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A broken RTX 5090 recently landed on the desk of Northwest Repairs, run by "Tony" who also serves as the face of their chaotic YouTube channel. NorthWest specializes in semiconductor work, particularly GPUs that need to be brought back from the dead. So, when a PNY RTX 5090 came in with a cracked PCB and no signs of life, Tony got to work and took us along the crazy roller-coaster ride that ensued with repairing this 5090. RTX 5090s are no stranger to controversy. They've had their fair share of melting power connectors, a legacy carried forward from the direct predecessor—the RTX 4090. However, this was somehow not an overheating GPU drunk under the weight of its own power addiction, but rather a cracked PCB, which is an increasingly common failure point on hefty modern GPUs. Cracks in the PCB can interrupt signal traces buried deep inside the board, leading to seemingly random failures that are tough to diagnose and even tougher to fix. Tony began by taking the card apart, starting with the shroud, which eventually revealed the cooler's underlying design—which was... fine. The memory contact plate wasn’t touching the vapor chamber properly, meaning that thermal transfer to the memory was virtually nonexistent. Higher-end variants of the 5090 might not share these oversights as they'll feature more robust cooling systems. The VRMs and surface components, on the other hand, were solid, so power testing was the next step. Even while idle, the GPU was pulling around 5 amps, which is high but normal for a power-hungry beast like the 5090. Tony had to bump his power supply tester up from 4A to 8A just to get it to start, and 8 amps were needed to manage the initial power spike. The card powered on, lights came on, fans spun - but there was no display output, despite the monitor's LED turning on. This meant the GPU was on but just not posting, leading the repairman to believe this was a VRAM issue. Therefore, we continue to memory diagnostics with the processor's iGPU being used for output, and voila, a training error flagged one specific memory chip as the problem. The GPU wasn’t able to complete its DRAM initialization sequence—a sign that the solder joints on that chip had likely gone bad. Tony proceeded to remove said chip from the board, reballed it, and installed it back onto the PCB in a beautiful montage sequence, after which we see the card successfully posting. This was a 2GB Samsung GDDR7 chip, which means the card was from an older batch of 5090s before Nvidia started utilizing SK Hynix-manufactured modules. Unfortunately, the job didn't end there, as in operation the fans immediately ramped to full speed and stayed there. A GPU's fan spinning at 100% without variation means serious trouble; it's likely that the GPU itself thinks there's something wrong with it. At the same time, the PCIe interface suddenly went out. The earlier heat cycles may have worsened whatever internal damage the PCB already had, and the PEX (the initial link the PCIe protocol makes to the motherboard, signaling that the GPU is all good and ready to go) just had its last good moment before deeper damage set in. To rule that out, the GPU core was fully reballed, an unbelievably meticulous job that involves the highest level of precision and skill. Not only that, but this is also an RTX 5090 so it's not like donor boards are flying off the shelves; there is simply no room for error. After the process was complete, Tony checked everything and quickly found that the reball had inadvertently introduced a new problem: there was a dead short on memory, likely due to thermal expansion. Initially, the thermal camera connected to Tony's phone did not catch anything, so he employed "critical thinking" and started to check for rising temperatures across the board. Eventually, he identified the faulty chip—the same one that he had reballed earlier. After replacing it again, the short was fixed, but the card still wasn’t being recognized by the system as there was no PEX. At this point, the original PCB crack had likely worsened during heat cycles, fully severing internal connections. Digging deeper revealed that only a few of the VRM power phases were actually active. The usual voltage rails—12V and Vcore—were present, but the digital "Driver ON" signals weren’t reaching half the VRM controllers. Tony's guess was proven right, a trace buried inside the PCB had been severed. Now comes out the wiring, and perhaps the most impressive part of the repair. Since the signal wasn’t shared across phases, a simple jumper wire was run to reconnect the broken path. That restored full power delivery, but PEX was still missing. Another jumper was added to bridge a missing PCIe enable signal. This time, it worked and PCIe came back online, and the card posted again. Thinking that the card is repaired for good now, Tony reassembled it, but the issues returned. PCIe detection failed again with the fans maxing out like before, and one memory phase didn’t power up. Upon probing, he discovers that the enable signal for PEX, sourced from the 3.3V PCIe slot rail, is no longer reaching its destination, essentially rendering that phase dead. The final fix involved running a third wire to supply 3.3V directly to that memory enable signal. After that, everything worked. The PCIe link was stable at last, power delivery was balanced across all phases, and the GPU passed a full round of stress testing consisting of both benchmarks and games. Tony carefully put back the GPU, making sure to even glue one of the PNY stickers that had fallen off a fan earlier. Mission complete. From broken inner-layer traces to a fully-fledged core reballing, and even signal patching, every fix pushed right up against the limits of what can be done on a multilayer board without a factory. For a card that might cost more than an entire high-end build, this was one of the rare cases where saving it was not only possible, but entirely necessary, and Northwest Repairs did one phenomenal job at that. https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/dead-rtx-5090-with-a-cracked-pcb-gets-urgent-surgery-from-repair-wizard-tech-casually-reballs-the-core-replaces-a-memory-chip-twice-and-runs-more-wires-across-its-traces-than-the-nsa

Responding to a call on social media by the Animal Projects Association, HİPDER, and Afalina Animal Rights Community, around 100 volunteers gathered in a forested area of the Buca district that had been scorched by recent wildfires. Most of the participants were strangers to each other but shared a common mission: to search through the charred remains of the forest and save any living creatures left behind. Wildfires have ravaged over 49,000 hectares across Türkiye this summer, with İzmir among the hardest-hit provinces. After forcing evacuations in many villages and wreaking havoc in several districts, the fires in the western city were brought under control. The group conducted searches in areas where fire suppression efforts had been completed. During the operation, they rescued a blunt-nosed viper, two lizards and two tortoises. A veterinarian on site treated the injured animals, while the others were placed in temporary enclosures and prepared for relocation to safer habitats. Funda Bonomo, the founding president of HİPDER, said they were overwhelmed by the public’s response to their call for help. “We wanted to save the animals that couldn't escape the fire but were still alive, to either get them to safety or provide medical treatment,” Bonomo said. “We put out a call and received an incredible response. About 100 people showed up, most of them strangers to us. We came together and managed to rescue several animals. The effort is still ongoing, so we hope there will be more.” Volunteer İzgen Cebbar said she was devastated by the sight of the burned forest but encouraged by the solidarity among the group. “Everyone gave their all to rescue even a single animal,” she said. “We spotted a lizard at one point, and we were all determined to catch it. We were exhausted, sweating, but we didn’t give up. We just wanted to get it out of that darkness.” Cebbar also urged the public to follow safety measures to prevent future wildfires, stressing the devastating toll on wildlife. Another volunteer, Tolga Çevik, pointed to the environmental degradation that contributes to such disasters. “We found all kinds of trash in the forest, bottles and waste,” he said. “The forest was already reduced to ashes. But what I can’t understand is, why is this garbage even here in the first place?” Such careless human behaviors lay the groundwork for these natural disasters, Çevik noted. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/volunteers-save-injured-animals-among-ashes-after-izmir-wildfires-211146 

Australia completed its recovery to win the second cricket test against West Indies by 133 runs with a day to spare, clinching the series in the process. Australia dismissed West Indies for 143 in 34.3 overs on Day 4 to take an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-test series. On Saturday, half-centuries by Steve Smith and Cameron Green had helped to put Australia back in charge after the visitors lost early wickets in their second innings, at one stage slipping to 28–3. After resuming Sunday at 221–7 – and a lead of 254 runs – Australia was all out for 243, setting West Indies a target of 277 for victory. Shamar Joseph took 4–66. For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. At 33–4, West Indies’ chase was in trouble. The match was over in the afternoon session. Left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Starc returned 3–24 to lead the Australian attack. Captain Roston Chase top-scored for West Indies in the second innings with 34. A dream start, Australia captain Pat Cummins said the series win happened at a good time for his team, which lost last month to South Africa in the World Test Championship final. “An away (series) win as well – they’re not the easiest to come by – so really pumped with how we’ve bounced back after Lord’s,” Cummins said. “It’s a dream start, two from two gets us into the (new WTC) cycle and we’ve played some really good cricket.” Australia won the first test against West Indies by 159 runs in three days. The third test, a day-night match, starts Saturday in Kingston, Jamaica. https://english.alarabiya.net/sports/2025/07/07/australia-clinches-series-with-victory-in-the-2nd-cricket-test-against-west-indies

Located across from Ferrari HQ in Maranello, Ristorante Cavallino began as a humble canteen in 1950. Today, it’s a stylish tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s legacy — reimagined by chef Massimo Bottura and designer India Mahdavi. Cavallino is located in Maranello, between the Ferrari factory, the Gestione Sportiva racing department and the new flagship store. The restaurant, garden and open-air terrace are adorned with a collection of memorabilia and racing rarities from the company’s archives, allowing the public a unique glimpse into the Ferrari legend. Housed in an old farmhouse bought by Enzo Ferrari, together with the land around it that is now home to the Ferrari company (a symbol of Maranello and Italy around the world), Cavallino was originally the company canteen. It was then transformed into a sit and dine restaurant in 1950, and is now the setting for Massimo Bottura’s creative cuisine, conjured up by the chef’s pupil, Riccardo Forapani. By: Lifestyle Desk New Delhi | July 6, 2025 20:30 IST 3 min read Ristorante Cavallino began as a humble canteen in 1950 (Source: Ferrari.com) Located across from Ferrari HQ in Maranello, Ristorante Cavallino began as a humble canteen in 1950. Today, it’s a stylish tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s legacy — reimagined by chef Massimo Bottura and designer India Mahdavi. Cavallino is located in Maranello, between the Ferrari factory, the Gestione Sportiva racing department and the new flagship store. The restaurant, garden and open-air terrace are adorned with a collection of memorabilia and racing rarities from the company’s archives, allowing the public a unique glimpse into the Ferrari legend. Housed in an old farmhouse bought by Enzo Ferrari, together with the land around it that is now home to the Ferrari company (a symbol of Maranello and Italy around the world), Cavallino was originally the company canteen. It was then transformed into a sit and dine restaurant in 1950, and is now the setting for Massimo Bottura’s creative cuisine, conjured up by the chef’s pupil, Riccardo Forapani. Story continues below this ad According to Tripadvisor, the eatery serves traditional regional dishes, such as the delicious tortellini del Tortellante, with interesting personalised twists, as evidenced by the Mòdna dessert, a Sacher cake made with sour cherries. The interesting wine list includes plenty of options by the glass, while the decor here has a pleasant vintage feel. Main room The main room is decorated with pixelated Prancing Horse-patterned wallpaper. The high ceiling arches offer perspective and depth, and the squared terracotta floor in shades of red and ivory is inspired by classic Italian trattoria tablecloths. The warm, welcoming atmosphere is enhanced by oak-panelled walls, upholstered yellow leather benches, console furniture individualized with photographic collages of Ferrari engines, and natural linen tablecloths. The walls feature maxi-print images from the Scuderia’s historic yearbooks, as well as the front wing of the car in which Charles Leclerc won the 2019 Italian Grand Prix. Grill Room Located between the main hall and the outdoor area, the Grill Room is a pleasant surprise within the warm surroundings of the restaurant. The wall features a system of grilles which allow guests to watch the preparation of dishes. From the large arched windows, guests can admire the Mediterranean-inspired outdoor patio, dominated by a pergola. It is replete with trees, plants, flowers and aromatic herbs, and is vibrant with all the changes of the seasons.There are also a couple private rooms located on the first floor, and dedicated to those wishing to dedicate themselves to the immersive experience celebrating the history of Ferrari. Both rooms are inspired by the heart and soul of Ferrari: racing and GT. From design sketches of the first Ferrari racecar to Ascari’s historic winner’s trophy from the 1952 Monza Grand Prix, you can find it all here. https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/food-wine/heres-a-quick-look-inside-the-worlds-first-ferrari-themed-restaurant-ristorante-cavallino-10105447/

Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found here. https://www.ft.com/content/e08ab9e5-99be-449b-abe6-e65e5d18cf55 The first suspected attack by Yemen’s Houthis on a commercial vessel this year forced the crew of a Greek-owned cargo ship to abandon their vessel in the Red Sea on Sunday. The attack was followed almost immediately by Israeli strikes on a number of Houthi-held ports in Yemen. If the attack on the Magic Seas, a dry bulk carrier owned by Greece’s Stem Shipping, is confirmed as the work of the Houthis, it would be the first on a commercial vessel since December by the group, which is backed by Iran. Michael Bodouroglou, Stem Shipping’s chief executive, told the Financial Times the crew had been left “terrified” by multiple waves of attacks, which started with an assault by men in skiffs and left the ship taking on water. “They didn’t know whether they were pirates or Houthis but then it became obvious they were Houthis because there were more and more, and there were missiles,” Bodouroglou said. Martin Kelly, head of advisory for marine security company EOS Risk Group, said the attack marked a “huge shift in intent” by the Iran-backed group, both because it was the first in so long and because of the scale of the attack. Pointing to the apparent use of skiffs, uncrewed surface ships and missiles fired from drones, Kelly said: “They meant to sink this ship.” Hours after the attack, Israel’s defence minister wrote on X that Israel had “forcefully” struck Houthi-linked targets, including the ports of Hodeidah, Al-Salif and Ras Isa and a power station. He added that they had also hit the car-carrying Galaxy Leader ship, which had been attacked and seized in the first Houthi attack on merchant shipping in November 2023. He said the vessel had been used for “terror activities” in the Red Sea. The Houthis’ main X account wrote that: “Yemeni air defences effectively repelled the Israeli aggression, forcing a significant portion of its formations to retreat, thanks to a large salvo of locally manufactured surface-to-air missiles, which caused considerable confusion among the enemy’s pilots and operations rooms.” The Magic Seas had been carrying a mixture of steel products and fertiliser from China to Turkey, Bodouroglou said. He insisted the current voyage had no links to Israel — the reason usually cited by the Houthis for attacking ships — but acknowledged his vessels sometimes called at Israeli ports. Bodouroglou said missiles had started fires in the forecastle near the ship’s bow and in its second hold. The vessel’s fuel tanks were damaged and the engine room hit, leaving it taking on water. The crew was in the course of abandoning ship, he said, adding that the vessel might sink. “The good thing is no crew member has been hurt,” Bodouroglou said. The UK’s Maritime Trade Operations office later confirmed the crew had left the ship and had been picked up by “a passing merchant vessel”. The ship was 51 nautical miles south-west of Hodeidah, the Houthis’ main port, at the time of the attack, the office said. The Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility. However, no other group has mounted similar attacks in the Red Sea in recent years. The Houthis have said they are attacking ships in support of Gaza’s Palestinians. The attack on the Galaxy Leader in November 2023 took place shortly after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The group stopped attacking commercial vessels in the run-up to the start of a ceasefire in Gaza in January and had not resumed them since then, despite the collapse of that truce in March. The group has instead focused on firing missiles repeatedly at targets in Israel, such as the country’s main airport. In May US President Donald Trump said the US would stop its bombing campaign against the Houthis in response to assurances from the Iranian-backed group that it would halt its attacks on ships. The Houthis’ previous attacks on commercial ships between November 2023 and December last year sank two vessels, set fire to another three and killed at least four mariners. The attacks prompted many shipowners to redirect vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal and to sail round the Cape of Good Hope. https://www.ft.com/content/e08ab9e5-99be-449b-abe6-e65e5d18cf55

Kafka is a 5-star character in Honkai: Star Rail with some interesting tricks up her sleeve. She does a little bit of everything, from follow-up attacks to big AOE bursts and painful DoT procs, making her somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades as far as DPS characters go. Being effective in so many types of damage gives her leeway when it comes to character builds in Honkai: Star Rail. As a Nihility character, players should still expect her to play more into the DoT and debuff side of things, but at the same time, Kafka is still capable of blowing targets up with her attacks and the passive effects in her Talent tree. The following build focuses on maximizing Kafka's core identity as a high-damage DoT enabler who's all about making everyone else in the party shine. Updated July 5, 2025 by Marc Santos: Kafka, along with a few other HSR characters, received significant buffs to their kits in the 3.4 update, greatly enhancing their gameplay and relevance in the game's ever-growing roster. Players can expect Kafka to still play the same as she always had, but given the buffs she got, she can also be used in ways that were previously not ideal. We've updated this guide to account for the changes Kafka received in Honkai: Star Rail 3.4. Honkai: Star Rail Kafka Build Kafka is a Lightning Nihility character with the unique ability to manually trigger DoT effects like Bleeding, Shock, and Wind Shear. She's not as good at applying DoTs herself compared to other characters, but Kafka's paired together with other HSR characters like Sampo, Luka, or even Serval, she can be utterly devastating against any target. Important Note: Speed is a desirable trait for Kafka, but she should never be the first one to act in a fight. If she does, she'll have no DoTs to trigger, resulting in mediocre damage for the first turn. If you're capable of tuning the SPD of your party, make it so that Kafka is acting second or third depending on how many DoT characters you have. On the other hand, she needs only ~28% Effect Hit Rate to guarantee Shock procs with her Ultimate against enemies with 40% Effect RES.Prisoner in Deep Space decreases the DEF of enemies every time its wearer deals DoT damage. When inflicted, this debuff benefits all members of the party, making Kafka more valuable even to non-Nihility cast members of Honkai: Star Rail like Topaz. DEF shred effects complement other buffs and debuffs that affect outgoing damage, which is why many players use characters like Pela in hypercarry teams. Players can make do without stacking as much ATK on Kafka since much of her damage will come from DoT effects applied by the whole team. Still, it's a good idea to get her ATK stat to around the 2500 mark or higher, so her own attacks aren't brushed off. CRIT stats aren't that important for Kafka, but she still benefits from it thanks to her Follow-Up Attack, which works in conjunction with the rest of her abilities. As for Light Cones, you can't go wrong with any of the 5-Star Nihility options. Her signature Patience is All You Need LC has the best synergy with her kit, but if you don't have this, Fermata is enough to keep Kafka's personal damage output high. If you're taking on something like Pure Fiction or any other encounter with many waves of enemies, then Solitary Healing can help you defeat as many enemies as possible. Lies Dance on the Breeze (Cipher's signature LC) is also extremely in Kafka's hands thanks to its DEF shred and SPD bonus. It's perfect for players who want to focus on turning Kafka into a support/sub-DPS character. As for Light Cones, you can't go wrong with any of the 5-Star Nihility options. Her signature Patience is All You Need LC has the best synergy with her kit, but if you don't have this, Fermata is enough to keep Kafka's personal damage output high. If you're taking on something like Pure Fiction or any other encounter with many waves of enemies, then Solitary Healing can help you defeat as many enemies as possible. Lies Dance on the Breeze (Cipher's signature LC) is also extremely in Kafka's hands thanks to its DEF shred and SPD bonus. It's perfect for players who want to focus on turning Kafka into a support/sub-DPS character. The Trace order for Kafka is a little different from most other characters since her main ways of applying Shock are on her Ultimate and Talent abilities. Still, the basic idea applies: focus on her hardest-hitting abilities first before taking everything else. Twilight Trill (Ultimate) Caressing Moonlight (Skill) Gentle But Cruel (Talent) Midnight Tumult (Basic Attack) Players who plan on using Kafka exclusively as an enabler for Honkai: Star Rail's DoT teams can focus on leveling her Skill first, as it's the one responsible for triggering DoTs. Kafka's Talent and Ultimate are her main sources of Shock. As long as players use Twilight Trill or a different party member's basic attack, Kafka will be able to use Caressing Moonlight and still trigger the Shock effects she applies herself. https://gamerant.com/hsr-honkai-star-rail-kafka-build-guide/

In these trying economic times, it is tempting to visit the website LinkedIn.com in search of gainful employment in the videogame business. On that dread portal one can find an endless parade of hucksters and hustlers promising they're guarding the secret to success: a guaranteed six-figure career is just one $299.99 seminar away! Here on the trusty ship PC Gamer we make no such outlandish promises, instead offering more practical advice: How to get laid off from whatever games industry job you already have. The array of techniques assembled below is so wide-ranging, we're confident that anyone—from an enthusiastic 23-year-old graduate just weeks into their dream role, to a 30-year veteran beloved for their unending willingness to share decades of accrued knowledge and experience—can find the path to joblessness that's just right for them. With these tried and true methods, a little grit and plenty of hard work, you too will be able to join the ranks of the approximately 35,000 wondering if they'll be able to afford rent, provide for their families, or find fulfillment in their chosen craft, which generates well over $100 billion in revenue each year. PC Gamer's definitive (but by no means exhaustive) list of ways to lose your job in the videogame industry—guaranteed! Work at a company whose "platform, hardware, and game roadmap have never looked stronger" Make a game that does so well that it's called a "break out hit" by the company that hired you to make it Work for a publisher that decides your game is dead less than three months after your boss insists "the game is absolutely not dying" Follow up a critically acclaimed game about skateboarding with a critically acclaimed game about rollerblading before your publisher decides it needs to "rationalize its pipeline" Make a game that doesn't do well, probably because of decisions made by your boss, boss's boss, and/or boss's boss's boss Help make a game as successful as Marvel Rivals, but as part of a team that does not fit into new plans for "optimized development efficiency" Work at a studio that gets acquired for over $60 billion dollars, none of which ends up in your pocket Endure executive pressure that forces your studio into making a game it isn't well-suited to (it is then shut down) Work at a studio that can't get funding despite being founded by an industry veteran Work at a company that needs to become more flexible/agile/versatile under these trying economic conditions. (Meanwhile, your CEO might've spent $2 million on vintage cars) Have a boss who wears a really bad hat on stage Go on strike because your bosses want you to train your AI replacement Fail to meet unrealistic sales expectations after your game has been de-prioritized and your studio mismanaged Get hoovered up by a company whose spending spree turns out to be reliant on Saudi Arabia forking out $2,000,000,000 (and then it doesn't do that) Believe a tech company that it's serious about funding games for its new platform that no one wants. (It will change its mind before you have enough time to finish a game) Have a boss who declares that a leak of "non-public information" about your in-development game was so dire, the whole studio's gotta go Uh oh, your CEO is high on AI! Should've seen that coming Write the best character in a long-running and much beloved RPG series Just, uh, write a character at all Have the hubris to try to make a videogame. What were you thinking? https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/foolproof-ways-to-get-laid-off-in-the-videogame-industry/

With temperatures soaring high in India, the demand for air conditioners (ACs) has never been higher. These home appliances can bring some much-needed relief from the scorching heat. There are ample options from a vast range of brands available in the market when it comes to ACs, but choosing the right unit for your home can be a hassle with various factors coming into play. The size of the room, tonnage requirement, budget, and the space available to install the unit must be considered when purchasing an AC. For smaller rooms, a window AC can be a compelling option due to the ease of installation, lower maintenance costs, and portability. Features to Look For When Buying A Window AC Room Size Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Rating Condenser type Air dust filter Cooling modes Inverter Turbo cooling Auto restart To help you make an informed purchase, we have curated a list of the best window ACs under Rs 30,000 in India. Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star Turbo Mode Window AC Voltas is considered one of the more reliable brands in India's AC market. This model, launched in 2025, has a 1.5 ton capacity, an Energy Rating of 3 star, and a 4,750W cooling capacity. Its Turbo Mode is designed to quickly cool down a room even in soaring temperatures, while the Filter Clean Indicator and Low Gas Diagnosis features inform users when the AC requires regular maintenance. The Voltas 1.5 Ton 3 Star, Turbo Mode Window AC has a Copper condenser coil with anti-rust coating for prolonged durability. The window AC is also said to have an “Ultra Silent” operation. Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star Fixed Speed Window AC The Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star Fixed Speed Window AC can be purchased as an alternative to the aforementioned Voltas AC. It carries a self-diagnosis feature which alerts the user in case of any issues with the unit. Godrej has equipped this window AC with a Copper condenser coil with a Blue Fin Anti-Corrosion coating for durability. Meanwhile, its Pure Air Filter is claimed to remove dander, dust particles, and odour to provide clean air. The AC has a 3 star Energy Rating and promises a stabiliser-free operation. Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star Fixed Speed Window AC A more affordable option in the AC market is the Lloyd 1.5 Ton 3 Star Fixed Speed Window AC. It comes with Blue Fins Copper Coils and its non-inverter compressor is claimed to work in temperatures up to 48-degree Celsius. The AC has Clean Air Filter and self-diagnosis functions to minimise any issues during operation. The auto-restart feature in the window AC ensures the unit turns on automatically in case of power cuts. Carrier 1 Ton 3 Star Window Fixed Speed AC For smaller rooms, the Carrier 1 Ton 3 Star Window Fixed Speed AC can be a compelling purchase. It comes with Aqua Clear Protection which prevents the accumulation of water and moisture in the unit. Meanwhile, Carrier claims its Hydro Blue Coating protects the condenser fins from corrosion by humidity and salts present in the air. The Carrier 1 Ton 3 Star Window Fixed Speed AC has a 3 star Energy Rating and features an Active Carbon filter that eliminates pet odour, smoke, and paints from air. Haier 1 Ton 3 Star Fix Speed Side Flow Window AC The Haier 1 Ton 3 Star Fix Speed Side Flow Window AC comes with a Turbo Cool which is advertised to cool the room faster. The company says it can operate in temperatures up to 54-degree Celsius. The window AC has a grooved Copper condenser coil and a “Hyper PCB” made with thicker conformal and FR4 flame resistance material. The Super Micro Antibacterial filter on the Haier window AC is claimed to trap bad odours, smoke, and harmful airborne chemicals in the air. https://www.gadgets360.com/home-appliances/news/best-window-ac-under-rs-30000-india-july-2025-carrier-voltas-lloyd-godrej-haier-8824898

Google unveiled its upcoming Live Updates feature at this year’s Google I/O event back in May, and though the Android 16 roll out has begun, it won’t be widely available for another few months. In the meantime, Google has released new insights to its version of iOS’ Live Activities, including what kind of apps the feature will support. Android 16’s Live Updates is similar to Live Activities in iOS, which displays timely information and ‘progress-style’ notifications on your lock screen that are updated frequently, meaning you won’t have to open apps to view their status. At the moment, Live Updates is only functional in the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta, but it’s expected to land with the wider Android 16 roll out later in the year. Since it was first previewed at Google I/O, the functionality and appearance of the feature itself has remained ambiguous, but a recent post on the Android Developers page gives further details on what we can expect from Live Updates – including a first look at the feature in action. In Android’s post, Live Updates will be used ‘for activities that are ongoing, user-initiated and time sensitive’. Similarly to Live Activities in iOS, Android 16’s Live Updates will support phone calls, food and rideshare tracking, and ‘active navigation’ for apps that show live trip progress such as Google Maps. Google even goes into detail about how developers should show Live Updates when it comes to time sensitive notifications, using the following explanation: ‘A Live Update is often appropriate for activities that transition between Live Updates and normal notifications. For example, showing a boarding pass notification is appropriate many hours before a user's flight, but the notification should become a Live Update only when the user has a pressing need, such as when they have arrived at the airport or venue or once boarding has begun. In contrast, a Live Update isn't appropriate for tracking a package as the user doesn't need to constantly monitor this’. Android has its boundaries While Google has given us the long-awaited visual insight to Live Updates, the company has also been clear with app developers that the feature should not be abused. In its post, Google has been quite explicit with this, stating ‘Don't use Live Updates to offer accelerated access to app functionality’. Ads, promotions, chat messages, alerts, upcoming calendar events, and quick access to app features have been deemed as ‘inappropriate uses’. Now the only key detail that’s missing is an official roll out date for Live Updates. As mentioned above, Live Updates is only available with the latest Android 16 QPR1 beta but Android Authority’s findings hint that apps will start leaning into this function next quarter when the update is expected to go live. https://www.techradar.com/computing/software/android-16s-answer-to-ios-live-activities-is-coming-soon-here-are-the-apps-itll-support-including-google-maps

DDR4 prices have been steadily increasing in the past months due to the lack of supply. Top DRAM manufacturers Micron, Samsung, and SK hynix have announced earlier this year that they’re ceasing production of DDR4 memory by the end of 2025, with CXMT, China’s largest memory manufacturer, following suit in May. Because of this, pricing for DDR4 chips has tripled in just two months, with ComputerBase [machine translated] reporting that 8GB DDR4-3200 chip pricing is going over $5 (versus $1.75 at the end of April). The double pack variant of this DDR4 memory module now has an average price of $8.80, rising by more than 100% from $3.57. Because of this, a few smaller players have realized DDR4 is profitable once again and have decided to extend production. For example, Taiwan-based memory maker Nanya, with its extensive DDR4 portfolio, is benefiting from these price jumps. This is especially true as it does not have LPDDR5 production and only has a limited DDR5 product line. On the other hand, bigger manufacturers like Micron are unlikely to jump on the bandwagon, especially as they’re allocating the freed-up factory lines on current and upcoming technologies, like DDR5 and HBM. A few DDR4 module prices have lowered slightly, owing to this news. But pricing remains generally high at the moment, especially as buyers are probably still stocking up on DDR4 memory chips in anticipation of production end. We expect pricing to normalize once smaller manufacturers have gone back up to speed with producing them, but it will likely take time for them to go back to their original levels. JEDEC first officially introduced the DDR5 standard in 2020, meaning the technology has been around for around five years by now. Intel’s latest CPUs support DDR5, and AMD’s Zen 4 processors and up only support DDR5. Aside from that, the AI boom is turning the massive demand for HBM chips into a lucrative market, pushing major players to migrate their old DDR4 lines for HBM production. These developments are slowly but surely pushing DDR4 out of the market, but because of the number of older technologies that still use it, it will likely be some time before we truly see the end of this technology. https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ddr4/ddr4-prices-are-now-so-high-that-vendors-have-decided-to-start-making-it-again-manufacturers-want-a-slice-now-that-its-more-expensive-than-ddr5

There are those who believe only higher order creatures, such as human beings, keep pets. When asked why they think that way, many begin their reply with a scoffing sound and a roll of the eyes. When they do explain themselves, it is apparent most just don’t believe animals keep other animals as pets and they offer that as their opinion. That’s OK, too. Those who spend a lot of time with animals in captive or breeding colonies have seen a few behaviors that appear to be “pet keeping.” Psychologists as a group haven’t spent a lot of time with the question, but a few have. Most notably among those writing in the po[CENSORED]r press is Hal Herzog, Ph.D. Herzog is professor emeritus of psychology at Western Carolina University and lives near Asheville, N.C. He publishes the Psychology Today blog called “Animals and Us.” He has been investigating the complex psychology of our interactions with other species for three decades. His research interests include the impact of pets on human health and well-being, attitudes toward the use of animals and the evolution of pet-keeping. One certainly cannot approach this subject without reading Herzog’s work. In the June 25 issue of Psychology Today, Herzog updated a piece titled, “Are Humans the Only Animals That Keep Pets?” In it, he takes the reader through his thought process to consider the question, but he also reminds us of many such instances where animals seem to keep other animals as pets. In his second paragraph he reminds us, “What about Koko’s kitten, you ask, referring to the well-known case of the American Sign Language-trained gorilla who fell in love with a kitty cat? What about Owen, the 600-pound baby hippo who became fast friends with Mzee, a 160-year-old giant tortoise in a Kenyan game preserve? How about elephant Tarra at the Elephant Sanctuary in the Tennessee, whose BFF was a dog named Bella?” The critics of such thought have an important point. “The problem is that virtually all these cases have occurred among captive or semi-captive animals in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, or research labs,” continues Herzog. Perhaps this means the pressures and stresses of being held in, or born into, captivity alters behavior? Herzog took it upon himself to go to the literature to find published examples of wild animal species keeping a different wild animal species as a pet. He reports he “... scoured academic journals and consulted a host of animal behaviorists for examples of pet-keeping in other species in the wild. I found none.” In his then-forthcoming book on human-animal relationships titled, “Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It’s So Hard to Think Straight About Animals,” Herzog wrote, “The human being is the only animal that keeps members of other species for extended periods of time purely for enjoyment.” He says he made the last key stroke on the last set of edits and sent them along in 2006, when a colleague rocked his boat with a study in an issue of the American Journal of Primatology. “It was bad news for my only-humans-keep-pets theory. I could almost hear (his friend) chuckling. The article described a group of a dozen or so bearded capuchin monkeys who were caring for a baby marmoset, another species of monkey.” The capuchins in question weren’t quite wild nor were they completely captive. Caretakers provided daily food for the colony. Second, the relationship is unclear as to whether this was pet-keeping or adoption. In the end, Herzog says that only one questionable relationship like this may be the exception that proves his rule. https://www.dnews.com/the-scoop/professors-study-asks-do-animals-keep-animals-as-pets-too-b01e87d6

Jayden Seales ripped out the opening batters to reduce Australia’s second innings to 12-2 and lead over West Indies to 45 runs on day two of the second Test on Friday. sal of Sam Konstas for a duck during the second Test between West Indies and Australia. | Photo Credit: AP Jayden Seales ripped out the opening batters to reduce Australia’s second innings to 12-2 and lead over West Indies to 45 runs on day two of the second Test on Friday. The West Indies’ first innings almost lasted the entire day, but it was all out for 253 — 33 runs behind Australia — which left a tricky half-hour in the day. The hosts made it as hostile as possible and preyed on Australia’s nervous top order. Seales bowled Sam Konstas for a duck in the first over and almost claimed Cameron Green on the next ball. Green barely fended off Seales and was fortunate the ball dropped in front of second slip. he dismissal of Sam Konstas for a duck during the second Test between West Indies and Australia. | Photo Credit: AP Jayden Seales ripped out the opening batters to reduce Australia’s second innings to 12-2 and lead over West Indies to 45 runs on day two of the second Test on Friday. The West Indies’ first innings almost lasted the entire day, but it was all out for 253 — 33 runs behind Australia — which left a tricky half-hour in the day. The hosts made it as hostile as possible and preyed on Australia’s nervous top order. Seales bowled Sam Konstas for a duck in the first over and almost claimed Cameron Green on the next ball. Green barely fended off Seales and was fortunate the ball dropped in front of second slip. Seales then got a nip-backer to trap Usman Khawaja plumb on two. Khawaja’s video review showed it was going to hit middle stump. Nathan Lyon came in as the nightwatchman, and he and Green just made it to stumps. On the penultimate ball, Lyon took an Alzarri Joseph delivery into his left bicep. He needed on-field treatment. Seales had two from five from three overs, including a maiden. For Konstas, it was his third single-digit score in four innings on tour. Opening partner Khawaja has scored 47, 15, 16 and 2. Before that, he had 0 and 6 in the World Test Championship final. No. 3 Green is also still looking for a morale-boosting score. The West Indies have their own top-order issues. Kraigg Brathwaite was out for a duck in his first innings in his 100th Test, caught and bowled by Josh Hazlewood in the first over. Keacy Carty went the same way on 6 to Pat Cummins, and John Campbell wasted a good start of 40 when he skewed Beau Webster to mid-on. It took Brandon King’s maiden Test half-century and the tailenders’ 73 invaluable runs for the West Indies to get close to Australia’s 286. The West Indies was 174-7 after lunch, still more than 100 behind, but the Nos. 8-11 batters — notably Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph, not related — frustrated the Australians for 25 overs and led the West Indies past 200 and 250. King and captain Roston Chase, who took 18 balls to get off the mark, rebuilt West Indies from 64-3 to a confident 110-3 by lunch. Chase was out straight after lunch, trapped on 16 by Hazlewood after Australia reviewed. But King lofted Hazlewood for six over square leg, then his seventh boundary brought up his 50 off 77 balls, his first 50 in his second Test and West Indies’ first 50 in the series. King waltzed down the track to hit Lyon for another couple of sixes as his partnership with Shai Hope began to flourish. But Cummins ended their 58-run stand when he bowled Hope on 21, and King fell in the next over, nicking Lyon behind. King laboured for 75 off 108 balls with eight boundaries and three sixes. A third wicket in four overs, Justin Greaves, tumbled West Indies to 174 for seven. But the Josephs made it to tea and kept going for 51 runs together. Alzarri scored 27 and Shamar 29. Last pair Anderson Phillip and Seales resisted for another nearly 11 overs for 16 runs. All six Australian bowlers took wickets; Lyon led with three for 75. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/wi-vs-aus-2nd-test-day-2-result-highlights-seales-shines-in-west-indies-vs-australia-match-report/article69775496.ece

For years, scientists have believed that inflammation inevitably increases with age, quietly fuelling diseases like heart disease, dementia and diabetes. But a new study of Indigenous po[CENSORED]tions challenges that idea and could reshape how we think about ageing itself. For decades, scientists have identified chronic low-level inflammation – called “inflammaging” – as one of the primary drivers of age-related diseases. Think of it as your body’s immune system stuck in overdrive – constantly fighting battles that don’t exist, gradually wearing down organs and systems. But inflammaging might not be a universal feature of ageing after all. Instead, it could be a byproduct of how we live in modern society. The research, published in Nature Aging, compared patterns of inflammation in four very different communities around the world. Two groups were from modern, industrialised societies – older adults living in Italy and Singapore. The other two were Indigenous communities who live more traditional lifestyles: the Tsimane people of the Bolivian Amazon and the Orang Asli in the forests of Malaysia. The researchers analysed blood samples from more than 2,800 people, looking at a wide range of inflammatory molecules, known as cytokines. Their goal was to find out whether a pattern seen in earlier studies – where certain signs of inflammation rise with age and are linked to disease – also appears in other parts of the world. The answer, it turns out, is both yes and no. Among the Italian and Singaporean participants, the researchers found a fairly consistent inflammaging pattern. As people aged, levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, such as C-reactive protein and tumour necrosis factor, rose together. Higher levels were linked to a greater risk of chronic diseases including kidney disease and heart disease. But in the Tsimane and Orang Asli po[CENSORED]tions, the inflammaging pattern was absent. The same inflammatory molecules did not rise consistently with age, and they were not strongly linked to age-related diseases. In fact, among the Tsimane, who face high rates of infections from parasites and other pathogens, inflammation levels were often elevated. Yet this did not lead to the same rates of chronic diseases that are common in industrialised nations. Despite high inflammatory markers, the Tsimane experience very low rates of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia. Inflammaging may not be universal These results raise important questions. One possibility is that inflammaging, at least as measured through these blood signals, is not a universal biological feature of ageing. Instead, it may arise in societies marked by high-calorie diets, low physical activity and reduced exposure to infections. In other words, chronic inflammation linked to ageing and disease might not simply result from an inevitable biological process, but rather from a mismatch between our ancient physiology and the modern environment. The study suggests that in communities with more traditional lifestyles – where people are more active, eat differently and are exposed to more infections – the immune system may work in a different way. In these groups, higher levels of inflammation might be a normal, healthy response to their environment, rather than a sign that the body is breaking down with age. Another possibility is that inflammaging may still occur in all humans, but it might appear in different ways that are not captured by measuring inflammatory molecules in the blood. It could be happening at a cellular or tissue level, where it remains invisible to the blood tests used in this research. Why this matters If these findings are confirmed, they could have significant consequences. First, they challenge how we diagnose and treat chronic inflammation in ageing. Biomarkers used to define inflammaging in European or Asian po[CENSORED]tions might not apply in other settings, or even among all groups within industrialised nations. Second, they suggest that lifestyle interventions aimed at lowering chronic inflammation, such as exercise, changes in diet, or drugs targeting specific inflammatory molecules, might have different effects in different po[CENSORED]tions. What works for people living in cities might be unnecessary, or even ineffective, in those living traditional lifestyles. Finally, this research serves as an important reminder that much of our knowledge about human health and ageing comes from studies conducted in wealthy, industrialised nations. Findings from these groups cannot automatically be assumed to apply worldwide. The researchers are clear: this study is just the beginning. They urge scientists to dig deeper, using new tools that can detect inflammation not just in the blood, but within tissues and cells where the real story of ageing may be unfolding. Just as important, they call for more inclusive research that spans the full range of human experience, not just the wealthy, urbanised corners of the world. At the very least, this study offers an important lesson. What we thought was a universal truth about the biology of ageing might instead be a local story, shaped by our environment, lifestyle and the way we live. https://theconversation.com/ageing-isnt-the-same-everywhere-why-inflammation-may-be-a-lifestyle-problem-260322

At least 35 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since dawn on Saturday, local hospital sources told Al Jazeera, as strikes intensified amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Among the dead were at least two civilians reportedly waiting for aid distribution, the sources said. The Israeli military struck multiple areas, including the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, where at least two people were killed in an air raid on a family home. Another strike in Gaza’s az-Zarqa neighbourhood killed one person and injured others, according to Palestinian news agency. A separate attack targeted a school sheltering displaced civilians in Gaza, killing at least five, while one of the deadliest strikes hit a makeshift tent in al-Mawasi, where seven members of a single family were killed. The escalation comes as Hamas issued a positive response to a proposed ceasefire deal, in what observers describe as a familiar pattern of intensified bombardment ahead of potential truce agreements. Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, an Israeli drone strike hit the town of Shebaa, near the intersection of the Lebanese, Syrian, and Israeli-occupied Golan Heights borders. Casualty details were not immediately available. Gaza ceasefire proposal The draft ceasefire agreement includes a 60-day pause in hostilities, to be guaranteed by US President Donald Trump, as reported by Al Jazeera. Moreover, as part of the ceasefire deal, Hamas has agreed to release 10 Israeli hostages alive and hand over the remains of 18 others, starting from the first day of the truce. The proposal would also allow for the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid into Gaza, with food and supplies distributed through established mechanisms such as the United Nations and the Red Crescent. Under the terms of the agreement, Israel would halt all offensive military actions across the territory. Military operations, including surveillance flights, would pause for 10 hours daily. During the ceasefire, Israeli forces would be repositioned in northern Gaza, the Netzarim Corridor, and southern areas of the Strip. The plan further outlines that negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire would begin immediately once the temporary truce is in place. Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, shout slogans as they stand around a Palestinian flag during a rally to show solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, in Sanaa, Yemen, on July 4, 2025. Photo: Reuters Since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, Yemen’s Houthis have fired missiles and drones at Israel in what they say are acts of solidarity with the Palestinians. Photo: Reuters Israel's war on Gaza The Israeli army has launched a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing at least 57,012 Palestinians, including 134,592 children. More than 111,588 people have been injured, and over 14,222 are missing and presumed dead. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave. The proposed deal includes a pause in hostilities, increased humanitarian aid, and negotiations on the release of captives. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2554322/at-least-29-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-strikes-on-gaza-since-dawn

because of the lack of interest I didn't see your activity in past 3 days do some activity then come back after 3 week Good luck!

Google is expected to launch its Pixel 10 series of smartphones in August. A new leak suggests that the Mountain View-based tech giant may introduce several first-party accessories alongside the handsets. Some of these are likely to be new products, while others may receive updated colour options. Among the potential new launches are the Pixel Buds 2a, expected to be a budget offering. The company may also introduce a Pixel Charger and a Pixel Wireless Charger, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to debut in a new colour option. Google Pixel Buds 2a, Pixel Wireless Charger May Launch With Pixel 10 Series According to a series of X posts by tipster Arsène Lupin (@MysteryLupin), Google may introduce several new accessories, including a pair of TWS earphones, alongside the Pixel 10 series later this year. The Google Pixel Buds 2a are expected to launch in Fog Light, Hazel, Iris, and Strawberry colour options, as per one of the posts. The upcoming TWS earphones are likely to succeed the Pixel Buds A-Series, which debuted in June 2021. We do not know much more about the Google Pixel Buds 2a, but they are expected to serve as a more budget-friendly alternative to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which are priced in India at Rs. 22,900. In another post, the tipster states that the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 may launch in a new Sterling colour option, which will likely be a shade of grey. Currently, the TWS earphones are available in Hazel, Peony and Porcelain colourways. The Google Pixel Charger could soon be available in a shade called Rock Candy, according to another post by the tipster. He added that the company will likely introduce a Google Pixel Wireless Charger as well. No details about the latter were suggested, but it could be the next generation of Google's Pixel Stand. https://www.gadgets360.com/audio/news/google-pixel-buds-2a-wireless-charger-launch-leak-expected-colour-options-8824165

Crytocurrency hasn’t just ruined the hunt for an affordable graphics card, or the conversation at that little bar you used to like. Now it’s come for everyone’s favorite alt browser, too. Dozens of fake cryptocurrency wallet extensions—indistinguishable from their nominally legitimate counterparts—are flooding Firefox’s add-on repository. It’s a problem. Koi Security researchers report that a coordinated campaign has been going on since April of this year, posting fake versions of po[CENSORED]r crypto wallets like Coinbase, Ethereum, and MetaMask, making copies of the open-source wallet programs and inserting malicious code. The fake versions of the wallets will steal user data—primarily the access to real cryptocurrency—allowing the allegedly Russian-speaking hackers to drain the legitimate crypto accounts. Copied names and logos, fake reviews, and the usual spammy nonsense are being used to impersonate the real versions of the cryptocurrency wallets. Though Mozilla has automated systems in place to prevent malicious extensions from getting into the repository, these systems seem to be overwhelmed, with at least 40 fakes making it through (most subsequently removed) as of this week. BleepingComputer was given an official comment on the situation, but it seems fairly boilerplate. Even well after the crypto and NFT boom has died down, there are still hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of value tied up in Bitcoin and its many alternatives. If you need access to these systems, double- and triple-check your sources for software and tools, going directly to the necessary URLs if possible. Once “anonymous” cryptocurrency gets stolen, especially across international borders, it’s all but impossible to recover. https://www.pcworld.com/article/2836251/firefox-is-being-flooded-with-crypto-wallet-scam-extensions.html

It's always been clear that PCIe bandwidth has an effect on gaming, especially when playing on some of the most high-end GPUs. But what about content creation? Puget Systems put this idea to the test and found that lacking proper PCIe bandwidth can seriously hinder performance in video rendering and game development. That suggests professionals working with multiple add-in cards may need to take care in their placement to ensure the best possible performance for their workloads. PCIe generation is almost exclusively down to your motherboard's specifications. But just because a board supports the latest PCIe 5 on its 16x slots doesn't mean they're all equal. Plugging cards into both slots can cause them to default to a mere 8x lane configuration, halving bandwidth for both cards. Installing additional NVMe SSDs can also reduce the number of available lanes, potentially impacting performance in a range of professional tasks. The same goes for older motherboards with support for older standards, too. Puget proved that PCIe bandwidth can limit performance in its DaVinci Resolve benchmarks. The best performance was, unsurprisingly, with the PCIe configuration with the most bandwidth. Puget found only margin of error differences between PCIe 5 16x, PCIe 5 8x, and PCIe 4 16x. But when switching down to PCIe 5 4x, PCIe 4 8x, or PCIe 3 16x, performance took a 10% hit. Dropping down one tier further to PCIe 4 4x or PCIe 3 8x saw a total dip of 25% from the original figures. That's the kind of performance drop-off that could have a serious impact on a business, potentially reducing profits through longer time to results, or more staff and equipment time required. After Effects saw less of a drop off, with only the slowest PCIe configurations falling outside of the margin of error, but they still show an impact from having less available PCIe bandwidth. Puget recorded similar results with Unreal Engine 5.5 virtual production tests, where PCIe 4.0 4x and PCIe 3 8x were around 7% slower than the highest bandwidth configurations. It also recorded a five percent difference between the highest and lowest bandwidth options in Blender, though the Llama large language model benchmark shows little effect. In conclusion, it seems that available PCIe bandwidth can have a notable impact on performance in professional applications, and particularly in video editing. However, it should be noted that this test was performed with an Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics card. That's the fastest GPU in the world outside of some professional options, and it demands the most PCIe bandwidth of any card. Systems built around more modest GPUs may not suffer so much from PCIe bandwidth constraints.

The vaquita may be the world’s rarest — and most endangered — animal. The vaquita is a small porpoise that mainly inhabits the northern region of the Gulf of California in Mexico. Researchers estimate that there are currently fewer than 10 vaquitas living in the wild. Although their numbers are still dwindling, other endangered species have been able to come back from similarly dire situations. However, time is running out. What Is Happening to the Vaquitas? Vaquitas are not disappearing due to natural causes. In 1997, their po[CENSORED]tions numbered 600, but due to illegal fishing in the northern Gulf of California, the species has all but gone extinct. Between 1997 and 2015, the vaquita po[CENSORED]tion decreased by at least 90%. The primary obstacle facing the vaquitas’ survival is the use of gillnets in illegal fishing practices. The nets hang below the water’s surface. They drop twenty feet down, and some are as wide as a football field. To a vaquita, this wall of mesh is deadly. They become entangled in the nets and drown. These nets are also the only documented reason for the vaquita’s po[CENSORED]tion decline. The only way for the vaquita to survive is to ensure their habitat is free of gillnets. Yet, this isn’t as simple as just removing the nets from the ocean. Many families in Mexico survive solely on the income they get from fishing. Although the Mexican government permanently banned gillnets in 2017, except for those used to catch curvina and sierra, illegal use continues. Despite the ban on gillnets in a seven-mile region of the northern Gulf of California, the rules are inconsistently enforced. During one survey, researchers observed upwards of 200 boats illegally fishing with gillnets in the prohibited region. Some advocacy groups have patrolled the area, removing any unattended nets. However, due to organized crime groups operating in these fishing communities, conflicts between the advocacy groups and fishermen have sometimes turned deadly. The Role of the Totoaba The secondary character in this conflict is the totoaba, which is also endangered and protected. This totoaba is a large, rare fish that lives only in the Gulf of California. However, the fish’s swim bladder is what fishermen are after. One kilogram of totoaba swim bladder is currently selling for around $8,000 on the international market. Used in a Chinese soup called fish maw, the totoaba’s bladder is said to have medicinal properties, including the ability to boost fertility. In China, this soup, and in turn, the totoaba bladder, is incredibly valuable. Yet, how is the totoaba related to the vaquitas? The illegal fishing occurring in the Gulf of California is actually poaching. Fishermen are searching for the rare totoaba in order to sell its bladder to Chinese tradesmen. The gillnets that are so dangerous to the vaquita are the most effective for catching totoaba. So, how do we protect the nearly extinct vaquita? This requires political action. Earlier this year, seven people were charged in relation to totoaba poaching. The United States has also banned seafood caught with gillnets from the northern Gulf of California. Hoping to curb the illegal trafficking of totoaba, the Mexican government has recently announced it will change import/export laws to allow a company that cultivates totoaba to sell their products as long as they meet the regulations for traceability. Some shrimp fishermen are also stepping in, hoping to preserve a part of their heritage. These fishermen are using alternative fishing methods or different nets that are less likely to entangle vaquitas. However, due to the lower yield of fish, these fishermen are struggling to make a living from their catch. IUCN researchers also suggest, as they have before, that fishermen must be both incentivized and trained to use different gear. By bringing further attention to this issue, urging the international community to curb the market for totoaba bladders, demanding political action, and considering your own choices when shopping for seafood, the vaquita could have a chance at survival. https://a-z-animals.com/animals/vaquita/the-worlds-rarest-animal-is-about-to-go-extinct/

WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez will defend his title against Britain’s Anthony Yarde in November, Saudi boxing officials announced on July 3. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Boxing Federation, confirmed the fight as part of Riyadh Season. The exact date and venue are yet to be finalised. The bout will be Benavidez’s first since he was promoted to full champion status. The 28-year-old previously held the interim belt, which he captured with a unanimous decision win over Oleksandr Gvozdyk in June 2024. He followed up with a victory against David Morrell in February, securing his position as the division’s leading contender. Benavidez (30-0, 24 KOs) was elevated to champion earlier this year after former titleholder Dmitry Bivol opted for a trilogy bout against Artur Beterbiev rather than defend against the interim titleholder. Long linked to a clash with Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight, Benavidez moved up in weight after failing to secure the fight. His opponent, Anthony Yarde (27-3, 24 KOs), will be making his third attempt at a world title. The London-born fighter fell short in his first title shot against Sergey Kovalev in 2019 and again in 2023, when he was stopped by Beterbiev in a high-profile bout for the WBC, IBF and WBO titles. Yarde returned to winning form in April with a points win over Lyndon Arthur on the undercard of Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn. He’ll now seek a breakthrough moment against one of the division’s most powerful and technically gifted champions. The November contest adds another high-profile name to Riyadh Season, which has emerged as a key player in boxing’s global calendar. Further details on the card are expected in the coming weeks. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2554141/david-benavidez-to-defend-wbc-title-against-anthony-yarde

NEW DELHI: Adopting a healthier lifestyle is more effective than using the anti-diabetes drug metformin, with the benefits persisting over 20 years later, according to a study. The US Diabetes Prevention Program, launched in 1996, enrolled 3,234 patients with prediabetes from 30 institutions across 22 states. The study aimed to compare the benefits of metformin and a lifestyle modification that included exercise and a healthy diet. Researchers from The University of New Mexico, US, found that making lifestyle changes lowered the development of diabetes by 24 per cent, while the anti-diabetes drug lowered it by 17 per cent. The findings are published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal. The team noted that differences between the two approaches -- taking metformin and adopting a healthy lifestyle -- were seen in the first few years since the study's start and were durable. After the first three years, lifestyle interventions, such as weight loss and increased physical activity, led to a 58 per cent reduction in the onset of type 2 diabetes, compared to a 31 per cent reduction with metformin. "The data suggests that those people who didn't get diabetes also didn't get diabetes after 22 years," author Vallabh Raj Shah, professor emeritus at The University of New Mexico's School of Medicine, said. Participants in the lifestyle modification group experienced an additional 3.5 years without diabetes, while those in the metformin group gained an extra 2.5 years. "Within three years (since the study started), they had to stop the study because lifestyle was better than metformin. That means lifestyle, which everybody is banking on, is more effective -- that is the news," Shah added. The authors wrote, "During follow-up, compared with placebo, diabetes incidence rate was reduced in the (intensive lifestyle intervention) group (by 24 per cent), and in the original metformin group (by 17 per cent), with corresponding increases in median diabetes-free survival of 3.5 years and 2.5 years. https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/health/2025/Jul/03/viruses-and-the-brain-new-study-uncovers-links-to-neurodegeneration-after-viral-infection

Russian President Vladimir Putin told United States President Donald Trump in a phone call on Thursday that Moscow wants a negotiated end to the Ukraine war, but will not step back from its original goals, a Kremlin aide said. In a wide-ranging conversation that also covered Iran and the Middle East, Trump “again raised the issue of an early end to military action” in Ukraine, the aide, Yuri Ushakov, told reporters. “Vladimir Putin, for his part, noted that we continue to seek a political and negotiated solution to the conflict,” Ushakov said. Putin briefed Trump on the implementation of agreements reached between Russia and Ukraine last month to exchange prisoners-of-war and dead soldiers, Ushakov said, and told him that Moscow was ready to continue negotiations with Kyiv. “Our president also said that Russia will achieve the goals it has set: that is, the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs, to the current acute confrontation, and Russia will not back down from these goals,” he added. There was nothing in the Kremlin readout to suggest that Putin had made any shift in Moscow’s position during the conversation with Trump, who took office with a promise to end the war swiftly but has voiced frequent frustration with the lack of progress between the two sides. The phrase “root causes” is shorthand for the Kremlin’s argument that it was compelled to go to war in Ukraine to prevent the country from joining Nato and being used by the Western alliance as a launch pad to attack Russia. Ukraine and its European allies say that is a specious pretext for what they call an imperial-style war, but Trump in previous public comments has shown sympathy with Moscow’s refusal to accept Nato membership for Ukraine. Putin and Trump did not talk about the US decision to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine, Ushakov said. On Iran, he said, “The Russian side emphasised the importance of resolving all disputes, disagreements and conflict situations exclusively by political and diplomatic means.” Trump last month sent US stealth bombers to strike three Iranian nuclear sites, in a move condemned by Moscow as unprovoked and illegal. https://www.dawn.com/news/1921891/putin-tells-trump-he-wont-back-down-from-goals-in-ukraine-kremlin-says

A brand-new Resident Evil game has been announced during Anime Expo, but the nature of the game isn’t what fans were expecting. Anime Expo is a Los Angeles-based convention comprised of guest panels, gaming, competitions, and concerts. The 2025 schedule includes panels from Crunchyroll, MAPPA, Bandai Namco, Netflix, and more, and in addition to Resident Evil news, Konami devs are set to host a Silent Hill f panel to unmask the upcoming title. Capcom’s Resident Evil IP has produced over 30 games since its 1996 debut, including main entries, spin-off titles, and remakes. The Resident Evil series, particularly Resident Evil 4, is one of the best must-play horror games on the market, alongside The Last of Us, Silent Hill 2, and Amnesia: The Dark Descent, and similar to the Silent Hill franchise, Resident Evil oozes a potent atmosphere for horror fans to sink their teeth into. Anime Expo announced Resident Evil Survival Unit, a mobile game coming to iOS and Android. Developed by JoyCity Corporation and built in close collaboration with Capcom, Survival Unit is marketed as a real-time strategy experience, designed to appeal to veteran fans of the franchise and newer players. Since Survival Unit’s genre is a surprise to most fans, the game has the potential to join the list of ambitious Resident Evil games, including Resident Evil 2 Remake, Resident Evil Village, and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City. Fans will be able to find out more about Survival Unit on July 10 at 3 PM PT / 6 PM ET when the full reveal takes place. Resident Evil Survival Unit Announced for iOS and Android at Anime Expo Survival Unit’s announcement is a welcome balm after Capcom shut down Resident Evil Re:Verse’s servers recently, and the mobile game certainly caught the attention of most. A majority of fans were surprised to find out that Survival Unit was a strategy game, which didn’t appeal to some, and others pointed out that if the game were released on consoles as well, they would have bought it in a heartbeat. Adding to the Resident Evil hype of late, fans were also treated to the announcement of Resident Evil Requiem during Summer Game Fest, which is due to release in February 2026. Despite the trailer centering on FBI technical analyst Grace Ashcroft, rumors suggest a more familiar face will serve as the protagonist in this chapter. One Resident Evil Requiem leaker shared 100% certainty that Leon S. Kennedy was the main character, and Capcom was just baiting the fandom. https://gamerant.com/resident-evil-survival-unit-mobile/

After mainlining Dune: Awakening (and nothing but Dune: Awakening) for about a month, I'm currently decompressing by playing just about every other game that comes across my desk. Since I didn't get a chance to dive into Next Fest because it took place during the June of Dune, I'm busying myself with free demos on Steam, the best way to sample a ton of different games without spending a dime. If you're looking to add some games to your Steam wishlist, or maybe just want to try a bunch of cool demos over the weekend, below you'll find a quick list of what I've been playing. And even though not every demo I played made it to my wishlist, that doesn't mean I didn't like them! Everything on this list is worth taking a look at. Here are the 10 free Steam demos I played this week (plus some emoji descriptions to sum them up), starting with the five I added to my Steam wishlist. Kurzgesagt, maker of awesome animated science videos, teamed up with Toukana Interactive, maker of chill citybuilder Dorfromantik. In other words: can I add Star Birds to my wishlist twice? I had a great time in the demo exploring and exploiting asteroids, setting up factories and unlocking new tech, managing resources and supply lines—it's delightful, and it looks for all the world like one of those great Kurzgesagt YouTube videos, only in game form. I'll try anything with a hint of Balatro, but while "anagram roguelike" Watchword has some Balatro-like elements it is firmly doing its own thing—and it lowkey rocks. Assemble connecting words on a grid, use magic books to tweak the rules, buy artifacts to enhance letter tiles, and occasionally bribe a boss to look the other way by giving them cheesecake. I played one game and I was hooked, and I'll be playing again as soon as I finish writing this. If you like word games, download this demo immediately. I haven't played a Stardew-like in a while, but the short Discounty demo landed it on my wishlist immediately. Instead of a farm you're running a discount grocery store (take that, Pierre), and what at first seems to be the sort of charming little town typical of life sims gives way to some unusual and downright seedy goings-on. Even your sweet-as-pie Aunt seems to have a beef with one of the locals. Not only do I want to manage my little shop, I want to find out what the heck is the deal in this unsettling little town. Herding big shaggy monsters across a countryside seems like it'd be a major departure from the developer of the boat-centric Far games, but in Herdling developer Okomotive has once again crafted a beautifully detailed world with a haunting atmosphere that's a pleasure to explore. I love the minimal on-screen instructions—you pretty much figure everything out for yourself—and I already feel protective of my small herd of critters. I like it when a developer crams a handful of ideas together in an unusual way, so why not mash up Vampire Survivors and Super Breakout? Ball X Pit even has a bit of base-building and farming in it, somehow. You basically march through an oncoming tide of monsters while flinging ricocheting balls at them, collecting upgrades, powerups, and minions along the way, and when you're finally felled you work on your base for a bit before hitting the dungeon again. Definitely a "one more run" kinda game. Those are my wishlist picks: so, what about the other five demos? Even though these games didn't make it onto my list, they're still worth checking out: 🧟 Quarantine Zone: The Last Check: A zombie apocalypse management sim, which I wrote about earlier this week. I had a decent time scanning survivors for signs of zombie plague, but the base management stuff was a bit drab. 🕵️‍♀️ City of Voices: One of the devs behind The Rise of The Golden Idol has made an Idol-alike, and if you love examining scenes and puzzling together what happened, you should give it a look. I'm just more interested in the gruesome and grisly murders from the Idol games than the more family-friendly adventure here. 🐭 Morsels: I utterly love the vibes of this charmingly grotesque creature-collecting roguelite, but found it a bit tough to tell what was going on at times, even on a big monitor, due to the murky color palette and some of the effects. Not saying I won't try it again at launch. 🐟 Scale the Depths: A casual fishing game where you chase fish around with your hook, scale 'em and chop 'em, then feed 'em to hungry customers like seals and mermaids. It's plenty fun, I just like a shade more complexity in my fishing games. 🤺 Half Sword: It's hilarious to lurch around hacking off enemy limbs in this physics-based medieval brawler, but this is the kind of game I'd rather watch streamers play than play myself. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/i-played-10-free-steam-demos-this-week-here-are-the-5-games-that-made-it-onto-my-wishlist/