loose in the front to frame the face. Triptii Dimri's fashionable outings are worth bookmarking. https://www.ndtv.com/lifestyle/triptii-dimri-nails-the-corpcore-trend-in-a-bow-blazer-and-check-skirt-8872844

Two groups of commercial pilots have rejected claims that human error caused an Air India plane crash that killed 260 people after a preliminary investigation found the aircraft’s engine fuel switches had been turned off. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and the Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India) issued statements on Sunday after the release of the initial findings, which showed that fuel control switches to the engines of Flight AI171 were moved from the “run” to the “cutoff” position moments before last month’s deadly impact. The report sparked speculation by several independent aviation experts that deliberate or inadvertent pilot action may have caused the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to crash soon after takeoff from Ahmedabad in western India. Flight AI171 was headed to London’s Gatwick Airport when it crashed on June 12. The report on the crash, issued on Saturday by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), did not offer any conclusions or apportion blame for the disaster but indicated that one pilot asked the other why he cut off the fuel and the second pilot responded that he had not. After the switches flipped, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner immediately began to lose thrust and altitude, according to the report. One pilot can be heard on the cockpit voice recorder asking the other why he had cut off the fuel. “The other pilot responded that he did not do so,” the report said. No more details about the cockpit dialogue between the pilots were revealed. The ICPA said it was “deeply disturbed by speculative narratives, … particularly the reckless and unfounded insinuation of pilot suicide”. “There is absolutely no basis for such a claim at this stage,” it said in a statement. “It is deeply insensitive to the individuals and families involved. “To casually suggest pilot suicide without verified evidence is a gross violation of ethical reporting and a disservice to the dignity of the profession.” The ICPA was referring to a number of aviation experts suggesting engine fuel control switches can only be moved deliberately and manually. United States-based aviation safety expert John Cox earlier said a pilot would not be able to accidentally move the fuel switches that feed the engines. “You can’t bump them and they move,” he told the Reuters news agency. ALPA India, which has 800 members, also accused the investigative agency of “secrecy” surrounding the investigation, saying “suitably qualified personnel” were not involved in it. “We feel that the investigation is being driven in a direction presuming the guilt of pilots and we strongly object to this line of thought,” ALPA India President Sam Thomas said in a statement issued on Saturday. ALPA requested the AAIB be included as “observers so as to provide the requisite transparency in the investigations”. Meanwhile, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said the probe into last month’s crash is far from over and it is unwise to jump to any premature conclusions. Wilson added: “The preliminary report identified no cause nor made any recommendations, so I urge everyone to avoid drawing premature conclusions as the investigation is far from over.” The crash killed all but one of the 242 people on board as well as 19 people on the ground. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/14/no-basis-pilot-groups-reject-claims-of-human-error-in-air-india-crash

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A remake of 2000's Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past is reportedly in development at Square Enix. If the rumors about the Dragon Quest 7 remake turn out to be true, it would mark the continuation of the trend that has seen the Japanese gaming giant re-release old Dragon Quest games for modern systems in recent years. With 11 mainline entries under its belt, it's safe to say the Dragon Quest franchise has had impressive longevity in the industry. Having first hit the shelves in 1986, the IP has appeared on several different platforms, ranging from the NES to PS5, over its nearly four-decade-long existence. While the latest chapter in the saga, Dragon Quest 11, rolled out in 2017, the latest release under the banner, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake, came out more recently in 2024. Later in 2025, a compilation of the first two titles is also set to receive the HD-2D Remake treatment.It seems that the Dragon Quest remake spree might not be ending anytime soon, as Square Enix is actively developing the remake of Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, per the "internal documents" spotted by MP1st. The JRPG, which initially came out on the original PlayStation, will reportedly land at some point in Q4 FY 2025-26 or early in FY 2026-27 "if things remain on track." In other words, the rumored game is expected to make it out between January and March 2026 or by the first few months of the succeeding fiscal year, which starts in April 2026. Moreover, the report highlights that, unlike the previously announced re-releases of vintage Dragon Quest titles, the Dragon Quest 7 project is referenced in the company's documents as a remake and not an HD remake or remaster. Precisely, this suggests that the in-development remake might not just be a graphical upgrade but a more comprehensive refresh of the original. Further, the source also noted coming across a short teaser depicting the game's logo against a cloudy backdrop, which it described as "minimalist but evocative." Regardless of whether the rumored Dragon Quest 7 remake comes out in late FY 2026 or early FY 2027, the source appears certain that the game will launch in 2026. If that is what eventually happens, Square Enix will have shipped three different Dragon Quest remakes in three consecutive years. Keeping in mind Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake's success, another such project being in the works seems more likely than not. However, before any of that, the prolific Japanese studio will be focused on releasing Dragon Quest 1 & 2 2D-HD Remake on PC and consoles on October 30, 2025. It would be interesting to see how this particular game fares in comparison to the well-received Dragon Quest re-release from last year.

In a statement to PC Gamer, Krafton has confirmed the legitimacy of a leaked Subnautica 2 development assessment previously reported on by Kotaku. The Krafton development analysis "recommended to enhance the content volume and level of polish before launching." The delay of Subnautica 2 has been the primary driver of the dispute between former Unknown Worlds senior leadership Charlie Cleveland, Ted Gill, and Max McGuire, and mega-publisher Krafton, which purchased the studio back in 2021. The two slides come from an internal presentation showing Krafton's analysis of Subnautica 2's development status as of May 2025. "While the game includes a variety of content, it currently lacks the freshness and volume expected of a sequel," reads a summary on the first page. On the second slide, Krafton lists five major features Subnautica 2 was lacking in its 2025 build vs. its target early access launch specifications set in 2023: Two fewer biomes, one less leviathan, a missing vehicle, a removed game mode, and "one narrative delayed, with about six hours of content cut." "Compared to the originally planned EA launch specifications, the current target content volume has been reduced or adjusted across various elements such as biomes, creatures, equipment/progression, and features," reads part of Krafton's assessment. "Due to a gap between the current state and the content volume assumed during the initial launch planning, it is necessary to reassess the release timeline and roadmap." "The document that has been circulating on social media and reported by various outlets is indeed part of an internal milestone review conducted as part of the Subnautica 2 project," Krafton wrote in its statement to PC Gamer. "Milestone reviews are conducted regularly in collaboration with Krafton's creative studios across all projects. These reviews help assess development progress, define clear objectives, and ensure that each project aligns with Krafton's standards in both creativity and quality." This evidence from Subnautica 2's development definitely muddies the waters and lends some credence to Krafton's narrative. It seems clear that the delay and expulsion of Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire was not just a way to get out of paying a promised $250 million bonus to the studio.In the (since-deleted) r/pcgaming post calling for a boycott of Subnautica 2 over the firings, the poster and some commenters surmised that Unknown Worlds' ousted devs were the ones who wanted more time on the game and that Krafton was pushing to hit the original release window, when the opposite is clearly true. Unknown Worlds co-founder Charlie Cleveland wrote last week that "We know that the game is ready for early access release and we know you’re ready to play it." At the same time, Krafton internal development metrics are not a stone tablet handed down by god: It's certainly possible that what Krafton perceived as a lack of progress was reasonable rescoping by Unknown Worlds, and that this adjustment could have been made up for during the early access period. Absent more word from the rank and file at Unknown Worlds or actual access to the game, we can't know for sure. Things are getting ugly between Krafton and its ousted developers. The publisher took the pretty unprecedented step of singling Cleveland, Gill, and McGuire out, saying that "We feel a profound sense of betrayal by their failure to honor the trust placed in them," arguing that they "abandoned the responsibilities entrusted to them," and accusing Cleveland in particular of choosing to prioritize a "personal film project" over Subnautica 2's development. Meanwhile, Cleveland has stated that the three have filed a lawsuit against Krafton. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/survival-crafting/krafton-confirms-subnautica-2-leak-showing-that-the-publisher-wanted-more-content-for-the-early-access-launch-leading-to-delay-and-leadership-ouster/

Samsung's Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch in January next year, but early leaks have already begun shedding light on what to expect from the flagship. A new leak states some camera upgrades are in the pipeline for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung is expected to pack a new, larger 200-megapixel main camera sensor on the top-end phone. The Galaxy S25 Ultra successor is expected to debut with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset and 16GB of RAM. Chinese tipster Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo claimed that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature a 1/1.1-inch 200-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor. Samsung is expected to use this sensor for the main camera. This rumoured 1/1.1-inch 200-megapixel sensor would be a major upgrade over the 1/1.3-inch sensor found in the Galaxy S25 Ultra and previous models. The rumoured camera sensor could enhance picture quality compared to the current 200-megapixel shooters. It would also mark a shift in Samsung's imaging strategy. The South Korean brand has thus far used its in-house 200-megapixel sensors for the Galaxy Ultra smartphones. A recent rumour suggested that the Galaxy S26 Ultra would come with a 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 camera sensor. The phone could sport a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel 3x telephoto sensor and a 50-megapixel periscope sensor with 5x optical zoom. It is expected to feature the next-generation ProVisual Engine. Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S26 Ultra early next year with upgrades over the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It could be unveiled alongside the Galaxy S26 Edge and Galaxy S26. The brand is rumoured to discontinue the Plus variant next year. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is likely to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 chipset, which is expected to be announced in September this year. The phone is tipped to pack 16GB of RAM. It is likely to get an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The phone is speculated to offer the same 6.9-inch panel as its predecessor, likely sporting thinner bezels. https://www.gadgets360.com/mobiles/news/samsung-galaxy-s26-ultra-200-megapixel-camera-upgrade-sony-leak-weibo-8861390

Xbox Game Pass is a pretty sweet deal for gamers, especially if you don’t want to buy a console or gaming PC. The subscription library is basically the easiest way to get access to a huge amount of titles for a fairly low monthly charge, Netflix-style, and streaming options make them accessible on devices from a laptop to a VR headset. But how much is Microsoft spending on those games? A lot, clearly. The company has spent upwards of one hundred billion dollars over the last few years, gobbling up developers and publishers across the industry, most notably Activision-Blizzard, Bethesda, and Minecraft maker Mojang. All of those purchases bolster the game and streaming catalog of Game Pass. But what about the games that don’t fit under Microsoft’s ever-widening umbrella? Those require content deals with other companies before they appear on Game Pass, again, very much like TV shows or movies that pop up on streaming services. We’re getting some interesting insight into how those deals go down, from a source that Microsoft might not appreciate. Following a cull of 9000 employees across the company, including deep cuts to the Xbox and gaming divisions, some of those workers are updating their resumes over on LinkedIn (which is also owned by Microsoft). Windows Central spotted former Senior Business Development Manager Ian MacIntyre doing just that. According to MacIntyre, he “negotiated 500+ deals ranging from $50k to over $50m, securing both indie hits and AAA titles for Game Pass.” Precisely which deals for which games cost how much wasn’t mentioned, of course. But perusing the Game Pass library for titles not directly owned by Microsoft via its developers and publishers, I note Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V, Ubisoft’s Rainbow 6 Siege, Dead by Daylight, and recent RPG hit Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Smaller titles that are nonetheless po[CENSORED]r, like fast-paced soccer game Rematch, often get tons of visibility if they launch on Game Pass. The latest round of layoffs, which closed studios and cancelled long-running game projects like Perfect Dark, was heavily spurred by a reallocation of funds for AI competition. Microsoft has laid off 15,000 people this calendar year. It has made over $100 billion in profit every year since 2021. Microsoft has struggled to keep its Xbox console hardware relevant, but PC gaming has never been stronger, and its focus on wooing and keeping Game Pass subscribers appears to be paying off. The company claimed 34 million subscribers as of 2024, and it’s making branding partnerships to expand the “Xbox” label to devices like the Asus ROG Ally and the Meta Quest headset. Without deeper insight into Microsoft’s numbers it’s hard to know how Game Pass is affecting the wider industry, including “cannibalization” of direct retail sales for games that appear on Game Pass at launch. Some industry figures have called the model unsustainable, but Microsoft insists that Game Pass is profitable, even accounting for direct sales lost via major titles. https://www.pcworld.com/article/2846656/microsoft-spends-up-to-50-million-for-game-pass-titles.html

Japan’s Mizuki Co. is now crowdfunding a monitor to match its attractive X68000 Z Super and X68000 Z XVI miniature retro reprint PCs. What can a company do to create an era appropriate (late 90s) CRT-like monitor in 2025? Mizuki has decided to crowdfund the manufacture of a “4:3 LCD curved acrylic structure reproduces the atmosphere of a classic CRT” (machine translation). CRT enthusiasts may feel disappointed by this seemingly low-spec LCD-based offering. The X68000 PCs were a po[CENSORED]r home computer phenomenon in Japan in the late 1980s, and some of the most attractive examples of their kind were produced by Sharp. Latent demand for nostalgic computer products in Japan sparked the retro mini X68000 Z Super and X68000 Z XVI systems. These lovingly recreated systems with matching keyboards and mice are now also being distributed worldwide via Indiegogo. Now, for the sake of completeness, Mizuki has designed “a dedicated monitor of the same scale that can be used alongside the X68000 Z SUPER/Z XVI.” The firm already had a mini monitor in the shape of a 5-inch unit. However, that didn’t properly match the scale of the new retro mini X68000 Z Super and X68000 Z XVI systems, so it was prompted to design and deliver this 8-inch model. The original (larger) X68000 systems sold in Japan in the 1980s came with 14-inch monitors. X68000 Z Super / Z XVI dedicated monitor specs For appropriate physical scaling, the new monitor packs an 8-inch display in its appealing black chassis, positionable upon a rotating pedestal stand. This display is said to be a 1024 x 768 pixels (4:3 ratio) LCD with a 60 Hz refresh. Weighing in at 1.5kg, the monitor is powered by USB Type-C delivered 5V/3A, and will connect up with your mini PC via HDMI. Stereo speakers are built in, and there is also a 3.5mm earphone jack, plus physical controls for volume, brightness, and contrast. Something questionable that caught our eye was that Mizuki intends to use a “curved acrylic structure [which] reproduces the atmosphere of a classic CRT.” That doesn’t sound like the nicest idea for a usable display. It raises the question of whether there will be a bulbous acrylic sheet in front of the LCD, or both acrylic and LCD will be somehow curved like a modern curved monitor. Without any depth to the hardware specs, it is probably best to wait for unit reviews before buying this product. Though ornamentally appropriate, we think CRT enthusiasts might be somewhat disappointed in the results they get from the aforementioned LCD. CRTs have become highly sought after by members of the retro community, and others, for several great inherent qualities. First and foremost, the use of CRTs would be authentic in this case. Typically, CRTs come with exceedingly low input lag, and don't have motion-blur issues. Users may also prefer seeing genuine CRT features like scanlines, phosphor glow, and CRT dithering - to provide a well-rounded retro experience. Some CRT-like effects can be emulated or replicated on LCDs. However, we see that for utmost authenticity, very high spec PC displays are required for tools like Blur Busters’ authentic CRT simulator shader to work as intended – with a 240 Hz+ OLED recommended for the best experience. Above: X68000 Z2 project promotional video At 35,000 Japanese Yen, which is roughly $240, the X68000 Z2 dedicated monitor isn’t bargain priced, either. You are probably paying largely for the 'look and feel' rather than performance or quality in monitor terms. This monitor began its crowdfunding journey in Japan on Friday, and the project will continue for another 18 days on the Kibidango platform (linked top). It has raised more than a third of the crowdfunder goal in just a couple of days, so it looks set to be a successful project. That means we might see it come west (or rather, worldwide) via Indiegogo, in due course. By that time we might have Japan-sourced reviews to check to see if this monitor is a worthwhile investment. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. See all comments (0) Mark Tyson News Editor Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason. https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/retro-gaming/faux-crt-monitor-designed-to-pair-up-with-retro-mini-pcs-to-recreate-crt-feeling-cute-8-incher-puts-retro-design-first-by-shoving-a-60-hz-lcd-panel-behind-a-curved-acrylic-sheet

A new study published in iScience reveals intriguing insights into the evolutionary origins of mammals through the detailed analysis of 380-million-year-old lungfish jawbones found in the Gogo fossil field, located in northern Western Australia. This cutting-edge research offers a unique glimpse into the predatory habits of ancient lungfish and their significant role in the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. The research, spearheaded by Flinders University and supported by a range of global collaborators, uses state-of-the-art 3D finite element modeling (FEM) to reconstruct the biomechanical properties of the fossilized jaws, offering unprecedented detail about the feeding adaptations of these early vertebrates. In this study, scientists analyzed the fossilized jawbones of several lungfish species to understand their ecological niche and the ways they interacted with their environment. Lungfish, known for their unique evolutionary status, are the closest living relatives to tetrapods (four-limbed animals, including humans), and examining their behavior and anatomical structure helps clarify the steps taken by early vertebrates as they transitioned from aquatic to land-based lifestyles. The Gogo Fossil Field: A Treasure Trove of Prehistoric Life The Gogo fossil field in northern Western Australia has long been a site of great scientific interest due to its exceptional preservation of prehistoric organisms, particularly those from the Devonian period. This remote location has yielded a wide range of lungfish fossils, making it one of the most important sites for studying early vertebrate life. The fossils found in the Gogo Formation are uniquely well-preserved, providing researchers with an exceptional window into the biodiversity of ancient ecosystems that existed around 380 million years ago. Lungfish, which have a fossil history stretching back more than 400 million years, are critical to understanding the evolution of tetrapods. “They have an extensive fossil history stretching back over 400 million years and still with living representatives today and their phylogenetic proximity to tetrapods giving insight into our long distant ancestors who first made the move from water to land,” says Dr. Alice Clement, the lead author of the study. Reconstructing the Feeding Habits of Ancient Lungfish One of the most striking aspects of the study is its ability to model the feeding behavior of ancient lungfish based on the preserved jawbones. Through the application of FEM analysis, researchers were able to simulate the stress and strain experienced by the jawbones during biting, offering valuable insights into the evolutionary adaptations of these animals. The team examined seven different species of lungfish, focusing on the shape disparity of their jaws and how these features may have influenced their diet. As Dr. Olga Panagiotopoulou, a biomedical expert from Touro University, explains: “Our comprehensive dataset offers the most detailed quantification of biting performance in any fossil fish thus far, providing biomechanical evidence for diverse feeding adaptations and niche partitioning within Gogo lungfishes.” By simulating the stress and strain experienced by the jawbones during feeding, the researchers were able to create 3D models that not only revealed how these animals ate but also highlighted their distinct ecological roles. A Glimpse into the Evolutionary Path to Land As the research continues to uncover details about the feeding strategies of ancient lungfish, it also provides new clues about their evolution and role in the broader history of vertebrate life. The study of their jawbones and feeding behavior sheds light on the physiological adaptations that helped lungfish make the transition from an aquatic existence to a land-based lifestyle. The insights from this research help fill in the gaps in our understanding of how the first vertebrates made the crucial leap onto land. “We’re slowly teasing apart the details of how the bodies and lifestyles of these animals changed, as they moved from being fish that lived in water, to becoming tetrapods that moved about on land,” says Dr. Clement. This transition was a pivotal moment in the history of life on Earth, and the lungfish play a central role in unraveling the complex processes that led to the evolution of terrestrial animals. https://indiandefencereview.com/380-m-year-lungfish-jawbones-land-animals/

Devon Conway has been named in New Zealand's squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe, also featuring South Africa. The left-handed opener replaces Finn Allen, who was ruled out due to an injury sustained during the ongoing Major League Cricket 2025. The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) had earlier announced a 15-man squad that included Adam Milne and Matt Henry. We're really gutted for Finn: Rob Walter New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed his disappointment over Finn Allen's injury. He said, "We're really gutted for Finn. I was looking forward to working with him and seeing him continue his form from the MLC but unfortunately injuries happen." He added that they are lucky to have someone of Devon's caliber as a replacement for Finn. Squad expansion New Zealand add 4 players to their squad Along with Conway's inclusion, New Zealand have also added Mitch Hay, James Neesham, and Tim Robinson to their squad. They will serve as additional cover for Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, and Rachin Ravindra. These four players are set to play in the MLC final on Sunday. Match schedule Tri-series to run from July 14-26 New Zealand's first match of the T20I tri-series will be played on July 16. The tournament is slated to run from July 14 to 26. This series will give the Black Caps an opportunity to test their mettle against South Africa and Zimbabwe, even with some key players missing due to injuries or other commitments. Information Here is NZ's squad for tri-series New Zealand squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Devon Conway, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi, Mitch Hay, Jimmy Neesham, Tim Robinson. https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/nz-add-trio-as-additional-cover-for-tri-series/story

LOS ANGELES, July 13 (Reuters) - A new "Superman" movie from Warner Bros (WBD.O), opens new tab hauled in $122 million at box offices in the United States and Canada over the weekend, a strong debut that kicked off a new era for DC comic book heroes on the big screen. The movie that introduces David Corenswet as the Man of Steel added $95 million in international markets for a global total of $217 million through Sunday, Warner Bros said on Sunday. "Superman" is a reboot of the movie franchise based on the hero who debuted in comic books in 1938. The film's performance is critical to the future of Warner Bros and its DC Studios division. Despite a stable of iconic characters including Batman and Wonder Woman, DC has not been able to match the blockbuster box office power of Walt Disney's (DIS.N), opens new tab Marvel superhero films. The new "Superman" was written and directed by James Gunn, the filmmaker known for three offbeat "Guardians of the Galaxy" movies for Marvel. Gunn was tapped as co-CEO of DC Studios in 2022, alongside producer Peter Safran, and billed as the hero who could bring consistent success to its film and TV projects. https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/new-superman-muscles-122-million-us-canada-box-office-2025-07-13/