National Doctors’ Day, observed on July 1 each year in India, honours the relentless commitment, compassion, and service of the country’s medical professionals. It highlights the crucial role doctors play in healing and uplifting communities, often while making personal sacrifices along the way.
National Doctors’ Day 2025 celebrates the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts of doctors. (Freepik)
To make this day truly special, here are some heartfelt wishes, thoughtful messages, beautiful images, and warm greetings you can share with the doctor in your life to show your gratitude and appreciation. (Also read: National Doctor’s Day 2025: Why is it celebrated on July 1? Know theme, history, significance and more )
National Doctors’ Day 2025 wishes
1. Happy National Doctor’s Day to the one who heals not just with medicine but with compassion and care. Thank you for all that you do!
2. I wish you a Happy Doctor’s Day filled with appreciation because your compassion changes lives in more ways than one.
National Doctors’ Day is celebrated on July 1st every year in India. (Freepik)
3. Your care has healed, your words have soothed, and your actions have inspired. Wishing you a beautiful Doctor’s Day.
4. A doctor’s job is never easy, but you do it with so much grace. Happy Doctor’s Day!
5. You carry the weight of many lives, yet continue with kindness and strength. Happy Doctor’s Day!
6. I’ll never forget how much your care meant to me in a difficult time. Thank you, and Happy Doctor’s Day!
7. Happy Doctor’s Day to someone who has changed lives with every diagnosis, every decision, and every act of care.
It honours the dedication and selfless service of our medical professionals.(Freepik)
8. Happy Doctor’s Day! May you always be surrounded by gratitude, respect, and good health.
9. You inspire us with your courage, knowledge, and kindness. Happy Doctor’s Day.
National Doctors’ Day messages and greetings
10. Thank you for being a light in the darkest times. Wishing you a joyful Doctor’s Day.
11. A heartfelt salute to your dedication, passion, and healing hands. Happy Doctor’s Day.
12. Your care brings comfort, your smile brings strength. Happy Doctor’s Day.
The day commemorates Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a legendary physician and former Chief Minister of West Bengal.(Freepik)
13. You’ve got the cure for pain and the heart to heal. Happy Doctor’s Day
14. I’ll never forget how you made me feel heard and safe. Happy Doctor’s Day!
15. It’s an honour to know someone who lives to serve others. Happy Doctor’s Day to you!
16. Your journey may be tough, but your purpose is powerful. Happy Doctor’s Day!
17. You make medicine an art of hope. Wishing you a meaningful Doctor’s Day.
Doctors play a crucial role in healing, protecting, and uplifting communities.(Freepik)
18. Happy Doctor’s Day to someone whose work brings health, hope, and healing into the world.
19. Your dedication to healing lives is nothing short of inspiring. Happy Doctors’ Day!
20. May your kindness and care continue to inspire us all. Wishing you a Happy Doctors’ Day!
National Doctors’ Day WhatsApp and Facebook status
21. May your day be filled with the same hope and care you bring to your patients. Happy Doctors’ Day!
22. Happy Doctors’ Day 2025! Your healing hands and kind heart are a true blessing to the world.
23. Thank you for being a source of strength and healing in our lives. Happy Doctors’ Day 2025
They often work long hours, making personal sacrifices to save lives.(Freepik)
24. Your role in our lives is powerful beyond words. Thank you and Happy Doctors’ Day 2025
25. Happy Doctors’ Day to someone who makes a real difference every single day.
26. Happy Doctors’ Day! Thank you for healing us with your hands and touching our lives with your heart.
27. Wishing you a day filled with appreciation and love, you deserve it all. Happy Doctors’ Day!
28. Happy Doctors’ Day to the one who brings smiles, comfort, and health into people’s lives.
29. To the hands that heal and the hearts that care, Happy Doctors’ Day!
On this day, we express gratitude for their compassion, expertise, and care. (Freepik)
30. Your support meant the world to me. Wishing you a very Happy Doctors’ Day!
31. You heal with science and lead with compassion. Happy Doctors’ Day!
32. Happy Doctors’ Day to someone who makes healing feel human and hopeful. We appreciate you deeply.
33. Here’s to the quiet strength, tireless hours, and everyday miracles you bring to life. Happy Doctors’ Day!
Note to readers: This story includes AI-generated elements.
Moderna’s seasonal influenza vaccine met its main goal in a large Phase 3 trial, reducing the risk of influenza-like illness in people 50 years and older by 27% compared with those given a marketed shot targeting three or four strains of the virus, the company said Monday.
The COVID-19 vaccine pioneer said it will begin discussing an approval submission with the Food and Drug Adminstration, aiming to launch what would be the first messenger RNA-based influenza vaccine in the U.S. as early as the 2026-2027 flu season.
FDA submission of the flu vaccine data could also pave the way for Moderna to also seek approval of a combination COVID-19 and influenza shot. However, they will be reviewed by an FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which governs clinical use of approved flu shots, that have become more unfavorable to vaccines and mRNA medicines.
Dive Insight:
Since helping lead the world out of the pandemic by speedily developing its vaccine Spikevax, Moderna has struggled to find a second act. With declining uptake of COVID-19 boosters — access to which will be limited in the future — and disappointing growth for its newest vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, the company has seen its near-term outlook limited.
An mRNA cancer vaccine it developed has generated promising data, but remains in late-stage testing.
However, its mRNA platform continues to generate effective vaccines. If approved, the seasonal flu shot could be a new source of growth. The trial tested Moderna’s shot, codenamed mRNA-1010, against four marketed vaccines developed by GSK to determine if the experimental shot could reduce incidence of flu.
In addition to the broad analysis in people 50 and older, Moderna said its shot also reduced the risk of sickness in those 65 and older by 27%. The company also said the vaccine showed strong effectiveness for all the strains included in the shot.
According to the company, side effects were mostly mild and related to injection site pain or flu-like symptoms. But Moderna added there were no significant differences between those side effects in people who got MRNA-1010 and other vaccines.
The positive data are most significant for potentially enabling Moderna to submit the combination flu-COVID shot, “which represents a more differentiated commercial opportunity,” TD Securities analyst Tyler Van Buren wrote in a note to clients.
Leerink Partners analyst Mani Foroohar noted, however, that the shot had resulted in more adverse reactions in another trial, which could trigger increased scrutiny from the FDA.
Most buyers mistakenly believe negotiation is simply about haggling over dollars.
In reality, it’s a strategic process with psychological depth, multiple moving parts, and subtle leverage points. The professionals understand this, and use it.
Trying to negotiate your own deal without experience is like doing your own legal work or surgery, risky and potentially costly.
Inexperience leads to overpaying, getting emotionally trapped, or simply missing hidden issues.
Let me let you in on a little secret…
Most property buyers think negotiation is just about haggling over price.
But as someone who’s been in the property game for decades, I can tell you—it’s not even close.
There’s so much more to the negotiation process than meets the eye.
In fact, there are layers and nuances most amateur buyers simply don’t see, let alone understand.
And that’s exactly why savvy home buyers and investors bring in professionals like the buyers’ agent team at Metropole to help them level the playing field.
The psychology of negotiation
The best negotiators in the world say the same thing: “A great negotiation is where both parties feel like they got what they wanted.”
That’s a subtle but powerful insight.
Yes, you want to buy the right property at the right price.
But remember, there are two parties on the other side, the vendor and the agent who represents them.
While a lot is written about what the vendor wants, have you ever thought about what the selling agent wants?
Sure, they want to please their client and get the property sold, but since they only get paid for their time if a sale occurs, they have a vested interest in ensuring the sale goes through.
Selling is just the means to that end.
So if they lose a deal, they don’t get paid.
And that’s a crucial point of leverage many buyers forget.
The power lies with you (if you know how to use it)
The agent steps in—armed with every play in the book: artificial urgency, whispers of phantom buyers, subtle pressure tactics. It’s all carefully choreographed to put you on the back foot.
But here’s the secret sauce…
It’s your money. Your decision. And most importantly, you have the ultimate weapon – The power to walk away.
And that’s exactly what most buyers give up, without even realising it, because they get emotionally attached.
And let me tell you, emotion is the enemy of good negotiation.
The tools of a seasoned negotiator
Here’s where the real skill comes in.
Negotiation is a process, a strategic game of psychology, timing, and positioning.
And it’s not something you master by reading a blog or watching a few YouTube videos.
But here’s what seasoned pros (like the Metropole team) do differently:
1. They Don’t Dance to the Agent’s Tune
Agents want you to play their game.
They’ll set a tempo: fast decisions, short deadlines, pressure to act before someone else swoops in.
But a good negotiator slows things down.
They do their due diligence, work to their own timeline, and make decisions with clarity, not pressure.
At Metropole, we never get rushed into a deal. We control the rhythm, not the agent.
2. They Call the Bluff
“Another buyer is very interested…” – sound familiar?
Agents love this line.
But a professional buyer’s agent knows when it’s real, and when it’s theatre.
We stay calm. Stick to our figures. Walk away if the numbers don’t stack up.
As I often say, there’s always another property.
3. They Control the Offer
Here’s a classic rookie mistake – making an open-ended offer that gives the agent all the power.
At Metropole, we present our offers based on solid, independent data, backed by our research.
And we include a firm expiration. No bait-and-switch. No, let’s not let the agent shop our number around.
That’s how you keep the power in your court.
4. They Come with a Strategy
Buying property isn’t just about emotion; it’s about structure.
Before we even make an offer, we:
Conduct inspections – we personally conduct multiple inspections at different times of the day, while many buyer’s agents don’t even inspect the property themselves, but get the selling agent to do a FaceTime call
Review comparable sales – using industry databases and our own research data
Understand the seller’s motivations – by speaking the same language as the agent, they will tell us things they wouldn’t tell a typical buyer
And most importantly, we communicate a clear strategy to the agent so they know exactly how we operate.
We’re not mucking around. We’re here to do a deal—but on terms that work for our clients.
Why you shouldn’t go at it alone
You wouldn’t do your own surgery. You wouldn’t represent yourself in court.
So why would you go solo on one of the biggest financial decisions of your life?
There’s a big cost to inexperience. You don’t know what you don’t know.
And this is where the Metropole team comes in.
We’ve negotiated thousands of property deals across decades. ‘
We’ve seen every trick in the book. We know how to cut through the noise, control the process, and secure the best possible outcome for our clients, while shielding them from costly mistakes.
When you’ve got a trusted buyer’s agent in your corner:
You stay objective
You never overpay
You avoid the emotional traps
You walk away with a strategic, data-driven deal
Some final Thoughts
Negotiation isn’t about winning a battle or beating the agent.
It’s about getting a fair deal that supports your long-term wealth strategy.
At Metropole, we help you do exactly that—calmly, professionally, and strategically.
We recognised that property investment is a process, not an event, and it all starts by developing a personalised Strategic Property Plan for our clients, and then allowing our advice agents to implement this plan.
So if you’re ready to step up your game and avoid the emotional landmines that catch out most amateur buyers, book in a Wealth Discovery Session with one of our Wealth Strategists. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Over the years, we have helped thousands of Australians safely build intergenerational wealth through strategic property and wealth advice.
This financial freedom has given them more choices in their lives.
About Brett Warren Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.
Whether you’re bored of basic convos or just looking to shake things up, these weird questions to ask your boyfriend are perfect for adding some fun, unpredictability, and genuine connection to your chats. From really weird questions to ask your boyfriend over text to fun hypotheticals and crazy scenarios to ask your boyfriend in person, this is your ultimate list of playful prompts to nudge your man to open up. Be prepared to be surprised, amazed, and may be even a little shocked, as these questions peel back layers to his personality you hadn’t yet discovered.
Why Ask Weird Questions In A Relationship?
Asking your partner weird questions might sound silly, but it’s actually a brilliant way to learn more about him and create meaningful memories, in the process. These fun weird questions to ask your boyfriend reveal his quirks, spark laughter, and bring you closer in the most unexpected ways.
In long-term relationships, it’s easy to fall into the same old conversations. But throwing in a few really weird questions to ask your boyfriend breaks that cycle. Whether it’s a late-night pillow talk session or you’re looking for weird questions to ask your boyfriend over text, these prompts add surprise and depth to your dynamic. That’s why we’ve curated this massive list of crazy scenarios to ask your boyfriend that range from flirty and random to downright hilarious.
Helps break the routine and spark laughter
Reveals hidden quirks and personality traits
Encourages vulnerability in a lighthearted way
161 Weird Questions To Ask Your Boyfriend
Normal is overrated and light, playful moments don’t get the credit they deserve in bringing two people closer together. Give these weird questions to ask your boyfriend a try and find out for yourself. Whether you’re newly dating or deep into a long-term relationship, these questions can instantly flip the script and infuse fresh energy into your dynamic. From fun weird questions to ask your boyfriend during a cozy night in, to totally unexpected weird things to talk about with your boyfriend while texting, these offbeat prompts open the door to meaningful laughs, wild imagination, and real bonding.
Related Reading: 5 Cute Ways To Improve And Strengthen Your Relationship
Weird but deep questions to ask your boyfriend
These weird questions to ask a boyfriend are perfect when you want to dive beneath the surface, but in a fun, unexpected way. They often lead to stories you’ve never heard and sides of him you’ve never seen.
For those moments when you want to laugh, think, and connect
If your personality were a flavor of chips, what would it be?
What’s the weirdest thing you secretly believe?
If aliens landed tomorrow and asked you to represent Earth, what would you say?
Would you rather be respected or remembered?
What’s something you’d never admit to anyone else, but might tell me?
If your younger self could see you now, what would he say?
What thought scares you but you think about it often?
Which emotion do you wish you felt more often?
If your life were a conspiracy theory, what would it be?
What would be the title of your autobiography if it had to be bizarre?
If you could see one hidden truth about yourself, what would you choose?
What belief do you have that no one agrees with?
If your inner child could talk, what would he tell you today?
What’s the most irrational fear you’ve never told anyone about?
Would you want to know how you die, if you could?
If your mind had a theme song, what would it be?
What’s your weirdest recurring daydream?
Do you think there’s a version of you in a parallel universe doing something crazy?
If you could erase one memory, but it meant losing all related feelings, would you do it?
What’s one weird thing that always makes you emotional?
Related Reading: 125 Spicy Questions To Ask Your Boyfriend
Strange ‘what if’ questions to ask your boyfriend
These are the best weird questions to ask your bf if you love throwing wild curveballs into your conversations. Strange, surprising, and downright creative, these “what if” questions and scenarios are perfect for shaking things up.
These questions bend reality and reveal how creatively weird you both really are
What if you woke up in my body for a day?
What if dogs could talk but only to you?
What if you had to swap lives with a cartoon character for a year?
What if your mom and I switched bodies, whose advice would you trust?
What if you had to eat one weird food forever like jellyfish or tarantula?
What if you had a secret superpower but it only worked when you farted?
What if everyone suddenly forgot your name, how would you prove who you are?
What if you found out you were living in a simulation, would you try to escape?
What if your dreams were actually memories from another life?
What if you had to marry the last fictional character you watched?
What if you turned into a plant, what kind would you be?
What if you could only talk in animal sounds for a week?
What if I could read your mind once a day, when would you hide your thoughts?
What if mirrors actually showed alternate dimensions?
What if every kiss gave you a superpower?
What if people’s moods changed the color of their skin, what color would you be most?
What if we switched voices for a week?
What if you had to relive one random day from your past over and over again?
What if your pet could spill all your secrets?
What if your Google search history was tattooed on your body?
Related Reading: 125 Questions To Ask Your Boyfriend to Test His Love For You
Gross and hilarious questions to ask your man
Get ready to laugh and cringe. These weird things to ask your boyfriend are all about leaning into the gross, awkward, and unexpectedly hilarious moments that build emotional intimacy through humor.
Cringe-worthy, laugh-out-loud moments guaranteed. Don’t eat while asking these
Would you rather never brush your teeth again or never shower again?
What’s grosser: drinking expired milk or eating a raw onion?
If burps had flavors, which one would be the worst?
What’s the most disgusting thing you’ve ever smelled?
Would you eat a stranger’s toenail for $10,000?
Have you ever peed in the pool and lied about it?
If you had to name your poop like a pet, what would it be?
What’s grosser: boogers or belly button lint?
If I dared you to sniff your own sock after a workout, would you do it?
Would you rather always have sweaty hands or constantly itchy feet?
What’s a gross habit you’ve never told anyone about?
Would you lick the bottom of your shoe for ₹50,000?
If you could fart glitter, would you do it all the time?
Have you ever sneezed so hard that something weird happened?
What’s the worst bathroom emergency you’ve had in public?
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever picked out of your teeth?
If someone dared you to eat a spider, would you?
Have you ever worn the same underwear twice in a row?
If I cooked something terrible, would you eat it to be polite?
Would you rather kiss a pig or smell my socks after a workout?
Related Reading: How To Talk Intimately With Your Boyfriend Over Text—15 Easy Ways
Weirdly flirty questions for your bf
These weird questions to ask your boyfriend are perfect for flirting with your man and pushing the boundaries of imagination to forge a deeper connection. Perfect for couples who like to keep things cheeky, fun, and a little unpredictable.
Cute, odd, and full of chemistry—these are perfect for cheeky smiles and blushing
If I turned into a frog, would you still kiss me?
What’s the weirdest compliment you could give me right now?
Would you rather cuddle in a cave or a blanket fort?
If we were the only people on Earth, what weird date would we go on?
What odd thing do you find weirdly attractive about me?
Would you still love me if I spoke in cat noises?
Can you invent a secret language just for us?
If love had a smell, what would ours be?
What’s your ultimate awkward-yet-romantic fantasy?
Would you serenade me in public if I dared you to?
What animal do I most resemble when I sleep?
Would you still date me if I had a tail?
If I had a laugh like a goat, would you still think I’m cute?
What’s a weird nickname you’d give me that no one else can use?
If we had to wear matching outfits daily, what would they be?
If we wrote a cheesy rom-com, what would the title be?
Would you rather slow dance in the rain or eat ice cream in the shower together?
Would you wear a shirt that says “Property of My Girlfriend”?
What’s a weird flirty thing I do that you secretly love?
If you had to describe kissing me using only fruit, what would it be?
Related Reading: 69 Flirty Dares Over Text To Spice Things Up
Super random questions to puzzle your boyfriend
These weird things to talk about with your boyfriend have no rhyme or reason, they’re just plain ridiculous and fun. Great for when you want to keep the vibe spontaneous and silly.
When you don’t want to make sense, just giggle and go with it
If you had to name a planet after me, what would you call it?
What’s the weirdest world record you think you could beat?
If your shadow had a personality, what would it be like?
If you could swap noses with an animal, which one would you choose?
If cereal could talk, what would your favorite brand say to you?
Would you trust a fortune cookie that always came true?
What kitchen utensil matches your personality?
If your thoughts had sound effects, what would mine sound like?
What’s the weirdest item you’d take with you during a zombie apocalypse?
If you could rename a color, what would you call blue?
Do you think insects have a fashion sense?
If we lived in a treehouse forever, how would you decorate it?
If you could trade eyebrows with someone, who would it be?
Would you rather sleepwalk or sleep talk for the rest of your life?
What’s your conspiracy theory about squirrels?
If you had to wear one Halloween costume every day, which one?
If we were stuck in a musical, what would your solo be about?
Do clouds get jealous of balloons?
Would you eat a cake shaped like my face?
If your laugh were a musical instrument, what would it be?
Related Reading: 55 Serious Questions To Ask Your Boyfriend
Silly questions to ask your boyfriend over text
Need weird questions to ask your boyfriend over text that will make him laugh on the go? These quick, quirky prompts are great for mid-day fun or late-night giggles.
Light, funny, and totally textable. Save them for your next scroll break
If your hands could talk, what would they say?
If you could shrink any object and carry it in your pocket, what would it be?
Can I be your human pillow forever?
What emoji best represents your current mood?
If I turned into a sandwich, what kind would I be?
Would you rather have spaghetti hair or pancake feet?
If our texts were turned into a novel, what would the title be?
What would your superhero name be if texting were your only power?
If your pet could text you, what would they say about me?
Would you rather only text using GIFs or voice notes?
What’s the weirdest voice message you’ve ever sent?
Should we start a secret texting language?
If autocorrect started roasting you, would you still use it?
Can you send me a duck emoji every time you miss me?
Would you rather have a phone that reads your mind or one that changes your voice randomly?
What’s a word you’ve typed wrong so many times it’s embarrassing?
If you had to end every message with a song lyric, which one would it be?
Do you ever talk to your phone when you’re alone?
If you had to choose one emoji to describe our relationship, what would it be?
Can we have a texting rule, where one day a week, we pretend to be aliens?
Related Reading: 51 Deep Relationship Questions To Ask For A Better Love Life
Bonus: Weird questions to ask your bf, Reddit edition
Inspired by real Reddit threads, these weird questions to ask boyfriend have been shared by girlfriends around the world. They’re equal parts hilarious and oddly romantic.
“Would you still love me if I had no bones?”
“If I turned into a sock, which drawer would you put me in?”
“Do you think ants ever celebrate birthdays?”
“Would you rather kiss me or have unlimited pizza forever?”
“If I had a clone, would you date both of us or just the original?”
“If I were a worm, would you take me to Paris?”
“Would you rather cuddle with me for 24 hours or have free Wi-Fi forever?”
“If I got turned into a hat, would you wear me?”
“Would you still date me if I spoke only in riddles?”
“If I had spaghetti for hair, would you help me shampoo it?”
“Would you still love me if I turned into a cardboard cutout?”
“If I disappeared and came back as a pigeon, would you recognize me?”
“Would you still date me if I were obsessed with frogs?”
“If I were a burrito, would you unwrap me or eat me whole?”
“Do you think our souls high-five in another dimension?”
“Would you still be with me if I grew a third eye that only cried glitter?”
“What would you do if I started narrating your life in an opera voice?”
“If I had a button that changed your haircut daily, would you let me press it?”
“Would you follow me into a haunted bakery?”
“Would you still date me if I barked at other girls?”
“If we could time travel to any date together, what weird event would you choose?”
“Would you be okay if our future child were born with wings?”
“What if I turned into your favorite video game character—would you date me harder?”
“Would you eat cereal from my shoe if it were the only food left?”
“If I turned into a meme, would you share me or keep me to yourself?”
“If we had to spend a week as sock puppets, what would we do?”
“Would you cry if I stopped sending you random selfies?”
“Do you think love exists between chairs when no one’s looking?”
“Would you still propose to me if I were dressed as a clown?”
“If we could only speak in bird calls for a day, how would you say ‘I love you’?”
“Would you wear a T-shirt with my face on it to meet your boss?”
“Would you go on a reality show with me called ‘Weird Love’?”
“Would you dig through trash with me to find a sentimental receipt?”
“Would you still love me if I lived in a vending machine?”
“What would you do if I started sleeping in the bathtub ‘for balance’?”
“Would you carry a photo of my baby teeth in your wallet forever?”
“Would you fight a goose for me?”
“Would you let me tattoo my name on your forehead for April Fools’?”
“If we had to communicate through interpretive dance, how would you say ‘Let’s order food’?”
“Would you name a star after me or a sandwich?”
“Would you still date me if I had a tail and it wagged when I saw you?”
Final Thoughts
These weird things to ask your boyfriend aren’t random but a clever means of discovering and rediscovering each other in the most playful, personal ways. Whether you’re laughing at a bizarre ‘what if’ or melting over an oddly sweet compliment, these weird questions to ask your boyfriend help you connect on a level that’s genuine, silly, and heartfelt all at once.
You don’t always need candlelit dinners or deep, emotional talks to feel close. Sometimes, it’s enough to wonder aloud if he’d still date you as a burrito. Because when you can be weird together, you know it’s real.
45 Sexy And Dirty Text Messages For Your Boyfriend To Turn Him On!
100+ Epic Hypothetical Questions For Couples
35 Awkward Questions To Ask A Guy (Some Are Embarrassing!)
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Incredibly, Discover Weekly has been a part of the Spotify app for 10 years now. Which, in terms of tech, makes it an ancient feature. And if you’re not yet familiar with Discover Weekly despite subscribing to Spotify, the latest update means that now is the time to check it out.
Spotify Is Improving Its Discover Weekly Playlists
If you’re not yet familiar with Discover Weekly, it’s Spotify’s way of getting you to listen to new (to you) music. The playlist updates every Monday, adding tracks that the streaming service’s algorithm thinks you’ll like. Spotify generates various different playlists each week, but Discover Weekly was the first when it was launched in 2015.
Millions of people now open Discover Weekly every Monday, hoping to hear a song that they’re unfamiliar with, but which goes on to become a favorite. And now, as announced in a post on For the Record mainly focused on Discover Weekly turning 10 years old, Spotify is making some changes to it.
First up is a visual refresh, with a new geometric pattern that Spotify claims “reflects its ever-evolving nature and the dynamic energy of weekly discovery.” However, much more interesting than the new look is the option to tweak the Discover Weekly playlist by genre.
When you open Discover Weekly from the Made for You hub, initially, you’ll still see the default playlist of 30 songs. However, you’ll also now see a list of five genres above the songs, allowing you to tweak the playlist more to your liking. Essentially, this means you now have six distinct Discover Weekly playlists to explore each week. Which will be (literal) music to the ears of fans of the feature.
I must admit that I don’t listen to all the Discover Weekly tracks, but I almost always discover something I like by flicking through the suggestions. Being able to do that for five specific genres massively increases the chances that a. I’ll hear something completely new to me, and b. I’ll find new songs I like enough to add to my long list of Liked songs.
Discovering New Music Is At the Heart of Spotify
We’re now fully into the streaming era, where almost every movie, game, and song is available to play on demand on whatever device you have to hand. And while some people still mourn for the days of physical media (hence the renewed interest in vinyl), streaming does bring lots of advantages. One of which is the ability to discover new content quickly and easily.
For me, discovering new music is at the very heart of the Spotify experience, and there are lots of different ways to discover new music on Spotify. Discover Weekly is just one of those ways, and the new Discover Weekly playlist makes the feature even better than it already was. But if it still doesn’t hit the spot for you personally, try these AI playlist generators instead.
Situated in the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island, Shek O, which means “rocky bay,” is a popular coastal retreat known for its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-30/Shek-O-A-peaceful-escape-on-Hong-Kong-Island-1ECVFwg31hS/img/773e5ec216be408eb0ea856c83aaa65f/773e5ec216be408eb0ea856c83aaa65f.jpeg'A view of the coastline of Shek O in Hong Kong /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-30/Shek-O-A-peaceful-escape-on-Hong-Kong-Island-1ECVFwg31hS/img/773e5ec216be408eb0ea856c83aaa65f/773e5ec216be408eb0ea856c83aaa65f.jpeg'A view of the coastline of Shek O in Hong Kong /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-30/Shek-O-A-peaceful-escape-on-Hong-Kong-Island-1ECVFwg31hS/img/773e5ec216be408eb0ea856c83aaa65f/773e5ec216be408eb0ea856c83aaa65f.jpeg'A view of the coastline of Shek O in Hong Kong /CGTN
The peninsula is home to one of Hong Kong’s most popular beaches, which attracts crowds of people looking to relax by the sea on weekends. Beyond the beach, visitors can wander through narrow alleys lined with colorful village houses or take a leisurely hike in the hills above the bay to enjoy sweeping views of the coastline.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-30/Shek-O-A-peaceful-escape-on-Hong-Kong-Island-1ECVFwg31hS/img/390d6723a0214f2d89ddede149a8e218/390d6723a0214f2d89ddede149a8e218.jpeg'Visitors take photos and relax at the Blue Bridge, also known as the Lovers’ Bridge, a famous attraction in Shek O in Hong Kong. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-30/Shek-O-A-peaceful-escape-on-Hong-Kong-Island-1ECVFwg31hS/img/390d6723a0214f2d89ddede149a8e218/390d6723a0214f2d89ddede149a8e218.jpeg'Visitors take photos and relax at the Blue Bridge, also known as the Lovers’ Bridge, a famous attraction in Shek O in Hong Kong. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-30/Shek-O-A-peaceful-escape-on-Hong-Kong-Island-1ECVFwg31hS/img/390d6723a0214f2d89ddede149a8e218/390d6723a0214f2d89ddede149a8e218.jpeg'Visitors take photos and relax at the Blue Bridge, also known as the Lovers’ Bridge, a famous attraction in Shek O in Hong Kong. /CGTN
Free from the city’s towering skyscrapers, Shek O offers a slower pace of life and a refreshing contrast to the urban rush.
Hollywood’s relationship with artificial intelligence is fraught, as studios balance the need to cut costs with growing concerns from actors, directors and crew members. But in China, efforts to use AI in entertainment are taking a more no-holds-barred approach.
The China Film Foundation, a nonprofit fund under the Chinese government, plans to use AI to revitalize 100 kung fu classics including “Police Story,” “Once Upon a Time in China” and “Fist of Fury,” featuring Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Bruce Lee, respectively. The foundation said it will partner with businesses including Shanghai Canxing Culture & Media Co., which will license 100 Hong Kong films to AI companies to reintroduce those movies to younger audiences globally.
Chow Yun-fat stars in director John Woo’s “A Better Tomorrow” in 1986.
(Cinema City)
The foundation said there are opportunities to use AI to tell those stories through animation, for example. There are plans to release an animated version of director John Woo’s 1986 film “A Better Tomorrow” that uses AI to “reinterpret” Woo’s “signature visual language,” according to an English transcript of the announcement.
“By empowering cultural storytelling with technology, we can breathe new life into the classics and tell China’s stories farther and louder,” said Zhang Pimin, chairman of the China Film Foundation, at the Shanghai International Film Festival earlier this month.
The project raised eyebrows among U.S. artists, many of whom are deeply wary of the use of AI in creative pursuits.
The Directors Guild of America said AI is a creative tool that should only be used to enhance the creative storytelling process and “it should never be used retroactively to distort or destroy a filmmaker’s artistic work.”
“The DGA strongly opposes the use of AI or any other technology to mutilate a film or to alter a director’s vision,” the DGA said in a statement. “The Guild has a longstanding history of opposing such alterations on issues like colorization or sanitization of films to eliminate so-called ‘objectionable content’, or other changes that fundamentally alter a film’s original style, meaning, and substance.”
The project highlights widely divergent views on AI’s potential to reshape entertainment as the two countries compete for dominance in the highly competitive AI space. In the U.S., much of the traditional entertainment industry has taken a tepid view of generative AI, due to concerns over protecting intellectual property and labor relations.
While some Hollywood studios such as Lionsgate and Blumhouse have collaborated with AI companies, others have been reluctant to announce partnerships at the risk of offending talent that have voiced concerns over how AI could be used to alter their digital likeness without adequate compensation.
But other countries like China have fewer guardrails, which has led to more experimentation of the technology by entertainment companies.
Many people in China embrace AI, with 83% feeling confident that AI systems are designed to act in the best interest of society, much higher than the U.S. where it’s 37%, according to a survey from the United Nations Development Program.
The foundation’s announcement came as a surprise to Bruce Lee Enterprises, which oversees legal usage of Lee’s likeness in creative works.
Bruce Lee’s family was “previously unaware of this development and is currently gathering information,” a spokesperson said.
Woo, in a written statement, said he hadn’t heard from the foundation about the AI remake, noting that the rights to “A Better Tomorrow” have changed hands several times.
“I wasn’t really involved in the project because I’m not very familiar with AI technology,” Woo said in a statement to The Times. “However, I’m very curious about the outcome and the effect it might have on my original film.”
David Chi, who represents the China Film Foundation’s Special Fund for Film and Urban Development, said in an interview that Chan is aware of the project and he has plans to talk with Chan’s team. A representative of Chan’s did not respond to a request for comment.
“We do need to talk … very specifically how we‘re using animated or AI existing technology, and how that would combine with his image rights and business rights,” Chi said. Chi did not have an immediate response to the DGA, Bruce Lee Enterprises and Woo’s statements.
AI is already used in China for script development, content moderation and recommendations and translation. In postproduction, AI has reduced the time to complete visual effects work from days to hours, said He Tao, an official with the National Radio and Television Administration’s research center, during remarks at the festival.
“Across government agencies, content platforms, and production institutions, the enthusiasm to adopt and integrate AI has never been stronger,” He said.
During the project’s announcement, supporters touted the opportunity AI will bring to China to further its cultural message globally and generate new work for creatives. At the same time, they touted AI’s disruption of the filmmaking process, saying the “A Better Tomorrow” remake was completed with just 30 people, significantly fewer than a typical animated project.
China is a “more brutal society in that sense,” said Eric Harwit, professor of Asian studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. “If somebody loses their job because artificial intelligence is taking over, well, that’s just the cost of China’s moving forward. They don’t have that kind of regret about people losing jobs and there are less opportunities for organized protest against the Chinese government.”
A scene from the movie “Once Upon A Time In China.”
(Golden Harvest)
Hollywood guilds such as SAG-AFTRA have been outspoken about the harm AI could have on jobs and have fought for protections against AI in contracts in TV shows, films and video games. The unions have also pushed state and federal legislators to create laws that would give people more protections against deep fakes, or videos manipulated to show a person endorsing an idea or product that they don’t actually support. There is no equivalent of that in China.
“You don’t have those freestanding labor organizations, so they don’t have that kind of clout to protest against the Chinese using artificial intelligence in a way that might reduce their job opportunities or lead to layoffs in the sector,” Harwit added.
U.S. studios are also going to court to challenge the ways AI companies train their models on copyrighted materials. Earlier this month, Walt Disney Co. and Universal Pictures sued AI startup Midjourney, alleging it uses technology to generate images that copy the studios’ famous characters, including Yoda and Shrek.
In China, officials involved in the project to remaster kung fu films said they were eager to work with AI companies. They said that AI will be used to add “stunning realism” to the movies. They are planning to build “immersive viewing experiences” such as walking into a bamboo forest duel and “feeling the philosophy of movement and stillness.” In areas such as animation, new environments could be created with AI, Chi said.
“We are offering full access to our IP, platform, and adaptation rights to partners worldwide — with the goal of delivering richer, more diverse, and high-quality AI enhanced film works to global audiences,” said Tian Ming, chairman of Shanghai Canxing Culture & Media Co. in his remarks earlier this month. Tian said there is no revenue-sharing cap and it is allocating about $14 million to co-invest in selected projects and share in the returns.
The kung fu revitalization efforts will extend into other areas, including the creation of a martial arts video game.
Industry observers said China is wise to go back to its well of popular martial arts classics out of Hong Kong, which have inspired U.S. action movies for decades.
There’s also not as much risk involved for China, said Simon Pulman, a partner at law firm Pryor Cashman.
“They’ve got very little to lose by doing this,” Pulman said. “If it can potentially enhance the value of those movies, there’s very little downside for them.”
China’s film industry has grown significantly compared to decades ago, boosted by the proliferation of movie theaters, including Imax screens, in the country.
In the past, China’s box office relied heavily on U.S. productions like movies from the “Fast & Furious” and Marvel franchises, but now local movies dominate the market. The Chinese animated movie “Ne Zha 2” grossed $2.2 billion at the box office globally.
But those Chinese productions generally don’t draw large U.S. audiences when they’re released in the States. The classic martial arts movies, however, have a global following and enduring legacy.
“People love martial arts movies, because action travels,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. “It doesn’t matter what language it’s in, if you have a great action sequence and great fighting sequences.”
New Delhi, June 30: Hero Vida VX2 electric scooter is set to launch in India on July 1, 2025 (tomorrow) with various segment-specific features, specifications and other elements. Overall, the upcoming Hero Vida VX2 e-scooter will maintain the same design as the other Vida series model. Currently, Hero MotoCorp offers three Vida series electric scooters in India. They are Hero Vida V2 Pro, Hero Vida V2 Plus and Hero Vida V2 Lite.
As per a report, the upcoming Hero Vida VX2 will likely be offered as an affordable option compared to the other models. It is expected that the VX2 variant will come with a BaaS (battery-as-a-service) scheme. It would allow the customers to choose a subscription model for the battery pack. Customers will not have to pay for the battery pack cost when they buy a scooter under this scheme. Bad News for EOL Vehicle Owners! Fuel Stations To Not Sell Fuel To End-of-Life Vehicles in Delhi, Govt Plans To Impound Older Vehicles Starting July 1; Check Details.
Hero Vida VX2 Price in India
Hero Vida VX2 price in India could be around INR 70,000 to 90,000 (ex-showroom). Compared to other e-scooters, the e-Vida series is priced between INR 1 lakh and INR 1.40 lakh, including the Pro, Plus, and Lite models. Hero MotoCorp will commence deliveries after launching the Vida VX2 model in India.
Hero Vida VX2 Specifications and Features
Hero Vida VX2 is expected to have a battery ranging from 2.2kWh and 3.4kWh. The smaller battery options would allow the electric scooter up to 100 km range on a single charge. The e-scooter would have a subtle design and practical features. The reports said that the Hero Vida VX2 electric scooter would be offered to customers looking for vehicles at competitive pricing. TVS Apache RTR 160 New Variant With OBD2B Compliance Launched in India; Check Price, Specifications and Features.
In terms of features, the EV is expected to have a flat single-pierce seat and LED headlights with a design similar to that of other models. It would likely have a TFT display at the instrument cluster; however, it may not be as feature-packed as the different models. The customers will have a choice of powertrain, which will be available in multiple removable battery pack choices. The Hero Vida VX2 will be introduced tomorrow, revealing all its specifications, features and price.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2025 05:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Schedule 1, the silly-looking drug-dealing game that took the gaming community by storm a few months back, got a new patch today, and it’s headlined by the addition of an off-road skateboard. It also includes some bug fixes, tweaks, and improvements, such as a change to how stamina is consumed while skateboarding.
The off-road skateboard is added to the inventory on sale at the Shred Shack, where it’ll cost you $1,500. While minor in the grand scheme of things, it lets you live out your mountain-boarding dreams. If you’re of a certain age, it might even let you reminisce about the mountain-board levels in Rocket Power: Beach Bandits for the PS2.
This patch also tweaks a couple of other skateboarding-related things. First, the developer notes that it implemented some minor changes for skateboard animations. Second, stamina consumption while on a skateboard has changed from instantaneous to gradual, which will likely smooth out the skateboarding experience.
Other bug fixes and changes include fixing instances where players could not knock on certain doors, reducing stamina consumption while pushing on a skateboard, and improving some pricing issues. You can read all of the changes in the patch notes below.
Developer TVGS has recently stated that big content updates will be decided on the basis of player input, and that a first major update is coming soon.
Schedule I version 0.3.6f6
Additions
Added off-road skateboard
Tweaks/Improvements
Skateboard stamina consumption is now gradual rather than instant.Tweaked some IK constraints for skateboard animations.
Bug fixes
Fixed not being able to knock on the door of the tall brick building next to the overpass.
Fixed not being able to knock on the doors of the blue apartment building.
Bright colors, fruit imagery, and labels like “locally made” or “vegan” might seem harmless — but when used on cannabis edibles, they can send misleading messages to teens.
That’s according to a new Washington State University-led study examining how adolescents perceive the packaging of cannabis-infused products such as gummies, chocolates and sodas. Despite regulations barring packaging that targets youth, many teens in the study found these products appealing — often likening them to everyday snacks or health foods.
The research, conducted in collaboration with Public Health – Seattle & King County, is part of a broader effort to reduce accidental cannabis exposure among teens. The findings could help shape new rules aimed at limiting underage appeal.
“What surprised us was how often these products were interpreted as healthy or natural,” said Jessica Willoughby, associate professor in WSU’s Murrow College of Communication and co- author of the study, published in the Journal of Health Communication. “When you combine that with vibrant packaging and familiar fruit flavors, it’s easy to see how these items start to look like snacks — not something potentially harmful or illegal for teens.”
Researchers conducted virtual focus groups and interviews with 28 Washington teens, ages 13 to 17, using real product photos from stores to prompt discussion. With parental permission, participants shared which packaging elements caught their eye and why.
The teens consistently pointed to bright, colorful designs and packaging that resembled healthy snacks as particularly appealing. Some said they’d display the packaging in their rooms or use it in social media posts. Others said terms like “locally made” and “vegan” made the products feel more aligned with their personal values — even if they knew the items contained cannabis.
“Our findings suggest that teens are drawn not just to the look of these packages, but to what the design represents,” said Stacey Hust, a professor in WSU’s Murrow College and the study’s lead author. “They saw these products as trendy, natural and aspirational — qualities that resonate with their identities and beliefs.”
The study also showed that teens with greater familiarity with cannabis — either through personal use or family exposure — were more likely to notice warning labels and dosage information. Those with less knowledge often overlooked health warnings or didn’t recognize cannabis symbols at all.
The results raise concerns for health educators and policymakers as cannabis edibles become more prevalent. The researchers recommend incorporating teen perspectives into regulatory discussions and increasing cannabis literacy through targeted education efforts.
“Teens are telling us what speaks to them — and sometimes it’s not what adults expect,” said Sarah Ross-Viles, youth cannabis prevention manager with King County and study co-author. “If we’re serious about making cannabis packaging less appealing to youth, we need to use their insights to guide smarter, more effective regulations.”
The WSU team recently worked with Public Health – Seattle & King County health officials and the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board to conduct a follow-up quantitative study exploring how packaging elements correlate with perceived teen appeal and intent to use.
While broad changes like plain packaging may ultimately be difficult to implement, the researchers say practical updates — such as clearer warnings and limiting branding that mimics health food — could help reduce youth attraction.
“We’re not calling for a marketing ban,” Hust said. “We’re asking for thoughtful regulations that balance the rights of adult consumers with the need to protect kids.”
Ross-Viles agreed: “This is about ensuring cannabis packaging serves its real purpose — informing adult consumers — without confusing or enticing teens. And now, for the first time, we are getting direct feedback from Washington youth to help make that possible.”
Dr. Naseema P.K, Assistant Professor, AMU Malappuram, Centre & Dr. Alka Bharati,Assistant Professor, B.P.S Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Sonepat invite academicians,practitioners, policymakers, and research scholars to contribute chapters to an upcoming edited volume focusing on the evolving landscape of environmental law in India and its interplay with international legal developments. This edited book will provide a comprehensive analysis of recent legislative, judicial, and policy changes, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental governance in a globalized world.
Relevance
An edited book on environmental law is highly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving legal and ecological landscape. This compilation brings together diverse perspectives offering a comprehensive and multidisciplinary understanding of key environmental issues and serves as a valuable academic and practical resource, covering contemporary legal developments, case studies, and international obligations related to climate change, biodiversity, pollution control,and sustainable development. Edited volumes has a further scope for the inclusion of region-specific insights and comparative analyses, making them especially useful.
Topics
Constitutional Mandates in India for a better environment
Judicial Innovations for a ‘Green India’
Analysis of landmark judgments recognizing the right to a clean and healthy environment as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
The role of the judiciary in enforcing environmental norms and addressing climate change-related issues.
Legislative and Policy Reforms:
Examination of recent amendments to key environmental statutes, such as the Environment (Protection) Act, Forest (Conservation) Act, and Wildlife Protection Act.
Implementation and impact of the End-of-Life Vehicles Rules, 2025, and the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2025.
Institutional Mechanisms and Regulatory Bodies:
Evaluation of the functioning and effectiveness of institutions like the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
Assessment of new regulatory frameworks and their enforcement mechanisms.
Climate Change Litigation and Policy:
Exploration of climate change-related litigation in Indian courts and its influence on policy formulation.
India’s commitments under international climate agreements and their domestic implementation.
International Environmental Law Developments:
Analysis of recent international treaties and agreements, such as the High Seas Treaty and the Global Plastic Pollution Treaty.
The impact of international legal developments on India’s environmental policies and laws.
Comparative Environmental Law:
Comparative studies of environmental legal frameworks between India and other jurisdictions.
Lessons learned and best practices in environmental governance.
Submission Guidelines
Abstracts of 300-500 words outlining the proposed chapter’s scope, methodology, and relevance to the volume’s themes.
A brief bio-note of the author(s), including institutional affiliation and contact information.
Final chapters should be between 6000 to 7,000 words, including references.
Open for Academicians, Researchers, Practitioners and Scholars having expertise in the given themes
Co-authorship: Co-authorship of maximum two Authors is allowed.
Publication Charges: Rs 900/- for Academicians and Practitioners and Rs 500/- for research Scholars
ILI citation style is preferred
To be submitted in Times New Roman, font size 12pt and double spaced. Main Title should be in full capitals, bold and centered in font size 12pt.Footnotes should be in Times New Roman, font size 12pt.
Important dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: 30-11.2025
Full Chapter Submission: 28.2.2026
Peer Review Feedback: Within 3 Weeks of Submission of final paper
Final Revised Chapter Submission: Within 2 weeks of feedback
Expected Publication Date: 30-6.2026
Review Process
All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer-review process. Notification of acceptance and suggested revisions will be communicated promptly. Book will be published with ISBN number from a reputed publisher.
Contact
Dr. Naseema P.K, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Law, AMU Centre, Malappuram, Phone: 8129808062, Email: [email protected]
Dr. Alka Bharati, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Law, B.P.SM.V, Sonepat, Phone: 9671647922, Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: WEF April, 2021, Lawctopus will not publish any ‘Call for Papers/Blogs’ by journals that charge money at the time of submission. If you find any journal doing so, please intimate us at tanuj.kalia[at]lawctopus.com
For many of us, ending our day often looks like eating meals between 8 and 9 PM or later, and then going straight to sleep. But, according to Dr Alok Chopra, cardiologist and functional medicine expert, it is essential to eat at least three hours before you go to bed, and there’s a scientific reason behind it.
Sleep is your body’s time to repair, restore, and rejuvenate — not to keep your digestive system working overtime. (Freepik)
Also Read | Gastroenterologist says ‘you don’t need a liver detox’; shares 14 vegetables that naturally boost liver function
‘Eat meals at least 3 hours before sleep’
You may have noticed your grandparents finishing their last meal of the day between 6 and 7 PM, and avoiding eating anything after that. In fact, those who practise intermittent fasting also avoid eating after a certain time. Turns out there is a huge health benefit behind this practice.
According to Dr Chopra, whether you’re following intermittent fasting or not, it’s essential to eat at least three hours before bedtime. He explained, “Sleep is your body’s time to repair, restore, and rejuvenate — not to keep your digestive system working overtime. Let sleep do what it’s meant to do. Eat meals at least 3 hours before sleep.”
Here’s how eating meals 3 hours before sleep helps
Dr Alok warned, “Most people are eating their last meal and going straight to sleep. Stop that habit immediately.” Why?
According to the cardiologist, it’s extremely important to stop eating three hours before you sleep because sleep requires the least energy and fuel. He explained, “During sleep, we experience detox, repair, rest, and rejuvenation. Eating a meal just before sleeping disrupts this process because the body gets involved in digestion rather than these other beneficial functions. The ketones get used up, and glycogen is depleted.”
While he advised the optimum time between your sleeping schedule and the last meal of the day to be 3 hours, Dr Alok highlighted, “By the way, three hours is sufficient, but it’s better to wait four to six hours before you sleep.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Incyte has named veteran pharmaceutical executive Bill Meury as its new CEO, replacing longtime head Hervé Hoppenot, who led the cancer and blood disease drugmaker for the past 11 years.
Meury, whose appointment is effective immediately, previously ran Anthos Therapeutics, which he sold this year to Novartis for nearly $1 billion, and Karuna Therapeutics, which Bristol Myers Squibb bought for $14 billion in 2023. Prior to those posts, Meury was chief commercial officer at Allergan.
Hoppenot will remain on Incyte’s board of directors through the end of this year to aid Meury’s transition into the CEO role. Alongside the succession, Julian Baker, managing partner of biotechnology investor Baker Bros. Advisors and lead independent director for Incyte, was elected board chair.
Dive Insight:
Much of Hoppenot’s time at Incyte focused on what he once described as “single asset syndrome.” The company has had a good deal of success with Jakafi, a multipurpose drug approved to treat rare blood cancers and graft-versus-host disease. Last year, Jakafi brought in nearly $2.8 billion in sales.
But Jakafi’s main patents expire in 2028, a date that for years now has been on investors’ radar as they’ve pressed Incyte on what it expects will take the drug’s place.
Early in Hoppenot’s tenure, the answer looked like a cancer medicine called epacadostat, which Incyte believed could become a cornerstone of immunotherapy combinations. However, it flamed out in testing in 2018 and Incyte was forced to pivot research toward other candidates.
Since then, Incyte has had some success building out its portfolio. The company now owns six other approved drugs, including a cream formulation of Jakafi’s main ingredient that’s proved useful treating atopic dermatitis and vitiligo.
“Hervé joined Incyte in 2014 when it was a single product, U.S.-only company,” said board member Baker, in a statement. “During Hervé’s tenure, Incyte launched six novel medicines plus two new indications for Jakafi, expanded commercial operations into Europe, Japan and Canada and grew revenues from $355 million dollars in 2013 to $4.2 billion today.”
However, Incyte’s other drugs don’t make it much money. Jakafi and the cream formulation of the drug Incyte sells as Opzelura accounted for 91% of net product revenues last year. (The company also earned nearly $600 million in royalty revenues.)
Stephen Willey, an analyst at Stifel, gives Hoppenot credit for increasing Incyte revenues by more than 10 times during his time as CEO. But, in a Thursday note to clients, he added that some investors grew frustrated with the company’s high research and development spending without a clear post-Jakafi plan.
Shaping those plans will now fall to Meury, who gained industry visibility by guiding his prior two companies to lucrative acquisitions.
“We expect the immediate reaction from investors will be an expectation that [Incyte] could now become an M&A target, simply because Mr. Meury sold Anthos … and sold [Karuna],” wrote RBC Capital Markets analyst Brian Abrahams, in a note to clients.
Shares in Incyte, which have fallen by 30% over the past five years, rose by more than 4% in Thursday morning trading on the CEO news.
“It has been a privilege to lead Incyte over the past eleven years,” Hoppenot said in the company’s statement. “I am proud to retire at a time when Incyte has the strongest management team, internal R&D pipeline and commercial portfolio ever.”
Incyte expects multiple pivotal trial readouts this year, along with proof-of-concept data for several pipeline candidates.
New mortgage holders are paying up to 50% more in monthly repayments than those who borrowed the same amount just 2.5 years ago.
Despite the steepest rate tightening in modern history, property values remain resilient—even growing in many key markets.
The rise in mortgage costs is a reminder that financial conditions can change fast.
But for those who stay informed, nimble, and strategic, this market offers real opportunities.
We’ve all been watching interest rates rise steadily over the last couple of years.
Sure, they’re on the way down now, but many homeowners are still feeling the pressure and there’s a group that’s been hit especially hard: new mortgage holders.
A recent analysis by PropTrack has put some eye-watering numbers behind what we already suspected: borrowing now is significantly more expensive than it was just a couple of years ago.
If you’re taking out a new mortgage today, you’re likely paying almost 50% more in repayments than someone who borrowed the same amount just two and a half years ago.
Let’s look at what this really means, and more importantly, what seasoned investors like us should be thinking and doing in light of this.
How much more are people paying?
According to PropTrack’s modelling, a borrower taking out a $600,000 loan today is forking out $1,284 more each month compared to someone who took out that loan in November 2021.
That’s a staggering 48% increase in monthly repayments—up from $2,688 to $3,972 a month.
And it’s not just big loans feeling the squeeze.
Even a $450,000 mortgage is costing $963 more a month than it would have in late 2021.
That’s the reality of a 4.25 percentage point increase in the cash rate, arguably the fastest and steepest tightening cycle in modern Australian history.
How this affects the broader property market
Now, here’s the thing: we’ve just seen the biggest jump in mortgage costs in decades… yet property values in many parts of the country have remained resilient.
In fact, property values are still climbing in all capital cities of Australia.
Why?
Because property values aren’t just driven by interest rates, they’re driven by supply and demand, population growth, employment, and consumer confidence.
And despite higher borrowing costs, demand remains strong, particularly in our major capital cities, where immigration and housing undersupply continue to fuel competition.
What we are seeing, though, is a shift in buyer behaviour.
First-home buyers are being squeezed out or are having to compromise more than ever.
Upgraders are thinking twice.
Investors are being more selective, and rightly so.
What smart investors are doing differently now
If you’ve already got an established portfolio, you’re likely sitting on significant equity.
You’re probably not borrowing at today’s full 6%-plus rates.
But if you are looking to expand, or if you’ve got loans rolling off fixed rates, it’s time to think strategically.
Here’s what the savvy investors are doing:
1. Refinancing smartly
Even with higher rates, there are still competitive offers out there.
Many investors are leveraging their good credit and equity to negotiate better terms or switch lenders.
2. Prioritising cash flow
Cash flow management is key in a high-interest environment.
You probably know that cash flow keeps you in the game, but it’s really capital growth that gets you out of the rat race.
That means choosing the right property types (think high-demand, low-maintenance), considering rent increases where justified, and using offset accounts or redraw facilities wisely.
3. Buying where it still makes sense
Not all markets are created equal.
The gap between house and unit values has opened up new opportunities, and select locations still offer strong long-term capital growth potential, even if yields are tighter in the short term.
4. Focusing on fundamentals
Rather than speculating on interest rate movements, the best investors are doubling down on fundamentals: demographics, infrastructure, scarcity, and long-term value-add potential.
Should you be worried about affordability pressures?
Affordability is undoubtedly an issue for new entrants.
But for those of us playing the long game, this is just another cycle.
Rates will keep falling as inflation now seems under control and within the RBA’s target range.
In the meantime, while the current market conditions are creating barriers to entry, ironically this makes well-located investment-grade properties even more valuable.
There’s less competition for quality stock now, and that’s the window of opportunity for those who can act.
Final thoughts
The sharp rise in mortgage costs is a stark reminder of how quickly the financial landscape can change.
But it’s also a nudge for investors to stay nimble, informed, and strategic.
At Metropole, we’re not just navigating these headwinds; we’re helping our clients find the opportunities they create.
Whether it’s rebalancing a portfolio, reworking a finance strategy, or finding your next high-performing property, there’s still plenty of upside if you know where to look.
If you’re feeling the squeeze or wondering how to adapt your investment strategy in this higher-rate environment, now’s the time to get proactive.
If you’re like many property investors, you’re probably wondering what’s the right thing to do at present.
Should you buy, should you sell, or should you just wait?
You can trust the team at Metropole to provide you with direction, guidance, and results.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, at times like we are currently experiencing you need an advisor who takes a holistic approach to your wealth creation and that’s exactly what you get from the multi-award-winning team at Metropole.
We help our clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through a range of services including:
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About Aska Soo Aska is a passionate and driven professional with many years of experience as a property consultant helping clients achieve their financial goals through property acquisition. She has consulted clients around Australia by reviewing, educating, and advising clients about their financial situation and what they need to achieve their end goal of being financially free.
When your PC encounters a problem, seeing how everything is running can help you troubleshoot the issue. And when all is well, this information can also help you optimize your system. It’s all available in the Task Manager’s Performance tab—as well as a more advanced option.
What Is the Performance Tab in Task Manager?
The Performance tab in Task Manager provides a comprehensive and real-time overview of your Windows computer’s resource usage. It displays graphs and other useful data, allowing you to monitor system performance, identify bottlenecks, and efficiently manage resource-intensive applications.
You can access the Performance tab by right-clicking an empty part of the taskbar and selecting Task Manager, or by hitting Ctrl + Shift + Esc anytime. In Task Manager, click Performance on the left menu to access the tab.
Understanding the Performance Tab and How to Use It Effectively
The Performance tab is divided into several sections; the ones that appear depend on your setup. Here’s what you’ll typically see, along with examples of common use case scenarios.
CPU
This section displays real-time CPU usage through graphs and percentages. It shows detailed information about the processor, including its name, cores, threads, and clock speed. You can also use it to monitor your system’s uptime and track running processes.
A common reason to visit the CPU tab is when you notice your PC acting sluggish during taxing work, like playing a game or editing a video. If this section shows high usage (90–100%), that indicates a bottleneck. From there, you can walk through ways to fix high CPU usage on your Windows computer.
Memory
Random access memory (RAM), or just “memory”, is the temporary, fast storage where your PC keeps running programs. This section displays your computer’s total RAM, including how much of it is in use and available.
Committed refers to memory that’s spoken for, while Paged pool shows how much of your storage disk Windows will use as the paging file (a part of your drive used as pretend RAM when your actual memory runs low). Other useful information includes the memory’s speed, and the RAM slots used and available on your computer.
The memory section comes in most handy when you notice your computer has become slow when multitasking. When memory usage is around 90–100%, you need to do something to identify what is causing the high RAM usage and fix it. For me, this is usually closing memory-intensive applications like Chrome and Blender.
Disk
If you have more than one storage disk in your computer, each one will have its own section in Task Manager (e.g., Disk 0 and Disk 1). This shows the disk’s activity, with separate graphs for active time and transfer rate. It also shows information like capacity, disk type, read/write speed, and whether it’s a System disk (the one Windows is installed on).
High disk usage can indicate a bottleneck, especially when transferring or loading files. The information in this section can also help you troubleshoot apps that cause heavy disk utilization. Studying this will also help you make informed decisions on whether you need to upgrade your storage or switch to an SSD to speed up operations.
Wi-Fi/Ethernet
The Wi-Fi or Ethernet section (depending on your connection type) shows your network usage data in real time, including send/receive data rates. You also get useful information like the adapter name, local IP address, and signal strength.
This networking tab comes in handy when you’re experiencing connectivity issues or slow internet speeds—it’s easy to check if the connection is stable or operating at the speed you expect. You can also use this section to identify bandwidth-hogging applications. Additionally, it’s useful as a way to monitor signal strength when optimizing your router placement.
GPU
Like Disk, you’ll see multiple GPU tabs if you have more than one video card installed in your computer. Each one shows GPU usage statistics on various processes, including 3D rendering, video processing, and video decoding. It also displays specific information about the GPU itself, such as the model and dedicated/shared memory.
The GPU section is crucial for monitoring graphics performance, especially when playing a game or editing video. It also helps you check if your graphics card is working properly. Furthermore, it can help you understand your GPU usage patterns so you know if you need to upgrade your hardware or optimize software.
You Should Also Use the Resource Manager (Resmon)
The Performance tab is good for a quick, high-level overview of how your computer is running. If you want to get a detailed analysis that includes every active process, you should use the Resource Monitor instead. It can help drill down on the root cause of the problem you’re experiencing better than the Performance tab.
There’s a shortcut to access the Resource Manager from the Performance tab you were just on. Click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select Resource Monitor from the menu. To open it on its own, just type “resource monitor” into the Start menu.
Once you open it, you’ll see that the Resource Monitor is more advanced. To learn more, we’ve walked through how to troubleshoot various problems with the Resource Monitor.
Windows has a lot of tools to help you optimize performance or troubleshoot issues. Learning to navigate these built-in utilities will save you from installing unnecessary third-party software. Mastering the Task Manager’s Performance tab is an excellent first step toward becoming more proficient with your Windows system.
With Shaolin kung fu sweeping the world, enthusiasts from every continent gather together at its birthplace, the Shaolin Temple in China. Here, they plunge themselves into systematic training; combat techniques, mastery of weapons, and the profound philosophy of “Chan in motion,” where martial skills and spiritual discipline merge.
Vin Diesel says the planned finale of the long-running “Fast & Furious” franchise will come with an unexpected passenger.
Speaking at Fuel Fest, an automotive event in Pomona over the weekend, Diesel told fans that the final “Fast & Furious” film will bring back one of the series’ most beloved characters: Paul Walker’s Brian O’Conner. The longtime on-screen partner to Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, O’Conner last appeared in 2015’s “Furious 7,” which was completed after Walker’s death in a car accident in 2013 at age 40.
The franchise — known for its blend of street racing, elaborate heists and outsized action — has grown into one of the most successful of all time, with more than $7 billion at the global box office.
“Just yesterday I was with Universal Studios,” Diesel said in a video from the event. “The studio said to me, ‘Vin, can we please have the finale of ‘Fast & Furious’ [in] April 2027?’ I said, ‘Under three conditions’ — because I’ve been listening to my fanbase.”
Those conditions, he said, were to bring the franchise back to L.A., return to its street-racing roots and reunite Dom and Brian.
“That is what you’re going to get in the finale,” Diesel promised.
How the production might accomplish that reunion remains unclear. When Walker died during the making of “Furious 7,” the filmmakers turned to a mix of archived footage, digital effects and performances by Walker’s brothers, Caleb and Cody, who served as stand-ins for unfinished scenes. Artists at Weta Digital created more than 300 visual-effects shots to map Walker’s likeness onto his brothers’ bodies, often piecing together dialogue from existing recordings. The film’s farewell — showing Brian and Dom driving side by side before splitting onto separate roads — became one of the franchise’s most memorable and emotional moments, widely seen as a tribute to Walker’s legacy.
A return for Brian O’Conner would join a growing list of posthumous digital performances in major franchises — a practice that continues to stir debate over where the line should be drawn. In 2016’s “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Peter Cushing’s Grand Moff Tarkin was recreated through a mix of motion capture, CGI and archival material, decades after Cushing’s death. In 2019, “The Rise of Skywalker” relied on previously unused footage and digital stitching to return Carrie Fisher’s Leia to the screen three years after the actress’ passing.
And in last year’s “Alien: Romulus,” the late Ian Holm’s likeness was recreated as an android using AI and digital effects, with the approval of his estate — a choice that sparked controversy and led to more practical effects being used in the film’s home release.
Mark Chen, the chief research officer at OpenAI, sent a forceful memo to staff on Saturday, promising to go head-to-head with the social giant in the war for top research talent. This memo, which was sent to OpenAI employees in Slack and obtained by WIRED, came days after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg successfully recruited four senior researchers from the company to join Meta’s superintelligence lab.
“I feel a visceral feeling right now, as if someone has broken into our home and stolen something,” Chen wrote. “Please trust that we haven’t been sitting idly by.”
Chen promised that he was working with Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and other leaders at the company “around the clock to talk to those with offers,” adding, “we’ve been more proactive than ever before, we’re recalibrating comp, and we’re scoping out creative ways to recognize and reward top talent.”
Still, even as OpenAI leadership appears desperate to retain its staff, Chen said that he has “high personal standards of fairness,” and wants to retain top talent with that in mind. “While I’ll fight to keep every one of you, I won’t do so at the price of fairness to others,” he wrote.
The news comes as competition for top AI researchers is heating up in Silicon Valley. Zuckerberg has been particularly aggressive in his approach, offering $100 million signing bonuses to some OpenAI staffers, according to comments Altman made on a podcast with his brother, Jack Altman. Multiple sources at OpenAI with direct knowledge of the offers confirmed the number. The Meta CEO has also been personally reaching out to potential recruits, according to the Wall Street Journal. “Over the past month, Meta has been aggressively building out their new AI effort, and has repeatedly (and mostly unsuccessfully) tried to recruit some of our strongest talent with comp-focused packages,” Chen wrote on Slack.
A source close to the efforts at Meta confirmed the company has been significantly ramping up its research recruiting, with a particular eye toward talent from OpenAI and Google. Anthropic, while also a top rival, is thought to be less of a culture fit at Meta, one source tells WIRED. “They haven’t necessarily expanded the band, but for top talent, the sky is the limit,” the source says.
Both OpenAI and Meta did not respond to requests for comment.
Chen’s note included messages from seven other research leaders at the company, where they wrote notes to staffers in an apparent effort to encourage them to stay. One leader on the research team encouraged staff to reach out if they received an offer from Meta: “If they pressure you, or make ridiculous exploding offers just tell them to back off, it’s not nice to pressure people in potentially the most important decision. WIRED is not naming the leader as they are not a C-suite executive. “I’d like to be able to talk to you through it and I know all about their offers.”
If you’re craving some FPS gaming this summer, you’ll want to check out Humble’s latest bundle deal, the 2K Classic Trilogies Mafia X Bioshock Game Bundle. The deal lets you grab each mainline entry in the BioShock and Mafia series on PC for just $18. Like other Humble Bundle deals, the company donates a portion of proceeds to charity–in this case, the bundle supports Covenant House, which provides food, shelter, immediate crisis care, and ongoing services to homeless and trafficked young people. You can also adjust the revenue split between Humble, 2K, and Covenant House before checkout.
Humble’s 2K Classic Trilogies Mafia X Bioshock Game Bundle offers a tiered payment option, and the more you pay, the more games you get.
If you only want the Bioshock series, you can grab the base $10 tier that includes the Remastered Editions of BioShock 1 and 2, alongside the original BioShock Infinite. The enhanced editions of Bioshock 1 and 2 included in this bundle offer improved graphics and UI, with support for up to 4K resolutions. It’s also worth noting that the version of Bioshock Infinite included in the bundle does not include the Season Pass DLC content, and must be purchased separately.
If you pay $18 or more, you’ll also unlock the Definitive Edition versions of Mafia, Mafia II, and Mafia III. All three Definitive Editions feature upgraded graphics, as well as all story DLC and additional content from the original versions. Owning all three also unlocks bonus in-game costumes.
Humble’s 2K Classic Trilogies Mafia X Bioshock Game Bundle
While all six games in the bundle are first-person shooters, BioShock and Mafia offer very different gameplay experiences. The BioShock series is a more cramped, atmospheric series set in fantastical alternate-history worlds. The original BioShock was a huge hit when it first released, thanks to its solid gunplay, improvisational combat abilities, and unique, deep-sea steampunk setting of Rapture City. Bioshock 2 returns players to Rapture, and casts them as one of the first game’s most intimidating enemies, the Big Daddy. BioShock Infinite breaks away from the underwater adventures of the previous two games and sends players to Columbia, an airborne city of miracles with dark secrets.
Mafia, on the other hand, are open-world crime thrillers, each of which takes place in a different historical era. The first Mafia game is set during the 1930s in Illinois, Mafia II spans the 1940s and 1950s in New York, and Mafia III takes place in Louisiana during the late 1960s.
The 2K Classic Trilogies Mafia X Bioshock Game Bundle is available at Humble until July 9. All games purchased in the bundle are delivered as official Steam keys.
2K Classic Trilogies Mafia X Bioshock Game Bundle
Pay at least $10
BioShock Remastered Edition
BioShock 2 Remastered Edition
BioShock Infinite
Pay at least $18
BioShock Remastered Edition
BioShock 2 Remastered Edition
BioShock Infinite
Mafia Definitive Edition
Mafia 2 Definitive Edition
Mafia 3 Definitive Edition
If you’re looking for more PC game deals, Humble also has plenty of other bundles available right now. Fans of story-rich games should check out the Narrative Arc Bundle, which offers seven story-rich games like Venba and Dustborn, and the Serenity Forge Story Teller’s Bundle that includes 12 games like Neversong, Paratropic, and more. If you enjoy solving puzzles, there’s the Puzzle Pizzazz Game Bundle featuring 8 titles like The Entropy Centre and Paper Trail, or you can pick up seven detective adventure games like Heavy Rain, Brok the Investigator, and more with the Case & Consequence Collection. Check the list below for even more bundles, or check out all the deals at Humble.
Scientists at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, in collaboration with researchers from Japan, China, Switzerland, and Italy, have developed an innovative method to produce and rapidly analyze a vast array of macrocyclic peptides, molecules increasingly used in modern medicine. The research, published in Nature Communications, harnesses the familiar brewer’s yeast, turning billions of these tiny organisms into miniature fluorescent factories, each capable of creating a unique peptide with potential therapeutic applications.
Macrocyclic peptides are promising drugs because they combine precision targeting, stability, and safety, offering fewer side effects than traditional drugs. However, conventional methods for discovering and testing these peptides are often complex, difficult to control, slow, and environmentally unfriendly.
To overcome these limitations, the researchers engineered common brewer’s yeast cells to individually produce different macrocyclic peptides. Each yeast cell acts like a tiny factory that lights up when prod-ucing the compound, allowing scientists to swiftly identify promising peptides. Using advanced fluorescence-based techniques, the team screened billions of these micro-factories in just a few hours, a process that is significantly faster and more ecofriendly than existing methods.
Sara Linciano, lead author and postdoctoral researcher at Ca’ Foscari’s Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, explains: “We manipulated yeast cells so that each one functions as a ‘micro-factory’ that becomes fluorescent when producing a specific compound. This allowed us to analyze 100 million different peptides rapidly and effectively.”
Ylenia Mazzocato, co-leader of the study, highlights the sustainability of their approach: “By exploiting the natural machinery of yeast, we produce peptide molecules that are biocompatible and biodegradable, making them safe for health and the environment, a truly ‘green pharma’ approach.”
The team also clarified how these peptides precisely bind to their targets. Zhanna Romanyuk, who contributed to the structural analysis, says: “Using X-ray crystallography, we demonstrated the excellent binding properties of these peptides, confirming their precision and potency.”
This new method offers significant advancements for drug discovery, especially for challenging targets that conventional drugs cannot easily address. Alessandro Angelini, associate professor and study coordinator, emphasizes: “We are pushing the boundaries of this technology to create macrocyclic peptides that can deliver advanced therapies directly to specific cells, potentially revolutionising treatments. This could greatly benefit patient health and have substantial scientific and economic impacts.”
This work was part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), supported by the European Union’s Next Generation EU initiative, involving multidisciplinary teams from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Padova, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), including experts in chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry, and computational sciences.
Part of this technology has already been patented by Ca’ Foscari and was recently acquired by the startup Arzanya S.r.l. “Seeing our technology gain international recognition makes me proud,” Angelini concludes. “I I hope Arzanya S.r.l. can provide our talented young researchers with the opportunity to pursue their passions here in Italy, without necessarily needing to move abroad.”
Quasi-contracts are a concept under the Indian Contract Act, of 1872, that governs situations where there is no express or implied contract between parties but still imposes an obligation on one party to pay the other party. It is also known as a “constructive contract” or “implied-in-law contract.” This type of contract arises to prevent unjust enrichment of one party at the expense of the other party. Quasi-contracts are based on the principle of equity and justice, rather than a mutual agreement between the parties.
Quantum Meruit is a Latin term that means “as much as he deserved.” This principle is often used in quasi-contract cases where one party has provided goods or services to another party. It refers to the principle that if someone has provided services or goods to another person, they should be paid a reasonable amount for the value of those goods or services, even if there was no express agreement between the parties.
In this article, we will discuss quasi-contracts under the Indian Contract Act, their characteristics, and landmark cases related to it.
Characteristics of Quasi Contracts
Absence of Agreement: Quasi-contracts arise in the absence of an agreement between the parties. There is no express or implied contract between the parties that specifies their rights and obligations.
Implied by Law: Quasi-contracts are not created by the parties’ intention but rather imposed by the law to prevent unjust enrichment of one party at the expense of the other.
Obligation to Pay: One party has an obligation to pay the other party a certain amount of money. This obligation is imposed on the party by law.
No Mutual Consent: Quasi-contracts are not based on mutual consent, but rather the law’s imposition of an obligation to prevent injustice.
Elements of Quasi-Contracts
To establish a quasi-contract, the following elements must be present:
(i) The defendant must have been enriched;
(ii) The enrichment must have been at the plaintiff’s expense;
(iii) The enrichment must have been unjust;
(iv) There must be no other legal remedy available to the plaintiff; and
(v) The enrichment must not have been due to any fault of the plaintiff.
Restitution is a remedy that is often awarded in quasi-contract cases. Restitution refers to the return of property or money that has been wrongfully obtained by one party from another party. The goal of restitution is to restore the parties to the position they were in before the quasi-contract was formed.
Differences between Contracts and Quasi-Contracts
CONTRACTS
QUASI-CONTRACTS
Formed by parties willing to enter into a contract.
Formed out of obligation of parties.
There exists an agreement enforceable by law.
There exists no such agreement.
The contract is legally binding
Merely resembles a contract but is still binding
Can be either express or implied
Quasi-contracts are implied
Landmark Cases on Quasi Contracts
Moses vs. Macferlan: In this case, Macferlan had sold some stock to Moses, but the stock was later found to be defective. Moses sued Macferlan for a refund. The court held that Macferlan had to refund the money to Moses because there was no express contract between the parties, but there was an implied contract based on the circumstances.
Kedar Nath vs. Gorie Mohamed: In this case, Kedar Nath had paid Gorie Mohamed for the construction of a house, but Gorie Mohamed failed to complete the construction. The court held that Kedar Nath was entitled to get back the money paid to Gorie Mohamed as there was no contract between the parties. It was a case of quasi-contract based on the principle of unjust enrichment.
P. Sreenivasa Rao vs. State of Andhra Pradesh: In this case, Sreenivasa Rao had been appointed as a public prosecutor, but the government later canceled his appointment. The court held that Sreenivasa Rao was entitled to compensation for the services he had rendered to the government, as there was an implied contract between him and the government.
Mohd. Shafi vs. Muhammad Ismail: In this case, Shafi had paid Ismail for the purchase of some goods, but Ismail failed to deliver the goods. The court held that Ismail had to refund the money to Shafi as there was no contract between the parties. It was a case of quasi-contract based on the principle of unjust enrichment.
Conclusion
Quasi contracts are a legal concept that is used to prevent unjust enrichment of one party at the expense of the other. These contracts arise when there is no express or implied contract between the parties. The obligation to pay is imposed on one party by law. The Indian Contract Act, 1872, recognizes quasi-contracts and provides remedies for parties in such situations. The above landmark cases demonstrate the application of quasi-contracts in different scenarios.
Note: This post was first published in July, 2024. It was republished on 27th June, 2025.
During a doctor visit in Mumbai in 2024, Usha Rachael Thomas heard words that would change her life. “You’re walking and talking, but physiologically, you should be in the ICU.” A senior brand strategist and communications leader, Usha was used to high stakes and high stress. But nothing prepared her for the reality that her body had been quietly inching toward a diabetic coma.
Usha Rachael Thomas changed her diet, exercise routine and approach to life to reverse diabetes fast.(Usha Rachael Thomas)
Her body gave no dramatic signs. Just a growing fatigue, thirst she couldn’t quench, and exhaustion that blanketed her after every meal. For two months, she dismissed the symptoms as stress or heat. But her blood sugar reading told a different story. “The number on the glucometer read over 500, 538 to be precise — more than five times what it should have been,” the 57-year-old recounts in an interview to HT Health Shots.
That was the day her narrative of “I’m just tired” crumbled. Eventually, it led to a medical turnaround that evolved into a deeply personal return to self-respect, self-awareness and a conscious walk towards self-care for Usha.
Diabetes signs that were easily ignored
Usha says she had been feeling unusually tired, especially after meals. A quick breakfast would be followed by an overwhelming urge to sleep. The same thing happened post-lunch. “I thought it was just Mumbai’s relentless heat or the stress of our company’s merger,” she says.
The excessive thirst? She blamed it on dehydration. The frequent urination? A natural outcome of drinking more water. But what she missed was what many do — the body’s subtle signs for help. There was no one else to notice the red flags either.
“Losing my father a year ago, taking care of my mother’s loneliness and managing her grief, the empty nest syndrome after my younger son moved to settle down with his wife in Toronto and working from home during our company’s merger, had created the perfect storm of stress and isolation,” she says.
When Usha finally saw her long-time physician, Dr B.S. Shetty, he didn’t take long to connect the dots. He suggested a random blood sugar test. And when the result showed 538, she was told what no patient wants to hear: “You should be in the ICU.”
Her body was on the brink of a diabetic coma.
“Those words detonated the carefully constructed narrative I’d been telling myself for decades. In that sterile examination room, my illusion of invincibility crumbled. I wasn’t just tired. I wasn’t just thirsty. I was critically ill. I had Type 2 diabetes. And not a mild case! I was standing at the precipice of a diabetic crisis that could have ended my life,” says Usha of what became her wake-up call.
Looking back, Usha can now recognize the early warning signs that her body had been sending for years before she hit a crisis point. She says she had been neglecting:
Subtle abnormalities in routine blood work that were technically “within range” but trending in concerning directions
Unexplained changes in body composition that she attributed to age rather than metabolic dysfunction
Adaptations that she made unconsciously as her energy declined. She took elevators instead of stairs. Took the car for short distances she once would have walked.
The journey towards diabetes reversal
A week since being told she was on the brink of a diabetic coma, Usha sat across from endocrinologist Dr Dheeraj Kapoor. And without any sugarcoating, he told her: “You should have seen an endocrinologist 11 years ago when the weight gain began. The responsibility is yours now. You will have to work very hard. But there’s good news—your other vitals are excellent. This means you can heal.”
In that moment, she felt she had a choice: “I could continue spiraling, or I could begin healing.” Usha chose to heal.
Usha Rachael Thomas in her 20s, 30s and 40s.(Usha Rachael Thomas)
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes in 60 days
Within just two months of disciplined lifestyle changes, Usha brought her blood sugar levels down to the non-diabetic range. For the past ten months, she has maintained them without aggressive medication or deprivation. The question is how?
It was built on three foundational pillars: medicinal support (initially), mindset transformation, and methodical lifestyle reconstruction, explains Usha, a former journalist and IIM-A alumna.
“While I’m now almost medication-free, I began with the lowest-dose tablet to stabilize my condition. This support created space for my lifestyle changes to take effect,” she says.
Changes in schedule:
Fixed the eating window: No more daily late dinners or midnight sleep.
Dinner by 7:30-8:00 PM without exception
Sleep by 10:30-11:00 PM to support hormonal regulation
Morning routines that prioritized self-care before work demands
Intentional increase in movement
10-minute walks immediately following every meal
Simple soleus pushups while brushing teeth or waiting for water to boil
Daily yoga and dance sessions with instructors Saurabh Bothra and Trishala Bothra, restoring energy and joy
Minimum 45-minute dedicated walks every day
Dietary changes
The major change was not in what she ate, but how.
Vegetables first, then everything else. “This simple sequence change dramatically impacted my glucose response. I Just flipped the plate, not the food,” she says.
Practiced mindful eating, slowing down to notice flavours, textures, and satiety cues. I still eat chocolate and fruits. I just balance with exercise and accountability.
Strategic indulgence: “It was a yes to chocolate, yes to mangoes, but with precise awareness of timing and quantity.”
Consistency over intensity: “I never deprived myself, only realigned priorities.”
Positive signs of diabetes reversal
Usha noticed that even with these basic lifestyle changes for diabetes management, within 2 weeks her blood sugar levels dropped from 538 to 180, then to 112, then 98. “In 2 months, I reversed Type 2 diabetes. For 10 months and counting, I’ve stayed in a non-diabetic range. And I lost 20 kgs gradually, without looking gaunt or sickly, just stronger and healthier.”
She says while the statistics look great, they fail to capture the mental clarity that returned like morning light after a long night, the renewed energy, or even the profound shift in how she relates to herself.
A mother of two grown-up sons, she shares, “I dismantled 36 years of unconscious self-neglect and rebuilt my relationship with my body. I realized that my near-catastrophic health crisis wasn’t the result of days or even months of poor choices. It was the culmination of 36 years of unintentional self-abandonment. Like many women, I believed that taking care of my family and excelling in my career meant I was taking care of myself. I was productive, successful, reliable. Surely, that meant I was well. What I failed to see was how systematically I had deprioritized my own physical needs.”
To be specific, she says preventive care became an afterthought and she only sought medical attention when something was obviously wrong. She continuously dismissed her 30-kg weight gain as inevitable in the wake of stress and menopause. Late-night dinners and inconsistent sleep patterns became normalized in the 24×7 media and entertainment industry she worked in. Her eating habits included processed foods, restaurant meals, late nights with no consciousness about portion control. Physical movement had nearly vanished from her life as she spent 14-16 hours daily tethered to screens, and ensuring all work deadlines. In between all this, she had simply stopped listening to her body’s signals.
Final reflections: “Don’t wait for a crisis to hit you”
Usha asserts that while Type 2 diabetes has been normalized as an inevitable consequence of aging or genetics, her experience suggests that personal agency plays a far greater role than people have been led to believe.
“My purpose in sharing this deeply personal journey is to highlight possibilities for others. You might be where I was — functional but failing, productive but perishing. You deserve to know that reversal is possible with the right guidance and commitment. And your healing journey deserves to start before crisis forces your hand,” she concludes.
(This story is based on an individual’s experience with Type 2 diabetes. Consult your doctor before making any dietary or lifestyle changes to suit your personal needs.)
Vor Biopharma is licensing rights to an immune disease drug from Chinese biotechnology company RemeGen, it said Wednesday, a little over one month after announcing plans to review strategic alternatives.
As part of its shift in focus, Vor also announced it appointed former MorphoSys leader Jean-Paul Kress as CEO. Vor’s previous chief executive Robert Ang will stay on as an adviser through October.
Vor also raised $175 million in a PIPE, or private investment in public equity, that involved half a dozen investors including RA Capital Management, Forbion and Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners.
But a rocky few years forced Vor to change direction. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotech had been advancing cell therapies called trem-cel and VCAR33, but in May revealed plans to wind down clinical operations and lay off 95% of its employees.
Now, Vor is reestablishing itself as an autoimmune disease company. The deal with RemeGen gives its rights to develop and commercialize in most parts of the world a drug for generalized myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis that’s already approved in China.
Vor is paying RemeGene $45 million upfront along with $80 million in warrants to purchase common stock in exchange for the drug, called telitacicept.
Telitacicept is in Phase 3 testing for generalized myasthenia gravis in the U.S., Europe and South America, according to the companies. Data from that trial is expected in 2027.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be leading Vor Bio as we transform the company to become a major player in autoimmune disease treatment,” Kress said in a statement.
Telitacicept’s targets are cytokines known as BAFF and APRIL, which have also been the focus of other dealmaking.
Recently, China-based biotechs like RemeGen are providing more and more of the drug candidates licensed by U.S. and European drugmakers. “Global biopharma companies can increasingly look to China as a cost-effective source of innovation, particularly for validated targets and rapid generation of proof-of-concept data,” Leerink Partners analyst David Risinger wrote in a Thursday note to clients.
Vor’s decision to start anew with a Phase 3-ready drug candidate contrasts with the route preferred by some activist investors and analysts, who have pushed struggling biotechs to wind down and return cash to shareholders rather than try to reinvent themselves. Some, like Third Harmonic Bio and iTeos Therapeutics, have taken this course, while others have resisted the pressure
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with this exciting new direction for Vor, and new leadership with the background and skills appropriate for this asset,” Ang, Vor’s former CEO, wrote in a LinkedIn post.
Shares in Vor nearly doubled on the news to trade around $1 apiece by Thursday afternoon.
The Australian Property Institute (API) has just released its inaugural Valuation Report, and it turns that long-held belief on its head.
While housing markets have seen strong growth, industrial property, especially in Sydney, has quietly emerged as a top performer.
Sydney industrial warehouses emerged as the highest performing non-farm property sector over the past 20 years with a return of 261%.
Over the last 10 years, Queensland property owners have been the chief beneficiaries of ‘sea changers’ and ‘tree changers’, taking out seven of the top 10 best performing residential property regions across Australia in the 2014-2024 period.
Western Australia, NSW and Victoria had one region each in the best performing markets.
Coolangatta (QLD) and Broadbeach (QLD) were the strongest non-capital city markets anywhere in Australia over the last decade, with prices increasing by 154%.
Housing supply remains a key driver of housing unaffordability. For example, despite a NSW Government commitment to deliver 377,000 new well-located homes in the state by 2029, under the National Housing Accord, residential development has fallen below business as usual levels.
NSW Government housing activity and supply figures also suggest the state is lagging with 21,214 net completions in the year to June 2024, 17.8% below the previous five financial years’ average of 25,823. Building Approvals for the year to June 2024 were 25,852, 23.6% below the previous five financial years’ average of 33,847[3].
Greater Sydney housing supply forecasts suggest only an additional 172,900 new homes will be built to 2028-29, which is 10.2% below the previous six financial years’ total completions of 192,498
For decades, Sydney and Melbourne have dominated the conversation when it comes to property investment in Australia.
They’ve been the go-to markets for capital growth, perceived as safe, stable, and predictably lucrative.
But the Australian Property Institute (API) has just released its inaugural Valuation Report, and it turns that long-held belief on its head.
This isn’t just another data set.
It’s a 20-year deep dive into residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural property values across every Australian state and territory.
And its findings challenge many of the assumptions property investors have held for years.
Let’s explore the key takeaways—and more importantly, what they mean for strategic investors like us.
Smaller cities take the crown in residential growth
According to the API report, Adelaide has topped the list for capital city house price growth over the past 20 years, with a staggering 175% increase.
Hobart follows closely at 172%.
Sydney and Melbourne, while still strong, lag behind at 171% and 169% respectively.
Brisbane also notched 169%, followed by Canberra (148%), Perth (123%) and Darwin (102%).
These numbers are particularly striking when you compare them to inflation over the same period, just 67%.
So why did the smaller cities outperform?
Several factors come into play:
Affordability pressures drove buyers to more reasonably priced markets.
Lifestyle changes (especially post-COVID) accelerated interest in secondary cities.
Government and infrastructure investment in places like Adelaide and Hobart improved liveability and employment options.
Note: Good investment isn’t about sentiment, it’s about being in the right market at the right time, with the right strategy.
Agriculture: the best-performing property class—by far
Interestingly, it wasn’t residential, commercial, or even industrial property that delivered the strongest growth.
It was agricultural land.
Over the past two decades, farming land values increased by an average of 256%, compared to:
What’s behind this massive appreciation?
High global commodity prices
Consistent demand for food security
Climate resilience in some regions
An overlay of renewable energy projects in areas like the Wimmera, which saw an incredible 802% increase in value, the highest of any property market in the country.
Agriculture is no longer just for farmers. It’s now a core asset class and increasingly a strategic one.
Industrial leads the commercial pack
While housing markets have seen strong growth, industrial property, especially in Sydney, has quietly emerged as a top performer.
Sydney industrial warehouses grew 261% over 20 years, making it the best-performing non-farming property type in the country.
Sydney commercial came in second at 176%.
Adelaide industrial warehouses weren’t far behind at 173%.
This speaks to broader structural shifts:
The rise of e-commerce has created strong demand for logistics and warehousing.
Land scarcity around metropolitan areas has led to capital growth.
Corporations are paying premiums for newer, greener buildings to meet ESG mandates.
Queensland’s coastal markets are booming
Zoom in on the last 10 years, and you’ll see that Queensland is dominating the regional property growth scene.
Seven of the top 10 highest-growth regions are in Queensland.
The top performers?
Coolangatta and Broadbeach–Burleigh both saw 154% growth.
Maroochy (141%), Noosa Hinterland (134%), and Robina (126%) were also among the leaders
This is no accident. We’ve seen a long-term shift driven by:
It’s a clear case of lifestyle meeting leverage, and it’s working.
Housing affordability: a structural crisis
The API’s long-term data paints a sobering picture of just how far housing affordability has slipped.
Back in 1975, a Sydney home cost just 4.2 times the average annual wage. Today it’s 13 times.
Melbourne has jumped from 3.5x to 8.4x.
Brisbane, from 2.9x to 8.3x.
Nationally, we’ve gone from 3.4x to 8.1x.
This trend has been driven by:
Strong capital growth outpacing wage growth
Chronic undersupply of housing stock
A policy environment that often struggles to align planning, development, and infrastructure delivery
We’re not just facing a short-term affordability blip.
We’re in a generational shift where ownership is becoming more elusive, especially for younger Australians.
Note: For investors, that only reinforces the long-term opportunity in quality rental housing. Build-to-rent, dual-occupancy dwellings, and high-amenity townhomes will continue to be in strong demand.
Supply is still falling short
The report also underscores one of the biggest systemic risks to the market: Australia isn’t building enough homes.
In NSW, despite a government commitment to deliver 377,000 new homes by 2029, we’re seeing:
Net completions of just 21,214 in the year to June 2024—18% below the five-year average
Building approvals down 23.6%
A forecast shortfall of at least 19,500 homes in Greater Sydney over the next four years.
This is a fundamental reason prices have remained resilient even amid rising interest rates.
Demand remains strong, but supply just isn’t keeping up.
Energy, emissions and land use: a new frontier
Another theme emerging from the report is the role of net-zero targets and renewable energy projects in shaping property values.
Valuers are now having to assess:
The impact of transmission infrastructure cutting across farmland
The economics of solar and wind projects on rural land
Carbon sequestration deals between landowners and corporations
As emissions reduction becomes a national imperative, we’ll see a growing divergence between land that can adapt and land that can’t.
It will be expert valuation and advisory services that help determine the best use.
So, where to from here?
The API’s data confirms what I’ve been saying for years: the property market isn’t a monolith.
It’s not just about capital cities or buying the median house in a “blue-chip” suburb.
It’s about understanding long-term macro trends, demographic shifts, infrastructure plays, policy changes, and asset class performance.
If there’s one thing to take away from this report, it’s that informed investors will win the next decade, just as they did the last.
We’re at a critical inflection point:
Migration is surging
Infrastructure is evolving
The energy transition is reshaping land values
And affordability remains one of the defining economic issues of our time
Now is the time for strategic thinking, smart asset selection, and long-term vision.
That’s exactly what we do at Metropole: help clients build resilient portfolios.
If you’re like many property investors, you’re probably wondering what’s the right thing to do at present.
Should you buy, should you sell, or should you just wait?
You can trust the team at Metropole to provide you with direction, guidance, and results.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, at times like we are currently experiencing you need an advisor who takes a holistic approach to your wealth creation and that’s exactly what you get from the multi-award-winning team at Metropole.
We help our clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through a range of services including:
Strategic property advice – Allow us to build a Strategic Property Plan for you and your family. Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now! Click here to learn more
Buyer’s agency – As Australia’s most trusted buyers’ agents we’ve been involved in over $4Billion worth of transactions creating wealth for our clients and we can do the same for you. Our on the ground teams in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane bring you years of experience and perspective – that’s something money just can’t buy. We’ll help you find your next home or an investment-grade property. Click here to learn how we can help you.
Property Development – We enable you to become an “armchair developer” and get all the benefits of property development without getting your hands dirty. We take the hassles out of your investment by assisting you with all the expertise you need, from concept to completion, including construction. Click here to see if it’s the right way for you to grow your portfolio.
Property Management – Our stress-free property management services help you maximise your property returns. Click here to find out why our clients enjoy a vacancy rate considerably below the market average, our tenants stay an average of 3 years, and our properties lease 10 days faster than the market average.
About Brett Warren Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.
Even as someone who genuinely likes Samsung phones, the company’s devices have a few recurring issues that get under my skin. While not bad enough to make me switch, they show up often enough to make me groan every time.
6
Too Much Bloatware
Sergio Rodriguez / MakeUseOf
Almost every Android phone ships with a few pre-installed apps, but Samsung takes it to another level. Out of the box, Galaxy phones come packed with dozens of apps that you may never need or use.
It starts with Samsung’s own lineup of apps, like Samsung TV, Samsung Members, Smart Tutor, SmartThings, and the Wearable app. Then, because of the Microsoft partnership, you also get apps like Microsoft 365, LinkedIn, OneNote, and OneDrive on your phone from the start.
Put all this together, and even a brand-new Samsung phone can feel messy right out of the box. There are so many preloaded apps, and they don’t just sit there. They take up storage, drain your battery, and quietly eat up system resources in the background. The problem is even worse on budget Galaxy models, where storage and performance are already tight.
Sure, it’s not that hard to get rid of most of the pre-installed apps on your Samsung phone. But first impressions matter, and One UI doesn’t exactly make a great one.
5
Still No Support for Multiple User Profiles
Justin Duino / MakeUseOf
One of the best functions Android phones have that iPhones still don’t is letting you set up multiple profiles or guest accounts. This essentially gives you separate spaces on the same device, like you’d have with multiple users on Windows or macOS. Each profile gets its own home screen, apps, accounts, and settings. It’s kind of like having two phones in one without the extra hardware.
This is super handy if you want a separate space for kids, or to keep work and personal matters apart. Although Samsung phones run on Android, they don’t support this feature for some reason. Strangely enough, the multi-profile option does show up on Samsung tablets.
On Samsung phones, the closest equivalent is Secure Folder. It lets you lock apps, photos, and other personal data behind a passcode, which is great for privacy. But it’s not functionally the same, as you can’t use it to create separate spaces for different users.
4
One UI vs. One UI Core Confusion
Zarif Ali / MakeUseOf
Even though all Samsung phones technically run One UI, the experience isn’t the same across every device. Flagship models like the Galaxy S series or the Z Fold and Flip get the full version of One UI, packed with all the features. But a lot of budget and mid-range Galaxy models come with a watered-down version called One UI Core.
The name “One UI Core” used to be a helpful way to tell you that you were getting a lighter, more limited version of the software. However, Samsung has quietly stopped labeling it that way. So now, two devices might both say they run One UI 6.1, but only one gives you the full experience.
The differences between One UI and One UI Core are hard to miss. For starters, phones with the Core version don’t have functions like Edge Panels or Edge Lighting. You also lose out on features like Link to Windows, Secure Folder, and support for Samsung’s Good Lock app. So if you’re using one of these devices, you’re missing out on a bunch of customization options, multitasking tools, and extra privacy features.
While it makes sense that lower-end phones would skip a few features, the confusing part is that Samsung doesn’t make this clear anymore. Unless you go digging through forums or watch detailed reviews, you probably won’t notice what’s missing until you buy a phone and try to use a feature that isn’t there.
3
Duplicate Apps
Sanuj Bhatia / MakeUseOf
Samsung loads up its Galaxy phones with its own apps like Gallery, Phone, Contacts, Messages, and a bunch of others. And to be fair, some of them are quite good, with features you won’t find in Google’s versions. The problem is that Android already includes Google’s apps by default, so you end up with two apps for the same purpose.
On a Galaxy device, you get Samsung Internet and Chrome, Gallery and Google Photos, and then Samsung Messages and Google Messages. It’s not just a couple of apps; it’s a whole list. Sure, having options can be nice, but the real issue is that you can’t simply clean this up by picking what you want.
If you’re into Samsung’s apps, then it’s not a big deal since most of the Google ones can be uninstalled. But if you prefer sticking with Google’s ecosystem, you’re out of luck. One UI won’t let you remove many of the Samsung apps, like Gallery, My Files, Phone, Contacts, and the Galaxy Store.
So even if you never plan on using Samsung Internet or Samsung Messages, they’ll stay there, and you can’t delete them. You can hide them if you want, but you won’t get back the storage they’re taking up.
2
Annoying Ads Everywhere (Even on Flagship Models)
Sanuj Bhatia / MakeUseOf
If you’ve ever used a Samsung phone, you probably know how often ads show up. They’re not just hiding in random corners of the interface. You’ll see them right on the lock screen, in your notifications, or even inside Samsung’s default apps. And it can get annoying, fast.
Ads aren’t unusual on budget phones where companies have to cut corners, but Samsung doesn’t stop there. Even high-end devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or the Fold 6—phones that cost well over a thousand dollars—still come loaded with ads.
What makes it even more frustrating is that there’s no simple, one-tap way to turn all the ads off. You have to dig through settings, tweak permissions, and manually disable app notifications to get rid of ads on Samsung phones.
Even after all that, some ads still manage to sneak through. For anyone coming from an iPhone or even a Pixel, both of which offer a clean, ad-free experience, this can be a total deal-breaker.
1
Charging Speeds That Lag Behind the Competition
Digvijay Kumar/MakeUseOf
Most Samsung phones provide great bang for your buck, with top-notch displays, solid performance, and premium build quality. But when it comes to charging speed, Samsung still lags behind a lot of other Android brands.
While brands like Motorola, Oppo, and OnePlus are pushing fast charging speeds to 68W, 80W, and even 100W, Samsung has barely moved on this. Even its latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, maxes out at just 45W. That might have sounded impressive a few years ago, but in 2025, it’s just not enough to keep up.
In everyday use, this means charging your phone feels slower. A full charge can still take more than an hour, while phones from other brands can go from empty to 100 percent in less time. It gets even more frustrating with phones like the Galaxy S25 Edge, which has just a 3,900mAh battery despite its big 6.7-inch display. With a battery that small, faster charging could have at least made up for the more frequent top-ups.
Samsung phones still rank among the top choices for anyone looking to buy a smartphone. But even the most loyal fans can’t ignore the recurring headaches that come with them. Hopefully, future models will iron out these kinks. Until then, we’ll just have to rely on workarounds to make the experience as good as it should be.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/Lulang-a-vivid-example-of-rural-revitalization-in-Xizang-1EBm9lNyP3q/img/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48.jpeg'A view of the town of Lulang in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/Lulang-a-vivid-example-of-rural-revitalization-in-Xizang-1EBm9lNyP3q/img/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48.jpeg'A view of the town of Lulang in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/Lulang-a-vivid-example-of-rural-revitalization-in-Xizang-1EBm9lNyP3q/img/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48.jpeg'A view of the town of Lulang in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/Lulang-a-vivid-example-of-rural-revitalization-in-Xizang-1EBm9lNyP3q/img/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48.jpeg'A view of the town of Lulang in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/Lulang-a-vivid-example-of-rural-revitalization-in-Xizang-1EBm9lNyP3q/img/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48.jpeg'A view of the town of Lulang in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/Lulang-a-vivid-example-of-rural-revitalization-in-Xizang-1EBm9lNyP3q/img/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48.jpeg'A view of the town of Lulang in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-29/Lulang-a-vivid-example-of-rural-revitalization-in-Xizang-1EBm9lNyP3q/img/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48/f49c7b74c2fc42fe88ba534de36bab48.jpeg'A view of the town of Lulang in Nyingchi, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. /CGTN
Among Lulang’s pristine landscapes, villagers cultivate a self-sufficient and harmonious co-existence with livestock. Yaks live peacefully on the verdant slopes, providing dairy products and meat. Distinctive local pigs roam freely through the fields, foraging in the nature and produce their uniquely flavorful meat. Villagers build traditional houses to open their own homestays. This seamless integration with the land and its cherished animals forms a serene rhythm of life, embodying a timeless harmony that defines the essence of Lulang and reflects the spirit of the “Happiness of Nyingchi.”
Certain elements of Jules Verne’s 1870 novel “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” have become a TV series, “Nautilus,” premiering Sunday on AMC, which picked up the show after Disney+, which ordered and completed it, let it drop. Created by James Dormer, it’s not an adaptation but a prequel, or an origin story, as the comic book kids like to say, in which Nemo, not yet captain, sets sail in his submarine for the first time.
Verne’s imaginative fiction has inspired more and less faithful screen adaptations since the days of silent movies. (Georges Méliès 1902 “A Trip to the Moon,” based partially on Verne’s 1865 “From the Earth to the Moon,” is accounted the first science-fiction film.) For a few midcentury years, perhaps inspired by the success of Disney’s own “20,000 Leagues” — a film they continue to exploit in its theme parks — and Mike Todd’s “Around the World in 80 Days,” it was almost a cottage industry: “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” “In Search of the Castaways,” “Five Weeks in a Balloon.” I grew up watching these films rerun on TV; they are corny and fun, as is “Nautilus,” with fancier effects, anticorporate sentiments and people of color.
We have seen Nemo played by James Mason, Michael Caine, Patrick Stewart, Ben Cross and Robert Ryan, but in “The Mysterious Island,” Verne’s sort-of sequel to “Twenty Thousand Leagues,” he identified Nemo as an Indian prince, as he is shown here, played by Shazad Latif, deposed by an imperial power, his wife and child murdered. The character is usually a bit of a madman, and this Nemo — pigheaded, bossy — is not wholly an exception, though he is also a young, smoldering, swashbuckling hero and a man more sinned against than sinning. We meet him as a prisoner of the British East India Mercantile Company, “the most powerful corporation to ever exist, more powerful than any country,” which is building the Nautilus in India with slave labor, in pursuit, says villainous company director Crawley (Damien Garvey), of “prying open and exploiting the Chinese market.” I’m not sure how a submarine is supposed to do that, but, eh, it’s a reason.
Nemo has been collaborating with the submarine’s inventor, Gustave Benoit (Thierry Frémont), who had accepted the corporation’s money under the promise that it would be used for exploration — scientists can be so dense. Nemo, whom the professor credits as the mind behind the ship’s engine, has his own use for the Nautilus and executes a hasty escape with a half-random crew of fellow inmates in a deftly staged sequence that borrows heavily from “Indiana Jones,” an inspirational well to which the series returns throughout.
And we’re off. On the agenda: escaping, revenge and finding buried treasure to finance revenge.
Joining the Nautilus crew are Loti (Céline Menville) and Humility (Georgia Flood).
(Vince Valitutti / Disney+)
When the Nautilus, hardly on its way, cripples the ship they’re traveling on — under the impression that the sub is under attack — the crew is joined, unwillingly, by Humility Lucas (Georgia Flood), a science-minded British socialite with super engineering skills, who is being packed off to Bombay to marry the abominable Lord Pitt (Cameron Cuffe). She’s accompanied by a chaperone/warder, Loti (Céline Menville), a Frenchwoman who has a mean way with a dagger, and cabin boy Blaster (Kayden Price). And a little dog too. Sparks obviously will fly between Nemo and Humility — bad sparks, then good sparks, as in an Astaire and Rogers movie — and there are actual sparks from a bad electrical connection Humility works out how to fix.
Apart from Benoit, Humility and Loti, a big fellow named Jiacomo (Andrew Shaw), who hails from nobody knows where and speaks a language no one understands, and a British stowaway, the crew of the Nautilus are all people of color — South Asian, Asian, Middle Eastern, African or Pacific Islander. Few are really developed as characters, but the actors give them life, and the supporting players carry the comedy, of which there’s a good deal. One episode inverts the tired old scenario in which white explorers are threatened with death by dark-skinned natives; here, the captors are Nordic warrior women. The show is anticolonial and anti-imperialist in a way that “Star Wars” taught audiences to recognize, if not necessarily recognize in the world around them, and anticapitalist in a way that movies have most always been. (The final episode, which has a financial theme, is titled “Too Big to Fail.” It is quite absurd.)
It can be slow at times, which is not inappropriate to a show that takes place largely underwater. But that its structure is essentially episodic keeps “Nautilus” colorful and more interesting than if it were simply stretched on the rack of a long arc across its 10 episodes. It’s a lot like (pre-streaming) “Star Trek,” which is, after all, a naval metaphor, its crew sailing through a hostile environment encountering a variety of monsters and cultures week to week; indeed, there are some similar storylines: the crew infected by a mystery spore, the ship threatened by tiny beasties and giant monsters, encounters with a tinpot dictator and semimythological figures — all the while being pursued by a Klingon Bird of Prey, sorry, a giant metal warship.
The greatest hits of underwater adventuring (some from Verne’s novel) are covered: volcanoes, giant squid, giant eel, engine trouble, running out of air and the ruins of a lost civilization (Is it Atlantis? Benoit hopes so). Less common: a cricket match on the ice. Apart from a pod of whales outside the window (and, later, a whale rescue), not a lot of time is devoted to the wonders of the sea — the special effects budget, which has in other respects been spent lavishly, apparently had no room left for schools of fish. But these submariners have other things on their minds.
The odds of a second season, says my cloudy crystal ball, are limited, so you may have to accommodate a few minor cliffhangers if you decide to watch. I did not at all regret the time I spent here, even though I sometimes had no idea what was going on or found it ridiculous when I did, as there was usually some stimulating activity or bit of scenery or detail of steampunk design to enjoy. I mean, I watched an episode of “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” recently, a 1960s submarine series, in which guest star John Cassavetes created a superbomb that could destroy three-quarters of the world, and almost nothing in it made any sense at all, including the presence of John Cassavetes. “Nautilus” is actually good.
Neither the Department of Justice nor the White House responded to requests for comment on this issue; the Library of Congress declined to comment.
Perkins and Nieves did not enter the USCO office or assume the roles they purported to fill the day they showed up. And since they left, sources within the Library of Congress tell WIRED, they have never returned, nor have they assumed any of the duties associated with the roles. These sources say that Congress is in talks with the White House to reach an agreement over these personnel disputes.
A congressional aide familiar with the situation told WIRED that Blanche, Perkins, and Nieves had not shown up for work “because they don’t have jobs to show up to.” The aide continued: “As we’ve always maintained, the President has no authority to appoint them. Robert Newlen has always been the Acting Librarian of Congress.”
If talks are happening, they remain out of public view. But Perlmutter does have some members of Congress openly on her side. “The president has no authority to remove the Register of Copyrights. That power lies solely with the Librarian of Congress. I’m relieved that the situation at the Library and Copyright Office has stabilized following the administration’s unconstitutional attempt to seize control for the executive branch. I look forward to quickly resolving this matter in a bipartisan way,” Senator Alex Padilla tells WIRED in a statement.
In the meantime, the Copyright Office is in the odd position of attempting to carry on as though it wasn’t missing its head. Immediately after Perlmutter’s dismissal, the Copyright Office paused issuing registration certificates “out of an abundance of caution,” according to USCO spokesperson Lisa Berardi Marflak, who says the pause impacted around 20,000 registrations. It resumed activities on May 29 but is now sending out registration certificates with a blank spot where Perlmutter’s signature would ordinarily be.
This unusual change has prompted discussion amongst copyright experts as to whether the registrations are now more vulnerable to legal challenges. The Copyright Office maintains that they are valid: “There is no requirement that the Register’s signature must appear on registration certificates,” says Berardi Marflak.
In a motion related to Perlmutter’s lawsuit, though, she alleges that sending out the registrations without a signature opens them up to “challenges in litigation,” something outside copyright experts have also pointed out. “It’s true the law doesn’t explicitly require a signature,” IP lawyer Rachael Dickson says. “However, the law really explicitly says that it’s the Register of Copyright determining whether the material submitted for the application is copyrightable subject matter.”
Without anyone acting as Register, Dickson thinks it would be reasonable to argue that the statutory requirements are not being met. “If you take them completely out of the equation, you have a really big problem,” she says. “Litigators who are trying to challenge a copyright registration’s validity will jump on this.”
Perlmutter’s lawyers have argued that leaving the Copyright Office without an active boss will cause dysfunction beyond the registration certificate issue, as the Register performs a variety of tasks, from advising Congress on copyright to recertifying organizations like the Mechanical Licensing Collective, the nonprofit in charge of administering royalties for streaming and download music in the United States. Since the MLC’s certification is up right now, Perlmutter would ordinarily be moving forward with recertifying the organization; as her lawsuit notes, right now, the recertification process is not moving forward.
The 744-page Bloodborne Complete Edition Guide is on sale for $45.50 at Amazon. Published last fall by Future Press, the official guidebook rarely is discounted by more than a few bucks. The 25% price cut is already a terrific deal, but shoppers in the Midwest and potentially elsewhere can score an additional 25% discount. With that factored in, you’ll only pay $34.12–nearly 50% off the book’s $60 MSRP. Click the coupon box under the price to get the extra discount at checkout. If you don’t see a coupon box to click, the offer isn’t available in your region.
The Complete Edition is roughly 200 pages longer than the 2017 Collector’s Edition Guide. This is because the Complete Edition also includes The Old Hunters expansion, which received its own 224-page physical guide in 2015. Along with everything you need to 100% the base game and DLC, the guide includes concept art, a deep dive into the lore of Yharnam, an interview with director Hidetaka Miyazaki, and a reference index for in-game lore.
Bloodborne’s Complete Edition Guide has a detailed primer to prepare newcomers for Yharnam’s many threats. Mainline objectives are outlined and accompanied by illustrated maps with annotations to help you uncover the many secrets hidden across the interconnected regions in the base game and The Old Hunters expansion.
In addition to mandatory objectives, the guide tackles all of Bloodborne’s optional side content. Most notably, it has a thorough section on the ever-changing Chalice Dungeons to help you unlock some of the game’s best weapons and loot.
You can also use the guidebook as a reference manual, as it contains a full bestiary with in-depth analysis on the monsters who want to keep you in the nightmare. Along with the bestiary, you can reference the weapon and gear catalog to maximize your build’s potential.
The book’s final chapter, Hunter’s Appendices, helps you track your progress toward 100% by cataloging every character, shop, special enemies, and more.
The text is accompanied by work of From Software’s concept artists, making this the ultimate companion for fans of the game. Even if you don’t need a traditional “guide,” there’s enough here in terms of art and lore to make it a worthy addition to your shelf.
Beyond the walkthrough, reference catalogs, and annotated maps found in the main chapters, Bloodborne’s Complete Edition Guide comes with a “bonus chest” featuring the following:
Exclusive interview with Hidetaka Miyazaki
The Story of Yharnam – background info on the game world
The Art of The Old Hunters: 20 pages of concept art
Lore Index with important reference notes on Yharnam
Note: This guidebook is technically called Bloodborne Complete Guide 25th Anniversary Edition. The anniversary it’s referring to is for Future Press. The publisher gave the reissue of Dark Souls Trilogy Compendium the same 25th Anniversary Edition moniker.
From Software official strategy guides
Physical guidebooks aren’t all that common these days, and they generally double as art books and/or have a collectible component to their designs. From Software fans who like strategy guides are quite fortunate, as the studio consistently collaborates with Future Press to produce gorgeous guides for its games. Just last week, Future revealed an official guidebook for Elden Ring Nightreign. Slated for publication on September 30, Elden Ring Nightreign’s Official Companion Guide is available to preorder for $42.74 at Amazon.
Nightreign’s guide will be the fourth Elden Ring book from Future Press following its three-part Books of Knowledge series covering the original game and Shadow of the Erdtree. Books of Knowledge Volume 1 and Volume 2 had been sold out more often than not since early 2024, but both books are back in stock now. Armored Core 6’s Pilot Manual is also back in stock after being sold out since last holiday season.
From Software Art Books
Elden Ring Art Books
Bloodborne Complete Edition Guide has a ton of official artwork from From Software artists, but for even more, you’ll want to check out Bloodborne Official Artworks, a 256-page paperback published by Udon Entertainment. The publisher has also released a pair of Elden Ring art books and three Dark Souls art books.
From Software Graphic Novels
Bloodborne also has an official graphic novel adaptation with six volumes. You can pick up the first three volumes in box set format for $29 at Amazon. Preorders for Bloodborne’s Slipcase Set with Volumes 4-6 are available for $50 at Amazon ahead of its October 14 release. Titan Comics is also releasing a premium hardcover version of Volume 1 on September 2. Fans can preorder Bloodborne Vol. 1: The Death of Sleep Deluxe Edition for $25 at Amazon
From Software’s Dark Souls series also has an official graphic novel adaptation as well as a manga that debuted last year. Volume 2 of the Dark Souls: Redemption manga will be published on July 22.
Speaking of From Software manga, Elden Ring has a manga adaptation, too, but it’s decidedly different from the game, as it’s a comedy. Volume 6 will be published on the same day as Volume 2 of Redemption. You can also preorder Volume 7, which is scheduled to hit shelves on October 28.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Manga at Amazon
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice hasn’t received as much love in terms of official books, but it did receive an excellent manga titled Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying. Published by Yen Press in 2020, Sekiro Side Story is discounted to $11 (was $15) at Amazon.
Spinal cord injuries are currently incurable with devastating effects on people’s lives, but now a trial at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland offers hope for an effective treatment.
Spinal cord injuries shatter the signal between the brain and body, often resulting in a loss of function.”Unlike a cut on the skin, which typically heals on its own, the spinal cord does not regenerate effectively, making these injuries devastating and currently incurable,” says lead researcher Dr Bruce Harland, a senior research fellow in the School of Pharmacy at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
Before birth, and to a lesser extent afterwards, naturally occurring electric fields play a vital role in early nervous system development, encouraging and guiding the growth of nerve tissue along the spinal cord. Scientists are now harnessing this same electrical guidance system in the lab.An implantable electronic device has restored movement following spinal cord injury in an animal study, raising hopes for an effective treatment for humans and even their pets.
“We developed an ultra-thin implant designed to sit directly on the spinal cord, precisely positioned over the injury site in rats,” Dr Harland says.
The device delivers a carefully controlled electrical current across the injury site. “The aim is to stimulate healing so people can recover functions lost through spinal-cord injury,” Professor Darren Svirskis, director of the CatWalk Cure Program at the University’s School of Pharmacy says.
Unlike humans, rats have a greater capacity for spontaneous recovery after spinal cord injury, which allowed researchers to compare natural healing with healing supported by electrical stimulation.
After four weeks, animals that received daily electric field treatment showed improved movement compared with those who did not.
Throughout the 12-week study, they responded more quickly to gentle touch.
“This indicates that the treatment supported recovery of both movement and sensation,” Harland says. “Just as importantly, our analysis confirmed that the treatment did not cause inflammation or other damage to the spinal cord, demonstrating that it was not only effective but also safe.”
This new study, published in Nature Communications, has come out of a partnership between the University of Auckland and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.
“Long term, the goal is to transform this technology into a medical device that could benefit people living with these life-changing spinal-cord injuries,” says Professor Maria Asplund of Chalmers University of Technology.
“This study offers an exciting proof of concept showing that electric field treatment can support recovery after spinal cord injury,” says doctoral student Lukas Matter, also from Chalmers University.
The next step is to explore how different doses, including the strength, frequency, and duration of the treatment, affect recovery, to discover the most effective recipe for spinal-cord repair.
Master corporate law from the ground up (Companies Act, M&A, IBC, FEMA, and more), and become job ready in just 5 months!
Earn 2 Certificates: One Completion Certificate from Lawctopus Law School and One Internship Project Certificate from our Partner Law Firm.
30+ live sessions (on weekdays from 7 PM to 8:30 PM), 10+ hours of recorded lectures, 100+ pages of reading resources, 7 practical assignments with personalised feedback, 3 practical presentations/drafting activities, and lifetime access to the entire course material.
Register now and avail the exclusive launch price offer!
About the Course
Corporate law is vast, and it can take years to figure out how it all fits together. This course cuts through the confusion and gives you a solid foundation quickly, clearly, and practically. Let’s make you job-ready for top law firms and in-house legal teams!
Month 1 and 2: We will start this course with Companies Law, where you’ll learn how companies are formed, governed, and dissolved. From incorporation, MOA, AOA, board meetings, and resolutions to NCLT procedures and winding-up, we will cover it all.
You’ll also gain hands-on experience in drafting essential legal documents like Employment agreements, NDAs, Shareholders’ Agreements, Share Purchase Agreements, etc.
Through practical assignments and real-world exercises, you will start drafting the kinds of documents and applications that show up on real desks in law firms and corporate offices.
Month 3 and 4: We will then move to Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), where you will understand the full deal lifecycle including types of mergers, due diligence, execution of term sheets, key agreements like JV, Business Transfer Agreement, Asset Transfer Agreement, etc, nuances of private equity, venture capital, FEMA regime, SEBI regulations, etc.
You’ll also work on practical assignments like drafting a term sheet and take part in activities designed to simulate real M&A scenarios so that you can confidently step into the world of deal-making and transactional law.
Month 5: The course will then dive deep into the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), where you’ll learn the basics and the complete CIRP process, liquidation, cross-border insolvency, drafting NCLT applications, landmark judgments, recent amendments, etc.
Also, just like the other modules, you won’t just learn theory, you’ll work on practical assignments and activities such as drafting NCLT applications, preparing minutes of CoC meetings, and more, so that you are well-prepared to take on IBC work from day one.
To top it all off, you will also get an internship project from our partner corporate law firm, and upon completion, you will receive an Internship Project Certificate by the firm, giving your CV a strong boost!
In short, this is a maximum-benefit, power-packed course that gives you everything you need to become job ready!
Course Fee
Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 19,999 [Launching Price]
Structure of this Course
The course begins with a live ‘Orientation Session,’ which explains how to benefit from it fully, and includes 30+ live sessions throughout!
Month 1 and 2: Company Law and Corporate Governance
Module 1: Basics of Company Law
Incorporation of Companies
Types of Companies and its legal framework
Private limited vs. Public limited
Section 8 company vs. Trust vs. Society
Key provisions under the Companies Act, 2013 for startups
Module 2: Drafting of MOA and AOA
Basics of MOA and AOA
How to draft an MOA?
How to draft an AOA?
Module 3: Prospectus and Securities Allotment
Prospectus- Types of Prospectus & Preparation of Prospectus
Legal Framework for Securities Issuance and Allotment
Module 4: Operations of a company
Appointment of directors
Roles and powers of Members, Shareholders, Promoters and Directors
Directors’ report and Disqualification of directors
How to draft an Employment Agreement?
Module 5: Governance of companies
General Meetings
Board Composition and Powers of the Board
Board meetings and resolutions
Notice, quorum, voting, minutes
Module 6: Investment and Debt
What are debt, equity, and hybrid models?
Debt v. equity financing
FEMA Compliance
FDI Regulations
SEBI-related and sectoral filings
How to draft and negotiate a Shareholders Agreement?
Private investment in public equity transactions
Module 7: Capital Markets and Shares
Shares and share capital
Transfer of shares
Buyback of shares
Module 8: Accounts and Auditors
Preparation and filing of financial statements
Role of auditors
Audit committee and their responsibilities
Auditor’s Report and CARO
Module 9: Corporate Social Responsibility
What is CSR?
CSR under the Companies Act, 2013
Taxation on CSR activities
Module 10: NCLT and its procedures
What is NCLT and what are its powers?
Who can appear?
How to draft a Petition before NCLT?
Different kinds of petitions to be filed before the NCLT
Procedure followed in NCLT (start to end)
Module 11: Winding up of a Company
What is winding up of a company?
Voluntary winding up of companies
Compulsory winding up of companies
Module 12: ESG Reporting and Corporate Ethics, Negotiations and Valuations
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting
Key clauses in investment agreements
Term sheet and cap table analysis
Valuation methods and principles
Role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in corporate financing
Module 13: Startup Legal Framework
Setting up a startup: Key legal considerations
Startup India initiative and benefits
Intellectual Property for startups
Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs)
Module 14: Compliance and Risk Management
Annual compliance checklist under the Companies Act
Risk management framework for companies
Compliance reporting and penalties
Importance of internal audits and controls
Module 15: Employment Laws and Workforce Management
Key employment laws applicable to companies
Drafting employment and confidentiality agreements
Handling workplace disputes and grievances
Assignments & Activity
Assignment 1: Draft a Memorandum of Association for a fictitious company, with compliance notes on the Companies Act, 2013
Assignment 2: Draft a Petition to be filed before the NCLT based on the problem given.
Practical Presentation Activity
Month 3 and 4: Mergers and Acquisitions, Private Equity and Venture Capital
Module 16: Fundamentals of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
Introduction to Mergers and Acquisitions
Classification: Types of M&A
Structuring the Deal: Choosing the Right Model
Key Valuation Techniques
Legal Ecosystem and Procedural Flow
Overview of Competition Commission of India (CCI) Regulations and Guidelines
Tax Implications in an M&A Scenario
Tactics against hostile takeovers
Module 17: Who’s Who in an M&A Deal
The acquirer and the acquiree, the integrator, the integrated: understanding founders, promoters, and directors
Role of Investment Bankers, Business Brokers, Lawyers, and CAs
Becoming the lawyer that business people want
Module 18: Blueprint of a Deal: From Agreement to Approval
Term Sheet / Letter of Intent (LOI)
Business Transfer Agreement (BTA) and Asset Transfer Agreement (ATA)
Shareholders’ Agreement (SHA)
Share Purchase and Share Subscription Agreement (SPSA)
Module 19 Section 230-240 of the Companies Act, 2013
What is Due Diligence (DD) and why is it important
Documents which require ‘due diligence’
Studying a sample DD report
Module 22: Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) in M&A
Understanding PE/VC funding in M&A
Structuring PE/VC investments
Key documents in a typical PE/VC deal
Stages where documentation plays a critical role
Term Sheets and MoUs
Share Subscription Agreements (SSA) and Shareholders’ Agreements (SHA)
Key Clauses in PE/VC Contracts (Drag-Along and Tag-Along Rights, Liquidation Preferences, Anti-Dilution Protections [Full Ratchet, Weighted Average], Pre-emptive Rights and Right of First Refusal (ROFR)]
Investor Rights and Protective Provisions
Exit Strategies in Documentation
Tax and Regulatory Clauses
Module 23: Peeling Back the Layers: Inside Due Diligence
Core Sections of a Comprehensive Due Diligence Report
Module 24: Companies Act, 2013: Provisions Relevant to M&A
Rules on Preferential Allotment and Share Transfers
Legal Framework for Mergers under the Companies Act
Share transfer: rules and procedures
Deemed Public Companies
Landmark case laws on the subject
Module 25: How to draft Important Agreements in M&A
Key clauses in a Term Sheet and MOU
Key clauses in a Shareholders Agreement (SHA)
Important clauses in a Share Purchase and Share Subscription Agreement (SPSA)
Key clauses in a Business Transfer Agreement (BTA) and Asset Transfer Agreement (ATA)
Key clauses in a Joint Venture Agreement
Negotiation of transaction documents in an M&A deal
Module 26: SEBI Regulations for Listed Companies
Understanding the SEBI Takeover Code: Key triggers, open offer process, and disclosures
Complying with SEBI LODR: Listing obligations, corporate governance, and reporting requirements
Navigating SEBI ICDR: Practical steps for public issues, rights issues, and preferential allotments
Delisting regulations: Voluntary and compulsory delisting in the context of M&A
Insider trading concerns: Compliance with SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations during deal negotiation and execution
Module 27: Crossing Frontiers: FEMA Compliance in Global M&A
FDI and ODI regulations applicable to cross-border M&A under FEMA
Automatic vs. Government approval routes for inbound and outbound investments
Valuation norms and pricing guidelines for cross-border share transfers
Regulatory filings: FC-GPR, FC-TRS, ODI Form, and Annual Performance Report
FEMA implications of deal structures: share purchase, asset purchase, and share swaps
Interaction of FEMA with Companies Act, Income Tax Act, and Competition Act in M&A deals
Recent Updates and Case Studies [RBI circulars impacting cross-border M&A, Notable enforcement actions and compliance pitfalls, Key takeaways from real-life deal structures]
Module 28: E-commerce, Technology Law and Intellectual Property Rights
Data protection and privacy regulations under the IT Act
Intermediary liabilities and compliance norms
Competition law considerations for digital platforms
Importance of IPR for startups
Trademark, copyright, and patent protection
Licensing and franchising laws
Module 29: Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in Deal-Making
Purpose and Structure of SPVs
Consortium Structures in Investment Deals
Types of Investment Entities
Understanding Exit Clauses
Governance and Control Mechanisms
Module 30: Navigating Post-Merger Integration
Why Integration Strategy is Critical
Common Roadblocks in Merging Operations and Cultures
Managing Disputes Post-Deal Closure
Module 31: Landmark M&A Deals in India
International Trends Shaping M&A
Complexities in Cross-Border M&A Transactions
Political and Economic Influences on M&A Markets
Case Studies of High-Profile M&A in India
Module 32: Ethics in Negotiations
Maintaining Transparency and Honest Disclosures
Role of Regulators
Prevention of Insider Trading
Ensuring Equitable Treatment of Stakeholders
Promoting Social and Cultural Sensitivity in Business Combinations
Module 33: Careers in M&A
Getting Started in M&A as a Law Student
Strategic Guidance for Young Professionals (0–5 years)
Recommended Tools, Platforms, and Resources for Staying Updated
Assignments & Activity
Assignment 1: Draft an M&A Term Sheet focusing on conditions precedent and indemnity clauses.
Assignment 2: Detail the purpose and scope of the joint venture between fictitious companies in light of the contributions by each party, and the governance structure.
Assignment 3: Prepare a Due Diligence Report
Practical Presentation Activity
Month 5: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)
Module 34: Introduction to insolvency and bankruptcy law in India
Meaning of insolvency and bankruptcy
Law existing prior to the IBC, 2016
Introduction to the advent of IBC, 2016
Formation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
Jurisdiction of NCLT
Module 35: Corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP)
Meaning, introduction and applicability
Initiation of CIRP – Financial Creditor, Operational Creditor or by Corporate Debtor
Step-by-step process and effects once CIRP commences
Waterfall mechanism under Section 53 of IBC and the concept of the Committee of Creditors
Concept of Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) and Resolution Professional (RP), rights, duties and powers of IRP and RP
Concept of moratorium
Prescribed timelines
Resolution plan and persons eligible to submit resolution plans
Pre-packaged insolvency resolution process
Fast–track insolvency resolution process and its applicability
Application for the avoidance of different kinds of transactions by RP
Insolvency resolution process of personal guarantors
Module 36: Liquidation and voluntary liquidation
Meaning and introduction
Initiation of liquidation and voluntary liquidation
Appointment of liquidator
Step-by-step process
Prescribed timelines
Module 37: Cross-Border Insolvency
Overview of cross-border insolvency under the IBC framework.
UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency.
Legal challenges and framework for recognition of foreign insolvency proceedings.
Coordination Between Domestic and Foreign Courts.
Group Insolvency in a Cross-Border Context.
Module 38. List of Landmark decisions on IBC, 2016
Mobilox Innovations Pvt Ltd vs Kirusa Software Pvt Ltd
Innoventive Industries Ltd vs ICICI Bank
Pioneer Urban Land and Infrastructure Ltd v Union of India
Swiss Ribbons vs Union of India
Module 39: Recent Amendments to the IBC, 2016
Key highlights of the recent amendments.
Impact of amendments on creditors and resolution applicants.
Industry-specific insolvency provisions.
Module 40: Interplay of IBC with Other Laws
Interaction of IBC with the Companies Act, 2013.
Tax implications during insolvency and resolution.
Interface of IBC with SEBI, FEMA, and labour laws.
White Collar Crimes
Judicial Perspectives on the Interplay of Laws.
Module 41: Economic Impact of IBC on Businesses
Role of IBC in reviving stressed assets.
Contribution of IBC to economic growth.
Challenges faced by MSMEs under IBC.
Module 42: Emerging Trends and Issues in Insolvency
Impact of technology in insolvency resolution (e.g., digital filings).
ESG considerations in insolvency proceedings.
Rising trends in distressed asset sales.
Short Reading Module 43: Personal Guarantors
Assignments & Activity
Assignment 1: Draft an application to be filed under Section 7 of IBC, 2016, in the format prescribed under IBC, 2016.
Assignment 2: Analyze the role of a Resolution Plan for a fictitious company undergoing insolvency.
PracticalActivity: Draft minutes of the meeting of the committee of creditors.
Ex-Lawyer, HSA Advocates and Khaitan Legal Advocates
Qualified Company Secretary professional
Diploma in International Business Laws from Symbiosis Law School, Pune (2014)
Shashank Sardesai has a strong focus on corporate insolvency resolution processes, liquidation proceedings, and advising creditors and resolution professionals. He regularly handles complex IBC matters before the NCLT and NCLAT.
Aayush Aggarwal, Partner, C Cube Advisors, Company Secretary
Partner, C Cube Advisors LLP
Qualified Company Secretary
LLM in Business Law
Business networking expert
Aayush Aggarwal completed his LL.B. from Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Agra and LLM in Business Law from Kurukshetra University. He began his professional journey as an Associate at RRA Legal, where he built a strong foundation in corporate and tax law.
He currently runs his law firm, which focuses on IP and General Corporate matters.
Archita Mohapatra is a seasoned employment law expert currently serving as a Senior Associate at Trilegal, one of India’s leading law firms.
She specializes in advising multinational corporations on a wide range of labour and employment matters, including workforce restructuring, compensation and benefits, employee investigations, and compliance with Indian labour laws.
Archita began her legal career at Nishith Desai Associates and later pursued an LL.M. in Labour Law and Employment Relations at Tilburg University in the Netherlands.
Her academic and professional excellence has been recognized by The Legal 500, which named her a Rising Star in Labour & Employment Law for three consecutive years (2021–2023).
Archita has also contributed scholarly work to the field, including a publication in the European Labour Law Journal.
Gourav Mohanty, Independent Litigator, Ex Senior Associate, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas
Independent Litigator
Ex Senior Associate, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co (SAM)
Published in reputed journals of NLU Jodhpur and NALSAR Hyderabad, and has contributed articles to The Wire, IndiaCorpLaw
Symbiosis Law School Pune graduate; DAAD Germany scholarship holder
During law school, he was awarded the Gold Medal for Academic Excellence and the DAAD-Germany Scholarship. He served as the Editor of the Symbiosis Law School Journal and was a decorated mooter.
Meghmala Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, JGLS, BCL from Oxford University
Assistant Dean; Fellow, Khaitan & Co. Centre for Business Law and Research, JGLS
Ex Associate/Senior Associate: Verist Law; Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. (SAM); Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan
BCL, University of Oxford
NLU Odisha 2018 Graduate (Gold Medallist)
Ms. Meghmala Mukherjee is an Assistant Professor of Legal Practice at JGLS. Her primary focus areas are company law, corporate finance law, corporate governance and securities law.
She graduated from NLUO with 7 gold medals and received the university scholarship for 4 consecutive years. She has also read the BCL at the University of Oxford and was awarded the HSA Advocates Scholarship.
Jaibatruka Mohanta, Research Fellow, NLSIU Bangalore
Research Fellow, CEERA, NLSIU Bangalore
B.L.S. LL.B. from SVKM’s Pravin Gandhi College of Law, University of Mumbai
Consultant, Lawctopus Law School
Mr. Mohanta began his professional journey as a Research Fellow at CEERA, NLSIU Bangalore, where he has been contributing to high-impact policy research and corporate litigation matters. His work spans regulatory and compliance issues, with a growing specialization in matters under the Companies Act and appearances before forums such as the NCLT.
Course Fee
Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 19,999 [Launching Price]
Add-on Benefits
Project Certificate from our partner corporate law firm
Completion certificates are issued by Lawctopus Law School after completing the course.
Merit certificates are awarded to the best-performing learners.
Access of webinars on contract drafting, contract lifecycle management, etc., are given for free
Lifetime access to all course materials
LLS alumni groups are available for exclusive internship/job notifications and discounts on courses/workshops.
Money Back Guarantee
In case you do the course sincerely and are still dissatisfied with it, we’ll refund you 100% of the money you invested; no questions asked. We are that confident in our course!
What does ‘sincerely’ mean? It means that you attend at least 75% of the live classes and complete the compulsory assignments successfully. If you still don’t think the course was worth the money, we’ll refund the full amount, no questions asked!
Just email us at [email protected], and the refund will be issued within 7-10 working days.
Questions?
If you have any queries regarding the course, please send an email to [email protected], and we will get back to you within 24 hours!
Tennis isn’t just a sport, it’s a statement. So if you’re grinding it out on clay, cruising across hard courts, or just love the clean athletic look, the right tennis shoes make all the difference.
8 Tennis shoes for women to be game-ready: Top picks for every court queen(Pexels)
These 8 women’s tennis shoes from brands like ASICS, adidas, Puma, and ATHHLOS bring you everything: grip, bounce, stability, and style. Whether you’re chasing match point or comfort on the move, these kicks ace both performance and fashion.
Top 8 tennis shoes for women:
Experience explosive speed with the ASICS Solution Speed FF 3 — engineered for elite women players who want nothing slowing them down. With cushioning and a lightweight, low-profile design, this shoe delivers incredible bounce and responsiveness. The updated technology enhances side-to-side movement, making it ideal for aggressive baseliners. Breathable mesh keeps you dry even when matches heat up.
The ASICS GEL-Dedicate 8 offers a dependable, cushioned ride perfect for both beginners and casual players. It features the signature GEL™ technology in the forefoot for shock absorption and a stable TRUSSTIC™ system in the midsole for controlled footwork. A tough, wrap-around outsole gives extra grip on all surfaces. It’s supportive, lightweight, and built to last; everything you want in a starter court shoe.
This shoe brings Puma’s iconic street-style edge to the tennis court. The NOVA Court is built with cushioned EVA midsoles and a grippy outsole for quick pivots and lunges. Designed with a sleek silhouette and bold branding, it balances performance with aesthetic flair. If you’re hitting backhands or hitting up brunch after practice, this shoe holds its own.
This adidas sneaker isn’t just court-ready — it’s made to conquer multiple terrains. The durable rubber outsole offers excellent traction, while the cushioned insole provides all-day comfort whether you’re sprinting after shots or running errands. A breathable upper ensures ventilation, and the minimalist design transitions seamlessly into your everyday wardrobe.
Crafted for intermediate players, the Game FF tennis shoe combines stability and cushioning with a flexible feel. Its seamless upper reduces friction, while the rearfoot GEL™ technology absorbs impact with every sprint and slide. The Game FF’s rubber outsole offers versatile grip across different court types, making it your all-round match-day essential.
With the NOVA Smash, Puma delivers playful style wrapped in performance. This tennis shoe features plush cushioning and a flexible sole that supports natural foot movement, while the vibrant design keeps your look fresh. The padded collar adds comfort for extended play and the breathable construction keeps feet cool.
If you’re looking for a court companion that won’t weigh you down, the ASICS Court Slide 4 is your match. Lightweight yet supportive, it features a durable upper and flexible rubber sole that adapts to your movement. The classic lace-up style keeps things simple while ensuring a snug fit during quick rallies.
Designed for multi-sport functionality, these all-rounders by ATHHLOS are ideal for tennis, badminton, gym sessions, or just everyday comfort. The soft inner lining, shock-absorbent soles, and stylish look make it a versatile pick for active women. The anti-skid outsole ensures you stay grounded—even when the game gets intense.
If you’re a weekend warrior, a club regular, or just into the sporty aesthetic, these tennis shoes are your ticket to style and speed. Comfort, grip, bounce, and beauty; you’ll find it all here.
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₹1000: Top 8 kicks to add a spring in your step”>Walking shoes for women under ₹1000: Top 8 kicks to add a spring in your step
8 Tennis shoes for women to be game-ready: Top picks for every court queen: FAQs
Can I wear tennis shoes casually?
Yes! Most tennis shoes today double up beautifully for athleisure styling.
How do I clean tennis shoes?
Wipe with a damp cloth or hand wash with mild soap. Avoid machine washing if they’re performance-grade.
Which one is best for beginners?
ASICS Gel-Dedicate 8 or Court Slide 4 are both beginner-friendly.
Are these good for other sports?
Some are multi-purpose (like ATHHLOS), but tennis-specific shoes offer optimal lateral support.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Bipartisan policies in Congress meant to lower drug costs by targeting middlemen in the pharmaceutical supply chain are likely to run up against a fundamental issue: the three major pharmacy benefit managers’ chokehold on the U.S. drug market, experts said during a drug pricing transparency forum in Washington, D.C. this week.
Influential lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have gotten behind proposals to force more transparency in the sector, delink PBM compensation from the rebates they negotiate with drugmakers, and ban PBMs from profiting off of the difference between what they charge payers and reimburse pharmacies for a drug.
But the so-called “Big Three” PBMs — CVS’ Caremark, Cigna’s Express Scripts and UnitedHealth’s Optum Rx — currently hold almost complete control over how patients access medications and the cost of those drugs.
Going after their business practices without changing that reality won’t help, experts said Wednesday during the Transparency is Rising event hosted by a coalition of small upstart PBMs.
“The solution to this can’t be just to ban existing practices. It has to be to remove the choke points that people have over particular parts of the supply chain,” said Reed Showalter, a former advisor on competition to the White House during the Biden administration and attorney with the Federal Trade Commission.
The PBM ‘pivot’ problem
Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx jointly control 80% of U.S. prescriptions. The companies are all subsidiaries of massive healthcare corporations that also own a major national health insurer and pharmacy business, giving them the ability to influence multiple stages of a drug’s journey from a manufacturer to a patient — and a significant profit motivation to do so, according to experts.
Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx say they use their market power to drive down drug prices for their payer clients and the members they serve.
But that power also allows the Big Three to sidestep past efforts from Washington and the states to affect their business model, Antonio Ciaccia, the president of consultancy 3 Axis Advisors, said.
Ciaccia cited an example from the state of Ohio, which banned spread pricing in its Medicaid program in 2018 after discovering it overpaid PBMs by nearly $225 million in one year due to the practice.
But Ohio didn’t end up saving any money, because the PBMs began paying pharmacies beyond the contractually agreed price and clawing back the difference after the fact, he said.
“What we’re talking about is essentially this: the nimbleness of the industry to pivot around policy reforms,” Ciaccia said.
Instead of targeting specific business practices, Congress and antitrust regulators should instead prioritize weakening the Big Three’s control by reversing years of unchecked integration that have allowed PBMs to find these opportunities for arbitrage, speakers said.
“I’m skeptical when you don’t touch the underlying power of the Big Three PBMs, when they still cover 100 million lives each, when they still have influence over formularies, they’re going to find new avenues to pad their profits,” said Alejandro Molina, a policy advisor for the White House during the Biden administration.
The law, which would force companies like CVS that own both PBMs and pharmacies to divest one or the other, was quickly met with criticism and legal challenges from the PBM industry.
Still, bills with similar provisions were recently introduced in Vermont, Texas and New York, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association.
There’s a unique window for concrete reform now, given Congress’ attention on the issue and interest from the FTC and the Department of Justice in cracking down on some of the Big Three’s most egregious actions, speakers said.
The FTC, for example, is currently suing Caremark, Express Scripts and Optum Rx for allegedly inflating the cost of insulin, while the DOJ is reportedly investigating UnitedHealth over a variety of antitrust concerns.
“I think there’s a lot of opportunities,” said Charlie Katebi, the deputy director for health at the conservative America First Policy Institute. “There are so many issues where Republicans and Democrats — on many important issues — see things with totally different realities. That is not the case right now.”
That doesn’t mean the Senate isn’t on board, Conor Sheehey, a director at Leavitt Partners, said.
It’s just more likely that legislators will work to pass PBM reform in appropriations legislation closer to the end of this year, where healthcare policies are normally enacted, according to Sheehey, who previously worked as a senior health policy advisor to Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Id., the chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
Tackling rebates, transparency
Some policies being thrown around in Washington have merit even if they don’t break up the oliogopy enjoyed by the Big Three PBMs, according to the panelists. For example, the Trump administration has signaled interest in reforming rebates that PBMs negotiate with pharmaceutical companies in exchange for including their drugs on plan formularies.
PBMs should voluntarily find ways to move away from the rebate “kickback” system, lest the federal government do it for them, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said Tuesday, also speaking at the Transparency is Rising event.
Going after rebates won’t solve systemic issues with the market for prescription drugs, experts cautioned. The Big Three say they already pass through the vast majority, if not all, of those savings through to their clients.
And reabtes no longer make up the majority of PBM profits, according to research. Instead, manufacturer fees and specialty pharmacy dispensing are making up more and more of PBMs’ bottom lines.
“As long as the Big Three PBMs have the covered lives of their insured parents they are going to find a way to influence formularies, reimbursements, networks in whatever configuration they want,” Molina said. ”I just feel like we are 10 years behind, and that PBMs are already creating new corporate structures, new revenue sources that we’re going to have to regulate in 10 years. So until we tackle the upstream power of insurers and the Big Three PBMs and vertical integration, we’re not really solving any structural issues.”
But transitioning away from a compensation stream directly tied to drug prices may be good in the long run, given the rebating system continues to function in perverse ways, according to Sheehey.
For example, when one corporate parent owns both the PBM and the payer, they do get to retain profit from rebates even if their PBM is ostensibly passing it through.
“This is no disrespect to CVS Health, but when they’re like, ‘Oh, look, Caremark’s not getting a really fat portion of that rebate revenue.’ But then their parent company is? This is a company that has one ticker on all the markets,” Sheehey said.
In the absence of a top-down overhaul, PBM transparency reform to shine more light on contracting practices, pharmacy fees and other financial arrangements is a good starting point to make the market and policymakers more informed, panelists said.
That’s something the CMS is moving toward as well, with Oz saying the agency could issue rules forcing payers to share more information on their drug transactions as soon as this year.
But as Washington appears poised to step into the fray, it’s imperative lawmakers and regulators think about the root problem to avoid creating new ones, according to the panelists. For example, experts said regulatory scrutiny is one reason why major PBMs have spun off affiliated companies like rebate aggregators that live offshore, adding more complexity into the prescription drug supply chain.
“We need to realign incentives more structurally, and in any efforts to change transparency we need to be very careful that we are not basically emboldening the next layer of opacity, because the unfairness hides in the opacity of the system,” said Showalter.
Warren Buffett is obviously incredibly successful.
He’s probably the most successful investor of modern times, having built his wealth long-term to over US $136 billion, making him one of the richest men in America.
Let’s check out 10 intelligent and inspiring lessons and quotes on investing from one of the world’s wealthiest people.
1. One of his most famous quotes
“Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful.”
3. It’s Usually Best to Just Say “No”
“The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.”
5. Be careful who you listen to:
Buffet said: “A public opinion poll is no substitution for thought.”
7. Great Investors Don’t Diversify
“Diversification is protection against ignorance. It makes little sense if you know what you are doing.”
9. Spend time on your personal development
“The most important investment you can make is in yourself.”
About Michael Yardney Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.
Sometimes, it can feel like ChatGPT is trying to be your biggest cheerleader rather than offering balanced opinions. While sometimes nice, this can cause problems when trying to plan something or trying to get an unbiased response. To combat this, I made ChatGPT as brutally honest as possible.
6
Speaking to ChatGPT Like I Would to a Friend
When I first started using ChatGPT, I talked to the tool like it was a robot. And while it technically is, I unsurprisingly got robotic responses. Unfortunately, this all too often meant the replies were either not honest enough or what I would call “harmless but dull”.
More recent ChatGPT iterations have become much better at speaking more like human beings. For example, the lack of robotic responses in GPT-4o makes ChatGPT Plus very much worth subscribing to.
Now, I type in ChatGPT like I would when texting someone I know. Because of this, my responses are more personalized and honest.
5
Be Direct: Tell ChatGPT to be as Honest as Possible
In my early days of using ChatGPT, I thought simply typing a prompt would result in my desired responses. However, I quickly discovered this wasn’t true. Rather than relying on ChatGPT to completely understand the context I wanted (without saying), I decided to be more specific in my prompts.
If I want an unbiased answer, I’ll simply tell ChatGPT to be as honest as possible. From personal experience, this has been one of the various prompting tricks that actually work. I’m much more likely to get more balanced answers, and if I need more of an overview, I’ll ask the software to provide a full pros and cons list.
Once I’ve put these instructions into the chat (or project), I’m more likely to get honest responses for future parts of the conversation. Sometimes, the memory updates; if it does, I re-enter the prompt.
4
Asking ChatGPT for Conflicting Opinions
I’ve noticed that if I use ChatGPT too much without it disagreeing with me, the tool becomes more detrimental than beneficial. If I’m having a conversation and discussing ideas, the constant agreement also starts to wear on me. While the software has sometimes called me out without needing anything to, I often have to enter the prompt myself.
Besides asking the tool to disagree with me so I don’t become too full of myself, I’ll also ask for conflicting opinions when I’m debating a certain decision. For example, this tactic works really well when I’m thinking about whether to add a new digital tool to my life or keep my toolkit streamlined.
Understanding when ChatGPT is being too agreeable and taking action when needed is one way I stop AI chatbots from agreeing with me all the time.
3
Telling ChatGPT to Go Into “Roast Mode”
I first realized ChatGPT could be quite funny when asking the software for some hot takes. Since then, some of the responses it has given me have been… interesting, to say the least. Telling the software to go into Roast Mode often gives me some brutally honest (and somewhat edgy) results, which makes using the tool more interesting.
Most of the time, ChatGPT goes into Roast Mode if I give a prompt with a brutally honest opinion. This particularly works in projects where I’ve done this before (by the way, Projects is the most underrated ChatGPT feature). The app has more context from other conversations when I use this version.
Sometimes, the software updates its memory and doesn’t give the responses I want. When it does this, I just provide the instructions on how to enter Roast Mode.
2
Asking ChatGPT to Play the Role of an Expert
While I sometimes need to explicitly tell ChatGPT to be more honest, I don’t always have to resort to this. Sometimes, telling the software to play the role of an expert is good enough.
I’ll often tell ChatGPT to be an expert when asking for help with planning my goals. For example, if I were trying to put together a gym routine, I may tell the tool to pretend it’s a personal trainer or nutritionist.
Asking ChatGPT to be an expert is generally the best way to get better prompts.
1
Telling ChatGPT to Disagree With Me in Instructions
While ChatGPT is good with conflicting opinions when asked, it sometimes still agrees with me (or gives both sides of the story). So, when I’m looking for thoughts from the other side, I’ll ask ChatGPT to disagree with me. Doing so is much easier than having a discussion on social media since it tends not to resort to insults.
I’ll sometimes put this instruction in projects, but on other occasions, it’ll just go in the prompt. Occasionally, I will play devil’s advocate and continue asking conflicting questions—but in other instances, I’ll just try and get a more detailed answer.
While ChatGPT can seem like a robotic golden retriever that wants to please, you can make the tool more honest. It’ll sometimes go full-on Roast Mode, but on other occasions, you can get respectful disagreeing responses. Using each of these has made the app more fun to use and also improved the quality of each response I get.
Soft kungfu is a distinctive practice in Shaolin’s martial arts heritage. Rooted in exceptional suppleness, it relies on limber joints and muscles to achieve motion that’s both graceful and powerful. Practitioners bend their limbs at unorthodox angles, telescope their frames to slide through narrow rings and execute maneuvers that transcend normal physical boundaries.
The message was loud and clear when Netflix‘s Korean thriller “Squid Game” arrived in 2021. Imagining wealth and class disparity at the heart of a high-stakes competition, it featured cash-strapped contestants playing a series of children’s games to the death while uber-wealthy spectators bet on their odds of survival. The show’s masked elites watched the carnage from a luxe, concealed spectator box, chomping on cigars and chortling as player after player met a gruesome death. The Korean-language show became the streamer’s most watched series ever.
Comeuppance for the hideously affluent seemed imminent and likely at the hands of protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae). The winner of Season 1’s “Squid Game” deserved vengeance after surviving a series of horrific scenarios — a hopscotch-type match played on a fragile glass bridge above a deadly chasm, a red light-green light contest where players who moved at the wrong time were “eliminated” by machine gun fire. He watched as good people were killed by pink guards, other contestants and their own stupid actions.
But no. The last six “Squid Game” episodes, now streaming on Netflix, did something entirely unsatisfying. They veered from the prospect of timely, eat-the-rich vengeance porn to unflattering commentary about the rest of us, the other 99% who aren’t Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg or Jeff Bezos. What did we ever do to deserve a lethal game of double dutch with two giant mechanical children swinging a 10-ton metal rod in place of a jump rope? A lot, apparently.
“Squid Game” shows that under the right circumstances, regular folks are just as greedy and morally corrupt as the obscenely prosperous, no matter if their money problems stem from unforeseen medical bills, wanton gambling or generational poverty. Press the little guy or gal hard enough and they’re just as ruthless as the mogul that’s suppressing them.
The VIPs in “Squid Game” Season 3, who watch as the contestants trample one another.
(Dong-won Han / NohJu Han / Netflix)
Season 3 picks up exactly where 2 left off. Gi-hun, who’d found his way back in the clandestine gaming complex (situated inside a mountain on a remote island), is Player 456 again among a new round of contestants. He’d planned to infiltrate the operation from inside, staging a coup against the VIPs and Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) who run the games. But now it’s clear he’s failed. He’s cornered by guards, the players who fought alongside him are dead, and he’s thrown back in with the remaining players, many of whom survived because they’re the most craven of the group.
Free and fair elections are at the heart of every democracy, or so “Squid Game” reminds us each time the bedraggled players are asked for their vote regarding the next round: Continue to compete and thin the herd for a larger reward or stop and split their winnings with their fellow contestants? Majority rules, and each time the group opt to sacrifice their lives — and everyone else’s — in pursuit of money. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has spoken about his dwindling faith in humanity as it relates to his concerns about South Korea’s democracy, and you’ll hear him loud and clear in Season 3: Voting is power, but look what happens when the population increasingly puts its own self-interest above that of the greater good. It’s a scenario that should be recognizable to Americans by now.
“Squid Game” Season 3 takes that idea to the extreme, and quite fearlessly, Hwang puts the series to bed without punishing the rich. Instead he dares to lay bare a truth that’s become all too apparent of late: Wealth wins over morality and money trumps accountability. Nice guys not only finish last, they wind up pulverized like everyone else below a certain tax bracket, no matter their dedication toward humanity.
The Korean show’s run has ended, but not before a finale that alludes to a Hollywood sequel. The episode, set in Los Angeles, shows a familiar scene. A down-and-out man is approached by a mysterious, well-dressed figure who uses a simple kid’s game to test his want of money against his tolerance for pain and humiliation.
Those who’ve watched “Squid Game” will recognize it as the beginning of Gi-hun’s journey, which ended with a sliver of redemption in an abyss of darkness. The mysterious figure appears to be a recruiter for a new, English-language “Squid Game.” She’s played by an A-list celebrity — Cate Blanchett — operating in a city renowned for its self-involvement and privilege. “Squid Game” has a whole new playing field.
Four OpenAI researchers are leaving the company to go to Meta, two sources confirm to WIRED.
Shengjia Zhao, Shuchao Bi, Jiahui Yu, and Hongyu Ren have joined Meta’s superintelligence team. Their OpenAI Slack profiles have been deactivated. The Information first reported on the departures.
It’s the latest in a series of aggressive moves by Mark Zuckerberg, who is racing to catch up to OpenAI, Anthropic and Google in building artificial general intelligence. Earlier this month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that Meta has been making “giant offers” to OpenAI staffers with “$100 million signing bonuses.” He added that, “none of our best people have decided to take them up on that.” A source at OpenAI confirmed the offers.
Hongyu Ren was OpenAI’s post-training lead for the o3 and o4 mini models, along with the open source model that’s set to be released this summer, sources say. Post-training is the process of refining a model after it has been trained on a primary dataset.
Shengjia Zhao is highly skilled in deep learning research, according to another source. He joined OpenAI in the summer of 2022, and helped build the startup’s GPT-4 model.
Jiahui Yu did a stint at Google DeepMind before joining OpenAI in late 2023. Shuchao Bi was a manager of OpenAI’s multimodal models.
The departures from OpenAI come shortly after the company lost three researchers from its Zurich office, the Wall Street Journal reported.
OpenAI and Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Most of what happens within the video games we play is invisible to us. Even the elements we’re looking straight at work because of what’s happening behind the scenes. If you’ve ever watched a behind-the-scenes video about game development, you might’ve seen these versions of flat, gray game worlds filled with lines and icons pointing every which way, with multiple grids and layers. These are the visual representations of all the systems that make the game work.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
This is an especially weird dichotomy to consider when it comes to lighting in any game with a 3D perspective, but especially so in high-fidelity games. We don’t see light so much as we see everything it touches; it’s invisible, but it gives us most of our information about game worlds. And it’s a lot more complex than “turn on lamp, room light up.” Reflection, absorption, diffusion, subsurface scattering–the movement of light is a complex thing that has been explored by physicists in the real world for literally centuries, and will likely be studied for centuries more. In the middle of all of that are game designers, applying the science of light to video games in practical ways, balanced with the limitations of even today’s powerful GPUs, just to show all us nerds a good time.
If you’ve wondered why many games seem to be like static amusement parks waiting for you to interact with a few specific things, lighting is often the reason. But it’s also the reason more and more game worlds look vibrant and lifelike. Game developers have gotten good at simulating static lighting, but making it move is harder. Dynamic lighting has long been computationally expensive, potentially tanking game performance, and we’re finally starting to see that change.
Case in point is Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Ubisoft Technical Architect Nicolas Lopez. Lopez spoke at the Game Developers’ Conference this spring, and reading through his slide deck was fascinating, with the release of the video recording of the show only amplifying that. I reached out to Ubisoft talked with Lopez via email about how technology like ray tracing is changing game lighting. For more on those aspects of video game visuals, check out our primer on path tracing, ray tracing, and rasterization in game graphics.
The thing that initially piqued my interest was a specific set of numbers Lopez put on the screen during the GDC presentation. Lopez noted that if lighting were calculated in Assassin’s Creed Shadows the same way it had been in Assassin’s Creed Unity, Shadows would’ve taken nearly two years to “bake” all the lighting–that is, precalculate and render it–and around 2TB of storage space to store all of that lighting. (Assassin’s Creed Shadows requires 115GB on PC for the entire game.) Those numbers seem to represent a vast difference between the games of yesteryear and modern triple-A titles. I wanted to put those numbers into context as soon as I saw them.
Cities in Assassin’s Creed Unity and Syndicate, Lopez explained, were pretty small spaces: dense cities about four square kilometers in area. In those games, developers used uniform lighting probes to dictate how global illumination was rendered (alongside other lighting techniques). Lighting probes are points on the map that contain information about what lighting is passing through the empty space in that area, which is then used to help light the static and dynamic objects in that space. These were 50-centimeter probes, meaning they were requesting light information every half a meter across Unity’s entire city of Paris.
Let’s pause for a moment to discuss global illumination, also referred to as GI. This is a broad term used to describe a variety of techniques meant to imitate and mimic realistic lighting, especially indirect lighting. These include cube maps, screen-space reflections, probe lighting, and more. Digital Foundry has a great primer on global illumination that breaks this stuff down into chunks.
“The small scale [of these smaller game worlds] let us afford high-quality lighting, even though it required significant storage,” Lopez told me. From Assassin’s Creed Origins forward, though, world size exploded, and suddenly we were exploring worlds 256 square kilometers in area. That much baked light information would’ve caused games to explode in file storage size, so the team began to use a dynamic system.
“We vary probe density based on scene complexity–dense urban areas still use 50-centimeter spacing, but in open landscapes like deserts or forests, we reduce the resolution,” Lopez explained. Artists paint this “GI density map” directly–meaning they can focus the quality of light where it matters most–which Lopez said “dramatically reduces data size while preserving visual quality where it matters most.”
Uniform light probe distribution in Assassin’s Creed Unity.
It’s also worth mentioning that Assassin’s Creed Unity had a limited number of times of day–just four, compared to 11 in Shadows–and had very limited weather effects, while Shadows has a dynamic weather system. All those elements in Shadows create changes in lighting the game has to take into account to present believable visuals.
That original question–why would baking the lighting take so long and require so much file storage?–comes back to a simple conclusion. The limitations of hardware and game engines at the time forced the team to pre-bake a lot of lighting information; neither the hardware nor the software was ready to handle calculating so much light data in real time.
Historically, most if not all game lighting has been “baked.” That means that the various techniques used to light a given scene are calculated ahead of time and then stored as textures and maps that the engine overlays onto the basic scene, so your computer or game console doesn’t have to do those calculations while you’re playing and slow the game to a crawl. This works for really static games and can provide very convincing, impactful lighting. As a game becomes more dynamic, though, baked lighting becomes less viable. If we consider cube maps (see our primer and that Digital Foundry video above for the specifics), you’d have to calculate a cube map for every possible place a character could stand, and that’s where game install sizes can start ballooning when it comes to game lighting.
Light probe distribution as determined by artists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Unity’s game world was a small, uniform space when compared to the more recent Assassin’s Creed games. The same approach applied to the much larger areas of Shadows, with more dynamic effects and varied density, would’ve made for a truly massive game.
But it has been a long time since the release of Assassin’s Creed Unity. More than a decade, in fact, and in that game, a lot has changed! One of the biggest changes has been ray tracing, which is available to all PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S gamers, and about 30-40% of graphics cards shown in the Steam Hardware Survey as of this May.
“Ray tracing has had a major impact on how we approach lighting, from both a creative and production standpoint,” Lopez said. “In traditional pipelines, lighting was mostly baked global illumination, reflections, ambient occlusion, etc. That meant lighting couldn’t react to world changes. Change or move a piece of architecture? Suddenly the lighting is invalid. Teams would have to re-bake the lighting data, which could take hours or even days. At Ubisoft, we ran overnight compute jobs so artists could get fresh lighting each morning. But it still slowed down iteration dramatically.”
Ray tracing freed artists from many of those constraints, he said.
“Artists can move objects, adjust scenes, or iterate without waiting for long bakes. And since lighting is computed per pixel, the visual fidelity is much higher and more physically accurate,” Lopez explained. In other words, artists can do art at their own pace instead of waiting for computers to compute before they do so.
Even so, ray tracing is often invisible to us on the consumer side of things, especially when we consider how static many game worlds can be. In those games, ray tracing is all but invisible, as it’s doing the same thing that game designers were doing with creatively placed static lights. A Call of Duty level, for example, doesn’t have to account for procedural changes to time of day and weather, so traditional lighting can be very effective.
Night rendering with light only in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
“The benefits can be subtle,” Lopez admitted, with respect to that set of game-design rules. Shadows, Lopez said, is a truly dynamic world, and that makes ray tracing a genuine game changer–in a figurative and literal sense. Shadows has, as previously mentioned, 11 different times of day, four seasons, a variety of dynamic weather effects, and destructible environments that all affect the way players see the game as they play. The hybrid solution Shadows uses, combining some baked and some dynamic lighting, “pushed baked GI to its absolute limits.”
“Ray tracing allows us to light these dynamic environments accurately and consistently,” Lopez explained. “Lighting behaves as it should, even when the world changes drastically. No hacks, no workarounds. It makes the world feel more grounded and believable.”
“Interiors light up naturally when doors open,” Lopez continued. “Destructible objects finally contribute to the scene lighting. Season lighting changes the mood of a scene. Without ray tracing, these effects can only be approximated to a certain extent.”
The team iterated on Ubisoft’s Anvil engine, which is used across the Assassin’s Creed series, in other ways. They adopted the Academy Color Encoding System, for example, which is a universal color standard used by the film industry to keep the work of hundreds or thousands of people consistent across many devices. It helps ensure that people working on different machines, in different locations, creating different parts of the game in a variety of applications, are working with the same color information. That gives us a more consistent and more grounded game–that is, the characters, buildings, foliage, and even effects look like they belong in the same game and feel convincing–at the end of development. Color Look-Up Tables (LUTs) allow the team to shift the visual tone and color grading to match the weather and environmental ambiance.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
One of the key parts of getting Shadows right in particular fell, again, to getting the lighting just right. With HDR screens being so ubiquitous these days, developers can rely on having some ability to show a greater range of light and dark–but dark can still often mean pitch black. Even high-quality displays are subject to a user’s personal preference, the qualities of that particular display, and a game console’s ability to display color accurately. This became especially important when Ubisoft decided to finally fulfill years of gamers wishing for a ninja-focused Assassin’s Creed game.
“We reworked key parts of our physically based rendering and exposure pipelines to behave more accurately in low-light conditions,” Lopez said.
With ray tracing helping to inform the way lighting works in Shadows, the team can “deliver nights that feel moody and authentic, without relying on artificial fill lighting,” Lopez said. The quality of the lighting directly supports the gameplay, both giving it more weight and believability, and making it feel more cinematic.
All of these changes came together, Lopez said, to create a “unified, reactive visual where everything feels connected,” with Shadows in particular having sparked a cycle of innovation that pushed Anvil and Assassin’s Creed both forward.
For the rest of us, Assassin’s Creed Shadows works as an example of how video game design is adapting to new technology for both gamers and game designers alike. Designers working on tentpole games like Shadows have new ways to create games more quickly without sacrificing fidelity. In return, we get more dynamic worlds that live and move around us.
In a new paper with implications for preventing Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders, Keith Hengen, an associate professor of biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, suggests a new comprehensive approach to understanding how the brain works and the rules it must follow to reach optimal performance.
“There’s a common perception that the human brain is the most complicated thing in the universe,” Hengen said. “The brain is immensely powerful, but that power may arise from a relatively simple set of mathematical principles.”
Hengen starts with the premise that almost everything our brains do is learned or powerfully shaped by experience. In other words, we aren’t born with hard-wired circuits preprogrammed to help us read, drive cars or do anything else that we do every day. A healthy brain must be ready to learn anything and everything.
But how is a collection of neurons capable of learning? Hengen suggests that brains become learning machines only when they reach a special state called “criticality.” A concept borrowed from physics, criticality describes a complex system that is at the tipping point between order and chaos. At this razor’s edge, brains are primed to gain new information, Hengen said. “Brains need to reach criticality to think, remember and learn.”
Hengen proposed criticality as a unifying theory of brain function and disease in the prestigious journal Neuron. Woodrow Shew, a physicist at the University of Arkansas, is the co-author.
A biologist and a physicist may seem like an odd pairing, but the new unifying theory blends both realms of science. Physicists often describe criticality using the classic example of a sand pile: As sand is added, the pile will grow steeper and steeper until it eventually avalanches. Right before that final grain triggered a moment of chaos, the pile was at a critical angle, one step away from instability.
Shew explained that physicists first developed a deep understanding of criticality as a way to describe magnets and other materials. Around the turn of the 21st century, these ideas were expanded to explain a broader range of complex systems, including avalanches, earthquakes and, ultimately, living systems and the brain.
A defining aspect of critical systems is that they look the same at any scale: A sand pile on the brink of an avalanche has the same slope whether the pile is tiny or mountainous. In the brain, criticality is constant whether it’s measured in a handful of neurons or an entire region. Likewise, brain patterns that unfold in time are startlingly similar when considered in milliseconds or hours. “This matches our intuitive understanding of how brains work,” Hengen said. “Our internal experiences span milliseconds to months. They don’t have a scale.”
Hengen and Shew suggest that criticality isn’t just a theoretical concept; it’s a state that can be precisely measured and calculated through fMRI brain imaging technology. “Criticality is the optimal computational state of the brain,” Hengen said. “We’ve developed a mathematical way to measure how close the brain is to criticality, which should help us nail down the fundamental questions about how a human brain works.”
A new understanding of disease
The criticality framework offers a new perspective for understanding neurological disease. Rather than focusing on specific damaged brain regions or accumulated proteins, Hengen argues that diseases such as Alzheimer’s destroy something more basic: the brain’s ability to maintain criticality.
“Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases don’t just damage neurons, they break the brain’s general ability to compute by slowly dissolving criticality,” Hengen explained. “As a brain moves further and further from criticality, it loses the ability to adapt and process information effectively.”
This framework explains a puzzling feature of brain diseases: Patients often appear completely normal until they’ve lost many neurons. “The brain has remarkable compensatory abilities that can mask functional problems even as criticality begins to erode,” Hengen said. “Traditional assessments miss the early stages because they focus on established endpoints that the brain tries to maintain through workarounds.”
As criticality gradually deteriorates, the brain works harder to achieve the same cognitive outcomes, Hengen said. “It’s like an engine that still runs but requires more fuel and generates more heat. By the time we notice memory problems or other symptoms, criticality has likely been compromised for years.”
Hengen’s collaboration with David M. Holtzman, MD, the Barbara Burton and Reuben M. Morriss III Distinguished Professor at WashU Medicine, has revealed that tau protein buildup in Alzheimer’s directly disrupts criticality, providing a clear link between the disease’s molecular hallmarks and cognitive collapse.
This connection between criticality and Alzheimer’s opens exciting diagnostic possibilities. In theory, a simple fMRI could help detect breakdowns in criticality years before symptoms appear. “In combination with cutting-edge blood tests, we could identify people at risk and intervene before irreversible damage occurs,” Hengen said.
In another collaboration, Hengen has teamed up with Deanna Barch, the Gregory B. Couch Professor of Psychiatry at WashU Medicine and a professor of psychological and brain sciences in Arts & Sciences, for an observational study to see how criticality at birth determines cognitive development and abilities in childhood. “From the beginning, some kids are closer to criticality than others, which, based on our theory, suggests they are going to be better learners,” Hengen said. “Many outside factors can affect their success in school, but criticality can explain an impressive amount of the variability between children.”
The sleep-mind connection
In early 2024, Hengen and co-author Ralf Wessel, a professor of physics in Arts & Sciences at WashU, used the concept of criticality to revisit an age-old question: Why do we need sleep? By tracking brain activity over multiple weeks, they found that sleep restores a state of criticality. “Being awake and active moves us away from criticality, and sleep is like a reset button,” Hengen explained.
That insight could help researchers unlock the power of sleep as a therapy for Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases that push the brain away from its optimal state. Previous studies by Holtzman and others have found that people who don’t get the sleep they need — perhaps due to shift work or chronic insomnia — are at a much higher risk for Alzheimer’s as they age. And there’s already some evidence that sleep interventions can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Hengen believes that targeted, intensive sleep-based therapy could help restore criticality and improve learning and memory in people with brain disease. Studies of mice conducted by Holtzman and James McGregor, a postdoctoral researcher in Hengen’s lab, offer a glimpse of the possibilities: Mice specifically bred to have symptoms of Alzheimer’s become faster learners after a targeted sleep intervention reinforces criticality.
Critical future
There is much work to be done, but Hengen would eventually like to understand how criticality helps explain complex features of human neurobiology. “We may find that someone who is an amazing artist, for example, might be extremely close to criticality in parts of the brain involved in creative ideation,” he said. It’s also possible that a close look at criticality could point to undiscovered tendencies or talents that just need an outlet. “Maybe they never tried art, but we can see that the potential is there.”
In the meantime, Hengen, Shew, and others are spreading the word about the importance of criticality. Hengen presented a TEDx talk on the subject in 2024 and shared his work at Arts & Sciences’ inaugural research pitch competition, where he took second place. He hopes the new Neuron paper will inspire conversations among neurologists, doctors, reporters and the general public.
A unified theory of the mind could change the world, but first, it must unify the experts. “Woody (Shew) and I really think we’re on to something here,” Hengen said. “And, perhaps slowly, others are starting to agree.”
WashU was the ideal place for a new concept of the brain to emerge, Hengen said. “We’re surrounded by brilliant people in diverse fields, including physics, biology, psychology, mathematics and neuroscience, and the community here is remarkably supportive,” he said. “Everyone is ready to help.”
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Alia Bhatt turned into Silsila’s lovelorn Chandni as she arrived at the celebratory screening of 1981 classic, Umrao Jaan, now restored by the National Film Development Corporation-National Film Archive of India under the National Film Heritage Mission, and also momentously re-released in theatres on June 27.
How Rekha’s styling in Silsila attempted to redefine the taboo trope of the ‘other woman'(Photos: X)
1981, mind you, was a big year for Rekha on the career front, what with the musical drama winning her, her only National Film Award for the grace and gravity with which she portrayed the titular role. Also having graced the movies that year, was Yash Chopra’s Silsila. A morally-grounded yet emotionally evocative love triangle, it was quite the controversial film at the time — the kind of controversy that follows the film’s legacy across decades, given the public conjecture surrounding the reel perceptively imitating the ‘real’.
Amitabh Bachchan starred front and centre as Amit, the object of desire, bound by duty and torn by love with Jaya Bachchan playing his demure wife, Shobha. That left Rekha to embody the crushing aura of unrequited love as she slipped into the shoes of Chandni, the ‘other woman’.
Rekha, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan in a still from Silsila (1981)(Photo: IMDb)
Chandni’s trajectory in Silsila followed a winding road of misery and misfortune as she found love, lost it to fate, found the courage to reclaim it for a few fleeting moments, only for it to be taken away, the only thing left in her possession at the end of it all being her grace. And that is where the masterstroke lies.
The history of cinema, homegrown and foreign, has for decades on end painted the other woman in rather convenient hues. Sultry, seductive and immoral, her selfishness only stood to represent temptation and wreckage, themes amply embodied in how she presented herself. Now in the language of cinema, the immorality that the other woman tends to represent is as sacred as the morality the wife reigns on. And that’s where the iconoclastic nature of Rekha’s Chandni wins. Well, Chandni doesn’t really ‘win’, but her presentation to the audience — much of it incidentally curated by Rekha herself — goes a big little way in highlighting the complexities of the other woman.
Bold reds, rani pinks, luxurious satin and subtle bling may not seem like a big deal now, but in context of Silsila’s Chandni, it very potentially represented the audacity of a woman to prioritise her own heart over that of society’s, though the context of it was and continues to be uncontestably abysmal. The reams of tulle, the short-cropped blouse sleeves and the halter necklines, gave hints of skin without really allowing the character to descend into the demeaning trappings of the trope. The nearly-constant wine-stained lips and crisply kohl-lined eyes further pushed the very same boundaries — all beautifully framed by Rekha’s signature gaze of defiant love.
This isn’t a justification of the rationale of the other woman — but an observation on sartoria being used to ever-so-subtly imprint her gall on the minds of the audience. It’s an early, and seemingly very intentional case study of fashion rebellion.
Silsila, with all its grace and contradictions, is available for streaming on OTT.
The 6-3 ruling is a victory for public health advocates and providers, who say the mandate preserves Americans’ access to critical care, including cancer screenings, tests for chronic conditions, and sexual health and pregnancy-related services.
The case, Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc., centered on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which makes recommendations on what preventive care should be covered by insurers. Plaintiffs, led by Braidwood Management, asserted the task force violates the Constitution because the members aren’t appointed by the president or confirmed by the Senate.
But the high court sided with the federal government, determining that members of the the task force are “inferior officers,” whose appointment by the Health and Human Services secretary is consistent with the Constitution’s Appointments Clause.
The court’s liberal justices — Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson — joined with Chief Justice John Roberts, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett on the majority decision. Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito dissented.
“Task Force members issue preventive services recommendations of critical importance to patients, doctors, insurers, employers, healthcare organizations, and the American people more broadly,” Kavanaugh wrote in the majority opinion. “In doing so, however, the Task Force members remain subject to the Secretary of HHS’s supervision and direction, and the Secretary remains subject to the President’s supervision and direction.”
The case has wound its way through the courts for several years. The plaintiffs, which include two Christian-owned businesses, first sued the federal government in 2020, opposing requirements to cover contraception and medications that prevent HIV.
Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit issued a mixed ruling, finding the district court had overstepped by attempting to apply its decision nationwide. However, the appellate court ruled the task force should be confirmed by Congress.
The federal government under the Biden administration asked the Supreme Court to take up the case in September. The Trump administration also continued to defend the mandate in court, despite Republicans’ previous efforts to dismantle the law.
The government’s attorneys argued the appeals court “relied on an erroneous understanding of the Appointments Clause,” saying the HHS secretary supervises and could remove members of the task force — meaning they aren’t principal officers who have to be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
The Supreme Court agreed, reversing the lower court’s decision. The high court noted the HHS secretary has the authority to remove task force members as well as review their decisions and block them before the take effect.
“The structure of the Task Force and the manner of appointing its officers preserve the chain of political accountability that was central to the Framers’ design of the Appointments Clause: The Task Force members were appointed by and are supervised and directed by the Secretary of HHS. And the Secretary of HHS, in turn, answers to the President of the United States,” Kavanaugh wrote.
Thomas, Alito and Gorsuch disagreed. In the minority opinion, Thomas said that for years “a subordinate official” at the HHS had appointed task force members, and the government “invented a new theory on appeal, arguing that the combination of two ambiguously worded statutes enacted decades apart establishes that the Secretary of HHS can appoint the Task Force’s members.”
Despite high interest rates and cost-of-living pressures, only 1.68% of Australian home loans are in arrears, well below pandemic-era peaks and international benchmarks.
Tighter serviceability buffers, low levels of risky lending, and strong employment have helped households stay on top of repayments, even as monthly mortgage costs have surged.
Negative equity remains rare, with less than 1% of borrowers in a negative equity position. Most households in hardship can sell before defaulting, preventing widespread mortgage stress.
As interest rates begin to fall and cost-of-living pressures ease, arrears are expected to trend even lower, reinforcing the strength of Australia’s mortgage market.
While mortgage arrears have risen from record lows, the portion of borrowers falling behind on their repayments remains well below 2% of the Australian loan book.
APRA data measuring the proportion of borrowers who are overdue or impaired on their mortgage repayments ticked slightly higher through the March quarter, from 1.64% in Q4 2024 to 1.68% in Q1 2025.
Despite the subtle lift, mortgage arrears remain below the recent high of 1.86% recorded in Q2 2020.
Mortgage arrears include loans that are 30-89 days overdue as well as those categorised as non-performing.
A non-performing loan is one where the borrower is 90 days or more past due on their repayments or where the lender considers the borrower unlikely to pay their credit obligations without recourse from the lender.
A more detailed breakdown of mortgage arrears can be found in the latest Financial Stability Review from the RBA.
The review showed that while highly leveraged borrowers and lower- income households tend to have higher arrears rates, even in these categories, arrears are generally low and trending lower.
Mortgage arrears for borrowers with a loan to valuation ratio of 80% or higher peaked around 2.5% in 2024 but are now falling, while borrowers with a loan-to-income ratio above four reached roughly 1.5% and are also trending lower.
Several factors help explain how the vast majority of mortgagors have kept on top of their mortgage repayments during a period of elevated interest rates and severe cost of living pressures, including strong prudential standards, tight labour markets, extremely low levels of negative equity, and accrued liquidity buffers.
Lending standards have been unquestionably strong throughout the recent cycle, with a consistently low portion of mortgage originations considered ‘risky’.
Interest-only lending comprised 19.7% of originations in the March quarter and has consistently held well below the previous temporary limit of 30% set by APRA between 2017 and 2018.
High LTI and high DTI lending remains well below pre-rate hike levels, tracking at 3.1% and 5.8% of loan originations respectively in Q1.
Similarly, high LVR lending has come in around 7% of originations or lower since mid-2022.
The mortgage serviceability buffer, which assesses prospective borrowers on their ability to repay a mortgage at three percentage points above the current mortgage rate, has also played into the resilience of borrowers.
Lifting the buffer from 2.5 percentage points to 3.0 percentage points in October 2021 has helped to lower the default risk, even though mortgage rates have risen a lot more than three percentage points from their 2022 lows.
Although interest rates are now falling and expected to reduce further, there has been no sign from APRA that the serviceability buffer will be lowered.
While tight lending policies have contributed to financial stability and provided protection for borrowers, there is a counter argument that lending policies may be too tight, reducing access to credit.
The ‘double trigger’ hypothesis for higher mortgage rates
The RBA has previously theorised that higher mortgage arrears rates would need to be predicated by a “double trigger” of both an inability to repay the loan and for the loan to be in a negative equity position.
So far, most borrowers have retained their ability to pay despite higher debt servicing costs, thanks to persistently tight labour market conditions, while instances of negative equity remain rare across the Australian housing market.
Debt servicing costs have risen substantially over the recent rate cycle.
Variable mortgage rates have roughly moved in-line with the cash rate, bottoming out below 3% in 2022 before surging by around four percentage points.
A borrower with a $750k mortgage saw their monthly repayments rise by around $1,550+ (depending on the type of borrower and loan) between the low point and high point of the rates cycle.
However, most Australian’s have retained an ability to service their mortgage through gainful employment, with labour markets holding tight.
The unemployment rate came in at 4.1% in May and has held around this level or lower since early 2022.
Similarly, underemployment, which measures workers who want to work more hours, remains close to multi- decade lows.
The second component of the ‘double trigger’ hypothesis relates to negative equity in housing markets – or simply, where the value of property is less than the debt owed.
The RBA estimated in their most recent Financial Stability Review that less than 1% of households are experiencing a negative equity situation.
Given the low portion of homes in negative equity, most borrowers facing financial hardship should be able to sell their property and clear their debt before moving into default.
Another factor staving off higher arrears relates to an accrual of savings through the pandemic
The household saving ratio held above 10% between mid-2020 and early 2022.
Households have been able to draw down on their savings as higher debt servicing costs and cost of living pressures eroded balance sheets.
Although it’s harder to measure, we have probably also seen households tightening the purse strings, acting out the “wagyu and shiraz” scenario, where households pull back on non-essential spending, focus on debt repayments and fund essential cost of living expenses.
The “wagyu and shiraz” reference relates to the federal court ruling from Justice Nye Perram in the ASIC v Westpac hearing: “I may eat Wagyu beef everyday washed down with the finest shiraz but, if I really want my new home, I can make do on much more modest fare.”
Overall, it’s likely mortgage arrears will trend lower from here as mortgage rates continue to reduce and cost of living pressures ease further.
With housing values once again on a broad-based rise, instances of negative equity are expected to remain a tiny portion of Australian housing stock, providing further resilience to default.
About Tim Lawless Tim is Research Director at Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), analysing real estate markets, demographics and economic trends across Australia. Visit www.corelogic.com.au
Sagittarius men, known for their adventurous, optimistic, and freedom-loving spirit, can be uncharacteristically guarded when it comes to romantic feelings, leaving you wondering whether all the attention and care they’re lavishing on you is merely platonic or has a deeper meaning. However, when there are real feelings at play, there will be subtle shifts in the behavior of a Sagittarius man around you. And how do I know this? Well, having been married to one for 15 years, I consider myself somewhat of an authority on the subject. So, allow me to share insights gathered over the years to help you decipher the signs a Sagittarius man has feelings for you.
17 Irrefutable Signs A Sagittarius Man Has Feelings For You
The fun, adventurous, and freedom-loving Sagittarius can be an exciting romantic prospect to pursue. However, his guardedness about his feelings can make the pursuit frustrating at times. Does a Sagittarius man love you, or does he just see you as a friend or someone he’s having a good time with? Ugh, not knowing the answer can be pure torture.
That’s until you learn to observe him closely. Do that, and you’ll begin to notice the signs a Sagittarius man is falling for you. Beneath his happy-go-lucky exterior are feelings bubbling up, and these will find a way to manifest themselves in behaviors that go beyond mere friendship or a casual connection. You may notice that he is suddenly more eager to spend time with you, or is opening up and letting you into his inner world, or he’s suddenly taking a greater interest in your life and aspirations. What else? Let’s take a look at 17 such undeniable signs a Sagittarius man has feelings for you:
1. He makes a clear effort to spend quality time with you
You’ll notice that he starts prioritizing you
If the Archer has set his sights on your heart, he wouldn’t be able to get enough of you. Despite being someone who thrives on an active and well-rounded life, you’ll notice that your Sagittarius is prioritizing spending quality time with you. As one Reddit user noted on r/astrologymemes, “When a Sagittarius wants you, you’ll know, they’re not the type to be in the background ya know?” You may notice,
He cancels other plans to spend an evening with you
He suggests activities that he knows you would enjoy
He lingers after an outing, trying to extend your time together
He might even travel a distance just to see you
Related Reading: In Love With A Sagittarius Man? 16 Things To Know
2. He invites you to join his spontaneous adventures
Sagittarius men are known for their love of adventure and spontaneity. According to expert astrologer Angel Eyedealism, Sagittarius “love adventure and excitement…they love movement, they love action”. If he starts including you in his impulsive plans, there’s no denying that he values your company and wants to share these exciting experiences with you. Signs a Sagittarius man likes you can look like this:
He asks you to join him on a last-minute road trip
He invites you to try a new restaurant or activity on a whim
He might suggest exploring a place neither of you has been to before
He could even propose an impromptu weekend getaway
3. He engages you in deep, meaningful conversations
Talking about anything and everything under the sun, from light-hearted banter to deep conversations, is a core part of my relationship with my spouse, a Sagittarius. As I’ve come to understand, these conversations are his way to connect and feel emotionally in sync with me.
Given that Sagittarius people are curious and appreciate intellectual stimulation, it’s hardly surprising that quality communication is essential for them to develop deep connections with someone they have feelings for. So, if you notice a Sagittarius man wanting to know your secrets, history, and everything in between, know that he has developed feelings for you. He may,
Ask you about your life philosophies and beliefs
Discuss his own dreams and aspirations with you in detail
Seek your opinion on important matters and listen attentively to your responses
Stay up late talking to you
4. He is invested in your interests and dreams
He cares about the things that matter to you
When a Sagittarius man likes you, he will take a keen interest in what you are passionate about. He will want to learn more about your hobbies and support your aspirations and pursuit of your passions because to him these are attractive qualities. Angel says, “Once a Sagittarius man decides that he likes you, there’s no partner more attentive to and considerate of your passions and interests.” If you’re wondering how to know if a Sagittarius man likes you, see if he:
Asks you detailed questions about your hobbies and interests
Attends events or shows to support your endeavors
Encourages you to pursue your goals and offers help or resources if possible
Tries to learn more about your field of interest
5. He communicates with remarkable honesty
A Sagittarius man is honest, sometimes to a fault. If he is emotionally invested in you, expect him to be open and truthful, even when the truth might be a little blunt. This is among the signs a Sagittarius man has feelings for you and isn’t interested in playing mind games. You may notice that
He tells you exactly what’s on his mind, even if it’s not always what you expect
He is straightforward about his intentions and doesn’t lead you on
He might even be brutally honest about his feelings, in a well-meaning way
He expects the same level of honesty from you in return
Related Reading: Libra And Sagittarius Compatibility In Love, Sex, And Life
6. You can make him laugh easily
Sagittarius men have a great sense of humor, and to them, finding someone they can share a hearty laugh with is key to a happy, healthy relationship. So, if you notice that a Sagittarius man often laughs at your jokes, it’s a clear sign that he enjoys your wit and that amps up the likelihood of him falling for you. Angel points out, “If a Sagittarius man is genuinely interested, he will likely find your humor appealing and laugh at your jokes.” The following behaviors can be indicative of a Sagittarius man showing interest in you:
He chuckles at your silly remarks and puns
He teases you playfully and enjoys your reactions
He might even try to make you laugh with his own jokes and stories
The banter between you two feels natural and effortless
7. He enjoys playful teasing and light-hearted banter with you
There will be plenty of fun moments
Playful teasing and banter are among the common Sagittarius man flirting signs. This is how a man born under this zodiac typically shows interest and affection. If you’ve been racking your brains about, “What are the signs a Sagittarius man is interested?”, you can be fairly sure that he is, if:
He might tease you gently about your quirks or habits
He enjoys it when you tease him back in a good-natured way
The conversations are filled with witty remarks and inside jokes
He initiates playful arguments or debates just for fun
8. He shares his feelings and aspirations with you
A Sagittarius man tends to be private about his deeper emotions. He may laugh and joke around, spend time with you, but he won’t let just anyone enter his inner world, where he safely keeps his feelings, aspirations, hopes and dreams. My observation has been that a Sag man can be immensely picky about who he lets it.
If he starts to open up about these things that he holds dear, it’s a clear indication that he sees you as someone special. How to tell if a Sagittarius man has feelings, you ask? Here are some signs:
He talks to you about his fears and insecurities
He shares his long-term goals and dreams for the future
He might discuss past experiences that have shaped him
He seems comfortable being vulnerable and authentic with you
Related Reading: Sagittarius And Sagittarius Compatibility – Love, Marriage, Sex, And Problem Areas
9. He consistently stays in touch, even when his schedule is demanding
Sagittarius men value their me-time and freedom. In fact, he needs copious amounts of space, without judgment or nagging, to thrive in a relationship. That said, when a Sagittarius man falls in love, despite this need for space, he will make a sincere and consistent effort to stay in touch with you through texts, calls, or messages, even when he is busy or traveling.
He will send you regular texts throughout the day
He will call to check in and see how you are doing
He responds to your messages promptly and enthusiastically
He makes an effort to maintain contact even if you’ve been apart for a long time
10. He is eager to introduce you to his close friends and family
He invites you into his inner circle
For a Sagittarius man, introducing someone to his inner circle of friends and family is a significant step. If the Sagittarius man in your life takes this step, it’s one of the most obvious signs a Sagittarius man has feelings for you because this isn’t something he’d do unless he saw you as someone special.
Angel says, “If he is actively trying to organize a time for you to meet his loved ones, he wants you to be a significant part of his life and stick around.” The key to decoding his feelings lies in actions such as:
Inviting you to hang out with his friends
Suggesting meeting his family members
Including you in social gatherings with his loved ones
Flaunting you to the people who are important to him
11. He pays attention to your comfort and strives to ensure your happiness
When a Sagittarius man likes you and develops real feelings for you, he will treat you right and be considerate of your needs, and try to make sure you are comfortable and happy. I speak from experience when I say a Sagittarius man makes for the most caring and thoughtful partner. He will not only be attentive to your preferences and needs, but will aalso nticipate what you might need or want in a particular moment and go out of his way to make it happen. Make no mistake that a Sagittarius man has feelings for you if,
He asks if you are enjoying yourself and if you need anything
He remembers your preferences, like your favorite food or drink
He might offer you his jacket if you are cold
He pays attention to the little details that make you feel cared for
Related Reading: 8 Most Unemotional And Cold Zodiac Signs
12. He initiates physical touch and enjoys being close to you
While not always immediately obvious, a Sagittarius man who is developing feelings might initiate physical touch more often. This could range from casual touches on the arm to more lingering hugs, indicating a desire for closeness.One Reddit user shares, of her Sagittarius husband, “When we’re out in public, he likes to plant surprise kisses on me, like walking up to me and kissing my face or kissing my neck, or like leaning over and resting his head into my neck/shoulder area. He likes to hold hands or lock arms.” You can sense his feelings are moving from platonic to romantic when,
He places his hand on your back when guiding you
He lingers in hugs a little longer than usual
He finds excuses to be physically close to you
He enjoys cuddling and being in your personal space
13. He starts to include you in his plans for the near and distant future
You become a part of his life plan
Sagittarius men generally live in the present moment. If he starts planning a future with you, whether it’s a weekend getaway or something further down the line, you can be sure things are getting serious on this end. He now envisions you being a part of his life for the foreseeable future. For instance,
He mentions wanting to take a trip with you next year
He talks about attending a specific event together in the coming months
He might even discuss long-term goals that involve you
He openly talks about the future with you
14. He reveals a softer, more vulnerable side of himself
As I’ve already mentioned, Sagittarius men can be guarded with their emotions and innermost feelings. A shift in this behavior can give you an answer to: Does a Sagittarius man love you? If he starts to show you a softer, more vulnerable side of himself, it’s a strong sign that he trusts you and feels comfortable being vulnerable with you. There are definitely deep feelings at play, if
He shares his fears and insecurities with you
He shows sadness or disappointment in your presence
He allows you to see him when he is not always the life of the party
He seeks comfort and support from you during tough times
Related Reading: Zodiac Signs Strongest To Weakest, Ranked As Per Astrology
15. He respects your need for independence
Since a Sagittarius needs space to survive and thrive, they naturally understand and respect these needs in others as well. If he gives you space to pursue your own interests and doesn’t become clingy or possessive, it’s a sign he respects you and your boundaries. When a Sagittarius man loves you,
He won’t pressure you to spend all your time with him
He will encourage you to pursue your own hobbies and friendships
He’d understand if you need time alone and won’t take it personally
He appreciates your independence and strength
16. He might exhibit subtle signs of jealousy when you talk about others
While he understands your need for space and independence, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a possessive streak about him. Now, his possessiveness doesn’t border on unhealthy or result in toxic, controlling behavior. Even so, he will feel a tinge of jealousy if you talk about other romantic interests or shower someone else with attention and time. This is among the most prominent signs a Sagittarius man has feelings for you because it shows that he sees you as more than just a friend and doesn’t want to lose you to someone else. And so,
He might ask probing questions about your interactions with other men
He could become quiet or withdrawn when you mention dating others
He might subtly try to steer the conversation back to himself
He might playfully tease you about your other admirers
17. He explicitly tells you that he has romantic feelings for you
While Sagittarius men might show their feelings through actions, they can also be quite direct. If his feelings are real, you won’t have to wonder, “What are the signs a Sagittarius man is interested?”, for too long. Chances are, he will tell you explicitly, and that really means something because a Sag won’t just fess up lightly. You can stop searching for signs a Sagittarius man likes you when,
He directly states his romantic interest in you
He might use phrases like “I have feelings for you” or “I really like you.”
He might even confess that he is falling for you
Given their direct nature, if he says it, it’s highly likely to be true
How to Respond to a Sagittarius Man Who Has Feelings for You
Now that you can read all the signs a Sagittarius man is falling for you, the question is, what next? How do you respond? Should you make the first move or wait for him to confess his feelings to you? And what after that? How do you build a strong relationship with him? And what if you don’t like him back? Let’s answer all of these questions.
If you like him back
Sagittarius men appreciate honesty, adventure, and independence. If you reciprocate his feelings, it’s best to be direct and honest in your response. Here is how you can do that and do on to foster a strong connection with your Sag man:
1. Be direct and honest about your feelings
Just as he is likely to be straightforward with you, he’d appreciate it if you reciprocated with an honest expression of your feelings. Relationship coach Anna Kovach advises that the “#1 turn on for me as a Sag is a partner that is completely open about their feelings.” So,
Tell him you’ve noticed his interest and that you feel the same way
Don’t play games or try to be overly coy; sincerity is key
Express your excitement about exploring a potential relationship with him
2. Embrace spontaneity and adventure together
Ready to embrace the unpredictable
Show him that you can keep up with his adventurous spirit. Sagittarians love unpredictability and excitement. Plan spontaneous outings or surprise adventures to keep the relationship dynamic.
Suggest a last-minute hike or a weekend trip to a nearby town
Be open to trying new things he suggests, even if they are outside your comfort zone
Plan surprise dates that cater to his interests
3. Engage in intellectual conversations and share your knowledge
Susan Miller from Astrology Zone notes that a Sagittarius man is “ready for a deep discussion on ethics, morality, politics, philosophy, or religion”.As his partner, you have to be prepared to stimulate his mind by engaging in thoughtful discussions and sharing your perspectives. Here’s how:
Ask him open-ended questions about his views on various topics
Share interesting articles or documentaries you’ve come across
Don’t be afraid to challenge his ideas respectfully and engage in lively debates
Related Reading: Zodiac Signs Characteristics – The Positives And Negatives
4. Respect his need for freedom and independence
Angel says, “Sagittarius men always need space…If you trust them enough to give them space, they will come closer.” Avoid being clingy or trying to control his time or movements. Instead, respect this independence by:
Letting him have own social life and pursue his individual interests
Not constantly checking in on him or demanding his undivided attention
Showing that you are also independent and have your own fulfilling life
5. Be honest and straightforward in your communication
After independence, honesty is the value dearest to a Sagittarius. So, to avoid trouble in paradise, you need to ensure your communication with him is clear, direct, and sincere. Avoid passive-aggressive behavior or beating around the bush.
Express your needs and expectations openly and honestly
Address any issues or concerns directly and respectfully
Be genuine in your interactions and avoid pretense
If you don’t like him back
In case you’ve been trying to look for the signs a Sagittarius man is falling for you because you want to let him down easy, here are some tips on handling the situation with kindness and honesty:
1. Be direct and clear about your lack of romantic interest
Given his likely straightforward approach, the kindest response is to be equally direct and clear about your feelings. Avoid ambiguity that could lead to further misunderstanding. Politely but firmly tell him that you value his friendship but don’t see him romantically.
2. Avoid leading him on or giving mixed signals
Ensure your actions and words align with your lack of romantic interest. Don’t give mixed signals or false hope by suggesting “maybe someday,” or engage in flirtatious behavior or overly intimate interactions. Avoid accepting romantic gestures or dates if you are not interested in that way.
3. Clearly define the boundaries of your friendship
If you value his friendship and wish to maintain it, clearly communicate the boundaries of your platonic relationship.Explicitly state that you would like to remain friends but nothing more. Avoid behaviors that might blur the lines between friendship and romance. Be consistent in your interactions to reinforce the platonic nature of your relationship.
4. Be empathetic and acknowledge his feelings
While being direct is important, showing empathy for his feelings can blunt the pain of rejection. Acknowledge that it might be disappointing to hear that you’re not interested in him romantically. You can say something like, “I appreciate you telling me how you feel, and I value our friendship, but I don’t feel the same way romantically.” Validate his feelings without reciprocating them romantically. Let him know that your decision is about your own feelings and not a reflection of his worth.
Related Reading: 7 Most Caring Zodiac Signs Who Will Always Be There For You
5. Be prepared for him to become distant
Depending on the depth of his feelings, he might need some time and space to process your rejection. Respect this need and allow him to distance himself if he chooses to. Let him know that you are there for him as a friend when he is ready, but refrain from constantly reaching out if he seems to be withdrawing.
Infographic On How to Attract A Sagittarius Man
If you’ve fallen hard for a Sagittarius man but sense that he is being too guarded about his feelings or may not feel the same way about you, it’s natural to wonder how to trigger his attraction. Here are some clever ideas on how to attract a Sagittarius man and cast a love spell on him:
The secret to attracting a Sagittarius man
Key Pointers
A Sagittarius man who has feelings will actively seek your company and prioritize spending quality time with you
He will invite you to share in his adventurous and spontaneous lifestyle, valuing your presence in his exciting experiences
He will engage you in deep, intellectual conversations, showing a genuine interest in your thoughts, beliefs, and aspirations
Honesty and directness are hallmarks of a Sagittarius man’s communication, especially when developing feelings for someone
Respecting his need for freedom and independence is crucial when responding to a Sagittarius man’s romantic interest, whether reciprocated or not
Final Thoughts
Understanding the signs a Sagittarius man has feelings for you can be an enlightening journey. His blend of adventurous spirit and intellectual curiosity often translates into unique expressions of affection. By recognizing these signs and responding in a way that aligns with his core personality traits—honesty, independence, and a love for adventure—you can steer the potential for romance toward a meaningful companionship.
The Most Intelligent Zodiac Sign, Ranked Highest To Lowest
Ever Wondered What Are Your Most Valuable Zodiac Sign Traits?
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Most of Windows 11 Pro’s features are replicable on Windows Home with third-party options. However, there’s one tool that wraps so many useful functionalities into a single convenient menu that it’s the sole reason you should consider Windows Pro.
What Is Group Policy Editor and What Does It Do?
Group Policy Editor, also known by its Run command of gpedit.msc, is a control center that lets you configure hundreds of Windows options that aren’t available through the regular Settings app. Think of it as Windows’ hidden control room where you can tell your computer what to do, instead of accepting whatever Microsoft decides is best for you.
When you try to control Windows behavior through the regular Settings app, you’re limited to what Microsoft thinks most users should change. Learning how to navigate the Registry Editor gives you more control, but it’s risky; one wrong move and you could break your entire system. Group Policy Editor sits in the middle, giving you powerful control with built-in safety guards.
What I like most about Group Policy Editor is its transparency. Unlike mysterious Registry tweaks you find online, every Group Policy setting comes with clear descriptions of what it does and what happens when you enable or disable it. You’re not guessing when you make changes. The interface shows you exactly which systems will be affected and provides detailed explanations for each setting.
Related
The 9 Most Annoying Windows 11 Features (and How to Fix Them in Minutes)
Make Windows 11 work for you, not against you.
Another reason to use Group Policy Editor is its reliability. When you make changes through Group Policy Editor, Windows respects those decisions. Unlike some Registry tweaks that Windows Updates can overwrite, Group Policy settings stick around and maintain your preferences. This consistency means you can set up your computer once and trust that it will stay configured the way you want it.
Overall, the key advantage of Group Policy over all other methods is its combination of safety, persistence, and transparency. It’s the professional way to manage Windows computers, even in a home environment.
How I Easily Manage My Device With Group Policy Editor
Most people think Group Policy Editor is just for IT departments, but I’ve found it’s one of the most practical tools for home users like me. I use it to shape my computer into a machine that works exactly how I want, without the usual Windows headaches.
Getting started is simple; press Win + R, type “gpedit.msc”, and hit Enter. You can also hit the Windows key and search for “group policy editor” to open the menu, or use the many other ways to open Local Group Policy Editor on Windows 11.
Once it’s open, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Let’s look at the various ways I use Group Policy Editor to make my computer work better for me.
After I make changes in Group Policy Editor, I always run gpupdate /force in the Command Prompt to apply them right away. Some settings might need a restart or sign-out.
Taking Control of Windows Updates
Windows Updates used to drive me crazy. My computer would restart right in the middle of important work, or it would spend twenty minutes installing updates when I just needed to quickly grab a file before heading out. Group Policy Editor completely solved this frustration.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Here you can set exactly when updates get installed. I configure my main work computer to only install updates at 2AM on Saturdays.
The best part is controlling which updates get installed automatically. I allow security updates to be installed immediately because they are critical, but I defer feature updates for several weeks. This way, I avoid being an unwilling beta tester for Microsoft’s latest experiment while still staying secure. Group Policy lets me strike the perfect balance between security and stability.
Hide Shutdown and Restart to Prevent Family Mishaps
When my nieces visit, I often let them play on my desktop computer with one of the virtual desktops I use for multitasking. Since I do my writing projects on this specific computer, having a virtual workspace prevents my work from being tampered with. However, there have been had multiple cases where I lost progress because someone accidentally pressed the power button.
To fix this, I used Group Policy Editor to disable the power button on my computer. This way, others can’t accidentally turn off the machine while downloads are in progress or I’m in the middle of certain tasks.
Disabling the power button is easy. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Power Management > Button Settings. There, double-click Select the Power Button Action; set it to Enabled, select Take no action, hit Apply, and then choose Okay. The change takes effect right away.
Aside from the power button issue, I’ve also grown tired of cleaning up “free game boosters” and other mysterious junk programs. I thus use a policy that blocks users from installing software unless I approve it as an admin. This has nearly eliminated malware headaches and keeps my systems running clean.
To do this, open Group Policy Editor and navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Software Restriction Policies. Right-click to create a new policy if there isn’t one already. Under Enforcement, set it so that software restriction policies apply to everyone except local administrators.
This way, only I can install new programs, and I know exactly what’s on the living room computer.
Prevent Windows Bloatware From Reinstalling After an Update
It’s pretty frustrating when you do a big Windows update, only to see Microsoft fill your Start menu with apps and ads you never asked for. Suddenly, Candy Crush, TikTok, and a bunch of other “suggested” programs are back, even after you took the time to remove them before.
To stop this from happening, open Group Policy Editor and go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content. Look for the setting called Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences. Double-click it, set it to Enabled, and apply your changes.
This simple tweak tells Windows to stop automatically installing bloatware and suggested apps after updates or resets. Your Start menu stays clean, and you don’t have to keep uninstalling the same unwanted programs over and over again. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in keeping your PC clutter-free.
Stop Windows Telemetry and Take Back Privacy
I’m not comfortable with Windows sending usage info to Microsoft, especially from computers used for banking or sensitive work. The regular Settings app doesn’t go far enough, but Group Policy lets me lock it down.
Unlike Registry tweaks that might be incomplete or reset by updates, Group Policy provides thorough, persistent privacy protection. Third-party privacy tools often interfere with legitimate Windows functions, while Group Policy makes surgical changes.
Open Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds and double-click Allow Diagnostic Data. I set it to Disabled (or Enabled with Diagnostic data off if that’s what’s available) and hit OK. Now, I know my data isn’t being sent out without my say-so.
Lock Down the Control Panel for Standard Users
I’ve had family members accidentally change my computer’s network settings or display options. With Group Policy, I can hide the Control Panel and Settings utilities from standard users, so only I can make system changes.
In User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel, double-click Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings, set it to Enabled, and click OK. Now, only admins can get into those settings, so I don’t have to keep fixing issues others create.
Toggle Remote Desktop Access for Safe Home Office Connections
Sometimes I need to access my home PC from another room, or even outside the house. Group Policy helps me control who can connect, keeping my machine secure.
Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Remote Desktop Services > Remote Desktop Session Host > Connections, double-click Allow users to connect remotely by using Remote Desktop Services, and set it to Enabled or Disabled depending on your needs. You can also adjust other security settings in the same section to keep remote access safe.
Why This Feature Is Worth the Upgrade
With these tweaks, I’ve made my Windows 11 Pro devices easier to manage, safer, and more predictable for everyone in my household.
Whether Group Policy Editor justifies the $199 cost of Windows 11 Pro (or a $99 upgrade from Home) depends on your situation and computing habits. If you’re a casual user who’s comfortable with Windows’ default behaviors and primarily uses your computer for basic tasks, you can probably skip the upgrade. Windows 11 Home handles these everyday needs perfectly well without the added complexity.
However, the upgrade makes a lot more sense if you’re tired of fighting Windows’ default behaviors or need better control while sharing your computer with family members. The value increases significantly when you consider the other Pro features bundled in. Windows Sandbox provides safe testing environments for suspicious downloads, BitLocker offers enterprise-grade drive encryption, and Hyper-V enables virtualization for running multiple operating systems. Meanwhile, Remote Desktop functionality adds professional remote access capabilities.
For power users who want centralized system control, the ability to manage multiple user accounts, or need enhanced security features, Windows 11 Pro delivers substantial value. The time savings from automated management and peace of mind from comprehensive system control easily justify the upgrade cost for anyone who takes their computing seriously. But if you don’t need those, skip Windows Pro and save your money.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Four-giant-pandas-to-depart-Japan-for-China-1EzwGUG2KHe/img/a44bbee14bd84bff8b4f1e5d71cb31d7/a44bbee14bd84bff8b4f1e5d71cb31d7.jpeg'Giant panda Saihin, 6, attracts visitors at Adventure World in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 27, 2025, her final viewing day in Japan. /Yomiuri Shimbun via CFP
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Four-giant-pandas-to-depart-Japan-for-China-1EzwGUG2KHe/img/a44bbee14bd84bff8b4f1e5d71cb31d7/a44bbee14bd84bff8b4f1e5d71cb31d7.jpeg'Giant panda Saihin, 6, attracts visitors at Adventure World in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 27, 2025, her final viewing day in Japan. /Yomiuri Shimbun via CFP
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Four-giant-pandas-to-depart-Japan-for-China-1EzwGUG2KHe/img/a44bbee14bd84bff8b4f1e5d71cb31d7/a44bbee14bd84bff8b4f1e5d71cb31d7.jpeg'Giant panda Saihin, 6, attracts visitors at Adventure World in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 27, 2025, her final viewing day in Japan. /Yomiuri Shimbun via CFP
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-28/Four-giant-pandas-to-depart-Japan-for-China-1EzwGUG2KHe/img/a44bbee14bd84bff8b4f1e5d71cb31d7/a44bbee14bd84bff8b4f1e5d71cb31d7.jpeg'Giant panda Saihin, 6, attracts visitors at Adventure World in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 27, 2025, her final viewing day in Japan. /Yomiuri Shimbun via CFP
Four giant pandas will leave Japan’s Adventure World in Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture on June 28, 2025, and travel to China after years of delighting local visitors.
The pandas are Rauhin, a 24-year-old female and the first panda ever born at Adventure World, along with her daughters Yuihin (8), Saihin (6), and Fuhin (4). Rauhin, affectionately known as a “veteran mom,”has given birth to 10 cubs during her time in Japan.
With their departure, the only two giant pandas remaining in Japan are both residing at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, until their scheduled arrival in China by February 20, 2026.
The announcement has sparked a wave of emotion across Japan, where many are expressing heartfelt goodbyes to the bears that have become a part of their lives.
“The general public was admitted to new Los Angeles County Museum of Art for the first time on Friday night — not to look at art but to listen to music,” wrote Times music critic Albert Goldberg in 1965. Exactly 70 years and three months later, history repeated itself.
Thursday night was the first time the public was allowed into LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries. The occasion was a massive sonic event led by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington. More than a hundred musicians spread out in nine groups along 900-foot serpentine route of Peter Zumthor’s new building, still empty of art.
The celebration, which drew arts and civic leaders for the first of three preview nights, was far grander than the concert on March 26,1965, that opened LACMA’s Leo S. Bing Theatre the night before the doors opened to the museum’s original galleries. That occasion, a program by the legendary Monday Evening Concerts in which Pierre Boulez conducted the premiere of his “Éclat,” helped symbolize an exuberant L.A. coming of age, with the Music Center having opened three months earlier.
Monday Evening Concerts had been a true L.A. event drawing local musical celebrities including Igor Stravinsky and showing off L.A.’s exceptional musicians. The mandolinist in “Éclat,” for instance, was Sol Babitz, the father of the late, quintessential L.A. writer Eve Babitz. Boulez, an explosive composer, eventually turned the 10-minute “‘Éclat,’ for 15 instruments” into a 25-minute orchestral masterpiece, “Éclat/Multiples,” and left unfinished sketches behind to extend that to a full hour.
Kamasi Washington performing Thursday night.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Washington turned out to be the ideal radical expansionist to follow in Boulez’s footsteps for the new LACMA, with a resplendent enlargement of his 2018 half-hour EP, “Harmony of Difference.” The short tracks — “Desire,” “Knowledge,” “Perspective,” “Humility,” “Integrity” and “Truth” — employ nearly three dozen musicians in bursts of effusive wonder.
For LACMA, Washington tripled the number of musicians and the length. What some critics thought were bursts of bluster, however enthralling, became outright splendor. Introducing the program, LACMA Director Michael Govan called it an event that has never happened before and may never happen again. I got little sense of what this building will be like as a museum with art on the walls, but it’s a great space for thinking big musically and, in the process, for finding hope in an L.A. this year beset by fires and fear-inducing troops on our streets.
Washington is one of our rare musicians who thrives on excess. He has long been encouraged to aim toward concision, especially in his longer numbers, in which his untiring improvisations can become exhausting in their many climaxes. But that misses the point. I’ve never heard him play anything, short or long, that couldn’t have been three times longer. His vision is vast, and he needs space.
In the David Geffen Galleries, he got it. The nine ensembles included a large mixed band that he headed, along with ensembles of strings, brass, woodwinds and choruses. Each played unique arrangements of the songs, not quite synchronized, but if you ambled the long walkways, you heard the material in different contexts as though this were sonic surrealism.
A crowd gathers to watch Washington on Thursday.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Acoustically, the Geffen is a weird combination. The large glass windows and angled concrete walls reflect sound in very different ways. Dozens of spaces vary in shape, size and acoustical properties. During a media tour earlier in the day, I found less echo than might be expected, though each space had its own peculiarities.
Washington’s ensembles were all carefully amplified and sounded surprisingly liquid, which made walking a delight as the sounds of different ensembles came in and out of focus. A chorus’ effusiveness gradually morphed into an ecstatic Washington saxophone solo down the way that then became a woodwind choir that had an organ-like quality. The whole building felt alive.
There was also the visual element. The concert took place at sunset, the light through the large windows ever changing, the “Harmony of Difference” becoming the differences of the bubbling tar pits nearby or the street life on Wilshire or LACMA’s Pavilion for Japanese Art, which looks lovely from the new galleries.
Govan’s vision is of a place where art of all kinds from all over comes together, turning the galleries into a promenade of discovery.
LACMA Director Michael Govan addressing the crowd Thursday night before Kamasi Washington performs.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Musically, this falls more in line with John Cage’s “Musicircus,” in which any number of musical ensembles perform at chance-derived times as a carnival of musical difference — something for which the Geffen Galleries is all but tailor-made. Nevertheless, Washington brilliantly demonstrated the new building’s potential for dance, opera, even theater.
The museum may not have made performance a priority in recent years, but Washington also reminded us that the premiere of Boulez’ “Éclat” put music in LACMA’s DNA. Seven decades on, Zumthor, whether he intended it or not, now challenges LACMA to become LACMAP: Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Performance.
Chennai, June 28: Two and three-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motor Company has launched OBD2B Compliant 2025 TVS Apache RTR 160 cc motorcycle, equipped with OBD2B compliance, Dual-Channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The new range of its highly popular motorcycle is priced from Rs 1.34 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
“The 2025 TVS Apache RTR 160 is OBD2B compliant and introduces dual channel ABS, delivering enhanced safety and control. The motorcycle offers best-in-class performance and precision handling. The OBD2B compliance refers to on-board diagnostics systems conforming to stricter emissions norms. Equipped with features that cater to the evolving demands of today’s riders, the TVS Apache RTR 160 combines cutting-edge technology, refined design and enhanced capabilities,” the city-headquartered company said in a press release on Saturday. 2 Helmet Rule in India: Government Proposes To Make It Mandatory for 2-Wheeler Manufacturers To Provide 2 Helmets at Time of Vehicle Purchase.
The Apache RTR 160 motorcycle comes with Sport, Urban, Rain, ride modes and Bluetooth and Voice Assist TVS SmartXonnect feature. It is available in Matte Black, Pearl White with red alloy wheels among others.
Commenting on the launch of a new variant, TVS Motor Company Head-Business Premium Vimal Sumbly said, “The TVS Apache RTR 160 has consistenly set benchmarks in its segment, evolving with every generation. With segment-leading features like Ride Modes, SmartXonnect with Voice Assist and now Dual Channel ABS, it continues to redefine what riders can expect from a performance motorcycle.” Mahindra Scorpio N Teased, SUV Expected To Launch in India Soon With ADAS and Panoramic Sunroof; Check More Details.
The TVS Apache is more than a machine, it is a global community of over 6 million riders, he said. The motorcycle is available at TVS Motor Company dealerships across India, with prices starting at Rs 1,34,320 (ex-showroom Delhi), the company said.
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Before June 8, the skilled and respected ABC News television journalist Terry Moran was neither a household name nor political lightning rod. That changed abruptly when Moran posted on X that Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller was “a world-class hater,” followed by an addendum that the president was a hater as well. (The post was later taken down.) While the statements were certainly defendable, they apparently violated ABC policy, and Moran was suspended, then dismissed. Moran, though, had one move left. On June 11, he started writing on Substack.
Moran was joining a movement based on a dream: Journalists could start a Substack newsletter and garner subscription fees that would match or exceed their previous salaries. And they would be editorially liberated! No editors to screw up copy, no censorship from bosses when advertisers complain, no corporate overlord to fire you when you say the president of the United States is a hater. Substack says that some people are indeed living the dream. CEO Chris Best recently boasted in a speech that “more than 50” of its users were pulling in a million dollars in revenue.
As more journalists get pushed out of their jobs, get fed up with their bosses, or just want to breathe the cool air of freedom, they now have what appears to be a viable escape hatch. Recently a lot of them are taking advantage of it. Jeff Bezos has been good to Substack: The Washington Post editorial page’s apparent recent disinterest in stopping democracy from dying has led popular opinion writer Jennifer Rubin to start a publication called The Contrarian, and censored editorial Post cartoonist Ann Telnaes now publishes on Substack as well. Former MSNBC host Mehdi Hassan started his own publication. Even Chuck Todd has gone indie.
You might be tempted to think that the Substack revolution is shaking up the foundations of journalism, agreeing with Substack star Emily Sundberg that newsroom leaders everywhere should be barring their doors to prevent further defections. Well, not so fast. The Substack model may work very well for a few, but it’s not so easy to march in and match a salary. Readers have to pay a high price for a voice that they once enjoyed in a publication they subscribe to. And writers have to get used to the idea that the breadth of their wisdom is limited to a small percentage of patrons. Is Substack sustainable for writers addressing a general audience?
Just in the last week or so, a cluster of critics have been publishing that the platform may be on shaky ground. It started when Eric Newcomer—posting on his own successful Substack—celebrated Substack’s recent influx of big names and reported that the platform told investors it was taking in $45 million a year in revenue. He claimed it was seeking a new investment round which would value the company at $700 million. (Substack did not confirm those numbers.)
But then Dylan Byers of Puck looked at those numbers and wondered whether the bottom line valuation was actually less than in the previous rounds. Byers, like other critics, charged that once you get past the few real big earners, the platform was full of low-flying mediocrities: “The truth is that the vast majority of the content on Substack is boring, amateurish or batshit crazy,” he wrote. His conclusion was that Substack was a media company trying to be valued as a tech company, which is a familiar fail point for similar companies. (WIRED itself once failed at an IPO for that very reason.)
Ana Marie Cox, who once enjoyed blogging fame as Wonkette, is even grimmer, writing in her newsletter that Substack “is as unstable as a SpaceX launch.” She wasn’t impressed with the more recent influx of name writers. “How many Terry Morans does Substack have room for?” she wrote. “Is there even a public appetite for a dozen Terry Morans, each independently Terry Moran-ing in his own newsletter?”
Cox is referring to subscription fatigue, which is something I think of every time a sign-up page pops up when opening a new Substack. Typically, Substack pros solicit a monthly fee of $5-10 or an annual rate of $50-150. Usually there’s a free tier of content, but journalists who hope to make at least part of their livelihood on Substack save the good stuff for paid customers. Compared to subscribing to full-fledged publications, this is a terrible value proposition. After leaving The Atlantic, celebrated writer Derek Thompson started a Substack that cost $80 a year—that’s one penny more than a digital subscription to the magazine he just left! (The Atlantic will probably spend $300,000 to replace him with someone else worth reading.) It doesn’t take too many of those subscriptions to match the cost of The New York Times, which probably has 100 journalists as good as Substack writers, and you get Wordle to boot.
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), in an interview with KOTA on May 30, 2025
Millions of people are expected to lose access to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplace health insurance plans if federal lawmakers approve the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, President Donald Trump’s domestic policy package, which is now moving through the Senate.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune discussed health care and the pending legislation in an interview with KOTA, a South Dakota TV station. But he focused on a different kind of health insurance — employer-sponsored insurance.
“A lot of times, health care comes with a job,” Thune said.
Thune’s comments in the interview were made in the context of highlighting part of the GOP’s economic policy objective. “Creating those better-paying jobs that come with benefits is ultimately the goal here,” he said.
KFF Health News reached out to Thune’s office to find out the basis for this comment. His communications director, Ryan Wrasse, responded by reiterating Thune’s message: “Getting a job has the potential to lead a worker to acquiring health care.”
Paul Fronstin, director of health benefits research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute, said Thune’s comment may also be alluding to discussions surrounding Medicaid work requirements. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act would let nondisabled adults enroll in Medicaid only if they prove they’re volunteering, working, or searching or training for work.
Medicaid, funded by the federal government and states, is the country’s main health insurance program for people with low incomes. Some people with disabilities also qualify.
Some Republicans have built on the jobs talking point in defending the Medicaid cuts and work requirements. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), for instance, told CNBC the bill isn’t about “kicking people off Medicaid. It’s transitioning from Medicaid to employer-provided health care.”
But the health policy experts we checked with made clear that getting a job isn’t a guarantee for getting work-sponsored insurance.
Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance: The Basics
These experts said most jobs do offer health insurance. But they also said the link between employment and work-based coverage is not always straightforward.
“When I see this statement, I’m like, ‘I’ve got so much more to say about this.’ But I’m not arguing with the statement,” Fronstin said.
Matthew Rae, an associate director focused on researching private insurance at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, also weighed in.
“Employer-sponsored coverage remains the bedrock of how people get health insurance in the United States,” Rae said. “I would say that getting a job is not a guarantee you’re going to have health insurance. It just increases your chances of getting it.”
About 60% of Americans younger than 65 receive health insurance through their job or as the spouse, child, or other dependent of someone insured through their work, according to 2023 KFF data.
Among workers ages 18 to 64 who were eligible but didn’t sign up for their workplace insurance, 28% said the reason they decided not to enroll was that the plans were too expensive, 2023 KFF data showed.
Most of these workers found health insurance elsewhere, such as through a relative’s workplace plan. But a small percentage of eligible employees, 3.7%, were uninsured.
Health insurance has been “the most valued benefit in the workplace” since businesses began offering it to recruit employees in a tight labor market during World War II, Fronstin said.
Federal law also encourages companies to offer plans. Under the Affordable Care Act, employers with 50 or more full-time workers are penalized if they don’t offer most employees insurance that the federal government considers affordable.
As of last year, 54% of companies offered health insurance to at least some employees, according to KFF.
But that’s not the main way the ACA helped lower the rate of people without health insurance, said Melissa Thomasson, a professor at Miami University in Ohio who specializes in the economic history of health insurance. “Nearly all of that” change, she said, came from the ACA creating private marketplace plans and allowing states to expand Medicaid eligibility.
Health policy analysts say the One Big Beautiful Bill would make it more difficult for people to qualify or afford marketplace plans, with proposals that would increase paperwork, shorten enrollment periods, and allow enhanced tax credits to fizzle out. Thomasson also noted that political rhetoric surrounding jobs and health insurance doesn’t always align.
“We often talk about small businesses being the engine of job creation,” but those are the businesses that often can’t afford to offer workplace insurance, she said.
So Who Isn’t Insured Through Workplace Insurance?
The most obvious category of people who don’t have workplace insurance are those who don’t have a job. This group includes children and retirees, people searching for work, people who choose not to work, and those who can’t work, because of a disability or illness.
Another group without employer-provided insurance is the 25% of people ages 18 to 64 who have a job but are unable to obtain such insurance, according to 2023 data from KFF.
Some of these people work for companies that don’t offer health insurance. These employers tend to be small businesses or part of certain industries, such as farming and construction.
Others are part-time, temporary, or seasonal workers at companies that offer health insurance only to full-time employees. Workers with low incomes are significantly less likely than those with higher incomes to be eligible for workplace insurance, according to 2023 KFF data.
People who aren’t employed or don’t get insurance through their job can get coverage in other ways. Some are insured through a relative’s workplace plan, while others purchase plans and may qualify for subsidies on the ACA marketplace.
Others get insurance through Medicaid or Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 or older and some people with disabilities.
Cost and Quality — And Therefore Access to Care — Vary
Just because someone has health insurance doesn’t mean they’ll get the health care they need. People may skip or delay care if their plans are unaffordable or if they limit in-network providers.
“Health benefits come in all shapes and sizes,” Fronstin said. “Some employers offer very generous benefits, and others less so.”
Whether workplace insurance is affordable significantly varies by income. According to 2020 KFF data, lower-income families insured through a full-time worker spent, on average, 10.4% of their income on premiums and out-of-pocket costs. That’s more than twice the rate when looking at families across all incomes.
Our Ruling
Thune said, “A lot of times, health care comes with a job.”
This statement is partially accurate. Most workers in the U.S. get health coverage through work. But it glosses over aspects of our nation’s job-based health insurance system — such as how costs and coverage, especially for those with lower incomes, can make an employer plan out of reach even if it is available.
Bottom line: Not all jobs provide health insurance or offer plans to all their workers. When they do, cost and quality vary widely — making Thune’s statement an oversimplification.
Phone interview with Paul Fronstin, director of health benefits research at the Employee Benefit Research Institute and a member of the Commonwealth Fund’s National Task Force on the Future Role of Employers in the U.S. Health System, June 6, 2025.
Phone interview with Melissa Thomasson, professor and health economist at Miami University, June 6, 2025.
Phone interview with Maanasa Kona, associate research professor at the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University, June 6, 2025.
Phone interview with Matthew Rae, associate director for the Health Care Marketplace Program at KFF, June 10, 2025.
Phone interview with Sally Pipes, president and CEO of the Pacific Research Institute, June 11, 2025.
Email correspondence with Ryan Wrasse, communications director for Sen. John Thune, June 10, 2025.
KFF Health News, “Some Employers Test Arrangement To Give Workers Allowance for Coverage,” Oct. 2, 2024.
KFF Health News, “Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Continues Assault on Obamacare,” June 3, 2025.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
A really cool parkour game is being delisted from Steam on June 30, but you still have a chance to grab it for dirt cheap. Supermoves: World of Parkour is on sale right now for just $0.79 ahead of its removal next week.
Despite being a blast to play, Supermoves has had a bit of a tragic life following its release last year. Based on both critical and Steam review response, Supermoves is a blast, combining Mirror’s Edge-inspired freerunning with some cool multiplayer modes. However, the game did not sell particularly well, and developer Makea Games was forced to shut down back in April.
Tomi Toikka, the founder and former CEO of Makea Games, stated that he has been in negotiations to try to retain control over the Supermoves IP, but to no avail. As he shared in a final update announcing the delisting, Makea’s financing structure apparently prohibits any path for Toikka to keep the game on sale. He wrote, “After shutting down Makea Games, I had hoped I could salvage the game IP to be preserved in another game company, so players could still play the game they own online, and maybe it could see a resurgence in new players one day. But sometimes the cost of doing business is losing something you love.”
As part of the process of removing the game from sale and the restrictions imposed by Makea’s liquidation proceedings, Toikka is also shutting down all of Supermoves’ multiplayer features. This means that the game can only be played offline, and while there is a single-player mode that will remain fully functional, much of the original game will be rendered unusable.
Being forced to essentially eliminate a large swath of his own game has, understandably, made Toikka frustrated and upset. “If you care about digital preservation, independent development, or public R&D policy, I hope the fate of Supermoves sparks a wider conversation about how we keep creative work alive, even when the business behind it closes its doors,” he wrote. “I’ll cherish the time I spent working on the game with the greats at Makea Games forever. I just wish I could have played the game online with my future kids someday.”
If you’re interested in checking out the game, grab it as soon as possible, as it’ll be gone for good on Monday, June 30. The base game goes for $0.79 right now, and the deluxe edition–which includes some cosmetics as well as a copy of the soundtrack–is available for $2.43.
Fatty liver disease, caused by the accumulation of fat in the liver, is estimated to affect one in four people worldwide. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, making it crucial to detect early and initiate treatment.
Currently, standard tests for diagnosing fatty liver disease include ultrasounds, CTs, and MRIs, which require costly specialized equipment and facilities. In contrast, chest X-rays are performed more frequently, are relatively inexpensive, and involve low radiation exposure. Although this test is primarily used to examine the condition of the lungs and heart, it also captures part of the liver, making it possible to detect signs of fatty liver disease. However, the relationship between chest X-rays and fatty liver disease has rarely been a subject of in-depth study.
Therefore, a research group led by Associate Professor Sawako Uchida-Kobayashi and Associate Professor Daiju Ueda at Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Medicine developed an AI model that can detect the presence of fatty liver disease from chest X-ray images.
In this retrospective study, a total of 6,599 chest X-ray images containing data from 4,414 patients were used to develop an AI model utilizing controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) scores. The AI model was verified to be highly accurate, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) ranging from 0.82 to 0.83.
“The development of diagnostic methods using easily obtainable and inexpensive chest X-rays has the potential to improve fatty liver detection. We hope it can be put into practical use in the future,” stated Professor Uchida-Kobayashi.
IThum World, an eminent commercial real estate developer in Delhi NCR, is widely known for its high standards in construction and delivery. With 35+ years of excellence in construction and delivery of over 5 million sq. ft. area, we have an edge in the real estate industry. Our landmark delivered projects like The Corenthum, IThum, and Caladium have given immense accolades and helped us grow as a brand.
With the mantra of Quality Construction and Timely Delivery, we are creating opportunities for millions of people all around. We are leading the real estate industry in Delhi NCR with our ultra-modern commercial projects in Noida and Greater Noida. These projects are IThum Heights, IThums 62, IThums 73 and IThums Galleria. Keeping a customer-centric approach on top of the agenda, we strive to become a leading name in commercial real estate development in India.
About the Opportunity
We are looking to expand our legal team at IThum World, a leading real estate Group based in Delhi NCR with over 30 years of industry experience and a strong reputation for delivering cutting-edge infrastructure.
Role and Responsibilities
Real Estate Advisory – Assisting with due diligence in land/property transactions, identifying risks, and facilitating final closures. Vetting real estate documents for legal and compliance risks. Drafting and reviewing documentation for RERA registration, extensions, and compliance (QPRs, audit filings, etc.) across UP-RERA, HARERA, etc.
Contract Management – Drafting and vetting commercial contracts such as MOUs, LOIs, NDAs, Lease Deeds, Shareholder Agreements (SHA), Share Purchase Agreements (SPA), License Agreements, etc. Specialized focus on real estate documents, including Buyer Builder Agreements (BBAs), Possession Certificates, and related formalities. Preparing concise legal briefs for internal departments and senior management.
Corporate Governance – Coordinating with company secretaries, finance teams, CRM executives, auditors, and external counsel. Supporting secretarial work and compliance activities.
Legal Research – Staying current with regulatory changes and industry-specific legal developments. Preparing monthly legal updates and ensuring the applicability of relevant laws and regulations.
Litigation & Dispute Management – Assisting with internal teams to ensure proper representation before courts and regulatory authorities, along with coordinating with external counsel, managing litigation trackers. Drafting Commercial Suits, Written Statements, Legal Notices, responses for and on behalf of the company, and reviewing resolution plans under IBC for legal and commercial compliance.
Education and Qualifications
3-year or 5-year LL.B. from a recognized university (Bar Enrolment – 2022).
2-3 years of post-qualification experience in commercial real estate (In-House legal team or law firm). Prior in-house corporate legal experience preferred.
Proficient in Contract Law, RERA, Arbitration, Companies Act, IBC, and Real Estate Laws. Must be able to read and write Hindi fluently.
Location
Sector 62, Noida (Immediate Joiner)
Work Mode
Work from Office (Six Days Working)
Salary
As per profile (Negotiable)
How to Apply?
Interested Candidate can email your CVs with a brief introduction to RISHI GUJRAL, HEAD LEGAL, at [email protected].
Disclaimer: Charging money from students for internships or from job applicants is unethical and can result in blacklisting. We strongly discourage requesting any kind of payment from interns, including processing fees or charges for certificates. If you have any concerns, please contact us at [email protected]
Clouds hover over the city making way for monsoon, announcing that it’s time to soak in the vibe of the season. But Delhiites are not one to do that by just sitting beside the window That’s why walk curators across the city are gearing up to curate special experiences where raindrops kiss the face when sky turns dramatic, and one gets to be amid Nature that acquires a fresh makeover in that moment. From chasing misty sunsets to spotting flashy colourful wings, and listening to rain-soaked poetry, you can do it all with your walk buddies. Here’s how you can get just the right mix of calm, creativity, and pure vibe. Let the clouds lead the way!
Haritage walk groups across Delhi-NCR are curating diverse experiences to beautifully capture the essence of the monsoon season.
Monsoon + Poetry = Magic
DelhiByFoot is hosting a special monsoon-themed, poetry-infused heritage walk at Mehrauli.
“The monsoon in Delhi has its own charm, it’s like poetry coming to life,” says Ramit Mitra of DelhiByFoot (+91-9871181775), which is hosting a special monsoon-themed, poetry-infused heritage walk at Mehrauli Archaeological Park on July 6. “The poetry we share moves between classical and contemporary, from Hindi to Urdu,” adds co-founder Priyanka Bhaskar, “Take for example, Kalidasa’s Meghdoot, where he names the clouds as messengers to his estranged lover. Then there are verses that instantly bring back childhood rains, Kaagaz ki kashti, baarish ka paani…” What makes the evening special, she says, is the spontaneity: “Nothing is rehearsed. Poetry flows naturally, inspired by the weather, the sky, and the moment itself. And yes, attendees are welcome to join in and recite a few lines too, making it an immersive experience.”
Catching winged wonders
Hosting a special birdwatching walks this season will be the group named delhibird.(Photo: Nikhil Devasar)
Rains don’t just transform the landscape, they bring forests and parks alive with colour, calls and movement. “The monsoon is when birds nest, sing and flaunt their brightest plumage; it’s like their festival of life,” says Nikhil Devasar of delhibird (+91-9910003399), who is hosting special birdwatching walks this season. “The star of these walks is the Indian Pitta, a stunning little bird that carries the mood of the monsoon on its wings,” he shares, “With nine vivid colours shimmering across its feathers, it’s fondly called navrang. In places like Bhondsi, Gurugram, it arrives with the first monsoon showers, building a ball-shaped nest from dry leaves and twigs. Even its fleeting glimpse feels like spotting a rainbow with wings.” Other monsoon visitors include the Sarus crane (above), the world’s tallest flying bird, which also breeds during this season.
Click, click: Sunrise to sunset
Delhi Photography Club is organising photography walks to capture the beauty of monsoon, especially the magical moments of sunrise and sunset.(Photo: Virendra Shekhawat)
For photography enthusiasts, the monsoon offers the perfect chance to blend their craft with the season’s mood. Virendra Shekhawat of Delhi Photography Club (+91-8826712162), says, “Capturing a sunrise or sunset when the sky is cloaked in clouds is magical.” Their next walk is scheduled for July 13 at Qutb Minar, and you don’t need a DSLR to join in, just a camera, a keen eye, and the monsoon does the rest. “We organise in small groups of about 20 photogs at places like Sunder Nursery, Lodhi Gardens, etc.”
Pearls on water
Namaste Delhi Travels’ monsoon special lake walks are a must to catch if you love the quaint side of Delhi’s waterbodies.(File Photo: Manish Rajput/HT)
The city’s water bodies also take on a unique character during the rains, offering a very different experience in the monsoon. “Walking by the lake at Sanjay Van Park in the rain is a whole vibe,” says Manu Rao of Namaste Delhi Travels (+91-9953011097), which is hosting monsoon special lake walks. “These walks are perfect for those who want to experience Delhi’s softer, quieter side,” he adds, “The best part is the pause… we give everyone time to sit by the lake, soak in the stillness, jot down thoughts, or simply watch the rain. When it drizzles, the lake shimmers and the raindrops look like tiny pearls dancing on the water. We also offer private walks and can customise the experience to suit group’s preferences.”
Today, a brief rundown of news involving Biocryst and Peter Marks, as well as updates from UCB and Altimmune that you may have missed.
Biocrystsaid Friday it is selling the European business of its hereditary angioedema drug Orladeyo to Italy’s Neopharmed Gentili for $250 million upfront. The deal, which transfers BioCryst’s European sales organization to Neopharmed, promises $14 million in additional milestone payments associated with sales in central and eastern Europe. Biocryst said it will use the proceeds to pay off about $249 million in term debt owed to Pharmakon Advisors, which it said will save $70 million in interest. Sale of the European organization will save an additional $50 million in annual operating costs. The company now expects to end 2027 with $700 million in cash, an increase of $400 million from previous guidance. — Jonathan Gardner
The Food and Drug Administration is overstepping its authority over vaccination practices with new rules that will limit who can receive annual COVID-19 shots, according to a New England Journal of Medicine commentary authored by Peter Marks, the former head of the FDA division that reviews vaccines. Marks left the FDA’s vaccine review division following disagreements with health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The FDA’s new rules require any new COVID-19 booster for healthy, non-elderly adults and children must be supported by a large, randomized controlled trial evaluating death or hospitalization before approval, a policy that could make it difficult for any new vaccines to gain wide approval. Marks wrote that the FDA has “taken on aspects of policymaking that have previously been in the domain” of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, it did so without a public discussion of the changes or consulting with outside public health experts who advise the FDA and CDC. In addition, he said the changes ignore the existing safety data for the COVID-19 shots and the continued hospitalizations and deaths caused by the virus. — Jonathan Gardner
Experimental liver disease drug pemvidutide met one of the two main goals of a Phase 2 trial in MASH, resolving the inflammatory disorder and stabilizing fibrosis in significantly more participants than did placebo after 24 weeks of treatment, its developer, Altimmune, said Thursday. In the trial, 59% of people who got a 1.2 milligram weekly shot of pemvidutide saw MASH resolution and no increase in fibrosis score, as did 52% of people who got a 1.8 milligram shot, the company said. Of those who received a placebo, 19% saw MASH resolution and no fibrosis increase. The drug missed on a second goal, fibrosis improvement with no worsening of MASH. Altimmune shares fell by more than half following the news. — Jonathan Gardner
Belgian drugmaker UCBplans to submitfenfluramine, one of the two drugs that made up the scandal-ridden “fen-phen” diet regimen, for approval in a new setting, now that it has positive results from a late-stage study. The company didn’t release any detailed data, but said the drug, which was tested as an add-on therapy for patients with a rare genetic disorder that gravely impairs brain development, hit the study’s main goal for effectiveness. It was also “generally well tolerated,” according to UCB, which wants to file it with regulatory agencies “as soon as possible.” An oral solution of fenfluramine is already cleared in the U.S. to treat Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two other uncommon, severe diseases characterized by persistent seizures. — Jacob Bell
Landscape design is absolutely crucial for property owners to consider. A home’s exterior can increase property value, improve curb appeal, impress potential buyers, and, notably, make living in a home all the more enjoyable. The importance of curbside appeal has been written about in depth. There is no denying that first impressions matter in the selling, purchasing, and valuation realms of the property market. But getting it right is not as simple as throwing money at it.
Tip: You need to consider the strengths of your home and area and play to them, while harnessing refined styles to bring together a design that truly makes a strong impression.
Across Australia, five landscape designs have gained widespread popularity for their practicality and visual appeal. In this guide, we will discuss the elements of each design, empowering you to choose the landscaping style that best suits your home and lifestyle and adds value to your property in the eyes of a broad range of buyers.
Contemporary and Modern Landscape Design
This design is incredibly common among modern builds. The contemporary or modern style is unmistakable – clean lines, minimalist gardening, geometric hardscapes, and neutral colour palettes. There’s a clear focus on function over form, making it a practical and efficient choice for many Australians. Those who opt for this style typically match it with a low-maintenance landscape, featuring drought-resistant plants, durable pavement, and smooth decking. Contemporary landscaping usually features modern materials, such as concrete and metal – think matte Aluminium batten fencing over traditional white timber fences.
This style is sleek, architectural, and free from visual clutter, but that doesn’t mean it’s cold and uninviting. Modern landscape designs often contrast organic materials to create a special atmosphere that is soaked in earthy elements while remaining clean and easy to maintain. They may include modular outdoor furniture, steel or concrete fire pits, and built-in lighting along walkways so that guests can enjoy a soothing, understated environment.
Coastal Landscape Design
Inspired by the world-famous Australian beachside lifestyle, this design is breezy and relaxed. Light colours, open layouts, and salt-tolerant plants – such as lavender, seaside daisies, and stick yucca – are staples in coastal landscape design. Native grasses and succulents are also common additions. You may see design elements that appear to have been weathered by the sea air, even in homes far from the coast. This may include driftwood accents, crushed shells in pathways, or sandstone.
The coastal landscape design is all about creating a relaxing atmosphere. The furniture, often in white or pale finishes, is durable yet charming, and drenched by the sun. Guests will enjoy feeling relaxed as they savour the sensation of a sea breeze while dining, capturing the essence of Australia’s iconic coast and making them feel calm and at ease.
Native and Australian Bush Landscape Design
This design embodies and celebrates the natural beauty of Australia, drawing its inspiration from local flora and natural forms. Those who choose a native landscape often believe in sustainability, prioritising fire safety, or creating safe habitats for Australian birds and insects. Gardens often feature indigenous plants, such as kangaroo paws, bottlebrush, and banksia. These plants offer numerous benefits to homeowners and the environment, ranging from increased water efficiency to reduced soil erosion.
Design choices tend to be looser and less formal. The Australian bush landscape design often features curved paths, natural materials, and elements that blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature rather than dominating it. The result is a landscape that feels authentically connected to and in harmony with the country surrounding it.
Formal and Traditional Landscape Design
Timelessness is key to maintaining and improving property value. The traditional landscape design is timeless and elegant, with a clear European influence, making it a popular choice for heritage homes. In this design, you’ll see an emphasis on symmetry, order, and strength. Hedges are carefully manicured, lawns are well-maintained, and gardens often feature grand centrepieces like rose bushes or ornamental trees. Materials used in this design are romantic – think brick walls with ivy, cobblestone pathways, ornate fountains, and iron accents.
This style is perfect for hosting garden parties or simply boosting the curb appeal of a property. It’s the ideal choice for those who appreciate classic beauty and a sense of tradition that stands the test of time and will never alienate future buyers.
Tropical and Subtropical Landscape Design
Those living in the humid, warm climates of northern Australia will appreciate this landscaping style, born to thrive in this region. The tropical and subtropical design uses the dense foliage of palms and ferns to create an atmosphere similar to that of a private resort. Unlike the coastal landscape design, this style prioritises shade, moisture, and a more wild and chaotic arrangement. Pools are a common feature in this landscape, with glass pool fencing enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and safety of the swimming area.
Bamboo and natural stone elements fit this design beautifully. Winding paths, dark timber furniture, and subtle walkway lighting lend themselves to a lush environment guests will feel immediately immersed in, allowing them to relax and unwind in peace.
Key Takeaways
From the structured modern style to the lush freedom of the tropical design, each of these five common landscape design styles brings something unique to Australian properties. No matter your style, selecting foliage and other design elements that work together in harmony can result in a home exterior that feels cohesive and appeals to potential buyers.
Contemporary and modern landscape designs focus on function, neutral palettes, and minimalism.
Coastal landscape designs emphasise relaxation, salt-resistant plants, and beach-inspired elements.
Native and bush landscape designs embrace Australian flora and sustainability.
Formal and traditional landscape designs draw inspiration from European elegance.
Tropical and subtropical landscape designs capture the lushness and tranquillity typical of a rainforest environment.
About Guest Expert Apart from our regular team of experts, we frequently publish commentary from guest contributors who are authorities in their field.
I’m sure I’m not alone in often struggling to make decisions. It’s not just the big decisions, such as whether to move house or change jobs, but also everyday minutiae, like what to eat for dinner or what to watch on TV.
Our lives are all punctuated by a never-ending succession of decisions, both big and small. And that can sometimes feel overwhelming. Thankfully, artificial intelligence, and (in my case) ChatGPT in particular, can help.
Using ChatGPT to Help Me Make Decisions
We all make multiple decisions every single day. And that can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. So, when the number of decisions I need to make starts racking up, and I start to feel a little overwhelmed as a result, I turn to ChatGPT for help.
Related
What Are Large Language Models (LLMs) and How Do They Work?
Generative AI is all the rage, but how does a large language model work?
As a large language model, ChatGPT can analyze the information I feed it and logically spit out an answer. So, with some sensible prompting, you can have ChatGPT make decisions for you. Or, if you don’t like the answer it provides, use ChatGPT’s responses to make your own mind up.
Which Restaurant Should I Visit Next?
My partner and I try to eat out at restaurants fairly often. And while it isn’t always possible due to stretched times and budgets, when we do venture out, we like to try new places. But which restaurants should we visit? After all, there are dozens of decent restaurants within traveling distance, so how do we sort the wheat from the chaff and narrow the many options down to just a few?
ChatGPT is an ideal tool to assist with this decision. I tend to start broadly, before providing more information to help ChatGPT narrow in on its choices. The important details are what location you’re referring to, what type of cuisine you’re considering, and the budget you have available. With these three pieces of information, ChatGPT can provide a list of choices for you to pick from, allowing you to make the final decision.
Where’s the Best Place to Go on Vacation?
My partner and I are fortunate enough to be able to go on vacation once a year, providing a nice respite from the pressures of work and home life. However, with just one or two weeks available each year, deciding where to go on vacation becomes an important thing to get right. The first question that needs answering is where to go on vacation, followed closely by where to stay in that location.
As with all of these decisions, ChatGPT requires some information before it can help you choose. In this case, the pertinent information is the type of holiday you’re looking to go on (from a relaxing beach holiday to a cultural city break), the budget you have available, and the time of year you want to travel. Provide this, and ChatGPT will offer suggestions that can then be refined further with additional prompts. Once you have decided where to go, you should consider using Google Maps to make your vacations better.
Which PS5 Game Should I Play Next?
After sticking with my PS4 for a long time, in 2024, I finally took the plunge and purchased a PS5. Since then, I have purchased several games, and have a huge back catalog of PlayStation Plus games available too. Which raises the dilemma of which game to play next? With free time at a premium once you reach adulthood and all the responsibilities that come with that, not wasting time on bad games is important.
You can ask ChatGPT to decide from the list of games you already have available, or allow it to direct you to all the games available for PS5. Either way, you should provide the AI chatbot with the genres of games you generally enjoy playing, whether you enjoy single-player or multiplayer games, and whether you want a short burst of gaming fun or a longer challenge. You can also list games you have previously enjoyed playing.
In What Order Should I Tackle My To-Do List?
I suspect everyone reading this has a to-do list, whether you have it written down or it’s just in your head. There’s always something that needs doing, whether at work or regarding your home life. But in what order should you tackle your to-do list? What tasks should be prioritized over others? Ticking things off your to-do list in the best order is crucial in order to keep everyone happy and life moving in the right direction.
To have ChatGPT help you tackle your to-do list, you just need to feed your to-do list into the AI chatbot. This can either be in the form of a bulleted list or a random brain dump. Either way, ChatGPT will help you organize it and prioritize certain tasks over others. ChatGPT can do this based on your own preferences, whether that’s urgency, importance, time required, or anything else that’s important to you.
What Improvements Should I Make to My Home?
If you’re lucky enough to own your own home, you’ll know that there are always jobs that need doing. Many of these jobs are just maintenance, with certain appliances and elements needing to be maintained regularly. However, you should also consider making home improvements in order to make your house a nicer place to live and/or increase its value when it comes time to sell and move on to new pastures, especially if the home improvements you’re making involve smart technology.
ChatGPT can list a whole range of home improvements you should consider doing, either to make your home a nicer place to live or increase its potential value when selling it. Once ChatGPT provides its initial list of potential home improvements to make, you can provide further prompts to direct ChatGPT to help you further. Naming particular rooms, particular issues, your budget, the type of home you own, and/or how long you plan on staying there before selling can all help direct ChatGPT.
What Career Path Should I Pursue?
With job markets ever-evolving, chances are that most of us will need to switch career paths at least once in our working lives. Having been a freelance writer and editor for 20 years, I’m facing the dilemma of whether to stay in this field until I retire or switch paths now before I get too old to do so. But if I decide to switch, what would the best career path be for me to pursue, given my current experience and skill set?
ChatGPT can help direct you down certain career paths based on the information you provide. That information includes your interests and passions, your skills and strengths, and your level of education. The best thing to do is zero in on what’s important to you. If you would prefer to work in a field that aligns with your values, for example, focus on that over the potential salary level of each potential profession.
How ChatGPT Has Improved My Decision-Making Process
ChatGPT has helped me make decisions in several ways.
As you can see above, it has literally made decisions for me when asked, taking the mental burden off my shoulders and onto the shoulders of the large language model that powers ChatGPT. Whether it’s big decisions or small ones, ChatGPT has helped resolve some dilemmas for me.
The other, equally important way that ChatGPT has helped is by showing me how to work through problems to make better decisions for myself. By observing how ChatGPT approaches decision-making through a logical process, I have acquired some new techniques.
Where the tide meets the stage, Aranya becomes a canvas. For eleven days, this stretch of sand transforms into a living dialogue — between art and nature, tradition and avant-garde, the ephemeral and the eternal.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are officially husband and wife.
The Amazon founder, who’s been linked to Sánchez since 2019, hosted an extravagant, reportedly $50-million celebration in Venice, Italy, stretching three days. From the lavish location to the celebrity guest list, the event has attracted a media frenzy, but also experienced its fair share of hiccups — including a last-minute venue change to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
Here’s what we know about the wedding so far.
The wedding dress
Sánchez opted for a custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding gown inspired by Sophia Loren’s gown in the 1958 film “Houseboat.” This marks the first time Sánchez has worn such a high-necked formal dress, she told Vogue.
“It is a departure from what people expect,” she said, “from what I expect — but it’s very much me.”
The bride shared two images of her dress Friday on Instagram, where she also updated her handle to @laurensanchezbezos.
Other ensembles planned for the big day were a corseted gown inspired by the Rita Hayworth film “Gilda” and an Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress with 175,000 crystals, according to Vogue.
Lauren Sánchez departs from her hotel in Venice for pre-wedding celebrations.
(Antonio Calanni / AP)
Something Blue Origin
Sánchez’s “something borrowed” was a pair of Dolce & Gabbana Alta Gioielleria Miracolo earrings, according to Vogue. And her “something blue,” she revealed, was a souvenir she brought on her controversial 11-minute Blue Origin spaceflight.
“It was literally one of the most profound experiences I’ve ever had in my life,” she told Vogue. “Jeff said, ‘It’s gonna change you more than you think,’ and it completely has, visually, spiritually.”
Kim and Khloé Kardashian were among the celebrities who attended Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s wedding.
(Luigi Costantini / AP)
A star-studded guest list
As expected, several A-listers made the 200-person guest list.
Notably, Orlando Bloom arrived solo after reportedly ending his engagement with Katy Perry. Sánchez seemed to acknowledge Perry’s absence, commenting, “We miss you Katy,” Friday on the pop star’s Instagram. Perry famously joined Sánchez on the Blue Origin space flight and has received a disproportionate amount of the criticism.
Though President Trump was not present (despite reports that he received an invitation), his daughter Ivanka Trump and Ivanka’s husband, Jared Kushner, were in attendance, along with in-laws Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner.
Other celebrities in attendance were Kim and Khloé Kardashian; Kris, Kylie and Kendall Jenner; Bill Gates and Paula Hurd; Sydney Sweeney; Tom Brady; Leonardo DiCaprio; Usher; Eva Longoria and José Bastón; Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller; Oprah Winfrey; and Gayle King, who was also aboard the Blue Origin spaceflight.
Though President Trump wasn’t present, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, attended the wedding.
(Luigi Costantini / AP)
Protests and criticism
The lavish celebration was not without its critics. The No Space for Bezos movement — a combination of anti-cruise ship campaigners, university groups and housing advocates — staged protests throughout Venice leading up to the event, even planning to obstruct canal access to prevent wedding guests from reaching the venue, according to the Associated Press. The newlyweds reportedly had to make an eleventh hour venue change, opting for the more secluded and secure Arsenale for the Saturday reception, according to local media.
New Delhi, June 27: Xiaomi YU7 is launched in China during the company’s recent Human x Car x Home event. The new electric vehicle (EV) follows the earlier release of the Xiaomi SU7 sedan and adds to the company’s growing lineup of vehicles. Xiaomi aims to compete with global EV makers, like Tesla. Xiaomi will compete with the Tesla Model Y with the YU7. The EV comes in Xiaomi YU7 Standard, Xiaomi YU7 Pro and Xiaomi YU7 Max versions.
The Xiaomi YU7 comes with a new design, which is expected to attract potential buyers looking for an alternative to other EV models available in the world. The company said, “Xiaomi YU7 is positioned as a high-performance luxury SUV that aims to redefine luxury through advanced design, technology, driving experience, and safety, creating an advanced SUV that defies the ordinary. ” As per a report of CNBC TV18, Xiaomi’s new EV SUV gained 2,89,000 orders in an hour. Mahindra Scorpio N Teased, SUV Expected To Launch in India Soon With ADAS and Panoramic Sunroof; Check More Details.
Xiaomi YU7 Specifications and Features
The YU7 is available in Basalt Gray, Lava Orange, Titanium Silver, and Emerald Green, Pearl White, Ocean Blue, DuskPurple, Shadow Teal, and Dawn Pink colour options. All the versions are powered by Xiaomi HyperEngine V6s Plus, as the company refers it as “three core electric technologies.” It delivers a peak torque of 528 Nm and peak power to 288kW. The Xiaomi YU7 Max version offers a driving range of up to 760 km on a single charge and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.23 seconds. The Xiaomi YU7 Pro delivers a range of up to 770 km and the Xiaomi YU7 Standard version offers up to 835 km of range. Samsung Wallet To Support Digital Car Key Compatibility for Mercedes-Benz From July 2025; Check Details.
Xiaomi YU7 Price in China
The Xiaomi YU7 is available in three versions to suit various preferences. The base model, Xiaomi YU7 Standard, is an ultra-long-range rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant priced at RMB 2,53,500. The Xiaomi YU7 Pro offers all-wheel drive (AWD) with ultra-long-range capabilities and is priced at RMB 2,79,900. The Xiaomi YU7 Max, which is a high-performance AWD version and is priced at RMB 3,29,900.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2025 12:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
A small clause inside OpenAI’s contract with Microsoft, once considered a distant hypothetical, has now become a flashpoint in one of the biggest partnerships in tech.
The clause states that if OpenAI’s board ever declares it has developed artificial general intelligence (AGI), it would limit Microsoft’s contracted access to the startup’s future technologies. Microsoft, which has invested more than $13 billion in OpenAI, is now reportedly pushing for the removal of the clause and is considering walking away from the deal entirely, according to the Financial Times.
Late last year, tensions around AGI’s suddenly pivotal role in the Microsoft deal spilled into a debate within OpenAI over an internal research paper, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. Titled “Five Levels of General AI Capabilities,” the paper outlines a framework for classifying progressive stages of AI technology. By making specific assertions about future AI capabilities, sources claim, the paper could have complicated OpenAI’s ability to declare that it had achieved AGI, a potential point of leverage in negotiations.
“We’re focused on developing empirical methods to evaluate AGI progress—work that is reproducible, measurable, and useful to the broader field,” OpenAI spokesperson Lindsay McCallum said in a written comment to WIRED. “The ‘Five Levels’ was an early attempt at classifying stages and terminology to describe general AI capabilities. This was not a scientific research paper.” Microsoft declined to comment.
In a blog post describing its corporate structure, OpenAI notes that AGI “is excluded from IP licenses and other commercial terms with Microsoft.” OpenAI defines AGI as “a highly autonomous system that outperforms humans at most economically valuable work.”
The two companies have been renegotiating their agreement as OpenAI prepares a corporate restructuring. While Microsoft wants continued access to OpenAI’s models even if the startup declares AGI before the partnership ends in 2030, one person familiar with the partnership discussions tells WIRED that Microsoft doesn’t believe OpenAI will reach AGI by that deadline. But another source close to the matter describes the clause as OpenAI’s ultimate leverage. Both sources have been granted anonymity to speak freely about private discussions.
According to the Wall Street Journal, OpenAI has even considered whether to invoke the clause based on an AI coding agent. The talks have grown so fraught that OpenAI has reportedly discussed if it should publicly accuse Microsoft of anticompetitive behavior, per the Journal.
A source familiar with the discussions, granted anonymity to speak freely about the negotiations, says OpenAI is fairly close to achieving AGI; Altman has said he expects to see it during Donald Trump’s current term.
That same source suggests there are two relevant definitions: First, OpenAI’s board can unilaterally decide the company has reached AGI as defined in its charter, which would immediately cut Microsoft off from accessing the technology or revenue derived from AGI; Microsoft would still have rights to everything before that milestone. Second, the contract includes a concept of sufficient AGI, added in 2023, which defines AGI as a system capable of generating a certain level of profit. If OpenAI asserts it has reached that benchmark, Microsoft must approve the determination. The contract also bars Microsoft from pursuing AGI on its own or through third parties using OpenAI’s IP.
Most illegal activity happening on cryptocurrency ledgers now involves the tokens known as stablecoins, according to a report released on Thursday by an intergovernmental body that develops policies to protect the global financial system against money laundering and terrorist financing.
The findings in the new report from the Financial Action Task Force land just as US lawmakers and businesses are pushing for the wider distribution of stablecoins, crypto tokens that are pegged to the dollar or some other national currency.
The task force, which brings together officials from most of the biggest countries in the world, found that a wide array of illicit actors — including terrorists, drug traffickers and North Korean hackers — have stepped up their use of stablecoins since the group’s last report on digital assets in 2024.
The so-called “Genius Act” that was recently passed by the US Senate aims to normalise stablecoins by bringing them under a more standardised and rigorous regulatory regime than they have faced until now. This has led numerous companies to push forward with initiatives that would give consumers access to stablecoins and knit them into the traditional financial industry.
The issuer of the USDC token, Circle Internet Group, went public in early June and its share price has risen more than sixfold since then. A company tied to President Donald Trump’s family, World Liberty Financial Inc., has released its own stablecoin project.
Some critics of stablecoins have said that the tokens are a poor substitute for standard currencies and unlikely to gain traction outside the crypto industry. Earlier this week, a report from the Bank for International Settlements said the tokens “may eventually play a subsidiary role in the hinterland of the financial system if adequately regulated.”
The Financial Action Task Force, in its report, said that if stablecoins gain more widespread use in so-called “unhosted wallets,” outside the reach of financial institutions, it will potentially make it easier for criminals to evade detection in ways that “could amplify illicit finance risks.”
“The perceived reduction in volatility, transaction efficiency with low costs, and abundant liquidity in the market that make stablecoins attractive to many consumers and businesses also draw in criminals seeking to maximise profits and reduce their costs,” the report said.
The report singled out the use by illicit actors of the largest stablecoin, Tether Holdings’ USDT, on the ledger tied to the Tron cryptocurrency. The report also noted a “significant uptick” in the use of other digital assets in frauds and scams, and said that one industry participant had estimated “there was approximately $51 billion (roughly Rs. 4,36,214 crore) in illicit on-chain activity relating to fraud and scams in 2024.” Tether did not respond to a request for comment.
While government oversight of digital assets has improved, “big gaps remain” in making sure they don’t end up being used by terrorists and criminals, the report said. It called for governments to increase and enhance their licensing and registration of virtual asset companies and pointed to the ongoing challenges in identifying people and organisations running decentralised blockchain applications, which offer everything from lending to gaming.
The task force, a standard-setting body that has no legal enforcement powers, began recommending standards for governments to apply to digital assets in 2019. It aims to release a report on stablecoins early next year and plans to propose new measures that governments can take to protect against illegal activity.
Stephanie Ivory counts on Medicaid to get treated for gastrointestinal conditions and a bulging disc that makes standing or sitting for long periods painful. Her disabilities keep her from working, she said.
Ivory, 58, of Columbus, Ohio, believes she would be exempt from a requirement that adult Medicaid recipients work, but she worries about the reporting process. “It’s hard enough just renewing Medicaid coverage every six months with the phone calls and paperwork,” she said.
In Warrenton, Missouri, Denise Sommer hasn’t worked in five years and relies on Medicaid to get care for anxiety, high blood pressure, and severe arthritis in her back and knees.
Sommer, 58, assumes she could easily qualify for an exemption with a doctor’s note. “There’s too much abuse in the system,” she said. She added that she doesn’t worry about others losing coverage for failing to meet reporting requirements.
“That’s their own fault, because they should just keep their address updated with the state and read their mail,” she said.
President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, sprawling legislation to extend his tax cuts and enact much of his domestic agenda, would require 40 states and the District of Columbia, all of which expanded Medicaid, to add a work requirement to the program. Enrollees would have to regularly file paperwork proving that they are working, volunteering, or attending school at least 80 hours a month, or that they qualify for an exemption.
Many Republicans say nondisabled adults should not be on Medicaid, arguing the work requirement will incentivize more people to get jobs. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said it would help preserve Medicaid “for people who rightly deserve” coverage, “not for 29-year-old males sitting on their couches playing video games.”
Studies by the Urban Institute and KFF show that, among working-age enrollees who do not receive federal disability benefits, more than 90% already work or are looking for work, or have a disability, go to school, or care for a family member and are unable to work.
Most Medicaid enrollees who are employed hold low-wage jobs, often with long or irregular hours and limited benefits, if any. Notably, their jobs often do not provide health insurance.
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A new Urban Institute study found 2% of Medicaid expansion enrollees without dependents, about 300,000 people, report a lack of interest in working as the reason for not having employment.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the work requirement in the House version of the legislation would lead to about 5 million adults losing Medicaid coverage by 2034; it has not yet analyzed the Senate bill. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning research organization, estimates that the Senate’s version could cause as many as 380,000 more people to lose coverage.
According to the CBO, the work-requirement provision represents the largest cut to Medicaid in the House bill — about $300 billion over a decade, reflecting the savings from no longer covering millions of current enrollees.
The projected savings are telling, said Anthony Wright, executive director of Families USA, a consumer policy and advocacy organization. “That gives a sense of the order of its magnitude and harshness,” he said.
Wright said that Republican-led states are likely to impose more burdensome reporting requirements. But even a less stringent approach, he said, will impose paperwork mandates that cause eligible beneficiaries to lose coverage.
Stephanie Carlton, chief of staff for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said June 24 at Aspen Ideas: Health in Colorado that Trump administration officials believe the CBO is overstating the impact of the work requirement.
“We’re making it easy” for people to report their work hours using technology, she said. She defended the proposed requirement as a way of better integrating Medicaid beneficiaries into their communities.
“We’re a society, especially through covid, that disengaged from communities. We spend a lot of time online, on social media, and we lose that human-to-human interaction,” Carlton said. “We’re asking folks to engage in their communities. That’s a fundamentally good thing to do that’s part of getting benefits.”
Under the GOP proposal, people would have to meet the new work requirements when they initially sign up for Medicaid, then report their work or exemption status at least every six months — and potentially as frequently as every month.
“This is not a conversation America should be in,” said Leslie Dach, founder and chair of Protect Our Care, an advocacy group that supports the Affordable Care Act. “Think of real life. People are seasonal workers, or they work in retail, and it goes out of business or hours change. If you miss one month, you’re kicked off.”
The GOP legislation lists disability as an exemption, along with circumstances such as being incarcerated or being the parent of a dependent child. (The Senate bill, released on June 16, would exempt only the parents of children 14 and under.)
But even existing state and federal programs serving those with disabilities have different standards for determining eligibility.
Kevin Corinth, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said states may face challenges because many Medicaid enrollees with disabilities do not get Social Security Disability Insurance.
The federal government provides what’s called Supplemental Security Income to those who meet certain thresholds for being low-income and disabled, and states are required to enroll SSI recipients in Medicaid.
But about two-thirds of adult enrollees who are under age 65 and disabled — that is, have difficulties with vision, hearing, mobility, or cognitive function, or in other areas — do not receive SSI, according to KFF.
“It’s hard to know where to draw the line on who is disabled enough” to be exempt from the work requirement, Corinth said. “Some people will fall through the cracks, and states will have to do the best job they can.”
He said states will be expected to rely on government databases, such as those maintained by their labor departments, to determine whether enrollees are working. But proving a disability could be more taxing for enrollees themselves, he said.
Josephine Rios, who works in nursing at Kaiser Permanente in California, was among the Service Employees International Union members who gathered outside the U.S. Capitol. She worries that potential Medicaid cuts could cause her to lose her job and cause her grandchild, on Medicaid because of a disability, to lose his coverage.(Phil Galewitz/KFF Health News)
Two states that previously tried enacting Medicaid work requirements created strict rules for people with disabilities to get an exemption.
In Arkansas, the Medicaid work requirement had a 10-step online exemption process for individuals who were not automatically exempted by the state.
Consequently, although 30% of people subject to the requirement reported one or more serious health limitations, only 11% obtained a long-term exemption, according to the National Health Law Program.
Medicaid enrollees in Arkansas described a poorly functioning web-based reporting portal, inadequate outreach, and widespread confusion, according to focus-group interviews conducted by KFF.
Georgia’s Medicaid work requirement also has presented challenges for people seeking an exemption based on a disability. They must request a “modification” from the state on its online portal, then wait for a phone call from the state to set up an interview to review the application. Then they must enroll in the state’s job-training program before being allowed to sign up for Medicaid, according to the National Health Law Program.
Georgia has not disclosed how many people have applied for an exemption because of a disability or how many were approved.
Over 1 in 5 Medicaid enrollees have a disability, including 22% of those ages 19 to 49 and 43% of those 50 to 64, according to KFF.
Michael Karpman, principal research associate for the Urban Institute, said his group’s findings — that only a small fraction of Medicaid enrollees are unemployed because they aren’t interested in a job — explain why work-requirement programs in Arkansas and Georgia had no significant effect on employment even as they increased the number of uninsured adults.
“Many people fall off the Medicaid rolls due to red-tape reasons,” he said, noting challenges requesting exemptions or reporting work. “People struggle with the documentation process.”
Karpman said many people rely on Medicaid when they lose jobs that provide health coverage. The GOP work requirement, though, would deny them coverage while they’re seeking new jobs.
Chris Bryant, a Medicaid enrollee in Lexington, Kentucky, has a bleeding disorder and lives in government housing on $1,100 per month in federal disability payments. He said adding a work requirement to Medicaid will only add barriers for people whose health issues prevent them from working. “It will be messy,” he said.
Bryant, 39, said he knows people on Medicaid who could work but don’t, though he surmises it’s a small portion of the population. “People are on Medicaid because they have to have it and have no other option.”
The revelation came in the form of a journal entry, secreted away in a safety deposit box, hidden within the sometimes tough-to-access vault of the strange and shifting Mount Holly Manor. Reaching the paper requires solving one of Blue Prince’s toughest, most obtuse, and most rewarding puzzles, one you won’t even realize exists until you’ve broken through riddle after riddle and uncovered mystery after mystery. It recontextualizes everything that has come before it, not only the winding and involved test of wits that is the manor itself, but the story that had to be similarly excavated along the way–one of political intrigue and family tragedy, the rising and falling of kingdoms, the stoking of revolution, and the sacrifice necessary to breathe life into ideals.
The journal entry left by Herbert Sinclair, the shadowy great uncle responsible for the intricate puzzle box that is Mount Holly Manor, relates to how he discovered something after his brother’s death. Lady Aurevei, the mother of Herbert and the younger Simon, was an avid fan of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Simon had discovered something of his mother’s after her death–a page full of four-letter words, arranged in a grid, with seemingly no relationship to one another. It was a cipher; an encrypted message.
I can almost imagine what would have passed through Simon’s mind when he found that note, because it’s not unlike what’s been going through my mind the entire time I’ve been playing Blue Prince, but more intense. It’s that feeling of uncertainty and discovery, of wondering what awaits just beyond your grasp, and of seeking out the right tools, the right clues, to uncover it. Solving these puzzles is exhilarating; it’s a rush of endorphins as inspiration strikes or a revelation hits, and that’s just when you’re solving them for the hell of it. The feeling born of uncovering something that belonged to a lost parent–of stumbling upon a secret locked way behind a code that might let you learn something new about someone you loved–that’s hard to quantify, and harder to ignore.
The journal details how Simon worked on the cipher for years. He sought out books on cryptography and poured over research hoping to understand it, documenting the road he paved along the way. But he never did crack the code. Much in the way Simon discovered the cipher in his mother’s effects after her death, it was in the aftermath of Simon’s death that his brother Herbert uncovered the cipher and Simon’s attempts to solve it.
And so Herbert took up the challenge. Like his mother, Herbert was a puzzle-master, a lover of riddles and brain-teasers. Despite being the wealthy baron of Mount Holly, Herbert spent his years devising puzzles for the local newspaper–Baron’s Bafflers. While Herbert saw that his brother had been diligent and intelligent in his attempts to solve the cipher, he also recognized that Simon didn’t really have a head for code-breaking. For Herbert, though, these things came more naturally, and he turned all his skills on the cipher. He would succeed where Simon failed. He would find what their mother left behind.
Thirty years passed.
Herbert’s journal entry ends with him admitting that, despite everything, the cipher bested him, too. Over the decades, he’d had little choice but to come to terms with that. He never found out what the message was, or why she created it. Aurvei was gone. He couldn’t ask her what she might have wanted the brothers to know. He had to quietly accept that a piece of his mother’s life was there, in his hands–but it would remain inaccessible to him. Forever.
Reading Herbert’s journal made it clear to me that a nagging feeling I kept getting about Blue Prince–that for every one of its many questions you might answer, success only ever seemed to lead you to two more–was an intentional decision by its creators. You’re supposed to feel like the spiral spins ever downward. You’re supposed to wonder what it’s all for. You’re supposed to feel the frustration that comes with the growing sense you might never find the bottom.
For much of its runtime, Blue Prince feels like the unfurling of a plan as you follow in the footsteps of others. After a while, you start to discover the things that truly make Blue Prince fascinating as the game subtly points you toward them, offering more and more clues to direct your gaze. Some rooms hide greater mysteries that unlock other parts of the grounds. Some hold computer terminals with emails or special functions, accessible only once you’ve divined the network password. Some include locked safes whose combinations you have to ferret out, while others contain archives of news stories that give hints about family secrets and world history, or books full of cryptic clues. The more of these you draw together, the more a picture starts to slowly come into focus, and each new discovery builds on the growing and enthralling revelation that there is much, much more to Mount Holly Manor than is ever obvious.
Slowly, as you uncover more of Sinclair’s story and solve more of his many puzzles, you also start to learn the story of Mary, Sinclair’s niece and the mother of Simon Jones, the game’s protagonist. Mary has been missing for years at the start of Blue Prince, but by following the breadcrumbs scattered throughout Mount Holly Manor, you begin to understand that Mary left something behind for Simon to find–an even deeper and more compelling puzzle than any of the others.
Herbert Sinclair and Mary worked together to blaze this trail for you, and opening each lock, uncovering each clue, and reading each note is something you have to earn–something deliberately hidden from others so that only you would find it, with a new, tiny piece of the real puzzle as your reward. They had something they wanted you to accomplish, a destination they needed you to reach–and they left a blueprint to guide you to it. You’re in conversation with these people from the past, these members of Simon’s family. They speak to you even from beyond the grave, and what’s more, you learn more and more about them with each new correspondence or clue. Sinclair and Mary may both be gone, but you find out a great deal about what kind of people they were and how they felt about their roles and responsibilities. You start to know them through both the parts of themselves they specifically left for you, and the clues scattered throughout that give a sense of their lives beyond them.
Eventually, you discover the Master Bedroom, where Sinclair slept. It’s a hard room to come by, thanks to the randomness inherent to Mount Holly and the specific requirements to make it appear, which helps increase the likelihood that it’ll probably be at least some hours into the game before you happen across it. Inside, you find another letter addressed to Simon, but this one doesn’t wait in an envelope–it’s still in the typewriter.
“Simon,” it reads. “I never intended to finish this letter but by now you must know th”–and there’s nothing more.
Whatever Sinclair intended to write, whatever he wanted to impart to Simon with this final note, we’ll never know. Sinclair is gone, and the letter will never–can never–be finished.
As you continue following the threads Sinclair and Mary left behind, that feeling returns again. Where is all this going? Again and again, you think you know the destination; again and again, you open a door expecting it to be waiting ahead of you–only to find more doors. Walking down Blue Prince’s path, you are undoubtedly moving forward, but with each landmark you reach and each triumph you notch, there’s only another on the horizon.
In the bedroom of Mary’s mother, the avid amateur astronomer Lady Clara, you find a scrap of paper with a spiral drawn on it and a note written beneath, which reads, “Does it never end?” The note refers to a constellation you can discover in Blue Prince’s sky, the Spiral of Stars. Each time you gaze up at it, it is extended by one star and its description grows by one word, continuing on and on, seemingly endless. After a time, that question on the note seems to stop referring to the Spiral of Stars, and start referring to Blue Prince itself.
I’m now 200 hours into Blue Prince, and as far as I can tell, I have seen, experienced, and solved everything that anyone who has played or is playing has seen, experienced, or solved. The credits have rolled twice. I’ve seen cutscenes that imply endings, with some degree of emotional catharsis. But each time, the game has just started back up again, and each time, I’ve had a handful of leads that still need to be followed. Room 46? Unlocked it. Mary’s hidden message to Simon? Read it. Aurvei’s cypher? Solved it, and the incredible new questions to which it gives rise.
I’ve been as far as the path has been trod, and yet more mysteries remain. Blue Prince has presented me with what could be considered conclusions, but none of them is a 100% satisfying, definitive completion. Stories remain unfinished. Clues remain unsolved. Doors remain unopened. Right now, you can solve all we know how to solve in Blue Prince, and still have a game’s worth of questions plaguing you.
Here’s one: that spiral note I mentioned? It’s one of several notes with spirals on them, each with a message that’s an anagram for the others. Nobody in the Blue Prince community knows what to do with them or what they mean. They’re just free-floating clues, signposts pointing toward a fog into which many of us have ventured, but of which no one has seen the other side.
In many players, that has left Blue Prince with the feeling that, even despite playing a brilliantly constructed game for potentially hundreds of hours, eventually it sort of just…fizzles out. You get to a point where you have clues, and you have ideas, but you can’t seem to put them together in the right way to continue on. As you come to dead end after dead end, eventually, you just give up playing.
In “Does Blue Prince never end?,” Aftermath’s Chris Person meditates on this feeling and the sense that there is, perhaps, no real complete conclusion to Blue Prince. His analysis is more about the means by which the game burrows into your skull, rewires your brain, and creates obsession–as well as how its murky depths may drive you mad if you stare into them too long, squinting to make out cloudy, drifting answers that might just be random shapes given meaning by your fevered imagination.
“Leaving that many loose strings is either uncharacteristically lax from an otherwise meticulously planned game, a series of red herrings to drive the player base insane, or a sign that the game has not been beaten,” Person writes. “It’s also possible that this is the end of the rabbit hole. Maybe no ending could ever satisfy the kind of players that the game has created and that it has trapped itself into a corner of anticlimax. Maybe there is a metatext here about puzzles and clues, about some mysteries tormenting you and clawing at you for your entire life, just out of reach.”
I’ve come to believe that there are more mysteries in Blue Prince than there are means to solve them. It’s possible that Blue Prince is unique among puzzle video games, in that it will never be completely solved. I think that, maybe, it can never be completely solved.
Person’s last thought of that quote, speculating about a metatext on puzzles and clues and the torment of mysteries, is the correct one, in my mind. Not that Blue Prince is caught in an inescapable anticlimax, the density of its phenomenal execution and incredible ambition creating a black hole that is impossible to escape despite its best efforts–but that this anticlimax is exactly the point the game is making.
My grandmother recently passed away at the age of 94. She had a huge family–five children, more than a dozen grandchildren, and many more great-grandchildren–so the funeral was a family reunion of sorts, an opportunity to spend time with people I hadn’t seen in years that was somehow both somber and joyous.
Through the course of the several days I spent back home for the whole event, I learned things about my grandmother I had never known. She was born in 1930 in France but grew up in Italy, which I’d heard, but my aunts, uncles, and cousins told me more about that journey, as well as her life during World War II, something she hadn’t liked to talk about much. There were stories of her life that I’d known, and many others that were new to me. Some elements put her into sharper focus in my mind, while others shone a light on aspects of her life that, to me, remain blurry.
I spent a lot of time with my grandmother when I was young and I think I knew her pretty well, in a way that only family can, but there are so many things I never thought to ask, that I never heard about, that she never told me, and that I’ll never know. There is no correspondence I can find, no riddle I can solve, no discovery I can make about her life that will ever tell me everything I might want to know about her. She’s gone, and those answers are gone with her, and that is something that I have no choice but to accept.
That is, I imagine, exactly what Simon and Herbert Sinclair felt as they struggled with their mother’s encrypted message. As the knowledge grew in their minds that they’d never find the answer, so would their sense of loss.
Blue Prince is acutely aware that real life abhors a satisfying conclusion, the idea of every string coming together into a tight, neat little bow, despite how much we’ve come to expect one from a constructed and curated experience such as a video game, and regardless of how much we humans might crave one.
It’s not a story about reaching a climactic moment when all is finally revealed, when the effort is paid off, when the story is fully told, and when you know everything there is to know about Sinclair and Mary and Auravei. Blue Prince is about grieving people we’ve lost, and the realization that, try as hard as we might to understand them, to compile information about them and to gather all that remains, there comes a time when we are unable to truly know them any more than we already do. Every puzzle we solve will only lead to another until eventually, we reach a cipher we can’t break.
At some point, you have to accept that the one person who could have told you the answer is the person you can never ask. The search for Mary teaches you about why she did what she did, but ultimately, you will never find her. The conversation with Sinclair allows him to impart his wisdom to Simon even from beyond the grave, but ultimately, it ends with an unfinished letter. We can continue to search, but the answers will always be elusive, and the spiral will spin on. The emotion Blue Prince is trying to create through this experience is not dissatisfaction–it’s sorrow.
That is a powerful message to convey with any game, but with a puzzle game like Blue Prince, it’s also an incredibly bold one. It stands apart from our expectations from the medium of games and our desires as humans. It demands more of us than simply finding an answer and reaching a conclusion.
Perhaps, one day, we’ll know all there is to know in Blue Prince, see all its mysteries brought into the light, and watch as every one of its locked doors is thrown open. But I doubt it. Instead, I think Blue Prince’s purpose is in its incompleteness. Its true ending is the dully painful, slightly sad one that happens not in the game, but in us. It’s the one that makes us realize that we have no choice but to make our peace, and go on.
Your T cells work hard to fight disease. Unfortunately, “friendly fire” from T cells can sometimes harm the body’s healthy tissues.
For people with autoimmune disease, T cell reactivity is a big problem. Haywire T cell responses lead to autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
In recent years, scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) have discovered that T cells may also contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. Researchers in the laboratory of LJI Professor Alessandro Sette, Dr.Biol.Sci., have found that many people with Parkinson’s disease have T cells that target key proteins, called alpha-synuclein and PINK1, on vulnerable brain cells.
Earlier this year, Sette and his colleagues published a study in npj Parkinson’s Disease that sheds light on exactly which subtypes of T cells target alpha-synuclein. Their findings offered further clues that T cell reactivity plays a role in Parkinson’s disease. Still, the scientists didn’t have a timeline to show when T cells might contribute to disease development.
“We can see these reactive T cells in people after they develop Parkinson’s, but what happens before that?” says LJI Visiting Scientist Emil Johansson, Ph.D., a researcher in the Sette Lab and co-author of the study.
Now we have answers. In a new npj Parkinson’s Disease paper, Sette and his colleagues show that potentially harmful T cell reactivity is highest during the “prodromal” period in Parkinson’s — the years before patients receive a diagnosis.
“This T cell immunity could be a marker for early Parkinson’s treatment, even before people show symptoms,” says Sette, who was senior author on the new paper. “And there’s reason to think that treating Parkinson’s in the very early stages can lead to a better outcome.”
How the study worked
The prodromal period in Parkinson’s disease can last for decades before a person develops noticeable symptoms such as tremors and cognitive impairments.
Because prodromal Parkinson’s disease is very difficult to detect, the LJI team studied T cell reactivity in research volunteers at high risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. These volunteers had genetic risk factors for Parkinson’s and some had symptoms such as disrupted REM sleep cycles and loss of sense of smell, which can be early signs of Parkinson’s disease development.
The researchers used a technique called Fluorospot to learn more about T cells found in blood samples from these study volunteers. This technique revealed which volunteers had high levels of T cells that reacted to alpha-synuclein or PINK1 — and when those T cell numbers were highest.
Sette and his colleagues found that potentially harmful T cells show up early on, well before the onset of noticeable motor symptoms, such as tremors. “You can see that T cell reactivity before diagnosis,” says Sette.
In fact, T cell reactivity to PINK1 was at an all-time high before diagnosis.
Sette warns against jumping to conclusions. Parkinson’s is a complex disease, and the new research doesn’t prove that T cells are actually driving the inflammation associated with Parkinson’s disease.
“Parkinson’s disease is associated with the destruction of nervous system cells. Does that destruction cause autoimmunity — or is the autoimmunity the cause of the disease? That’s the chicken-and-the-egg of inflammation in Parkinson’s disease,” says Sette.
“Certainly, the fact that this T cell reactivity is highest when patients are closest to a diagnosis is intriguing,” Sette adds. “The finding suggests T cells could have something to do with it.”
Next steps for helping patients
The new research may guide the development of early diagnostic tools. In the meantime, LJI scientists are looking for ways to block inflammation and protect brain cells.
As Johansson explains, some T cells actually help dial back inflammation to protect our tissues. “We want to see if there are specific T cells that are protective,” says Johansson. “Could they interfere in inflammation and maybe reduce the number of autoimmune T cells?”
Sette and his colleagues are also working to understand the role of T cells in other neurodegenerative diseases.
“We are very interested in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, for example, where a lot of progress has been made toward identifying people in very early stages of the disease progression,” says Sette.
Additional authors of the study, “T cell responses towards PINK1 and α-synuclein are elevated in prodromal Parkinson’s disease,” included first author Antoine Freuchet, Gregory P. Williams, Tanner Michealis, April Frazier, Irene Litvan, Jennifer G. Goldman, Roy N. Alcalay, David G. Standaert, Amy W. Amara, Natividad Stover, Edward A. Fon, Ronald B. Postuma, John Sidney, David Sulzer, and Cecilia S. Lindestam Arlehamn.
This study was supported by LJI & Kyowa Kirin, Inc. (KKNA- Kyowa Kirin North America), the Swedish Research Council (grant references 2024-00175), Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP-000375), and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
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Burnout is not always obvious. It does not just affect people who hate their jobs. In fact, research shows that people who are passionate about their work may experience burnout more often. This is because they tend to give their all and ignore early signs of stress.
Work-related stress and burnout can be alleviated through mindful practices, healthy eating, and setting boundaries.(Freepik)
Saloni Chawla, a mind coach and counselling psychologist and Lavleen Kaur, chief dietitian and founder of Santushti holistic health and healing, shared with HT Lifestyle some hidden triggers of burnout that are often missed. (Also read: ‘We don’t fight, we feel nothing’: How emotionally disconnected marriages are fueling mental health epidemic in India )
1. Always being “on”
If you find it hard to relax, feel guilty during breaks, or believe you must be productive all the time, you may be mentally stuck in overdrive. This constant alertness drains energy.
2. Emotional numbness
You attend meetings and complete tasks, but feel emotionally disconnected or blank. This is a common early sign of burnout.
Traffic stress, unclear communication, and emotional masking contribute to burnout.(Shutterstock)
3. Long commutes
Spending hours in traffic every day can quietly add to your stress, leaving you exhausted before and after work.
4. Micro-stressors
Small things like unclear instructions, poor communication, and last-minute changes may not seem big, but over time, they pile up and wear you down.
5. Pretending to be fine
In workplaces that talk about mental health, some employees feel pressure to look happy and calm even when they are not. This emotional masking increases stress.
6. No work-life boundaries
Whether you work from home or at the office, replying to messages or emails outside work hours can make your workday feel endless.
7. Perfectionism and overwork
Efficient employees often get more work. Perfectionists feel the need to always do their best, which adds pressure and exhaustion.
Constant worry about work quality can lead to burnout.(Representational)
8. Overthinking about work
Constantly worrying about whether your work is good enough can make your brain feel tired even before the day ends.
9. Ignoring self-care
Postponing meals, sleep, exercise, or downtime with the idea of “I’ll rest later” can silently harm your health.
10. Personal stress spilling into work
Unresolved issues at home or in relationships can affect your energy and focus at work.
What can you do?
Burnout grows slowly but can be managed early with small changes.
● Take short breaks every 90 minutes during the day.
● Eat nutritious meals on time and hydrate well.
● Set a fixed time to log off from work.
● Move your body daily, even a short walk helps.
● Sleep at a regular time.
● Talk to someone you trust.
● Practise deep breathing or short mindfulness exercises.
“Balanced nutrition, restful sleep, mindful movement and intentional pauses during the day are essential for real recovery,” says Lavleen. Listening to your body and mind is not a luxury. It is the first step to staying healthy, happy and productive.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
The Food and Drug Administration is easing limitations it imposed around the complex cancer drugs known as CAR-T therapies, removing several onerous requirements as well as loosening restrictions on which facilities can provide treatment.
The FDA’s action applies to therapies made by Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Johnson & Johnson and Novartis that are used to treat several types of blood cancer. Specifically, it removes so-called “Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies” from the drugs’ labeling, which are used to help manage serious side effects of treatment.
According to the FDA, these REMS requirements are no longer necessary to ensure safe use of these CAR-T therapies as both physicians and hospitals are now well versed in managing the two syndromes most commonly associated with the drugs.
Dive Insight:
Since the FDA’s approval of Novartis’ Kymriah for leukemia in 2017, six more CAR-T therapies have reached market. These medicines are made from a patient’s own immune cells, extracted from the body and engineered in a lab to hunt down specific proteins found on the surface of malignant clones.
For some people with leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma, they can prompt powerful responses and even long-lasting remission. But their administration also comes with notable risks, including a hyperactive immune response known as CRS and neurological toxicity dubbed ICANS.
When CAR-T therapies were new, physicians and the hospitals they worked at faced a learning curve handling these treatment-associated conditions, which require specific management and drugs to bring under control.
The REMS imposed by the FDA was designed to help mitigate these risks by requiring hospitals receive special certifications before they could administer treatment, and mandating specialized reporting of side effects to the agency.
“Given the established management guidelines and extensive experience of the medical hematology [and] oncology community in diagnosing and managing the risks of CRS and neurologic toxicities across products in the class of BCMA- and CD19-directed autologous CAR-T cell immunotherapies, FDA has determined that the safe and effective use of CAR-T cell immunotherapies for the indicated population can be assured without a REMS,” the agency said in a Thursday statement. BCMA and CD19 are the protein targets of the seven approved CAR-T therapies.
Reporting rates for CRS and ICANS have “remained stable,” the FDA added.
Alongside removal of the REMS, the regulator also reduced its requirement that patients remain nearby the facility they received treatment from one month to two weeks. And its limitation on how long patients must wait before they can drive or operate machinery again after treatment is lowered from two months to two weeks.
Removal of the REMS should lower the logistical hurdles patients face in receiving CAR-T treatment as well as the cost of administration, the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, a trade group, said in a post to LinkedIn.
“We believe the reduction in CAR-T burden for patients and caregivers, enabled by FDA’s new monitoring and driving requirements, will drive expansion of the U.S. cell therapy market,” Daina Graybosch, an analyst at Leerink Partners, wrote in note to clients.
In a statement, Bristol Myers, which sells the CAR-T therapies Abecma and Breyanzi, noted that only two in 10 eligible patients receive the treatments “due to the confluence of complex logistical and geographic barriers affecting patients and providers.”
The changes could help expand use of CAR-T from specialized medical institutions, where it’s most commonly given, to community health centers, Bristol Myers said.
Breyanzi, Kymriah and Gilead’s Yescarta and Tecartus are cleared to treat lymphoma, although Kymriah is more commonly used for leukemia, where it is also approved. Abecma and J&J’s Carvykti are used for multiple myeloma.
The most recently OK’d CAR-T treatment, Autolus Therapeutics’ Aucatzyl for lymphoma, was the first to be cleared without an initial REMS program.
Million-dollar-plus medians are becoming the norm in capitals and key regional centres.
This means affordability pressures and a widening wealth gap is making it harder for first-home buyers unless they shift to smaller homes or outer areas.
On the other hand this is an opportunity for strategic investors who focus on location, quality, and long-term fundamentals will be best positioned to build wealth through this next phase of the property cycle.
If you thought the Australian property market might take a breather after the boom of recent years, think again.
Two recent reports — from Ray White and PropTrack — show that not only is Sydney barrelling towards a $2 million median house price, but more and more suburbs across the country are joining the million-dollar club at record speed.
Let’s examine the drivers and talk about what investors need to consider in this shifting landscape.
Sydney’s median house price: the $2 million milestone is closer than you think
According to Ray White’s latest analysis, Sydney’s median house price is surging towards the $2 million mark, faster than most of us anticipated.
Right now, the city’s median is sitting at about $1.7 million, but if current growth rates hold, that figure could be history within 12 to 18 months, or even sooner if momentum builds.
Ray White’s Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee attributes this rapid growth to a cocktail of market forces:
Persistent low stock levels: Listings in Sydney are 20% lower than this time last year, and new listings aren’t keeping pace with buyer demand.
Strong buyer appetite: Despite high interest rates, there’s deep demand from buyers who have strong borrowing power — often those with significant equity or secure incomes.
Further rate cut expectations: The prospect of further interest rate cuts is emboldening buyers. As Conisbee put it, “The market is already moving ahead of the Reserve Bank. Buyers don’t want to wait and risk paying more in six months’ time.”
What’s important is that this isn’t just the usual suspects, prestige suburbs like Vaucluse or Bellevue Hill, pulling up the median.
Conisbee points out that middle-ring suburbs are seeing big price gains, a sign that demand is broad-based and not purely driven by top-end buyers.
The broader Million-Dollar Club: no longer the domain of Sydney and Melbourne
Meanwhile, according to PropTrack’s analysis, the pace at which suburbs are crossing the million-dollar threshold is unprecedented.
Over the last 12 months:
41 new suburbs have joined the million-dollar median house price club.
Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and even regional markets are now increasingly represented.
PropTrack’s economist Anne Flaherty highlighted that this is largely being driven by:
Chronic undersupply: We’re simply not building enough homes to meet the needs of our growing population.
Population pressures: Strong immigration levels are adding to housing demand, particularly in capital cities and major regional hubs.
Tight rental markets: Investors are being lured in by rising rents, adding further competition to the buyer pool.
Perth, in particular, is becoming a standout performer.
Suburbs like City Beach (where the median house price is now over $2.6 million) and Floreat have smashed through previous price ceilings.
Brisbane and Adelaide are also seeing their leafy, well-located suburbs tick over $1 million, reflecting shifting preferences as lifestyle and affordability factors come into play.
Why this matters
I think it’s crucial to step back and see the bigger picture here.
The data confirms what many of us long suspected: this is much more than the typical cyclical upswing.
We’re seeing the effects of deep structural imbalances:
Supply can’t catch up fast enough. Even if governments fast-track approvals and boost construction, the pipeline for new housing is slow. Materials shortages, labour constraints, and planning delays mean relief isn’t coming anytime soon.
Population growth is outpacing housing growth. With annual net migration topping 500,000 recently, we simply don’t have enough roofs to house everyone.
The wealth gap is widening. Homeowners and investors who’ve ridden this wave have equity to leverage, while first-home buyers face mounting barriers to entry, unless they adjust their sights to smaller dwellings or outer suburbs.
What I’m seeing and what I think investors should focus on is this:
Broad-based growth means opportunity outside the usual blue-chip postcodes. Yes, Sydney will always have its prestige suburbs. But middle-ring areas with good infrastructure, schools, and lifestyle amenities are seeing solid, sustainable demand. That’s where future value will be found.
Rate cuts will act as an accelerant, not the spark. The market is already moving because of supply-demand dynamics. When rates continue to fall all, expect renewed momentum, not a reversal.
Don’t be blinded by headline prices. Just because a suburb has hit a million-dollar median doesn’t mean it’s a good investment. As I always say, the fundamentals: proximity to employment hubs, quality amenities, gentrification potential, matter more than ever.
Timing is less important than buying the right asset. Trying to ‘wait out’ the market could see investors priced out. The better approach is to secure investment-grade properties now, properties that will hold their value and outperform over time.
Where to from here?
There’s no doubt we’re entering a new phase of Australia’s property cycle, one where million-dollar-plus medians will become the rule, not the exception, in our capital cities and key regional centres.
For investors, this presents both a challenge and a huge opportunity.
The key is to focus on quality, be strategic about location, and think long-term.
There will always be ups and downs, but those who buy well today will be the ones holding the most valuable assets tomorrow.
Tip: I believe there is currently a window of opportunity for property investors who take a long-term view.
Fact is, the smart money is already on the move. But what about you?
Are you clear on how to take advantage of these market conditions — or are you still waiting for “certainty”?
That’s where our Complimentary Wealth Discovery Session comes in. We’re offering you a 1-on-1 chat with a Metropole Wealth Strategist to help you:
Clarify your financial goals
Understand how macro trends affect your position
Build a personalised, data-driven property strategy
Get ahead of the curve — before everyone else piles in
There’s no cost, no obligation — just practical, tailored guidance based on decades of experience.
Click here now to book your free Wealth Discovery Session
About Brett Warren Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.
Imagine your Google TV responding instantly, apps launching fast, and menus gliding smoothly. That kind of speed isn’t just for new devices. With a few quick tweaks, you can make your Google TV feel fast and fresh again.
8
Turn on Quick Start
Most Google TV models come with the Quick Start feature turned on. This puts your TV into a low-power standby mode instead of fully powering down when you turn it off. This way, your TV can skip the lengthy splash screen and jump straight to the home screen the next time you turn it on.
It may only save a few seconds, but they can seem like a lot when you’re staring at the screen. That’s why it’s worth making sure Quick Start is enabled on your TV.
To do this, open the Settings menu on Google TV and head to System > Energy Saver or Power and Energy. Look for the Quick Start or TV Standby option and enable it.
7
Use Apps Only Mode
By default, your Google TV’s home screen is filled with trending shows, recommendations, and personalized picks from various streaming services. When you enable Apps Only Mode, all that extra content disappears, and you’re left with a simple, app-focused interface.
That means less background activity, quicker navigation, and a noticeable reduction in lag. A small tradeoff is that you won’t be able to add movies to your watchlist or give feedback on what you’ve watched, but the performance gain is often worth it.
To enable this mode, go to Settings > Accounts & Sign In > [Your Account] > Apps Only Mode, and choose Turn on.
6
Clear the Cache
Over time, apps on Google TV accumulate cached data in the background. While this is designed to help apps load faster by storing temporary files, too much of it can have the opposite effect. Instead of making things snappier, cache overload can slow down performance and even lead to occasional app crashes.
Clearing the cache every now and then is a quick way to keep your Google TV running smoothly. To do this, go to Settings > System > Internal shared storage > Cached data and confirm by hitting OK. Alternatively, you can clean up individual apps by going to Settings > Apps > See all apps, selecting the app you want, and tapping Clear Cache. Repeat this process for your most frequently used apps, and you should notice a noticeable difference instantly.
This won’t delete any of your saved data or login info. It just clears temporary files that might be slowing things down, so there’s really no downside to clearing your TV’s cache regularly.
5
Reduce or Disable Animations
You might not have noticed it, but your Google TV interface is packed with subtle animations, transitions, and visual effects. They look nice, but they come at a cost of speed and responsiveness, especially on older or lower-powered devices.
Reducing or turning off these animations can instantly make your Google TV feel snappier. Menus open faster, scrolling feels smoother, and everything just feels a bit more responsive.
Open the Settings menu on your Google TV.
Navigate to System, then select About.
Find the Build Number and press the OK button on your remote seven times to unlock Developer Options.
Go back to the System page and choose Developer Options.
In Developer Options, scroll down to find Window animation scale, Transition animation scale, and Animator duration scale. Set each of these to 0.5x for a faster feel, or Off if you want maximum speed.
This change won’t affect how apps behave or perform, but it will make navigating the interface feel a lot more responsive. It’s one of the best ways to breathe new life into a sluggish Google TV.
4
Limit Background Processes
When you exit an app and switch to another, it doesn’t necessarily mean the first app has shut down. Often, it remains running in the background, consuming RAM and other system resources. It’s similar to how it works on Android phones, but since TVs typically have limited RAM to begin with, this can significantly slow things down.
When a bunch of apps are running in the background, the system has to keep up with all of them, which can slow things down. If jumping between apps feels a bit sluggish, that’s likely the reason.
To avoid this, you can dig into the developer options to limit background processes. This setting allows you to restrict how many processes are allowed to run behind the scenes. Go to Settings > System > Developer Options > Background process limit and choose At most, 2 processes or At most, 3 processes. This tells the system to actively keep things lean by pausing or closing background apps sooner.
3
Keep Apps and System Updated
App developers and Google regularly release updates that fix bugs, patch security issues, and optimize their software’s performance on devices. Sometimes they add new features too, but even if they don’t, updates can still help with performance.
Navigate to Settings > System > About > System update and enable the Auto Update toggle. This will allow Google TV to install the latest system updates automatically on your TV.
For app updates, open the Google Play Store on your TV. From there, go to Manage apps & games > Updates, and select Update all. You can also configure Google TV to update apps automatically, just like you would on a phone. For that, open the Play Store Settings and select Auto-update apps.
2
Free Up Storage
Just like smartphones and computers, smart TVs need breathing room to run smoothly. When storage fills up, performance can start to lag. Apps take longer to open, navigation becomes sluggish, and even streaming can get choppy.
To check how much space is left, head to Settings > System > Storage > Internal shared storage. If the available space is low, it’s time for a cleanup. TVs typically come with preloaded apps that just sit there taking up space, so getting rid of those can make a real difference.
Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps and take a good look at what’s installed. Scroll through the list and look for anything you haven’t opened in a while. When you find something unnecessary, select it and choose Uninstall.
1
Restart or Reset the TV
With the Quick Start feature enabled, your Google TV boots up in seconds, but it also means it never fully shuts down. That’s why it’s a good idea to give it a proper reboot every once in a while.
To fully restart your TV, you don’t need to get up and unplug anything (though that also works). Instead, simply head to Settings > System > Restart and select it. The system will shut down completely and reboot.
If a regular restart isn’t doing the trick, a factory reset might be the nuclear option you need. It’ll wipe everything and take your TV back to square one, so you’ll need to go through the trouble of setting up your TV from scratch and installing your favorite apps. But if performance is seriously tanking, and you’ve tried everything else, a reset is your best bet.
At the end of the day, your Google TV is no different from a smartphone or computer. If it’s been running a little slow lately, don’t go rage-throwing the remote just yet. A few quick adjustments might be all it needs to get back on track.
For travelers seeking a blend of city excitement and natural tranquility, a ride on the Peak Tram to the summit of Victoria Peak offers an unforgettable escape in the heart of Hong Kong. As the historic tram ascends steeply through lush greenery, the view outside transforms into a moving postcard – gleaming skyscrapers rise in layers against vibrant hillsides, revealing the city’s dynamic beauty from a fresh perspective.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-27/Unwind-at-the-top-of-Hong-Kong-with-a-Peak-Tram-adventure-1ExPBrW0qDC/img/18a9fc6cdc1b42d396009fbe2734f9d7/18a9fc6cdc1b42d396009fbe2734f9d7.jpeg'Scenic view of Victoria Harbour from the iconic Victoria Peak in Hong Kong /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-27/Unwind-at-the-top-of-Hong-Kong-with-a-Peak-Tram-adventure-1ExPBrW0qDC/img/18a9fc6cdc1b42d396009fbe2734f9d7/18a9fc6cdc1b42d396009fbe2734f9d7.jpeg'Scenic view of Victoria Harbour from the iconic Victoria Peak in Hong Kong /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-27/Unwind-at-the-top-of-Hong-Kong-with-a-Peak-Tram-adventure-1ExPBrW0qDC/img/18a9fc6cdc1b42d396009fbe2734f9d7/18a9fc6cdc1b42d396009fbe2734f9d7.jpeg'Scenic view of Victoria Harbour from the iconic Victoria Peak in Hong Kong /CGTN
At the top, visitors are rewarded with a panorama of Victoria Harbour. Under the sunlight, the harbor sparkles, boats glide across the water, and the city skyline stretches into the distance, a striking fusion of urban sophistication and natural grace.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-27/Unwind-at-the-top-of-Hong-Kong-with-a-Peak-Tram-adventure-1ExPBrW0qDC/img/c38b5ab0a9e54564a09c07818cd343e4/c38b5ab0a9e54564a09c07818cd343e4.jpeg'Scenic view of Victoria Harbour from the iconic Victoria Peak in Hong Kong /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-27/Unwind-at-the-top-of-Hong-Kong-with-a-Peak-Tram-adventure-1ExPBrW0qDC/img/c38b5ab0a9e54564a09c07818cd343e4/c38b5ab0a9e54564a09c07818cd343e4.jpeg'Scenic view of Victoria Harbour from the iconic Victoria Peak in Hong Kong /CGTN
More than just a sightseeing spot, Victoria Peak is a must-visit destination for those looking to truly experience Hong Kong. Whether you’re snapping a photo of the stunning skyline or simply unwinding while taking in the view, the Peak offers the perfect pause in your journey – a moment where travel meets wonder.
This article contains many spoilers for Season 3 of Netflix’s “Squid Game.”
“Squid Game” is a twisty, twisted thriller, with ordinary, financially stressed people playing children’s games to the death for the amusement of the hidden wealthy. Beneath that surface, creator, writer and director Hwang Dong-hyuk has been embedding sociopolitical commentary amid the shock and awe of protagonist Gi-hun’s (Lee Jung-jae) personal roller-coaster ride; the characters’ desperation as the saga ends forces those messages to poke through the slick, candy-colored exterior.
“It was a result of elevation of the themes and stories,” said Hwang of those ideas becoming more clearly voiced. They “became more upfront and intense just as a natural course of the story unfolding.”
The global phenomenon, still Netflix’s most-watched non-English show ever (its first two seasons are No. 1 and 2 on the streamer’s all-time list, with nearly 600 million views to date, according to Netflix), ends on its own terms with the release of its third and final season Friday. And what an arc everyman Gi-hun will have completed. How better to represent Hwang’s themes of end-stage, winners-and-losers capitalism, with its warping, destructive power, and how the ill-intentioned can exploit democracy’s flaws, than to depict an ordinary person buffeted by the unseen hand of pain for profit?
“You can say this is a story of those who have become losers of the game, and also those of us who are shaken to our core because of the chaotic political landscape,” said Hwang, who with Lee, spoke via an interpreter on a video call earlier this month from New York. “I wanted to focus in Season 3 on how in this world, where incessant greed is always fueled, it’s like a jungle — the strong eating the weak, where people climb higher by stepping on other people’s heads.”
Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun in final season of Netflix’s “Squid Game.”
(No Ju-han / Netflix)
Gi-hun’s hands become bloodied in the competition in Season 3, Hwang said. “That’s the first time he kills someone [in the games]. This person who symbolized goodness, the original sin is now on him because of what society has done to him,” he said. “How does he pick himself up from that? That’s the heart of Season 3. In a way, we’re all put in this situation due to the capitalist society and chaotic political situation. Gi-hun symbolizes what all of us go through these days.”
When we meet him in Season 1, Gi-hun is down and out, an inveterate gambler. Through Season 1’s horrific gantlet of murderous kids’ games, his exterior is scraped away with a rusty edge until all that’s left is a flawed but good man. Gi-hun is someone who sees what he believes with clarity, while becoming the suddenly rich champion of the games.
But after he reaches that peak, Season 2 plunges him back down the roller coaster as he becomes obsessed with vengeance against the elite voyeurs who fund the game and the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who oversees it. Righteous anger carries Gi-hun to the brink of his goal of destroying the games, only to see it all brutally dashed. Season 3 finds him a broken man, near catatonic with guilt. Without him to guide the less bloodthirsty players, the games will enter a fearsome phase of all-out mayhem, from which unexpectedly emerges a chance at redemption for the battered protagonist.
“All of those changes within Gi-hun are depicted in such minute detail” in Hwang’s writing, said Lee, “so nuanced and with so many layers. You’ll see Gi-hun have a change of heart. Sometimes his beliefs will be shaken. But despite all of that, he will continue to struggle to find hope and his will.
“All of those changes within Gi-hun are depicted in such minute detail, so nuanced and with so many layers,” Lee Jung-jae said of his character and Hwang Dong-hyuk’s writing.
(Justin Jun Lee / For The Times)
“All I can say is, I’m a very lucky man. You don’t come by characters like Gi-hun every day. It’s been a true honor,” he adds.
Lee’s public appearances in support of “Squid Game” have provided an almost comic contrast with Gi-hun. He’s movie-star handsome, elegant, always sharply dressed. On the show, especially as Gi-hun deteriorates in Season 3, he’s wrecked.
“Jung-jae went on this extremely harsh diet for over a year so he could really portray, externally, the pain and the brokenness, to really express how famished and barren he is, both mentally and physically,” Hwang said.
Gi-hun isn’t the only person the games destroy. Another hallmark of the show is its deft development of characters into fan favorites, coupled with its “Game of Thrones”-like willingness to unceremoniously kill them. Viewers will be sharpening their pitchforks when trans commando Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon), a.k.a. Player 120, dies ignominiously in Season 3. Hwang is already braced for the backlash.
“It’s not me who did it! It was 333,” he exclaimed, blaming the murderer.
Hwang said when he watched the first assembly edit of that death, “I wrote and directed and everything, I knew it’s coming, but it was still painful. It was like, ‘Oh, come on, come on.’ ”
“For some characters, I would see them go and I’d feel really sad … I would think, ‘Director Hwang is such a cruel man,’” Lee said.
1
2
1.Hyun-ju (Park Sung-hoon) in Season 3 of “Squid Game.” “I wrote and directed and everything, I knew it’s coming, but it was still painful,” Hwang Dong-hyuk said.2.Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri), a pregnant contestant in the games, was another casualty.(No Ju-han / Netflix)
When Hwang asks what death in particular made him feel that way, Lee doesn’t hesitate to cite another beloved character, pregnant contestant Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri), calling that Season 3 death “heartbreaking.”
Lee’s sensitive, evolving turn as Gi-hun — deeply human amid the madness, paranoia and murder set in bright green and pink surroundings — has made the character the ideal litmus test for Hwang’s critique of an economic system designed to produce titanic winners and losers who face annihilation. He’s a living symbol of Hwang’s themes.
“I feel like Director Hwang is truly an artist,” Lee said. “I mean something akin to a concept artist. Because when he creates his visuals, not only are they extremely pleasing to the eye; he focuses on the meaning behind them. He [stacks] images on top of one another, almost as if building a Lego castle. Each little block has meaning: each dialogue, each editing flow and [each use of] the musical score.”
As Season 3 reaches a boil, some of Hwang’s symbolism becomes less subtle. In one game, contestants clutch keys suspiciously resembling crucifixes as one player leads others with fervor, for better or worse. One character’s moment of triumph occurs before a painted rainbow (rainbow flags are also associated with the LGBTQ+ community in Korea). And Hwang’s nuanced critique of democracy comes to the fore.
“I feel like Director Hwang is truly an artist,” said Lee Jung-jae of the show’s creator. “I mean something akin to a concept artist. Because when he creates his visuals, not only are they extremely pleasing to the eye; he focuses on the meaning behind them.
(Justin Jun Lee / For The Times)
Unlike Season 1, in which contestants had one chance to vote to end the games, in Seasons 2 and 3, votes are taken after each contest; as more players die, the pot swells larger and larger. With only a score or so of participants left, a vote to quit means all would leave alive, and with substantial cash. Voting to continue means, explicitly, they will kill to become obscenely wealthy.
“In the past, at the time of elections, despite our differences, we all came together; there was more tolerance through the process of conflict,” Hwang said. “I don’t think that is anymore the case. Rather, elections [have only driven] societies into greater divides. I wanted to explore those themes in Seasons 2 and 3; that’s why I included the voting in each round.”
Hwang loudly calls out the flaw of democracy that allows the barest of majorities to subject all to nightmarish policies — even more nightmarish for those who voted against them. The ruthless winners keep reminding the others in Season 3 it was a “free and democratic vote.”
“That is not to say that I have a different answer,” he said. “I wanted to raise the question because I believe it is time for us to try to find the answer. In Season 1, I looked at the flaws of the economic system that creates so many losers due to this unlimited competition. In Season 2, I depicted the failure of the political system.
“Coming into Season 3, because the economic system has failed us, politics have failed us, it seems like we have no hope,” Hwang added. “What hope do we have as a human race when we can no longer control our own greed? I wanted to explore that. And in particular, I wanted to [pose] that question to myself.”
And what has he found? Does he still believe in humanity?
“Well, I don’t have the answer,” Hwang said. “But I have to admit, honestly, I think I’ve become more cynical, working on ‘Squid Game.’”
New Delhi, June 27: Mahindra Scorpio N with ADAS is launched in India with tech upgrade for the vehicle. The new update introduces Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, which is now available on the Z8L trim and a newly added Z8T variant. Mahindra Auto aims to boost safety and convenience for its passengers through this upgrade.
The ADAS features in the Mahindra Scorpio N will be available in manual and automatic variants. Mahindra has also introduced a new Z8T trim, priced at INR 20.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The Scorpio-N Z8L ADAS variant starts at a price of INR 21.35 lakh (ex-showroom). Xiaomi YU7 Price, Specifications and Features Revealed, Know Everything About First EV SUV From Xiaomi To Gain 2,89,000 Orders in an Hour of Launch in China.
Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L ADAS Specifications and Features
The Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L ADAS variants are now available in 6-seat and 7-seat configurations. The vehicle has several safety features. These include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking. It also comes with smart pilot assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition.
Mahindra has added Speed Limit Assist feature to give alerts based on speed limits detected through traffic signs and adjusts speed using cruise control. It also include a Front Vehicle Start Alert that warns the driver when the vehicle ahead starts moving in traffic, using sound and gentle vibrations.
Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L ADAS Price
The Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L with ADAS starts at a price of INR 21.35 lakh (ex-showroom) for the petrol manual 7-seater variant. The petrol manual 6-seater version comes at INR 21.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The diesel manual 4WD 7-seater variant is priced at INR 23.86 lakh (ex-showroom), while the diesel automatic 4WD 7-seater comes at INR 25.42 lakh (ex-showroom).
Mahindra Scorpio N Z8T Specifications and Features
The Mahindra Scorpio N Z8T comes with a 7-seat as standard and is available with petrol and diesel engine options. Customers can choose between manual or automatic gearboxes, and the diesel version also offers an optional 4WD system. The Z8T variant includes features like an electronic parking brake, front parking sensors, an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and a 360-degree camera. It also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Sony audio system, and ventilated front seats. Maruti Suzuki Escudo Likely To Launch by End of 2025, 5-Seater Compact SUV Expected To Rival Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos; Check Expected Price, Features and Specifications.
Mahindra Scorpio N Z8T Price
Mahindra Scorpio N Z8T variant price for the base Petrol Manual Transmission (MT) version starts at INR 20.29 lakh (ex-showroom). The Diesel Automatic Transmission (AT) with 4WD will be available for INR 24.36 lakh (ex-showroom).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2025 04:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The latest artificial intelligence models are not only remarkably good at software engineering—new research shows they are getting ever-better at finding bugs in software, too.
AI researchers at UC Berkeley tested how well the latest AI models and agents could find vulnerabilities in 188 large open source codebases. Using a new benchmark called CyberGym, the AI models identified 17 new bugs including 15 previously unknown, or “zero-day,” ones. “Many of these vulnerabilities are critical,” says Dawn Song, a professor at UC Berkeley who led the work.
Many experts expect AI models to become formidable cybersecurity weapons. An AI tool from startup Xbow currently has crept up the ranks of HackerOne’s leaderboard for bug hunting and currently sits in top place. The company recently announced $75 million in new funding.
Song says that the coding skills of the latest AI models combined with improving reasoning abilities are starting to change the cybersecurity landscape. “This is a pivotal moment,” she says. “It actually exceeded our general expectations.”
As the models continue to improve they will automate the process of both discovering and exploiting security flaws. This could help companies keep their software safe but may also aid hackers in breaking into systems. “We didn’t even try that hard,” Song says. “If we ramped up on the budget, allowed the agents to run for longer, they could do even better.”
The UC Berkeley team tested conventional frontier AI models from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, as well as open source offerings from Meta, DeepSeek, and Alibaba combined with several agents for finding bugs, including OpenHands, Cybench, and EnIGMA.
The researchers used descriptions of known software vulnerabilities from the 188 software projects. They then fed the descriptions to the cybersecurity agents powered by frontier AI models to see if they could identify the same flaws for themselves by analyzing new codebases, running tests, and crafting proof-of-concept exploits. The team also asked the agents to hunt for new vulnerabilities in the codebases by themselves.
Through the process, the AI tools generated hundreds of proof-of-concept exploits, and of these exploits the researchers identified 15 previously unseen vulnerabilities and two vulnerabilities that had previously been disclosed and patched. The work adds to growing evidence that AI can automate the discovery of zero-day vulnerabilities, which are potentially dangerous (and valuable) because they may provide a way to hack live systems.
AI seems destined to become an important part of the cybersecurity industry nonetheless. Security expert Sean Heelan recently discovered a zero-day flaw in the widely used Linux kernel with help from OpenAI’s reasoning model o3. Last November, Google announced that it had discovered a previously unknown software vulnerability using AI through a program called Project Zero.
Like other parts of the software industry, many cybersecurity firms are enamored with the potential of AI. The new work indeed shows that AI can routinely find new flaws, but it also highlights remaining limitations with the technology. The AI systems were unable to find most flaws and were stumped by especially complex ones.
Nintendo is expanding Switch 2’s slim GameCube library with another classic next week. The beloved arcade soccer game Super Mario Strikers will join the lineup on July 3.
Originally released in 2005, Super Mario Strikers is a fast-paced soccer game starring an assortment of iconic Mario characters. Like other Mario sports titles, the game features numerous arcade elements, including items like banana peels that can be used to trip up your opponent, as well as powerful special shots that are worth two goals if successfully executed.
Super Mario Strikers would go on to spawn two sequels. Mario Strikers Charged launched for the Wii in 2007, while Mario Strikers: Battle League was released on the Switch back in 2022.
With the addition of Super Mario Strikers, Switch Online’s GameCube library spans four games so far. Nintendo has already confirmed that more classics like Super Mario Sunshine, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, and Pokemon Colosseum are coming to the service in the future.
The GameCube library is one of a few Switch 2-exclusive perks of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack plan. In addition, subscribers can download the Switch 2 upgrade packs for both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for free, although it may not be immediately clear how.
A base Nintendo Switch Online subscription runs for $20 a year, while the Expansion Pack plan costs $50 a year. Nintendo also offers an annual family plan for $80 that covers up to eight Nintendo Accounts across multiple systems.
Another perk of the Switch Online service is Switch 2’s GameChat function, which allows users to chat and share their screen with friends. The feature is free to try for all Switch 2 owners until March 31, 2026 as part of an open-access trial period, after which point you’ll need to have a Switch Online subscription to use it.
Hot tubs and saunas can both soothe aching muscles and provide welcome warmth, but hot tubs might offer greater health benefits.
That’s the takeaway from a new study done by researchers in the Bowerman Sports Science Center at the University of Oregon, which compared the physiological effects of soaking in a hot tub to sitting in a traditional dry heat sauna or a more modern far-infrared sauna.
By raising core body temperatures, soaking in hot water can help lower blood pressure, stimulate the immune system and, over time, improve the body’s response to heat stress. Moreover, those effects can last beyond the minutes spent directly in heat treatment.
“We compared the most commonly utilized modalities of passive heating as they’re used in everyday life and studied in scientific research,” said study lead author Jessica Atencio, a doctoral student in the lab of Christopher Minson. “No studies have compared the acute responses between the three.”
The results were published in June in the American Journal of Physiology.
Under the guidance of Minson, the Kenneth M. and Kenda H. Singer Endowed Professor of Human Physiology and director of the Bowerman Center, researchers monitored body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output (the amount of blood the heart pumps per minute) and immune cell populations and blood biomarkers of inflammation. Data were collected before, during and after subjects soaked in a hot tub and sat in traditional dry heat and far-infrared saunas.
The study looked at 10 men and 10 women who exercised regularly and ranged in age from 20 to 28 years old. The goal was to isolate the physiological responses to each heating method in a young, healthy population.
“We saw that hot water immersion was the most impactful in increasing core body temperature, which is the main stimulus for these subsequent responses,” Atencio said. “Increasing body temperature causes an increase in blood flow, and just the force of blood moving across your vessels is beneficial for your vascular health.”
While the research team took blood samples from subjects after each kind of heat therapy, only hot-water immersion produced an inflammatory response as measured by the levels of inflammatory cytokines, a kind of immune signaling molecule, and immune cell populations.
Atencio and her team were not surprised by those results.
“Hot water immersion gives you the most robust changes in core temperature because you can’t effectively dissipate heat as you can if you have contact with the air and you’re sweating to cool the body,” she said. “When you’re submerged in water, the sweat mechanisms aren’t efficient.”
Minson has studied heat therapies for more than two decades. He has focused on how heat interacts with factors such as age, exercise and illness in men and women.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that if people are willing to do some heat therapy, it’s going to align with improved health, as long as it’s done in moderation,” Minson said. “If you repeat these stresses over time, our lab and many others have shown that they are consistent with improved health.”
Regular exercise can provide benefits similar to and even better in some respects than those from heat therapy, he added, but individuals who are unable or unwilling to exercise may find that heat therapy provides an attractive option.
“It can be a very peaceful, sometimes religious, sometimes cultural and sometimes social experience,” Minson said. “And I think those aspects contribute to the health benefits and are critically important.”
“We want people to be smart and safe about it,” he added. “We need to make sure that they are cleared by their physicians or others for heat therapy or for exercise, whether it’s mild to moderate walking or jogging or strength training. Then they’ll be fine to do heat therapy.”
As a runner herself, Atencio knows people who like to combine heat therapy with exercise.
“We always say that exercise is the primary nonpharmacological treatment that people should be doing to promote health, but some people can’t or just won’t exercise,” she said. “Heat therapy is good supplementation.”
Starting your day with a routine sets the tone for everything that follows, and often, many fitness enthusiasts turn to yoga for a calming beginning to the day. But before you unroll the mat, what you eat can make a big difference, energising your body for the asanas. Similarly, after wrapping up the yoga session, the post-yoga practice nutrition equally plays a role in muscle recovery.
Yoga helps begin your day with intention. (Shutterstock)
HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to understand what to eat before and after a yoga session to maximise energy and support recovery.
ALSO READ: No morning routine? Start with these 6 powerful yoga asanas to bring energy and structure to your day
Pre-yoga
Banana smoothie is recommended before a yoga session. (Shutterstock)
The pre-yoga meal should be light, yet fulfilling enough to power your body through challenging, flexibility-focused asanas.
Simrat Kathuria, Celebrity Dietitian and Wellness Coach, shared with HT Lifestyle that one of the basics of pre-yoga nutrition is to keep it light and steer clear of oily foods. A nutritionally power-packed smoothie made with fibre and the healthy fats from nuts is a great option.
She said, “Heavy or greasy food is something I advise against before any yoga session. Grab a banana, almonds (soaked preferably), or have a smoothie 30 to 45 minutes before practice. These provide enough fuel but do not weigh one down or interfere with breath control and core engagement. ”
Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj, Dietitian and Weight Management Expert, also shared with HT Lifestyle, agreeing on the importance of keeping the pre-yoga meal light to avoid digestive issues. Since yoga involves a lot of limb movement, bending, stretching, and lying on the abdomen, heavy meals can result in discomfort and even interfere with the practice.
He added, “I usually suggest a super light snack before yoga, including some dates with ghee, half a banana, or a handful of soaked nuts. These keep one energised without issues in digestion that can disturb deep stretching or breathing exercises. Do drink water or herbal infusions at least 20 minutes before.”
Post yoga
Chia seed pudding’s gel-like texture can be fun for teens.(Freepik)
The post-yoga meal is all about helping the body recover from the session by adding the right nutrition to your plate. Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj suggested protein-rich sources like paneer.
He said, “Ensuring your muscles receive nourishment after yoga is crucial. Includes protein source, like paneer, sprouts, or a smoothie with whey and fruits. I advise my clients to opt for complex carbs such as oats or quinoa to fill up the depleted glycogen stores. Then electrolyte-rich drinks, such as lemon water with some rock salt, help restore balance when a lot of sweating has taken place.”
Simrat suggested adding antioxidants to your plate, as they help stimulate cell repair. She said, “After yoga, repair and recovery take priority. Therefore, protein and hydration are a must. Consider chia pudding, boiled eggs served with multigrain toast, or a little bit of coconut water with protein. Load your diet with antioxidants, for example, berries or kale, to help ease inflammation and stimulate cell repair.”
But Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj did warn against sugary drinks. He said, “Don’t provide yourself with quick highs and subsequent crashes from sugary and processed snacks. Rather, go for detoxifying, healing whole foods. Nutrition synchronised just right with yoga can multiply the very benefits, which bring along enhanced metabolism, hormone balance, and muscle tone.”
Similarly, Simrat too advised against caffeine, especially as it spikes cortisol activity, which negates the good benefits of your yoga session.
ALSO READ: Morning vs evening yoga: Know which one suits your routine best
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Thursday that influenza vaccines used in the coming flu season be free of the preservative thimerosal, addressing unproven fears the mercury-containing substance can lead to developmental disabilities.
If confirmed by the CDC, the recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunizaiton Practices, or ACIP, would affect about 5% of flu shots administered in the U.S., distributed in multidose vials that necessitate the use of a preservative to prevent bacterial or fungal contamination. Only three such vaccines are approved for U.S. use, two from CSL and one from Sanofi.
Meeting for the first time with members appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ACIP also reviewed a change in its recommendations for measles vaccines, although it won’t vote on that proposal until a meeting later this year.
Dive Insight:
Thursday’s meeting took on one of the most notable disproven claims of the anti-vaccine movement: that use of thimerosal as a vaccine preservative can lead to autism and other developmental disabilities. The hypothesis dates back to a now-debunked 1998 journal article authored by the activist Andrew Wakefield, who was later stripped of his physician license by British medical authorities for misconduct. Since retracted, that paper linked autism in 12 children to having received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
Prior to the meeting, Redwood’s presentation was edited to take out an apparent reference to a non-existent study. It largely details studies of mercury in animal tissues and human cells and doesn’t offer any data on effects of thimerosal-containing vaccines and children’s health and development. Numerous subsequent analyses of children exposed to thimerosal-containing vaccines have found no connection.
Moreover, the presentation doesn’t address the differences between exposure to methylmercury, the organic form of the metal that’s an environmental toxin, and ethylmercury, the form the body metabolizes it to after injection with a thimerosal-containing vaccine.
“Ethylmercury is excreted much more quickly from the body. It is not associated with the high neurotoxicity,” said committee member Cody Meissner, following Redwood’s presentation.
Others warned that voting yes on the recommendations could inadvertently increase vaccine hesitancy. “The fear of mercury is substantial, and the firm fear of mercury in causing people to not get vaccines is a risk in itself,” said member Joseph Hibbeln.
Redwood’s presentation prompted pushback from numerous medical groups that serve as liaisons to the committee.
“Will there be an actual CDC presentation done by staff scientists, physicians and those who are subject matter experts with accurate peer-reviewed scientific data for the ability for the committee to review, or will we have layperson presentations only?” asked Jason Goldman, clinical affiliate professor at Florida Atlantic University and the American College of Physicians’ representative to ACIP.
ACIP’s new chairman, Martin Kulldorf, responded, “I think it’s inappropriate to to dismiss a presentation just because the person does not have a PhD or an MD.”
The committee voted on four separate flu shot recommendations. The first, recommending annual flu shots in all people 6 years and older who have no contraindications, was passed by a 6-0 vote, with member Vicky Pebsworth abstaining.
Three other separate recommendations to use only thimerosal-free shots in people 18 and under, pregnant women and all other adults, secured 5-1 votes. Pebsworth again abstained on all three votes and Meissner voted no.
Kulldorf also presented a proposal to change the CDC’s recommendations on use of a vaccine that combines antigens for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, the virus that causes chickenpox. Data have suggested the MMRV vaccine, marketed by Merck & Co. as ProQuad, has been linked to post-vaccination fever and seizures in children 12 to 23 months in age, while there is a lower risk if MMR and varicella vaccines are administered separately.
He proposed restricting ProQuad to children aged 4 and older.
Despite affordability issues, rising interest rates, and fierce competition, first home buyers remain very active in our housing markets.
Their motivation is largely driven by fear of missing out (FOMO) rather than financial readiness.
Many are buying because they fear prices will rise further, not because they’re truly prepared.
While challenges abound, the recent rate cuts in 2025 and the likelihood of further reductions could offer some breathing space.
But success in today’s market demands more than just savings, it calls for a solid plan, creative thinking, and strategic execution.
Despite the affordability crisis, rising interest rates, and intense competition, first home buyers are still diving into the Australian property market in droves.
But they’re not doing so because they feel ready, they’re doing it because they’re scared not to.
The Finder First Home Buyer Report 2025 reveals a worrying mix of emotional urgency, financial stress, and structural challenges facing buyers today.
And while the government is stepping in with schemes to ease the pain, the underlying system remains brutally difficult to navigate, especially for those without family support.
Let’s dig into what’s happening on the ground and where the opportunities are for buyers willing to think a little differently.
FOMO is fueling the market more than fundamentals
We’ve always known that emotion plays a role in real estate.
But what we’re seeing now goes beyond the usual enthusiasm and excitement.
The dominant emotion today is fear, specifically, fear of missing out.
According to the report:
38% of first home buyers in 2025 said they were buying now because they were worried prices would keep rising. That’s up significantly from 31% in 2022.
61% had already missed out on a property they were seriously considering — most often because they were outbid or another buyer made an unconditional offer.
This competitive pressure is pushing buyers to make quick decisions, often before they’re financially ready.
The deposit dilemma: buyers are cutting corners
Saving for a deposit remains the single biggest barrier to homeownership.
And understandably, most buyers are no longer waiting for the magic 20 per cent.
In fact, data from Finder shows that:
70% of first home buyers are purchasing with less than a 20% deposit, a clear indicator they’re prioritising speed over stability.
The majority are opting for 6–10% deposits, which exposes them to higher interest rates and Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) — an extra cost of up to $30,000 according to Finder’s estimate.
The logic here is simple: buyers believe that if they wait another few years to save a bigger deposit, property prices will have run away from them anyway.
Finder’s modelling backs this up: it takes about 4 years to save a 5% deposit, but a whopping 14 years for a 20% deposit.
But buying early comes at a cost, and not just in the form of LMI.
Stretching budgets, shrinking buffers
The emotional urgency to buy is forcing many first home buyers into risky territory:
47% of buyers in 2025 paid over their budget, up from 38% in 2022.
65% will spend more than 30% of their income on mortgage repayments, which is the technical definition of mortgage stress.
14% of buyers have no savings left at all, and 33% have less than $10,000 in the bank after their purchase.
This lack of a financial buffer is a significant danger.
One surprise cost, a broken water heater, a job loss, or an interest rate bump, could send these households into financial hardship.
This table from Finder is particularly revealing:
Spending $50,000 over budget raises annual mortgage repayments by nearly $3,600.
That’s not just a number, that’s the family holiday, the emergency savings, or the kids’ tuition.
Regret is common, especially at auctions
When you combine emotional decision-making, tight finances, and high pressure, it’s no wonder that 45% of first home buyers now regret their purchase, according to Finder’s data.
Top regrets include:
Paying too much for the property (26%)
Not saving a large enough deposit (11%)
Buying in the wrong area (10%)
Notably, 77% of buyers who bought at auction regretted their purchase, compared to only 37% who bought off-market or through private treaty.
That tells you something about the pressure-cooker environment that auctions can create.
Searching smarter: ditching the Big 4 and moving further afield
Despite all this, first home buyers are getting savvier in their strategies.
Finder’s report shows that:
One in three buyers didn’t use their regular bank for their home loan. While 72% bank with a Big Four, only 61% borrowed from one, suggesting many are shopping around for better deals.
Almost 25% are searching for homes in a different region or state. With the median house price in capital cities sitting 48% higher than in the regions, it’s not surprising buyers are looking further afield.
Even within states, people are looking to regional towns where the price-to-income ratio is more manageable.
It’s not just affordability that drives this; lifestyle changes, remote work, and a desire to get more for your money are playing a role too.
The growing role of Government support
The report also shows that the vast majority of first home buyers in 2025, 78% to be exact, are either using or plan to use a government support scheme.
Here’s a snapshot of the most popular ones:
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): Up to $15,000 depending on state.
First Home Guarantee (FHBG): Avoids LMI and lowers deposit requirements.
Super Saver Scheme (FHSS): Allows you to use pre-tax super contributions to save for a deposit.
Help to Buy Scheme: A shared equity model where the government co-buys up to 20% of your property.
Used wisely, these programs can offer a serious leg-up, slashing deposit requirements, avoiding LMI, and even reducing monthly repayments.
But they’re not a silver bullet.
Many buyers still need additional education to use them effectively and avoid pitfalls.
The family factor: Bank of Mum and Dad still growing
Parental assistance is more common and more impactful than ever, according to the report:
17% of buyers received money from their parents, up from 11% in 2022.
Buyers with family help are two years younger on average when they enter the market.
They also have 41% more savings left over post-purchase compared to buyers who go it alone.
That time advantage can translate into profound financial benefits.
For example, entering the Perth market just two years earlier would have saved a buyer around $220,000, based on median price growth.
But this raises a broader issue: what happens to those without access to family wealth?
The gap is widening, and our policies need to address this divide.
So, what should First Home Buyers do differently?
If I were sitting across the table from a first home buyer today, here’s the advice I’d give them:
1. Plan first, buy later. Yes, property prices are rising, but that doesn’t mean you should rush into a decision.
Clarify your long-term financial goals and only buy when you can do so without gutting your savings or overcommitting on repayments.
2. Think creatively. Can you buy with a sibling or a trusted friend? Rentvest? Start with a unit instead of a house? Move further out, or interstate?
There are more pathways than ever, but they require clear thinking and good advice.
3. Use schemes strategically. Government support can work, but only if you understand the trade-offs.
Don’t jump into a scheme just because it sounds attractive.
Work with an experienced finance strategist to analyse the numbers.
4. Buffer, buffer, buffer. Even if it means borrowing less or waiting a bit longer, having a financial buffer is non-negotiable.
Homeownership should give you security, not anxiety.
Final word
Despite all the stress, there may be some good news ahead.
With two rate cuts already delivered in 2025, and more on the way, borrowing power is likely to increase, and repayments could become more manageable.
This may not solve the long-term structural affordability issues, but it will give buyers some breathing room in the short term.
Ultimately, homeownership remains a powerful and worthwhile goal.
But in today’s market, it’s no longer enough to simply save and buy, you need a plan, a strategy, and the discipline to execute it.
About Chris Dang Chris Dang is an accountant by training and has worked in the Financial Planning industry for many years. Chris brings together property, accounting, and financial planning experience to help clients of Metropole Wealth Advisory create a holistic plan for their wealth.
Lately, I’ve caught myself looking at my current smartphone and realizing how far we’ve come from what was once my favorite device, back in 2009. I used to rely on a BlackBerry Bold 9700, and the contrast between that focused, utilitarian experience and today’s everything-in-one devices has become hard to ignore.
I Miss the Tactile Satisfaction of a Physical Keyboard
Nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the feeling of typing on a BlackBerry keyboard. Those tiny, perfectly sculpted keys were a joy to use, just as much as they were functional. Each press gave immediate feedback, letting my fingers know exactly when a letter had registered. I could type with confidence, speed, and, most importantly, accuracy.
I used to write entire emails on my phone while walking down the street, never once looking at the screen. I can’t say the same for my current phone, the Galaxy S22 Plus—if I tried that now, the message would probably read like it was typed during an earthquake. While you can connect a USB keyboard to an Android phone, that’s obviously not practical unless you’re sitting still with it.
Haptic feedback on modern phones tries to simulate the feeling of pressing a real button, but it’s like comparing a photograph of food to an actual meal. You’re constantly second-guessing whether you hit the right key, squinting at tiny letters, and watching autocorrect turn “meeting” into “metering,” for example. (Though, granted, there are ways to minimize autocorrect fails.)
My BlackBerry Bold Was So Durable That I Didn’t Even Need a Case
One of the aspects I miss most about my BlackBerry was how absurdly tough it was. I never worried about dropping it. It could tumble out of my hand, bounce off the pavement, and get stepped on without me worrying about spiderweb cracks.
Although after a long stretch of use, the corners showed some wear, the screen stayed intact, nothing came loose, and it kept working like it was new. It had a solid build: a stainless steel frame around the edges, a faux-leather back, and just enough weight to feel reassuring in the hand.
By contrast, I can’t help but think that phones these days are like glass sandwiches held together by anxiety, good phone screen protectors, and phone cases. We’ve normalized the idea that from the moment you unbox it, you need to immediately wrap your $1,000+ device in silicone or leather for the back, and tempered glass for the screen, just to survive regular life.
As our iPhone 16 review found, the phone is glossy and beautiful. But it’s also so fragile that dropping it without a case or screen protector is practically an act of vandalism against your wallet.
BBM Was a Messaging Platform That Felt Personal and Powerful
Before the explosion of messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram, there was BlackBerry Messenger (BBM)—and it did the job beautifully. It was clean, fast, and focused. You’d send a message and instantly know when it was delivered and when it was read. Features like message deletion and timed disappearing messages were already there, long before they became trendy elsewhere.
There were no random suggested contacts from your phone’s address book, ads, or endless GIF suggestions. Unfortunately, BlackBerry Messenger was officially discontinued in 2019.
One of BBM’s most underrated strengths was its PIN system. It worked like a username, but without tying your identity to a phone number or email address, which meant you could maintain a high level of privacy. If you wanted to chat with someone, you had to exchange PINs and mutually accept the connection. Your number and email were irrelevant to the chat itself.
Compare that to the present messaging landscape, which is fragmented and sometimes frustrating. You need different apps for different groups of people, notifications are scattered across platforms, and it’s not unusual to receive messages (often scams) from total strangers. And half the time, you’re not sure where to reply or even if your message was seen.
Related
The 3 Reasons BlackBerry Failed Spectacularly—and Why They Might Rise Again
Blackberry rode the massive highs, but has long embraced the crushing lows.
Swappable Batteries Meant I Never Worried About Battery Life
This might be the feature I miss most about BlackBerry devices: the ability to swap out a dead battery for a fresh one in about 10 seconds. I used to carry a couple of fully-charged spare batteries, and whenever one ran low, I’d swap it out. I didn’t have to carry power banks with charging cables bulging in my pocket, or hunt for power outlets whenever my phone was low on juice.
Now, smartphone manufacturers have convinced us that sealed batteries are somehow better. But after a few years of using a phone every day, you’ll have much worse battery life than you did at the beginning. And at that point, your only option is to replace the entire phone or pay for expensive battery replacement services.
To be fair, not every BlackBerry had a fully swappable battery. Later models like the Key2, Z10, Z30, and Passport, for example, required more effort and careful disassembly due to stronger adhesive and tighter builds. But even then, battery replacement felt more doable than with today’s glued-shut designs.
The Notification LED Gave Me What Many Modern Phones Don’t
The BlackBerry notification LED was a tiny feature that made a massive difference in daily productivity. That small, multicolored light could tell you everything you needed to know about your phone’s status from across the room. Red meant you had messages, green meant the network was connected, and blue meant Bluetooth was active. You could glance at your phone on your desk and immediately know if anything important required attention, without picking up your phone, unlocking the screen, or breaking your focus.
What made it even better was how customizable it became, especially for power users. With third-party apps like BeBuzz (also known as BerryBuzz), you could assign different colors and blinking patterns to specific types of notifications like emails, texts, BBM messages, missed calls, and even individual contacts. Just a glance at the LED, and you’d know exactly what kind of alert had come in.
Most modern smartphones have walked away from this kind of subtle, glanceable feedback. Instead, we get attention-hungry pop-ups, vibrations, or always-on displays that constantly pull us back into our screens. My Samsung Galaxy still offers edge lighting, and some older Samsung models support LED camera cutout notifications, but even that feels like a watered-down version of what BlackBerry had.
The iPhone never had anything like this, so every ping or buzz demands you stop what you’re doing and check—whether it’s important or not.
I’m not suggesting we throw out all the progress we’ve made and rewind to 2009 during the narrow window when BlackBerry was on top. Smartphones these days are undeniably impressive; packed with cameras that once felt like science fiction, apps that do everything from banking to video editing, and processing power that outpaces older desktop computers.
But I miss the BlackBerry line for what it represented in its time: a focused, purpose-built device that prioritized communication, reliability, and thoughtful design.
In the heart of Hong Kong, one of the most memorable ways to experience the city’s unique charm is by boarding the historic Star Ferry. Gliding across Victoria Harbour, this century-old vessel offers passengers a refreshing sea breeze, panoramic skyline views, and a direct connection to the city’s past and present.
First launched in 1898, the Star Ferry is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic modes of transport, standing alongside the Peak Tram and the city’s double-decker “Ding Ding” trams as part of its “three century-old treasures.” For generations, it has served as a vital link between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon – and as a first stop for visitors eager to discover the essence of the city.
By day, passengers are treated to views of world-famous landmarks such as the International Finance Centre, Bank of China Tower, and International Commerce Centre. After sunset, the glittering cityscape comes alive with lights reflected on the water. National Geographic once listed the Star Ferry experience among its “Top 50 Places of a Lifetime.”
Travelers can extend their journey by visiting nearby attractions. They can stroll along the waterfront promenades on both sides of the harbor, explore the Avenue of Stars, visit the Cultural Centre, or snap photos by the historic clock tower in Tsim Sha Tsui. Each attraction offers a unique perspective of the vibrant harbor city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the Star Ferry offers a timeless way to appreciate Hong Kong’s rich heritage and dynamic beauty. With every crossing, the spirit of the city unfolds across the waves.
Bill Moyers, a soft-spoken former White House aide turned journalist who became a standard bearer of quality in TV news, died Thursday in New York. He was 91.
Moyers’ son William told the Associated Press his father died at Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital after a long illness.
Moyers began his TV career in 1971 during the early years of PBS after serving as a leading advisor and press secretary to President Johnson. He spent 10 years in two stints at CBS News in the 1970s and ‘80s. He was editor and chief correspondent for “CBS Reports,” the network’s prestigious documentary series, and an analyst for the “CBS Evening News.”
He also did a turn as a commentator on “NBC Nightly News” and was a host of the MSNBC program “Insight” in 1996.
But Moyers was often frustrated with the restraints of corporate-owned media and returned to non-commercial PBS each time.
At PBS, “Bill Moyers Journal” was the first news program on the service, launched in 1972 just as the Watergate scandal was heating up. His documentaries and series, which included “Now With Bill Moyers” and the weekly interview show “Moyers & Company, ” often examined complex issues and offered serious discussion. He earned top prizes in television journalism, including more than 30 Emmy Awards. His final program for PBS aired in 2013.
Moyers made a posthumous star out of a literature professor at Sarah Lawrence College with the landmark 1988 PBS series “Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth,” an exploration of religious and mythological archetypes. The series was watched by 30 million viewers.
His 2006 series “Faith and Reason,” where Moyers interviewed authors about the role of religion in their lives, was the kind of programming that distinguished public television, even as audiences had more viewing options on cable.
Moyers also fronted tough investigative programs such as “The Secret Government,” a deep dive into the Iran-Contra scandal during the Reagan administration. He often focused on the influence of money in the nation’s politics.
A believer in liberal causes, Moyers aggravated Republican administrations who often cited his programs when they accused PBS of bias and attempted to cut its federal funding.
PBS President Paula Kerger, who worked closely with Moyers for decades, said he always embodied the aspirations of public television.
“Bill was always of service: as a journalist, a mentor, and a fierce champion for PBS,” Kerger said in a statement. “He fought for excellence and honesty in our public discourse, and was always willing to take on the most important issues of the day with curiosity and compassion.”
Moyers was born June 5, 1934 in Hugo, Okla., the son of a dirt farmer and day laborer. He attended high school in Marshall, Texas, where he covered sports for the local newspaper.
After graduating from the University of Texas, he earned a master’s in divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and became an ordained minister. He preached at small rural churches.
While in college, he established a relationship with Johnson, who hired him to work on his 1954 reelection campaign for U.S. Senate. He worked as a news editor for KTBC radio and television, the Austin, Texas, outlets owned by Johnson’s wife, Lady Bird.
Moyers stuck with Johnson when the senator was elected as John F. Kennedy’s vice president, becoming his personal assistant and later serving as a deputy director of the Peace Corps.
After Johnson was sworn in as president on Nov. 22, 1963, following the assassination of Kennedy, Moyers ascended as well. He was a top Johnson aide with a wide range of duties including press secretary.
According to a 1965 profile in Time magazine, Moyers was a key figure in assembling Johnson’s ambitious domestic policy initiatives known as the Great Society. He shaped legislation and edited and polished the work of Johnson’s speechwriters.
When Johnson underwent anesthesia for a gall bladder operation, Moyers was given responsibility to decide whether then-Vice President Hubert Humphrey should take over the president’s powers in the event of a crisis.
Moyers had a major impact on political communication when in 1964 he signed off on the creation of the “Daisy” ad for Johnson’s presidential election campaign.
The ad showing a girl counting petals she pulls from a daisy blends into a countdown for the launch of nuclear missile. Moyers expressed regret for the spot — an attack on Johnson’s Republican opponent Barry Goldwater’s views on the use of nuclear weapons. He believed the use of visceral imagery harmed the country’s politics in the long term.
Moyers left the Johnson White House in 1967 as he was disenchanted with the escalation of the Vietnam War. He went on to become publisher of the Long Island, N.Y., daily newspaper Newsday, raising its stature in the journalism industry, before his first tenure at PBS.
When he rejoined PBS in 1986, he formed his own production company called Public Affairs Television.
Moyers’ preacher-like delivery and emphasis on high moral standards in his commentaries led some people to criticize him as being a pious scold. But as cable news brought a more raucous style of current affairs discussions to TV, Moyers’ gentler approach was an oasis for many.
“His mission has always been to make things better, not louder,” Neil Gabler wrote in an appreciation of Moyers for The Times in 2009. “In a world of ego and bombast, he has always been modest and self-effacing.”
Moyers is survived by his wife Judith; three children, Suzanne Moyers, John D. Moyers and William Cope Moyers; six grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.
Michael Calore: So publishing is definitely at the top of the list of industries that have been worried about AI plagiarizing original work, and we should all know because we’re all in the publishing industry. But then there’s the content that is the opposite of thoughtful, human-made work, and that is AI slop. The term explains itself when you say it out loud, but let’s quickly talk about what AI slop is and why it seems to be everywhere.
Lauren Goode: I can take this one, but also, I do want to toss it back to Kate, because Kate, you are the queen of AI slop, and I don’t mean that you generate it. I don’t mean that it’s part of your personal content creation vector or whatever we’re calling it, but you’ve written a lot about it. AI slop is just low-quality, shoddy AI content that is appearing online. It is proliferating our feeds. It’s often on social media, but it’s not just on social media. It is now being passed off as legitimate, quote-unquote, “journalism”. For example, last month, the Chicago Sun-Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer had both published these special sections recommending summer reading lists, and the list included a bunch of made-up books by real authors, and these names and titles were just thrown together at random. Slop isn’t just made-up stuff though. I think it’s got a certain aesthetic. It’s part of this growing trend of the enshittification of the internet, which of course Cory Doctorow wrote about for Wire.com a few years ago and now I’ts just the term we use. It feels like spam, and sometimes it’s easily recognizable and sometimes it’s just not.
Katie Drummond: So you mean the videos I see on TikTok of Donald Trump and Jesus Christ walking on the beach are not real?
Lauren Goode: No, those are real.
Katie Drummond: Oh, okay. That’s happens.
Lauren Goode: Those really happened.
Katie Drummond: Oh, okay. Because I’ve been faving all of them, because I want to see more. So those are AI. Got it. Okay.
Lauren Goode: Yes, exactly. Same with JD Vance breakdancing with Pope Leo, those are real.
Katie Drummond: Oh, I have… Yes, of course.
Lauren Goode: Yeah. Hasn’t killed him yet.
Michael Calore: A lot of these examples are funny or fun, but then there are ones that are more serious. There was AI slop coming out of current events in the Mideast recently, right?
Katie Drummond: Oh, of course. Yeah.
Michael Calore: And politicians and world leaders will retweet these things, even knowing that they’re fake, just because it appeals to their sensibility and it helps them spread the message they want to spread.
Katie Drummond: Oh, I make jokes when I’m stressed out and uncomfortable, and I would say it is incredibly uncomfortable and stressful. I think you would all agree with me being a journalist right now. Try being the editor in chief, let me tell you. And actually watching AI slop proliferate across the internet, across all these platforms, sometimes be mistaken for factual information by consumers at the same time as we are in this very existential moment for news and media. Yet again, we are in an existential moment for news and media, in many ways because of AI, because of the way Google is changing their search, because of other ways that AI is changing how people access information. Publishers once again are essentially in the crosshairs of all of that, and to add insult to injury, you then open TikTok and Jesus and Donald Trump are fishing, and it’s just like it’s everywhere. It’s like it’s surrounding you if you are a journalist because you were experiencing the slop itself. You’re seeing what it’s doing to the information landscape online, and then you’re banging your head against a brick wall because Google did this, that or the other thing with AI overviews, and all of a sudden I’m inventing numbers. I genuinely am inventing numbers, but all of a sudden, your search traffic is down 50%, and that has existential ramifications for publishers. There’s also this weird thing happening that has caught my attention, and Kate, you’ve reported on this, which is where AI generated content is actually like a feature for some websites and actually works really well for them. So WIRED found that over 54% of longer English language posts on LinkedIn, everybody’s favorite social network, are likely AI generated. Now, LinkedIn have said that they monitor posts to identify low quality and repetitive content, but AI is probably really good at LinkedIn because generic, bland writing is kind of what LinkedIn thrives on. I think that that’s interesting. It’s not necessarily a good thing, but it’s just another indication of how pervasive generative AI has become online.
It’s not exactly news that our nation’s health care system is only a “system” in the most generous sense of the word and that no one entity is really in charge of it. Notwithstanding, there are some specific responsibilities that belong to the federal government, others that belong to the states, and still others that are shared between them. And sometimes people and programs fall through the cracks.
Speaking before a live audience on June 23 at Aspen Ideas: Health in Colorado, three former governors — one of whom also served as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services — discussed what it would take to make the nation’s health care system run more smoothly.
The session, moderated by KFF Health News’ Julie Rovner, featured Democrat Kathleen Sebelius, a former governor of Kansas and HHS secretary under President Barack Obama; Republican Chris Sununu, former governor of New Hampshire; and Democrat Roy Cooper, former governor of North Carolina.
Among the takeaways from the discussion:
States — and the governors who lead them — are major “customers” of the federal health system. For instance, states run research universities with the aid of federal grants from the National Institutes of Health. States also run Medicaid, the joint state-federal program for those with low incomes and disabilities, through which most of the nation’s care for issues such as mental health and substance use disorders is funded. In fact, most federal money sent to states is for Medicaid.
Cuts to Medicaid outlined in the House and Senate versions of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act would leave a huge hole in state budgets — one that the states, already facing budget constraints, would be unable to fill without making difficult choices. Notably, the bill does not make substantive cuts Medicare, a program that has a significant amount of excess spending and is expected to be insolvent within a decade.
Controlling health care costs is a major concern for the future of the nation’s fragmented health care system, as is maintaining the health care workforce. More people without insurance coverage means higher overall costs. Pandemic burnout, immigration raids, and even the cost of college are putting pressure on a dwindling workforce. The federal government could do more to encourage medical professionals to go into primary care and rural health care.
Video of this episode is available here on YouTube.
In 2022, Epic Games agreed to a massive $520 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations that Fortnite violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting info about players under the age of 13 without their parents’ permission, as well as allegations that Epic “tricked” players into making unintended in-game purchases. The signup period for the initial distribution of funds ended in February 2024. But now, the FTC is once again opening the opportunity for players to claim their piece of the Fortnite settlement.
If players already claimed and received a payment from the FTC during the previous dispersal round, then they won’t be eligible for any further claims. Everyone else has until July 9, 2025 to to file their claim with the FTC at the agency’s official site.
FTC sends $126 million in refunds to Fortnite players who were charged for unwanted items, reopens claims process. Players who have not already filed a claim will now have until July 9 to submit one: https://t.co/aISo5Nfa8Z
FTC payments will be sent to players either through PayPal or as a check. However, this refund is limited to US citizens. Players under 18 will need their parent or guardian to fill out the paperwork, but anyone older doesn’t need any special permission to fill out the form. Domestic players can qualify for the refund if any of the following descriptions applies to them.
You were charged in-game currency for items you didn’t want between January 2017 and September 2022
Your child made charges to your credit card without your knowledge between January 2017 and November 2018
Your account was locked between January 2017 and September 2022 after you complained to your credit card company about wrongful charges
Outside of this settlement, Epic Games has done quite well for itself in legal conflicts. Last month, Fortnite finally returned to the App Store following a five-year legal battle with Apple. In this week alone, Epic announced a very big judgment against a player who sold illegal Fortnite software. Earlier this month, Fortnite launched a separate lawsuit against a cheat maker and several associates. In other Fortnite news, it appears that Fortnite Blitz Royale will be remaining through the winter, at least. There’s even a Fortnite x Squid Game collaboration launching on June 27.
Compared with a Mediterranean diet, dietary acid load decreased significantly on a low-fat vegan diet and was associated with weight loss, according to a randomized cross-over trial conducted by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and published in Frontiers in Nutrition.
“Eating acid-producing foods like meat, eggs, and dairy can increase the dietary acid load, or the amount of acids consumed, causing inflammation linked to weight gain,” says Hana Kahleova, MD, PhD, director of clinical research at the Physicians Committee and lead author of the study. “But replacing animal products with plant-based foods like leafy greens, berries, and legumes can help promote weight loss and create a healthy gut microbiome.”
This new research included 62 overweight adults who were randomized to a Mediterranean or a low-fat vegan diet for 16 weeks, separated by a four-week cleansing period, followed by an additional 16 weeks on the alternate diet.
Participants’ dietary records were used to calculate dietary acid load, which is commonly estimated by two scores: Potential Renal Acid Load (PRAL) and Net Endogenous Acid Production (NEAP). A higher score indicates a higher dietary acid load.
Animal products including meat, fish, eggs, and cheese cause the body to produce more acid, increasing dietary acid load, which is linked to chronic inflammation that disrupts metabolism and can lead to increased body weight. Plant-based diets, which are more alkaline, are associated with weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and lower blood pressure.
In the new analysis, both PRAL and NEAP scores decreased significantly on the vegan diet, with no significant change on the Mediterranean diet. The reduction in dietary acid load was associated with weight loss, and this association remained significant even after adjustment for changes in energy intake. Body weight was reduced by 13.2 pounds on the vegan diet, compared with no change on the Mediterranean diet.
The authors say that a vegan diet’s alkalizing effect, which increases the body’s pH level to make it less acidic, may also help promote weight loss. Top alkalizing foods include vegetables, particularly leafy greens, broccoli, beets, asparagus, garlic, carrots, and cabbage; fruits, such as berries, apples, cherries, apricots, or cantaloupe; legumes, for example lentils, chickpeas, peas, beans or soy; and grains, such as quinoa or millet.
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in education and research.
Thomson Reuters informs the way forward by bringing together the trusted content and technology that people and organizations need to make the right decisions. We serve professionals across legal, tax, accounting, compliance, government, and media. Our products combine highly specialized software and insights to empower professionals with the data, intelligence, and solutions needed to make informed decisions, and to help institutions in their pursuit of justice, truth, and transparency. Reuters, part of Thomson Reuters, is a world leading provider of trusted journalism and news.
Job Summary
We are looking for a Privacy Analyst to join our growing team of privacy experts, who will be a key component in ensuring our global privacy program is improved and implemented in the Asian region. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring that our data privacy practices meet regulatory requirements and reflect best practices.
You will be a part of the global privacy team, but work with local business to support privacy initiatives, conduct risk assessments, assess local legislation and implement privacy compliance programs. To succeed, we think you have a good balance between being a team player who can support and improve the roadmap and program set by the global team, while still be able to work autonomously to implement and maintain the privacy program locally.
About the Role
In this opportunity as Analyst, Privacy & Cybersecurity Law, you will:
Monitor and inform about the latest developments in privacy laws and technologies.
Help develop and strengthen the global privacy program by providing input and feedback related to local privacy laws.
Implement and maintain global privacy policies and procedures locally.
Collaborate with legal, IT, and business teams to integrate privacy controls into systems and processes.
Monitor and respond to privacy-related inquiries and requests.
Provide training and guidance to employees on data privacy best practices.
Eligibility
You’re a fit for the role of Analyst, Privacy & Cybersecurity Law if your background includes:
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Law, Business, or a related field.
2-5 years of experience in data privacy, data protection, or a related role.
Strong understanding of asian privacy laws and regulations, such as for example PIPL, DPDPA, PDPA and others.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Relevant certifications are a plus.
How to Apply?
Interested candidates can apply online via the link given at the end of the post.
What’s in it For You?
Hybrid Work Model: We’ve adopted a flexible hybrid working environment (2-3 days a week in the office depending on the role) for our office-based roles while delivering a seamless experience that is digitally and physically connected.
Flexibility & Work-Life Balance: Flex My Way is a set of supportive workplace policies designed to help manage personal and professional responsibilities, whether caring for family, giving back to the community, or finding time to refresh and reset. This builds upon our flexible work arrangements, including work from anywhere for up to 8 weeks per year, empowering employees to achieve a better work-life balance.
Career Development and Growth: By fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development, we prepare our talent to tackle tomorrow’s challenges and deliver real-world solutions. Our Grow My Way programming and skills-first approach ensures you have the tools and knowledge to grow, lead, and thrive in an AI-enabled future.
Industry Competitive Benefits: We offer comprehensive benefit plans to include flexible vacation, two company-wide Mental Health Days off, access to the Headspace app, retirement savings, tuition reimbursement, employee incentive programs, and resources for mental, physical, and financial wellbeing.
Culture: Globally recognized, award-winning reputation for inclusion and belonging, flexibility, work-life balance, and more. We live by our values: Obsess over our Customers, Compete to Win, Challenge (Y)our Thinking, Act Fast / Learn Fast, and Stronger Together.
Social Impact: Make an impact in your community with our Social Impact Institute. We offer employees two paid volunteer days off annually and opportunities to get involved with pro-bono consulting projects and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives.
Making a Real-World Impact: We are one of the few companies globally that helps its customers pursue justice, truth, and transparency. Together, with the professionals and institutions we serve, we help uphold the rule of law, turn the wheels of commerce, catch bad actors, report the facts, and provide trusted, unbiased information to people all over the world.
Disclaimer: Charging money from students for internships or from job applicants is unethical and can result in blacklisting. We strongly discourage requesting any kind of payment from interns, including processing fees or charges for certificates. If you have any concerns, please contact us at [email protected]
Hair oiling session is considered as one of the holy grails for haircare (cue, childhood champi session from moms.) But this cherished ritual can easily turn into a recipe for hair nightmares and doctor visits, if not done properly. One of the major culprits is the beloved monsoon season itself. The spike in humidity levels in the atmosphere may invite a new set of challenges for the scalp, making it greasier than usual.
Monsoon is a volatile period, susceptible to infections. This is why knowing how to oil the right way will prevent scalp infections. (Shutterstock)
Dr Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Founder, EdenSkinClinic, shared with HT Lifestyle how monsoon triggers a surge in scalp issues, even from simple hair oiling.
She warned, “Oiling and leaving the oil in for too long, especially overnight, during monsoon, can backfire. The excess humidity in the air can trap moisture and lead to scalp infections or clogged follicles. Similarly, applying oil on a sweaty or unclean scalp creates a breeding ground for fungal and bacterial issues.”
But does that mean you pull yourself away from hair oiling altogether? Not quite. The difference between a nourishing ritual and a full-blown scalp disaster is understanding how to do it right, along with the benefits.
Don’t write off hair oiling just yet, beyond the risks, it also has added benefits that may even amplify during monsoon. Dr Ameesha said, “Hair oiling nourishes the scalp, improves blood circulation, and strengthens the roots. In fact, it becomes even more crucial during monsoon, when the scalp often becomes dry due to frequent shampooing or develops flakiness and dandruff because of fungal growth in the humid weather. A good oil massage can also help reduce stress, a hidden cause of hair fall. Oiling hair in monsoons is something that is recommended. All you need to know is the right way to do it so that it causes more benefits than harm. Use a lightweight oil and do not let it sit in your hair for too long. After oil application, wash your hair properly.”
Here’s the guide Dr Ameesha Mahajan shared with us that covers all the essentials you need to know about hair oiling in monsoon, from the correct way of hair oiling to frequency:
6 tips to oil your hair the right way in monsoons
Hair oiling strengthens your hair quality from the roots.(Shutterstock)
Pick a lightweight, non-sticky oil like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil. Avoid heavy oils like castor during humid months.
Warm the oil slightly before application. It helps the oil penetrate better and improves blood circulation.
Apply oil to a clean, dry scalp. Never oil on a sweaty or dirty scalp.
Massage gently with fingertips in circular motions to avoid breakage.
Leave the oil on for only 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is enough to nourish the scalp without attracting dirt or moisture.
Follow up with a gentle sulphate-free shampoo to rinse thoroughly. Avoid using hot water to wash off the oil.
Frequency of oiling in monsoons
Twice a week is enough during the monsoon.
Over-oiling can lead to limp, greasy hair and increased dandruff. If you suffer from scalp infections, it’s better to consult a dermatologist before oiling.
ALSO READ: Oiling your hair right before hair wash? Dermatologist reveals why it’s the wrong approach
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals has proposed that its pipeline of experimental medicines could, if eventually brought to market, peak at $12 billion in annual sales.
The brain drug developer disclosed this estimate Thursday, during its first major research and development event. The company expects eight programs to be in human testing this year, and to have data from five mid- to late-stage trials between now and the end of 2027. Five of those programs could potentially reach blockbuster status, or $1 billion or more in yearly sales, according to analysts at the investment firm Mizuho Securities.
In a note to clients, Mizuho analyst Uy Ear wrote that among those programs, the “majority of value” comes from a drug code-named ACP-204. Researchers are currently conducting a couple mid-stage clinical trials to evaluate this drug as a possible treatment for the psychosis tied to Alzheimer’s disease and a related condition known as Lewy body dementia. Data from the Alzheimer’s study are slated to come next year.
Acadia said ACP-204 is “designed to build upon” one of the company’s two marketed products, Nuplazid, which has a similar chemical structure and was first approved in the U.S. a decade ago to treat Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Nuplazid accounted for nearly two-thirds of the $958 million in revenue Acadia recorded last year. But a key patent protecting the drug from generic competition is set to expire in 2030.
On Wednesday, Acadia also predicted the combined peak sales of Nuplazid and its other commercial medication, Daybue, will fall in the range of $1.5 billion to $2 billion. Approved in 2023, Daybue is used for patients with Rett syndrome, a rare, genetic disorder that impairs brain function and development.
Marc Goodman, an analyst at Leerink Partners, described that forecast as “very bullish.” Consensus on Wall Street, according to Ear, is that sales for the two products will crest around $1.3 billion.
Ear added that the “wide range” offered by Acadia is likely due to the recent uncertainty surrounding how many patients will stop taking Daybue because of its side effects. The drug’s label includes warnings for diarrhea and weight loss.
Along with ACP-204, Acadia’s pipeline includes ACP-101, a drug for another rare, genetic, neurological disease called Prader-Willi Syndrome. High-level results from a Phase 3 experiment should arrive sometime between October and December. There’s also ACP-211, for major depression; ACP-711, for essential tremor; and ACP-2591, a “next-generation” approach to addressing Rett syndrome. Each of those three programs are in early-stage testing.
Forecasting Acadia’s pipeline potential
Drug
Stage
Indication
Peak sales potential
ACP-101
Ph. 3
Prader-Willi Syndrome
~$1-2B
ACP-204
Ph. 2
Alzheimer’s psychosis, Lewy body dementia psychosis
>$2B
ACP-211
Ph. 2
Major depressive disorder
>$2B
ACP-271
Ph. 1-ready
Huntington’s disease, tardive dyskinesia
~$1-2B
ACP-711
Ph. 2
Essential tremor
>$2B
SOURCE: Table and estimates from research by Mizuho Securities analyst Uy Ear.
Additionally, Acadia has a preclinical therapy, ACP-271, that it plans to test in patients with Huntington’s disease or “tardive dyskinesia,” a condition hallmarked by uncontrolled movements and a side effect that can arise from the long-term use of some brain-stabilizing medications like antipsychotics.
Analysts reacted well to Acadia’s updates. Ear left the R&D presentation “encouraged,” while Goodman wrote how his team is now “incrementally more positive” on the company. Acadia’s stock price has been weighed down over much of the last five years, as the company hit setbacks trying to expand the use of Nuplazid into more lucrative markets.
In his note, Goodman acknowledged that investors “will probably have a ‘show me the data’ attitude regarding these new assets” as well as a “healthy skepticism” around the potential of both ACP-204 and ACP-101. “So it may take some time for pipeline value to creep into” the company’s valuation.
Should Nuplazid and Daybue ultimately achieve Acadia’s new forecast, that would make the company’s stock “attractive” even if the experimental programs don’t pan out, Goodman wrote.
“However, the real upside is that Acadia hits on an asset or two to make the name a sustainable growth story,” he added. “We are certainly willing to be patient to see this story play out.”
Acadia shares traded around $22.60 apiece late Thursday morning, essentially flat from the prior day’s close.
Perth’s median home value ($787,000) has overtaken Melbourne’s ($782,000) for the first time in over a decade, according to the PropTrack May 2025 Home Price Index.
The headline might belong to Perth today, but the next wave of smart property investment gains could well be made in Melbourne.
It’s a classic case of buying counter-cyclically, where the fundamentals are strong, and the upside hasn’t yet been fully priced in.
In a striking shift that highlights how dynamic Australia’s property markets can be, Perth’s median home value has overtaken Melbourne’s for the first time in over a decade.
According to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index (May 2025), Perth’s median now sits at $787,000, nudging past Melbourne’s $782,000 , a reversal of what many considered the natural order of our major capitals.
Of course, overall “home price” indexes do not account for the varying composition of properties across different states.
For example, more than 30% of all dwellings in Melbourne are apartments while the percentage is much lower in Perth.
However, strategic investors will see this as a signal that markets are evolving in ways that create new opportunities.
Let’s see what’s behind this turnaround, why Melbourne has lagged (for now), and why the smart money should be looking carefully at Melbourne right now.
Perth’s rise: the story of an underdog turned darling
Perth’s property market has transformed from a laggard weighed down by the end of the mining boom to one of Australia’s hottest performers.
This didn’t happen by accident, it was the result of cyclical recovery, structural shifts, and strategic investor activity.
1. Affordability as a magnet
After years of price stagnation through the 2010s, Perth started the 2020s at a deep discount.
Note: Just five years ago, Perth’s median house prices were about 40% below Melbourne’s.
When interest rates rose in 2022, eroding borrowing capacity, east coast buyers and investors began to look west, where affordability, strong yields, and lifestyle factors combined into a compelling package.
Eleanor Creagh, senior economist at PropTrack, summed it up perfectly:
“Perth’s relative affordability was the key attractor.
It offered value, lifestyle, and strong rental returns, especially as investors sought markets where their money would stretch further and deliver better yields.”
2. Population surge and supply squeeze
WA’s population growth turbocharged demand.
Interstate migration flipped positive during the pandemic, and overseas arrivals have since surged.
But while demand ballooned, new housing supply lagged badly.
Builders battled high costs, skills shortages, and supply chain issues — meaning the homes simply weren’t getting built fast enough.
“When you have a population boom and not enough homes, prices have only one way to go — up,” Creagh observed.
3. Investor demand and rental dynamics
Add to this the tightest rental market in the country, with vacancy rates hovering near record lows and rents rising at double-digit annual rates in parts of Perth.
The result? Investors flooded in, chasing both capital growth and rental returns. The strong cash flow appeal only added fuel to the fire.
Why Melbourne lagged , and why that’s set to change
Now let’s turn our gaze to Melbourne – a city that, on paper, should be leading the nation, but has found itself on the back foot in recent years.
What held Melbourne back?
Population growth stalled: Melbourne’s population engine sputtered during the pandemic. Net migration went into reverse as lockdowns dragged on.
Tax hikes: The Victorian government’s 2023 budget hit investors hard, with increased land tax and property taxes on investment properties, dampening enthusiasm at a time when higher interest rates were already squeezing margins.
Higher holding costs: The introduction of new minimum rental standards meant landlords faced higher compliance and maintenance costs.
Subdued price growth: Over the past five years, Melbourne’s property prices have risen by less than 20%, compared to around 60% across the other capitals.
Despite this, Melbourne’s underlying strengths are unchanged:
It remains Australia’s second-largest economy and one of the world’s most liveable cities.
It is a magnet for skilled migrants — and migration is now rebounding strongly.
Rental markets are tightening again — vacancy rates have fallen, and rents are climbing.
The bulk of the regulatory and tax headwinds are already priced in — meaning future risks are lower.
As Eleanor Creagh puts it:
“Melbourne has faced cyclical challenges, but the fundamentals are solid.
As population growth accelerates and interest rates fall, the city is well-placed for a rebound.”
Why now could be Melbourne’s moment
If there’s one thing experienced investors know, it’s that markets move in cycles, and the best opportunities are found before the crowd returns.
Right now, Melbourne offers:
Relative value: Prices remain almost 3% below their 2022 peak, giving buyers a rare window to acquire quality assets in a globally significant city at a discount.
More rate cuts: With inflation moderating and growth slowing, most economists, expect interest rates to continue to fall. This will lift borrowing capacity and reignite demand.
Tight rental market + rising rents: Investors can expect better yields and stronger cash flow, particularly in inner and middle-ring suburbs where demand is strongest.
Population growth ramping up: Melbourne is once again the top destination for new migrants — and these new households need somewhere to live.
Limited new supply: Despite recent approvals, actual construction remains sluggish thanks to builder insolvencies, cost blowouts, and delays. This means competition for well-located properties will intensify as demand lifts.
Final thoughts: why Melbourne is the smart play now
While Perth’s outperformance is impressive, and a deserved reward for those who invested early , the reality is that the best gains have already been banked by early movers.
Perth’s growth is now moderating, and affordability is starting to bite.
In contrast, Melbourne is sitting at a low point in its cycle, with fundamentals aligning for a resurgence.
The opportunity lies in:
Securing investment-grade properties at prices that will look cheap in a few years.
Locking in strong rental yields in a market where tenant demand is only going to increase.
Riding the next growth cycle as rates fall and confidence returns.
In my view, this is the time to be strategic and counter-cyclical.
Perth might be the hero of today’s headlines, but Melbourne could well be the hero of tomorrow’s portfolio returns.
About Brett Warren Brett Warren is National Director of Metropole Properties and uses his two decades of property investment experience to advise clients how to grow, protect and pass on their wealth through strategic property advice.
Love felt and expressed the right way, at the right moment, carries immense potential to bring you and your special someone closer and deepen the bond you share. A simple text full of feelings is all it takes to make the woman in life feel treasured and adored. Whether you’re trying to woo the girl who has your heart or want to make your girlfriend or wife feel special, don’t discount the power of touching love messages for her.
Words of affection, whether whispered or written, remind her of your love and strengthen the intimate connection you share. According to one study, affectionate communication significantly enhances relationship satisfaction and commitment. These thoughtful expressions show you’re thinking of her, brighten her day, and build trust and joy between you. In this article, we’ve compiled a wide range of messages—from sweet crush confessions to romantic good night quotes—that capture all the emotions you want to share with the special woman in your life.
200 Heart Touching Love Messages For Her
Sharing meaningful words with your partner can transform an ordinary day into something magical. Whether it’s a quick morning text or a late-night whisper, heartfelt messages convey care and affection. They reassure her of your love and make her feel truly seen and appreciated. Thoughtful messages show commitment and remind her of the beautiful bond you have. Here is a round up of 200 heart touching love messages for her that you can use as inspiration to speak from the heart and kindle romance, spark smiles, and strengthen the emotional connection in your relationship.
Related Reading: 100 Most Powerful Emotional Text Messages For Your SO
Heart touching love messages for crush
Discover the gentle thrill of first love with these subtle and innocent messages. These heart touching love messages for crush capture the sweetness of admiration and quiet longing you feel for your crush:
Whenever I see you, my heart smiles in a way it never does with anyone else.
Your smile is like sunshine that brightens my day from the inside out.
Just knowing you exist makes every ordinary moment feel extraordinary to me.
I can’t help but notice how kind and thoughtful you are, and it makes my heart flutter.
Every time our eyes meet, I feel like I’m home.
There are so many things I admire about you, and getting to know you is a gift to me.
Even a casual hello from you can turn my entire day around.
You have an amazing way of making everything seem a little more magical.
I could spend hours talking with you and it would never feel like enough.
I find myself smiling whenever I think of you.
Your presence is like a comforting breeze on a hot day, gentle and refreshing.
I feel incredibly lucky when I catch a glimpse of you in a crowd.
I love how effortlessly you make others laugh, including me.
Just being around you brings a warm glow to my day.
Your kind heart and sweet nature make it impossible not to like you more each day.
Even in silence, I feel a special connection with you that words can’t describe.
I cherish every moment we spend together, no matter how small.
Thinking of you turns any ordinary day into something special.
I find comfort in the way your voice sounds like music to my ears.
You inspire me to be a better person just by being yourself.
It may sound simple, but your laugh is my favorite sound in the world.
I appreciate how genuine and caring you are; it makes me admire you more.
Every day I discover something new and beautiful about you.
Seeing you is the best part of any day.
I’m quietly falling for the little things you do that make me smile.
Related Reading: 101 Beautiful Compliments For Women To Melt Their Hearts
Heart touching love messages for girlfriend
Intensify the romance and playfulness in your relationship with these flirty, emotional messages. Each of these heart touching love messages for a girlfriend is designed to remind your girlfriend how much she means to you and to keep the spark alive.
I fall in love with you all over again every time I see your smile.
With you, even the simplest moments become extraordinary adventures.
You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen; I could get lost in them forever.
Your love makes my world brighter and my dreams sweeter.
I still get butterflies when you hold my hand.
Every love song on the radio suddenly reminds me of you.
Your laughter is the sweetest sound I’ve ever known.
I feel lucky every single day that I get to call you mine.
Being with you turns ordinary days into unforgettable memories.
I could spend a lifetime loving you and still feel like it’s not enough.
You are the dream I never want to wake up from.
Your beauty is only matched by the beauty of your heart.
I love how your eyes light up when you talk about something you’re passionate about.
You are my favorite hello and my hardest goodbye.
Every moment away from you feels like an eternity.
Knowing you’re in my life makes me feel like the luckiest person alive.
Your smile is my daily dose of happiness.
I thank the stars every night for bringing you into my life.
Every day with you feels like a new chapter in the best love story ever written.
Your voice is the music my heart dances to.
I could get lost in your embrace forever and never want to be found.
You are not just my girlfriend, you are my best friend and confidante.
I love seeing the world with you by my side.
You make me believe in love all over again every time you laugh.
Your presence in my life makes everything feel right.
Related Reading: 65 Funny Texts To Get Her Attention And Make Her Text You
Heart touching love quotes for wife
Celebrate the depth of lifelong love and gratitude with these beautiful heart touching love quotes for wife. Each poetic line honors the special bond you share with your wife, expressing thanks and the enduring passion between you.
“You are my sunshine on the cloudiest of days, and I’m so grateful for your endless love.”
“Every day with you is a blessing, and I’m thankful for every moment we share.”
“To the woman who makes my heart sing, thank you for being my forever.”
“Your love is my greatest treasure, and I’m forever in awe of your grace.”
“In your arms, I’ve found my home, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.”
“I don’t say it enough, but you make my world brighter with your kindness and care.”
“You are the heart of our home, and I cherish every second spent by your side.”
“Thank you for being the beautiful soul that you are, both inside and out.”
“With you, I’ve found a love I never knew existed, and I am forever thankful.”
“You have a heart of gold, and I am the luckiest person to call you my wife.”
“Every moment with you is a gift, and I cherish you more with each passing day.”
“You fill my heart with so much love, and I am endlessly thankful for you.”
“You are the love of my life, and I appreciate you more than words can express.”
“Grow old along with me; the best is yet to come.” — Robert Browning
“You are the poem I never knew how to write, and this life is the story I always wanted to tell.” — Tyler Knott Gregson
“I love you not only for who you are, but for who I am when I am with you.” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“You have bewitched me, body and soul.” — Jane Austen
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.” — Maya Angelou
“I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow.” — Leo Christopher
“To the world you may be one person, but to me, you are the world.” — Dr. Seuss
“You are my today and all of my tomorrows.” — Leo Christopher
“Thank you for being my rock, my partner, and the love of my life.”
“No words can truly express how much you mean to me, but I hope you always feel my appreciation.”
“Thank you for always knowing how to make me smile, even on the toughest days.”
“I’m constantly in awe of your strength, your beauty, and the love you give me.”
Related Reading: Looking For Words To Make Her Trust You? 300 Ideas
Heart touching messages to make her fall in love
Courting with sincerity and emotion can sweep her off her feet. These romantic, heart touching messages to make her fall in love aid in the journey. They are crafted to show depth of feelings and charm, convincing her of your love and making her heart flutter.
You inspire me to be a better person every day.
I promise to always cherish and protect your heart.
Every moment I spend with you only deepens my admiration and affection.
I find myself dreaming of a future built together, filled with love and laughter.
Your happiness means everything to me, and I want to spend my life making you smile.
I’ve never felt this way about anyone before, and I hope we can build something beautiful together.
Your kindness and warmth have captured my heart completely.
Being with you feels like a beautiful dream I never want to wake up from.
You make my days brighter and my life infinitely better just by being in it.
I want to hold your hand through all of life’s ups and downs.
Every time I look at you, I see a future filled with love and joy.
I promise to listen to you, support you, and always be there for you.
You have a special way of touching my heart like no one else can.
I cherish every conversation and moment we share; each one makes me fall deeper for you.
Your voice is the soundtrack of my happiest memories and dreams.
I admire your courage and passion; I feel drawn to you in ways I can’t fully express.
I want to be the reason behind your smile on the toughest days.
Your eyes reflect a kindness and wisdom that captivates my soul.
I feel like I’ve known you forever, even though I just met you.
I appreciate how understanding and supportive you are of my dreams.
Every time we part, I find myself eagerly anticipating our next meeting.
You have given me hope that true love might be possible.
My heart races every time I’m near you; it feels like magic.
I love listening to you talk about your passions; it makes me admire you even more.
I want to create a lifetime of beautiful memories with you.
Related Reading: 100 Heartfelt Thinking Of You Messages To Brighten Someone’s Day
Touching love messages for her to make her cry
…but in a good way. The idea here is to stir up emotions that run so deep they bring tears to the eyes. These profoundly touching love messages for her to make her cry reveal your vulnerability and the full extent of your devotion. Go ahead, make her heart melt and her eyes moist with genuine, tear-jerking honesty.
Thinking of losing you brings tears to my eyes because my life would be empty without you.
Your love has touched the deepest corners of my soul, and I am forever changed by it.
Every heartbeat in my body screams your name; I never want to imagine a life without you.
You are my reason to smile through the pain, my strength through the hardest times.
Loving you has been both the sweetest joy and the most beautiful sorrow, because in loving so deeply, I know how precious you are.
My eyes fill with tears when I think of how blessed I am to have you in my life.
You have seen the worst of me, and yet you love me – that breaks me with gratitude and emotion.
In the quiet of the night, my love for you feels so overwhelming I sometimes cry from joy.
I would walk through fire just to see you smile, and that thought moves me to tears.
Sometimes I cry just hearing your name, because it reminds me how deeply I need you.
Your pain is my pain, your joy is my joy; I can’t imagine life without experiencing every emotion with you.
You have given me your heart completely, and I will treasure and protect it even through my tears.
Every time I see you hurt, my soul aches as if it’s me who’s hurting, and that love brings me to tears.
The weight of missing you is unbearable; it makes me cry silently into my pillow at night.
I never knew love could be this intense until I met you; it brings me both to my knees and to tears.
You are my safe haven, and sometimes I cry just being thankful for your presence in my life.
When I say I need you, it’s because my heart literally aches to have you near.
Your slightest touch brings me to tears because of the intense love it awakens in me.
I’ve never been more vulnerable than when I love you; it makes me cry with both fear and gratitude.
I will love you even after the world is gone; saying that brings a tear of devotion to my eye.
Each goodbye to you is a small heartbreak that brings tears to my eyes, because I already count the moments until we meet again.
Seeing you cry breaks me, and loving you this much sometimes overwhelms me with emotion.
If loving you is wrong, I don’t want to be right; that love is so powerful it moves me to tears.
You are my light in darkness, and just thinking of your love floods me with an emotion so intense I cry.
My tears of joy, my tears of sorrow – they all exist because of you and the love we share.
Related Reading: 69 Romantic Miss U Messages For Your SO
Heart touching love and trust messages for her
Trust and loyalty are the foundation of lasting love. A sincere and affectionate heart touching love and trust message for her can reinforce your unwavering support and commitment far more effectively than you can imagine. Here are some ideas on how you can use a simple text to make her feel secure and loved.
You can always count on me; I will stand by you through anything.
Your trust means the world to me, and I promise I will honor it with all my heart.
In you, I have found not only love but also my truest friend and confidante.
I am grateful every day for your unwavering faith in me.
You have my heart and my unending commitment; I will never let you down.
With every passing day, my love for you grows, and with it, the trust I place in you.
I feel completely safe and at peace knowing I have you by my side.
No matter what life throws at us, I promise to stay loyal to you and our love.
Your support and understanding have built a bond of trust that I cherish deeply.
I trust you completely with my heart and my future.
You have proven time and again that I can count on you, and I will always do the same for you.
My love for you is constant, and my commitment is unwavering.
I’m here for you, always and in all ways; your happiness and safety are my priority.
You are my safe place; your love gives me the strength to face anything.
I promise to always communicate with honesty and listen with an open heart.
Together we have built a foundation of trust stronger than any storm.
I respect and admire your honesty, and I promise to always be honest with you.
You are my partner in every sense; I trust you with every dream I have.
Every promise I make, I keep, especially the promise to love and cherish you forever.
I trust you implicitly, and I know you trust me, and that is our greatest strength.
I will always protect your heart just as you protect mine.
Your trust in me is a precious gift; I will guard it with everything I have.
I love you completely, without reservation or doubt.
No distance or obstacle can weaken the trust and love I have for you.
You are my forever, and I trust that we will always be together no matter what.
Related Reading: 121 Words Of Affirmation For Her That Will Steal Her Heart
Heart touching good morning love quotes
Begin her day with love and warmth. These love-filled heart touching good morning love quotes are meant to brighten her morning and remind her she is cherished.
Good morning, beautiful. You are the first thing on my mind every day.
Waking up next to you, even in my dreams, is my favorite part of the day.
As the sun rises, I’m reminded of how you brighten my life.
Every morning is perfect because I wake up knowing I have you in my life.
I hope your morning is as bright and gorgeous as your smile.
Rise and shine, my love. A new day awaits us to make wonderful memories.
With each sunrise, my love for you grows stronger and deeper.
May your coffee be hot and your morning full of joy, just like you make my life.
Morning without you is like a day without sunshine.
Good morning, my heart. Thinking of you starts my day off right.
Every morning reminds me how lucky I am to have you by my side.
The day feels incomplete until I say good morning to you.
Your smile is the only sunrise I need in my life.
Each morning I wake up grateful, because I have you.
Good morning to the queen of my heart.
Sunrise and your love: two beautiful things I get to witness every day.
May your day be as radiant as the love you bring into my life.
Every morning with you feels like a sweet dream I never want to end.
Good morning, love. The world is beautiful because you’re in it.
Every dawn with you is a promise of a love that never ends.
The morning breeze has nothing on the warmth I feel in my heart for you.
With you, even Mondays feel like a lovely morning.
I wish every sunrise would make me think of your face.
The sweetest part of waking up is knowing I have someone like you to share my life with.
Good morning, my love. Let’s make today unforgettable.
Related Reading: 199 Sweet, Romantic Love Notes For Her
Heart touching good night love quotes
Wrap up her day with tender affection. These soothing heart touching good night love quotes share your love and comfort, leaving her with sweet dreams of you.
“The moon lights up the sky, but you light up my world.”
“Every night, I thank God for the blessing that is you. Sleep peacefully, my love.”
“As the moonlight dims and the world goes quiet, I just want to say I love you more than words can say. Good night, sweetheart.”
“Good night, my sweet love. May your dreams be as beautiful as you are.”
“I love you to the moon and back! Rest easy, my darling.”
“Sleep well and know you’re never alone—I’ve always got your back. Sweet dreams!”
“Under the same stars, but I’d rather be by your side tonight.”
“I’m so grateful for another day spent loving you. Good night and sweet dreams.”
“May the angels watch over you as you sleep, my love.”
“My heart is full of love for you, especially as you drift off to sleep. Good night.”
The moon will guard you while I hold you in my dreams tonight.
“Even the stars fade in comparison to your smile. Good night, beautiful.”
“I wish I could be there to hold you tight, instead of just sending you this loving good night.”
“Good night, my angel. I’ll see you in my dreams.”
I miss you more with every sunset, and I love you more with every sunrise.
“You are my favorite person to fall asleep with, even if it’s over the phone.”
Good night, my love. Dream of us and the beautiful life we’ll share together.
Hearing your voice one last time tonight makes my dreams sweeter. Good night.
Each night I fall asleep with you in my thoughts and wake up with you in my heart.
You are the dream I fall asleep to, and the first thought in my morning.
Laying under the night sky, I find solace knowing we’re under the same blanket of stars.
Sleep peacefully, my love, knowing I will love you through every day and every night.
Good night, sweetheart. Every star reminds me of your eyes shining in the darkness.
Your love is the lullaby that helps me sleep soundly each night
Good night, my darling. May your dreams be as sweet and wonderful as the love we share.
Final Thoughts
Each of these touching love messages for her is meant to remind her of your deep affection, making her feel cherished, secure, and seen. Use them as sweet notes, texts, or whispers—whatever feels right—and watch her face light up with love and appreciation.
Top 9 Relationship Quotes To Redefine Your Love
15 Funny Ways To Annoy Your Girlfriend
65 Love Paragraphs For Her | Cute, Romantic And Deep
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It turns out your iPhone can respond to taps on its back. I only recently found out about Back Tap, a hidden gesture that can run shortcuts, open apps, or take screenshots. And it feels like a cheat code for your phone.
What Back Tap Is and Why It’s So Handy
Zarif Ali / MakeUseOf
Back Tap is one of those nifty but hidden iOS features that Apple quietly added to the Accessibility settings menu. It first appeared in iOS 14 and uses your iPhone’s sensors to detect quick taps on the back of the device. You can assign a different action to a Double Tap and a Triple Tap, giving you two shortcuts you can activate without even touching the screen.
What makes Back Tap so useful is that it works almost anywhere. If you’re watching a video, a double-tap can take a screenshot without interrupting playback. If you’re reading, you can triple-tap to scroll down or open Siri. It’s quick, discreet, and feels surprisingly smooth once you start using it.
The best part is that you don’t need the newest iPhone to use it. Back Tap works on the iPhone 8 and newer, as long as you’ve updated to iOS 14 or later. And while it’s designed as an accessibility feature, it’s useful for everyone who wants to get more out of their device.
How to Set Up Back Tap on Your iPhone
Back Tap takes less than a minute to set up. Start by going to Settings, then tap Accessibility. Under Physical and Motor, select Touch, then scroll down and tap Back Tap.
You’ll see two options: Double Tap and Triple Tap. Tap either one to assign it an action. You can choose from options like taking a screenshot, locking the screen, opening Spotlight, scrolling, or launching the camera.
If you’ve created any Shortcuts in Apple’s Shortcuts app, those will also appear in the list. This opens up even more possibilities, like sending pre-written messages, toggling Low Power Mode, launching a playlist, or opening your favorite app.
Once you’ve made your selections, you’re done. Tap the back of your phone near the Apple logo twice or three times in quick succession, and the action you chose will run instantly.
Related
Navigate Your iPhone Faster With These 8 Tricks
These iPhone navigation tricks make everyday tasks feel effortless.
It’s worth noting that Back Tap only works when the screen is on. Additionally, any actions that you can’t do from the Lock Screen only function once your phone is unlocked. For example, if you set Back Tap to launch an app or run a Shortcut, nothing will happen until you’ve unlocked your device.
However, actions like turning off the screen or toggling Reachability will work even with a locked device. This initially threw me off, but once I understood the behavior, it made more sense. You don’t want a shortcut to trigger when your phone’s in your pocket or bag.
One other note: if this feature doesn’t seem to respond, your phone case might be getting in the way. I’ve noticed that slim cases work fine, but thick or rugged ones can make it harder for the phone to register the taps.
You don’t have to go caseless, but if Back Tap feels inconsistent, it’s worth testing with the case off to rule that out. Enabling the Show Banner option in Back Tap’s settings can help with this, as it shows a prompt when either tap registers successfully.
My Favorite Uses for Double Tap and Triple Tap
After some experimenting, I’ve found a few combinations that make my phone more responsive and personal.
Right now, I have Double Tap set to Take Screenshot. I use screenshots constantly for Instagram ads, bits of articles, app bugs, etc.—and this is much faster than pressing two buttons. It works even if something else is on the screen, which makes it feel seamless.
For Triple Tap, I built a Shortcut that grabs my current location and opens a new note. I use it to track where I’ve been when running errands or exploring. Triple-tap, type a note, and move on; it’s fast and reliable.
You can also use Back Tap to run other custom Shortcuts. I’ve tried ones that open my to-do list, paste my clipboard into the Notes app, or even control music playback. If you’ve set up any automations in the Shortcuts app, this is one of the easiest ways to trigger them without digging through menus.
There are also plenty of built-in options. Speak Screen is great if you want something read aloud, and accessibility features like Magnifier or VoiceOver are just as easy to assign.
Another gesture I use is the Accessibility Shortcut, which works a little differently. Instead of tapping the back of the phone, you press the side button three times. Scroll down to the bottom of the Accessibility menu and tap Accessibility Shortcut to access the options. Check as many as you want, using the handles to reorder them as you please. They’ll all appear in a menu when you triple-press the side button.
I’ve set mine to turn on Color Filters (setting the screen to grayscale) when I want to cut down on visual clutter or stay focused. That setting is usually buried in the Settings menu, but with this shortcut, it’s just a quick button press.
Related
9 Ways You’re Unknowingly Ruining Your iPhone Experience
The small things make a big difference.
Back Tap isn’t the kind of feature Apple shouts about, but once you start using it, it feels surprisingly natural. It’s one of those features that blends into your habits and quietly makes your phone easier to use.
If you’ve never tried it before, set it up and give it a try. You’ll probably wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Located in the eastern and northeastern New Territories, the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark is a large-scale forest park that features rare geological formations, stunning island landscapes, rich biodiversity, and profound cultural heritage. In September 2011, UNESCO added it to its seventh batch of Global Geoparks, making it China’s 26th.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/fa967dace9ea424c82c9ac71b1f173ed/fa967dace9ea424c82c9ac71b1f173ed.jpeg'A view of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in the eastern and northeastern New Territories in Hong Kong /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/fa967dace9ea424c82c9ac71b1f173ed/fa967dace9ea424c82c9ac71b1f173ed.jpeg'A view of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in the eastern and northeastern New Territories in Hong Kong /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/fa967dace9ea424c82c9ac71b1f173ed/fa967dace9ea424c82c9ac71b1f173ed.jpeg'A view of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in the eastern and northeastern New Territories in Hong Kong /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/fa967dace9ea424c82c9ac71b1f173ed/fa967dace9ea424c82c9ac71b1f173ed.jpeg'A view of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in the eastern and northeastern New Territories in Hong Kong /CGTN
A natural geological museum and a premier eco-tourism destination, the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark comprises two major zones: the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region and the Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region, featuring a total of eight scenic areas.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/c41ef9c4c3974230bcc914a1b642568b/c41ef9c4c3974230bcc914a1b642568b.jpeg'The hexagonal columns in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region are among the largest in the world in terms of both area and volume. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/c41ef9c4c3974230bcc914a1b642568b/c41ef9c4c3974230bcc914a1b642568b.jpeg'The hexagonal columns in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region are among the largest in the world in terms of both area and volume. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/c41ef9c4c3974230bcc914a1b642568b/c41ef9c4c3974230bcc914a1b642568b.jpeg'The hexagonal columns in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region are among the largest in the world in terms of both area and volume. /CGTN
The Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region is famed for its hexagonal rock columns and coastal erosion landforms. These hexagonal columns are among the largest in the world in terms of both area and volume, with individual columns averaging 1.2 meters in diameter.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e.jpeg'Po Pin Chau in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region attracts many filmmakers to use it as a location. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e.jpeg'Po Pin Chau in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region attracts many filmmakers to use it as a location. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e.jpeg'Po Pin Chau in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region attracts many filmmakers to use it as a location. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e.jpeg'Po Pin Chau in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region attracts many filmmakers to use it as a location. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-26/Hong-Kong-UNESCO-Global-Geopark-draws-filmmakers-with-unique-geology-1Ewkou4JQCA/img/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e/67be7c8f360044398d498621186f311e.jpeg'Po Pin Chau in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region attracts many filmmakers to use it as a location. /CGTN
One of the region’s most iconic landmarks is Po Pin Chau, situated near the east dam of High Island Reservoir – Hong Kong’s largest reservoir in terms of water storage capacity. This striking geological wonder dates back over 100 million years to the Jurassic period. Its dramatic scenery and unique rock formations have made it a popular filming location for both local and international productions. Notably, shots of Po Pin Chau appeared repeatedly in the 2009 Hong Kong crime movie “Murderer,” starring Aaron Kwok.
For Chinaka Hodge, it’s important that Riri Williams is unapologetic.
Comparing the young engineering prodigy to the billionaire tech CEO and Avengers founding member Tony Stark, the head writer and executive producer of Marvel’s “Ironheart” says she wanted her show’s lead character to share some of that brash confidence to speak her mind yet still feel grounded.
“I wanted her to be unapologetic about her intellect,” says Hodge during a recent Zoom call. “I wanted her to be unapologetic about the people she hung out with — that they would look and feel like the America we inhabit.
“It was really important to me to make a character that didn’t just feel like a superhero in a skirt [but someone with] real dimension, real depth and real challenges and concerns,” she added.
Out now on Disney+, “Ironheart” follows Riri (portrayed by Dominique Thorne), a 19-year old MIT student introduced in the 2022 film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” as she finds herself back in her hometown of Chicago.
After getting whisked away to Wakanda to help save the day, Riri is more driven than ever to complete her own version of a high-tech Iron Man-like suit to cement her legacy. But unlike Tony or the Wakandans, Riri doesn’t have unlimited resources to do so, which leads her to make some questionable decisions.
Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne) in “Ironheart.”
(Jalen Marlowe / Marvel)
“She’s incredibly reverent of Tony Stark [being] ahead of her, but her path is not the same as his,” says Hodge, who can relate to Riri having “no blueprint” for her journey. “How to empower your idea without resource, without changing your morals, is a really difficult road, and that’s basically where we put Riri for the life of the series.”
Compared to most of her Marvel Cinematic Universe counterparts, Riri is a fairly new character. Created by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Deodato, the 15-year-old tech whiz made her comic book debut in a 2016 issue of “Invincible Iron Man.” Besides Tony Stark, Riri has crossed paths with characters such as Pepper Potts (Rescue), Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) and Miles Morales (Spider-Man).
A self-described “Marvel head,” Hodge explains that Riri initially hit her radar because of her friendship with fellow poet and scholar Eve Ewing, who was the writer on the first “Ironheart” comic book series.
“My first encounter with Riri was watching Eve literally leave a poetry [event] and say, ‘I have to go to my house … I’m working on some cool things,’” Hodge says. “In a true fan kind of way, I’m interested in characters that look like me, and low-key, Riri really looks like me, [so] I very much leaned in.”
“Ironheart” head writer Chinaka Hodge says Riri Williams is in for a difficult road.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
As she became more familiar with the character, what also struck Hodge, as someone on the autism spectrum, is how Riri can be read as neurodiverse. “One of the most important things about Riri [is] how she feels like me and my mom and other women who lean into their brains,” she says.
Fans of Ironheart from the comics will recognize that elements of Riri’s characterization and backstory draw upon what has been established in the books, but Hodge notes that they were not beholden to those storylines in terms of whom the teen could encounter on the show, regardless of the timeline or dimension. Hodge’s learning curve, however, did include discovering the different levels and types of magic that exist in the broader Marvel universe, as well as potential storylines getting derailed because it fell under another character’s purview.
Though she is still a teen genius, the Riri in the series is slightly older than in the comics. Hodge also describes this Riri as more of an antihero because she has the potential to land on either side of the hero/villain line based on the choices she makes.
Hodge, along with “Ironheart” directors Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes, sing Thorne’s praises, for her portrayal of Riri and as a collaborator. Hodge calls the Cornell-educated actor “a genius” and says she strove to pull Riri’s dialogue up to the level of Thorne’s intellect, rather than the other way around. Bailey, who directed the first three episodes of the series, says Thorne “brought such a soulfulness to the character.” And Barnes, who directed Episodes 4 through 6, commends her capacity to be present for her fellow actors.
“It was exciting to just create the environment to let her do her thing and feel safe within doing that,” Bailey says.
“Ironheart” marks the first time the MCU has spotlighted Chicago, and for the show’s creative team, it was important to get the city right. Hodge, who grew up in Oakland, admits that while she may not have direct knowledge as an outsider, she can relate to how Riri regards her home and wanted to treat the city with respect.
“Chicago’s my favorite cast member,” Hodge says. “I think Riri feels about Chicago how I feel about Oakland. It’s a hometown, but it’s [also] a legacy we’re carrying. Us being from there means something if we do something right with our lives.”
That type of hometown pride was shared by many in the “Ironheart” cast and crew. Hodge says the aim was to tap as many Chicago artists and musicians — from local bucket drummers to cast members like Shea Couleé — to capture the true texture of the city. Among those with strong personal ties to the city is Bailey, who is from Chicago, and Hodge credits the director with helping to bring their vision to life.
Zoe Terakes, left, Sonia Denis, Shakira Barrera, Dominique Thorne, Shea Couleé, Anthony Ramos and Manny Montana in “Ironheart.”
(Jalen Marlowe / Marvel)
“I feel like Chicago has this beautiful chip on its shoulder,” Bailey says. “We don’t trust a lot of people. We’re very protective of the city and its inhabitants. … There was a bit of rebelliousness I wanted to capture … and the different types of people that populate that city, which I don’t feel like we get to see a lot onscreen.”
As the director of the first half of the series, Bailey’s goal was to set up the backstory and establish the vibrancy of everyone introduced in the early episodes to prepare for the adventure to come.
“It was really important to really make these characters feel like people and feel like people you wanted to be around and feel like people you want to root for,” says Bailey.
Among these characters in Riri’s orbit are those she shares a history with, like her mother, Ronnie (Anji White), her close friend Xavier (Matthew Elam) and even the neighborhood’s youngest businessman, Landon (Harper Anthony). But Riri soon finds herself in the company of a new crew led by Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), who some might compare to Robin Hood or a freedom fighter, at least initially.
Mindful of spoilers, Barnes only teases that the second half of the series involves Riri having to face some of the consequences of choices she made in earlier episodes.
“[Riri] made this decision to maybe hang out with people that aren’t necessarily the most savory of people,” says Barnes. “They also have their own reasons for doing what they’re doing, but … she gets in a little deeper than she imagined.”
A self-proclaimed MCU fan, Barnes emphasizes how the show was intentional in everything from its set pieces to decoration, including how the design for the heads-up display of Riri’s suit was inspired by infographics from the works of W.E.B. Du Bois. But she also recalls the fun they had during production, like flipping a truck and building a White Castle in a parking lot.
Chinaka Hodge wanted to make sure people could see themselves reflected on the show.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
For Hodge, “Ironheart” marks one of her highest-profile projects to date. The poet and playwright turned to screenwriting after realizing she wanted to expand beyond working in first person and enrolled in USC’s graduate film school in 2010. There, she’d meet fellow student filmmakers like “Black Panther’s” Ryan Coogler, who is an executive producer on “Ironheart,” and “Creed II’s” Steven Caple Jr. (“I would just follow Ryan around campus [saying], ‘Hire me,’” she says. He eventually did.)
Among the things Hodge was excited about while working on the series was getting to explore larger themes around access, autonomy and safety through specific situations that consider how a young girl from Chicago’s South Side might be perceived differently than Tony Stark for owning a weapons-grade tech suit because of what they look like. She was also eager to populate the show with people who reflect the diversity of the real world.
Broadly speaking, “you’re gonna see yourself if you turn on the screen on this show,” says Hodge, who is glad the MCU has moved to “feel like a universe that’s inhabited by the people who read publishing and go to the movies.”
“I’m excited for the little, quirky Black girl watching the show who sees herself in it [and] for the queer kid who finds it for their Pride Month activities and wants to watch it,” she says. “I’m really excited for that Black boy who wants to play with a Riri Williams action figure and finds it in the store and gets to fly it around his own house. I’m excited and I’m nervous [and] thrilled, and I feel like that’s exactly how Riri feels when she’s flying over the Chicago skyline.”
New Delhi, June 26: Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric has suffered a sharp 65 per cent drop in sales in the month of June so far (till June 25), compared to the same month previous year, data from government’s VAHAN portal showed on Thursday.
As a result, it has slipped to the third spot in terms of overall market share, the data revealed. Ola Electric’s declining sales are being attributed to a mix of rising costs and unresolved service-related issues, which have affected both demand and customer sentiment. Mahindra Scorpio N Teased, SUV Expected To Launch in India Soon With ADAS and Panoramic Sunroof; Check More Details.
The company’s market share, which was close to 50 per cent at its peak, has now dropped below 20 per cent. Despite expanding its retail network and launching new models, the company’s recent performance has raised concerns. The electric vehicle maker has nearly tripled its number of stores in an attempt to boost growth, but the results are yet to show.
The troubles aren’t limited to falling sales. Earlier in June, a major block deal involving 14.22 crore shares worth Rs 731 crore took place, with reports suggesting Hyundai Motor Company was the seller. The average price for this transaction stood at Rs 51.40 per share. Financially too, Ola Electric has been under pressure.
For the fourth quarter of FY25, the company reported a net loss of Rs 870 crore — more than double the Rs 416 crore loss in the same period previous year (Q4 FY24). Revenue from operations dropped sharply by 62 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 611 crore due to lower vehicle deliveries.
In Q4 FY25, vehicle deliveries stood at 51,375 units, down from 1.15 lakh units in the same quarter previous year. The auto segment’s EBITDA margin worsened to -78.6 per cent from -9.3 per cent a year ago, while the consolidated EBITDA margin fell further to -101.4 per cent, hurt by weak operating leverage and higher provisions. Ola Electric Share Price Falls 72% From All-Time High of INR 157.40 Since August 2024 Listing Amid Weak Earnings, Block Deals.
There was some relief in the form of improved gross margins, which rose to 19.2 per cent. For the full financial year FY25, Ola Electric delivered 3.59 lakh vehicles, slightly higher than 3.29 lakh in FY24. Its adjusted revenue for the year stood at Rs 4,665 crore, with a consolidated EBITDA margin of -34.6 per cent.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2025 04:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The lavish wedding between Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sanchez is scheduled for June 26-28 in Venice, Italy. For months, however, protests against the event have taken place in the city, intensifying in recent days with the “No Space for Bezos” campaign—which refers to his aerospace investments—over the social and environmental impacts of the wedding, which will occupy much of the historic lagoon center that’s already under pressure from high tourist flow.
What We Know About the Event
The three-day celebration promises unprecedented pomp, situated among historic buildings, luxury yachts, and international VIPs. Three major events are already scheduled: the exclusive gala evening on June 26 at the Lido of Venice, the exchange of vows the following day in the Teatro Verde on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, and the grand finale on June 28 that will take place in the 16th-century Scuola Grande della Misericordia.
The guest list for the Bezos-Sanchez weddings includes Microsoft founder Bill Gates, TV host Oprah Winfrey, and actors including Leonardo DiCaprio, Barbra Streisand, Eva Longoria, Orlando Bloom, and Robert Pattinson.
Exclusive private parties are also planned at secret locations in the smaller islands of the lagoon, including Burano, Giudecca, and Sacca Sessola. It is an event that will surely leave its mark on Venice, including in terms of environmental impact and the possible inconvenience it could create for the city’s transit infrastructure.
80 Jets and Over 30 Private Water Taxis
The guests will arrive on 80 private jets and travel aboard more than 30 already reserved water taxis, yachts, and gondolas.
According to some official sources, flights from New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Dubai are planned. Not to mention the luxury yachts coming to Venice, with moorings already planned between the Maritime Station, Punta della Dogana, San Basilio, and Riva degli Schiavoni.
Among these is Bezos’ own vessel, Koru, the 417-foot-long superyacht that cost $500 million, along with its 246-foot support vessel Abeona, equipped with a helicopter deck and dedicated staff, although there is still no confirmation that it will enter the lagoon.
The only yacht already docked as of Tuesday is the M’Brace of legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, who arrived with his wife. Between 30 and 50 water taxis have been reserved full-time for all three days of the event, each of which will cost the bride and groom up to €400 an hour.
For or Against
The grand celebrations have divided public opinion. According to some, the enormous expenses for the organization of Bezos’ wedding could have a positive impact on the territory, going to finance hotels, transportation, catering, and exclusive locations. The Washington Post, owned by Bezos, has declared that about 80 percent of products and services come from local Venetian suppliers.
But at what cost? The other side of the coin includes a collective of activists and residents who started the No Space for Bezos campaign months ago, denouncing the spectacularization of the city at the expense of residents. The protesters are drawing up several plans to block roads and waterways. Among the reasons for the protest is the environmental impact that the mass mobilization of so many vehicles may have on the lagoon city, which has been battling overcrowding caused by tourists.
The City of Venice has given reassurances, however, that the marriage between Bezos and Sanchez will not cause “any disruption for the city, its residents, or tourists.” Over the years, in fact, Venice has successfully handled international events even more impactful than this one, such as the G20 Economy, the G7 Justice, bilateral state meetings, and the Art, Architecture, and Cinema Biennials. The organizers, the municipality then specifies, “have not booked an excessive number of gondolas or water taxis, as read in the newspapers, as the interest is to ensure that the city functions normally, for everyone, without any disturbance to anyone.”
This story originally appeared on WIRED Italy and has been translated from Italian.
Are you planning on unlocking the Monorail in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach? This mode of transport is one of the most integral in your quest to connect regions to the Chiral Network. It allows you to move around numerous goods from one location to the next with ease.
How to unlock the Monorail in Death Stranding 2 – Monorail guide
The Monorail is unlocked after the events of Order 12: Investigate Unusual Tar Currents Near F1. Here’s a quick summary:
Upon reaching Sector F1, you’ll fight a giant Mecha BT.
Defeating this opponent leads to conversations with the settlement’s leader and Fragile.
The next day, Sam will be able to talk to the lead NPC once more. He’ll be presented with a task to restore power to a nearby mine.
How to restore power to the mine
To unlock the Monorail in Death Stranding 2, make sure you’ve loaded up the required resources–i.e. Resins and Special Alloys–onto your vehicle. Also, you should have at least 2,000 Chiral Crystals in your inventory.
In any case, the mine is due north of the F1 facility. You have to cross a couple of rivers to reach it, but you should get there in no time as there are no enemy bases in the area.
Once inside, donate the aforementioned resources via the terminal. Then, once you see the “Mine” option, donate 2,000 Chiral Crystals to receive 4,800 Special Alloys in exchange.
You can collect a bunch of Chiral Crystals outside the mine itself.
How to transport tons of resources and vehicles
Trying to lug around four tons of minerals is a bad idea. Fortunately, the Monorail system should speed things up. Here’s what you need to do:
Select “Load Cargo” and place all the Special Alloys in a container.
Select “Load Vehicle” and place your Tri-Cruiser in another container.
Choose “Get On/Off Monorail” and hit the “Dispatch” button.
You’ll then find yourself clinging to the side of the Monorail as it travels from the mine back to the West Fort Knot facility.
Note: The process remains the same in future transport runs. Load up tons of resources and items, as well as your vehicle, and then ride the Monorail to the target destination.
The Monorail network lets you transfer thousands of kilos of resources from one region to another.
How to further expand the Monorail system
As you progress further into the campaign, you’ll unlock new junctions/lines for the Monorail. In some cases, you might need to tackle missions from a facility. In others, you’d have to donate enough resources to repair a hub/portion of the railway network. Players may also help out by donating their own resources to Monorail links. This process usually requires materials like chiral crystals, resins, and special alloys.
Reconnect regions of this vast wasteland by repairing the Monorail network.
How to use the Monorail’s zip-line
Finally, it’s also possible to traverse the Monorail network via zip-line. To do this, you must have repaired two or more connected junctions. Then, when you interact with a junction’s terminal, you should see a button prompt to use the zip-line.
That said, you won’t be able to bring your vehicle along, but you can have one Floating Carrier with you. If you need to return to the previous location, then you can just turn around and press the button prompt once more. Lastly, note that you can build structures like zip-lines independently, and these can be connected to the Monorail network to create alternate traversal methods.
Cover great distances quickly by ziplining on the Monorail.
That does it for our guide on how to unlock the Monorail in Death Stranding 2. Of course, this is just one way of getting around the map. Perhaps you’re also interested in utilizing the DHV Magellan’s fast travel function.
Humanity yearns to be interconnected once more, and it’s up to you to deliver the goods. If you need more help, then we’ve got you covered in our Death Stranding 2 guides hub.
A new study from the Cellular Ageing and Senescence laboratory at Queen Mary University of London’s Cenfre for Molecular Cell Biology, reveals how caffeine — the world’s most popular neuroactive compound — might do more than just wake you up. The study in the journal Microbial Cell shows how caffeine could play a role in slowing down the ageing process at a cellular level.
Caffeine has long been linked to potential health benefits, including reduced risk of age-related diseases. But how it works inside our cells, and what exactly are its connections with nutrient and stress responsive gene and protein networks has remained a mystery — until now.
In new research published by scientists studying fission yeast — a single-celled organism surprisingly similar to human cells — researchers found that caffeine affects ageing by tapping into an ancient cellular energy system.
A few years ago, the same research team found that caffeine helps cells live longer by acting on a growth regulator called TOR (Target of Rapamycin). TOR is a biological switch that tells cells when to grow, based on how much food and energy is available. This switch has been controlling energy and stress responses in living things for over 500 million years.
But in their latest study, the scientists made a surprising discovery: caffeine doesn’t act on this growth switch directly. Instead, it works by activating another important system called AMPK, a cellular fuel gauge that is evolutionarily conserved in yeast and humans.
“When your cells are low on energy, AMPK kicks in to help them cope,” explains Dr Charalampos (Babis) Rallis, Reader in Genetics, Genomics and Fundamental Cell Biology at Queen Mary University of London, the study’s senior author. “And our results show that caffeine helps flip that switch.”
Interestingly, AMPK is also the target of metformin, a common diabetes drug that’s being studied for its potential to extend human lifespan together with rapamycin.
Using their yeast model, the researchers showed that caffeine’s effect on AMPK influences how cells grow, repair their DNA, and respond to stress — all of which are tied to ageing and disease.
“These findings help explain why caffeine might be beneficial for health and longevity,” said Dr John-Patrick Alao the postdoctoral research scientist leading this study. “And they open up exciting possibilities for future research into how we might trigger these effects more directly — with diet, lifestyle, or new medicines.”
So, the next time you reach for your coffee, you might be doing more than just boosting your focus — you could also be giving your cells a helping hand.
The International Conclave on Legal Framework is a premier academic and professional initiative aimed at exploring critical legal issues shaping democracy, human rights, and global governance. Hosted by D Y Patil School of Law in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, and V Kompus Juris Pvt Ltd. this hybrid event brings together renowned legal experts, scholars, and practitioners for insightful discussions on contemporary legal challenges.
About the Organiser
Established in 1983, D Y Patil Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai, is a pioneer in education, renowned for its world-class infrastructure and research-driven approach. The School of Law fosters legal education through practical learning, critical thinking, and global engagement, making it a fitting host for this international conclave.
Themes
Human Rights and Statelessness: The Rohingya Crisis and international responses.
Democracy and Rule of Law: Lessons from the Trump Administration.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Sovereignty, war crimes, and legal challenges.
India’s Democracy at Crossroads: Judiciary, constitutionalism, and civil liberties.
Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Ethical and legal concerns in governance.
Geopolitical Conflicts and International Law: The role of the UN, ICC, and WTO.
Migration and Climate Refugees: The need for global legal protections.
Themes are merely indicative.
Event Details
Date: 11th July 2025
Venue: D Y Patil School of Law, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, India
Mode: Hybrid (In-Person & Online)
Organizers: D Y Patil School of Law and V Kompus Juris Pvt Ltd
Chief Guest: Hon’ble Smt. Sadhana Sanjay Jadhav, Former Judge, Bombay High Court
Key Themes: Human Rights and Statelessness, Democracy and Rule of Law, Russia-Ukraine Conflict, India’s Democracy, AI and Human Rights, Geopolitical Conflicts, Migration, and Climate Refugees
Call for Papers: Abstract submission deadline – 5th July 2025
Participation Fees: ₹500 for paper presentation, ₹250 for attendees (in-person or online)
How to Submit?
Interested candidates can submit entries/ register via the link given at the end of the post.
Payment
Name of account: V Kompus Juris private limited Bank Name Hdfc No 30, Krishna Kunj, Navyug Society VL, Vaikunthlal Mehta Rd, opposite Sunflower Hospital, JVPD Scheme, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056 IFSC : HDFC0000321 Account number: 50200104665215
Disclaimer: WEF April, 2021, Lawctopus will not publish any ‘Call for Papers/Blogs’ by journals that charge money at the time of submission. If you find any journal doing so, please intimate us at tanuj.kalia[at]lawctopus.com
In the January 2 episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Dr William Li, Harvard-trained physician, scientist, and author, shared that drinking cold water can contribute to weight loss by slightly increasing calorie burn during digestion as the body warms the water to body temperature. Also read | You are what you digest: Know how gut health affects everything, from mood to metabolism
As per the doctor, having ‘cold water can actually help your burn down body fat by increasing your metabolism’. (Freepik)
Is drinking cold water good for you?
When asked to share ‘top 4 metabolism boosting hacks’ for people who want to lose weight, Dr Li said, “It is going to be a lot easier than you think.” He went on to explain: “First, for your beverages, don’t drink anything except coffee, tea, or water. Now, I drink coffee all day long. Don’t put dairy milk in it. You can use nut milk. Dairy contains saturated fats, but more importantly, those saturated fats bind to the good bioactive in coffee and tea. And then you don’t actually absorb them, and they kind of get flushed down your system. And by the way, even water, cold water can actually help your burn down body fat by increasing your metabolism.”
Dr Li added, “You know why? Because cold water, in the core of your stomach, the core temperature, triggers your brown fat. ‘Oh it is cold, I must be hibernating. Let’s go ahead fire up that brown fat’. So, you will start to burn down some extra body fat just by drinking cold water.”
He also listed some other tips, which included:
⦿ Cut down on ultra-processed foods and swap them with plant-based foods.
⦿ Eat until you are satisfied and not full: eat slowly and pay attention to your body’s signals.
⦿ Get in motion. Food alone is good, but food plus exercise is really good.
What else do you need to know?
Some people believe that drinking cold water is a bad habit that can harm your long-term health. However, according to a March 2023 report on Healthline.com, there’s no evidence that drinking cold water is bad for your health. But the report added that there are some health conditions that drinking cold water can aggravate as drinking cold water was linked with triggering migraine in people who already experience migraine, per a 2001 study published in PubMed.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s newly hand-picked panel of federal vaccine advisers met for the first time Wednesday since the Health and Human Services secretary abruptly fired their predecessors earlier this month.
While the advisers didn’t vote on any new recommendations, they probed aggressively into the evidence underpinning use of vaccines for COVID-19 and signaled plans to look at other established shots, like those for hepatitis B and measles.
“Secretary Kennedy has given this committee a clear mandate to use evidence-based medicine when making vaccine recommendations, and that is what we will do,” said Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist who now chairs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
“Vaccines are not all good or bad. If you think that all vaccines are safe and effective and want them all, or if you think that all vaccines are dangerous and don’t want any of them, then you don’t have much use for us,”Kulldorff added in his opening comments at Wednesday’s meetings.
Kulldorff also served as an expert witness in litigation against Merck & Co. over its HPV vaccine Gardasil, Reuters reported. He has said he was fired from Harvard University for objecting to COVID vaccine mandates.
ACIP is an important advisory body to the CDC, tasked with writing guidelines on use of approved vaccines for infectious diseases. Its recommendations dictate which shots insurers are required to cover.
Panelists are typically public health experts, often epidemiologists or infectious disease physicians. In mid-June, Kennedy sacked all 17 members of the panel and installed eight replacements. One, Michael Ross, withdrew before Wednesday’s meeting began, The New York Times reported.
Kennedy’s recasting of the panel has been widely criticized by medical associations. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana who helped confirm Kennedy to his post, called earlier this week for the meeting to be delayed.
The advisers were scheduled to vote Wednesday on recommendations for RSV immunization in children, but weren’t able to get through their agenda in time. They’ll vote Thursday, when they plan to reconvene to discuss shots for influenza and chikungunya, as well as the mercury-based preservative thimerosal which has been a frequent target of vaccine skeptics.
Much of Wednesday’s discussion centered on messenger RNA shots for COVID-19. Several of the panel’s new members raised concerns about the lack of placebo-controlled data supporting continued use of updated vaccines. Retsef Levi, professor of operations management at the MIT Sloan School of Management, noted the potential for adverse events to be underreported in a federal monitoring program called Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, or VAERS.
The meeting fell notably behind schedule due to continuous questioning by the panelists of COVID data presented by CDC staff. Data presentations on Merck & Co.’s recently approved RSV antibody Enflonsia were rushed to accommodate voting proposals and public comments.
While discussion was limited, panelists did raise several issues around RSV immunization. Levi said he wanted more data on infant’s health status, hospital case and cause of disease to better judge the efficacy of RSV immunization. He also called for extra monitoring to see how efficacy might change over time.
Other members questioned whether co-circulating COVID might have impacted RSV rates, or if the antibodies could be susceptible to changes in the virus’ genetic makeup. Robert Malone, another panelist who’s questioned mRNA vaccines, wondered whether RSV immunization would interfere with other shots newborns receive.
However, Cody Meissner, a professor of pediatrics at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and panelist, praised the RSV antibody Beyfortus and maternal vaccine Abrysvo.
“People should understand this is a truly spectacular accomplishment and will have enormous impact on public health,” he said.
On Thursday, advisers will vote on recommending Enflonsia for use in infants younger than 8 months who are born during or entering their first RSV season and aren’t protected by maternal vaccination. The language is similar to that for Beyfortus, another antibody drug that’s been marketed the past few years as an RSV preventative therapy.
Another vote will cover an updated resolution on RSV prevention for the Vaccines for Children program.
If you’re a property investor, I have an important question for you…
When was the last time you thought seriously about your property manager?
If you think their main job is collecting the rent and organising tradies when something breaks, I’ve got news for you—things have changed dramatically.
In fact, the world of residential property management has been turned on its head in the last five years.
New legislation, shifting tenant expectations, work-from-home dynamics, and rapid tech adoption mean that managing your investment property is no longer a simple job you can entrust to just anyone—or worse, do yourself.
And if you get this wrong, the consequences can be expensive… and stressful.
In today’s show I’m joined by Leanne Jopson, National Director of Property Management at Metropole.
Leanne’s been at the coalface of this transformation, and today she’ll reveal how the role of property managers has shifted, what changes are still coming down the pipeline, and what smart investors need to be thinking about to future-proof their portfolios.
And while this might sound like an episode just for landlords, I promise you—it’s more than that.
Whether you own one property or a dozen, what we discuss today could save you thousands and help you sleep a lot better at night.
Takeaways
The role of property managers has evolved significantly in recent years.
Legislative changes have increased compliance requirements for landlords.
Tenants are now more informed and have higher expectations.
Technology is reshaping property management practices.
Outdoor space has become a priority for tenants post-COVID.
Landlords are increasingly focused on meeting minimum housing standards.
Property management is now viewed as strategic asset management.
Future-proofing investments is essential for landlords.
Building relationships with tenants is crucial for retention.
Understanding market trends is vital for successful property management.
As Metropole specialises in property management, our vacancy rate is considerably below the market average, our tenants stay an average of 2 years and our properties lease 10 days faster than the market average. Click here to see how we can help you.
Also, please subscribe to my other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.
WhatsApp just got a shiny new trick: Meta AI will now peek at your unread messages and spit out a quick summary. Meta is pitching it as an optional feature that lives in the cloud but somehow stays private thanks to “Private Processing.”
Sounds neat, but it also means Meta AI is technically reading your chats—encrypted or not.
AI Summaries Land on WhatsApp
The feature’s already live for some US users. Open a chat with unread messages, and you’ll see the usual counter flash, this time with an AI badge that reads Summarize Privately. Tap it, and the badge expands into a bullet-point recap of the unread messages.
Message Summaries uses Meta’s Private Processing framework, which executes AI computations inside a hardware-backed Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) on Meta’s cloud servers. Within that enclave, your unread messages are decrypted, summarized by Meta AI, then immediately discarded—allegedly never seen by anyone at Meta or stored in any database.
End-to-end encryption still protects your messages in transit. However, enabling Private Processing briefly lifts that encryption inside the secure enclave so the AI can read your chats. Outside of that enclave, everything remains encrypted. Or so Meta says.
Encrypted, but Exposed?
Cloud-based AI processing always raises eyebrows. Assuming that Meta itself doesn’t collect the data. Even a watertight enclave can be hacked or legally compelled.
While Meta touts that it never stores your summaries, WhatsApp’s backup history tells us that privacy isn’t their first priority: until September 2021, chat backups went unencrypted to iCloud and Google Drive, meaning anyone with access to those clouds, or served a subpoena, could read your entire chat archive.
Related
You Need to Change This Setting Immediately If You Use Meta AI
Meta AI is sharing your prompt history, and you might not even realize it’s happening.
This isn’t the first time Meta’s AI tripped over privacy. Not long ago, the WhatsApp AI helper confidently handed a private user’s number to a total stranger asking for train info. When confronted, the AI balked, lied about “fictional” digits, and deflected responsibility.
Even if the AI never hoards your actual messages, it quietly hoovers up metadata; it tracks which chats you ask it to summarize, how often you lean on it, and in what context you call for a roundup.
That usage pattern is gold for behavioral profiling, sketching out everything from which family drama you’re most invested in to which work conversations you’re ghosting.
The Illusion of Optional
Meta insists these AI summaries are opt-in, but you and I both know how feature rollouts really work. One day you notice a little AI badge in your chats, the next it’s blinking insistently every time you open the app. Granular controls live three menus deep, so most people will just click “Accept” and wonder why their app feels different. Optional in name only, really.
Similarly, it would be naive to think this stops at summaries: once the plumbing is in place, Meta can slide in smart replies, live translation, or cross-chat analysis under the guise of “helping.” It’ll slowly stretch the original feature into a full-blown AI surveillance toolkit.
And privacy aside—what are we even doing as humans? You’re going to read an AI summary of your private chat, use AI to write a reply, then your friend’s AI summarizes your AI’s message and writes a new one, so you can read that summary? At some point, it’s just bots talking to bots while we skim the summaries.
Related
WhatsApp’s Meta AI Button Is Handy, but There Are 5 Reasons I Won’t Use It
The AI button nobody asked for but everyone got. Thanks, Meta.
Before you hit that toggle, ask yourself whether convenience is worth giving Meta AI more chances to peek at your chats. Trusting your privacy to a company with a spotty record isn’t a no-brainer—no matter how sweet those shortcuts look.
A must-see landmark in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Tsim Sha Tsui clock tower offers visitors from around the world a glimpse into the city’s history. Located at the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, it sits adjacent to Victoria Harbour, the Avenue of Stars, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-25/Century-old-clock-tower-A-witness-to-Hong-Kong-s-history-1Eut99LvtSw/img/1ee636ee04404d29aee9d2e488e10fe8/1ee636ee04404d29aee9d2e488e10fe8.jpeg' alt='The clock tower in Tsim Sha Tsui sits adjacent to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. /CGTN'
Built in 1915 as part of the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Kowloon Terminus, the clock tower has come to symbolize the steam-train era. When the Kowloon Railway Station was relocated in 1975, the clock tower was the only building in Tsim Sha Tsui to be preserved. Listed as a statutory monument in 1990, it remains a popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-25/Century-old-clock-tower-A-witness-to-Hong-Kong-s-history-1Eut99LvtSw/img/c21f1940d6bd44cb9bb83b172ceedc2e/c21f1940d6bd44cb9bb83b172ceedc2e.jpeg' alt='The 44-meter-high clock tower is made of red brick and features marble accents on its corners, and is topped by a 7-meter-high lightning rod. /CGTN'
Rising 44 meters high, the clock tower is primarily constructed of red brick, with marble inlays on its four corners. There is a 7-meter-high lightning rod on its roof and clock faces on all four sides. Every hour, the Victoria Harbour bell rings melodiously, adding a sense of solemnity and tranquility to the surroundings.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-25/Century-old-clock-tower-A-witness-to-Hong-Kong-s-history-1Eut99LvtSw/img/36fb0852fab24111ab03edd311aa1aff/36fb0852fab24111ab03edd311aa1aff.jpeg'Each facade of the tower features a clock face. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-25/Century-old-clock-tower-A-witness-to-Hong-Kong-s-history-1Eut99LvtSw/img/36fb0852fab24111ab03edd311aa1aff/36fb0852fab24111ab03edd311aa1aff.jpeg'Each facade of the tower features a clock face. /CGTN
Beyond its historical significance, the clock tower has also played a starring role in many Hong Kong movies as an iconic filming location. It famously appeared in Stephen Chow’s popular comedies “When Fortune Smiles (1990)” and “Curry and Pepper (1990),” cementing its place in local pop culture.
Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, the 26th official entry in the historic franchise. Villeneuve will also serve as executive producer, alongside Tanya Lapointe.
Amy Pascal and David Heyman are producing the project, as had been previously announced. The pair came onto the film after the series’ longtime producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, made a deal to give up creative control to Amazon MGM Studios earlier this year.
In a statement, Villeneuve, a four-time Academy Award nominee, said, “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since ‘Dr. No’ with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honor the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honor. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen.”
Also in a statement, Pascal and Heyman commented, “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.”
Villeneuve’s last film, “Dune: Part Two,” earned more than $700 million worldwide. He is preparing to begin shooting the third “Dune” movie this summer with a scheduled release date of Dec. 16, 2026.
Daniel Craig and Ana de Armas in “No Time to Die,” which marked Craig’s final film in the James Bond franchise.
(Nicola Dove / MGM)
The prior film in the Bond franchise, 2021’s “No Time to Die,” finished off Daniel Craig’s five-film run in the role, which began with 2006’s “Casino Royale.” After American-born “No Time to Die” director Cary Joji Fukunaga, the French-Canadian Villeneuve will be only the second non-British director in the history of the Bond franchise.
A screenwriter hasn’t yet been named and no announcement has been made as to who will take over playing the famed British secret agent.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement, “We are honored that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From ‘Blade Runner 2049’ to ‘Arrival’ to the ‘Dune’ films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and — most importantly — the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theaters. James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”
Meta scored a major victory in a copyright lawsuit on Wednesday when a federal judge ruled that the company did not violate the law when it trained its AI tools on 13 authors’ books without permission.
“The Court has no choice but to grant summary judgment to Meta on the plaintiffs’ claim that the company violated copyright law by training its models with their books,” wrote US District Court Judge Vince Chhabria in a summary judgment. He concluded that the plaintiffs did not present sufficient evidence that Meta’s use of their books was harmful.
In 2023, a high-profile group of authors, including the comedian Sarah Silverman, sued Meta, alleging that the tech behemoth had infringed on their copyright by training its large language models on their work. Kadrey v. Meta was one of the first cases of its kind; now there are dozens of similar AI copyright lawsuits winding through US courts.
Chhabria had previously stressed that he planned to look carefully at whether the plaintiffs had enough evidence to show that Meta’s use of their work would hurt them financially. “The key question in virtually any case where a defendant has copied someone’s original work without permission is whether allowing people to engage in that sort of conduct would substantially diminish the market for the original,” he wrote in the judgment on Wednesday.
This is the second major ruling in the AI copyright world this week; on Monday, Judge William Alsup ruled that Anthropic’s use of copyrighted materials to train its own AI tools was legal. Chhabria referenced Alsup’s summary judgment in his decision.
Chhabria took pains to stress that his ruling was based on the specific set of facts in this case—leaving the door open for other authors to sue Meta for copyright infringement in the future. “In the grand scheme of things, the consequences of this ruling are limited. This is not a class action, so the ruling only affects the rights of these 13 authors—not the countless others whose works Meta used to train its models,” he wrote. “And, as should now be clear, this ruling does not stand for the proposition that Meta’s use of copyrighted materials to train its language models is lawful.”
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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California lawmakers are poised to delay the state’s much-ballyhooed new law mandating in vitro fertilization insurance coverage for millions, set to take effect July 1. Gov. Gavin Newsom has asked lawmakers to push the implementation date to January 2026, leaving patients, insurers, and employers in limbo.
The law, SB 729, requires state-regulated health plans offered by large employers to cover infertility diagnosis and treatment, including IVF. Nine million people will qualify for coverage under the law. Advocates have praised the law as “a major win for Californians,” especially in making same-sex couples and aspiring single parents eligible, though cost concerns limited the mandate’s breadth.
People who had been planning fertility care based on the original timeline are now “left in a holding pattern facing more uncertainty, financial strain, and emotional distress,” Alise Powell, a director at Resolve: The National Infertility Association, said in a statement.
During IVF, a patient’s eggs are retrieved, combined with sperm in a lab, and then transferred to a person’s uterus. A single cycle can total around $25,000, out of reach for many. The California law requires insurers to cover up to three egg retrievals and an unlimited number of embryo transfers.
Not everyone’s coverage would be affected by the delay. Even if the law took effect July 1, it wouldn’t require IVF coverage to start until the month an employer’s contract renews with its insurer. Rachel Arrezola, a spokesperson for the California Department of Managed Health Care, said most of the employers subject to the law renew their contracts in January, so their employees would not be affected by a delay.
She declined to provide data on the percentage of eligible contracts that renew in July or later, which would mean those enrollees wouldn’t get IVF coverage until at least a full year from now, in July 2026 or later.
The proposed new implementation date comes amid heightened national attention on fertility coverage. California is now one of 15 states with an IVF mandate, and in February, President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking policy recommendations to expand IVF access.
It’s the second time Newsom has asked lawmakers to delay the law. When the Democratic governor signed the bill in September, he asked the legislature to consider delaying implementation by six months. The reason, Newsom said then, was to allow time to reconcile differences between the bill and a broader effort by state regulators to include IVF and other fertility services as an essential health benefit, which would require the marketplace and other individual and small-group plans to provide the coverage.
Newsom spokesperson Elana Ross said the state needs more time to provide guidance to insurers on specific services not addressed in the law to ensure adequate and uniform coverage. Arrezola said embryo storage and donor eggs and sperm were examples of services requiring more guidance.
State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, a Democrat who authored the original IVF mandate, acknowledged a delay could frustrate people yearning to expand their families, but requested patience “a little longer so we can roll this out right.”
Sean Tipton, a lobbyist for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, contended that the few remaining questions on the mandate did not warrant a long delay.
Lawmakers appear poised to advance the delay to a vote by both houses of the legislature, likely before the end of June. If a delay is approved and signed by the governor, the law would immediately be paused. If this does not happen before July 1, Arrezola said, the Department of Managed Health Care would enforce the mandate as it exists. All plans were required to submit compliance filings to the agency by March. Arrezola was unable to explain what would happen to IVF patients whose coverage had already begun if the delay passes after July 1.
The California Association of Health Plans, which opposed the mandate, declined to comment on where implementation efforts stand, although the group agrees that insurers need more guidance, spokesperson Mary Ellen Grant said.
Kaiser Permanente, the state’s largest insurer, has already sent employers information they can provide to their employees about the new benefit, company spokesperson Kathleen Chambers said. She added that eligible members whose plans renew on or after July 1 would have IVF coverage if implementation of the law is not delayed.
Employers and some fertility care providers appear to be grappling over the uncertainty of the law’s start date. Amy Donovan, a lawyer at insurance brokerage and consulting firm Keenan & Associates, said the firm has fielded many questions from employers about the possibility of delay. Reproductive Science Center and Shady Grove Fertility, major clinics serving different areas of California, posted on their websites that the IVF mandate had been delayed until January 2026, which is not yet the case. They did not respond to requests for comment.
Some infertility patients confused over whether and when they will be covered have run out of patience. Ana Rios and her wife, who live in the Central Valley, had been trying to have a baby for six years, dipping into savings for each failed treatment. Although she was “freaking thrilled” to learn about the new law last fall, Rios could not get clarity from her employer or health plan on whether she was eligible for the coverage and when it would go into effect, she said. The couple decided to go to Mexico to pursue cheaper treatment options.
“You think you finally have a helping hand,” Rios said of learning about the law and then, later, the requested delay. “You reach out, and they take it back.”
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
The second DLC for WWE 2K25, the Dunk & Destruction Pack, is out today, and it’s bringing three NBA superstars into the game: Shaquille O’Neal, the Indiana Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton, and New York Knicks player Jalen Brunson.
O’Neal’s connection to wrestling goes back three decades to a handful of guest appearances in WCW, as well as a one-time appearance backstage at TNA. Shaq also participated in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32 and he had a tag-team match against Cody Rhodes during the latter’s stint in AEW.
Neither Haliburton nor Brunson have had wrestling matches in WWE, but they did have a confrontation with each other on WWE Smackdown. Haliburton also had a breakout performance in this year’s NBA playoffs before he suffered an Achilles rupture in game seven of the NBA Finals.
The other two additions in the Dunk & Destruction Pack are TNA legend Abyss–who is currently working backstage as a producer for WWE–and WWE hall of fame member The Great Khali. WWE 2K25 is also adding new MyFACTION content including the Amethyst Token Market and a new Bloodline card pack that will debut on June 26. A robotic version of Cody Rhodes, Firefly Funhouse Alexa Bliss, Alexa’s Lily Doll, and Nikki Cross ’23 will be added for players who bought either the WrestleMania 41 Pack or The Bloodline Edition.
According to the WWE 2K25 season pass roadmap, there are three more DLC packs to be released. The Fearless pack will arrive next month with ECW legend New Jack, NXT’s Jordynne Grace, Penta, Bull Nakano, and an unannounced celebrity guest. An Attitude Era Superstars pack will follow in September with D’Lo Brown, Billy Gunn, Road Dogg, Victoria, and Mark Henry. The final WWE 2K25 release will be the Saturday Night’s Main Event pack in November, with ’80s legends Jesse Ventura, Mr. Wonderful, Tito Santana, Junk Yard Dog, and Sid Justice.
A group of bat viruses closely related to the deadly Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) could be one small mutation away from being capable of spilling over into human populations and potentially causing the next pandemic.
A recent study published in the journal Nature Communicationsexamined an understudied group of coronaviruses known as merbecoviruses — the same viral subgenus that includes MERS-CoV — to better understand how they infect host cells. The research team, which included scientists at Washington State University, the California Institute of Technology and the University of North Carolina, found that while most merbecoviruses appear unlikely to pose a direct threat to people, one subgroup known as HKU5 possesses concerning traits.
“Merbecoviruses – and HKU5 viruses in particular – really hadn’t been looked at much, but our study shows how these viruses infect cells,” said Michael Letko, a virologist at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine who helped to spearhead the study. “What we also found is HKU5 viruses may be only a small step away from being able to spill over into humans.”
During the past two decades, scientists have cataloged the genetic sequences of thousands of viruses in wild animals, but, in most cases, little is known about whether these viruses pose a threat to humans. Letko’s lab in WSU’s Paul G. Allen School for Global Health focuses on closing that gap and identifying potentially dangerous viruses.
For their most recent study, Letko’s team targeted merbecoviruses, which have received limited attention apart from MERS-CoV, a zoonotic coronavirus first noted in 2012 that is transmitted from dromedary camels to humans. It causes severe respiratory disease and has a mortality rate of approximately 34%.
Like other coronaviruses, merbecovirusesrely on a spike protein to bind to receptors and invade host cells. Letko’s team used virus-like particles containing only the portion of the spike responsible for binding to receptors and tested their ability to infect cells in the lab. While most merbecoviruses appear unlikely to be able to infect humans, HKU5 viruses – which have been found across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East – were shown to use a host receptor known as ACE2, the same used by the more well-known SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. One small difference: HKU5 viruses, for now, can only use the ACE2 gene in bats, but do not use the human version nearly as well.
Examining HKU5 viruses found in Asia where their natural host is the Japanese house bat (Pipistrellus abramus), the researchers demonstrated some mutations in the spike protein that may allow the viruses to bind to ACE2 receptors in other species, including humans. Researchers on another study that came out earlier this year analyzed one HKU5 virus in China that has already been documented to have jumped into minks, showing there is potential for these viruses to cross species-barriers.
“These viruses are so closely related to MERS, so we have to be concerned if they ever infect humans,” Letko said. “While there’s no evidence they’ve crossed into people yet, the potential is there — and that makes them worth watching.”
The team also used artificial intelligence to explore the viruses. WSU postdoctoral researcher Victoria Jefferson used a program called AlphaFold 3 to model how the HKU5 spike protein binds to ACE2 at the molecular level, which could help provide a better understanding of how antibodies might block the infection or how the virus could mutate.
Up until this point, such structural analysis required months of lab work and specialized equipment. With AlphaFold, Jefferson generated accurate predictions in minutes. The results matched those recently documented by a research team that used traditional approaches.
Letko noted the study and its methods could be used for future research projects and aid in the development of new vaccines and treatments.
The research was funded through a research project grant from the National Institutes of Health. Jefferson’s work was supported by an NIH T32 training grant.
This Law School Review has been shared by Aditya Aman, as a part of his test task for Campus Leader program at Lawctopus.
Name
Aditya Aman
Full name of your college
Chanakya National Law University, Patna, Bihar
Full address of the college
Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna 80001
Tell us about the infrastructure of your law college
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, boasts a beautifully green and serene campus that makes everyday student life pleasant and refreshing. Over the past few years, the university has made commendable strides in upgrading its infrastructure, with several improvements aimed at enhancing both academic and residential experiences.
Classrooms: All classrooms are now fully furnished and equipped with digital teaching aids such as smart boards and sound systems. The environment is well-lit and air-conditioned in the major academic blocks, creating a comfortable atmosphere for learning. The recent development drive has made classroom sessions more interactive and technologically enriched.
Library: The library has been recently upgraded and is now one of the best facilities on campus. It offers enhanced seating capacity and is stocked with an impressive collection of books from reputed national and international publishers. Students have access to essential legal databases such as SCC Online, Manupatra, HeinOnline, ONOS, PressReader, and JSTOR. A major advantage is that the reading room remains open until 2:00 a.m., making it an ideal space for late-night readers and moot court researchers.
Hostels: The hostel rooms are spacious and well-ventilated, with each room furnished with basic amenities such as beds, study tables, cupboards, and fans. The first floor is generally allotted to first-year students, while senior students are given room preferences based on academic performance. The hostel also features a first-class gym, contributing to students’ health and wellness. Cleanliness and maintenance are taken seriously, and overall hostel life is vibrant and well-regulated.
Sports and Recreation: CNLU has decent sports infrastructure. There are courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, along with ample open space for football and cricket. Additionally, indoor games like table tennis, carrom, and chess are available in the common areas. Regular inter-batch matches and friendly tournaments keep the competitive spirit alive and foster a sense of community.
Canteen and Mess: The mess operates on a rotational menu that offers both North Indian and South Indian dishes, with options like eggs, bananas, chickpeas, and mung peas available in the morning. The food is hygienic, wholesome, and caters to the nutritional needs of students. The canteen serves snacks and beverages and is a popular spot for night owls who wish to enjoy Maggi at 2 in the morning.
Wi-Fi and Digital Infrastructure: Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel, and the connectivity is generally stable and fast enough to support academic research, online classes, and daily usage. Most administrative processes and communications are now handled digitally, making operations more efficient and transparent.
Overall Reflection: CNLU’s campus is not only aesthetically beautiful and lush but also equipped with all the essential facilities a law student might need. The institution has demonstrated a consistent commitment to infrastructural development, and the ongoing improvements continue to enhance the quality of campus life. For any prospective law student, the infrastructure at CNLU provides a solid and supportive foundation for both academic and personal growth.
Rating: 4/5
How are the academic culture and faculty in your college?
The academic culture at CNLU strikes a balanced tone—it is structured enough to keep students accountable, yet flexible enough to allow personal exploration.
Class Timings & Routine: The class schedule is manageable, usually comprising four classes a day, with a half-hour break provided after the first two. Classes typically run from morning until early afternoon, depending on the semester timetable. Each semester also includes optional extra-credit courses offered by various national and international faculty members, enriching the academic experience.
Faculty Quality: CNLU has a diverse and experienced faculty base, with a healthy mix of young academics and seasoned professors. When I was in my first semester, subjects like Law & Literature really piqued my interest. In later semesters, Criminal Law stood out—thanks to a professor who broke down each section using real-life illustrations and clear concepts. Those classes were both fun and insightful.
While a few professors genuinely spark curiosity and help build a strong academic foundation, like any institution, not every subject feels equally engaging. Some lectures may seem monotonous at times, but they remain manageable.
Attendance Policy: CNLU follows a strict attendance requirement of 75% per subject. Falling short disqualifies a student from sitting for the examinations. Additionally, 5 internal assessment marks per subject are allocated for attendance. Students with over 95% attendance receive the full 5 marks. This system encourages regular class participation and indirectly enhances overall internal performance.
Overall Academic Environment: The academic environment is not overly burdensome, but it is well-structured to promote consistency and discipline. With a good mix of practical insights, interactive lectures, and research opportunities, students can tailor their academic journeys according to their interests.
The university also strongly promotes participation in moot courts, debates, seminars, and research projects. Submitting a research paper in a subject of one’s choice is mandatory every semester, fostering a strong research and writing culture.
Rating: 4/5
How’s the peer quality in your college? Rate it on a scale of 5 with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.
The peer environment at CNLU is both competitive and enriching, which significantly shapes your overall college experience. Being a national law university, the campus is filled with students from diverse regions, backgrounds, and mindsets, creating a truly stimulating atmosphere for intellectual and personal growth.
In my batch, students are highly focused on moots, internships, research publications, debates and other co-curricular activities. This often inspires you to push your limits, explore new domains of law and improve at every instant. At the same time you will find peers who match your character and ambitions.
Friendship at CNLU will often lead to some of the best experiences of law school life, be it long discussions in the hostel rooms, late-night preparation for exams or working together for events, journals. CNLU offers a peer group that definitely helps you to grow as a person.
Tell us about the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
CNLU offers a vibrant student life, with a wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that go beyond the classroom and significantly enrich the law school experience.
Co-curricular Activities: The university places strong emphasis on co-curricular engagement through active societies such as the Moot Court Society, Debating Society, Research and Publication Cells, ADR Centre, Legal Aid Cell, and several student-run journals.
Students frequently participate in prestigious national and international moot court competitions, client counselling sessions, mediation contests, policy drafting events, and paper presentations.
There is a growing culture of research and writing, with committees regularly organizing seminars and conferences that help students build essential legal skills. These events are almost entirely student-led, with oversight provided by designated Faculty Coordinators—offering early exposure to leadership and organizational experience in law school.
Extra-curricular Activities: On the extra-curricular front, CNLU offers something for everyone. The Cultural Committee organizes various events, including the much-awaited annual fest Jeevatva, while the Sports Committee conducts tournaments such as URZAA, an intra-batch competition.
The campus remains alive with enthusiasm and student involvement throughout the year. A dedicated Social Media Committee (SoMeCo) captures key moments on campus, helping students stay connected. Creative spaces such as LitSoc—an open mic and jam session platform—and the CNLU Book Club for reading enthusiasts, add diversity to campus life.
Student-led Initiatives and Social Life: CNLU actively encourages students to take initiative—whether it’s organizing legal awareness drives under the Legal Aid Cell or IDIA, managing social media for student bodies, or launching independent blogs and content platforms. These opportunities help cultivate a dynamic and inclusive social environment while building real-world skills in communication, collaboration, and advocacy.
Rating: 4/5
How are the placements in your college?
The placement scenario at CNLU is evolving and largely depends on individual effort, consistency in internships, and building a strong portfolio over the years. While a few companies do actively recruit from campus, the majority of students secure opportunities through their own merit, networking, and internship experiences.
A significant number of students at CNLU aim for the Judiciary and Civil Services, while others explore alternative career paths such as academia, policy work, and entrepreneurship. This diversity in career interests provides students with the flexibility and academic freedom to carve out their own unique journeys.
The university has a designated Placement Cell that provides information about available opportunities and extends assistance. However, final outcomes are heavily influenced by individual initiative, networking, and performance during internships.
Rating: 3.5/5
How are the hostels in your college?
The hostel facilities at CNLU are quite decent—spacious, clean, and well-maintained—which makes student life both comfortable and manageable. There are single-room, double-room, and a few triple-room options available, all of which are well-ventilated and receive ample natural light.
First-year students are generally allotted rooms on the first floor. From the second year onward, room allotment is based on the marks scored in the previous semester, creating a fair and motivating system.
The hostels are equipped with essential amenities and decent Wi-Fi connectivity. A well-maintained gym within the hostel is a major plus for fitness enthusiasts. Additional facilities include a badminton court and indoor games like table tennis, carrom, and chess—offering a healthy recreational balance to academic life.
Regular housekeeping services help maintain cleanliness in washrooms, corridors, and rooms. Faculty members and the Registrar occasionally conduct inspections to ensure hygiene standards are met. Security is well-managed, and the hostel wardens are cooperative, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
The mess serves nutritious meals and offers special dishes on festive or special occasions, adding a homely touch to the overall hostel experience.
Rating: 4/5
What are the best things you like about your college?
One of the best things I admire about CNLU is the balance it strikes between academics, student life, and opportunities for growth. From mooting to music and sports, there’s always something happening on campus.
CNLU provides the space to grow at your own pace. I’ve found the environment to be very supportive, and opportunities are always available if you’re willing to seize them.
In your opinion, what are bad things about your college?
While my overall experiencce at CNLU has been largely positive, there are a couple of areas where the college could improve further. Firstly the placement cell needs to be strengthened in terms of outreach and structured support.
A more robust and industry-connected placement system could help streamline this process and open up more consistent opportunities for students across batches.
Secondly, while the hostels are generally comfortable and well-maintained, they lack centralized air conditioning. This becomes particularly challenging during the harsh Patna summers. Although Personal Coolers and AC are allowed, a long-term infrastructural solution would enhance the quality of life for students.
Anything else you want to share?
I’ve been fortunate enough to find friends who’ve become like family. One of them, in particular, has been my study partner, my go-to person for exploring Patna, and a constant source of emotional and academic support. Having someone who understands the pressure of law school, shares goals, and still knows when it’s time to unwind has made my experience at CNLU incredibly fulfilling.
How would you rate your college overall on a scale of 10?
8/10
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Disclaimer: Law School Experiences are opinions shared by individual law students and tend to be personal and subjective in nature. The law school experiences shared on Lawctopus are NOT Lawctopus’ official views on the law school. We also do not edit law school experiences (except to ensure readability) to ensure that the author’s voice remains intact.
Prolonged exposure to vehicular emissions and pollutants can increase the risk of lung cancer, said the oncologist. Know prevention tips to follow.
While smoking and tobacco use remain the leading causes of lung cancer, recent studies have linked rising air pollution and prolonged exposure to environmental pollutants as significant contributors to the increasing risk of the disease. In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr Indoo Ammbulkar, director of medical oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali said, “Air pollution alone causes up to 29% of all lung cancer deaths. The decrease in deaths due to indoor pollution has been outpaced by the significant rise in outdoor air pollution.” Also read | Lung cancer among non-smokers increases; air pollution could be culprit: Lancet report
Exposure to outdoor pollution can increase lung cancer risk.(Unsplash)
Could your daily travel be silently increasing your lung cancer risk?
Dr Indoo Ammbulkar said, “The answer is yes. Particularly if you spend long hours in traffic-congested areas with high levels of vehicular emissions. Diesel exhaust, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants from vehicles are classified as carcinogens by the World Health Organization. These microscopic particles are inhaled deep into the lungs and can damage lung tissue over time, potentially triggering mutations that lead to cancer.”
Know prevention tips to follow while traveling in high AQI.(Unsplash)
Air pollution is a major public health concern
“Studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of lung cancer, especially among non-smokers. In India, where pollution levels in metropolitan areas often exceed safe limits, this becomes a major public health concern. Daily commuters whether driving cars, riding bikes, or using public transport are continually exposed to harmful pollutants, especially during peak traffic hours,” the oncologist highlighted the effect of air pollution on lung health. Also read | Impact of high AQI on lungs: Lung cancer on the rise among ‘never smokers’; 3 things to do according to doctor
Prevention tips to follow:
“While we cannot eliminate commuting altogether, we can reduce its health risks,” said the doctor and shared a few prevention tips to follow:
Wearing high-quality, pollution-resistant masks during travel.
Keeping car air filters clean and well-maintained.
Opting for less congested routes or travel times when possible.
Advocating for and using cleaner, eco-friendly public transport.
Using indoor air purifiers to maintain better air quality at home.
Scheduling regular lung health check-ups, especially for high-risk individuals.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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News / Lifestyle / Health / Is your daily commute increasing your lung cancer risk? Oncologist reveals startling facts
Kymera Therapeutics and Gilead Sciences will develop oral molecular glue degraders under a deal announced Wednesday, which could hand the former as much as $85 million in upfront and option exercise fees.
The biotech also said Wednesday that existing partner Sanofi will advance a different protein degrader candidate called KT-485 into clinical testing by the end of the year. Under Kymera’s agreement with Sanofi, the biotech recently received a $20 million payment related to preclinical research for that drug.
Sanofi chose not to bring forward KT-474, which it spent years working on with Kymera and had advanced into mid-stage testing for two inflammatory diseases.
Dive Insight:
Kymera was one of the first biotechnology companies built on the promise of targeted protein degradation technology, a field of medicine that takes advantage of a cell’s internal machinery to get rid of unwanted or problematic proteins.
Its most advanced program had been KT-474, the Sanofi-partnered candidate that began Phase 2 testing for atopic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
Now, the French pharmaceutical company is turning its attention to KT-485, an oral degrader that targets a protein called IRAK4 that helps regulate innate immunity. Kymera CEO Nello Mainolfi said in a statement that KT-485 “demonstrated an improved target product profile” compared to its previous program, which was also aimed at IRAK4.
Kymera could receive as much as $975 million in milestone payments as part of its deal with Sanofi, some of which could pay out next year if the two begin clinical testing of KT-485 then.
Its work with Sanofi, as well as success obtaining promising data for its Dupixent competitor KT-621, may have set the stage for Gilead’s interest.
Gilead and Kymera will develop a molecular glue degrader for breast cancer and other solid tumors. The two companies are targeting CDK2, an enzyme pharma competitor Roche is also looking at as a cancer drug target. Protein degrader specialist Monte Rosa Therapeutics is exploring CDK2 as well.
“We see the announcement as validation for [Kymera’s] development capabilities and the potential for degraders to offer a better targeting approach than small molecule inhibitors,” Faisal Khurshid, an analyst at Leerink Partners, wrote in a client note.
Kymera shares dipped slightly on the news, dropping as much as 5% Wednesday. Its stock price had increased substantially at the end of last month, following Phase 1 data from the company’s trial of KT-621.
Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD, is a condition that affects the spinal cord of dogs when one or more of the cushioning discs between the vertebrae slip or burst. This can cause compression of the spinal cord, leading to pain, nerve damage, and in more serious cases, difficulty walking or even paralysis.
Stage 3 IVDD is a middle stage. Dogs in this stage are no longer just in pain. They’re starting to lose the ability to move their legs properly. They might not be fully paralyzed, but they’re struggling. Understanding what this stage means, what treatment options are available, and what recovery looks like helps dog owners make clear and confident decisions for their pets.
What is stage 3 IVDD in dogs?
In stage 3 IVDD, the dog has significant nerve damage. This damage is caused by a bulging or ruptured disc putting pressure on the spinal cord. A dog at this stage usually can no longer walk on its own. The back legs may drag or buckle, and the dog might fall over when trying to stand. However, the dog can still feel deep pain when the paws are pinched or touched firmly.
This is different from stage 1 or 2, where the dog might be in pain but can still walk. It’s also different from stages 4 and 5, where the dog may be fully paralyzed and lose all feeling in the limbs. Stage 3 is serious, but with proper treatment, many dogs can recover.
What are the signs of stage 3 IVDD?
Most dogs with stage 3 IVDD will show some or all of the following symptoms:
Difficulty standing or walking
Wobbly back legs
Dragging one or both back paws
Knuckling over of the toes
Loss of coordination
Muscle weakness in the back end
Signs of pain such as yelping or reluctance to move
In many cases, the symptoms appear suddenly. One day the dog seems normal, and the next day it can’t walk. Some dogs may show mild back pain for a few days before the more severe symptoms start.
How is stage 3 IVDD diagnosed?
Veterinarians will first perform a full physical and neurological exam. They test the dog’s ability to move each limb and check reflexes. They’ll also gently press on the back and check for signs of pain or stiffness. Pinching the toes helps them check if the dog can still feel deep pain.
In many cases, imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays can show signs of disc space narrowing, but they don’t show the spinal cord clearly. Advanced imaging, like MRI or CT scans, gives a better picture of the disc and spinal cord and helps the vet decide on treatment.
What are the treatment options for stage 3 IVDD?
Nonsurgical treatment
Some dogs with stage 3 IVDD recover with rest and medication. This is called conservative management. It works best when the dog still has deep pain feeling and when symptoms aren’t getting worse.
Treatment usually includes:
Crate rest for at least 4 to 6 weeks
Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling
Pain medication and muscle relaxers
Controlled, short walks to go to the bathroom only
The goal is to let the disc heal while keeping the dog as comfortable as possible. If the dog starts to walk again during rest, treatment continues until full recovery. Physical therapy might also be added once the dog is more stable.
Surgical treatment
Surgery is often the recommended choice when the dog cannot walk at all or when symptoms do not improve after a few days of rest. The procedure removes the material that’s pressing on the spinal cord.
Many dogs recover quickly after surgery. Some walk again in just a few days. Others may need more time. Success rates for stage 3 dogs who still have deep pain sensation are high. Most regain the ability to walk and return to a good quality of life.
What is the recovery time for stage 3 IVDD?
Recovery time depends on the treatment method and the individual dog. After surgery, some dogs walk again within a week. Others take several weeks to regain strength and coordination.
For dogs treated without surgery, recovery can take longer. Most improve gradually over 6 to 12 weeks. However, not every dog makes a full recovery with conservative care.
Rehabilitation plays a big role in recovery. Gentle exercises, hydrotherapy, and stretching routines can help dogs build back strength and coordination. Vets often recommend working with a rehab specialist during this period.
What role do dog wheelchairs play in recovery?
A dog wheelchair can be a helpful tool during recovery from stage 3 IVDD. It gives dogs the ability to move around without placing full weight on their weakened back legs. This supports both physical healing and emotional well-being.
Wheelchairs from Walkin’ Pets are built specifically for dogs with mobility issues. They are adjustable and support different levels of ability. Many dogs use them temporarily during rehab. Others may use them long-term if full walking ability does not return.
The goal is to give the dog back its freedom and confidence. Movement also helps prevent muscle loss and keeps the body functioning better during the healing period.
Can dogs make a full recovery from stage 3 IVDD?
Yes, many dogs recover fully. The key is early treatment, proper rest, and clear follow-up care. Surgery often provides a faster path to recovery, but some dogs do very well with conservative care if their symptoms are stable and they respond early.
Not all dogs will return to 100 percent of their former mobility, but most regain enough strength to live happy and active lives. Some may walk with a slight wobble or need help from a wheelchair during long walks. What matters most is comfort, independence, and quality of life.
How can you support your dog during and after recovery?
Here are simple but effective ways to help your dog recover from stage 3 IVDD:
Follow crate rest instructions carefully
Limit stairs, jumping, and slippery floors
Keep your dog at a healthy weight
Use ramps or steps for furniture access
Provide soft, supportive bedding
Be consistent with medications and therapy
Encourage gentle, positive movement once cleared by your vet
Ongoing support may include occasional use of a wheelchair or mobility harness. The Walkin’ Pets product range can help keep dogs active and safe during this time.
Helping your dog live well after IVDD
Recovery from stage 3 IVDD takes time and patience. Whether your dog has surgery or rests with medical care, staying on track with the treatment plan makes a big difference.
Even after recovery, dogs may need small changes to their routine. Avoid jumping, watch for signs of discomfort, and use mobility tools as needed. Many dogs go on to live full lives with just a few adjustments.
With early care, steady support, and the right tools like dog wheelchairs from Walkin’ Pets, dogs with stage 3 IVDD can stay happy, mobile, and connected to the people who love them most.
The saying “life begins at 40” is comforting, but today’s reality is more nuanced.
For many Australians, midlife marks a true turning point, a phase where priorities shift from external achievements to inner fulfilment and deeper purpose.
This stage is often misunderstood as a period of decline, but it can actually be the most enriching part of life.
Midlife isn’t about crisis; it’s about opportunity. It’s a chance to stop chasing society’s milestones and start defining success on your own terms.
No matter your age, if you’re asking the big questions, you’re right on time.
You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Life begins at 40.”
It’s one of those phrases that sounds comforting, but does it actually reflect reality?
Is midlife really a time of renewal, or is it just a feel-good mantra designed to soften the blow of grey hairs and creaky joints?
As Simon Kuestenmacher and I recently discussed in our Demographics Decoded podcast, midlife is far from just a number on a birthday cake.
For many Australians, it marks a unique turning point, a time when life’s purpose deepens, priorities shift, and (believe it or not) happiness can actually climb to new heights.
Let’s look at why midlife might just be the start of something far greater than the first 40 years and why today’s generation is redefining what this stage of life looks like.
For weekly insights and strategic advice, subscribe to the Demographics Decoded podcast, where we will continue to explore these trends and their implications in greater detail.
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The U-Curve of happiness: a map for midlife
There’s compelling evidence from around the world for what researchers call the U-curve of happiness.
The idea is simple: we tend to start life feeling upbeat and hopeful.
But as we take on more responsibilities, careers, kids, mortgages, and ageing parents, happiness levels often decline.
This dip usually bottoms out somewhere in midlife, and then begins to rise again as we age.
Now it’s not hard to see why.
The early decades of adult life are often spent striving for career success, financial security, and family stability.
We’re busy proving ourselves: to parents, bosses, society, and often to ourselves.
But once we’ve ticked off those major life milestones, many of us start to ask: What now?
And that’s the sweet spot.
As Simon put it, it’s at this point, once we’ve survived the so-called “dark night of the soul”, that happiness starts to rebound.
We move beyond chasing the next promotion or the bigger house, and instead begin to find joy in simpler, more meaningful things.
Why life begins at 45 – not 40
While Carl Jung’s famous quote, “Life really begins at 40. Until then, you’re just doing research,” has stood the test of time, Simon highlighted that for today’s Australians, life’s second chapter often starts closer to 45.
Why? Millennials, now entering their midlife, have done things differently.
Compared to previous generations:
They’ve delayed milestones: later career starts due to longer periods in higher education. First-time motherhood now often occurs in the mid-30s rather than the mid-20s. First home ownership has been pushed back by soaring property prices.
They’re juggling more at once: Many are still paying off large mortgages, supporting teenage children, and beginning to care for ageing parents, all at the same time.
So it’s not the age itself that signals midlife’s shift.
It’s the stage of life, that point when the identity we’ve built starts to feel a little hollow, and we begin to seek deeper meaning beyond external achievements.
Individuation: the journey beneath the mask
Midlife offers the opportunity for what Jung called individuation, the process of discovering your true self, hidden beneath the roles you’ve played.
In the first half of our lives, we wear a “persona”, the socially acceptable mask that helps us navigate the world, win approval, and achieve success.
It serves us well.
But at some point, many of us start to question: Is this all there is?
Simon eloquently described this process of turning inwards, confronting the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden away or ignored.
It’s about facing our “shadow”, those uncomfortable truths, regrets, or less flattering aspects of our personality.
This isn’t easy work.
It’s far simpler to keep chasing external validation than to look in the mirror and confront what we’d rather not see.
But those who do the work often find midlife becomes a gateway to greater peace, authenticity, and fulfilment.
Why midlife sparks change: new businesses, new paths, new priorities
Interestingly, this inner shift often coincides with outward changes.
Entrepreneurship booms: Contrary to the popular image of young tech founders, the average age of first-time business owners is mid-40s. Many feel the pull to do something more meaningful, something that reflects who they really are, not just who the world expects them to be.
Rethinking relationships: It’s no coincidence that divorce rates spike in midlife. When people take stock of their lives, they sometimes realise their partnerships no longer serve them, or that they’ve grown in different directions.
Financial awakening: Many Australians in their 40s and 50s finally feel on more stable ground financially, or at least they start to think seriously about their long-term future. At Metropole, we see this all the time: clients recognising that super alone won’t secure their retirement, and seeking to build a more robust financial foundation through property or other investments.
Yet, Simon made an important point: financial pressures today can actually delay this inward journey.
With bigger mortgages and more extended financial responsibilities, many Australians simply don’t have the time or mental space to embark on deep self-reflection, or they postpone it until retirement or a health scare forces their hand.
What if an entire generation starts asking bigger questions?
Here’s a fascinating idea: as millennials, now the largest generation, move into midlife in record numbers, could we see a societal shift?
Simon speculated on what might happen if more of us entered this stage of deeper reflection at the same time.
Could we see political narratives move away from individual gain and towards collective wellbeing?
Could businesses and institutions begin to cater more to people seeking meaning over materialism?
It’s a big, speculative question, but one worth pondering as Australia’s population ages.
It’s never too late to begin again
For those who feel like they’ve missed their chance, maybe you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, here’s the good news: the second half of life isn’t tied to a number.
You can begin this inward journey at any stage.
Sometimes, it’s triggered by life events: a health scare, the loss of a loved one, or the transition into retirement.
These moments strip away the external structures we’ve built our identities around and force us to consider what really matters.
The process of individuation isn’t easy.
It takes courage to face your shadow.
But those who do often find midlife and beyond become the richest, most satisfying years of all.
Final thoughts
Midlife is often misunderstood.
It’s not just a crisis; it’s an opportunity.
A chance to reframe what success and happiness really mean.
To move beyond chasing milestones and instead, to build a life rooted in authenticity and purpose.
So, whether you’re 40, 45, 55, or 65, if you find yourself at that crossroads, asking the big questions, embrace it.
Because in many ways, that’s when life truly begins.
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About Michael Yardney Michael is the founder of Metropole Property Strategists who help their clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through independent, unbiased property advice and advocacy. He’s once again been voted Australia’s leading property investment adviser and one of Australia’s 50 most influential Thought Leaders. His opinions are regularly featured in the media.
“Se fosse outra época, outro lugar, eu te levaria para a cama comigo e faria amor com você por dias.” ― Anne Stuart, Gelo Negro.
Quais são os sinais de que ele gosta de fazer amor com você? Se você já se perguntou algo parecido durante ou após seus momentos íntimos com seu parceiro, saiba que não está sozinha. Recebemos muitas perguntas de mulheres querendo saber exatamente isso: se o homem está fazendo amor ou apenas as usando para sexo. Elas querem ter certeza de que o homem gosta de fazer amor com elas tanto quanto elas.
As mulheres de hoje querem experimentar sessões de amor intensas e apaixonadas. Elas querem explorar sua sexualidade com a pessoa a quem entregaram seus corações. Isso se torna mais fácil quando você sabe que o que você tem com seu parceiro se qualifica como amor, e não apenas luxúria. Ele faz amor com você ou simplesmente sucumbe à luxúria corporal?
Embora não haja nada de errado com um pouco de tesão na vida, o sexo se torna cem vezes mais prazeroso e satisfatório quando movido por um amor apaixonado. Para ajudar você a descobrir em que lado do espectro você se encontra, listamos os sinais mais comuns que indicam que seu homem adora fazer amor com você.
21 sinais de que ele gosta de fazer amor com você
Fazer amor pode ser a experiência mais linda que podemos ter ao nos conectarmos com outra pessoa a quem nos sentimos apegados. Se você está apaixonado, quer que o sexo seja movido por esse romance avassalador. Você quer se perder no seu parceiro e quer que seu parceiro se perca em você. O simples ato sexual, que normalmente não tem muita conexão emocional, quando comparado a fazer amor, pode ser tão diferente quanto a água e o mar.
Muitas mulheres passam por isso, sejam elas casadas, namorando ou em um relacionamento extraconjugal. Por exemplo, mesmo quando você vê sinais de que um cara está realmente excitado por você, pode ser difícil decifrar se é porque ele adora fazer amor com você ou se é movido por seus impulsos carnais.
Por isso, você pode sentir que está perdendo o aspecto emocional desse ato tão físico e sentir uma sensação persistente de leve insatisfação. “Meu parceiro está me usando?”só por sexo?O que temos é apenas um caso físico?” Curiosamente, esses pensamentos e a necessidade de garantia de que o ato sexual provém de um lugar de amor são mais predominantes entre as mulheres.
As mulheres geralmente dão mais e, de alguma forma, se acostumam a esperar menos, especialmente entre os lençóis. Se ela perceber sinais de que o beijo significou algo para ele, pode até se conformar com o fato de não ter sua cota de prazer no quarto. Mas é importante saber como seu parceiro se comporta com você na cama também é uma forma de saber o que você significa para ele fora dela.
Se todas as ações dele são para te levar para a cama até a próxima vez que você o vir ou falar com ele, então é óbvio que ele está no relacionamento apenas por sexo. Mas se ele está envolvido com o coração, a mente e o corpo e pensa também nas suas necessidades, ele está fazendo amor com você e não apenas transando. Aqui estão 21 sinais para saber se ele realmente gosta de fazer amor com você:
1. Isso transparece em seus olhos
O jeito como ele olha para você diz muito sobre o que ele sente por você. Durante o sexo, se ele fizer uma pequena pausa só para olhar nos seus olhos com amor e paixão, significa que ele está interessado em você e quer capturar o momento com você. Quando um cara olha para você durante o beijo, é a maneira dele de demonstrar que te ama sem precisar dizer nada.
Você consegue sentir o amor dele nos olhos dele, e sabe que ele está completamente imerso nesse ato e gostando de fazer amor com você. Claro, se a posição sexual em que você está não permite contato visual, a história é diferente. Mas digamos que você esteja na posição papai e mamãe e seus rostos estejam alinhados, evitar ativamente o contato visual naturalmente pareceria estranho.
Se ele tentar evitar o contato visual, pode haver duas possibilidades: ele pode estar se sentindo tímido ou estranho, ou pode ser um sinal de que ele gostaria de fazer sexo com você, masnão te ama mais. Se ele para só para te ver no meio do sexo, isso mostra que ele te ama, mas pode estar se sentindo tímido.
Mas quando um homem descaradamente e com confiança fixa os olhos nos seus durante o ato sexual, é uma forma de ele ler suas respostas para lhe proporcionar ainda mais prazer. Tenha certeza de que ele está com você por amor.
Ele olha nos seus olhos enquanto faz amor
2. Ele vai te sufocar com beijos
Como saber se ele te ama pelo beijo? Bem, basta lembrar do seu primeiro beijo e de como você se sentiu. Aquela sensação de frio na barriga se multiplica quando você beija a pessoa que ama. Quando ele te deseja, por inteiro, você e ele reviverão essa sensação inebriante repetidamente cada vez que seus lábios se encontrarem.
Homens que estão com você apenas por sexo simplesmente vão direto ao ponto e resolvem o problema. Você sentirá uma sensação de urgência nos beijos dele, como se ele estivesse simplesmente esperando o que vem a seguir. Quando o beijo em si se torna uma forma de expressar suas emoções, tudo fica muito melhor.
Ele vai te beijar por todo o corpo, repetidamente. Ele vai te cobrir de beijos, e essa é uma forma de mostrar que não se cansa de você. No ato do beijo, o desejo dele por você se torna mais evidente do que qualquer outra coisa. A maneira como ele te beija fará você sentir a intensidade do amor dele por você. Todos esses são sinais de que o beijo significou algo para ele.
3. Ele será um doador
Uma das maneiras pelas quais ele demonstra que te ama sem dizer é priorizando seus desejos e prazeres na cama. Ele vai te excitar e te fazer gemer. Ele vai se entregar às preliminares. Ele também vai estimular suazonas erógenaspara garantir que você entre no clima.
Ele vai descer em você e perguntar o que você gostaria de fazer. Ele vai perguntar se está indo rápido demais ou devagar demais. Ficará bem claro que essa experiência é compartilhada, e não uma tentativa egoísta de fazê-lo gozar. Seus gemidos e envolvimento vão te dizer o quanto ele gosta de estar com você e em seus braços.
4. Vocês dois terão muito o que conversar
Fazer amor não se resume apenas a sexo. Há conversas profundas e significativas após a sessão, também conhecidas como conversas de travesseiro. E nessas conversas íntimas, ele abrirá sua alma para você, seus medos e forças, seus sonhos e desejos, seus traumas passados e como ele se curou deles.
Muitas questões ocultas surgem durante essas conversas e contribuem significativamente para tornar o relacionamento mais forte e ainda mais bonito. Algumas delas podem ser sobre você também. Ele lhe contará coisas que talvez nunca tenha contado a ninguém antes. A profundidade dessas conversas mostrará o quanto você significa para ele.
Ele não está apenas satisfazendo uma necessidade física, mas também gosta de confiar em você e compartilhar momentos íntimos. Todos esses são sinais de que ele gosta de fazer amor com você. Se você notar isso no seu relacionamento, fique tranquila. Seu homem está apaixonado por você.
5. Ele construirá a paixão
Ele vai se entregar a maispreliminares para aquecer vocêe fazer você sentir que ele está realmente gostando de fazer amor com cada parte do seu corpo. Seu homem perguntará sobre suas fantasias e sonhos sexuais. Ele dedicará tempo para deixá-la completamente excitada, seja com beijos lentos ou brincando com suas zonas erógenas.
Um dos sinais inconfundíveis de que um cara está realmente excitado por você é que ele vai garantir que você esteja tão pronta quanto ele para o ato final e que você o deseje tanto quanto ele. Ele não vai se precipitar em nada. Quando um homem gosta de fazer amor com uma mulher, ele aproveita cada momento do ato e não se fixa apenas no orgasmo.
Lembre-se de que toda vez que vocês fizerem sexo, não precisa ser algo longo e elaborado. Às vezes, ele pode estar a fim de uma rapidinha, e às vezes você também. Mas o que separa a relação sexual do sexo é que mesmo essas sessões rápidas não parecem vazias.
6. Ele tomará seu nome
Se você está procurando sinais de que ele te ama durante o ato sexual, preste atenção ao que ele diz durante o ato. Observe as palavras dele quando ele está no auge da paixão. Se ele chama seu nome com frequência, é a maneira dele de mostrar que é VOCÊ, por inteiro!
Você é quem está lhe dando esse prazer, e sussurrar seu nome durante o ato só aumenta esse prazer, fazendo com que ele se sinta mais conectado a você. Ouvir seu nome durante esses momentos íntimos pode ficar gravado na memória para sempre. Lembre-se de pronunciar o nome dele também e fazê-lo se sentir especial.
7. Ele quer mais de você
Os homens geralmente terminam o ato sexual quando atingem o clímax. Normalmente, os homens tendem a dormir depois de atingirem o clímax. Nos casos em que era o homem quem estava fazendo a maior parte do trabalho pesado na relação,posições sexuais, é importante lembrar que ele pode estar realmente cansado.
Mesmo assim, quando um homem está emocionalmente envolvido e conectado a você, ele reservará um tempo para demonstrar o quanto gostou de estar com você. Mesmo depois de atingir o clímax, ele a puxará para si e a cobrirá de carinho. Ele encontrará maneiras de demonstrar o quanto está feliz com você, mesmo que seja por alguns minutos. Todos esses são sinais de que ele gosta de fazer amor com você.
Outro aspecto crucial a ser observado é se ele te ajuda a chegar ao clímax. Lembre-se: homens que se importam com suas mulheres se preocupam em explorar e aprender sobre a anatomia sexual feminina. Isso é importante.
Ele não terá vergonha de admitir que quer mais de você
8. Ele vai ficar aqui
Isto é para casais que ainda não são casados ou que não moram juntos. Se um homem simplesmente segue seu próprio caminho depois do sexo, isso pode fazer com que a mulher se sinta muito mal consigo mesma. O namorado da Karen tem essa tendência de se vestir às pressas e ir embora depois do sexo, sob um pretexto ou outro.
Ela confidenciou à melhor amiga: “Parece que, quando ele termina o que queria, nem consegue ficar no mesmo espaço que eu. É quase humilhante.” E então, ela começava a se perguntar se tudo o que ele queria dela era satisfazer seu desejo físico.
Se ele se importa com você, ele vai passar a noite aqui porque sabe como é estar longe. Talvez vocês dois possam cozinhar juntos ou simplesmente tomar um vinho e bater papo. Ou quem sabe até assistir a um programa juntos. Ou se abraçarem forte e depois dormirem.
9. Ele fica emotivo às vezes
Esses momentos íntimos são os momentos em que muitos homens compartilham e expressam suas emoções mais profundas. É quando seus lados mais suaves vêm à tona. Todas as suas reclamações sobre a falta de expressividade dele podem ser amenizadas durante ou após o ato sexual.
Um dos sinais reveladores de que ele te ama quando faz amor é quea intimidade será tão importante para elequanto o ato em si. Ele pode ficar emotivo, na verdade, superemotivo, durante esses momentos com você. Não se assuste se vir os cantos dos olhos dele marejados ou uma expressão completamente diferente, desnuda, nos olhos dele.
Talvez ele se esconda no seu colo para se sentir seguro, ou talvez te abrace forte para mostrar que você está segura com ele. Seja lá o que ele fizer, provavelmente irradiará boas vibrações, e é assim que você sabe se um homem está fazendo amor com você.
10. Ele demonstra seu desejo por você
Ele não se importará em parecer desesperado. Ele te ama, ama o ato que vocês dois compartilham e não hesitará em demonstrar o quanto a deseja, tanto física quanto emocionalmente. Ele pode correr o risco de se mostrar excessivamente disponível e vulnerável.
Ele pode reservar uma estadia em um resort cinco estrelas ou decorar a casa com luzes bonitas e velas perfumadas só para que você se sinta amada e querida. Seu parceiro pode servir vinho e canapés para mostrar o quanto ele está ansioso para estar com você.
Não se surpreenda se ele comprar uma colcha especial de cetim ou um robe de seda para você, a fim de tornar o ato sexual mais especial. Esses são sinais de que o cara está realmente interessado em você e também emocionalmente conectado a você.
11. Ele tentará experimentar
Quando um homem está confiante na mulher que ama e seguro de sua posição com ela, ele pode perguntar sobre suas fantasias e se oferecer para explorá-las com ela. Ele fará de tudo para entender como fazê-la ter orgasmos — na verdade, orgasmos múltiplos — e trabalhar para isso.
Entre os sinais claros de que ele gosta de fazer amor com você está a vontade de satisfazê-la na cama, repetidamente. Ele pode até experimentar brinquedos sexuais ou bondage, se isso for mais do seu agrado e você concordar. Essa é a maneira dele de dizer que quer que o sexo entre vocês seja ainda mais rico e gratificante. Os homens só querem experimentar quando gostam de fazer amor com uma pessoa específica.
12. Ele vai te ligar depois
Um dos sinais de que ele amou estar com você e realmente gostou da sessão de amor é quando ele faz planos de encontrá-la novamente, talvez para um café ou um jantar. Basta passear em um parque ou com seus amigos. Se ele ligar e falar sobre isso, significa que você deixou uma impressão duradoura nele e ele não consegue parar de pensar em você.
Ele te ama e gosta de intimidade. Observe como a voz dele soa enquanto fala sobre isso. É carinhosa? A resposta para saber se ele gosta ou não de fazer amor com você está aí.
13. Ele parecerá feliz e contente
Depois de fazer sexo, quando vocês dois estiverem deitados um ao lado do outro na cama, haverá um brilho e um sorriso no rosto dele. Ele não vai simplesmente virar de lado para dormir, o que pode ser muito irritante. Ele vai olhar para você com carinho, o que, de certa forma, significa que você é a pessoa certa para ele. Alguns homens apenas dão as mãos após o ato, outros vão preparar uma xícara de chá para a mulher.
Se a sua sessão de amor teve uma relevância especial, digamos que foi a primeira vez de vocês juntos, ficará bem claro que ele está em um estado de tranquilidade após o sexo. Quando você vivencia algo assim, encontrará a resposta para “o que fazer amor significa para um homem?”. A expressão de satisfação no rosto dele lhe dirá tudo o que você precisa saber.
14. Ele fará o café da manhã para você
Quando um homem sente uma profunda conexão emocional com uma mulher, ele adora fazê-la feliz. É a sua maneira de demonstrar que a ama sem precisar dizer nada. E a maioria dos homens sabe que são as pequenas coisas que trazem a verdadeira alegria às mulheres. Por exemplo, um gesto atencioso como um café da manhã na cama depois de uma noite de amor apaixonado é algo que simplesmente não tem como errar.
Então, seu homem pode tentar. Se ele faz seu chá e café do jeito que você gosta, ou se, apesar de suas limitadas habilidades culinárias, ele tenta fazer a combinação perfeita de ovos pochê com salsichas, bacon e torrada, ele provavelmente não está interessado apenas em uma aventura de uma noite. São estesmaneiras de demonstrar afetoisso deve lhe dizer tudo o que você precisa saber.
Para preparar o café da manhã para você, ele pode ter pedido suas salsichas e bacon favoritos com antecedência ou comprado os mirtilos que você adora. Ele realmente fez compras online pensando nos seus favoritos. Que fofo!
15. Ele diz isso – sempre, sem falhar
Quando um homem ama o que compartilhou com você, ele encontrará maneiras de expressar isso. Ele enviará mais mensagens, talvez uma saudação matinal, poderá enviar flores e também comprará pequenas coisas para você se sentir especial.
Cada pequeno gesto é a maneira dele de dizer que te ama sem precisar dizer. Você precisa ler os sinais, só isso. E se você tiver a sorte de ter um daqueles poucos homens que sabem se expressar em palavras, pode ter certeza de que será sufocada por suas expressões de amor.
16. Você se sentirá extremamente confortável com ele
Se você está tentando descobrir como saber se ele gosta de você na cama ou não, talvez a resposta esteja em quão confortáveis vocês dois conseguem se sentir juntos. Quando você está com alguém que te faz sentir que pode ser você mesmo, todas as suas inibições vão por água abaixo.
Você não vai se preocupar com as pernas que esqueceu de depilar, com o bafo de café que possa ter ou com qualquer outra insegurança que possa ter em relacionamentos. Naquele momento, você é, sem pedir desculpas, você mesma, e verá que ele também é. Sem nenhuma preocupação no mundo, você estará optando por abraçar sua individualidade e mostrá-la a ele. Quando estiver tão confortável com ele, é sinal de que ele está fazendo amor com você, não apenas satisfazendo uma necessidade primária.
17. Você pode compartilhar uma risada com ele
Sexo não é algo tão sério assim, embora algumas pessoas o façam parecer. Se vocês dois conseguirem desacelerar no meio do sexo, dar uma risada, compartilhar um momento juntos, é aí que vocês realmente percebem que suas necessidades lascivas ficaram em segundo plano. Nem sempre precisa ser “tudo funcionando”, às vezes pode ser tão tranquilo quanto rir de um som estranho que seus corpos fizeram.
Talvez um dos maiores sinais de que ele está fazendo amor com você e não apenas tentando se esbaldar é quando ele sabe que pode parar para compartilhar um momento com você. No meio disso, olhando nos olhos um do outro, rindo de algo engraçado que você disse. Intimidade não existe melhor do que isso.
18. Ele não deixa pedra sobre pedra em sua preparação
Mesmo que ele pratique uma boa higiene, você ainda notará um pouco de esforço extra em se arrumar, só para você. Talvez ele esteja usando uma colônia cara ou tenha vestido sua melhor camisa. Se vocês dois saíram para um encontro, as roupas dele provavelmente não estarão surradas e sujas, e ele vai se certificar de estar com a melhor aparência possível para você.
Mesmo que você o encontre em casa, ele vai garantir que não lhe dará motivos para reclamar. Unhas? Bem cortadas. Cabelo? Aparado. Barbeado? A menos que você tenha dito a ele que barba te excita, espere que ele esteja bem barbeado.
19. Ele se lembra do que você gosta
Se esta não for a sua primeira vez com ele, você pode notar que ele está fazendo algumas coisas que você disse que gosta. Um dos sinaisum cara está realmente excitado por vocêé quando ele se certifica de que você também está se divertindo, e ele pode conseguir isso fazendo especificamente o que você disse a ele da última vez.
Portanto, preste atenção aos movimentos que ele usa ou se ele faz algo que você lhe disse. Quando quiser saber se ele está fazendo amor com você ou não, a atenção e a retenção das informações que você lhe deu devem dizer tudo o que você precisa saber.
20. Ele fala sobre mais do que apenas seu corpo
Não espere que elogios como “Você é tão gostosa” sejam a única opção dele. Ao descobrir como saber se ele gosta de você na cama ou não, observe o tipo de coisa que ele fala no calor do momento. Se ele estiver falando sobre o quanto gosta de você como pessoa e como você o faz sentir, é um sinal de que ele está fazendo…amor para você.
“Você me faz sentir tão feliz”, “Adoro o jeito que você fala, me faz sentir tão envolvida”, “Você é a pessoa mais gentil que eu conheço, adoro isso em você” são elogios que podem surgir se ele estiver olhando além do seu corpo. O que é definitivamente difícil de fazer, considerando o quão atraente você é.
21. Vocês sempre se divertem muito juntos
Às vezes, o sexo pode acabar parecendo um caso sem alma, um em que você se envolve apenas para satisfazer suas necessidades físicas. Quando acontece o oposto com ele, saiba que é uma indicação clara da intimidade que vocês compartilham com ele. O que “fazer amor” significa para um homem? Fazer amor significa valorizar cada momento que ele compartilha com você, não apenas o sexo. Se você é só sorrisos, cócegas e abraços quando está com esse homem, fique tranquila sabendo que sua ligação com ele não é apenas física.
Quando você se torna fisicamente íntimo da pessoa que ama, não é apenas o corpo que fica exposto e nu. Duas pessoas, quando apaixonadas, se expõem às fraquezas e vulnerabilidades uma da outra. Respeite o dele, seja honesto com as suas e aproveite esta bela união não apenas de dois corpos, mas de duas almas. Experimentar isso é, por si só, um dos maiores sinais de que ele gosta de fazer amor com você e você com ele.
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We can’t trust any piece of technology to work perfectly forever. Hard drives are no exception, and when they fail, they take years of important files with them. Fortunately, several free tools can predict drive failures before they happen, giving you time to back up your data and replace the drive.
Before downloading third-party software, check what Windows already offers. CHKDSK remains the most straightforward tool for scanning drive errors. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type chkdsk C: /f /r to scan your main drive. The /f flag fixes errors automatically, while /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable information. Fair warning, this process takes time, especially on larger drives.
Windows also includes S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) monitoring. You can also use Event Viewer to troubleshoot Windows problems related to the hard drive. Open Event Viewer and navigate to Windows Logs > System and filter for Disk events. Look for warning messages about disk health—these often appear days or weeks before complete failure.
For more detailed monitoring, Windows Performance Monitor tracks disk performance metrics in real-time.
Access it by typing perfmon in the Run dialog.
Click the green plus icon to add counters.
Select Physical Disk from the performance object dropdown.
Choose metrics like “Avg. Disk Queue Length” or “Disk Read Bytes/sec.”
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Storage Spaces in Windows pools multiple drives together and automatically monitors their health. This feature requires setup through Settings > System > Storage > Manage Storage Spaces in Advanced storage settings. Once configured, it sends notifications when drives show signs of failure and can maintain data redundancy across healthy drives.
These built-in tools work well for basic monitoring, but they lack the detailed health reports that dedicated software provides.
CrystalDiskInfo stands out as the most user-friendly drive monitoring tool available. Its clean interface displays everything you need at a glance.
The color-coded system makes health assessment foolproof. Blue means excellent, green indicates good health, yellow warns of caution, orange signals problems, and red screams immediate replacement needed. The status colors are more like a traffic light for your storage.
Pay attention to key S.M.A.R.T. attributes like reallocated sectors count, current pending sector count, and uncorrectable error count. Rising numbers in these categories often predict imminent failure, sometimes weeks before the drive actually dies.
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CrystalDiskInfo can send email notifications when drive health changes. Enable this feature through Function > Alert Features > Mail Settings to stay informed even when away from your computer.
However, don’t wholly rely on readings. Some drives fail without warning despite showing good health, while others continue working years after yellow warnings appear. Use CrystalDiskInfo as part of a broader monitoring strategy, not your only defense against data loss.
This tool takes hardware monitoring to the next level, and drive health is just one of its key features. It overwhelms beginners with information. Where CrystalDiskInfo shows essentials, HWiNFO displays every conceivable hardware metric.
After installing HWiNFO, navigate to the Drives section to find detailed S.M.A.R.T. data alongside temperature readings and performance statistics. HWiNFO can record drive metrics over time and create detailed reports that reveal gradual degradation patterns. This historical data proves handy for spotting trends that single-moment snapshots might miss.
Drive temperatures fluctuate under load, affecting read/write speeds during intensive operations. HWiNFO provides real-time monitoring, allowing you to observe high temperatures, which is one of the primary reasons why hard drives fail.
The free version handles most monitoring needs ideally. However, this power comes with complexity. You may feel lost navigating dozens of sensor categories and hundreds of individual readings. However, if you want complete monitoring and don’t mind a learning curve, HWiNFO delivers unmatched detail.
HDDScan takes a different approach, focusing on active testing rather than passive monitoring. It performs surface scans and stress tests. These active tests can reveal problems that don’t show up in standard health reports, particularly developing bad sectors or inconsistent read speeds.
This tool works with practically any storage device you can connect to your computer. Whether you have an HDD or SSD, USB flash drives, SD cards, or even network-attached storage, they all fall within its testing scope.
The interface feels dated but functional. You just have to select your drive, choose a test type, and let it run. It offers several test types, each serving different purposes. Surface scans methodically check every sector, while read verification tests measure access times across the entire drive.
Active testing can take hours to complete and put additional wear on ageing drives, potentially accelerating failure in already compromised HDDs.
The tool excels at confirming suspicions rather than routine monitoring. If your computer starts acting sluggishly or files occasionally become corrupted, HDDScan’s testing can pinpoint whether the drive is causing these issues.
Don’t run intensive tests frequently on healthy drives. Save HDDScan for troubleshooting specific problems or performing detailed analysis before important data migrations. For daily monitoring, stick with gentler alternatives.
This tool strikes a balance between simplicity and detail as it focuses on drive lifespan rather than just current health status. It shows temperature monitoring in real-time, prominently displayed alongside health percentages.
The interface displays important information at a glance: drive temperature, total operating hours, and a percentage-based health score. Unlike some other tools that simply report “good” or “bad,” HDDLife attempts to predict remaining drive life based on usage patterns and S.M.A.R.T. attribute analysis.
The performance metrics help distinguish between drives that are failing versus those simply showing their age. However, HDDLife offers only a 15-day free trial before changing to a freeware version. For occasional drive checking, this limitation makes free alternatives more practical.
This tool is also a middle ground between simplicity and technical depth, and one of the recommended ways to test real drive capacity to ensure you’re getting what you paid for.
The main interface keeps things straightforward with a basic health check that displays “PASSED” or “FAILED” for each connected drive. But it shines in its tabbed interface. The General tab provides complete drive specifications, from firmware versions to interface speeds.
Whereas, the Attributes section displays every S.M.A.R.T. parameter with current values, thresholds, and failure predictions. The Self-Tests tab lets you run various diagnostic routines directly from the interface. Short tests usually complete in minutes, while extended tests provide thorough drive validation.
Unlike some tools that only read existing data, GSmartControl actively tests your drives. Additionally, error logs and temperature monitoring round out the feature set. Additionally, historical temperature data helps identify drives running too hot, while error logs reveal problems that might not trigger immediate S.M.A.R.T. alerts.
GSmartControl works reliably across different drive types and manufacturers. The interface feels dated but functional, prioritizing information over aesthetics.
Regular drive monitoring beats crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. These tools provide the warning signs needed to save your data before disaster strikes, but remember that even healthy drives require proper setup. When replacing a failing drive, make sure to format your new hard drive before you start filling it up.
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1. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Ballantine Books: $30) A story of friendship, love and adversity during the 1980s Space Shuttle program.
2. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong (Penguin Press: $30) An unlikely pair develops a life-altering bond.
3. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab (Tor Books: $30) A vampiric tale follows three women across the centuries.
4. James by Percival Everett (Doubleday: $28) An action-packed reimagining of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
5. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (Berkley: $29) Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of an heiress.
6. King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby (Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar: $29) A man returns to his roots to save his family in this Southern crime epic.
7. My Friends by Fredrik Backman (Atria Books: $30) The bond between a group of teens 25 years earlier has a powerful effect on a budding artist.
8. The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb (S&S/Marysue Rucci Books: $30) A young father grapples with tragedy and the search for redemption.
9. Nightshade by Michael Connelly (Little, Brown & Co.: $30) The bestselling crime writer returns with a new cop on a mission, this time on Catalina Island.
10. With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (Dutton: $30) A deadly game of survival and revenge plays out on a luxury train heading from Philadelphia to Chicago.
…
Hardcover nonfiction
1. Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson (Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster: $30) A call to renew a politics of plenty and abandon the chosen scarcities that have deformed American life.
2. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins (Hay House: $30) How to stop wasting energy on things you can’t control.
3. Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green (Crash Course Books: $28) The deeply human story of the fight against the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
4. Steve MartinWrites the Written Word by Steve Martin (Grand Central Publishing: $30) A collection of greatest hits from the beloved actor and comedian.
5. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad (Knopf: $28) Reckoning with what it means to live in a West that betrays its fundamental values.
6. Mark Twain by Ron Chernow (Penguin Press: $45) The Pulitzer-winning biographer explores the life of the celebrated American writer.
7. The Creative Act by Rick Rubin (Penguin: $32) The music producer on how to be a creative person.
8. The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer and John Burgoyne (illustrator) (Scribner: $20) The “Braiding Sweetgrass” author on gratitude, reciprocity and community, and the lessons to take from the natural world.
9. I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally (Gallery Books: $30) The restaurateur relates his gritty childhood and rise in the dining scene.
10. It Rhymes With Takei by George Takei, Steven Scott, Justin Eisinger and Harmony Becker (illustrator) (Top Shelf Productions: $30) The actor and activist tells his most personal story of all in a full-color graphic memoir.
…
Paperback fiction
1. All Fours by Miranda July (Riverhead Books: $19)
2. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (Ecco: $20)
3. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley (Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster: $19)
4. Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar (Vintage: $18)
5. I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman (Transit Books: $17)
6. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (Berkley: $19)
7. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong (Penguin: $18)
8. Sandwich by Catherine Newman (Harper Perennial: $19)
9. Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler (Grand Central: $20)
10. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (Vintage: $18)
…
Paperback nonfiction
1. On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder (Crown: $12)
2. The Wager by David Grann (Vintage: $21)
3. The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk (Penguin: $19)
4. The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides (Vintage: $19)
5. The Friday Afternoon Club by Griffin Dunne (Penguin: $21)
6. Sociopath by Patric Gagne (Simon & Schuster: $20)
7. The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger (Harper Perennial: $20)
8. The Art Thief by Michael Finkel (Vintage: $18)
9. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey (Crown: $20)
10. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron (TarcherPerigee: $20)
According to a new report from the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV sales will surpass 20 million in 2025, accounting for more than a quarter of cars sold worldwide. In the first three months of 2025, electric car sales worldwide were up 35 percent over the previous year. And, adds the IEA, market share is on course to exceed 40 percent by 2030 as EVs—smaller, cheaper ones, mainly—become increasingly affordable in more markets.
Almost half of all car sales in China last year were electric. Emerging markets in Asia and Latin America have also become new centers of growth, with total EV sales across these regions surging by more than 60 percent in 2024, according to the IEA. Meanwhile, EV sales grew by about 10 percent year-on-year in the US.
“Our data shows that, despite significant uncertainties, electric cars remain on a strong growth trajectory globally,” says IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “Sales continue to set new records, with major implications for the international auto industry. This year, we expect more than one in four cars sold worldwide to be electric, with growth accelerating in many emerging economies. By the end of this decade, it is set to be more than two in five.”
China, which accounts for more than 70 percent of global EV production, shipped nearly 1.25 million electric cars to other countries last year. The ending of EV subsidies in the EU has impacted European sales. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, the EU’s EV market share in 2024 fell to 13.6 percent, down 1 percent from the prior year.
Volkswagen’s luxury marques, including Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini, are reassessing their EV strategies. Porsche has scaled back plans for an all-electric lineup following a 49 percent decline in Taycan sales. Bentley has pushed back the launch of its first EV from this year to next, and extended its gas-engine phase-out deadline to 2035. Lamborghini has delayed its Lanzador EV until 2029 at the earliest.
Wait a few months and you might well be able to pick up a G580 for considerably less than its $162,000 list price. You can currently bag a three-year-old Porsche Taycan, with its 416 miles of range, for less than half what it cost new. Currently, there are 930 used Taycans for sale in the US on Auto Trader, with prices ranging from just $44,000 when a base model costs at least $100,000 new. A Taycan with just 11,000 miles on the clock can be had for $47,000.
US and European car makers—legacy and startups—may wish there was high demand for premium-priced prestige EVs (Jaguar is staking its future business on this), but for some years now the market has been crying out, instead, for cheaper, entry-level models. The favored method by the modern auto industry of filling flagships with their best wares then letting these slowly trickle down to lower-tier cars is not realistic right now, says Dale Harrow, chair and director of the Intelligent Mobility Design Center at London’s Royal College of Art.
“The same tech is basically in all electric vehicles,” says Harrow. “So, for the first time, there’s no real guarantee that spending a lot more money is going to buy a better product. Look at the vehicles coming in from BYD.”
Instead, Harrow feels automakers must wean themselves off flagship-first dependancy, ape Ford’s classic Model T strategy, and concentrate on building EVs accessible to the masses through a combination of affordability, simplicity, and mass production. And guess who has already worked this out? Yep, China—where nearly 40 percent of all electric models are priced under $25,000.
It is this strategy, rather than gimmicky tank-turns, that will drive real adoption and encourage the spread of viable charging networks. After all, it was the ubiquity of the Model T that played a pivotal role in the development of gas stations—and there’s absolutely no reason why that same trick can’t be turned for the electric age.
Bitget crypto exchange has joined forces with India’s cyber-crime focussed Sahyog Portal to help in related investigations. The portal is part of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), that aims to simplify communication between law enforcement agencies and digital service providers during criminal probes. In an announcement shared on Tuesday, Bitget claimed its integration with Sahyog Portal will ensure that future data requests on the portal are managed through its secure and legally compliant channel.
Indian law enforcement authorities use the Sahyog Portal to seek details like digital evidence, user data, and transaction records linked to active investigations from service providers. As per Bitget, portals like Sahyog can help strengthen collaboration between national authorities and Web3 firms.
As part of its contribution to Sahyog, Bitget said it would help investigating officers access technical tools required for digital evidence collection.
“Bitget will continue to engage constructively with local regulators to ensure that our systems deliver the legal and technical requirements to support such agencies,” Hon NG, Chief Legal Officer at Bitget, said in a statement.
Indian authorities will be able to submit data requests directly via the Sahyog platform integrated with Bitget, as permitted under Indian laws. The exchange aims to create a transparent and accountable ecosystem around crypto, especially now when authorities globally have increased scrutiny on crypto transactions.
“India’s regulatory and enforcement landscape around digital assets is evolving quickly and aligning with initiatives like Sahyog highlights a practical step forward,” the exchange’s official noted.
Earlier this month, the Seychelles’-based exchange announced a partnership with UNICEF Luxembourg, aiming to educate over 3,00,000 individuals in Web3 technologies across eight countries, including India, Brazil, Malaysia, and Morocco. This partnership between Brazil and UNICEF is slated to span three years.
Back in April, Bitget also teamed up with Avalanche, hoping to explore Web3 usecases in India while also aiming to boost the country’s Web3 infrastructure and propel blockchain adoption.
GREENVILLE, Miss. — Cedric Sturdevant woke up with “a bit of depression” but made it to church, as he does every Sunday. In a few days, he would drive from Mississippi to Washington, D.C., to join HIV advocates at an April rally against the Trump administration’s actions.
It had clawed back more than $11 billion in federal public health grants to states and abruptly terminated millions of dollars in funds for HIV work in the United States. Testing and outreach for HIV faltered in the South, a region that accounts for more than half of all HIV diagnoses.
Dangerous changes loomed: To compensate for tax cuts for the wealthy, Trump’s “big, beautiful” bill and budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 threaten to curtail Medicaid, which provides health coverage for people with low incomes and disabilities. About 40% of adults with HIV rely on it for their lifesaving treatments.
Trump’s budget proposal also would cancel a major grant that provides housing assistance for people with HIV. And it would end a strategic initiative to expand HIV services in minority communities, and another to support the mental health of people of color with HIV or at risk of infection.
“President Trump is committed to eliminating radical gender and racial ideologies that poison the minds of Americans,” a White House addendum to the budget says. Letters terminating HIV grants used similar language, targeting “diversity,” “equity,” and “gender minorities,” words that focus resources where they are needed most. Black and Latino people account for about 70% of new HIV infections in the U.S.
The cuts affect Sturdevant personally. He is a gay, Black man living with HIV and the co-founder of a grassroots group that combats health disparities in the Mississippi Delta, one of the poorest regions of the country.
A small HIV clinic operated by Mississippi’s AIDS Services Coalition is no longer testing people for HIV because of federal funding cuts and delays.(Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
“Walk boldly!” said pastor Jerry Shelton during a sermon at the Anointed Oasis of Love Ministry church in the Mississippi Delta. (Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
Communities in the Mississippi Delta come together on Sundays at the Anointed Oasis of Love Ministry church. (Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
That morning at church, a close friend, pastor Jerry Shelton of Anointed Oasis of Love Ministry, asked Sturdevant to help him deliver a sermon about resisting the urge to give up when life is hard. “The storm may come, but I shall not be moved!” Shelton preached, directing the congregation to approach adversity with confidence in themselves and in God. “Walk boldly!” he shouted.
After the service, Sturdevant resolved to bring the same energy to Washington. He’d tell his colleagues that they are survivors, he said. He’d tell them, “Let’s get together and make a plan.”
In the past few months, HIV advocates have begun to organize and strategize ways to limit the damage as federal funds are slashed and inflammatory rhetoric rises.
“It is a very scary time to be Black, queer, and living with HIV,” said Marnina Miller, co-executive director of the Positive Women’s Network, a nationwide group for women living with HIV. “But I am grateful that I am part of a community that will not bow down.”
“People are not giving up,” said June Gipson, the CEO of a health care nonprofit, My Brother’s Keeper, in Mississippi. Then she referenced the 1980s cartoon where heroes combine forces to create a super robot to defend the universe:
“We’ve got to form Voltron.”
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The Weight of Stigma
Sturdevant often reminds his colleagues of all the HIV movement has overcome. In the 1980s, the government refused to acknowledge HIV as gay men died young. Once powerful treatments were available in the 1990s and early 2000s, the public health establishment largely neglected Black people with HIV, especially in the South. In that period, the demographics of the epidemic shifted away from white, upper- and middle-class gay populations in liberal states. Half of new diagnoses today are in the South and a third are among people with low incomes.
When Sturdevant first tested positive for HIV in 2005, he didn’t seek treatment. He kept his diagnosis hidden from friends and family because he knew how people talked about HIV. They considered it a death sentence, a punishment for irresponsible behavior, or a disease that could infect them through a touch or a shared toilet seat — which it cannot.
“I thought my family was going to disown me,” he said.
A year later, his weight plummeted because he couldn’t hold down food or water. Gaunt and feverish, he went to the hospital and learned he had AIDS. His mother slept at his hospital bedside for two weeks: “She said, ‘God got you.’”
Sturdevant sits beside his mother, Gloria Sturdevant Allen. She slept by his hospital bedside for weeks when he was extremely sick from untreated HIV.(Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
Once he regained his health, Sturdevant resolved to care for others in his position. Scientists had developed powerful HIV drugs that, if taken daily, transform it from a death sentence into a manageable chronic disease in which a person’s virus levels are so suppressed that they cannot spread HIV to others. And policymakers ensured that almost everyone in the U.S. with HIV could get treated regardless of their ability to pay, largely because of Medicaid and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.
But HIV experts had failed to overcome a key problem: Roughly a third of people living with HIV in the U.S. don’t get treated or don’t take the drugs regularly enough to be virally suppressed. Viral suppression rates are better in many African countries than in America.
To seek treatment and stick with it, Sturdevant understood, people had to have basic needs like food and housing met and, as importantly, a sense of belonging and empowerment. At his first job at an HIV organization in Jackson, Mississippi, Sturdevant regularly checked in with clients who didn’t have family members to support them. He hosted gatherings at his apartment and even offered it up as a place to stay. He has taken on the role of dad or uncle to many. “We called ourselves the family of love,” he said.
He saw how care bolstered lives, but the federal government needed data to drive its approach to HIV.
In 2012, the CDC expanded its in-depth surveys to learn more about the lives of people at risk of HIV and of those with HIV who weren’t virally suppressed. The surveys revealed what Sturdevant knew: A disproportionate number of them grappled with unstable housing, food insecurity, depression, and anxiety. Many participants agreed to prompts like, “Having HIV makes me feel that I’m a bad person,” or “Most people think that a person with HIV is disgusting,” or “Most people with HIV are rejected.”
The data showed policymakers that to curb the epidemic, they needed to address underlying problems that people with HIV faced. Federal funds began to flow to grassroots groups embedded in marginalized communities.
Public health researchers folded Black churches into the effort, recognizing them as hubs of volunteerism and as leaders of social movements. Although churches in the U.S. had historically fueled stigma against sexually transmitted diseases, Amy Nunn, a public health researcher at Brown University, said every pastor she talked with was eager to help. It paid off. In Kansas City, for example, researchers found that congregants who went to Black churches involved in HIV education and outreach were more than twice as likely to be tested.
Community-based interventions worked: New HIV infections dropped by 12% from 2018 to 2022.
Now the grassroots groups that have been so effective are in jeopardy and the in-depth surveys have halted as the Trump administration cuts funds and lays off CDC staff. Some health departments have issued stop-work orders to community-based groups that test people for HIV and connect them to treatment because federal HIV grants are unusually delayed. And as the Department of Health and Human Services continues to cancel HIV grants, the directors of grassroots groups anticipate more cuts.
“A lot of them are new and don’t have the resources to survive a year without funding,” said Masen Davis, executive director of Funders Concerned About AIDS.
One such group is Sturdevant’s.
‘Trust the Process’?
In 2017, Sturdevant returned home to the Mississippi Delta to launch a nonprofit, Community Health PIER, in one of the poorest and most medically underserved parts of the country. The average life expectancy in the Delta is 68, a decade shorter than the national average. The disenfranchisement of its majority-Black population stems from the region’s history, in which policies concentrated wealth and power among the minority-white population during the era of cotton sharecropping, Jim Crow laws and segregation, and, recently, due to gerrymandering.
Jabari Baymon is a manager at the grassroots organization Community Health PIER, which tests for HIV and connects people to treatment as part of its work on health equity in the Mississippi Delta.(Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
The Mississippi Delta is one of the most underserved regions in the country, a situation rooted in sharecropping, Jim Crow laws, segregation, and gerrymandering. The Delta was home to many civil rights activists, including Fannie Lou Hamer, who is buried there (above). (Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
Crosses from one of hundreds of small churches in the Mississippi Delta region. (Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
Sturdevant set up shop in Greenville, near a Black church that served as a headquarters for civil rights activists in the 1960s. In a small office, his team organizes health events, tests people for HIV, and connects those who test positive with treatment and housing assistance, funded through federal programs like Ryan White.
“Whites have been getting Ryan White and other programs for years and living healthy,” said Ashley Richardson, administrative assistant of Sturdevant’s group. “Around here, Black people are just now getting to the point where we know there are resources to help.”
Lately the team fields calls from people with HIV who are terrified they will lose their lifesaving drugs and housing if government programs no longer help with the cost.
Sturdevant worries about keeping his staff employed and his community safe. On the drive home from the April event in Washington, he drearily recounted conversations with Republicans in Congress: “They basically all said trust the process.”
The heads of national HIV organizations have stepped up their advocacy, asking Congress to oppose cuts in President Donald Trump’s budget request, said Gregorio Millett, director of public policy at the Foundation for AIDS Research, a nonprofit known as amfAR.
Emily Hilliard, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services, responded to queries from KFF Health News by writing, “Critical HIV/AIDS programs will continue under the Administration for a Healthy America.” Yet the administration’s proposed budget for HIV prevention represents a 78% reduction compared with fiscal year 2025, according to a KFF analysis.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has fostered skepticism about scientific facts concerning HIV, without citing evidence. “Any questioning of the orthodoxy that HIV is the sole cause of AIDS remains an unforgivable-even dangerous-heresy among our reigning medical cartel,” he wrote in a 2021 book.
Not Bowing to Barriers
Researchers and HIV advocates are hashing out strategies to fill in the vacuum in HIV care that the government is poised to leave. For decades, it has driven priorities, coordinated a constellation of HIV groups, and tracked the epidemic. Leisha McKinley-Beach, CEO of a training institute, Black Public Health Academy, in Atlanta, said people must remember that wasn’t always the case.
“This massive industry we have today was created by committed individuals at the grassroots level, who were going to help people live with HIV or die with dignity, by any means necessary,” she said.
One idea is to have larger, established HIV organizations partner with nascent groups in underserved regions. The bigger ones stand a better chance of garnering significant private donations. And by taking on the fiscal management of grants, large groups could enable small ones to devote time to service rather than fundraising, McKinley-Beach said.
Another strategy, said Kathy Garner, executive director of Mississippi’s AIDS Services Coalition, is to fill gaps by coordinating with churches and nonprofits dedicated to food assistance, housing, or mental health.
“One of the solutions is going to be civil society stepping up,” Garner said. “That’s an old term for people taking care of each other, outside of the government.”
Kathy Garner at Mississippi’s AIDS Services Coalition holds a grant application for federal funds to support housing for people living with HIV. President Donald Trump’s budget proposal would eliminate this program, which was established in 1992 and funded at $505 million in 2025. (Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
“I have real concerns with what the Trump administration is doing, and how it will play out for the health of people in a poor state,” said Bishop Ronnie Crudup of New Horizon Church International in Jackson, Mississippi. (Amy Maxmen/KFF Health News)
“We’re going to need to ramp up our services in all kinds of ways, and health and HIV will be a part of that,” said Bishop Ronnie Crudup of New Horizon Church International in Jackson, and a member of Mississippi Faith in Action, a coalition of African American churches involved in HIV.
“I have real concerns with what the Trump administration is doing, and how it will play out for the health of people in a poor state,” he said.
National groups, such as AIDS United, have been speaking with corporate funders and philanthropies about building a pooled fund to help sustain HIV organizations across the U.S.
Philanthropy for HIV has never come close to matching federal dollars, however. Non-governmental funders put $284 million toward HIV in the U.S. in 2023, compared with about $16 billion in annual federal funds for HIV in recent years.
“The truth is there is no way for philanthropy to make up for the cuts from the federal government,” Davis said. “I suspect we will see new infections rise within 18 months, which is heartbreaking.”
Sturdevant focuses on survival, not forecasts. “This isn’t going to be easy,” he said, “but we need to keep fighting for those who don’t have the fight in them.”
EA has been revealing a ton of detail about the changes and additions it’s bringing to College Football 26, and today it revealed its stadium rankings. Taking into account crowds, noise, and “hostile atmosphere,” EA has produced a list of the toughest stadiums in college football for visiting teams.
Part of EA’s focus on improving its representation of the traditions, spirit, and overall vibes of particular campuses, this list of tough stadiums is probably not going to be too surprising to most college football fans. LSU’s infamously loud and hostile Tiger Stadium, for instance, comes in at the top spot, and most of the rest of the SEC is not too far behind. Aligned with college football stereotypes and memes, you’re not going to find any California schools on the list. However, college football fans are nothing if not ferociously loyal, so I’m sure this list will still find a way to spark heated debate. You can see the full list below.
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Now Playing: EA Sports College Football 26 Official Reveal Trailer
Among EA’s changes to the CFB formula designed to up school spirit include more rivalry trophies, school-specific events like marching band formations and run-outs, and a much bigger roster of mascots.
CFB 26 fully launches on July 10; early access for preorders starts on July 7. Check out our preorder guide to untangle the various versions of the game on offer. This year’s game features two wide receivers–Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith–on its cover. In addition, EA built the in-game rosters by paying players significantly more money than last year.
CFB 26’s Toughest Places To Play
Tiger Stadium | LSU
Beaver Stadium | Penn State
Ohio Stadium | Ohio State
Sanford Stadium | Georgia
Bryant-Denny Stadium | Alabama
Memorial Stadium | Clemson
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | Florida
Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium | Oklahoma
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis identifies a possible way to slow or block progression of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in people over age 50. The WashU Medicine researchers and their international collaborators implicated problems with cholesterol metabolism in this type of vision loss, perhaps helping to explain the links between macular degeneration and cardiovascular disease, which both worsen with age.
The new findings — identified using human plasma samples and mouse models of macular degeneration — suggest that increasing the amount of a molecule called apolipoprotein M (ApoM) in the blood fixes problems in cholesterol processing that lead to cellular damage in the eyes and other organs. Various methods of dialing up ApoM could serve as new treatment strategies for age-related macular degeneration and perhaps some forms of heart failure triggered by similar dysfunctional cholesterol processing.
The study appears June 24 in the journal Nature Communications.
“Our study points to a possible way to address a major unmet clinical need,” said senior author Rajendra S. Apte, MD, PhD, the Paul A. Cibis Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at WashU Medicine. “Current therapies that reduce the chance of further vision loss are limited to only the most advanced stages of macular degeneration and do not reverse the disease. Our findings suggest that developing treatments that increase ApoM levels could treat or even prevent the disease and therefore preserve people’s vision as they age.”
In macular degeneration, doctors can see cholesterol-rich deposits under the retina during an eye exam, according to Apte. In early stages, vision might still be normal, but the deposits increase inflammation and other damaging processes the lead to the gradual loss of central vision. In the most common type, “dry” macular degeneration, the cells in the central part of the retina can be damaged, causing a type of neurodegeneration called geographic atrophy, which is similar to what happens in the brain in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dry macular degeneration can turn into “wet” macular degeneration, in which abnormal blood vessel growth damages vision.
Geographic atrophy and wet macular degeneration are advanced forms of the disease that are accompanied by vision loss. Although some approved therapies for advanced disease are available, the disease process itself is not reversible at that stage.
A common culprit in eye disease and heart failure
In recent years, evidence has emerged that ApoM can serve as a protective molecule with known anti-inflammatory effects and roles in maintaining healthy cholesterol metabolism. With that in mind, Apte and co-senior author Ali Javaheri, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine, were interested assessing whether reduced ApoM levels, which fall with age, could be involved in the dysfunctional cholesterol metabolism that is at the root of multiple diseases of aging, including macular degeneration and heart disease. They showed that patients with macular degeneration have reduced levels of ApoM circulating in the blood compared with healthy controls. And past work by Javaheri, a WashU Medicine cardiologist, showed that patients with various forms of heart failure also had reduced levels of ApoM in the blood.
This study revealed that ApoM is a key component in the “good cholesterol” pathways that mop up excess cholesterol — the bad kind that tends to drive inflammation — and clear it from the body through the liver.
Apte and Javaheri’s research suggests that when ApoM is low, cells in the retina and heart muscle can’t correctly metabolize cholesterol deposits and have a hard time getting rid of these accumulating lipids. When these lipids build up, it leads to inflammation and cellular damage.
To see if they could reverse the harmful effects of low ApoM, the researchers increased ApoM levels in mouse models of macular degeneration, using genetic modification or plasma transfer from other mice. The mice showed evidence of improved retinal health, improved function of light-sensing cells in the retina and reduced accumulation of cholesterol deposits. The researchers further found evidence that ApoM triggers a signaling pathway that breaks down the cholesterol in cellular compartments called lysosomes, which are known for playing important roles in disposing of cellular waste.
The researchers also found that ApoM must be bound to a molecule called sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) to get the beneficial effects of ApoM treatment in the mice.
Apte and Javaheri are working with Mobius Scientific, a WashU startup company that is working to harness this knowledge of the role of ApoM in macular degeneration to develop new approaches to treating or preventing the disease. Apte and Javaheri worked with WashU’s Office of Technology Management (OTM) to launch Mobius Scientific in 2022.
The findings also could have implications for future interventions that raise ApoM in patients with heart failure.
“One of the exciting things about this collaboration is realizing the links between retinal pigment epithelial cells and heart muscle cell, which are both vulnerable to low ApoM,” Javeheri said. “It is possible that the interaction between ApoM and S1P is regulating cholesterol metabolism in both cell types. We look forward to exploring strategies to increase ApoM in ways that could help the eye and the heart maintain healthy cholesterol metabolism over time and stave off two major diseases of aging.”
This work was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant numbers R01 EY019287, P30 EY02687, 1T32GM1397740-1, K08HL138262, 1R01HL155344, P30DK020579 and P30DK056341; the Jeffrey T. Fort Innovation Fund; the Starr Foundation AMD Research Fund; the Siteman Retina Research Fund; a Research to Prevent Blindness/American Macular Degeneration Foundation Catalyst Award for Innovative Research Approaches for Age-Related Macular Degeneration; the Carl Marshall and Mildred Almen Reeves Foundation; the Retina Associates of St. Louis Research Fund; a pilot project grant from the Washington University Genome Technology Access Center; an unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness to the John F. Hardesty, MD Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis; a Vitreoretinal Surgery Foundation Fellowship, number VGR0023118; the Children’s Discovery Institute of Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, grant number MC-FR-2020- 919; the Longer Life Foundation; and by the Austrian Science Fund, grant number SFB 10.55776/F73.
Apte and Javaheri have intellectual property applications licensed by Washington University to Mobius Scientific. Apte is currently the chief scientific officer at Mobius Scientific and both serve on the company’s advisory board.
QAble is a disability and queer-led initiative working at the intersection of law, policy, and lived experience. We focus on the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, the Mental Healthcare Act, and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act through awareness, advocacy, litigation, content generation, and more.
About the Internship
This is a two-month, part-time opportunity open to all, with a strong emphasis on centering disabled and queer voices. Selected applicants will contribute to legal and policy research, drafting, social media content creation, and strategic advocacy. The program includes one-on-one mentorship, a QAble certificate, and a monthly stipend.
About the founder
Anchal Bhatheja is a 2023 alumni of national Law School of India University, Bangalore. She is presently working as a research fellow at the Vidhi Centre for legal policy and is a consultant with Mission Accessibility.
Details
Duration: 2 months (renewable)
Commitment: 10–12 hours/week (remote and flexible)
Monthly stipend: ₹3,000
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Feeling stuck in your fitness journey? This 28-day challenge by a fitness coach focuses on simple daily habits to boost energy and build consistency.
Feeling stuck in your health routine or finding it hard to stay motivated? Sometimes, all we need is a clear, doable plan to get back on track and make lasting changes. Fitness coach Lessie shared in her Instagram post a practical 28-day challenge to boost energy, build better habits and improve your overall well-being. (Also read: Fitness coach shares the best exercise to regulate blood sugar and lower diabetes risk: ‘Building muscle is key’ )
If you’ve been meaning to restart your fitness journey, this 28-day challenge with easy-to-follow steps might be exactly what you need to get back on track.(Pexels)
1. No soda for 28 days
Say goodbye to sugary soft drinks and fizzy temptations. Cutting out soda helps reduce bloating, balance blood sugar, and support weight loss. Craving bubbles? Try sparkling water with lemon or mint.
2. Drink 2 litres of water daily
Hydration is key. Aim for at least 2 litres of water every single day to flush out toxins, support digestion, and boost skin health. Set reminders if needed, your body will thank you.
3. 15-minute workout, 3 times a week
No need for fancy equipment. A 15-minute session, whether it’s a brisk walk, home HIIT, dance workout, or yoga, can significantly improve your energy and metabolism. Keep it simple, but consistent.
4. 20 squats every morning
Start your day with 20 squats to wake up your lower body, activate muscles, and rev up your circulation. It’s a great way to energise without caffeine.
5. 30-second plank every evening
Before bed, hold a 30-second plank to strengthen your core and improve posture. It’s quick, effective, and the perfect way to end your day with intention.
Bonus tips to stay on track:
Track your water and workout days in a journal or app
Pair the challenge with clean, balanced meals
Don’t aim for perfection, aim for consistency
Invite a friend to join you for accountability
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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News / Lifestyle / Health / Fitness coach shares 28-day challenge to reset your health routine: From 2 litres of water to 30-second plank daily
Today, a brief rundown of news involving Sarepta Therapeutics, Capricor Therapeutics and Nektar Therapeutics, as well as updates from AstraZeneca, Revolution Medicines and Carisma Therapeutics that you may have missed.
The Food and Drug Administration is investigating two deaths among patients treated with Sarepta Therapeutics’ gene therapy Elevidys for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Both patients died this year of acute liver failure after receiving Elevidys, with the second case reported earlier this month. The FDA said their deaths appear to be related to treatment and that it will evaluate “the need for further regulatory action.” More than 900 people have been treated with Elevidys in clinical and commercial settings. Sarepta previously said it would convene an expert committee to help develop a better immunosuppressive drug regimen that could improve safety in patients who, like the two who died, can no longer walk becaue of their disease. Vinay Prasad, the new head of the FDA office in charge of therapies like Elevidys, has previously criticized the drug.— Ned Pagliarulo
Capricor Therapeuticshas confirmed the FDA will no longer hold an advisory committee meeting to discuss its application for approval of a Duchenne treatment called deramiocel. The agency is scheduled to make a decision by Aug. 31, but had previously planned to ask experts for input, as supporting data come from a small number of patients. Stat News reported Prasad chose to cancel the meeting due to skepticism of the treatment. “We remain confident in the strength of our submission,” Capricor CEO Linda Marbán said in a Tuesday statement. “To date, all regulatory milestones have proceeded as expected, including a successful pre-license inspection and a mid-cycle review with no major issues.” — Ned Pagliarulo
Shares in Nektar Therapeutics rose by more than 150% on Tuesday after the biotechnology company detailed mid-stage trial results for a drug, rezpegaldesleukin, that it’s developing to treat atopic dermatitis. The study, which enrolled 393 people with moderate-to-severe eczema, met its main and secondary goals, showing treatment helped clear skin and ease itching in significantly more people than did placebo. The data are a positive sign of rezpegaldeleukin’s potential, wrote Jefferies analyst Roger Song in a client note, as many patients don’t “sufficiently respond” to drugs like Dupixent. — Ned Pagliarulo
Datroway, an antibody-drug conjugate developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, is now approved in the U.S. to treat locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The conditional clearance from the FDA is limited to patients whose tumors harbor mutations in a gene called EGFR and who previously received EGFR-targeted treatment alongside chemotherapy. Datroway, which is also approved for a certain form of breast cancer, is the first ADC aimed at a protein called TROP2 to win a lung cancer OK. The companies previously withdrew an application for a broader approval after disappointing study results. — Ned Pagliarulo
Revolution Medicines has up to $2 billion in new funding at its disposal after striking a rights deal with Royalty Pharma, which is also extending the biotech a term loan. The first agreement trades single-digit royalties on any eventual sales of Revolution’s experimental cancer drug daraxonrasib for successive tranches of funding, starting with $250 million that will be available to Revolution immediately. The biotech can draw up to $750 million from the loan. Draxonrasib targets cancers driven to growth by so-called RAS mutations, and is in Phase 3 testing of people with pancreatic and lung tumors. Data from the pancreatic study are due in 2026.— Ned Pagliarulo
Carisma Therapeutics will merge with OrthoCellix after struggling to develop a cell therapy for cancer and immune diseases. Carisma stockholders will own 10% of the new company, which will trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol OCLX, according to a Monday announcement. The new company will advance “regenerative cell therapies,” including the knee cartilage implant technology that OrthoCellix plans to move into Phase 3 testing by the end of this year. Carisma in March paused its R&D efforts and, in Monday’s statement, said stockholders will be issued contingent value rights for payment if the newly combined company manages to sell any of Carisma’s cell therapy assets. — Gwendolyn Wu
If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing a game of property monopoly in Australia, but someone else got to pass “Go” decades before you and now owns half the board, you’re not imagining it.
That “someone else”? It’s the Baby Boomers. They’ve won the property game in Australia.
Not just because they got in early, but because the rules of the game have increasingly worked in their favour, at the expense of younger generations.
Today leading demographer Simon Kuestenmacher and I chat about whether the Baby Boomers really did have it easier or not, as well as how younger generations can catch up and build their own property wealth as well as how younger generations can catch up and build their own property wealth.
We also discuss the impact of debt, changing cultural expectations regarding home ownership, and the challenges faced by Generation X.
Takeaways
Baby boomers have a significant advantage in property ownership.
Younger generations face higher debt levels than baby boomers.
Cultural expectations around home ownership have shifted dramatically.
The Bank of Mum and Dad plays a crucial role in helping younger buyers.
Rent vesting is becoming a popular strategy for young investors.
Generation X is squeezed between supporting their children and aging parents.
Policymakers need to consider strategies to make housing more affordable.
Long-term strategies and education are key for younger generations.
Every generation faces unique challenges based on their historical context.
Wealth transfer from baby boomers to younger generations is significant.
Also, please subscribe to our other podcast Demographics Decoded with Simon Kuestenmacher – just look for Demographics Decoded wherever you are listening to this podcast and subscribe so each week we can unveil the trends shaping your future.
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Google Earth now lets you step back in time at street level, thanks to the launch of historical Street View imagery. The feature arrives for the platform’s 20th anniversary and brings new AI-powered tools for professional users (like urban planners) in the U.S.
Explore the Past in Google Earth
Google Earth has always helped everyone see the world from above. Now, it lets you see how streets and neighborhoods have changed over the years. With the new update, you can slide through older Street View images right inside Google Earth. Want to revisit your childhood block or watch a city skyline grow? Just move the timeline slider and see how places looked in the past.
Until now, historical Street View was only available in Google Maps and the Earth Pro desktop app. This update brings it to the main Google Earth app on the web and mobile, making it easier for everyone to use.
Historical street view imagery in Google Earth follows from its popularity in Google Maps. The #somewhereonGoogleMaps trend captured our nostalgia for places past and present. Google Earth’s 20th anniversary is as good a time as any to catch up with its milestones.
A Digital Time Machine for Us
The new historical Street View feature turns Google Earth into more than just a virtual globe. Now, it’s a visual time machine. You can trace your history or see how your favorite places have evolved. It’s fascinating to watch a vacant lot become a playground, or a quiet street transform into a busy neighborhood.
For a long time, I have enjoyed watching a satellite view of my own house with Google Earth.
Now, we can satisfy our curiosity about old places by heading to places with extensive historical records. For instance, New York, London, and Paris, etc. Here are some of my favorites, which I checked out:
Freedom Tower (One World Trade Center) in Lower Manhattan, New York City: You can watch a part of modern American history as this symbolic structure rose from the rebuilding efforts at Ground Zero.
The Berlin Wall in Germany is one of the most historically significant timelapses. Watch the fall of the Berlin Wall, along with the massive urban transformation that followed German reunification.
Kennedy Space Center in Florida provides comprehensive historical imagery of NASA’s launch facilities and the evolution of the space program infrastructure. As a space buff, I head to the SpaceX Starbase in Texas, too, to watch the company’s meteoric rise.
Pompeii, Italy, and its many ancient Roman attractions like the Rectangle Theater, the Theater of Pompeii, the Temple of Apollo, the Arch of Tiberius, and the Public Square.
The World Islands in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, are artificial islands constructed to resemble a world map.
Also: Smarter Maps for Real-World Problems
It’s not about casual nostalgia and fun alone. Along with the time-travel feature, Google is adding powerful new tools for U.S. professionals. Soon, planners and researchers will see overlays that show tree canopy coverage and land surface temperatures. These AI-powered insights can help cities plan for more green spaces or tackle “urban heat islands” where temperatures rise due to a lack of trees and too much concrete.
For decision makers, knowing where trees are missing or where temperatures spike can guide smart choices. They might plant more trees in the hottest areas or design new parks where they’re needed most. These upgrades can make cities cooler, greener, and more comfortable for everyone.
From fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood and pantry staples, Hong Kong’s street markets have just about everything you need to whip up a delicious meal. Filled with the sounds of vendors calling out their wares, these bustling markets offer more than just great bargains – they also offer a glimpse into the rhythms of everyday local life.
British pop star Liam Payne’s final TV appearance is finally on the horizon, less than a year after he died suddenly in Argentina.
Netflix on Tuesday released the trailer for its upcoming singing competition series “Building the Band,” which features the late One Direction singer as one of its guest judges. The series, set to premiere July 9, could bring a sense of closure for fans of Payne, who began his singing career as a contestant on the competition series “X Factor.”
In the teaser, Payne offers his wisdom to aspiring singers, urging them, “I need to feel the connection between you guys.” The singer knew a thing or two about group chemistry: during his second “X Factor” foray in 2010, judges Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger decided Payne should join fellow contestants Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson to form One Direction. Despite losing the crown, the quintet went on to become a pop sensation best known for songs including “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”
“Building the Band” reunites Payne with Scherzinger, whose role is judge and mentor. Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland also serves as a guest judge. Backstreet Boys singer and Payne’s friend AJ McLean is the show’s host. The series features 50 singers who work with the veteran musicians to form six bands.
Netflix confirmed Payne’s posthumous appearance earlier this month as it released a first look and announced the series’ premiere date. The streamer wrapped production on “Building the Band” before Payne’s death and received support from the singer’s family to push forward. Payne’s “family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion,” Netflix said in a statement to Deadline.
Payne died Oct. 16 after falling from a balcony at a Buenos Aires hotel. He was 31. Shortly after his death, officials determined the singer died from multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding caused by the fall. Officials announced in December that Payne also had traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system when he fell.
Two hotel workers and Payne’s friend Rogelio “Roger” Nores were three of five people charged for their alleged involvement in the singer’s death but were cleared of those charges in February. Appeals court judges ruled at the time that Nores did not have a role in Payne’s “obtaining and consuming alcohol” and that he could not have taken actions to prevent Payne’s death.
The two remaining suspects — charged in December with allegedly supplying Payne with narcotics before his death — will stand trial, officials announced earlier this month.
New Delhi, June 24: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said that US vehicle major Tesla has so far shown interest only in opening a showroom in India, referring to the speculations of the company’s intent to setup a manufacturing unit in India. “Tesla is only interested in opening a showroom till now. They want to sell their car in India. There is no further development about Tesla,” the Union Minister said, speaking on the sidelines of the launch of a portal that will enable foreign electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to submit their applications to manufacture EVs in India.
Launched by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), the scheme is expected to attract investments from global EV manufacturers and promote India as a manufacturing destination for e-vehicles. The Scheme will also help put India on the global map for manufacturing of EVs, generate employment and achieve the goal of “Make in India.” Tesla First Showroom in India To Open in July 2025 in Mumbai, Elon Musk’s EV Firm Expected To Offer Tesla Model Y in Indian Market; Check Expected Price.
‘Tesla Is Only Interested in Opening a Showroom Till Now’
#WATCH | Delhi | Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel of India, HD Kumaraswamy says, “Tesla is only interested in opening a showroom till now. They want to sell their car in India. There is no further development about Tesla…” pic.twitter.com/hNjneJMaYt
The approved applicants will be allowed to import Completely Built-in Units (CBUs) of e-4W with a minimum CIF value of USD 35,000 at reduced customs duty of 15 per cent for a period of 5 years from the Application Approval Date to encourage the global manufacturers to invest under the Scheme. Approved applicants would be required to make a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crores in line with the provisions of the scheme.
The scheme is strategically crafted to position India as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. With a minimum investment threshold of Rs 4,150 crore, it provides an enabling policy environment for leading global and domestic players to establish long-term manufacturing footprints in the country. Errol Musk Confident of Tesla Manufacturing Plant in India, Says PM Narendra Modi and Elon Musk Will Work Out a Deal.
According to the Ministry, the application portal would be open for applications from 24th June 2025, 10.30 a.m. and will remain open until 21st October 2025 till 6:00 p.m. The Ministry said that it has approved a forward-looking scheme to promote the domestic manufacture of passenger cars, with a special focus on electric vehicles (EVs).
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Anthropic has scored a major victory in an ongoing legal battle over artificial intelligence models and copyright, one that may reverberate across the dozens of other AI copyright lawsuits winding through the legal system in the United States. A court has determined that it was legal for Anthropic to train its AI tools on copyrighted works, arguing that the behavior is shielded by the “fair use” doctrine, which allows for unauthorized use of copyrighted materials under certain conditions.
“The training use was a fair use,” senior district judge William Alsup wrote in a summary judgment order released late Monday evening. In copyright law, one of the main ways courts determine whether using copyrighted works without permission is fair use is to examine whether the use was “transformative,” which means that it is not a substitute for the original work but rather something new. “The technology at issue was among the most transformative many of us will see in our lifetimes,” Alsup wrote.
“This is the first major ruling in a generative AI copyright case to address fair use in detail,” says Chris Mammen, a managing partner at Womble Bond Dickinson who focuses on intellectual property law. “Judge Alsup found that training an LLM is transformative use—even when there is significant memorization. He specifically rejected the argument that what humans do when reading and memorizing is different in kind from what computers do when training an LLM.”
The case, a class action lawsuit brought by book authors who alleged that Anthropic had violated their copyright by using their works without permission, was first filed in August 2024 in the US District Court for the Northern District of California.
Anthropic is the first artificial intelligence company to win this kind of battle, but the victory comes with a large asterisk attached. While Alsup found that Anthropic’s training was fair use, he ruled that the authors could take Anthropic to trial over pirating their works.
While Anthropic eventually shifted to training on purchased copies of the books, it had nevertheless first collected and maintained an enormous library of pirated materials. “Anthropic downloaded over seven million pirated copies of books, paid nothing, and kept these pirated copies in its library even after deciding it would not use them to train its AI (at all or ever again). Authors argue Anthropic should have paid for these pirated library copies. This order agrees,” Alsup writes.
“We will have a trial on the pirated copies used to create Anthropic’s central library and the resulting damages,” the order concludes.
Anthropic did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Lawyers for the plaintiffs declined to comment.
The lawsuit, Bartz v. Anthropic, was first filed less than a year ago; Anthropic asked for summary judgment on the fair use issue in February. It’s notable that Alsup has far more experience with fair use questions than the average federal judge, as he presided over the initial trial in Google v. Oracle, a landmark case about tech and copyright that eventually went before the Supreme Court.
Nearly seven months after the fatal shooting of an insurance CEO in New York drew widespread attention to health insurers’ practice of denying or delaying doctor-ordered care, the largest U.S. insurers agreed Monday to streamline their often cumbersome preapproval system.
Dozens of insurance companies, including Cigna, Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare, agreed to several measures, which include making fewer medical procedures subject to prior authorization and speeding up the review process. Insurers also pledged to use clear language when communicating with patients and promised that medical professionals would review coverage denials.
While Trump administration officials applauded the insurance industry for its willingness to change, they acknowledged limitations of the agreement.
“The pledge is not a mandate,” Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said during a news conference. “This is an opportunity for the industry to show itself.”
Oz said he wants insurers to eliminate preapprovals for knee arthroscopy, a common, minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat knee problems. Chris Klomp, director of the Center for Medicare at CMS, recommended prior authorization be eliminated for vaginal deliveries, colonoscopies, and cataract surgeries, among other procedures. Health insurers said the changes would benefit most Americans, including those with commercial or private coverage, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid managed care.
The insurers have also agreed that patients who switch insurance plans may continue receiving treatment or other health care services for 90 days without facing immediate prior authorization requirements imposed by their new insurer.
But health policy analysts say prior authorization — a system that forces some people to delay care or abandon treatment — may continue to pose serious health consequences for affected patients. That said, many people may not notice a difference, even if insurers follow through on their new commitments.
“So much of the prior authorization process is behind the black box,” said Kaye Pestaina, director of the Program on Patient and Consumer Protections at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.
Often, she said, patients aren’t even aware that they’re subject to prior authorization requirements until they face a denial.
“I’m not sure how this changes that,” Pestaina said.
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The pledge from insurers follows the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot in midtown Manhattan in early December on the way to an investor meeting, forcing the issue of prior authorization to the forefront.
Oz acknowledged “violence in the streets” prompted Monday’s announcement. Klomp told KFF Health News that insurers were reacting to the shooting because the problem has “reached a fever pitch.” Health insurance CEOs now move with security details wherever they go, Klomp said.
“There’s no question that health insurers have a reputation problem,” said Robert Hartwig, an insurance expert and a clinical associate professor at the University of South Carolina.
The pledge shows that insurers are hoping to stave off “more draconian” legislation or regulation in the future, Hartwig said.
But government interventions to improve prior authorization will be used “if we’re forced to use them,” Oz said during the news conference.
“The administration has made it clear we’re not going to tolerate it anymore,” he said. “So either you fix it or we’re going to fix it.”
Here are the key takeaways for consumers:
1. Prior authorization isn’t going anywhere.
Health insurers will still be allowed to deny doctor-recommended care, which is arguably the biggest criticism that patients and providers level against insurance companies. And it isn’t clear how the new commitments will protect the sickest patients, such as those diagnosed with cancer, who need the most expensive treatment.
2. Reform efforts aren’t new.
Most states have already passed at least one law imposing requirements on insurers, often intended to reduce the time patients spend waiting for answers from their insurance company and to require transparency from insurers about which prescriptions and procedures require preapproval. Some states have also enacted “gold card” programs for doctors that allow physicians with a robust record of prior authorization approvals to bypass the requirements.
Nationally, rules proposed by the first Trump administration and finalized by the Biden administration are already set to take effect next year. They will require insurers to respond to requests within seven days or 72 hours, depending on their urgency, and to process prior authorization requests electronically, instead of by phone or fax, among other changes. Those rules apply only to certain categories of insurance, including Medicare Advantage and Medicaid.
Beyond that, some insurance companies committed to improvement long before Monday’s announcement. Earlier this year, UnitedHealthcare pledged to reduce prior authorization volume by 10%. Cigna announced its own set of improvements in February.
3. Insurance companies are already supposed to be doing some of these things.
For example, the Affordable Care Act already requires insurers to communicate with patients in plain language about health plan benefits and coverage.
But denial letters remain confusing because companies tend to use jargon. For instance, AHIP, the health insurance industry trade group, used the term “non-approved requests” in Monday’s announcement.
Insurers also pledged that medical professionals would continue to review prior authorization denials. AHIP claims this is “a standard already in place.” But recent lawsuits allege otherwise, accusing companies of denying claims in a matter of seconds.
4. Health insurers will increasingly rely on artificial intelligence.
Health insurers issue millions of denials every year, though most prior authorization requests are quickly, sometimes even instantly, approved.
The use of AI in making prior authorization decisions isn’t new — and it will probably continue to ramp up, with insurers pledging Monday to issue 80% of prior authorization decisions “in real-time” by 2027.
“Artificial intelligence should help this tremendously,” Rep. Gregory Murphy (R-N.C.), a physician, said during the news conference.
“But remember, artificial intelligence is only as good as what you put into it,” he added.
Results from a survey published by the American Medical Association in February indicated 61% of physicians are concerned that the use of AI by insurance companies is already increasing denials.
5. Key details remain up in the air.
Oz said CMS will post a full list of participating insurers this summer, while other details will become public by January.
He said insurers have agreed to post data about their use of prior authorization on a public dashboard, but it isn’t clear when that platform will be unveiled. The same holds true for “performance targets” that Oz spoke of during the news conference. He did not name specific targets, indicate how they will be made public, or specify how the government would enforce them.
While the AMA, which represents doctors, applauded the announcement, “patients and physicians will need specifics demonstrating that the latest insurer pledge will yield substantive actions,” the association’s president, Bobby Mukkamala, said in a statement. He noted that health insurers made “past promises” to improve prior authorization in 2018.
Meanwhile, it also remains unclear what services insurers will ultimately agree to release from prior authorization requirements.
Patient advocates are in the process of identifying “low-value codes,” Oz said, that should not require preapproval, but it is unknown when those codes will be made public or when insurers will agree to release them from prior authorization rules.
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Few games pack the technical punch of Cyberpunk 2077, making it an interesting proposition for Nintendo’s shiny new handheld. While the Switch 2 is a significant upgrade to the original, Cyberpunk 2077 is considered one of the most hardware-intensive games in recent years. Despite this, CD Projekt Red’s ambitious Switch 2 port is a commendable one that makes the most of the console’s power, but with some noticeable drawbacks.
Cyberpunk 2077 for the Switch 2 offers a performance mode and quality mode for both docked and handheld play, with the key difference between the two play styles being resolution. While docked, Cyberpunk 2077’s resolution ranges between 540p and 1080p. In quality mode, it shouldn’t fall below 720p. Handheld play, depending on the graphics mode, scales between 360p and 810p. This sounds rough, but given the screen size and DLSS, Cyberpunk 2077 looks pretty palatable on the Nintendo Switch 2. Post-processing effects help offset this low resolution and the Switch 2 screen boasts a clean image, especially at a standstill. The quality can vary depending on what’s happening on screen, though. If you’re speeding through Night City or in the heat of combat, the resolution may plummet, but most players probably won’t be able to tell.
Quality mode targets 30 frames per second and performance mode targets 40. The caveat is that performance mode while docked only works with 120Hz TVs and monitors, meaning that not every display can utilize the frame rate boost. However, in my testing, the frame rate boost seemed pretty negligible when compared to quality mode. This is largely due to the fact that the Nintendo Switch 2 does not support variable refresh rate while docked, meaning the frame rate dips are noticeable. Fortunately, the quality setting appears to be more consistent. The frame rate can fluctuate depending on where you are in the world and what’s happening. Thanks to the Switch 2’s built-in VRR screen, performance mode feels pretty solid while playing handheld. That said, Dog Town–the new district added in the Phantom Liberty DLC–appears to be particularly taxing on the Switch 2. It’s far from unplayable, but it does run slightly worse than other parts of the city. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering Phantom Liberty never made it to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One due to technical limitations. That makes its inclusion on the Switch 2 all the more noteworthy.
In order to get Cyberpunk 2077 running on the Switch 2, the visuals have noticeably been pared back. While it doesn’t feel as extreme of a downgrade as The Witcher 3’s 2019 Switch port, those who played Cyberpunk 2077 on a high-end PC, Xbox Series X, or PS5 will definitely see the difference. Draw distances are reined in, textures aren’t as detailed, and the lighting isn’t as crisp. That said, it does appear to outpace last-gen consoles–perhaps not in every way, but I’d much rather play Cyberpunk 2077 on my Switch 2 than my creaky old Xbox One. For me, the most notable differences are the smaller crowd sizes and emptier roads. At times, especially in the downtown areas, Night City feels a bit empty. Concessions had to be made, and I understand why this was chief among them, but wandering around a quiet city center can take me out of the experience.
Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t just a straightforward port to the Nintendo Switch 2. CD Projekt Red has leveraged the console’s hardware to add in some new ways to play. The most interesting of the bunch are mouse controls. This lets you use a Joy-Con as a mouse in order to aim, and it works well. Once I tweaked the sensitivity, I had no trouble lining up headshots and gunning down enemies from afar. It’s a little awkward maneuvering with mouse controls outside of combat, and the default button layout took some getting used to, but it feels like more than just a gimmick. I could see myself playing for dozens of hours with mouse controls turned on. However, the gyro controls do feel like a gimmick. Using a Pro Controller or Joy-Con, you can aim using motion; it’s not quite as imprecise as it sounds, but it’s certainly not the ideal way to play Cyberpunk 2077. The more approachable, middle ground is to use the gyro controls for subtle adjustments while aiming. You can control your camera with the right stick, but when you need to make a slight adjustment you can use the motion controls.
Additionally, CD Projekt Red has added touch controls to the experience. This primarily lets you navigate menus with your finger. As someone who has put in over 250 hours into Cyberpunk, navigating the menu with analog sticks is muscle memory at this point, so I’ve largely ignored this feature (I also don’t like getting fingerprints on my screens). However, the touch screen controls are intuitive and could alleviate some of the inventory management issues that newer players might experience.
Quite possibly the coolest feature in the Switch 2 version is cross-progression, letting you transfer your saves between PC and console. This isn’t new for Cyberpunk or CD Projekt Red, but it makes this package considerably more inviting. After I completed Phantom Liberty for the first time in 2023, I’ve been slowly chipping away at a 100% playthrough, and cross-progression makes that even more attainable. The Witcher 3 for Switch eventually got cross-play, but for that functionality to work on day one with Cyberpunk 2077 is commendable.
If you’ve never played Cyberpunk 2077 and the Switch 2 is your only means to do so, then it’s an easy recommendation. The base game is excellent and the Phantom Liberty expansion is phenomenal. However, if you’ve already played Cyberpunk 2077 and don’t feel an itch to return to Night City, then this may not be worth your time. The Switch 2-specific features are a nice touch–and it’s great to see CD Projekt Red embracing the hardware–but they don’t elevate Cyberpunk 2077 beyond its already impressive pedestal.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition that negatively affects the mood of a person and causes a loss of interest in activities that were previously associated with happiness. In addition to cognitive impairments and forgetfulness, MDD can significantly affect social and occupational areas of functioning. Studies investigating the pathophysiology of MDD indicate that several immune factors and cells — such as brain glial cells — play a key role in driving neuroinflammation, ultimately contributing to the development of MDD.
Microglial cells, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), regulate inflammatory responses by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines — chemical signaling molecules. While the neuroinflammatory functions of microglial cells are well-documented, the exact role of astrocytes (a specialized type of glial cell) in neural growth and development has remained unclear until recently. To shine light on the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammation and in the pathophysiology of MDD, a team of researchers, led by Dr. Gaurav Singhal from the Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, USA, conducted an in-depth review of literature. Their findings will be published in Neuroprotection.
Explaining the motivation behind the present study, Dr. Singhal says, “MDD is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and affects more than 280 million people across all age groups and regions. Moreover, the economic burden of MDD is substantial, with annual costs in the United States alone exceeding $326 billion. Gaining insights into the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammation can aid the development of therapeutic approaches to treat depression and other psychiatric disorders.”
The research team began by conducting a comprehensive literature search using widely used online repositories such as PubMed and Google Scholar. They evaluated 226 research papers relevant to astrocytes, neuroinflammation, and depression. To ensure the high quality of their study, they followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
In their analysis, the researchers found that astrocytes were key to maintaining the structural integrity of synaptic junctions between neurons. The release of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor and fibroblast growth factor-2 by astrocytes were critical for the promotion of neurite growth and synapse formation. Besides stabilizing the tripartite synapse comprising of neuron-astrocyte-neuron, astrocytes further facilitated the effective communication between neurons via regulation of the ionic environment. Notably, changes in astrocyte morphology and function were associated with poor synaptic connectivity, contributing to the development of depressive symptoms.
Furthermore, they discovered a critical mechanism involving activated microglia and astrocytes that resulted in sustained neuroinflammation in MDD. The first step of the mechanism was the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 from activated microglia cells. These signals subsequently induced the secretion of additional inflammatory chemicals from astrocytes, thereby amplifying neuroinflammation.
Elaborating on the molecular crosstalk between microglia and astrocytes during MDD, Dr. Singhal explains, “Increased intracellular calcium levels within astrocytes can induce the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which, in turn, triggers a delayed calcium response in microglial cells. Following multiple cycles of astrocyte-released ATP-based activation, microglial cells eventually undergo apoptosis or programed cell death.”
Additionally, preclinical studies involving murine models showed that astrocytic lactate dehydrogenase A enzyme, responsible for lactate production, is important for maintaining neuronal excitability. A process known as histone lactylation — where lactate molecules are added to histone proteins in DNA — was found to alter gene expression, thereby contributing to astrocyte-driven neuroinflammation.
Taken together, this study highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying astrocytic dysfunction, wherein astrocytes switch from a neuroprotective role to one that promotes neuroinflammation by increasing the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India Programme has undertaken a unique initiative, Bhashini, the National Language Translation Mission. Mission Bhashini was launched by Hon’ble PM on 4th July 2022 during Digital India Week 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Vision of Bhashini to “Harness natural language technologies to enable a diverse ecosystem of contributors, partnering entities and citizens for the purpose of transcending language barriers, thereby ensuring digital inclusion and digital empowerment in an Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.”
Eligibility
1. Indian students enrolled at recognized universities in India who have attained a minimum of 60% marks in their most recently completed degree, or who are currently pursuing a degree program and have completed at least two years of study:
a) For Technical domain: B.S/B.E/B.Tech/M.E/M.Tech (Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)/ Computer Science (CS)/ IT/ Electronics & Communications (EC)/ Electronics/ Electrical or equivalent) or M.Sc. (CS/IT/ Electronics/ Electrical or related fields) or MCA or equivalent domain b) For Legal domain Bachelors in LL.B. c) For Finance/Accounts domain Bachelors in Commerce, Finance or equivalent. d) For other non-technical domain-Any graduate, preferably with an MBA in relevant domain or equivalent. Note:- Candidates from other domains can also be considered based on requirement on a case to case basis.
2. Possessing the minimum qualifications as stated above does not guarantee an internship at DIBD. Candidates with relevant internship exposure, a strong academic background, and higher qualifications may be given preference based on organizational needs.
Interested candidates can apply online via the link given at the end of the post.
Stipend
A monthly stipend of ₹20,000 will be provided. For further details, please refer to the internship guidelines.
Duration
The Internship Programme shall be conducted twice a year, with the specific duration to be decided by the Competent Authority. The programme will be organized in batches, and all relevant details including schedules, guidelines, and other necessary instructions will be shared with the selected interns at the time of commencement.
The minimum duration of internship shall be two months, extendable up to three months, depending on the performance of the candidate, requirement of DIBD and time the intern is willing to spend with DIBD. Every batch of interns or individual interns will have a Mentor from DIBD.
Location
The internship will be offered at New Delhi.
Deadline
The last date for submission of the Internship Application Form is 29th June 2025.
Disclaimer: Charging money from students for internships or from job applicants is an unethical practice and can lead to blacklisting. Facing concerns? Please email us at [email protected]
Long flights, cramped buses, endless road journeys. We have all tried to sleep through them, only to wake up feeling like we fought a losing battle with the seat back. I spent years stuffing scarves behind my neck or buying soft U-shaped cushions that flattened within months.
The Frido travel neck pillow could be the one-stop solution for neck support, no matter what your choice of travel is! Find out more.(Hindustan Times)
Finding the best travel neck pillow felt like wishful thinking until I stumbled upon the Frido travel neck pillow. Here is my honest Frido review and five reasons this pillow has secured a forever spot in my hand luggage.
What sets this travel pillow apart?
Let’s talk about what makes this pillow genuinely clever. The core is crafted from Hi-Per Memory Foam that adapts to your neck and springs back like magic. Unlike stiff fillers, this foam responds to your shape, providing that gentle balance between firm support and cushiony comfort.
Wrapped around it is a smooth velvet cover that stays breathable yet cosy and, most importantly, comes off in seconds for a wash. The shape itself does half the job. Its contoured curve means it hugs the neck properly from all sides, so your head stays steady instead of bobbing around mid-nap.
1. The science behind better naps
This travel neck pillow wins at something most pillows fail to do. It offers steady support. It wraps neatly around the neck, cradles the chin and stops the head from tilting or flopping sideways. This means you do not wake up suddenly with that embarrassing head snap.
The curve fits so naturally along the spine that it stops the usual stiff neck drama before it starts. No shoulder cramps, no dull headaches, no sore spots. I never believed a travel neck pillow could make such a difference until I woke up mid-flight and realised I had rested well.
2. Fits like a dream for everyone
One simple feature that changes the game is the adjustable Velcro strap. It lets me fix the snugness to my liking, no matter my hairstyle or mood for tightness.
The same pillow works for my kids on road trips and for me when catching quick naps on the sofa. It is light yet supportive enough for my parents as well, who appreciate proper neck support during long journeys.
Frido travel neck pillow(Hindustan Times)
3. Stays fresh and holds its shape
Every time I come back from a trip, the first thing I do is unzip the cover and pop it into the wash. It dries fast and comes out looking brand new. No lumps, no misshapen foam, nothing to ruin that fresh feel.
The foam inside keeps bouncing back to its perfect form, so this travel neck pillow does not turn flat and sad like the cheap ones. It lasts and still feels plush trip after trip.
4. Travel-friendly and easy to pack
I still remember unboxing this pillow. It looked tiny inside its round case, and I was convinced it was a child’s version. The second I took it out, it puffed up and felt softer than anything I had used before.
The hard case clips to any bag, freeing up space inside. It stays safe from spills or dirt and never becomes a bulky nuisance at the airport. Small touches like this make all the difference when you are rushing through terminals.
5. A comfort boost for all ages
What makes this the best travel neck pillow for my family is how it suits each of us. For my kids, it means no neck ache and better naps on long drives. For me, it means arriving rested and ready to go, not desperately looking for a neck massage at the hotel.
My parents find the extra neck support makes long journeys bearable, which is a small blessing for their comfort. This travel neck pillow works for everyone but solves different problems and provides a different type of support to each person, making it a very amusing product to use and review!
Frido travel neck pillow(Hindustan Times)
This little pillow has turned countless awkward naps into actual rest. Supportive, easy to clean, smartly packed and perfect for every age, it easily earns its title as the best travel neck pillow I have ever owned. If comfort means as much to you as it does to me, give this one a chance. Your neck will be so grateful.
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Frido travel neck pillow: FAQs
Is the Frido travel neck pillow suitable for kids and adults alike?
Yes, that is what makes it so handy. The adjustable Velcro strap lets you tweak the fit to suit both children and adults. Many parents, including me, find it the best travel neck pillow for family trips.
How do I clean my Frido travel neck pillow?
The cover comes off in seconds and can be machine-washed. The Hi Per Memory Foam inside does not need washing, just air it out if needed. This keeps the pillow fresh and hygienic after every journey.
Does the Frido travel neck pillow come with a carry case?
It does. Every Frido travel neck pillow comes in a sturdy hard case which clips neatly to a bag or suitcase. This protects it from dirt, spills and keeps packing hassle-free.
What makes this the best travel neck pillow compared to cheaper ones?
The Frido travel neck pillow uses premium memory foam, a contoured design and an adjustable fit. Together, these little details mean real neck support and lasting comfort that budget pillows simply cannot match.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a powerful Republican senator from Louisiana, has called for an important federal vaccine meeting this week to be delayed, after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired and replaced the panel’s prior members.
In a post to the social media site X Monday evening, Cassidy said the meeting should be pushed back until individuals with “more direct relevant expertise” on immunology and epidemiology are added onto the reconstituted panel, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP.
“Although the appointees to ACIP have scientific credentials, many do not have significant experience studying microbiology, epidemiology or immunology. In particular, some lack experience studying new technologies such as mRNA vaccines, and may even have a preconceived bias against them,” Cassidy wrote on X.
Despite Cassidy’s call, the ACIP meeting will be held as planned on Wednesday and Thursday, according to a source familiar with its scheduling.
Kennedy named only eight people to replace the 17 panelists he fired. Among them are Robert Malone, who has made false statements about messenger RNA vaccines, and Retsef Levi, who has called for a halt to vaccinations with mRNA shots.
Cassidy’s comments are the strongest he’s made in response to actions taken by Kennedy, who made a series of vaccine-related pledges to secure the senator’s vote during his confirmation.
Many medicalassociations have also criticized Kennedy’s recasting of ACIP, and called for the panel’s previous members to be reinstated.
“Removing a panel of independent experts appointed through a transparent, public nomination process and selected for their expertise on this issue will undoubtedly seek to sow further doubt and cause growing confusion among healthcare professionals and their patients,” one letter said.
Testifying in a Congressional hearing Tuesday, Kennedy claimed the previous panel was “rife and pervasive with pharmaceutical conflict.” Members’ conflicts of interest are publicly disclosed and typically reflect physicians’ role running clinical trials of vaccines. Conflicts for Kennedy’s hand-picked panel have not been posted on the CDC website.
ACIP provides guidelines for physicians and patients on how approved vaccines should be used. They review epidemiological data, results from clinical trials and weigh the benefits vaccination offers against the risks. Their recommendations typically provide the basis for insurance coverage.
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which oversees ACIP, typically signs off on new guidelines from the panel. But there’s no permanent director currently confirmed, and some confusion about who, if anyone, is serving as acting head. As HHS secretary, Kennedy can endorse ACIP recommendations in the CDC director’s place.
This week’s meeting will feature discussion and votes on various vaccines, including shots for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and COVID-19. The agenda, which has been changed since the committee’s overhaul, also includes a discussion on a mercury-based preservative called thimerosal, which has been the target of fringe theories attempting to link vaccination with autism.
Thimerosal is no longer used in most vaccines and testing has not found an association between it and autism.
Purchasing property in inner Melbourne suburbs like Fitzroy, Carlton or Northcote in the early 1980s turned out to be a gateway to multi-generational wealth.
These areas, once working-class, underwent gentrification and became some of the most valuable real estate in the country, with homes now worth over $1.5 million.
Property is no longer just about shelter, it’s about wealth and privilege.
Without serious reforms, in planning, zoning, and supply — the housing divide will continue to widen.
Investors and policymakers alike must reckon with how the past has shaped today’s market and what it means for Australia’s future.
If you bought a property in inner Melbourne in the early 1980s, you likely had no idea you were stepping onto a launching pad for multi-generational wealth.
Back then, homes in suburbs like Fitzroy, Carlton or Northcote were affordable, not cheap, but within reach of ordinary Australians.
Today?
Those same homes are worth well over $1.5 million.
And the consequences of that boom, which looked like good fortune at the time, are still reverberating through our property markets and our society.
A boom few understood and even fewer predicted
According to PropTrack’s Senior Economist Eleanor Creagh, what began as a slow shift in the ’80s became a structural transformation.
As she put it:
“The gentrification of inner Melbourne delivered windfall wealth to those who bought early… but what it also did was lock out those who came later.”
She’s absolutely right.
We often talk about how compounding capital growth works over decades, but the real story here is about structural advantage.
Those who were able to buy into the market before the boom didn’t just win the property lottery. They won access to the best schools, the shortest commutes, the strongest communities, and, critically, the highest appreciating assets.
The silent shift: from working-class to premium postcodes
In the 1970s and early ’80s, Melbourne’s inner suburbs weren’t the million-dollar enclaves they are today.
Back then, many of them were working-class neighbourhoods.
Blue-collar families lived in modest weatherboard homes that are now architectural trophies.
But by the mid-1980s, a combination of factors — economic liberalisation, changing demographics, urban renewal, and falling interest rates — started pushing prices upward.
What followed was a re-rating of inner-city land, and with it, a rapid rise in household wealth for existing owners as these locations gentrified.
“You had a cohort that got in before the boom, saw prices multiply many times over, and now hold significant equity… while younger Australians are forced to look to the fringes.”
The wealth divide: a tale of two markets
This is where the story becomes uncomfortable, but necessary.
Because this isn’t just a tale of rising prices.
It’s the origin story of Australia’s housing wealth divide.
Those who bought in the ’80s and early ’90s, often with single incomes and modest deposits, now own properties in areas that have seen 10x price growth.
They’ve tapped that equity to fund renovations, investment properties, or help their kids into the market.
Many are now debt-free and asset-rich.
Meanwhile, today’s first homebuyers are facing median house prices 8–10 times the average income, tougher lending restrictions, and the need for six-figure deposits, often without family support, especially if their parents weren’t homeowners.
In Creagh’s words:
“Home ownership is increasingly a marker of intergenerational advantage. If your parents own property, you’re more likely to own property. And if they don’t, your pathway is far more difficult.”
This is a dangerous dynamic.
Housing was once the great Australian equaliser, a way for anyone with hard work and discipline to build wealth.
But over time, it’s become a gatekeeper, and that gate is increasingly locked.
Planning, policy and a shortage of political courage
One of the great failures in all of this has been our planning system.
Rather than increasing density in the very suburbs where people most want to live — close to transport, jobs, and lifestyle — we’ve kept inner- and middle-ring areas locked up under heritage overlays and NIMBY-friendly zoning.
The result?
A growing city pushed outward, not upward.
Infrastructure lagging behind population growth.
And inner-city land becoming even more scarce, further entrenching its value.
As a result, new supply has largely been dumped on the urban fringe, where land is cheaper but opportunity is scarcer.
Creagh puts it bluntly:
“The housing market has become increasingly segmented — with opportunity and affordability drifting further apart.”
What this means for investors today
As I often say, we can’t change the past, but we can learn from it.
And right now, smart property investors are recognising several key takeaways:
Long-term compounding matters more than short-term timing. The people who benefited from the 1980s boom didn’t try to flip properties. They held quality assets through cycles.
Location is still everything. The fundamentals that drove growth in the ’80s — proximity, lifestyle, jobs — are even more powerful today in our knowledge economy.
Scarcity creates value. Those inner-ring properties are still in high demand and limited supply. That imbalance is not going away. But now the next round of gentrification will occur in the middle ring suburbs of our capital cities.
Demographics drive demand. We’re seeing a generation of aspirational buyers and renters still wanting to live near the city. If they can’t buy there, they’ll rent, pushing rents and yields up for investors who own the right properties.
The boom that built modern Melbourne
The property boom of the 1980s wasn’t just about price growth; it was a social reshuffling.
It created a class of accidental millionaires and locked out a generation that came after.
And while we can debate solutions — zoning reform, shared equity schemes, or even tax policy changes — one truth remains:
Note: Property is no longer just a roof over your head. It’s a foundation of wealth, and increasingly, of privilege.
So, whether you’re a homeowner, an investor, or an aspiring buyer, understanding how we got here is key to knowing what’s coming next.
As Eleanor Creagh aptly notes:
“Without significant changes to how and where we build, this divide will only get worse.”
Let’s hope we start building not just more homes, but better pathways to ownership, too.
Why Now Is a Window of Opportunity for Strategic Property Investors
Just like in the 1980’s, I believe we’re in a window of opportunity for property investors who take a long-term view today .
Right now, we’re seeing what some would call a “perfect storm” of fundamentals that are aligning to support strong property markets in the years ahead:
Continued rapid population growth is putting pressure on housing.
An acute undersupply of dwellings,
A chronic shortage of skilled labour, making new development slower and more expensive.
Inflation has moderated, now sitting within the RBA’s target range.
Interest rates will keep falling – bringing more buyers into the market
Government first homebuyer incentives will pour fuel on the flames of our undersupplied housing market.
As interest rates keep falling and confidence returns among both buyers and sellers, we’ll enter the next phase of the property cycle.
And historically, this stage has delivered some of the best capital growth for those who act early.
Fact is, the smart money is already on the move. But what about you?
That’s where our Complimentary Wealth Discovery Session comes in. We’re offering you a 1-on-1 chat with a Metropole Wealth Strategist to help you:
Clarify your financial goals
Understand how macro trends affect your position
Build a personalised, data-driven property strategy
Get ahead of the curve — before everyone else piles in
There’s no cost, no obligation — just practical, tailored guidance based on decades of experience.
Click here now to book your free Wealth Discovery Session
About Joseph Ballota Joseph is a Property Coach who put hundreds of people on the road towards wiping away their mortgage in under 5 years through expert Property Investment Plans.
Some relationships shake you to your core. They’re more than a connection of hearts, a bond of love. They’re a transformative experience that cracks you open in ways you didn’t ask for, but maybe needed. That’s exactly the impact a twin flame relationship has on your life. It’s not always pretty, and it’s definitely not always easy, but there’s something about it that feels impossible to ignore.
People often confuse twin flames with soulmates, but they serve very different purposes. A twin flame doesn’t show up to give you peace; they show up to spark transformation. So how do you know if that person who turned your world upside down is actually your twin flame? Let’s take a closer look at what the twin flame connection really is and why it just might be one of the most powerful experiences you’ll ever have.
What Is A Twin Flame Relationship?
A twin flame relationship feels unlike any other—it’s intensely rewarding and often just as challenging. You’re essentially in a relationship with your mirror, someone who reflects your strengths and your weaknesses. As spiritual coach Amanda Lieber puts it, “A twin flame relationship is meant to bring what needs to be seen and healed to the surface for both people involved.” The goal? Growth and catharsis, which is driven by the following characteristics of a twin flame connection:
Instant, overwhelming connection
Deep emotional, spiritual, and physical intimacy
A sense of fate or destiny
Ability to feel each other’s emotions or pain, even across distance
Twin flames are not soulmates. Soulmates offer comfort and harmony. Twin flames trigger growth through intensity. Psychiatrist Dr. Charles Sweet explains, “While soulmates feel harmony, twin flame connections are intense, triggering, and often unhealthy.” These connections carry a spiritual mission, with a feeling that the bond serves a bigger purpose beyond just love. It’s transformative, it’s hard—and it’s unforgettable.
Related Reading: 25 Signs Your Twin Flame Is Communicating With You
Since twin flames are said to be two halves of the same soul, it often leads to a misnomer that a twin flame relationship is meant to complete the two partners. However, it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Twin flames don’t “complete” each other. But, yes, a healthy twin flame union amplifies two already-whole individuals. “Relationships are meant to encourage you to be more complete in your own right,” explains psychotherapist Babita Spinelli.
7 Things That Make a Twin Flame Relationship Unique
Twin flames—two parts of a whole
While every relationship is unique in its own right, twin flame relationships have a few defining features that truly set them apart from others. Here are seven things that make the twin flame dynamic special:
1. A mirror soul connection
Twin flames are often described as sharing the same soul in two bodies. This mirror-soul concept is unique—you won’t feel it with just anyone. It creates an unparalleled bond of understanding. You might sense what they’re feeling without words, or have the same thoughts at the same time. This connection operates on a soul level, giving twin flame relationships a depth that transcends the physical.
Understanding the mirror soul aspect of twin flames can offer you clarity on why meeting a twin flame feels so surreal. Once you meet your twin flame on Earth, the reunion of your soul’s two halves causes an immense amount of spiritual energy to ripple outwards, sparking intense attraction, emotions and psychological effects in both partners. In simple terms: one of the signs of a twin flame connection is that it’s powerful and otherworldly.
Related Reading: 17 Signs That Reveal You Have Met Your False Twin Flame
2. Intense and unpredictable emotions
How do you know if it’s a true twin flame connection? By its fieriness and volatility. Unlike a typical romance that might gradually build stability, twin flame love tends to explode into your life. Emotions run higher than usual. Love feels heightened. Passion is off the charts. At the same time, conflict can also be more explosive.
You might experience wild mood swings or dramatic breakups and makeups. The phrase “cannot live with them, cannot live without them” rings true for a twin flame connection. This emotional intensity is unique to twin flames and stems from the deep soul resonance and the pressure it creates.
“Whether it’s positive or negative, the term ‘twin flames’ describes a really intense connection… You’re on a rollercoaster ride. That can be fun but may not be sustainable long term.”
—Natacha Duke, psychotherapist at Cleveland Clinic
3. Yin-Yang complementarity
Twin flame couples often have an amazing complementary fit. It’s not that you’re identical. In fact, you might be opposites in many ways. However, your differences complete each other like two halves of a whole. It’s a dynamic balance of masculine and feminine energy (not based on gender, but on energetic qualities). For example, one twin might be more grounded while the other is more adventurous; together, they pull each other toward a healthy middle. Or perhaps one is a big-picture dreamer and the other pays attention to details.
This yin-yang energy complementarity means each twin flame brings out the missing pieces in the other. You help each other grow by introducing new perspectives. It’s a unique trait because in many relationships, differences become points of friction, but in twin flame couples, differences often feel strangely fated, as if designed to slot together. This doesn’t mean differences won’t cause conflict (they will), but ultimately, those differences are the exact lessons you need from each other.
4. Rapid personal growth
No relationship triggers personal evolution as fast as a twin flame relationship. It is a wild, chaotic journey where both people change significantly in a short time. You might notice you’re not the same person you were before meeting your twin. That’s because twin flames don’t let each other stagnate. You will be confronted with your flaws and forced to work on them. Your twin flame will call you out on your BS, challenge your ego, and push you out of your comfort zone.
A twin flame pushes you out of your comfort zone
This can be uncomfortable—even overwhelming—but it leads to huge maturity leaps. You grow in this relationship every day. After navigating a twin flame connection, people often say they’ve developed a greater sense of self, newfound talents, or a whole new life direction. It’s as if the relationship accelerates your destiny. Some spiritual teachings say that once twin flames have fulfilled their growth purpose, the relationship might end because it has achieved its purpose. Whether or not that’s true, the growth is certainly a central, defining feature of a twin flame relationship.
5. Runner-chaser and on-off patterns
The twin flame relationship is marked by another unique dynamic—the runner and chaser phase, which is not common in regular relationships to the same extreme. At some point, you will find yourself dealing with the push and pull in a twin flame dynamic where one twin (the runner) may get scared of the intensity and try to escape, distancing themselves or even ending the relationship, while the other (the chaser) feels an immense loss and tries to reconcile, pursuing the runner. This cycle might repeat multiple times and can span months or years.
What makes it unique is that even when apart, both still feel deeply connected; the bond doesn’t truly sever. Ultimately, many runner-chaser duos swap roles or finally come back into alignment. The on-and-off nature, the inevitability of reuniting, and the almost fated rhythm of separation and return is a signature of twin flame relationships. Few other relationships undergo this specific pattern of break, learn, return, and heal. It’s almost like a tide that goes out and comes back in, each time clearing more debris.
Related Reading: 25 Signs Your Twin Flame Is Communicating With You
6. Sense of a higher purpose
Twin flame relationships often carry a sense of spiritual or cosmic purpose. Astrology sees twin flames as connections that enhance spiritual and emotional bonds, confronting fears, and facilitating personal growth as a service to spiritual alignment. You both might feel that your coming together is about more than just the two of you. Perhaps you inspire each other to start a charitable project, a business that helps others, an artistic collaboration, or some spiritual endeavor. Even if it’s not a literal joint mission, there is usually a feeling that together, we’re serving something bigger.
Some people believe twin flames reunite in this life to assist in each other’s soul mission. For example, one twin might be destined to be a healer or leader, and the other twin provides crucial support and growth to make that possible. Or maybe your combined experiences could one day teach or guide others. In short, the relationship is meaningful. It feels important. Almost like the universe has a stake in your union.
7. Unconditional love through Hardship
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of a twin flame relationship is its capacity for unconditional love. Because your twin flame is so much like you at the soul level, there’s an understanding and acceptance that runs deep. What does unconditional love feel like in a twin flame connection? A lot like choosing to love each other even at your worst. Even when they drive you crazy or hurt you, a part of you sees through those actions to the true them and you love that true self unconditionally.
Twin flames can reach a love that is soul-deep and transcends the usual conditions we put on partners. It doesn’t mean you tolerate bad behavior (you shouldn’t), but it means there’s an underlying love that persists even when the surface relationship struggles. In a way, twin flames teach each other true, unconditional self-love as well, by reflecting each other.
These qualities make twin flame relationships unlike any other. It’s often said that twin flames will test you and teach you more than any other person. If you’re in a twin flame relationship, you’ll likely nod at reading these traits because it’s a journey that defies ordinary relationship logic. Embracing what makes it unique (instead of wishing it were “normal”) can help you navigate it more gracefully.
What To Expect from A Twin Flame Relationship
If you’ve recognized a twin flame connection in your life, it’s natural to wonder what lies ahead. The honest answer is: expect a little bit of everything! A twin flame relationship will take you through a full spectrum of experiences. Here are some things you can generally expect:
1. Intensity from the start
Twin flames often dive into a deep connection fast. “When you meet, it is an insane instant attraction… You often can’t keep your hands off one another,” says psychotherapist Shannon. You may skip steps that most couples take months to reach. This rush is driven by deep soul recognition.
2. Bliss followed by conflict
The honeymoon phase fades as core wounds surface. “Differences and core wounds tend to surface sooner or later,” notes Babita. Conflict isn’t a sign of failure but a phase of growth.
3. Cycles of triggers and healing
Twin flames can also bring out the worst in each other
Expect recurring emotional triggers and healing phases. Issues arise, lead to tension, which, if addressed, bring deeper closeness. This cycle repeats, gradually strengthening the bond.
4. Separation is common
Most twin flames separate at some point. It’s painful but necessary for personal growth. “Twin flame relationships have an off-and-on quality,” says Natacha. Space often leads to breakthroughs, not breakups.
5. Deep, spiritual love
Despite the challenges, the connection can feel transcendent. Twin flames often sense each other’s emotions, finish thoughts, or experience powerful synchronicities.
Related Reading: Twin Flame Vs Soulmate – 8 Key Differences
6. A shift toward purpose
Meeting your twin may trigger life changes—career shifts, spiritual awakenings, or realignment with your true self. Twin flames often catalyze each other’s evolution. A twin flame relationship is not smooth or eas,y but it’s rarely forgettable. It pushes you to grow, heal, and live more authentically.
Is A Twin Flame Relationship Always Healthy?
A twin flame relationship is inevitable, and in many ways, essential to growth. But is it always healthy? Not necessarily. The intense nature of twin flame connections can mask unhealthy or even toxic dynamics. People may mistake emotional chaos for passion and ignore red flags.
Dr. Charles Sweet warns, “Twin flame connections are intense, triggering, and often unhealthy. ” It’s important to not lose sight of the fact that abuse, jealousy, manipulation, or control are never acceptable—twin flame or not. What’s worse, people can use these labels to get away with poor behavior in relationships. Natacha reiterates this and says that some use the concept to “mask narcissistic and abusive relationships.”
A twin flame connection can easily slip into the toxic territory
Remember, a healthy twin flame bond involves growth and mutual healing. Destructive patterns repeat without resolution and erode self-worth. Some of the warning signs that your twin flame connection is veering into unhealthy territory include:
Walking on eggshells
Loss of self-esteem
Isolation from loved ones
Ghosting
Obsession
Blurred boundaries
If that’s what you’re dealing with, acknowledge that these are red flags and not signs of twin flame love. Abuse is abuse, regardless of a twin flame connection, and under no circumstances—no matter how intense the connection or powerful the pull—should you put up with it.
Related Reading: Twin Flame Test
How To Navigate A Twin Flame Relationship—8 Tips
Navigating a twin flame relationship can feel like trying to sail a small boat through a hurricane— the waters are choppy and the stakes are high. However, with conscious effort from both partners, it’s possible to steer the relationship in a healthy direction. Here are some practical tips for handling the twin flame journey:
1. Prioritize self-reflection and self-improvement
Don’t lost yourself in a twin flame relationship
The twin flame journey is as much about your relationship with yourself as it is about your partner. Embrace the issues that come up as opportunities to work on self-growth. If your twin flame triggers, say, jealousy in you, take time to explore where that feeling is stemming from and work on addressing its root cause. Both partners should do this inner work through,
Journaling
Meditation
Therapy
Remember, your twin is reflecting parts of you, so use that mirror to know yourself better. By growing individually, you can improve your relationship as well.
2. Communicate openly and honestly
It sounds like relationship 101, and communication is indeed the bedrock of any good relationship. But clear and honest communication becomes even more crucial in a twin flame relationship. Given that you and your partner are so in sync about so many things, there can be an assumption that “they should just know what I feel.” However, even twin flames aren’t true mind-readers all the time.
Practice embracing vulnerability and sharing your feelings. If you’re hurt, say so calmly. If you need space, explain that lovingly. The intensity can lead to dramatic fights if communication isn’t conscious. Try to discuss triggers when you’re not in the heat of the moment. For example, “When you withdrew last week, it brought up my abandonment fears. I’m working on that, but I wanted you to know why I got so upset.” Such honesty builds understanding.
At the same time, be willing to listen without defensiveness when your partner does the same. The mirror can be uncomfortable—you might hear things about yourself that are hard to accept—but hearing each other out fully is key to navigating the ups and downs.
Related Reading: Seeing 222 When Thinking Of Someone – Meanings And What To Do
3. Set boundaries and ground rules
Given the on-off nature and extreme intensity, it’s easy for boundaries to get blurred in twin flame unions. But healthy boundaries are crucial. For instance,
If you know you tend to lose yourself in the other person, set aside regular “me time” to stay centered in your own identity
If fights get too heated, agree on a strategy such as taking 20 minutes apart to cool down so that it doesn’t escalate into doing or saying hurtful things
If you find specific behaviors too hurtful, disappearing for weeks with no contact, for example, communicate that those are lines not to cross
These agreements can prevent the relationship from sliding into chaos. It might feel counterintuitive to impose structure on a cosmic connection, but respecting each other’s humanity and limits makes the spiritual bond safer and stronger.
4. Don’t romanticize toxic behavior
A twin flame relationship can be intense to the point of being all-consuming. That’s why it becomes even more important to not develop blind spots toward or normalize toxic behavior. Hold each other accountable for treating one another well. It can be helpful to educate yourselves on what healthy vs. unhealthy relationship behaviors look like. If you catch yourselves saying things like, “Yes, he lies to me or cheats, but that’s just our twin flame journey testing me,” pause and reality-check. No, that’s someone violating trust.
Don’t let your twin flame get away with toxicity
Both partners should commit to basic relationship ethics: honesty, kindness, and respect. If one partner can’t adhere to those, the other must be willing to step away. A twin flame connection does not give a license to act out every whim or wound on each other. In fact, some experts advise not to get too attached to the label “twin flame” precisely so you don’t excuse bad behavior. Ask yourself: “If this were any other relationship, how would I view this situation?” If the answer is “I’d be very concerned,” then address it. You deserve a love that elevates you, not one that repeatedly hurts you.
5. Seek support and guidance
Sometimes the twin flame experience can be so singular that you feel no one else understands. But reaching out for support can provide much-needed grounding. Talk to a trusted friend, even if they don’t “get” twin flames, they do care about your well-being. Or consider seeing a relationship counselor or therapist, ideally one open to the concept or at least experienced with intense relationships. They can help both of you develop coping strategies for the intensity.
Be cautious, however, of so-called “twin flame gurus” or expensive coaches who promise reunion magic. Unfortunately, there are people who prey on those in vulnerable twin flame stages. Instead, look for licensed professionals or genuinely wise mentors. Even online communities like twin flame forums can offer comfort, but take advice with discernment since every journey is different.
6. Practice patience with your partner and the process
Patience is not easy in such a fiery relationship, but it’s necessary. There will be many points where you feel like, “Why aren’t we there yet? Why are we still struggling with XYZ?” Understand that twin flame journeys can span years and unfold in stages. Rushing the process by forcing reconciliation before you’re ready, or demanding your twin flame hurry up and heal, usually backfires. Accept that both of you may need to grow at your own pace.
If you’re the more awakened one, it can be frustrating to wait for your partner to catch up. But remember how many layers you’re each sorting through. Have compassion for them and for yourself. Also, patience in moments of conflict is key: when a trigger happens, pause before reacting. Take deep breaths or a short break. The emotions in twin flame fights can be so overwhelming that you might say things you regret. Slowing down responses can prevent unnecessary damage.
Remember: You don’t have to push the river; you are the river. Let it flow.
7. Maintain your individuality
It’s easy to get completely absorbed in a twin flame relationship. But it’s healthy to keep other aspects of your life active. Maintain friendships, hobbies, career goals, and practices that are just yours. This not only gives you a break from the intensity, but it also prevents codependency. Twin flames share a soul frequency, but in this 3D life, you are still two individuals who each need a well-rounded life.
Encouraging each other to pursue personal interests actually strengthens the relationship, creates a healthy space, and brings new energy in. For example, if one of you loves painting or working out, or journaling, make sure to carve out time for that. Don’t drop everything for your twin flame 24/7, no matter how tempting that proposition seems. A little bit of normalcy through activities like movie nights, spending time with family, or just doing mundane tasks together can also help ground the relationship. Not every moment needs to be epic soul-searching. Balancing the cosmic with the commonplace is a navigation skill in itself.
8. Know when to step back or seek balance
Despite best efforts, twin flame relationships can reach impasses. If you find yourselves stuck in a loop of pain—breaking up and reconciling with no improvement in how you treat each other—it might be time to take a longer break or reassess the relationship dynamics. This isn’t “failing” the twin flame journey; sometimes it’s exactly what’s needed to restore balance.
Separation phases can be profoundly healing. So don’t fear them; use them wisely. In those times, focus entirely on your personal healing without the turbulence of the relationship. Many twin flames find that when they come back after a substantial period of real growth, the relationship is much healthier.
Also, be open to the possibility that not all twin flames end up as life partners. It’s okay if you ultimately conclude that the relationship, as a romantic partnership, isn’t healthy for you, and you transition to loving them from afar or as a friend. The love can remain, but the form may change. Navigating means sometimes changing course if the current route is unsustainable.
One final tip: Humor helps. Sometimes things get so intense that you just have to laugh at the cosmic drama of it all. Sharing a laugh, even gallows humor, with your twin during a tough moment can diffuse tension and remind you both that you’re human, figuring this out as you go.
Key Pointers
Twin flame relationships are deeply spiritual and intense, marked by an overwhelming connection, emotional turbulence, and a mirror-like bond that reflects each partner’s strengths and
They differ from soulmate relationships and often involve rapid personal evolution, emotional volatility, and cycles of separation and reunion
Twin flames often feel a higher purpose together, with their union serving something beyond romantic love, like spiritual missions, creative collaborations, or deep healing
Despite their transformative nature, twin flame relationships are not always healthy, and their intensity can sometimes mask toxic behaviors such as emotional manipulation, obsession, or loss of self
Navigating a twin flame relationship requires conscious effort, including self-reflection, honest communication, setting boundaries, avoiding toxic romanticization, and seeking external support when needed
Final Thoughts
In navigating a twin flame relationship, empathy and respect are your compass. Always come back to love, not the clinging kind of love, but the compassionate kind. Love for your twin flame, yes, but also love for yourself, which means you will protect yourself and them from the worst impulses you both have. This journey doesn’t come with a manual, but these guidelines above are like some stars to steer by. Ultimately, trust your intuition, learn from others but filter it through your own truth, and don’t lose sight of why you embarked on this in the first place: to become the truest, most loving version of yourself, and to share that love in its highest form with your twin. If you keep that intention at the heart of your navigation, you’ll find your way.
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Windows has a built-in tool that creates a completely isolated environment. Using it, you can safely test suspicious files, install questionable software, or browse risky websites without risking damage to your main computer.
Meet Windows Sandbox
Windows Sandbox is a built-in security feature available on Windows 10 and 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. It creates a temporary, isolated Windows environment that’s completely separate from your main system. Think of it as a disposable computer inside your computer. Anything you do in the sandbox stays there, and when you close it, all traces vanish. This makes it one of the easiest ways to check if a download is safe, without putting your files or settings in harm’s way.
Unlike traditional virtual machines that require you to install an operating system and dedicate a chunk of your storage drive, Windows Sandbox uses your existing Windows files to spin up a lightweight, temporary desktop in seconds. It’s designed to be fast, efficient, and dead-simple for anyone to use—no tech wizardry required!
The temporary nature of Windows Sandbox is both its greatest strength and defining characteristic. Every time you launch it, you get a completely fresh Windows installation. When you close the sandbox, everything disappears permanently. All installed software, downloaded files, registry changes, and system modifications vanish without a trace.
Getting Started With Your First Virtual Sandbox
Windows Sandbox combines the security benefits of virtual machines with the efficiency of container technology. Instead of running like a traditional Hyper-V virtual machine, the sandbox operates more akin to a process within your main operating system, giving it better performance and resource management. The system uses intelligent memory sharing where the sandbox and host computer share the same physical memory pages for executable files, through a technology called “direct map”.
Before you can use Windows Sandbox, your computer needs to meet specific requirements. You need Windows 10 or 11 Pro/Enterprise/ Education. You must enable Hyper-V, and have virtualization turned on in your BIOS. See our guide to fixing common virtualization problems for help with checking this.
Finally, you’ll also need at least 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended), and at least 1GB of free disk space.
To enable Windows Sandbox, you need to turn on the feature within the OS. Open the Start menu and type “Turn Windows features on or off”. Alternatively, you can navigate to the Control Panel, open Programs and Features, and then click Turn Windows features on or off.
In the Windows Features dialog, scroll down and check the box next to Windows Sandbox. Click OK and restart your computer when prompted. The installation process will download and configure the necessary components.
Using the Sandbox
Once you’ve enabled it, launching Windows Sandbox is straightforward. Simply open the Start menu, type “Windows Sandbox,” and click it. The sandbox will launch in its own window, displaying a clean Windows desktop with only the basic built-in applications like File Explorer, Control Panel, Notepad, and Microsoft Edge. You can resize the window or maximize it for full-screen use, just like any other app.
Getting files into the sandbox is simple thanks to clipboard integration. You can copy files from your main computer and paste them directly into the sandbox environment. Alternatively, you can use the built-in Microsoft Edge browser within the sandbox to download files directly from the internet.
The sandbox has network access by default, so you can browse websites, download software, and access online resources.
Why You Should Use Windows Sandbox for Privacy and Security
Windows Sandbox is a practical solution for anyone who wants to stay safe while exploring unknown files or apps. Here’s why you should use this awesome feature:
Complete Isolation: Anything you run in Windows Sandbox is sealed off from your main computer. Malware, viruses, or software bugs cannot escape the sandbox.
Safe Software Testing: You can try out new programs, open suspicious email attachments, or experiment with downloads without worrying about damaging your main Windows setup. If something goes wrong, just close Sandbox and start fresh with another.
Stronger Privacy: All your browsing history, cookies, and temporary files created in the Sandbox are deleted as soon as you exit. Although there are several free online sandboxing tools with more advanced testing capabilities, Windows Sandbox provides faster performance and will always be available within your system.
No System Clutter: Installing and removing software in Sandbox never clutters your real PC. You avoid leftover files, registry changes, or slowdowns since every session starts with a clean slate.
The sandbox is particularly valuable for software testing and experimentation. You can install trial software without cluttering your main system, test different versions of applications, or explore system modifications without fear of permanent damage. Think of it like an incognito browser window, but for your entire PC.
How I Set Up and Use Windows Sandbox
I love how Windows Sandbox gives me a fresh, safe space to test apps and files, but downloading the same installer or file over and over again gets old quickly. That’s why I like to set up my Sandbox so it always has access to my Downloads folder. This way, whenever I want to try out a new program or check if a file is safe, I don’t have to waste time redownloading it inside the Sandbox. I just open the file from my real Downloads folder, test it, and move on.
Setting this up is much easier than you might think. Here’s exactly how I do it:
First, on my regular Windows desktop (not inside the Sandbox), I open File Explorer and go to my Downloads folder. At the top of the window, you’ll see the address bar showing the folder’s path. I right-click on that address bar and select Copy address as text from the menu.
I change the part before HostFolder to my Downloads folder address that I copied previously. In this example, my computer’s username is “jricm”, so the path will look like this:
<HostFolder>C:UsersjricmDownloads</HostFolder>
I then save this text file as “My-Desktop-Sandbox.wsb” on my Desktop (for easy access). Once saved, the file should have a Windows SandBox (.wsb) icon.
Now, whenever I want to open Windows Sandbox, I just double-click this file. Instantly, my Downloads folder appears on the Sandbox desktop, and I can open or test anything I’ve saved there. Because it’s mapped as read-only, I never have to worry about accidentally changing or deleting anything in my real Downloads folder. It’s all about convenience and peace of mind.
Sometimes I want to take it a step further, especially if I’m testing a file that could be risky. In those cases, I like to lock down the Sandbox even more by turning off its internet connection. That way, even if something tries to call home or download more junk, it can’t get online at all.
To do this, I just add one extra line to the top of my configuration file to disable networking:
That’s it. Now, when I launch Sandbox with this file, not only do I get instant, read-only access to my Downloads, but the Sandbox itself is completely cut off from the internet. No downloads, no uploads, and no sneaky background connections.
This setup makes Windows Sandbox feel like a true personal testing lab. I can quickly try out anything in my Downloads folder, confident that nothing will mess with my real files or sneak out onto the web. And if I ever want to go back to the default, all I have to do is open the regular Sandbox app from the Start menu.
I find that Windows Sandbox provides a perfect balance between security and usability. It gives enterprise-grade isolation in a way that’s accessible to everyday users. By taking advantage of custom configurations and automated setups, you can create powerful, secure testing environments that protect your main computer while enabling safe exploration of the digital world.
A rare and dramatic event of marine predation was recently captured in the waters surrounding Beijiao Reef, which is part of China’s Xisha Islands. Local fishermen inadvertently filmed the striking moment when a dolphin hunted and successfully captured a flying fish. In the footage, the dolphin is seen lying in wait, scanning the waters for prey. Upon identifying its target, it accelerates rapidly and launches a surprise attack. The flying fish, with its agile movements, managed to escape temporarily but was ultimately caught by the dolphin.
One of the oldest movie studios in Los Angeles is up for sale, perhaps to the newest generation of content creators.
The potential sale of Occidental Studios comes amid a drop in filming in Los Angeles as the local entertainment industry faces such headwinds as rising competition from studios in other cities and countries, as well as the aftermath of filming slowdowns during the pandemic and industry strikes of 2023.
Occidental Studios, which dates back to 1913, was once used by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to make silent films. It is a small version of a traditional Hollywood studio with soundstages, offices and writers’ bungalows in a 3-acre gated campus near Echo Park in Historic Filipinotown.
Kermit the Frog above the Jim Henson Company studio lot in Hollywood.
(AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
The seller hopes its boutique reputation will garner $45 million, which would rank it one of the most valuable studios in Southern California at $651 per square foot. A legendary Hollywood studio founded by Charlie Chaplin in 1917 sold last year for $489 per foot, according to real estate data provider CoStar.
The Chaplin studio known until recently as the Jim Henson Company Lot was purchased by singer-songwriter John Mayer and movie director McG from the family of famed Muppets creator Jim Henson.
Occidental Studios may sell to one of today’s modern content creators in search of a flagship location, said real estate broker Nicole Mihalka of CBRE, who represents the seller.
She declined to name potential buyers but said she is showing the property to new-media businesses who don’t present themselves through traditional channels such as television shows and instead rely on social media and the internet to reach younger audiences.
Occidental Studios, which dates back to 1913, was once used by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to make silent films.
(CBRE)
New media entrepreneurs may not often need soundstages, “but they like the idea of having the history, the legacy” of a studio linked to the early days of cinema, she said. It might lend credibility to a brand and become a destination for promotional activities as well as being a place to create content, she said. Mihalka envisions the space being used for events for partners, sponsors and advertisers as well as press junkets for new product launches.
Entertainment businesses located nearby include filmmaker Ava DuVernay’s Array Now, independent film and production company Blumhouse Productions and film and production company Rideback Ranch.
Neighborhoods east of Hollywood such as Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park and Highland Park have become home to many people in the entertainment industry, which Mihalka hopes will elevate the appeal of Occidental Studios.
“We’ve been seeing film and TV talent heading this way for a while,” she said, including executives who also live in those neighborhoods.
The owner of of Occidental Studios said it’s gotten harder for smaller studios to operate in the current economic climate that includes competition from major independent studio operators that have emerged in recent decades.
“Once upon a time, you did not have multibillion-dollar global portfolio companies swimming in the waters of Hollywood,” said Craig Darian, chief executive of Occidental Entertainment Group Holdings Inc., citing Hudson Pacific Properties, Hackman Capital Partners and CIM Group. “They are not content producers, but have a long history of providing services for multiple television shows and features.”
Competition now includes overseas studios in such countries as Canada, Ireland and Australia, he said. “When production was really robust and domiciled in Los Angeles, it was much easier to remain very competitive.”
Another factor threatening the bottom line for conventional studios is rapidly changing technology used to create entertainment including tools as simple as lighting.
“You used to know that equipment would last for decades,” Darian said. “The new tools for production are becoming obsolete in far shorter order.”
Writers’ bungalows at Occidental Studios.
(CBRE)
Nevertheless, Darian said, the potential sale “is not motivated by distress or urgency. Nothing is driving the decision other than the timing of whether or not this remains to be a relevant asset to keep within our portfolio. If we get an offer at or above the asking price, then we’re a seller.”
Darian said he may also seek a long-term tenant to take over the studio.
Occidental Studios at 201 N. Occidental Blvd. comprises over 69,000 square feet of buildings including four soundstages and support space such as offices and dressing rooms.
It’s among the oldest continually operating studios in Hollywood, used by pioneering filmmakers Cecil B. DeMille, D.W. Griffith and Pickford, who worked there as an actress and filmmaker in its early years. Pickford reportedly kept an apartment on the lot for years.
More recently it has been used for television production for such shows as “Tales of the City,” “New Girl” and HBO’s thriller “Sharp Objects.”
Local television production area declined by 30.5% in the first quarter compared with the previous year, according to he nonprofit organization FilmLA, which tracks shoot days in the Greater Los Angeles region. All categories of TV production were down, including dramas (-38.9%), comedies (-29.9%), reality shows -(26.4%) and pilots (-80.3%).
Feature film production decreased by 28.9%, while commercials were down by 2.1%, FilmLA said.
New Delhi, June 24: In a bid to boost the domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs), the government on Tuesday announced the portal launch of the application process under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI). Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said that guided by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this initiative marks a defining moment in India’s journey towards clean, self-reliant, and future-ready mobility.
“The launch of this portal under the SPMEPCI scheme opens new avenues for global electric vehicle manufacturers to invest in India’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape. This scheme not only supports our national commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, but also reinforces our resolve to build a sustainable, innovation-driven economy,” said the minister. Tata Harrier EV RWD Price Announced, Bookings Will Open on July 2; Check Variant-Wise Price and Other Details.
Applications are invited from eligible applicants under the scheme and applicants can apply through the application module at spmepci.heavyindustries.gov.in. The application portal would be open for applications from June 24 till October 21. The government of India has approved a forward-looking scheme to promote the domestic manufacture of passenger cars, with a special focus on electric vehicles (EVs).
It is designed to firmly establish India as a premier global destination for automotive manufacturing and innovation. The scheme will help to attract investments from global EV manufacturers and promote India as a manufacturing destination for e-vehicles. The scheme will also help put India on the global map for manufacturing of EVs, generate employment and achieve the goal of “Make in India”.
To encourage the global manufacturers to invest under the Scheme, the approved applicants will be allowed to import Completely Built-in Units (CBUs) of e-4W with a minimum CIF value of $35,000 at reduced customs duty of 15 per cent for a period of 5 years from the application approval date. Approved applicants would be required to make minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore in line with the provisions of the scheme. Maruti Suzuki Escudo Likely To Launch by End of 2025, 5-Seater Compact SUV Expected To Rival Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos; Check Expected Price, Features and Specifications.
The scheme is strategically crafted to position India as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. Through calibrated customs duty concessions and clearly defined domestic value addition (DVA) milestones, the scheme strikes a balance between introducing cutting-edge EV technologies and nurturing indigenous capabilities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2025 02:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
MIAMI, Florida. — Josefina Muralles trabaja a tiempo parcial de noche como recepcionista en un condominio de Miami Beach. Así, puede cuidar durante el día de sus tres hijos, su madre mayor y su hermano, que está paralítico.
También ayuda a su madre a alimentar, bañar y dar la medicación a Rodrigo Muralles, el hermano que padece epilepsia y quedó discapacitado luego de desarrollar covid-19 en 2020.
“Vive porque le damos de comer y atendemos sus necesidades personales”, explica Josefina Muralles, de 41 años. “No dice: ‘Necesito esto o aquello’. Lo ha olvidado todo”.
Aunque su marido trabaja a tiempo completo, este arreglo hace que los ingresos familiares estén justo por encima del umbral federal de pobreza: son demasiado altos para aplicar al Medicaid de Florida, pero lo suficientemente bajos como para que Muralles y su marido puedan optar por un seguro médico subvencionado a través del mercado de seguros establecido por la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio (ACA, también conocida como Obamacare).
Muralles dijo que el año que viene es posible que ella y su marido no puedan permitirse ese seguro médico, que ha pagado por los anticoagulantes que le han recetado, la medicación para el colesterol y dos operaciones, incluida una para tratar un trastorno genético.
A esto se suma que los subsidios adicionales establecidos durante la pandemia, que redujeron las primas que pagaban Muralles y su marido a menos de la mitad, es decir a $30 al mes, solo estarán vigentes hasta el 31 de diciembre.
Sin estos subsidios, las primas de los planes médicos de ACA aumentarían en promedio más del 75%, y en algunos estados las facturas que pagan las personas se duplicarían con creces, según estimaciones de KFF.
Florida y Texas se verían especialmente afectados, ya que tienen más gente inscrita en este mercado que otros estados. Solo algunos de sus distritos electorales, especialmente en el sur de Florida, tienen más personas anotadas en Obamacare que otros estados enteros.
Al igual que muchos de los más de 24 millones de estadounidenses registrados en el mercado de seguros este año, Muralles no sabía que los subsidios mejorados estaban a punto de expirar. Dijo que no puede permitirse un aumento de la prima porque la inflación ya lesionado el presupuesto de su hogar.
“El alquiler está subiendo y la cuenta del agua también”, señaló.
Si se terminan los subsidios ampliados, los inscriptos con bajos ingresos, como el matrimonio Muralles serán los que reciban los mayores aumentos porcentuales en las primas.
En la práctica, los inscriptos de ingresos medios que ganan más de cuatro veces el umbral federal de pobreza ya no serían elegibles para recibir ningún subsidio. Esos afiliados —que en 2025, ganan unos $62.600 por individuo — son, en su gran mayoría, adultos mayores, trabajadores autónomos y residentes en zonas rurales.
La Oficina de Presupuesto del Congreso (CBO) calculó que si se dejan de aplicar los subsidios mejorados aumentará en 4,2 millones el número de personas sin seguro médico.
Si se suman los cambios en Medicaid que propone el proyecto de reconciliación presupuestaria de la Cámara de Representantes y las normas propuestas por la administración Trump para el mercado de seguros, que incluyen una verificación de ingresos más estricta y la reducción de los períodos de inscripción, el número total de personas sin cobertura crecerá en 16 millones durante ese período.
Un estudio del Urban Institute reveló que, sin los subsidios adicionales, los hispanos y los afroamericanos sufrirán mayores pérdidas de cobertura que otros grupos.
Fuentes señaló que alrededor de 5 millones de hispanos están inscritos en el mercado de ACA y que Donald Trump ganó el voto hispano en Florida en 2024. Espera que el presidente y los republicanos del Congreso vean la ampliación de los subsidios mejorados como una forma de conservar a esos votantes.
“Probablemente esta sea una buena forma de aumentar aún más esa base”, afirmó. “O un buen comienzo”.
La inscripción en el mercado de seguros ha crecido más rápidamente desde 2020 en los estados donde Trump ganó en 2024.
Una encuesta reciente de KFF reveló que el 45% de los estadounidenses que compran su propio seguro médico se identifican como republicanos o se inclinan por este partido, incluidos 3 de cada 10 que se identifican como partidarios de Make America Great Again (MAGA).
Un porcentaje menor se identifica como demócrata o independiente con tendencia demócrata (35%) o no se inclina por ninguno de los dos partidos (20%).
Kush Desai, vocero de la Casa Blanca, afirmó que las normas propuestas por la administración Trump, junto con las disposiciones del proyecto de ley presupuestaria aprobado por la Cámara de Representantes, “fortalecerán el mercado de ACA”.
El funcionario señaló que la CBO prevé que la legislación reduzca las primas de algunos planes en un promedio del 12% para 2034, pero que los gastos de bolsillo aumentarán o se mantendrán iguales para la mayoría de los consumidores que reciben subsidios.
“Los demócratas saben que los estadounidenses apoyan ampliamente el fin del despilfarro, el fraude y el abuso, tal y como lo hace The One, Big, Beautiful Bill, y por eso están tratando desesperadamente de cambiar el discurso”, afirmó Desai.
Sin embargo, Lauren Aronson, directora ejecutiva de Keep Americans Covered, un grupo con sede en Washington, D.C. que representa a aseguradoras de salud, hospitales, médicos y defensores de los pacientes, afirmó que es fundamental generar conciencia sobre el posible impacto de la pérdida de los subsidios mejorados, también conocidos como créditos fiscales anticipados para el pago de primas.
Aronson se mostró entusiasmada por el hecho de que los demócratas hayan presentado un proyecto de ley para extender la vigencia de estos subsidios, y que algunos senadores republicanos hayan expresado su apoyo.
Lo que más preocupa a Aronson es que el Congreso, controlado por los republicanos, esté más centrado en prorrogar los recortes fiscales que en mejorar los subsidios, afirmó. Según la CBO, el proyecto de ley actual que prorroga los recortes fiscales de 2017 aumentaría el déficit federal en unos $2,4 mil millones durante la próxima década, mientras que hacer que los subsidios mejorados sean permanentes aumentaría el déficit en $358.000 millones durante aproximadamente el mismo período.
“El Congreso está avanzando en un paquete de reconciliación fiscal que pretende beneficiar a las familias trabajadoras”, explicó Aronson. “Pero si los legisladores no se ocupan de los créditos fiscales, las familias trabajadoras terminarán cargando con el problema”.
Brian Blase, presidente del Paragon Health Institute, un centro de estudios conservador en políticas de salud, dijo que se suponía que los subsidios mejorados eran una medida temporal establecida durante la pandemia de covid-19 para ayudar a las personas que corrieran el riesgo de perder la cobertura.
Pero en realidad, afirmó, los subsidios mejorados facilitaron el fraude porque los afiliados no necesitaban verificar su elegibilidad por ingresos para recibir planes sin costo mensual. Alcanzaba con declarar ingresos iguales o cercanos al nivel federal de pobreza.
Los subsidios mejorados también empeoran la inflación en el sector de salud, desalientan a los empleadores a ofrecer cobertura médica y desplazan a modelos alternativos, como los seguros a corto plazo y los planes de la Farm Bureau, dijo Blase.
“Permitir que se acaben estos subsidios sería simplemente volver al Obamacare tal y como estaba redactado”, opinó Blase. “Es un programa más eficiente que el que tenemos ahora”.
Las nuevas normas para el mercado propuestas por la administración Trump en marzo ya están diseñadas para combatir el fraude, dijo Anna Howard, experta en políticas de la American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, que aboga por una mayor cobertura de seguro médico. Howard señaló que la ampliación de los créditos fiscales mejorados ayudaría a garantizar que las personas que tienen derecho legítimo a la cobertura puedan obtenerla.
“No queremos que más de 5 millones de personas se vean privadas de su cobertura de salud por temor al fraude, cuando las políticas que se proponen no abordan necesariamente este problema”, manifestó.
Sin primas accesibles, muchos consumidores recurrirán a planes de salud de corto plazo, a organizaciones religiosas que ayudan con los costos médicos, y a otras formas de cobertura que no ofrecen las prestaciones ni las protecciones de la ley de salud, afirmó.
“Se trata de planes que no cubren los medicamentos prescriptos o que tienen límites anuales o de por vida”, explicó. “Para un paciente con cáncer, esos planes no sirven”, añadió.
Aunque los subsidios mejorados no expiran hasta finales de año, la Blue Cross Blue Shield Association preferiría que el Congreso actuara antes del otoño para evitar confusiones durante el período de inscripción abierta, señaló David Merritt, vicepresidente senior.
Las aseguradoras están preparando las tarifas para cumplir con los plazos estatales. Hacia octubre, los consumidores recibirán avisos de renovación de sus planes, con 60 días de anticipación. Estos avisos incluirán las primas correspondientes a 2026.
Sin los subsidios mejorados, explicó Merritt, la competencia en el mercado de seguros se reducirá, lo que dará lugar a menos opciones de cobertura y precios más altos, especialmente en los estados que no han ampliado la elegibilidad para Medicaid y donde la inscripción en Obamacare se disparó durante los últimos cuatro años, como Florida y Texas. “Los votantes y los pacientes realmente van a sentir el impacto”, afirmó.
Los representantes republicanos y demócratas de algunos de los distritos electorales de Florida que tienen el mayor número de personas en el mercado no respondieron a las repetidas solicitudes de entrevista.
Muralles, de North Miami, Florida, explicó que quiere que sus representantes se ocupen de defender a las personas que los votan y que, como ella, necesitan cobertura sanitaria para cuidar de sus familias.
“Ahora es el momento de demostrar que están con nosotros”, expresó Muralles. “Cuando todo el mundo está sano, todo el mundo va a trabajar, todo el mundo puede pagar impuestos, todo el mundo puede tener una vida mejor”.
After bringing in over $950 million at the box office, A Minecraft Movie is available now on 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD. Multiple collectible editions are currently in stock at Amazon and Walmart on launch day (June 24), and both are more affordable than many home releases we see these days. A Minecraft Movie’s Limited Edition Steelbook includes 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and digital editions and is up for grabs for $38. If you’re cool with a standard Blu-ray edition, the $35 Walmart-exclusive Crafting Table Edition might be even more appealing thanks to its unique foldable packaging.
All of the Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray editions come with a voucher for the digital edition, which normally costs $20 on its own–and the standard editions don’t cost much more than that. The 4K Blu-ray edition is $30, and the 1080p Blu-ray is $25. A Minecraft Movie is also available to stream on HBO Max.
The steelbook case features an assortment of recognizable Minecraft characters and crafted items on the front and back covers. The front cover has a Creeper, Villager, Malgosha the sorceress, and members of her Piglin army, including the little guy who just wants to draw cute pictures. On the back of the case, you’ll find the pink sheep with the beautiful voice, the baby zombie riding a chicken who fights Jason Momoa, Jack Black’s beloved wolf friend Dennis, and many more.
When you open the case, you’ll be greeted by five Creepers guarding the trays for the 4K Blu-ray and 1080p Blu-ray discs.
The bonus features pull back the curtain to offer a glimpse at how the No. 1 best-selling video game of all time made the jump to the movie realm. The special features are included with all Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray editions of the film.
The $35 Collector’s Crafting Table Edition has foldable packaging that creates the iconic Crafting Table from the game/film. It has magnets to keep the box together, and the two discs are stored in the “walls” (sleeves) of the decorative display box.
The only downside to this unique edition of A Minecraft Movie is that it doesn’t include a 4K Blu-ray version of the film. Instead, it includes 1080p Blu-ray, DVD, and digital versions of the movie.
A Minecraft Movie is also available in ordinary plastic cases on 4K Blu-ray, Blu-ray, and DVD. The $30 4K Blu-ray edition includes a digital copy, but unlike with the Steelbook, you won’t get a 1080p Blu-ray disc. Similarly, the $25 Blu-ray edition includes a digital voucher, but you miss out on the DVD found in the Crafting Table Edition.
Take a closer look at the Limited Edition Steelbook and Crafting Table Editions below:
A Minecraft Movie Limited Edition SteelbookA Minecraft Movie: Crafting Table Edition
If you want other ways to enjoy A Minecraft Movie, consider picking up one of the two books based on the film. The first is a large hardcover book that goes behind the scenes of its development–A Minecraft Movie: From Block to Big Screen. It released on April 22 and is available for $40. The 192-page behind-the-scenes book includes interviews, exclusive images, and a deep dive into the creative process. The other is an 80-page coloring book created by Minecraft developer Mojang Studios and published by Random House Worlds. You can get A Minecraft Movie’s Official Coloring Book for $15.18 (was $19).
Video Game Adaptations with 4K Blu-ray Steelbook Editions
If you’re interested in building out your collection of video game movie adaptations the whole family can enjoy, there are some cool 4K Blu-ray editions with collectible steelbook cases you should check out.
One of those is for the only video game adaptation A Minecraft Movie didn’t topple at the box office: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Exclusive to Walmart, The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s new Steelbook Edition released earlier this year and is only $28. Similarly, the live-action Pokemon film Detective Pikachu received a new Limited Edition Steelbook in April. That same month, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arrived on 4K Blu-ray with two different steelbook designs featuring Sonic and Shadow. The Shadow Edition is exclusive to Amazon.
How do you intuitively know that you can walk on a footpath and swim in a lake? Researchers from the University of Amsterdam have discovered unique brain activations that reflect how we can move our bodies through an environment. The study not only sheds new light on how the human brain works, but also shows where artificial intelligence is lagging behind. According to the researchers, AI could become more sustainable and human-friendly if it incorporated this knowledge about the human brain.
When we see a picture of an unfamiliar environment — a mountain path, a busy street, or a river — we immediately know how we could move around in it: walk, cycle, swim or not go any further. That sounds simple, but how does your brain actually determine these action opportunities?
PhD student Clemens Bartnik and a team of co-authors show how we make estimates of possible actions thanks to unique brain patterns. The team, led by computational neuroscientist Iris Groen, also compared this human ability with a large number of AI models, including ChatGPT. “AI models turned out to be less good at this and still have a lot to learn from the efficient human brain,” Groen concludes.
Viewing images in the MRI scanner
Using an MRI scanner, the team investigated what happens in the brain when people look at various photos of indoor and outdoor environments. The participants used a button to indicate whether the image invited them to walk, cycle, drive, swim, boat or climb. At the same time, their brain activity was measured.
“We wanted to know: when you look at a scene, do you mainly see what is there — such as objects or colors — or do you also automatically see what you can do with it,” says Groen. “Psychologists call the latter “affordances” — opportunities for action; imagine a staircase that you can climb, or an open field that you can run through.”
Unique processes in the brain
The team discovered that certain areas in the visual cortex become active in a way that cannot be explained by visible objects in the image. “What we saw was unique,” says Groen. “These brain areas not only represent what can be seen, but also what you can do with it.” The brain did this even when participants were not given an explicit action instruction. ‘These action possibilities are therefore processed automatically,” says Groen. “Even if you do not consciously think about what you can do in an environment, your brain still registers it.”
The research thus demonstrates for the first time that affordances are not only a psychological concept, but also a measurable property of our brains.
What AI doesn’t understand yet
The team also compared how well AI algorithms — such as image recognition models or GPT-4 — can estimate what you can do in a given environment. They were worse at predicting possible actions. “When trained specifically for action recognition, they could somewhat approximate human judgments, but the human brain patterns didn’t match the models’ internal calculations,” Groen explains.
“Even the best AI models don’t give exactly the same answers as humans, even though it’s such a simple task for us,” Groen says. “This shows that our way of seeing is deeply intertwined with how we interact with the world. We connect our perception to our experience in a physical world. AI models can’t do that because they only exist in a computer.”
AI can still learn from the human brain
The research thus touches on larger questions about the development of reliable and efficient AI. “As more sectors — from healthcare to robotics — use AI, it is becoming important that machines not only recognize what something is, but also understand what it can do,” Groen explains. “For example, a robot that has to find its way in a disaster area, or a self-driving car that can tell apart a bike path from a driveway.”
Groen also points out the sustainable aspect of AI. “Current AI training methods use a huge amount of energy and are often only accessible to large tech companies. More knowledge about how our brain works, and how the human brain processes certain information very quickly and efficiently, can help make AI smarter, more economical and more human-friendly.”
The Parul University 3rd Inter University Moot Court Competition is annually organized by the Faculty of Law at Parul University to shape future legal professionals, by creating an insightful platform that imparts clinical legal skills through matters of constitutional significance.
The Competition is envisioned with the fundamental objective of encouraging and promoting the criminal legal discourse among undergraduate law students while enhancing their knowledge and insights, and understanding of the contemporary matters of law.
About Samvidhaan Pe Charcha
Samvidhan Pe Charcha 2025 is a national-level legal conclave hosted by the Adhivakta Moot Court Committee, Faculty of Law, Parul University. Crafted to celebrate the spirit of the Indian Constitution, this three-day event brings together aspiring legal minds to engage in high-impact discussions, competitions, and knowledge exchanges. Expert legal dignitaries and practitioners grace the stage, offering powerful insights into the nation’s legal framework.
Inter-university competitions push participants to think critically, argue effectively, and rise as future leaders of justice. A dynamic space to learn, compete, and evolve, this is the stage where the Constitution comes alive through action, intellect, and voice.
Important dates
1 June,2025- Commencement of Registration
10 August,2025- Closing of Registration
31 August,2025 — Last Date for Memorial Submission
11 September, 2025 – Reporting, Exchange of memorials and casting of lots
12 September, 2025 – Preliminary Rounds & Quarter Final Rounds, Researcher Test
13 September, 2025 – Semi Final and Final Rounds
14 September, 2025 – Prize Distribution During Samvidhan Pe Charcha 3.0
How to Register?
Interested candidates can register online via the link given at the end of the post.
Before an exam, job interview, major client presentation, or any big day, it feels like there’s a full-blown mental storm brewing, with racing thoughts making you spiral. Amid all this, the stomach feels to be at the frontline, bracing for the day and even before the mind catches up entirely. It’s not just nerves causing the frequent washroom trips or the tightening knot in the gut. There is a very real, biological and direct effect the brain has on the gut. This connection is called the gut-brain axis.
Stress silently shapes your gut health.(Shutterstock)
Dr Bhavesh Patel, consultant gastroenterologist at Bhailal Amin General, Vadodara, Gujarat, shared with HT Lifestyle how closely the gut and brain are connected. Emotional states aren’t completely ‘mental’ as they frequently manifest physically, especially through digestive symptoms.
There’s a special name for gut issues which are triggered by stress. Dr Bhavesh shared its disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Explaining more about the biological mechanisms of how stress affects the gut, he said, “Emotional stress and anxiety lead to the release of different hormones and neurotransmitters such as histamine, serotonin, and cortisol that influence gut motility, gut permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, and balance of gut microbiota. Indeed, excess stress and anxiety can produce a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Such a constellation of disorders was once known as functional gastrointestinal disorder and is now rightly termed disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). There is a strong relationship between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gut.”
Moreover, stress doesn’t influence the gut in just one way, following a particular framework. Dr Bhavesh reminded that there are more ways than one it shows up. He said, “DGBI encompasses several disorders such as functional dyspepsia (FD), functional diarrhoea, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other than these conditions, gastro-oesophagal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also conditions that experience variability in symptoms due to stress.”
Dr Bhavesh shared a brief guide with us, outlining the various disorders, DGBI symptoms and when to visit a doctor:
Symptoms of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI)
DGBI symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux.(Shutterstock)
Abdominal pain and bloating
Bloating and burping
Reflux acid
Constipation and diarrhoea
Risk factors other than stress:
Disturbed sleep
Poor food habits
Smoking
Tobacco
Alcohol
How to manage stress-induced digestive problems?
Calming the mind to de-stress helps keep DGBI at bay.(Shutterstock)
1. Stress management strategies: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises regulate the gut-brain axis.
2. Dietary management: Management of trigger foods, use of a low FODMAP diet, and hydration.
3. Medication: Anti-diarrheal medication or laxatives as advised for symptomatic relief.
4. Changes in lifestyle: Adequate sleep, avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, and inclusion of regular exercise.
When to see a doctor?
Recurrent vomiting
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Anemia
Jaundice
ALSO READ: Gastroenterologist shares 3 risks of eating too much fibre, recommends 5 tips for safe consumption
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
On the heels of the BIO International Convention and as I reflect on the passion for innovation that drives this industry, one truth I keep coming back to is this: there is the potential for failure in drug development, but we cannot let that deter us. Developing therapies is a grueling, difficult process, one that includes significant risk, especially in the rare disease space. Servier believes that no disease is too challenging to be addressed and no patient population is too small to benefit. Our strategic approach is about advancing science to benefit patients most in need of new therapies.
As a private company led by a non-profit foundation, Servier is uniquely positioned to make investments that prioritize patients. This independence allows us to focus on cutting-edge science that supports our mission to drive therapeutic progress. Unlike publicly traded companies, we are not beholden to shareholder returns and the associated financial pressures. While tackling a disease with a small patient population may deter other pharmaceutical companies, we have a long view on research and strategy that enables us to pursue bold paths, seeing each patient as a person who is urgently in need of new therapeutic options. The success of this approach is reflected in our track record of bringing these medicines to market.
We have built a reputation as leaders in oncology by embracing the challenges of scientific discovery head-on and recognizing that innovation is needed for the most difficult-to-treat cancers. And while this may pose a barrier to others, we are unfazed by fear of the unknown or of failure. For some types of IDH (Isocitrate dehydrogenase)-mutant hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, no new treatment options had been introduced in decades. A focus on targeted treatment options, including IDH mutations, is the foundation of our acquisition strategy, which centers on oncology and expanding our scientific capabilities in precision medicine and cancer metabolism. The combination of this strategy, our approach to discovery and our corporate structure have been key to helping unlock novel therapeutic possibilities.
We’ve established ourselves as the leaders in treating rare forms of IDH-mutant cancers. Over the past three years, we have received three regulatory approvals in this space, one of which is a dual IDH inhibitor, targeting both IDH1 and IDH2 enzymes, that represents the first major treatment advancement in more than 20 years for certain types of brain tumors.
Our work in IDH-mutant cancers is not done yet. We continue to evaluate our investigational treatments for small patient populations in clinical trials. To do this effectively, working closely with the FDA and other regulatory agencies, as well as patient advocacy groups, is essential. Regulatory alignment is key to defining critical factors and expectations related to trial endpoints and design, as well as to help determine eligibility for key programs such as Orphan Drug Designation and Breakthrough Therapy Designation. Relationships with advocacy are critical to help with key logistical components such as patient awareness, recruitment, retention and even site selection. Alongside these aspects, advocacy involvement brings community credibility and can help ensure the trial has the patient experience at its core, with an approach that is mindful of ways to ease patient burden.
We have ongoing trials in patients with chondrosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer with limited treatment options, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a form of cancer in which some blood stem cells in the bone marrow are abnormal. We also have ongoing trials in acute myeloid leukemia, glioma as well as other indications.
In addition to targeting oncogenic driver mutations, we are pioneering precision therapies that address genetic vulnerabilities involved in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Our MAT2A program, for instance, focuses on meeting the needs of patients with a homozygous deletion of the gene encoding methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP). MAT2A has been identified as a synthetic lethal target in cancers with this deletion and the discovery of the unique relationship between MAT2A and MTAP has led to the development of MAT2A inhibitors as potential anti-cancer treatments.
We are now taking our patient-centered approach in oncology and moving into rare neurological disorders, another therapeutic area where innovation has been limited. The decision to expand our focus was based on careful consideration of the unmet need, our organizational capabilities and our track record of success in oncology precision medicine. Rather than shying away from neurological disorders because of the complexities of the underlying biology, we are leveraging our expertise in ASOs (antisense oligonucleotides), small molecule design and antibodies to directly tackle those challenges. By targeting the pathological alterations that cause diseases, we are working to develop precision therapies for patients living with refractory epilepsies, certain neuromuscular disorders and certain abnormal movement disorders – all of which represent small patient populations. We’ve learned that where patient populations are small, advocacy groups are often mighty. By working closely with these organizations, we can better understand the patient needs and develop treatments more effectively. We aim to change the treatment paradigm for those conditions just as we have for IDH-mutant cancers.
As we look ahead to the future of innovation, we know that we cannot do this alone if we want to realize the possibilities. Through partnerships, we are tapping into the power of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance innovative treatments. Oncology and Neurology are at the forefront of advances in AI, with applications ranging from detection to diagnosis to treatment. Whether it be screening billions of novel compounds in just days or creating digital twin simulations of disease progressions, advanced technologies are having a profound effect on how we do research and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface.
While the drug discovery and development ecosystems continue to evolve and change, our commitment to patients with cancer and neurological disorders will never change. We will not shy away from complex science or be deterred by the possibility of failure. We will continue to innovate for patients and their families.
According to Inc.com, here are things you should say every day to your employees, colleagues, family members, friends, and everyone you care about:
1. Here’s what I’m thinking
You’re in charge, but that doesn’t mean you’re smarter, savvier, or more insightful than everyone else.
Back up your statements and decisions.
Give reasons.
Justify with logic, not with position or authority.
2. I was wrong
When you’re wrong, say you’re wrong.
You won’t lose respect–you’ll gain it.
3. That was awesome
No one gets enough praise. No-one.
Pick someone–pick anyone–who does or did something well and say, “Wow, that was great how you…”
The people around you will love you for it–and you’ll like yourself a little better, too.
4. You’re welcome
Don’t let thanks, congratulations, or praise be all about you.
Make it about the other person, too.
5. Can you help me?
When you need help, regardless of the type of help you need or the person you need it from, just say, sincerely and humbly, “Can you help me?”
6. I’m sorry
We all make mistakes.
Say you’re sorry.
But never follow an apology with a disclaimer like “But I was really mad, because…” or “But I did think you were…” or any statement that in any way places even the smallest amount of blame back on the other person.
7. Can you show me?
Advice is temporary; knowledge is forever.
Knowing what to do helps, but knowing how or why to do it means everything.
8. Let me give you a hand
Many people see asking for help as a sign of weakness.
So, many people hesitate to ask for help. But everyone needs help.
9. I love you
No, not at work, but everywhere you mean it–and every time you feel it.
10. Nothing
Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing.
If you’re upset, frustrated, or angry, stay quiet.
You may think venting will make you feel better, but it never does.
Хотите добавить остроты, не так ли? Ролевые игры, или «притворный секс», как некоторые это называют, возможно, являются захватывающим и смелым способом оживить ваши отношения и побаловать себя изысканными занятиями любовью. Ролевые игры позволяют вам открывать новые мечты, усиливать близость и получать удивительные встречи, принимая на себя различные непристойные сценарии и образы. Вот 21 экзотическая идея ролевых игр, которые укрепят ваши отношения и познают глубины желания, если вы и ваш партнер хотите отправиться в пикантное приключение. Ознакомьтесь с самыми извращенными примерами ролевых игр в нашем тщательно подобранном списке идей для сексуальных фантазий и обязательно попробуйте их.
Как ролевая игра способствует укреплению близости?
Ролевая игра зависит от общения, поскольку она поощряет открытые обсуждения ограничений и фантазий, а также помогает партнерам лучше понять потребности друг друга. Ролевая игра позволяет парам принимать различные образы, что разжигает огонь между ними, и в то же время укрепляет их отношения.
Элементы воображения ролевой игры привносят чувство удивления и волнения, разрушая монотонность и вызывая эмоциональное вовлечение. Поскольку уязвимость и разрешение имеют решающее значение в сценариях ролевой игры, это помогает вукрепление доверия.
Как это сделать правильно?
Ролевые игры могут быть эффективным способом повысить близость в отношениях, поскольку они позволяют парам взаимодействовать в инновационных местах, за пределами их обычных ролей. Это может быть очень возбуждающим, если сделано правильно. В конце концов, кто не любит причудливые фантазии? Они способствуют общению и укрепляют доверие и уязвимость. Вот несколько советов о том, как правильно проводить ролевые игры:
Установите согласие и границы, а также четко определите, какие типы ролевых игр вам комфортны.
Выбирайте вместе интересные идеи для ролевых игр, советы по ролевым играм и сценарии.
Создайте безопасную среду
Коммуникация – это ключ
Оставайтесь в образе
Экспериментируйте сдинамика мощности
Обеспечить последующий уход
21 экзотическая идея ролевой игры, которая добавит озорства в ваши отношения
В соответствии с исследовать, «Опыт ролевой игры открывает возможности для изучения психологических явлений, таких как личность и идентичность». Если вы и ваш партнер ищете парные фантазии, чтобы добавить элемент озорства, ролевая игра в секс может стать потрясающим вариантом для изучения. Принимая разные образы и вступая в уникальные сценарии, вы можете предаться сексуальным фантазиям, раздвинуть границы и разжечь огонь близости, как никогда раньше.
Существует бесчисленное множество сценариев и персонажей ролевых игр. Вы можете быть доставщиком пиццы, школьницей или боссом. В этой статье мы представляем 21 сексуальную идею ролевых игр для пар с множеством костюмов для ролевых игр в спальне и лучшими сценариями ролевых игр, которые улучшат вашу сексуальную жизнь. Эти идеи обязательно выведут ваши отношения на новый уровень удовольствия. От соблазнительных незнакомцев до пленительных созданий из фантазий и извращенных идей ролевых игр — вам нужно попробовать их все! Итак, начнем!
1. Учитель и ученик
Могут ли у вас возникнуть проблемы из-за ролевой игры? Сейчас они будут! Это одна из самых популярных парных фантазий. В этом сценарии один человек берет на себя роль строгого, авторитетного учителя, а другой играет роль непослушного ученика. Учитель может устанавливать основные правила и обеспечивать дисциплину, в то время как ученик может пытаться проверить границы и спровоцировать внимание учителя. Сюжеты ролевой игры, такие как этот, могут включать идеи костюмов «непослушного библиотекаря» и наказания, наказания или внеклассные мероприятия. Это поможет вам изучитьдинамика мощностии соблазнение в академической среде.
2. Начальник и секретарь
Эта идея ролевой игры подразумевает динамику власти, где один человек берет на себя роль доминирующего партнера, авторитетного босса, а другой человек изображает соблазнительную секретаршу. Босс может утверждать контроль и отдавать приказы, в то время как секретарь может использовать свое обаяние и привлекательность, чтобы выполнять желания босса. Этот сценарий может включать задания, тайные встречи в офисе или награды за удовлетворение босса.
3. Врач и пациент
В этой чувственной медицинской сцене один человек играет роль заботливого, внимательного врача, а другой человек действует как послушный пациент. Вы также можете попробовать это с некоторыми непослушными костюмами медсестер. Врач может провести осмотр, предложить утешениефизическое прикосновение, и назначать лечение, пока пациент наслаждается своей уязвимостью. Этот сценарий может включать ролевую игру определенных медицинских состояний, интимные осмотры или исследование границ между врачом и пациентом. Какие еще извращенные сценарии вы можете придумать? Мы дадим вам несколько:
Непослушный пациент:Будь то капризный и трудный пациент, которого может вылечить только строгий врач.
Чрезвычайная ситуация:Скорее! Позвоните врачу, чтобы спасти свою жизнь, и, конечно, выразите ему особую благодарность.
4. Пират и пленник
Сохраняйте искру живойв ваших отношениях с этим захватывающим ролевым приключением в качестве доминирующего пирата и пленника, который должен подчиняться их желаниям. Пират, с его напористым и соблазнительным поведением, берет под контроль пленника, который находится в его власти. Эта ролевая игра может включать в себя силовую игру, ограничения и акты капитуляции, поскольку пират исследует свое господство, а пленник поддается его воле. Еще одна отличная идея в списке идей фэнтезийного секстинга! Продолжайте и включите немного ролевой игры с рабством, чтобы сделать это лучше.
5. Полицейский и преступник
Теперь это один из лучших сценариев ролевой игры. Один человек берет на себя роль сексуального полицейского, в то время как другой человек становится соблазнительным преступником, которого нужно допросить. Сотрудник службы безопасности может утверждать свою власть и использовать различные тактики для получения информации, в то время как преступник может использовать свое обаяние и привлекательность, чтобы избежать ареста. Вы можете придать этому извращенный поворот, включив идеи ролевой игры БДСМ и включив наручники, сцены допроса и исследование динамики власти между правоохранительными органами и соблазнительным нарушителем закона.
Кто может устоять перед идеей ролевой игры с участием сексуального полицейского и соблазнительного преступника?
6. Вампир и жертва
Шагните в мир тьмы и желания с одной из идей сексистской ролевой игры: соблазнительный вампир и его добровольная жертва. Вампир источает силу, чувственность и намек на опасность, в то время как жертва охотно подчиняется его гипнотическому очарованию. Эта ролевая игра может включать укусы, исследование ощущений удовольствия и подчинения, а также опьяняющее очарование бессмертных желаний вампира.
7. Супергерой и «девица в беде»
Дайте волю своему внутреннему супергерою и «девице», погрузившись в сценарий, где один человек изображает могущественную, героическую фигуру, а другой играет беспомощную, но соблазнительную «девицу в беде». Супергерой может использовать свою силу, ловкость и особые способности, чтобы спасти положение и спасти девицу. Ролевая игра супергероя-девицы может включать драматические спасения,сильное сексуальное напряжение, и смесь уязвимости и восхищения. Гляжу на тебя, Джеймс Бонд.
8. Стриптизерша и клиент
Эта очень популярна в списке сексуальных идей для спальни. Создайте атмосферу стрип-клуба, взяв на себя роли соблазнительной стриптизерши и завороженного клиента. Стриптизерша может исполнять соблазнительные танцы, дразня клиента своими движениями и постепенно снимая с него одежду. Клиент может оценить и восхититься красотой стриптизерши и участвовать в игривых взаимодействиях. Эта ролевая игра может включать в себя танцы на коленях, интимные разговоры и исследование желаний в чувственной и соблазнительной обстановке. Вы также можете включить стрип-покер, чтобы сделать ее в десять раз лучше.
9. Знаменитость и фанат
Ищете блестящие сексуальные идеи для спальни? Окунитесь в фантастический мир сексуальных сценок, где один человек изображает известную знаменитость, а другой становится ее преданным, обожающим поклонником. Знаменитость может воплощать очарование, талант и гламур, в то время как поклонник может выражать свое восхищение любимым фильмом и жаждать связи со своим кумиром. Это может включать в себя сценарии ролевых игр для пар, такие как автограф-сессии, встречи за кулисами и выполнениесексуальные фантазиифаната, пораженного звездой. Вы также можете выступить в роли порнозвезды, чтобы получить двойное удовольствие!
10. Фотограф и модель
Побалуйте себя жарким сценарием фотосессии, где один человек становится страстным фотографом, а другой превращается в его соблазнительную модель. Фотограф может запечатлеть красоту, привлекательность и уязвимость модели через объектив своей камеры. Ролевая игра по этому сценарию включает в себя исследование различных поз, множество идей и вариантов нарядов для ролевой игры, интимные моменты исильные признаки химиинарастающие отношения между фотографом и моделью.
11. Дворецкий и богатая светская львица
Одна из самых забавных идей фэнтези для пар — ролевая игра с участием послушного дворецкого и требовательной, богатой светской львицы! Здесь есть все — роскошь, авторитетные фигуры и изысканность. В этой ролевой игре дворецкий обслуживает все потребности светской львицы, удовлетворяя ее желания и исполняя ее желания. Ролевая игра дворецкий–светская львица включает приготовление изысканных блюд, предложение массажа или растирания ног и участие в интимных разговорах. Исследуйте динамику власти, предвкушение и скрытые желания, которые существуют между дворецким и светской львицой. И не забудьте несколько идей сексуальных вознаграждений за то, что вы хороший слуга!
12. Инопланетяне и люди
Костюмы для ролевой игры в спальне для этого может быть трудно достать, но постарайтесь сделать все возможное! Перенеситесь в царство потусторонней страсти, играя за соблазнительного пришельца и любопытного человека, который не может устоять перед их внеземным обаянием. Пришелец может обладать уникальными способностями, знаниями или физическими характеристиками, которые очаровывают человека. Если вы отыгрываете эту фантазию, вы в конечном итоге ощутите межгалактическую связь между пришельцем и человеком.
13. Пожарный и беспомощная женщина
Мы здесь ради причудливых идей для спальни, не так ли? Зажгите свою сексуальную жизнь с помощью одной из самых забавных идей для ролевых игр! Это включает в себя огненный сценарий, где один человек становится храбрым пожарным, а другой — попавшей в ловушку женщиной, нуждающейся в спасении. Пожарный может проявить героизм, силу и чувство долга, в то время как женщина принимает уязвимость и беспомощность. Эта ролевая игра может включать в себя смелые спасения, моменты сильной страсти и сильноеэмоциональная связьперед лицом опасности.
14. Спортсмен и тренер
Если вы ищете идеи фэнтези для пар, то займитесь горячим спортивным сценарием, где один человек берет на себя роль дисциплинированного спортсмена, а другой становится его соблазнительным тренером. Спортсмен стремится к совершенству, расширяя свои физические возможности, в то время как тренер дает указания, мотивирует и проводит интенсивные тренировки. Он может включать сценарии ролевых игр для пар, такие как персональные тренировки, массажи для снятия мышечного напряжения и исследованиеглубоко интимная связьмежду тренером и спортсменом. Мы дадим вам еще пару идей:
Инструктор по йоге и клиент:Йога и ролевые игры, сексуальнее не бывает. Помогите клиенту наклониться во все нужные вам позы и откройте его чакры
Лауреат:Поздравляем! Вы только что одержали победу в любимом виде спорта по вашему выбору, и ваш тренер не просто счастлив дать вам достойную награду
15. Шеф-повар и ресторанный критик
Время установить открытый курс для девственной добычи. Оживите свою химию, погрузившись в роли талантливого шеф-повара и взыскательного фуд-критика, которые не могут устоять перед их кулинарными творениями. Шеф-повар стремится произвести впечатление на фуд-критика своим кулинарным творчеством, вкусами и презентацией, в то время как фуд-критик выражает свою признательность и желание большего. Эта ролевая игра может включать чувственный обеденный опыт, дегустационные сессии еды и исследование чувственных удовольствий и страстей, вдохновленных кулинарным миром.
16. Нимфа и лесной исследователь
Погрузитесь в красоту природы с одной из самых эротичных идей ролевой игры для пар, играя очаровательную нимфу и авантюрного исследователя, который попадает под их чары. Нимфа может воплощать дух леса, излучая чувственность и мистическую ауру. Исследователь заинтригован очарованием нимфы и теряется в очаровании окружающей природы. Эта ролевая игра может включать чувственные встречи среди деревьев и исследование скрытых рощ, способствуя глубокой связи между нимфой и исследователем.
17. Археолог и древний артефакт
Погрузитесь в мир ролевых игр для взрослых с захватывающим археологическим приключением, где один человек становится страстным археологом, а другой берет на себя роль мистического древнего артефакта со скрытыми секретами. Археологом движет любопытство и желание раскрыть тайны артефакта, в то время как древний артефакт обладает притягательной силой, которая очаровывает археолога. Эта ролевая игра может включать в себя раскрытие древних секретов, дразнящее исследование истории артефакта иинтеллектуальная близостьмежду археологом и мистическим объектом.
18. Президент и стажер
Исследуйте взрослые ролевые игры и динамику запретной власти, играя за могущественного президента и соблазнительного стажера, который готов на все, чтобы подняться по лестнице успеха. Президент олицетворяет авторитет, харизму и командное присутствие, в то время как стажер решителен, амбициозен и готов использовать свою привлекательность, чтобы получить благосклонность. Эта ролевая игра может включать такие сценарии, как частные встречи, переговоры и исследование границ власти, желания и амбиций.
19. Рок-звезда и фанат
Оживите рок-н-ролльную фантазию, взяв на себя роли харизматичной рок-звезды и обожающей ее поклонницы, которая хочет стать их музой. Рок-звезда излучает уверенность, талант и мятежный дух, в то время как поклонница пленена их музыкой, обаянием и магнетической энергией. Эта ролевая игра может включать закулисные встречи, страстныеязык тела обожания, и искра между рок-звездой и обожающим фанатом. Вы всегда можете придать этому извращенный поворот и превратить это в классный секс втроем или ролевую игру «горячая жена»!
20. Бортпроводник и пассажир
Присоединяйтесь к «клубу мили в высоту» с одной из самых веселых и эротичных идей для ролевых игр. Создайте имитацию кабины, как в настоящем салоне самолета, в своем пространстве, с сиденьями, отсеками для ручной клади и декором в стиле авиалиний. Нарядитесь в форму бортпроводника, чтобы создать атмосферу. В роли бортпроводника продемонстрируйте процедуры безопасности, предложите теплый прием и дайте инструкции для приятного «полета». Обратите внимание на такие детали, как подносы, закуски и объявления для пассажиров. Участвуйте вкокетливые взаимодействия с вашим партнером, воплощающая в себе обаяние и внимательность бортпроводника.
В ролевой игре «бортпроводник и пассажир» просто нет скучных моментов
21. Фокусник и помощник
Погрузитесь в мир иллюзий и желаний, сыграв очаровательного фокусника и его очаровательную помощницу, которые разделяютинтимная связькак на сцене, так и за ее пределами. Фокусник ослепляет своими навыками, обаянием и мастерством иллюзий, в то время как помощник является неотъемлемой частью его выступления, добавляя элемент чувственности и таинственности. Эта ролевая игра может включать в себя выполнение магических действий, закулисные встречи и связь, которая стирает грань между реальностью и иллюзией.
Ключевые указатели
Приоритет общения. Обсуждайте желания, идеи для онлайн-ролевых игр, текстовые сообщения с идеями для ролевых игр, границы и мечты задолго до начала ролевой игры.
Используйте безопасные слова для выражения потребностей и границ. Вы также можете рассмотреть некоторые идеи табуированной ролевой игры
Создайте благоприятную атмосферу. Создайте обстановку с помощью декора, нарядов и музыки для захватывающего опыта
Примите свои роли. Полностью отдайтесь своему персонажу и действуйте, говорите и ведите себя соответственно. Ищите идеи для нарядов в Интернете и уважайте личные границы
Исследуйте динамику власти. Обсудите и согласуйте динамику власти, чтобы повысить интенсивность, гарантируя обоим партнерам чувство безопасности и уважения
Займитесь послеоперационным уходом. Подумайте о любимых моментах и областях для улучшения. Укрепляйте эмоциональную близость с помощью таких действий, как объятия и успокоение
Если вам нравятся идеи ролевых игр БДСМ, костюмы озорных медсестер, идеи извращенных ролевых игр или жаркие сценарии, мы не осуждаем. В заключение, попробуйте новые сценарии ролевых игр, это может быть забавным способом увеличить озорство в ваших отношениях. Это поможет вам и вашему возлюбленному принять различные обличья и разжечь вашу страсть. Раздвигая границы, увеличивая близость ивозрождая пламя любви, находясь на одной странице, все это возможно, когда вы погружаетесь в эти сценарии. Так чего же вы ждете?
У вас есть широкий спектр пикантных сценариев для исследования. Продолжайте и создавайте удивительные воспоминания с этими 21 забавными идеями для ролевых игр. Дайте волю своим фантазиям, дайте волю своим импульсам и отправляйтесь в пикантное путешествие, которое углубит ваши отношения с партнером.
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Windows Security does more than just basic virus protection. It guards against phishing, blocks ransomware, and prevents malicious apps from running. However, these features aren’t easy to spot—they’re hidden behind layers of menus.
Protect Sensitive Files from Ransomware
Downloading files or opening unknown attachments always carries some risk, especially if one turns out to be ransomware that can lock your files in seconds. Luckily, Windows includes a feature called Controlled Folder Access that helps protect your most important folders from exactly that.
Once enabled, it blocks untrusted apps from modifying protected folders. By default, it covers locations like Documents, Pictures, and Desktop, but you’re not limited to just those. You can click Protected folders to add other locations you care about, such as work projects, financial records, or files stored on an external drive.
To turn it on, open Windows Security, go to Virus & threat protection, then click Manage ransomware protection under the Ransomware protection section. From there, toggle on Controlled folder access.
If a trusted app gets blocked, Windows often won’t notify you. To find out what was blocked, open the Protection history section, where Windows logs recent attempts to access protected folders. Just look under Blocked folder access and allow any apps you recognize and trust.
And if a known app, such as your video editor or backup tool, encounters problems, you can head straight to Allow an app through Controlled Folder Access to whitelist it and prevent any future interruptions.
Once it’s set up, the protection works quietly in the background. If ransomware or any suspicious app tries to interfere, Windows will block it instantly, keeping your files safe without you lifting a finger.
Block Malicious or Untrusted Apps Automatically
Threats don’t always look suspicious. That file you downloaded might seem useful, but it could install trackers, malware, or otherwise. Even a fake login page can look convincing enough to fool anyone. One wrong click, and your login details could fall into the wrong hands.
Reputation-based protection, built into Windows Security, stops these threats before they reach you. Using Microsoft’s real-time threat intelligence, it blocks shady apps, suspicious downloads, and phishing sites, so you don’t have to second-guess every click.
To turn it on, open Windows Security and go to App & browser control. Click Reputation-based protection settings, then turn on all available options: Check apps and files, SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, Potentially unwanted app blocking, and Phishing protection.
Screenshot by Digvijay Kumar – No attribution is required
Once it’s active, Windows quietly monitors your activity in the background. If a file or site appears risky, you’ll receive a warning before it’s executed. You can still approve apps you trust, but these built-in checks help you avoid a mistake that could cost you later.
Use Offline Scan for Stubborn Threats
Some malware is sophisticated enough to evade regular scans. It hides deep within your system, starts running before Windows even loads, and evades detection while quietly causing damage in the background.
When that happens, a normal scan usually isn’t enough. That’s why Windows includes an Offline Scan, which performs a deeper check before Windows starts. This way, hidden threats don’t get a chance to load or interfere.
To run it, open Windows Security, head to Virus & threat protection, then click Scan options.
Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now.
Your PC will restart, perform the scan in a clean state, and return to your desktop when it’s done. It only takes about 15 minutes, and once it starts, there’s nothing you need to do. When it finishes, open Protection history to see if anything was found or removed.
Shield Your System With Memory Integrity
Your system memory handles some of the most sensitive tasks on your PC. If malware manages to reach that level, it can tamper with critical processes, install rogue drivers, or quietly take control without ever touching your personal files.
Memory integrity acts like a security checkpoint at the heart of your system. It creates a protected environment using virtualization, keeping vital processes sealed off from anything untrusted. If something shady makes its way through, it gets blocked the moment it tries.
To activate this, navigate to Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details. If Memory integrity is turned off, toggle it on. You may be prompted to restart your PC.
If the toggle doesn’t work right away, Windows may flag an outdated driver or app that’s causing a conflict. In that case, try updating or reinstalling the affected software. Once everything is compatible, Memory Integrity should turn on without any issues.
Exploit Protection Settings for System and Programs
Most security threats try to trick you into installing something shady, but exploits are a bit sneakier. Instead of asking for permission, they slip in through hidden flaws in your apps. All it takes is one overlooked vulnerability for an attacker to inject code, hijack a process, or quietly take control of your system.
Exploit Protection helps close those gaps before anything nasty can sneak through. Built right into Windows, it acts as a reinforced shield around your software’s weak spots. It monitors for known attack techniques and stops them automatically, even if the app itself hasn’t been patched yet. Whether it’s your browser, PDF viewer, or another everyday program, this feature helps prevent those apps from being turned against you.
You’ll find it under Windows Security—head to App & browser control and click Exploit protection settings at the bottom. It includes two sections: System settings, which are enabled by default, and Programme settings, where you can create custom rules for individual apps.
To lock down a specific app, go to the Programme settings tab and click Add program to customize. Select an app or its .exe file, then enable advanced defenses, such as Control Flow Guard, Data Execution Prevention, or Mandatory ASLR, to block common exploit tactics.
Unless you’re troubleshooting or locking down a high-risk app, the defaults are usually enough. But if you want more control, Exploit Protection gives you the flexibility to tighten up security even further.
Fix TPM Security Issues With a Quick Reset
The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is a tiny but essential chip built into your computer. It handles critical security tasks, such as storing encryption keys and verifying hardware integrity.
However, after a major Windows update, BIOS change, or hardware upgrade, TPM-related problems can sometimes appear. You may encounter BitLocker errors, issues signing in with Windows Hello, or warnings about the security processor.
Fortunately, most TPM issues can be fixed by resetting it through Windows Security. This process clears its stored data and reinitializes the chip, which often fixes the problem without affecting your personal files. Just be aware that you may need to reconfigure certain features like BitLocker or Windows Hello afterward.
To reset the TPM, open Windows Security, go to Device security, and click Security processor details. Then select Security processor troubleshooting, pick a reason for the reset, and hit Clear TPM. Your PC will restart to complete the process.
If you don’t see any TPM options, you might need to enable TPM in the BIOS first. Check your BIOS settings for something called TPM, fTPM, or PTT (depending on your hardware), and make sure it’s turned on before trying again.
Control What Your Family Can See and Do
The Family options panel in Windows Security ties directly into Microsoft Family Safety, giving you a central place to set boundaries and monitor how your device is used.
From here, you can manage screen time, limit apps and games, filter web content, and apply rules to every member of your Microsoft family group. It’s especially helpful for guiding your child’s usage and preventing exposure to unsafe content or unapproved downloads.
To access it, open Windows Security, scroll to Family options, and click View family settings. This will take you to the Microsoft Family Safety dashboard in your browser, where you can create child accounts, set restrictions, and check activity reports.
These settings stay linked to your child’s Microsoft account and carry over to any Windows device they use. If they try to access something that’s blocked, you’ll receive a notification and can choose whether to approve or deny the request.
So, these are some of the most powerful features tucked inside Windows Security. They help you protect your files, manage threats, and maintain control over your device’s security. If you haven’t explored them yet, now’s a good time to start.
At the entrance to the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, a martial art monk demonstrates erzhichan, or “two-finger zen,” one of the temple’s legendary 72 skills. Balancing his entire weight on just the index and middle fingers of each hand, he lifts his body into a handstand, with his fingertips pressed firmly onto the ground like pillars.
Mick Ralphs, the guitarist and co-founder of stylish ‘70s rockers Mott the Hoople and the supergroup Bad Company, has died. He was 81.
Ralphs’ death was confirmed in a statement from his representative, though no exact date or cause of death was given.
“Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground,” Bad Company singer Paul Rodgers said in a statement. “He has left us with exceptional songs and memories. He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humour. Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won’t be our last. There are many memories of Mick that will create laughter. Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven.”
Born in 1944 in Herefordshire, England, Ralphs co-founded the Doc Thomas Group in the mid-1960’s, which signed to Island after some lineup changes and revamped as Mott the Hoople. Ralphs’ songwriting and guitar work in that band helped move rock ‘n’ roll out of the psychedelic ‘60s and into the struts and arty pomp of ‘70s glam. The band’s raucous live shows won a devoted following — future collaborator David Bowie and Mick Jones of the Clash were early fans — but chart success eluded them.
At Bowie’s behest, the group changed management and got a career jolt when he gifted them his song “All The Young Dudes,” which made their 1972 LP of the same name a global hit. The band’s follow-up, “Mott,” was also a smash, sporting singles “All the Way From Memphis” and “Honaloochie Boogie.”
Yet Ralphs had ambitions beyond the band, and departed in 1973 to join ex-Free members Rodgers and Simon Kirke and former King Crimson bassist Boz Burrell in a new supergroup.
Bad Company became one of the first acts to sign with Zeppelin’s Swan Song label, and immediately found global success. Its 1974 self-titled debut went five times platinum, on strength of hits like “Can’t Get Enough” and a retooled take of Ralphs’ “Ready for Love,” which he’d originally recorded with Mott the Hoople. A follow-up, “Straight Shooter,” featured the classic rock staple “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and Bad Company remained chart fixtures until breaking up in 1982.
Ralphs joined Mott the Hoople for a reunion tour in 2009, and performed in several reunited incarnations of Bad Company and his own Mick Ralphs Blues Band until suffering a stroke in 2016, which confined him to bed in his final years. His last performance with Bad Company was in 2016, at London’s O2 Arena. That group will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year.
“He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist,” said Bad Company drummer Kirke, in a statement. “We will miss him deeply.”
Ralphs is survived by partner Susie Chavasse, his two children and three step-children.
New Delhi, June 23: Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge has been launched in India at INR 9.50 crore (ex-showroom). The new Spectre Black Badge from Rolls-Royce is a fully electric model launched at a premium of INR 1.50 crore over the standard Rolls-Royce Spectre model. Design-wise, the car has received darker treatment across its bumper, door handles, emblem, grille, and window surrounds, Spirit of Ecstacy.
Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge is the most powerful car offered by the company as it has dual motors and delivers more power and torque compared to the standard variant. The electric coupe comes with a 23-inch forged aluminium wheel with Rolls-Royce’s logo, which also gets the black treatment. The Spectre Black Badge bookings have opened at Rolls-Royce showrooms located at Delhi and Chennai. Robotaxi Launch: Elon Musk Joins Party With Tesla AI Team As Company Launches Self-Driving Car Service in Austin, Pics Surface.
Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge Specifications and Features
Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge features a 102kWh battery capable of offering a maximum range between 493 and 530 kilometres per charge. The Spectre Black Badge delivers a maximum 650 bhp power and a peak torque of 1,075 Nm. With this power, it takes just 4.1 seconds for the car to achieve 0 to 100 kmph, making it the most powerful Rolls-Royce car offered to date. The standard Spectre delivers 585 hp maximum power and 900 Nm peak torque. And it achieves 0 to 100 kmph within 4.5 seconds.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge has been fine-tuned for a more immersive driving experience. The company’s engineers have enhanced the steering weight to offer sharper feedback and greater control. The car offers better roll stabilisation, which reduces the body roll with the help of corners. The new Spectre Black Badge brings upgraded dampers that minimise the squad at the time of hard acceleration and curb the nose-dive under braking. Due to these noteworthy refinements by Rolls-Royce engineers, the newly launched electric coupe is able to deliver balanced performance and comfort to the drivers. Xiaomi YU7 Launch on June 26; Check Expected Specifications and Features.
Inside, the Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge flaunts the signature infinity logo on the passenger-side dashboard, part of Illuminated Fascia. This stunning display recreates a night sky with 5,500 individually lit stars in varying sizes and brightness, set against a sleek Piano Black background. The digital instrument cluster offers five customisable colour themes, while the new ‘Spirit’ operating system debuts in the Spectre Black Badge, blending advanced tech with signature luxury.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2025 06:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Elon Musk’s lawyers claimed that he “does not use a computer” in a Sunday court filing related to his lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI. However, Musk has posted pictures or referred to his laptop on X several times in recent months, and public evidence suggests that he owns and appears to use at least one computer.
Musk and his artificial intelligence startup xAI sued OpenAI in February 2024, alleging the company committed breach of contract by abandoning its founding agreement to develop AI “for the benefit of humanity,” choosing instead “to maximize profits for Microsoft.”
The Sunday court filing was submitted in opposition to a Friday filing from OpenAI, which accused Musk and xAI of failing to fully comply with the discovery process. OpenAI alleges that Musk’s counsel does not plan to collect any documents from him. In this weekend’s filing, Musk’s lawyers claim that they told OpenAI on June 14 that they were “conducting searches of Mr. Musk’s mobile phone, having searched his emails, and that Mr. Musk does not use a computer.”
Musk and xAI Corp’s lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In the filing, Musk’s legal team disputed claims that it was resisting discovery efforts.
Multiple employees at X tell WIRED that while Musk primarily works from his mobile phone, he has occasionally been seen using a laptop.
Musk has also made public statements in the recent past about computers he appears to own. In December 2024, Musk posted a picture of a laptop on X with a caption that begins, “This is a pic of my laptop.” The post, made in reply to a 15-minute stream of a game from the Diablo video game series, claims that he was “testing Starlink streaming while in flight,” suggesting that he was possibly using the laptop for professional purposes. Musk has streamed more than 10 times since August 2024, showing what appears to be the desktop layout of the game, usually saying that he is doing so to test Starlink’s streaming capacity.
Musk has also made more recent references to what appears to be the same laptop. In May 2025, Musk said on X that he is “still using my ancient PC laptop with the @DOGE sticker made long ago by a fan.” The post was in reply to a user who asked what his gaming set-up is and whether it’s a “full gaming PC.” That user had been replying to a different 15-minute stream of Diablo.
The picture Musk posted in reply shows a black laptop with Aero branding, a style of computer that typically runs Windows and is popular with gamers, with a sticker of a dollar bill edited in homage to the memecoin “Doge.” (The memecoin later appears to have inspired the name of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.) Musk says in the same post that the laptop is three years old and that the sticker was given to him by a man in Germany.
With 2024 nearing its end, the year has proven transformative for the crypto industry. From Donald Trump spotlighting cryptocurrencies in the US presidential campaign to Bitcoin’s historic surge past $108,000 (roughly Rs. 92 lakh), the Web3 sector celebrated numerous milestones. Industry stakeholders—including founders, developers, and investors—now anticipate 2025 as a pivotal year, particularly regarding regulatory advancements. This year, regions like Hong Kong, Canada, and the US approved crypto ETFs – allowing digital assets to be traded on traditional stock markets. This opened the door for large institutional investors to explore and experiment with cryptocurrencies.
Regulatory Expectations
With President-elect Trump’s bold plan to make Bitcoin a reserve asset in the US in 2025, industry stakeholders expect more economies and corporations to view Bitcoin as more than just a cryptocurrency.
In conversation with Gadgets 360, BuyUcoin CEO Shivam Thakral said, “how major economies react to the strategic reserves and whether companies will adopt Bitcoin as part of their treasury management like MicroStrategy – these will become key points for observations and developments in 2025.”
Earlier this month, Microsoft shareholders rejected the idea of adding Bitcoin to the software giant’s balance sheet. Meanwhile, high-value companies like Tesla, MicroStrategy, Block, and Galaxy Digital continue to hold BTC in their treasuries. Should Trump move forward with his pro-BTC agenda in January 2025, clearer regulations could prompt more firms to adopt Bitcoin, according to industry insiders.
Additionally, market stakeholders are closely monitoring anticipated changes to accounting standards by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). These updates are expected to encourage companies to include Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in their reserves, according to Thakral.
Year of Tokenisation
This year, asset tokenisation garnered significant attention at various industry events. By tokenising an asset, its liquidity can be enhanced. For real-world assets (RWAs) like land, digital representations of physical assets can be created on a blockchain as tokens, each representing a fraction of the underlying entity. This allows the owner of a tokenized property to sell multiple tokens while preserving the asset’s physical utility.
“The demand for tokenisation solutions across various sectors has grown this year. In 2025, we see businesses entering the tokenisation landscape looking for for diversification,” said WadzChain founder, Anish Jain.
Earlier, Vikram Subburaj, the CEO of the Giottus crypto exchange had also predicted that tokenising assets is briskly approaching mainstream adoption with more people understanding the concept in the coming times.
Amalgamation of AI and Crypto
Industry insiders are excited to witness evolved trends in 2025. The coming together of Web3 and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most anticipated industry trends for next year.
“The perfect amalgamation of AI technologies will complement trading strategies and user experience while paying attention to the inclusion of PayFi in the overall streamlining of such activities,” Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget told Gadgets 360.
In 2024, AI tokens made a significant impact on the crypto market. Typically associated with early-stage AI projects, these tokens allow holders to participate in decision-making while serving as the native payment currency for the projects they are linked to.
Chen also notes that as more people enter the Web3 sector, the security infrastructure surrounding blockchain projects is expected to undergo major upgrades next year.
The crypto industry is confident that the current bullish market trajectory will continue in the near future.
Republican efforts to restrict taxes on hospitals, health plans, and other providers that states use to help fund their Medicaid programs could strip them of tens of billions of dollars. The move could shrink access to health care for some of the nation’s poorest and most vulnerable people, warn analysts, patient advocates, and Democratic political leaders.
No state has more to lose than California, whose Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, covers nearly 15 million residents with low incomes and disabilities. That’s twice as many as New York and three times as many as Texas.
A proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, echoed in the Republican House reconciliation bill as well as a more drastic Senate bill, would significantly curtail the federal dollars many states draw in matching funds from what are known as provider taxes. Although it’s unclear how much states could lose, the revenue up for grabs is big. For instance, California has netted an estimated $8.8 billion this fiscal year from its tax on managed care plans and took in about $5.9 billion last year from hospitals.
California Democrats are already facing a $12 billion deficit, and they have drawn political fire for scaling back some key health care policies, including full Medi-Cal coverage for immigrants without permanent legal status. And a loss of provider tax revenue could add billions to the current deficit, forcing state lawmakers to make even more unpopular cuts to Medi-Cal benefits.
“If Republicans move this extreme MAGA proposal forward, millions will lose coverage, hospitals will close, and safety nets could collapse under the weight,” Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement, referring to President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.
The proposals are also a threat to Proposition 35, a ballot initiative California voters approved last November to make permanent the tax on managed care organizations, or MCOs, and dedicate some of its proceeds to raise the pay of doctors and other providers who treat Medi-Cal patients.
All states except Alaska have at least one provider tax on managed care plans, hospitals, nursing homes, emergency ground transportation, or other types of health care businesses. The federal government spends billions of dollars a year matching these taxes, which generally lead to more money for providers, helping them balance lower Medicaid reimbursement rates while allowing states to protect against economic downturns and budget constraints.
New York, Massachusetts, and Michigan would also be among the states hit hard by Republicans’ drive to scale back provider taxes, which allow states to boost their share of Medicaid spending to receive increased federal Medicaid funds.
In a May 12 statement announcing its proposed rule, CMS described a “loophole” as “money laundering,” and said California had financed coverage for over 1.6 million “illegal immigrants” with the proceeds from its MCO tax. CMS said its proposal would save more than $30 billion over five years.
“This proposed rule stops the shell game and ensures federal Medicaid dollars go where they’re needed most — to pay for health care for vulnerable Americans who rely on this program, not to plug state budget holes or bankroll benefits for noncitizens,” Mehmet Oz, the CMS administrator, said in the statement.
Medicaid allows coverage for noncitizens who are legally present and have been in the country for at least five years. And California uses state money to pay for almost all of the Medi-Cal coverage for immigrants who are not in the country legally.
California, New York, Michigan, and Massachusetts together account for more than 95% of the “federal taxpayer losses” from the loophole in provider taxes, CMS said. But nearly every state would feel some impact, especially under the provisions in the reconciliation bill, which are more restrictive than the CMS proposal.
None of it is a done deal. The CMS proposal, published May 15, has not been adopted yet, while the House and Senate bills must be negotiated into one and passed by both chambers of Congress. But the restrictions being contemplated would be far-reaching.
A report by Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services, ordered by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, found that a reduction of revenue from the state’s hospital tax could “destabilize hospital finances, particularly in rural and safety-net facilities, and increase the risk of service cuts or closures.” Losing revenue from the state’s MCO tax “would likely require substantial cuts, tax increases, or reductions in coverage and access to care,” it said.
CMS declined to respond to questions about its proposed rule.
The Republicans’ House-passed reconciliation bill, though not the CMS proposal, also prohibits any new provider taxes or increases to existing ones. The Senate version, released June 16, would gradually reduce the allowable amount of many provider taxes.
The American Hospital Association, which represents nearly 5,000 hospitals and health systems nationwide, said the proposed moratorium on new or increased provider taxes could force states “to make significant cuts to Medicaid to balance their budgets, including reducing eligibility, eliminating or limiting benefits, and reducing already low payment rates for providers.”
Because provider taxes draw matching federal dollars, Washington has a say in how they are implemented. And the Republicans who run the federal government are looking to spend far fewer of those dollars.
In California, the insurers that pay the MCO tax are reimbursed for the portion levied on their Medi-Cal enrollment. That helps explain why the tax rate on Medi-Cal enrollment is sharply higher than on commercial enrollment. Over 99% of the tax money the insurers pay comes from their Medi-Cal business, which means most of the state’s insurers get back almost all the tax they pay.
That imbalance, which CMS describes as a loophole, is one of the main things Republicans are trying to change. If either the CMS rule or the corresponding provisions in the House reconciliation bill were enacted, states would be required to levy provider taxes equally on Medicaid and commercial business to draw federal dollars.
California would likely be unable to raise the commercial rates to the level of the Medi-Cal ones, because state law constrains the legislature’s ability to do so. The only way to comply with the rule would be to lower the tax rate on Medi-Cal enrollment, which would sharply reduce revenue.
CMS has warned California and other states for years, including under the Biden administration, that it was considering significant changes to MCO and other provider taxes. Those warnings were never realized. But the risk may be greater this time, some observers say, because the effort to shrink provider taxes is embedded in both Republican reconciliation bills and intertwined with a broader Republican strategy — and set of proposals — to cut Medicaid spending by $800 billion or more.
“All of these proposals move in the same direction: fewer people enrolled, less generous Medicaid programs over time,” said Edwin Park, a research professor at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.
California’s MCO tax is expected to net California $13.9 billion over the next two fiscal years, according to January estimates. The state’s hospital tax is expected to bring in an estimated $9 billion this year, up sharply from last year, according to the Department of Health Care Services, which runs Medi-Cal.
Losing a significant slice of that revenue on top of other Medicaid cuts in the House reconciliation bill “all adds up to be potentially a super serious impact on Medi-Cal and the California state budget overall,” said Kayla Kitson, a senior policy fellow at the California Budget & Policy Center.
And it’s not only California that will feel the pain.
“All states are going to be hurt by this,” Park said.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF.
Prior to attending Summer Game Fest, I had heard exceedingly little about Heart Machine’s upcoming title, Possessor(s). Admittedly, this might be because I was a bit tapped out; for as big of a fan I was of Hyper Light Drifter, the studio’s newer releases–Solar Ash and Hyper Light Breaker–didn’t capture me the same way Drifter’s lush-yet-somber world did. It seemed to me that Heart Machine was building upon the parts of their legacy that I found less compelling, emphasizing fast, fluid traversal and breadth in exploration rather than depth. Don’t get me wrong–I liked both Solar Ash and Hyper Light Breaker, but they didn’t captivate me–and their trajectory made me unsure if a new Heart Machine title ever would. Fortunately, a brush with Possessor(s) has proven me very wrong.
Billed as a search-action game–a more game-neutral term to describe the metroidvania genre–Possessor(s) marks a shift to the second dimension for Heart Machine and combines fast-paced, side-scrolling action (a la Metroid) with Dark Souls-inspired mechanics to create a tense, brutal, and gorgeous adventure game that emphasizes continuous discovery. Whereas the studio has previously shipped titles with more abstract stories and characters that aren’t particularly humanoid in appearance, Possessor(s) also seems to mark a pivot towards a more traditional version of storytelling, with hand-drawn, swoon-worthy characters that dish out plot beats and dialogue with accompanying character art, similarly to Hades.
Rhem speaks to Luca.
So far, this description contains a lot of comparisons to some incredibly beloved games, so I want to emphasize that despite this, in the section I played, I didn’t find Possessor(s) to be overly derivative. Although it pulls inspiration from some of my favorite titles and I’d argue I didn’t see anything that reinvents or refines its genres, its urban-horror setting, lustrous art direction, overall tone, and budding narrative feel both distinctly Heart Machine and like a new direction for the studio.
Set in a world being overtaken by dimension-hoping demons, Possessor(s) kicks off with main character Luca watching one of her loved ones get ripped apart by a demon while pinned under a pile of debris. Eventually, she is able to move out from underneath it, only to find both her legs have been severed from her body. After a few moments spent crawling and crying out for help, she finds it in the shape of a tall, dark, and handsome individual named Rhem–who also just so happens to be one of the demons terrorizing humanity. Rhem tells Luca he can graft her new legs and save her life, so long as she enters a pact with him that will help save his life, too. She reluctantly agrees, and the two form a unique bond that ties both their souls to Luca’s body.
As the two proceed, Rhem alludes to Luca not understanding the demons’ motives or the true purpose of a global corporation associated with household appliances and creating better living for its customers. This ultimately sets up a mystery for Luca to unravel, causes all the game’s evil, inanimate object enemies to make a whole lot more sense, and creates a path forward for her and Rhem’s coexistence. Although not entirely novel–science-fiction and corrupt corporations tend to go hand-in-hand–it’s still an interesting premise made more compelling by its macabre leanings, fantastic character art, and the overall atmosphere of the decaying urban sprawl I explored.
Most importantly, however, Possessor(s)’ gameplay feels great. It’s fluid, fun, delightfully difficult, and, based on the portion of the map I saw, seems like it will offer up a large, dense world ripe for exploration. Though some metroidvanias (or search-action games) leave room for hack-and-slash style gameplay, Possessor(s) requires a level of dexterity and intention that reflects the team’s desire to incorporate souls-like elements into it. It also includes “bonfires” and a world that resets once you rest, further emphasizing that influence.
Possessor(s) has already impressed me, and with its promises of a complex narrative that allows you to play through multiple paths and meet a variety of characters with their own “heartbreaking” stories, it has quickly become one of my most anticipated releases of 2025.
Penn-led researchers have turned a deadly fungus into a potent cancer-fighting compound. After isolating a new class of molecules from Aspergillus flavus, a toxic crop fungus linked to deaths in the excavations of ancient tombs, the researchers modified the chemicals and tested them against leukemia cells. The result? A promising cancer-killing compound that rivals FDA-approved drugs and opens up new frontiers in the discovery of more fungal medicines.
“Fungi gave us penicillin,” says Sherry Gao, Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and in Bioengineering (BE) and senior author of a new paper in Nature Chemical Biologyon the findings. “These results show that many more medicines derived from natural products remain to be found.”
From Curse to Cure
Aspergillus flavus, named for its yellow spores, has long been a microbial villain. After archaeologists opened King Tutankhamun’s tomb in the 1920s, a series of untimely deaths among the excavation team fueled rumors of a pharaoh’s curse. Decades later, doctors theorized that fungal spores, dormant for millennia, could have played a role.
In the 1970s, a dozen scientists entered the tomb of Casimir IV in Poland. Within weeks, 10 of them died. Later investigations revealed the tomb contained A. flavus, whose toxins can lead to lung infections, especially in people with compromised immune systems.
Now, that same fungus is the unlikely source of a promising new cancer therapy.
A Rare Fungal Find
The therapy in question is a class of ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides, or RiPPs, pronounced like the “rip” in a piece of fabric. The name refers to how the compound is produced — by the ribosome, a tiny cellular structure that makes proteins — and the fact that it is modified later, in this case, to enhance its cancer-killing properties.
“Purifying these chemicals is difficult,” says Qiuyue Nie, a postdoctoral fellow in CBE and the paper’s first author. While thousands of RiPPs have been identified in bacteria, only a handful have been found in fungi. In part, this is because past researchers misidentified fungal RiPPs as non-ribosomal peptides and had little understanding of how fungi created the molecules. “The synthesis of these compounds is complicated,” adds Nie. “But that’s also what gives them this remarkable bioactivity.”
Hunting for Chemicals
To find more fungal RiPPs, the researchers first scanned a dozen strains of Aspergillus, which previous research suggested might contain more of the chemicals.
By comparing chemicals produced by these strains with known RiPP building blocks, the researchers identified A. flavus as a promising candidate for further study.
Genetic analysis pointed to a particular protein in A. flavus as a source of fungal RiPPs. When the researchers turned the genes that create that protein off, the chemical markers indicating the presence of RiPPs also disappeared.
This novel approach — combining metabolic and genetic information — not only pinpointed the source of fungal RiPPs in A. flavus, but could be used to find more fungal RiPPs in the future.
A Potent New Medicine
After purifying four different RiPPs, the researchers found the molecules shared a unique structure of interlocking rings. The researchers named these molecules, which have never been previously described, after the fungus in which they were found: asperigimycins.
Even with no modification, when mixed with human cancer cells, asperigimycins demonstrated medical potential: two of the four variants had potent effects against leukemia cells.
Another variant, to which the researchers added a lipid, or fatty molecule, that is also found in the royal jelly that nourishes developing bees, performed as well as cytarabine and daunorubicin, two FDA-approved drugs that have been used for decades to treat leukemia.
Cracking the Code of Cell Entry
To understand why lipids enhanced asperigimycins’ potency, the researchers selectively turned genes on and off in the leukemia cells. One gene, SLC46A3, proved critical in allowing asperigimycins to enter leukemia cells in sufficient numbers.
That gene helps materials exit lysosomes, the tiny sacs that collect foreign materials entering human cells. “This gene acts like a gateway,” says Nie. “It doesn’t just help asperigimycins get into cells, it may also enable other ‘cyclic peptides’ to do the same.”
Like asperigimycins, those chemicals have medicinal properties — nearly two dozen cyclic peptides have received clinical approval since 2000 to treat diseases as varied as cancer and lupus — but many of them need modification to enter cells in sufficient quantities.
“Knowing that lipids can affect how this gene transports chemicals into cells gives us another tool for drug development,” says Nie.
Disrupting Cell Division
Through further experimentation, the researchers found that asperigimycins likely disrupt the process of cell division. “Cancer cells divide uncontrollably,” says Gao. “These compounds block the formation of microtubules, which are essential for cell division.”
Notably, the compounds had little to no effect on breast, liver or lung cancer cells — or a range of bacteria and fungi — suggesting that asperigimycins’ disruptive effects are specific to certain types of cells, a critical feature for any future medication.
Future Directions
In addition to demonstrating the medical potential of asperigimycins, the researchers identified similar clusters of genes in other fungi, suggesting that more fungal RiPPS remain to be discovered. “Even though only a few have been found, almost all of them have strong bioactivity,” says Nie. “This is an unexplored region with tremendous potential.”
The next step is to test asperigimycins in animal models, with the hope of one day moving to human clinical trials. “Nature has given us this incredible pharmacy,” says Gao. “It’s up to us to uncover its secrets. As engineers, we’re excited to keep exploring, learning from nature and using that knowledge to design better solutions.”
This study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science; Rice University; the University of Pittsburgh; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis; Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Porto.
The study was supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (R35GM138207, R35CA274235, R35GM128779), the University of Pennsylvania, the Welch Foundation (C-2033-20200401), the Houston Area Molecular Biophysics Program (NIH Grant T32 GM008280), the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (RR220087, RR210029) and the National Science Foundation (OAC-2117681, OAC-1928147, OAC-1928224).
Additional co-authors include Fanglong Zhao, Xuerong Yu, Caleb Chang, Rory Sharkey, Bryce Kille, Hongzi Zheng, Kevin Yang, Alan Du, Todd Treangen, Yang Gao and Hans Renata of Rice University; Chunxiao Sun and Shuai Liu of Penn Engineering and Rice; Siting Li and Junjie Chen of MD Anderson; Mithun C. Madhusudhanan and Peng Liu of Pitt; Sandipan Roy Chowdhury, Dongyin Guan, Jin Wang, Xin Yu and Dishu Zhou of Baylor; Maria Zotova and Zichen Hu of Penn Engineering; Sandra A. Figueiredo and Pedro N. Leão of the University of Porto; and Andy Xu and Rui Tang of Wash U, St. Louis.
He specialises in civil and criminal matters, intellectual property, company matters, corporate and contract agreements, insolvency and bankruptcy matters, service matters, matrimonial matters, and property and land acquisition matters before the concerned court/forum.
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Sunscreen is essential year-round, but many people mistakenly believe it’s only needed in summer. As temperatures drop during the monsoon, some assume they can skip sunscreen without consequences, but that’s far from true; warns dermatologist Dr. Trupti N. Desale.
Don’t skip sunscreen in monsoon season.(Pexels)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Trupti N Desale, dermatologist, Niti Skin and Hair Clinic, Nashik said, “It’s not the heat itself but the damaging UV rays, which affect the skin year-round, that we need real protection from.” Also read | Coconut Oil and Sunscreen: What you need to know about sun protection
Here’s why you should use sunscreen in monsoon too:
1. UV rays pass through clouds:
Up to 50 – 90% of UV rays are able to pass through cloud cover. Thus, even during cloudy days, your skin is still exposed to sun damage, especially from UVA rays which can cause premature aging and pigmentation problems. UVA rays have a lower amount of energy and a longer wavelength than UVB rays. Many people mistakenly believe that clouds offer significant protection, but studies show that even light clouds allow most UV to reach the ground and sometimes cloud cover can even increase UV exposure due to reflection and scattering effects. This means you can still get sunburned or experience skin damage on overcast days, making daily sun protection essential regardless of visible sunlight.
2. Higher humidity, more exposure:
During the monsoon season, the high humidity in the air often causes people to skip sunscreen, thinking their skin is oily enough. But humidity doesn’t protect you from the sun’s rays, it actually can increase photosensitivity for some skin types. Sweating more in humid weather can cause sunscreen to wear off faster, reducing its effectiveness and leaving skin vulnerable to UV damage.
Skipping sunscreen in monsoon can cause long-term damage to skin.(Freepik)
3. Skipping sunscreen can lead to long-term effects:
Neglecting to apply sunscreen consistently during the monsoon season can result in a lackluster complexion, uneven skin tone, early signs of aging, and pigmentation, problems that can become more pronounced as time goes on. Regular exposure without protection can cause cumulative DNA damage in skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancers and persistent pigmentation issues. Consistent sunscreen use, regardless of the weather, is crucial for maintaining healthy, youthful skin and preventing irreversible sun damage. Also read | World Sunscreen Day: Everything you need to know about how sunblock works,from ideal SPF range to UV protection
Tips to apply sunscreen in monsoon:
While selecting a sunscreen for the rainy season, go for gel-based or matte options since they are lightweight, non-greasy, and ideal for humid weather.
It’s important to select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater to protect against both UVA and UVB.
Since rain or perspiration can break down sunscreen, try to reapply every 2–3 hours, especially after being outdoors.
Don’t overlook areas that commonly get skipped, including the genitalia, ears, neck, hands, and feet. These are the same areas that are exposed to the damaging effects of UV and must be treated equally as part of your daily skincare routine.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Shares of San Diego biotechnology company Cidara Therapeutics doubled Monday after the company revealed positive mid-stage study results for an experimental preventive therapy it’s developing for seasonal influenza.
The drug, an antiviral that combines a small molecule with a protein fragment, met its main and secondary goals in a Phase 2b trial. A single shot of the highest dose of the therapy was 76% effective compared to a placebo at preventing flu symptoms over 24 weeks. No unexpected treatment-emergent adverse events that would limit higher dosing were observed either, Cidara said.
Cidara will provide detailed results at a future medical meeting and intends to meet with the Food and Drug Administration to discuss the design of a Phase 3 trial. Study success could open the door to an alternative to seasonal influenza vaccines, which some Wall Street analysts view as a multibillion-dollar sales opportunity.
While flu shots are widely available and typically recommended for these groups, their effectiveness can vary year to year based on the circulating strains. Some individuals also might not be eligible for immunization based on allergies to certain vaccine components. On-demand flu treatments, like Tamiflu, are only modestly helpful.
Cidara is positioning its drug, dubbed CD388, as an alternative. The drug includes a potent antiviral, zanamivir, and is designed to last long enough to provide seasonal coverage with a single dose. It’s also meant to provide broad coverage against influenza A and B viruses as well.
In the Phase 2b study, healthy adults between the ages of 18 to 64 were randomized into four different groups to receive either a single 150 milligram, 300 milligram or 450 milligram drug dose, or a placebo. The study’s main goal was to show treatment prevents influenza-like illness over six months. Secondary objectives included its ability to protect against milder fevers and provide protection lasting at least 28 weeks.
In a report earlier this month, analysts at the investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald wrote that effectiveness of 50% or higher would be viewed as “highly attractive to patients, physicians and payers.” All three doses of CD388 hit that mark, with efficacy of 58%, 61% and 76% reported at the low, medium and high doses.
“These Phase 2b results support the potential of CD388 to be a highly effective and well-tolerated seasonal prophylactic for high-risk individuals, such as those with compromised immune systems or those at a heightened risk of severe illness due to underlying health conditions,” said Cidara Chief Medical Officer Nicole Davarpanah, in a statement.
In a note to clients, RBC Capital Markets analyst Brian Abrahams called the magnitude of the protection CD388 displayed as “exceeding” the firm’s “best case scenario.”
The data “increases our confidence” that CD388 could become the kind of drug that generates $3 billion in peak annual sales as a “novel, potentially transformative flu prevention alternative,” Abrahams wrote.
When considering property value in Australia, location, size, and infrastructure of the property will often be front and centre. While everyone appreciates having water and sanitation, plumbing systems are usually the forgotten component for determining the value of a home, despite being of key economic importance. The functionality of bi-products (such as heating/cooling systems, greywater systems, irrigation, and gas systems), adherence to compliance, and how buyers perceive plumbing systems can attract significant value in the property market.
This article explores how plumbing systems can affect property valuation, specific considerations for the region, current industry trends, and potential red flags that can create a downgrade on value.
Direct Impact on Property Valuation
Plumbing services play a direct role in property value through replacement costs, compliance, or immediate repair needs. Most systems that are aging or require total replacement can significantly reduce the value of a property, anywhere from $10,000 to over $30,000, as prospective buyers factor in the costs required to renovate the property. Non-compliance related to plumbing can also have an additional effect on issues such as insurability and mortgage approvals, leading to prospective buyers being deterred.
Furthermore, property valuers inspect the plumbing during an appraisal and account for the age and condition of the plumbing; an older, poorly maintained plumbing system would have less value, while newer, well-maintained plumbing systems can lead to higher property valuations.
Water Efficiency and Sustainability Features
In an age of serious environmental awareness, water-efficient plumbing features improve the attractiveness of a property.
Note: Compliance with WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) ensures fixtures are up to efficiency standards and will be a part of marketing the property.
Dual flush toilets and low-flow taps, and shower head features will be appealing to buyers looking to be eco-friendly and sustainable. In areas with drought, greywater systems and rainwater harvesting systems have great appeal and can increase value considerably. Energy-efficient hot water systems, such as solar, heat pump, or instantaneous hot water, also make a property more appealing through cuts to utilities.
Regional Considerations Across Australia
Plumbing’s impact on property value in Australia differs, given the diversity in climate and regulation:
Tropical vs. temperate: Tropical areas require corrosion-resistant materials, and temperate areas require insulation.
Water: Water efficiency systems (in South Australia and parts of NSW) increase the value of a home.
Water materials: Saltwater exposes properties near the coast to accelerated corrosion, putting into play a special category of materials that extend maintenance costs.
Rural vs. urban: Rural homes connected to septic systems and bores use different valuation criteria than urban homes connected to the municipal supply.
State boundaries: Compliance requirements vary between states, affecting how property is valued.
Modern Plumbing Trends and Value Addition
Changes in a property’s plumbing fixtures can improve its value:
Smart technology: Leak detection systems and smart water meters are appealing to tech-savvy buyers.
Luxurious features: Heated floors, upgraded fixtures, and spas make the property competitive with upper-end houses.
Accessibility changes: As the baby boomer demographic population ages and looks to “age-in-place,” more walk-in showers and reliable plumbing will be appealing.
Bathrooms: Multiple bathrooms, en-suite or powder rooms, are very appealing to almost all home buyers.
Red Flags That Decrease Property Value
Some plumbing issues can scare buyers and decrease property value:
Visible neglect: Stains, leaks, and damaged fixtures reflect maintenance on the property.
Outdated materials: Buyers are generally concerned about galvanised water supply pipes or asbestos-cement pipes.
Poor function: Low water pressure and other drainage issues can disrupt daily living and buyer perception.
Work that does not comply with local building codes: Unpermitted work performed by the current property owners may cost more, and end up being problematic to fix the unpermitted work.
Conclusion / Recommendations
Plumbing systems operate in a variety of ways when it comes to the value of your property. Plumbing can affect the property’s usability, compliance, and appeal to buyers. Many maintenance tasks and upgrades, like water-efficient fixtures or smart technology, can lead to good returns when making upgrades and repairs on the plumbing system.
Tip: Homeowners should always seek out a professional to review the plumbing systems and their operation to keep them compliant and operating as intended.
Investing in quality plumbing is an investment worth making, whether selling or maintaining your home. Contact licensed and qualified plumbers in your area to provide you with additional assistance and professional advice to obtain the most value for your property.
About Guest Expert Apart from our regular team of experts, we frequently publish commentary from guest contributors who are authorities in their field.
¿Buscas darle un toque picante? Los juegos de rol, o “sexo simulado”, como algunos lo llaman, pueden ser una forma emocionante y atrevida de darle vida a tu relación y disfrutar de un encuentro sexual con gusto. Los juegos de rol te permiten descubrir nuevos sueños, aumentar la intimidad y tener encuentros increíbles al asumir diferentes escenarios y personajes lascivos. Aquí tienes 21 ideas exóticas de juegos de rol para fortalecer tu relación y explorar las profundidades del deseo si tú y tu pareja desean una aventura atrevida. Descubre los ejemplos más atrevidos de juegos de rol en nuestra lista seleccionada de ideas de fantasías sexuales y anímate a probarlas.
¿Cómo ayuda el juego de roles a aumentar la intimidad?
El juego de roles se basa en la comunicación, ya que fomenta conversaciones abiertas sobre límites y fantasías, a la vez que ayuda a la pareja a comprender mejor las necesidades del otro. El juego de roles permite a las parejas adoptar diferentes personajes, lo que aviva la pasión y fortalece su relación.
Los elementos imaginativos del juego de rol aportan una sensación de sorpresa y emoción, rompiendo la monotonía y fomentando la interacción emocional. Dado que la vulnerabilidad y la permisividad son cruciales en los escenarios de juego de rol, esto ayuda a…construyendo confianza.
¿Cómo hacerlo bien?
Los juegos de rol pueden ser una forma eficaz de aumentar la intimidad en una relación, ya que permiten a las parejas interactuar en ámbitos innovadores, fuera de sus roles habituales. Esto puede ser muy excitante si se hace bien. Después de todo, ¿a quién no le gustan las fantasías insólitas? Fomentan la comunicación y fortalecen la confianza y la vulnerabilidad. Aquí tienes algunos consejos para realizar un buen juego de rol:
Establezca el consentimiento y los límites, y sea claro acerca de los tipos de juego de rol con los que se siente cómodo.
Elijan juntos ideas divertidas para juegos de rol, consejos y escenarios para juegos de rol.
Crear un entorno seguro
La comunicación es clave
Mantente en el personaje
Experimentar condinámica de poder
Garantizar el cuidado posterior
21 ideas de juegos de rol exóticos para aumentar la travesura en tu relación
De acuerdo a investigaciónLa experiencia de los juegos de rol ofrece posibilidades para estudiar fenómenos psicológicos como la personalidad y la identidad. Si tú y tu pareja buscan fantasías de pareja para añadir un toque de picardía, los juegos de rol sexuales pueden ser una opción increíble. Al adoptar diferentes personajes y adentrarse en escenarios únicos, pueden disfrutar de fantasías sexuales, superar los límites y encender una llama de intimidad como nunca antes.
Hay innumerables escenarios y personajes para juegos de rol. Puedes ser un repartidor de pizza, una colegiala o un jefe. En este artículo, presentamos 21 ideas sensuales para juegos de rol en pareja, con muchos disfraces para el dormitorio y los mejores escenarios para potenciar tu vida sexual. Estas ideas sin duda llevarán tu relación a nuevas cotas de placer. Desde seductores desconocidos hasta cautivadoras criaturas de fantasía e ideas atrevidas para juegos de rol, ¡tienes que probarlas todas! ¡Comencemos!
1. Profesor y alumno
¿Puedes meterte en problemas por jugar a roles? ¡Ahora sí! Esta es una de las fantasías de pareja más populares. En este escenario, una persona asume el rol de un profesor estricto y autoritario, mientras que la otra interpreta el de un estudiante travieso. El profesor puede establecer las reglas básicas e imponer la disciplina, mientras que el estudiante puede intentar desafiar los límites y llamar la atención del profesor. Tramas de juegos de rol como esta pueden incluir ideas para disfraces de “bibliotecaria traviesa” y castigos, castigos o actividades extracurriculares. Esto te ayudará a explorar…dinámica de podery la seducción en el ámbito académico.
2. Jefe y secretaria
Esta idea de juego de rol implica una dinámica de poder donde una persona asume el rol de un socio dominante, un jefe autoritario, y la otra persona interpreta a una secretaria seductora. El jefe puede ejercer control y dar órdenes, mientras que la secretaria puede usar su encanto y atractivo para satisfacer los deseos del jefe. Este escenario puede incluir tareas, encuentros secretos en la oficina o recompensas por complacer al jefe.
3. Médico y paciente
En esta sensual escena médica, una persona interpreta el papel de un médico atento y cariñoso, y la otra actúa como un paciente dispuesto. También puedes probar con disfraces de enfermera traviesos. La doctora puede realizar un examen y ofrecer un consuelo.contacto físicoy administrar tratamientos, mientras el paciente se entrega a su vulnerabilidad. Este escenario puede incluir juegos de rol sobre afecciones médicas específicas, exámenes íntimos o la exploración de los límites entre médico y paciente. ¿Qué escenarios más atrevidos se te ocurren? Te damos algunos:
Paciente malcriado:Sea ese paciente malcriado y difícil que sólo un médico estricto puede tratar
Situación de emergencia:¡Rápido! Llama al médico para salvarte la vida y, por supuesto, dale las gracias.
4. Pirata y cautivo
Mantén viva la chispaEn esta emocionante aventura de rol, juega como un pirata dominante y un cautivo que deben someterse a sus deseos. El pirata, con su actitud asertiva y seductora, toma el control del cautivo, quien está a su merced. Este juego de rol puede incluir juegos de poder, restricciones y actos de rendición, mientras el pirata explora su dominio y el cautivo sucumbe a su voluntad. ¡Otra gran idea para sexting de fantasía! Incluye un poco de bondage en el juego de rol para mejorarlo.
5. Oficial de policía y criminal
Este es uno de los mejores escenarios de juego de rol de la historia. Una persona asume el papel de una atractiva policía, mientras que la otra se convierte en una atractiva delincuente que necesita ser interrogada. El agente de seguridad puede imponer su autoridad y usar diversas tácticas para extraer información, mientras que el delincuente puede usar su encanto y atractivo para evadir la captura. Puedes darle un toque atrevido incorporando ideas de juego de rol BDSM e incluir esposas, escenas de interrogatorio y la exploración de las dinámicas de poder entre las fuerzas del orden y una seductora delincuente.
¿Quién puede resistirse a la idea del juego de rol entre un oficial de policía sexy y un criminal tentador?
6. Vampiro y víctima
Adéntrate en el mundo de la oscuridad y el deseo con una de las ideas de vestuario sexistas para juegos de rol: un vampiro seductor y su voluntaria víctima. El vampiro irradia poder, sensualidad y un toque de peligro, mientras que la víctima se somete voluntariamente a su hipnótico encanto. Este juego de rol puede incluir mordiscos, explorar sensaciones de placer y sumisión, y el embriagador atractivo de los deseos inmortales del vampiro.
7. El superhéroe y la damisela en apuros
Liberen al superhéroe y damisela que llevan dentro sumergiéndose en un escenario donde una persona interpreta a una figura poderosa y heroica, y la otra a una indefensa, pero atractiva, damisela en apuros. El superhéroe puede usar su fuerza, agilidad y poderes especiales para salvar el día y rescatar a la damisela. Los juegos de rol de superhéroe y damisela pueden incluir rescates dramáticos.intensa tensión sexualY una mezcla de vulnerabilidad y admiración. Te estoy mirando, James Bond.
8. Stripper y cliente
Esta es una de las ideas más sexys para el dormitorio. Crea un ambiente de club de striptease adoptando los roles de una stripper seductora y una clienta cautivada. La stripper puede realizar bailes provocativos, provocando a la clienta con sus movimientos y desnudándose gradualmente. La clienta puede apreciar y admirar su belleza y participar en interacciones lúdicas. Este juego de roles puede incluir bailes eróticos, conversaciones íntimas y la exploración de deseos en un ambiente sensual y seductor. También puedes incluir strip póker para hacerlo aún mejor.
9. Celebridad y fan
¿Buscas ideas sensuales y brillantes para el dormitorio? Adéntrate en un mundo de fantasía con escenas sensuales donde una persona interpreta a una celebridad famosa, mientras que la otra se convierte en su fan incondicional. La celebridad puede encarnar el encanto, el talento y el glamour, mientras que el fan puede expresar su admiración por su película favorita y anhelar conectar con su ídolo. Puede incluir juegos de rol para parejas, como firmas de autógrafos, encuentros entre bastidores y el cumplimiento de…fantasías sexualesDe un fanático deslumbrado. ¡También puedes actuar como estrella porno para el doble de diversión!
10. Fotógrafo y modelo
Disfruta de una sesión de fotos apasionada, donde una persona se convierte en una fotógrafa apasionada y la otra en su atractiva modelo. El fotógrafo puede capturar la belleza, el atractivo y la vulnerabilidad de la modelo a través del lente de su cámara. Interpretar este escenario implica explorar diferentes poses, muchas ideas y opciones de atuendos, momentos íntimos y…fuertes señales de químicaconstruyendo entre el fotógrafo y el modelo.
11. Butler y la socialité adinerada
Una de las fantasías más divertidas para parejas es el juego de rol entre un mayordomo obediente y una socialité exigente y adinerada. Lo tiene todo: lujo, figuras de autoridad y sofisticación. En este juego de rol, el mayordomo atiende todas las necesidades de la socialité, atendiendo sus deseos y satisfaciéndolos. El juego de rol entre mayordomo y socialité incluye preparar comidas elaboradas, ofrecer masajes o masajes de pies y mantener conversaciones íntimas. Explora la dinámica de poder, la anticipación y los deseos ocultos que existen entre el mayordomo y la socialité. ¡Y no olvides algunas ideas de recompensas sexuales por ser un buen sirviente!
12. Extraterrestres y humanos
Puede que sea difícil conseguir los disfraces para este juego de rol de dormitorio, ¡pero haz lo que puedas! Transpórtate a un reino de pasión sobrenatural interpretando a un atractivo extraterrestre y a un humano curioso que no puede resistirse a su encanto extraterrestre. El extraterrestre puede poseer habilidades, conocimientos o características físicas únicas que cautivan al humano. Si interpretas esta fantasía, acabarás abrazando la conexión intergaláctica entre el extraterrestre y el humano.
13. El bombero y la mujer indefensa
¿Te apetece unas ideas atrevidas para el dormitorio? ¡Enciende tu vida sexual con una de las ideas de atuendos más divertidas para juegos de rol! Incluye un escenario apasionado, donde una persona se convierte en un valiente bombero y la otra en una mujer atrapada que necesita ser rescatada. El bombero puede mostrar heroísmo, fuerza y sentido del deber, mientras que la mujer acepta la vulnerabilidad y la impotencia. Este juego de rol puede incluir rescates audaces, momentos de intensa pasión y una fuerte…conexión emocionalAnte el peligro.
14. Atleta y entrenador
Si buscas ideas de fantasía para parejas, participa en un escenario apasionado inspirado en el deporte, donde una persona asume el rol de un atleta disciplinado y la otra se convierte en su tentador entrenador. El atleta se esfuerza por alcanzar la excelencia, superando sus límites físicos, mientras que el entrenador proporciona orientación, motivación y sesiones de entrenamiento intensas. Puede incluir escenarios de juego de roles para parejas, como sesiones de entrenamiento personal, masajes para aliviar la tensión muscular y una exploración de…vínculo profundamente íntimoEntre el entrenador y el atleta. Te daremos un par de ideas más:
Instructora de yoga y cliente:Yoga y juegos de rol: ¡no hay nada más sexy! Ayuda a tu cliente a inclinarse en todas las posiciones que desees y abre sus chakras.
Premiado:¡Felicidades! Acabas de ganar en tu deporte favorito, y tu entrenador está más que feliz de darte una recompensa gratificante.
15. Chef y crítico gastronómico
Es hora de abrir camino hacia el botín virgen. Aumenten la química entre ustedes, sumérjanse en los roles de un talentoso chef y un crítico gastronómico exigente que no pueden resistirse a sus creaciones culinarias. El chef se esfuerza por impresionar al crítico gastronómico con su creatividad culinaria, sabores y presentación, mientras que este expresa su aprecio y deseo de más. Este juego de roles puede incluir una experiencia gastronómica sensual, sesiones de degustación y una exploración de los placeres y pasiones sensoriales que inspira el mundo culinario.
16. Ninfa y exploradora del bosque
Sumérjanse en la belleza de la naturaleza con una de las ideas de juego de rol más eróticas para parejas: una ninfa cautivadora y un explorador aventurero que cae bajo su hechizo. La ninfa puede encarnar el espíritu del bosque, irradiando sensualidad y un aura mística. El explorador se siente intrigado por el encanto de la ninfa y se pierde en el encanto del entorno natural. Este juego de rol puede incluir encuentros sensuales entre árboles y la exploración de arboledas ocultas, fomentando una profunda conexión entre la ninfa y el explorador.
17. Arqueólogo y artefacto antiguo
Sumérgete en el mundo de los juegos de rol para adultos con una emocionante aventura arqueológica, donde un personaje se convierte en un apasionado arqueólogo y el otro asume la identidad de un antiguo y místico artefacto con secretos ocultos. El arqueólogo se siente impulsado por la curiosidad y el deseo de descubrir los misterios del artefacto, mientras que este posee un poder seductor que lo cautiva. Este juego de rol puede incluir el descubrimiento de secretos antiguos, una fascinante exploración de la historia del artefacto y…intimidad intelectualEntre el arqueólogo y el objeto místico.
18. Presidente y becario
Explora juegos de rol para adultos y una dinámica de poder prohibida interpretando a un presidente poderoso y una becaria seductora, dispuesta a todo para alcanzar el éxito. El presidente encarna la autoridad, el carisma y una presencia imponente, mientras que la becaria es decidida, ambiciosa y dispuesta a explotar su atractivo para ganarse el favor de todos. Este juego de rol puede incluir escenarios como reuniones privadas, negociaciones y la exploración de los límites del poder, el deseo y la ambición.
19. Estrella de rock y fan
Vive una fantasía de rock and roll interpretando a una carismática estrella de rock y a una groupie que la adora y que quiere ser su musa. La estrella de rock irradia confianza, talento y un espíritu rebelde, mientras que la groupie queda cautivada por su música, encanto y energía magnética. Este juego de rol puede incluir encuentros entre bastidores, apasionados…lenguaje corporal de adoraciónY surge una chispa entre la estrella del rock y su fan incondicional. ¡Siempre puedes darle un toque picante y convertirlo en un trío con clase o en un juego de rol de “esposa ardiente”!
20. Auxiliar de vuelo y pasajero
Únete al club de las alturas con una de las ideas de juego de rol más divertidas y eróticas. Crea una cabina simulada, como la de un avión real, en tu espacio, repleta de asientos, compartimentos superiores y decoración con temática de aerolínea. Vístete con el uniforme de auxiliar de vuelo para crear el ambiente. Como auxiliar de vuelo, demuestra los procedimientos de seguridad, da una cálida bienvenida y da instrucciones para un vuelo placentero. Presta atención a detalles como las bandejas, los refrigerios y los anuncios para los pasajeros. Participa.interacciones coquetas con tu pareja, que encarna el encanto y la atención de un asistente de vuelo.
No hay ningún momento aburrido en un juego de rol de “auxiliar de vuelo y pasajero”
21. Mago y asistente
Entra en un mundo de ilusión y deseo interpretando a un mago cautivador y a su atractiva asistente, quienes comparten unaconexión íntimaTanto dentro como fuera del escenario. El mago deslumbra con sus habilidades, encanto y dominio de las ilusiones, mientras que el asistente es parte integral de su acto, añadiendo un toque de sensualidad y misticismo. Este juego de rol puede incluir la realización de actos mágicos, encuentros tras bambalinas y una conexión que difumina la línea entre la realidad y la ilusión.
Consejos clave
Prioriza la comunicación. Habla sobre deseos, ideas para juegos de rol en línea, ideas para juegos de rol por mensaje de texto, límites y sueños, mucho antes de comenzar el juego de rol.
Usa palabras seguras para expresar necesidades y límites. También puedes explorar algunas ideas para juegos de rol tabú.
Crea un ambiente acogedor. Decora, viste y escucha la música para una experiencia inmersiva.
Acepta tus roles. Comprométete plenamente con tu personaje y actúa, habla y compórtate como corresponde. Busca ideas de atuendos en línea y respeta tus límites personales.
Explora las dinámicas de poder. Debate y acuerda dinámicas de poder para aumentar la intensidad, garantizando que ambos se sientan seguros y respetados.
Participe en el cuidado posterior. Reflexione sobre los momentos favoritos y las áreas de mejora. Fortalezca la intimidad emocional mediante actividades como acurrucarse y tranquilizarse.
Ya sea que te gusten las ideas de juegos de rol BDSM, disfraces de enfermeras atrevidas, ideas de juegos de rol morbosos o escenarios eróticos, no te juzgamos. En conclusión, probar nuevos escenarios de juegos de rol puede ser una forma divertida de aumentar la picardía en tu relación. Te ayuda a ti y a tu pareja a asumir diferentes disfraces y avivar la pasión. Superar los límites, aumentar la intimidad y…reavivar la llama del amorTodo esto, sin dejar de estar en sintonía, es posible al sumergirse en estos escenarios. ¿A qué esperas?
Tienes una amplia gama de escenarios atrevidos para explorar. Anímate y crea recuerdos increíbles con estas 21 divertidas ideas de juegos de rol. Dale rienda suelta a tus fantasías, deja volar tus impulsos y emprende un viaje erótico que profundizará tu relación con tu pareja.
Your contribution does not constitute a charitable donation. It will allow Bonobology to continue bringing you new and up-to-date information in our pursuit of helping anyone in the world to learn how to do anything.
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The whole concept of encryption once intimidated me with all those technical terms flying around. But after diving in and actually trying it myself, I discovered that encryption is surprisingly simple to use and incredibly practical for everyday life.
How Encryption Works
Encryption keeps your data safe by transforming it into a code that only someone with the correct password or key can decipher. When you encrypt a file or message, you scramble the information so that it appears as nonsense to anyone else. Only people with the right key can turn it back into something readable, which protects your private data, whether you’re sending it or just storing it.
Alongside encryption, hashing is another important process often used in data security. Instead of locking and unlocking information, hashing creates a unique fingerprint for your data. It takes your information and runs it through an algorithm, giving you a string of numbers and letters that represent the original. You can’t use a hash to recover the original data, but you can use it to verify if something has changed. For example, if you download a file, you can compare its hash to the original to ensure that nothing has been tampered with.
In short, encryption keeps your information private and allows you to unlock it later with the right key. Hashing helps verify that your data hasn’t been altered. Both work quietly in the background, and you don’t need to understand all the technical details to benefit from them.
Today, there are many tools available for encrypting, decrypting, hashing, and managing keys to help keep your data secure. Here are some of my top picks for easily encrypting my files, flash drives, and emails.
Quickly Encrypting My Archives with 7-Zip
I picked up 7-Zip because it’s free, reliable, and usually already on most Windows computers. Encrypting files with it was a lot easier than I expected, and now I use it any time I want to keep files and documents private before storing or sending them to someone.
Here’s how I do it. I right-click on the file or folder I want to protect, then choose 7-Zip and pick Add to archive. In the window that pops up, I always switch the archive format from ZIP to 7z. The 7z format provides stronger security and enhanced encryption features compared to the default ZIP format.
Next, I set a password. I make sure to use one that’s at least 12 characters long, mixing upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A strong password is crucial. Remember, no matter how good the encryption is, a weak password can ruin it.
I also check the box for Encrypt file names. This hides not just the contents of your files, but even their names. If you skip this, someone could still see what the files are called, even if they can’t open them.
The encryption method is set to AES-256 by default, which is the same standard used by government agencies. I stick with this because it’s proven and doesn’t slow things down.
After clicking OK, 7-Zip creates the encrypted archive in the same folder as my original files. It usually takes just a few seconds. I always test my encrypted archives by trying to open them, just to make sure I remember the password and everything works.
To boost my security, I never send the encrypted file and the password through the same channel. If I email someone the archive, I’ll share the password by phone or text. That way, even if someone intercepts the email, they can’t get into the files.
Once you get the hang of it, encrypting with 7-Zip becomes second nature. It’s a simple way to keep your private files truly private.
Encrypting Flash Drives with BitLocker
After learning how to encrypt my hard drive with BitLocker, I realized I also needed to encrypt my flash drives, as I had lost one too many over the years. These small devices are easy to misplace, and I didn’t want anyone stumbling through my personnel files. BitLocker, which comes built into Windows, turned out to be the simplest way to keep everything on my drives safe.
Setting up BitLocker is pretty straightforward. I plugged in my flash drive and opened File Explorer. Then I right-click the drive and choose Turn on BitLocker. On Windows 11, I sometimes have to click Show more options to see this choice.
BitLocker prepares the drive for encryption, which typically takes just a minute or two. After that, it asks me to set a password. I always use a strong, unique password that’s different from the ones I use for my accounts. Since I’ll need to type this password every time I unlock the drive, I make sure it’s something I can remember but still hard to guess.
Next, BitLocker asks where I want to save my recovery key. This key is important. If I ever forget my password, the recovery key is the only way to recover my files. I save it in a safe location, such as my cloud storage or a printed copy stored at home.
BitLocker then lets me pick how much of the drive to encrypt. For a new drive, I opt for encrypting used space only, as it’s faster. If the drive already has files on it, I choose to encrypt the entire drive to make sure nothing is left unprotected.
There’s also an option for encryption compatibility. I always pick Compatible Mode, so the drive works on any Windows computer, not just the latest ones. This saves me headaches if I need to use the drive on an older machine.
Once I confirm everything, BitLocker starts encrypting. For bigger drives, this can take a little while, but I can keep using my computer during the process. When it’s done, I’ll see a lock icon on the drive in File Explorer, showing that it’s protected.
After setup, using an encrypted drive is easy. When I plug it into a Windows computer, BitLocker asks for my password. I can also set it to unlock automatically on my main PC, but I’m careful with this since it lowers security.
Ease-of-use is probably one of the biggest reasons I use BitLocker. It’s so easy that I don’t really have any reason not to encrypt my personal flash drives. Now, even if I lose a drive, I know my files are protected and my personal data cannot be easily accessed outside my Windows machine.
How I Encrypt My Email with PGP
When I want my messages to stay completely private, even from email providers, I use PGP encryption with Kleopatra. There are other ways to send PGP-encrypted emails on Linux, but I choose Kleopatra since I’m using Windows. It takes a little more effort to set up, but once you get the hang of it, the process is straightforward and gives you true end-to-end privacy.
First, I download and install the Gpg4win package, which includes Kleopatra. After opening Kleopatra, I create my own key pair by entering my name, email, and a strong passphrase. Kleopatra generates two keys for me: a public key that I can share with anyone who wants to send me encrypted messages, and a private key that I keep safe on my computer.
When I want to send an encrypted message, I usually write it in Notepad. Then, in Kleopatra, I click the Sign/Encrypt button and select the text file with my message. I check the box to Encrypt with password and enter a password that I’ll share with my recipient. After clicking Encrypt, Kleopatra creates a new PGP-encrypted file.
I can send this encrypted file via email. To open it, the recipient just needs Kleopatra and the password I set. They right-click the PGP file, choose Open with Kleopatra, and enter the password. Kleopatra then decrypts the file and shows the original message.
Both people need to have Kleopatra or a similar PGP tool, and they need to know the password or passphrase. To share the passphrase securely, I can inform my recipient through a meetup or a secure call (using Signal or WhatsApp), and then attach a new passphrase for each PGP file I send.
Aside from simple messages, PGP can also be used to encrypt all kinds of files, such as PDFs, audio recordings, videos, and software. So, things like legal papers, financial records, or your next million-dollar idea are definitely worth encrypting with PGP when sending them through email.
Once I started using these tools in my daily routine, I realized how easy it is to keep my private files and messages safe. Whether I’m locking down my archives, protecting flash drives, or sending sensitive emails, encryption now feels like just another simple step to protect my digital life. If you’ve been hesitant to try it, I can say it’s worth the few minutes it takes to learn. Your future self will thank you for making privacy a habit.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Chongqing-drone-light-show-sets-new-Guinness-World-Record-1EprahGC1EY/img/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c.jpeg'An array of images are formed by thousands of drones in the night sky over Chongqing on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Chongqing-drone-light-show-sets-new-Guinness-World-Record-1EprahGC1EY/img/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c.jpeg'An array of images are formed by thousands of drones in the night sky over Chongqing on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Chongqing-drone-light-show-sets-new-Guinness-World-Record-1EprahGC1EY/img/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c.jpeg'An array of images are formed by thousands of drones in the night sky over Chongqing on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Chongqing-drone-light-show-sets-new-Guinness-World-Record-1EprahGC1EY/img/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c.jpeg'An array of images are formed by thousands of drones in the night sky over Chongqing on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Chongqing-drone-light-show-sets-new-Guinness-World-Record-1EprahGC1EY/img/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c/47385a82487b4e46899e3bb2612bed1c.jpeg'An array of images are formed by thousands of drones in the night sky over Chongqing on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. /CGTN
Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking city skyline, 11,787 drones lit up the night sky over Chongqing on Tuesday, setting a new Guinness World Record and creating a surreal spectacle over the river. The drones formed an array of stunning images and motifs, including an enormous camellia and several iconic landmarks, which attracted tens of thousands of onlookers.
The drone show set a new Guinness World Record for the largest aerial display ever created by multi-rotors and drones. It first stunned audiences at the CMG Spring Festival Gala in January, and has since grown in both scale and duration, giving visitors the chance to experience it in person.
A new acquisition has bloomed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which is expected to announce Monday that Jeff Koons’ monumental topiary sculpture “Split-Rocker” will anchor the east side of the campus at the new David Geffen Galleries building.
The 37-foot-tall living sculpture, created in 2000, is designed to nurture more than 50,000 flowering plants and will be seeded in August with the hope that it will be fully established by April, when architect Peter Zumthor’s new poured concrete building is scheduled to open to the public.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled than to have a piece of floral work in Los Angeles where — horticulturally — there’s such a wide variety of plants that can be used in its creation,” Koons said in a phone interview from his New York studio. “I hope people going back and forth on Wilshire Boulevard, and people visiting the museum, are able to enjoy and experience the change in the piece.”
The acquisition and continued maintenance of “Split-Rocker” was paid for by the foundation of longtime LACMA donors and Koons supporters Lynda and Stewart Resnick. It’s been in the works for years, during which time LACMA and Koons consulted with a team of area horticulturalists who zeroed in on which plants would thrive during which times of year.
Koons said he’s excited to use native succulents and drought-tolerant plants as well as perennials and annuals that will provide a richness of color. The sculpture features two toy rockers— a horse and a dinosaur — that are split in half and paired unevenly down the middle for an angular Cubist effect. It’s made of steel armatures and outfitted with an internal irrigation system.
“Split-Rocker” will be the first outdoor work of art guests will see driving west on Wilshire from downtown. It will sit across the street from the La Brea Tar Pits’ tragic woolly mammoth family, adding a playful bit of fantasy architecture to LACMA’s 3.5-acre park space.
The sculpture will join the museum’s other highly recognizable works of public art, including Chris Burden’s “Urban Light” and Michael Heizer’s “Levitated Mass,” as well as a newly commissioned children’s garden sculpture of a whimsical UFO by Shio Kusaka and Mariana Castillo Deball’s “Feathered Changes,” which stretches over three football fields of raked, carved and imprinted concrete composing the museum’s plaza.
LACMA is also reinstalling Alexander Calder’s monumental “Three Quintains,” which was commissioned for the then-new museum complex in 1965. Tony Smith’s massive “Smoke” sculpture already has been installed.
“From the day I landed, I obviously knew I wanted to focus on L.A. artists,” said LACMA Chief Executive and Director Michael Govan. “But then I wanted to just bring a little New York too.”
“Split-Rocker,” like Koons’ only other topiary sculpture, “Puppy” from 1992, was created as an edition of one, plus one artist proof. LACMA has acquired the artist proof, which in 2014 towered over visitors to Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. Edition 1 of “Split-Rocker” is currently installed at Glenstone, a museum in Potomac, Md. The artist proof of “Puppy” famously greets visitors to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. Edition 1 is at the Brant Foundation in Greenwich, Conn.
Jeff Koons’ “Split-Rocker” photographed at Rockefeller Center.
(Tom Powel)
“Out of those four cities, L.A. is the only place where there’s good weather all year round, and it doesn’t have to go to sleep in the winter,” Govan said of “Split-Rocker,” noting how excited he is to see it change with the seasons.
The idea for “Split-Rocker” came to Koons when he noticed his son’s rocking horse in one corner of a room, and a rocking dinosaur in another.
“And I thought, oh my gosh, if you would just split those two down the center and then put their two profiles together, it would be kind of like a Picasso piece,” Koons said. “Because the one eye of the dino would be looking one way, and the eye of the pony would be looking completely in a different direction, and their profiles would not line up perfectly.”
When Koons began creating color schemes for the piece, he divided it into five different shading groups, with the dinosaur imbued with a different color range than the pony.
“When you plant it, you try to take control, and you’re able to put certain colors and certain plants in certain areas,” Koons said. “But at a certain point you have to walk away, and it’s in the hands of nature.”
Govan said he believes in the power of public sculpture and hopes “Split-Rocker” and the other monumental works on the LACMA campus will serve as beacons to passersby, beckoning them to explore further inside. They also are powerful tools of social media marketing, as guests photograph themselves and essentially promote a visit. One of Govan’s earliest memories, he said, is visiting his grandparents in Chicago and seeing the Picasso in Daley Plaza out the car window.
“It was was one of my first entry points to art, and art in public, as a very young person, and I never let it go,” Govan said. “Kids should see something on the street that’s art — not a building — that makes them want to get out and go back.”
New Delhi, June 23: Yamaha Motor Company is preparing to launch its new model, Yamaha FZ, in India soon. The upcoming Yamaha FZ bike will come with notable upgrades and the addition of new features. The FZ motorcycle from Yamaha is popular for its sporty design and performance on the road. The upcoming Yamaha FZ model may help the Japanese motorcycle company to expand its brand.
Recently, Yamaha Motor filed a design patent for its new FZ motorcycle in India. The upcoming Yamaha FZ will likely join the other models offering the 149cc engine. The available design it does not tell much about the upcoming model and what kind of subtle design changes and elements would be added. The company has yet to reveal details about its new Yamaha FZ bike. The patent for this bike is filed with the design number – 453333-001 and class – 12-11 by YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Robotaxi Launched: Elon Musk’s Tesla Launches Driverless Car Service in Austin for USD 4.20, Invited Users Share First Ride Experience (Watch Videos).
Yamaha FZ New Model; Here’s Everything to Know from Design
The new Yamaha FZ model is expected to continue the same street bike design as the other models. It will continue to have a large, chunky tank and a muscular design overall. The bike will come with “Y-Connect”, connected tech. It is expected that the Yamaha FZ model would come with a TFT instrument cluster offering necessary information to the rider, such as speed, fuel economy, turn-by-turn navigation, call and SMS alerts and recommendations for maintenance.
The Yamaha FZ model is expected to keep the same measurements, such as 1,080mm height, 2,000mm length and 1,333mm wheelbase. It is said to offer seat height of 790mm and 165mm of ground clearance. Moreover, the upcoming street bike could include a 282mm front-disc brake and 220mm rear disc brake. Xiaomi YU7 Launch on June 26; Check Expected Specifications and Features.
New Yamaha FZ model Price in India
Although no official information about the Yamaha FZ bike is available, it may launch between INR 1.18 lakh and INR 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 23, 2025 05:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Xiaomi released its first EV model, the SU7, in early 2024. By the end of the year, foreign diplomats, investors, and guests from other Chinese companies had already started arriving at the company’s factory in Beijing to participate in one-off tours, but the company didn’t create a standardized experience for the public until the start of 2025. At first, Xiaomi offered just three tours with 20 participants each per month.
But the excursion proved incredibly popular, and Xiaomi quickly began scheduling significantly more slots. In July, the company said it will offer one tour every weekday and six tours most weekends, accommodating more than 1,100 visitors in total. When July registration opened, however, over 27,000 applications flooded in overnight, according to the Xiaomi app—so the chances of snagging a ticket remain slim.
Those lucky enough to secure a spot can expect to first be taken to an exhibit hall to learn about notable innovations in Xiaomi’s electric cars. The visitors then hop on a shuttle and go into three working production lines out of six total to observe the workers and robots in action.
Afterwards, they can test ride a model Xiaomi SU7 on a racecourse, where a trained racecar driver demonstrates how the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds. “It felt awesome—takes off really fast, with an instant kick,” Zhao tells WIRED. Recently, Xiaomi also started selling affordable meals at the factory and souvenirs to complete the experience.
Another visitor notes that the shuttle will temporarily stop if it gets in the way of a robot, which is programmed to do its job on a strictly timed schedule and is thus less flexible than a human worker. Yuanyuan recalls that after the tour ended, her daughter remarked: “I need to study harder, otherwise I won’t be able to find a job in the future. It’ll be robots doing all the work.”
Xiaomi’s factory is a prime example of how Chinese companies are quickly evolving from labor-intensive manufacturing to highly automated manufacturing, thanks to new advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence. In recent years, the Chinese government has been heavily promoting the idea of “lights-out factories” that require no human labor, meaning the machines can toil away in the darkness without anyone needing to turn the lights on. Companies that have managed to achieve this high level of automation, from Foxconn to home appliance giants, have turned their factories into marketing opportunities, inviting humans to marvel at the technology rather than do work.
Nio, another leading EV maker in China, has been publicly showcasing one of its highly automated factories since late 2023. In 2024, over 130,000 people visited the factory, where certain production lines like the body shop have achieved 100 percent automation, according to a statement sent by the company. Zhang says when her latest tour group visited Nio’s factory in the city of Hefei last month, the participants were able to view three out of the four production lines. (The car painting process, however, was excluded from public visits.)
The crypto market is undergoing a period of volatility amid rising global tensions. Bitcoin on Monday, June 23, reflected a price dip of over one percent to trade at $101,270 (roughly Rs. 87.8 lakh) on international exchanges. On Indian exchanges, Bitcoin’s price dropped by about one percent bringing its value to $104,000 (roughly Rs. 90.9 lakh). The dominance of Bitcoin over the crypto market presently stands at 64.9 percent.
“Bitcoin fell amid rising global tensions. As Crude oil price opened up higher on Monday, it will be interesting to see the development from Iran’s side if they escalate the current situation. With a feared closing of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, BTC can fall further down to around $98,000 (roughly Rs. 85 lakh),” the CoinSwitch Markets Desk told Gadgets 360.
Ether value fell by 2.15 percent on international exchanges. At the time of writing, ETH was trading at $2,234 (roughly Rs. 1.93 lakh) on CoinMarketCap. On Indian exchanges, the value of ETH tumbled by under two percent to reach $2,330 (roughly Rs. 2.02 lakh).
“The sharper fall in Ethereum signals a risk-off approach from market participants amid global macro uncertainties and tightening liquidity. This phase highlights that institutional and retail capital is gravitating towards assets with stronger fundamentals and higher liquidity,” said Avinash Shekhar, Co-Founder and CEO, Pi42.
The crypto price tracker by Gadgets 360 shows most altcoins trading in the reds on Monday.
These include Tether, Binance Coin, Solana, Dogecoin, Cardano, and Chainlink.
“Market structure shows a short-term downtrend with lower highs and lows; possible bear flag forming. Altcoins, especially small caps and AI tokens, dropped 17–20 percent this week. Volatility expected to persist due to geopolitical tensions and market fragility,” Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst, Delta Exchange told Gadgets 360.
Stellar, Avalanche, Shiba Inu, Litecoin, Monero, Uniswap, and Cronos also clocked losses alongside BTC and ETH on Monday.
The overall crypto market cap slipped by 1.35 percent in the last 24 hours on international exchanges. Data by CoinMarketCap shows that the present crypto market valuation stands at $3.11 trillion (roughly Rs. 26997085 crore).
“On-chain data shows long-term holders stepping in while short-term sellers retreat. Historically, this kind of shift tends to happen near market bottoms, indicating a trend reversal in the market,” Edul Patel, Co-founder and CEO of Mudrex told Gadgets 360.
Meanwhile, Leo, Polygon, Iota, and Braintrust managed to retain miniscule gains on the price charts.
“Altcoins and memecoins are bleeding, while even DOGE and XRP hit 2-month lows. Yet amid the chaos, states like Texas push strategic BTC reserves, and JPMorgan pilots on-chain settlement. Long-term conviction is tested, but disciplined accumulation during panic often sows the seeds of future wealth,” said Himanshu Maradiya, Founder and Chairman of the CIFDAQ exchange, advising investors to do their due diligence before investing.
Cryptocurrency is an unregulated digital currency, not a legal tender and subject to market risks. The information provided in the article is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice, trading advice or any other advice or recommendation of any sort offered or endorsed by NDTV. NDTV shall not be responsible for any loss arising from any investment based on any perceived recommendation, forecast or any other information contained in the article.
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Stardew Valley allows you to start a new virtual life, moving to a small town to take over an abandoned farm. As part of this new life, you can develop relationships with the other townsfolk, and for some of them, you can even start a romantic relationship. There are a few hoops you will have to jump through to settle down with someone and start a family with them.
You will need to improve your relationship with people by giving them gifts they like. If you need a list, check out GameSpot’s All Stardew Valley characters, birthdays, and gifts guide, which details the favorite gifts of every character in Stardew Valley.
How to date in Stardew Valley
Pierre’s sells bouquets once you reach eight hearts with a marriage candidate.
Before you can propose marriage to someone, you need to date them for a bit. In order to date someone, you need to first reach eight hearts with one of the potential marriage candidates. Once you reach that cap, the following morning, Pierre will send you a letter informing you that bouquets are now being sold at his store for 200G. Giving this to a marriage candidate at eight hearts will act as a proposal to date. You can date multiple people without penalty, although there are special cutscenes related to dating every male or female marriage candidate.
How to get married in Stardew Valley
The Old Mariner appears on the eastern part of the beach when it is raining.
After you start dating a marriage candidate, the heart level cap is raised to level 10. Once you hit 10 with a marriage candidate, you will receive a letter from Lewis informing you that a Mermaid’s Pendant is the traditional way to propose marriage. In order to get one, you need to buy it for 5,000G from the Old Mariner. The Old Mariner appears on the eastern part of the beach, which is accessible after repairing the bridge with 300 wood. Once you have access to that area, he will appear on rainy days, but you have to do the first farmhouse upgrade and be at 10 hearts with a marriage candidate; otherwise, he won’t sell it to you.
After giving it to your future spouse, an icon will appear on the in-game calendar, marking the wedding day. After getting married, your spouse will move into your farmhouse, and the heart relationship level cap will be raised to the max. If you want to get divorced, you can find the option in the Mayor’s House for 50,000G. You cannot get married to multiple people at once.
How to have kids in Stardew Valley
You can have up to two total kids.
The option to have kids becomes available after getting married and purchasing at least the second upgrade for your house. Once the requirements are met, there is a chance to be prompted to either have kids or adopt them (depending on if you and your partner are the same gender), to which you can either say yes or “not now,” with the yes option resulting in a kid arriving 14 days later. You can have a total of two children, and it will always be one boy and one girl, and they never age past the toddler stage.
How to get rid of kids in Stardew Valley
Somewhat darkly, there’s also a way to remove your kids from your life. If you want to get rid of the children, you can do so by unlocking the late game area, The Witch’s Hut via the Goblin Problem quest. There you can use a Prismatic Shard to turn the children into doves, permanently getting rid of them, although your partner can prompt you to have children again afterwards, so long as you still meet the requirements.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new way of telling “aged” human cells apart from younger ones using electric fields. While key markers have been found for these “senescent” cells, current methods require biochemical “labels” which are difficult to apply and affect the cells themselves, making them difficult to study. The new method is label-free and less damaging. The team aims to diversify the method, extending it to other cell types.
Aging starts at the cellular level. As we get older, aged or “senescent” cells accumulate in our body. Not only have these cells lost much of their original function, but they continue to emit compounds which trigger inflammation. There is a growing body of evidence for how they play a part in aging-related conditions like arterial hardening, Alzheimer’s disease, and type 2 diabetes.
To understand and treat such ailments, scientists need to come to grips with how senescent cells affect our physiology. Naturally, this starts with identifying which of our cells are senescent, and which are not. Unfortunately, existing methods rely on selective “labeling,” e.g. the attachment of a fluorescent molecule to specific compounds known to be present in aged cells. Not only is this time-consuming and complex, but the process itself can change the properties of the very thing scientists want to study.
To get around this issue, a team led by Assistant Professor Ippei Yagi from Tokyo Metropolitan University has come up with an entirely different approach to identifying senescent cells. Instead of chemical labels, they put cells under an alternating electric field. This causes a slight rearrangement of charge, where one end of the cell is more positively charged than the other. When the electric field is not uniform over space, the cell migrates; in the case of an alternating field, the cell wanders backwards and forwards between the electrodes. As the frequency of the field is changed, the motion of the cell changes significantly at a value known as the cutoff frequency. The method, known as frequency-modulated dielectrophoresis (FM-DEP), aims to characterize cell type by measuring this value.
The team focused their efforts on human dermal fibroblasts, an important part of connective tissue in the skin. When they tested senescent cells against younger ones, they found that there was a marked difference in their cutoff frequencies. These changes come about from changes in the fatty (lipid) molecules which make up the membrane of the cells. Importantly, FM-DEP is rapid, easy to apply, and label-free.
The new method is not only a convenient tool for research into aging, but may see application to regenerative medicine, and drug screening. The team hope to apply FM-DEP to other cell types as well, as a versatile new approach to cell identification.
This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers JP23K28453 and JP23KK0260.
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Strength training is the key to longevity. Research has shown that including resistance workouts in your weeklong regimen is linked with a reduction in biological ageing. Per an October 2022 study published in JAMA Network Open, when strength training twice weekly or more was added to 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise, the risk of dying during the study period dropped by 30 percent.
Strength training boosts bone density, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity.(Shutterstock)
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In a video shared on Instagram on March 17, Dr Alok Chopra, cardiologist and functional medicine expert, stressed the importance of strength training and called it a ‘retirement saving plan’. “No matter your age, building muscle is your strongest defence against ageing. Start now, stay strong, live well,” he wrote. The cardiologist also listed three reasons why strength training is beneficial for your body:
1. The earlier you invest, the greater the returns
Per the cardiologist, investing in muscle development earlier helps you stay strong, independent, and keeps you injury-free as you age. Per an August 2018 study, a 10 percent increase in strength training volume reduced the risk of injury by more than four percentage points.
2. Muscle is your health insurance
Strength training boosts bone density, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, and reduces disease risk. Additionally, the muscle built during the process is your health insurance.
According to Harvard Health, if you plan to increase your muscle mass by strength training, your training program might include:
8 to 10 exercises that target all the major muscle groups
Sets of 12 to 15 reps, performed at an effort of about 5 to 7 on a 10-point scale
Two or three workouts per week.
3. It’s never too late to invest
According to the cardiologist, whether you are 20 or 60, lifting weights builds strength, protects joints, and keeps you moving pain-free. Therefore, it is never too late to start strength training.
A study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity in April 2025, that your muscles are not as weak in old age as you may think. The researchers studied muscle function changes after exercise in both younger and older adults. The findings were surprising as older adults did not show greater signs of muscle damage, in contrast to what was believed earlier.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
When a lender comes out offering a 10-year interest-only (IO) home loan, it naturally raises a few eyebrows, and some important strategic questions.
A 10-year IO loan isn’t good or bad, it’s a tool, and tools depend on how you use them.
It can extend runway, provide breathing space, and align with growth strategies, but not a fix-all.
As always, the key is strategy first, not product-chasing.
We’re in a challenging environment for property investors and homebuyers — interest rates are still relatively high, living costs are biting, and many long-term investors are finding themselves “asset rich but cash poor.”
So, when a lender comes out offering a 10-year interest-only (IO) home loan, it naturally raises a few eyebrows, and some important strategic questions.
Is this the kind of innovation that can give investors more breathing room, or is it just a risky gimmick?
What’s being offered?
AMP has launched a 10-year interest-only loan that’s available for both owner-occupiers and investors.
That’s double the usual five-year IO term offered by most mainstream banks.
And it’s not limited to new loans; they’re opening it up to refinancers, too.
This is significant because one of the big pressures property investors are facing right now is the transition from interest-only periods into principal-and-interest repayments, just as their costs are peaking.
So, the idea of extending interest-only terms without the usual refinancing hoops might sound like music to some investors’ ears.
The benefits for investors
There are a few clear upsides to a longer IO term, if used wisely.
1. Improved cash flow flexibility
The main appeal is simple: lower repayments in the short-to-medium term.
By deferring principal repayments, you free up cash flow—money you can use to offset higher living costs, fund renovations, or even invest further.
And if you’re a seasoned investor holding assets with strong capital growth potential, this can be a savvy move.
Rather than tying up capital in P&I repayments, you’re using the bank’s money to ride the growth wave longer.
2. Portfolio survival tactic
Let’s face it—many investors who bought in during the boom years with IO loans now face a squeeze.
They’re seeing their IO terms expire, their repayments jump, and rental yields often not keeping up.
This product could be a lifeline for them, allowing them to hold on through this part of the cycle.
3. Strategic planning tool
For more sophisticated investors, this might not just be a survival mechanism but a strategic tool.
It gives you optionality: manage debt smarter, time your portfolio movements, and create buffers while you wait for the next upswing in the market.
But there are risks too
While the flexibility sounds great, there are traps here for the unwary.
1. You’re not reducing debt
Remember, IO loans don’t reduce the loan balance.
You’re not building equity through repayments, you’re relying on capital growth or voluntary offsets.
If you don’t own the right property and its value stagnates, you could be left vulnerable when the IO period ends.
2. Risk of ‘kicking the can’
Some investors might be tempted to just delay the pain without a long-term plan.
That’s dangerous.
If you’re just using this to survive and hope the market bails you out, that’s speculation, not investing.
3. Future assessment risk
Even with IO repayments now, eventually the full principal needs to be paid back.
And if your income hasn’t risen or serviceability hasn’t improved when that time comes, refinancing could be tough.
Is it a good idea?
Here’s my take: for the right investor, yes, this could be a very smart move. But it’s not a silver bullet.
The difference comes down to strategy.
At Metropole, we always say property investing is a game of finance with some houses thrown in the middle.
Loans like this can offer tactical breathing room, but only if they’re part of a bigger wealth plan, one that involves buffers, capital growth, and the right property assets in the first place.
For example, a 10-year IO loan might be ideal if you:
Have strong capital growth properties already compounding value
Want to build or hold a larger portfolio for longer
Are confident in your exit or repayment strategy at the end of the IO term
Need to preserve cash flow in the short term for reinvestment or liquidity
But I wouldn’t recommend this to those who are already stretched too thin.
Final thoughts
A 10-year interest-only loan isn’t a magic wand, but it is a tool, and like all tools, it depends on how you use it.
In the right hands, it could give experienced investors the time and space to grow wealth, preserve capital, and strategically manage their portfolio through a tricky period.
But go in with your eyes wide open and make sure it fits into a broader, personalised strategy that takes both the risks and opportunities of the current cycle into account.
Strategic finance isn’t about chasing the latest offer; it’s about building a lasting financial future.
If you’re like many property investors, you’re probably wondering what’s the right thing to do at present.
Should you buy, should you sell, or should you just wait?
You can trust the team at Metropole to provide you with direction, guidance, and results.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, at times like we are currently experiencing you need an advisor who takes a holistic approach to your wealth creation and that’s exactly what you get from the multi-award-winning team at Metropole.
We help our clients grow, protect and pass on their wealth through a range of services including:
Strategic property advice – Allow us to build a Strategic Property Plan for you and your family. Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now! Click here to learn more
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About Chris Dang Chris Dang is an accountant by training and has worked in the Financial Planning industry for many years. Chris brings together property, accounting, and financial planning experience to help clients of Metropole Wealth Advisory create a holistic plan for their wealth.
Las rupturas son inevitablemente dolorosas. Ya sea un romance fugaz o una relación larga, cuando una conexión se desvanece, duele. Incluso las separaciones más amistosas y mutuas pueden doler y generar mucho resentimiento. Te encuentras atrapado en un círculo vicioso de preguntas y preguntas interminables para hacerle a tu ex. Sientes que si pudieras encontrar las respuestas a estas preguntas, sería más fácil seguir adelante.
Si bien es innegable que la superación viene de adentro, tener las respuestas al qué, el porqué y el cómo de una ruptura definitivamente puede ayudarte a obtener claridad que te acerque un paso más a la superación. Para que eso suceda, necesitas saber las preguntas correctas para hacerle a tu ex después de una ruptura. Hemos compilado una lista de 100 preguntas de este tipo, para que no te quedes atascado con un caso de ingenio si se presenta la oportunidad de conversar con tu ex.
100 preguntas para hacerle a tu ex pareja y superar tus sentimientos
Más allá de los románticos “felices para siempre” y los finales de cuento de hadas, existe una verdad incómoda: muchas relaciones tienen fecha de caducidad. Las personas se separan por diversas razones. ¿Y qué sigue después de una ruptura? Preguntas. Demasiadas. Aquí tienes una lista de 100 preguntas para tu exnovio/a después de una ruptura. También tenemos algunas preguntas para cerrar el ciclo que te ayudarán a superar la ruptura y a sanar.
Preguntas para hacerle a tu ex sobre la ruptura
Has estado pensando mucho en tu ex y tu mente está llena de cabos sueltos y anhelos. Ahora es el momento de hacerte estas preguntas y descubrir qué piensa realmente tu ex de ti.
1. ¿Me extrañas?
Esta es una de las preguntas más obvias que debes hacerle a tu ex después de una ruptura. Hay muchas…Razones por las que extrañas a tu exHan pasado tanto tiempo juntos que es obvio que surge una pregunta como esta. Los extrañas y solo quieres que te digan que ellos también te extrañan.
2. ¿Realmente me amabas?
Nuestra perspectiva se distorsiona un poco cuando lidiamos con una ruptura. No sabemos si alguna vez nos amó y si todo fue solo una farsa. Ahora que ya no están juntos, quizás quieras pedirle a tu ex que te diga con sinceridad si alguna vez te amó o no.
3. ¿Qué te atrajo de mí?
Esta es una de las preguntas que debes hacerte después de una ruptura, cuando ambos han formado una amistad. Hay muchas…cualidades en los hombres que atraen a las mujeresY viceversa. ¿Fue tu confianza, tu altruismo o alguna característica física lo que atrajo a tu ex? Quizás incluso quieras esta información para cuando estés listo/a para salir con otras personas.
4. ¿Qué es lo que no soportas de mí?
Esta es una de las cosas que debes preguntarle a tu ex si quieres usar la ruptura como una lección para ayudarte a mejorar.Sea un mejor socio en sus futuras relacionesSi ha pasado tiempo desde la ruptura y te preguntas qué aspecto de mi personalidad le molestaba a mi ex. ¿Era mi carácter autoritario o le molestaba que no le dedicara suficiente tiempo? Pregúntale y averígualo.
5. ¿Alguna vez me engañaste?
Esto es lo que deberías preguntarle a tu ex si alguna vez hizo algo que despertara sospechas y nunca tuviste el valor de confrontarlo. Ahora es el momento de abordar ese tema candente y darle a tu ex la oportunidad de confesarlo.
6. ¿Qué faltaba en nuestra relación?
Esta es una de las preguntas más importantes y profundas que debes hacerle a tu exnovia o exnovio. ¿Hubo química o fue un mal momento? ¿Nuestra vida sexual fue buena o podría haber sido mejor? ¿Hubo…?falta de comunicaciónDescubre qué te faltó en tu relación pasada para que puedas intentar mejorar la futura.
7. ¿La ruptura te ha cambiado?
Si te preguntas “¿Qué preguntarle a mi ex después de seguir adelante y tener una relación feliz?”, puedes empezar por esto. Las rupturas pueden cambiar a una persona para bien o para mal. ¿Ha aprendido a escuchar mejor o ha encontrado maneras de manejar las discusiones de forma saludable? Estas son algunas cosas que debes averiguar sobre tu expareja, especialmente si ahora se llevan bien.
8. ¿Fuiste feliz en la relación?
¿Tu relación hizo feliz a tu ex o empezó a resentirte en algún momento y la tensión acumulada los llevó a separarse? Su respuesta podría darte una perspectiva única sobre la dinámica entre ustedes y sobre quiénes son como pareja.
9. ¿Éramos compatibles entre nosotros?
Esta es otra pregunta que puedes hacerle a tu expareja para comprender mejor su relación pasada. Si dice que no eran compatibles, puedes preguntarle: ¿Qué habría hecho diferente para aumentar la compatibilidad?
10. ¿Cuáles fueron, según usted, nuestras fortalezas y debilidades?
Toda relación tiene sus fortalezas y debilidades. Quizás ambos manejaban bien los conflictos, pero sus inseguridades se interponían, o los celos de su pareja creaban muchos problemas.
11. ¿Recuerdas nuestra primera cita?
Un pequeño viaje por el camino de los recuerdos para invocar la nostalgia y uno de los recuerdos más profundos.Preguntas para hacerle a tu exEstás pensando en tu primera cita con ellos y, naturalmente, quieres preguntarles esto, para ver si recuerdan lo bien que fue o lo incómodo que fue.
12. ¿En qué momento exacto te enamoraste de mí?
Qué pregunta tan tierna para hacerle a un ex. No importa si la ruptura fue amarga. Sigue siendo un recuerdo conmovedor para recordar y compartir. ¿Fue la primera vez que lo besaste o cuando se enfermó y fuiste con una sopa casera?
13. ¿Has hablado mal de mí con tus amigos?
Puede que no sea políticamente correcto decirlo, pero la gente habla mal de sus exparejas TODO EL TIEMPO. ¿Tu ex lo hace? Esta es una de las preguntas más divertidas que puedes hacerle si ahora son amigos. Tú también puedes compartir con él si lo has menospreciado con tu grupo.
14. ¿Cuánto tiempo te tomó seguir adelante?
¿Un año, tres meses o solo un mes? Algunas personas superan la pérdida rápidamente, mientras que otras tardan más de un año en sanar por completo y dejar atrás a una persona. Descubre cuánto tiempo te espera.
15. ¿Con qué frecuencia o con qué poca frecuencia piensas en mí?
Las cosas más extrañas pueden hacerte recordarlos más a menudo de lo que quisieras. Ves una camiseta que dejaron y recuerdas los buenos momentos que pasaron. Estás viendo una serie y recuerdas cómo discutieron sobre la muerte del protagonista.
16. ¿Tu nueva pareja es mejor amante que yo?
Debes estar preparado antes de hacer esta pregunta, porque hay un 50 % de probabilidades de que la respuesta te haga daño. Si dicen que sí, no le des mucha importancia. Si dicen que no, genial.
17. ¿Tus amigos me odian?
Esta es una de las preguntas más divertidas para hacerle a tu ex después de la ruptura. Es normal que la gente odie a las exparejas de sus amigos. Pero ¿te odiaban cuando estaban juntos? ¿Tuvieron algo que ver con la ruptura?
18. ¿Cómo fue nuestra vida sexual?
Regular, bueno, podría haber sido mejor, ¿o fuiste lo mejor que tuvieron? Puedes preguntarle a tu ex qué le gustó de los momentos íntimos que compartieron.
19. ¿Te ayudé a crecer como persona?
El crecimiento es uno de losfundamentos del apoyo en una relaciónPuede ser de cualquier tipo: emocional, intelectual o financiero. Una buena pareja te ayudará a crecer en todos los aspectos de la vida. Averigua si le ayudaste a crecer como persona.
20. ¿Crees que alguna vez podríamos ser amigables el uno con el otro?
Si la relación terminó mal, esta es una de las cosas que debes preguntarle a tu ex. ¿Pueden estar juntos sin hostilidad ni antagonismo? Pregúntale si pueden ser amigos, si eso es lo que quieres.
21. ¿Crees que me trataste bien?
A menudo, estamos tan cegados por nuestros sentimientos que no logramos reconocerlos.señales de alerta en las relacionesEso puede estar justo frente a nosotros. Si, con la perspectiva, te das cuenta de que no te trataron con el respeto y el amor que merecías, quizás te mueras de ganas de hacerles esta pregunta.
22. ¿Hubo algún incidente específico que te hizo dudar de nuestro futuro juntos?
Esta pregunta está diseñada para identificar si un evento o momento en particular alteró significativamente la confianza de tu ex en el potencial a largo plazo de la relación. Puede ayudar a identificar un detonante de duda, ofreciendo claridad sobre qué pudo haber provocado una disminución de la confianza o el optimismo.
23. ¿Recuerdas por qué rompimos?
Hay tres versiones de cada historia: la suya, la tuya y la verdad. Puedes preguntar esto.pregunta que invita a la reflexióny descubre cómo recuerdan tu ruptura y cuál fue según ellos la verdadera razón por la que se separaron.
24. ¿Te sentiste apoyado emocionalmente durante nuestra relación?
Esta investigación evalúa si tu expareja percibió que sus necesidades emocionales fueron satisfechas durante la relación. Comprender su perspectiva sobre el apoyo emocional puede revelar si la falta de empatía o comprensión contribuyó a la ruptura.
25. ¿Qué se podría haber hecho diferente para evitar la ruptura?
Esta pregunta fomenta una reflexión sobre el papel de ambos en los desafíos de la relación. Su objetivo es descubrir acciones o compromisos específicos que podrían haber encaminado la relación hacia una dirección más saludable, aportando perspectivas para el crecimiento personal y las relaciones futuras.
Preguntas que hacer después de una ruptura para cerrar el ciclo
Seguir adelante sin cerrarEs quizás lo más difícil después de una ruptura. Tu mente está nublada por un montón de preguntas y sientes que no puedes dejar atrás el pasado a menos que obtengas las respuestas. Es comprensible. Si tienes la oportunidad de tener esa conversación de cierre, aquí tienes algunas preguntas para tu exnovia para cerrar ese capítulo, o para tu exnovio para cerrarlo por fin.
1. ¿Hubo algún momento específico en el que dejaste de amarme?
La respuesta puede ser dolorosa de procesar, pero si rompiste porque tu ex dejó de amarte, la respuesta puede poner muchas cosas sobre la ruptura en perspectiva y ayudarte a dar el primer paso para seguir adelante.
2. ¿Fui un buen compañero para ti?
La eterna pregunta. Todos nos la hacemos después de una ruptura. Además, es una pregunta práctica para tu ex cuando quieres conocer tus patrones de comportamiento.iniciar una nueva relacióncon otra persona.
3. ¿Tus amigos tuvieron algo que ver con nuestra ruptura?
A veces, una ruptura puede deberse a factores externos, como que tus amigos le repitan constantemente a tu expareja que podría mejorar, lo que termina creando una brecha entre ustedes. Si ese fue el caso, y tu ex lo admite cuando le haces esta pregunta, podrías sentir alivio al saber que no fuiste tú, sino él, quien influyó en la ruptura.
4. ¿Cómo era yo como pareja?
¿Controlador/a, posesivo/a, indiferente, cariñoso/a, responsable o del tipo “genial”? Esta es una de las preguntas de cierre que puedes hacerle a tu novio/a, ya que te ayudará a comprenderte mejor como pareja. Si quieres seguir conectado/a con él/ella, esto también te ayudará a entender qué le molestaba de ti y qué le gustaba de ti.
5. ¿Había posibilidades de que nuestra relación sobreviviera?
¿Habría habido alguna posibilidad de salvar la relación si hubieras prestado más atención, si hubieran cedido un poco más o si ambos hubieran abordado mejor los conflictos? Comprender si su conexión tenía…características de una relación sanao estaba condenado desde el principio.
6. ¿Por qué crees que nuestra relación no funcionó?
Esta es una pregunta complicada que posiblemente abra la caja de Pandora. Quizás alguno de ustedes no asuma la responsabilidad de sus errores. Antes de hacer esta pregunta para cerrar el tema, asegúrense de ser lo suficientemente fuertes como para lidiar con sus respuestas. Pregúntenles algo como: “¿Habrías hecho algo diferente en ese entonces para que la relación funcionara?”.
7. ¿Cómo afrontaste nuestra ruptura?
¿Te acostaste con muchas personas, lloraste en tu habitación o hablaste mal de la ruptura? Cada persona lidia con las rupturas de forma diferente. Tuve muchas citas para superar la ruptura con mi ex. Apuesto a que quieres saber qué hicieron para sobrellevarla y cómo…proceso de curación de la rupturaFue como.
8. ¿Nuestra relación te enseñó algo?
Toda relación nos enseña algo, ya sea cómo ser más amable como pareja, el valor del respeto en una relación o incluso la capacidad de detectarpatrones de relaciones tóxicas¿Qué lección de vida aprendió tu ex de la tuya?
9. ¿Me recuerdas con cariño o con desprecio?
Esta es una de las preguntas más complicadas que puedes hacerle a tu expareja. Quizás quieras preguntarle si el recuerdo de ti le hace sonreír o si te asocia con recuerdos negativos.
10. ¿Estás en una relación de rebote?
Las personas entran en relaciones de rebote poco después de una ruptura, antes de que se hayan resuelto los sentimientos de la relación anterior. Si aceptan, puedes confirmar que aún no te han superado.estudiar Se ha descubierto que los hombres eran más propensos a entablar relaciones de rebote tras la ruptura de una relación debido a un menor apoyo social y un mayor apego emocional a su expareja. Si planeas mantener el contacto con tu expareja inmediatamente después de la separación, el hecho de que tu expareja esté en una relación de rebote podría influir en esa decisión.
11. ¿Te acostaste con otras personas para olvidarme?
Es posible que hayas escuchado de tus amigos que laLa mejor manera de superar a alguienEs estar con alguien más. Esta pregunta surge por pura curiosidad y suele ser lo que la gente quiere preguntarle a su ex, incluso a costa de entrometerse en su vida sexual.
12. ¿Hay algo que te gustaría preguntarme?
Puede que tu ex también quiera hacerte preguntas. Así que dale una oportunidad y pregúntale esto.
13. Si hubiera un recuerdo que pudieras borrar de mí, ¿cuál sería?
Podría ser la vez que actuaste por celos e hiciste algo estúpido, o podría ser la vez que le negaste el paso a tu pareja porque estabas enojado con ella. A veces no comprendemos del todo qué hacemos cuando nuestras emociones están a flor de piel. Ahora que te has calmado y ha pasado mucho tiempo, quieres comprender todo lo que pasó de forma sana.
14. ¿Has aceptado nuestra ruptura o todavía hay alguna parte de ti que no lo ha procesado?
Lleva tiempo aceptar por completo que una persona a la que amabas ya no forma parte de tu vida. La mayoría de la gente querría preguntarle a su ex si todavía está intentando procesar la ruptura o si ya pasó página.
15. ¿Qué fue lo que te hizo decidirte?
Esta es una pregunta que puedes hacerle a tu ex si quieres saber qué lo hizo incompatible. ¿Falta de respeto, falta de comunicación, desconfianza, posesividad o incluso alguna manía en la relación? Descubre qué le hizo pensar que ya no quería más.
16. ¿Quién crees que estaba más involucrado en la relación?
Su respuesta te ayudará a ver la relación desde una nueva perspectiva. Si dice que se involucró más que tú, puedes consolarte sabiendo que la ruptura fue igual de dura para él, o incluso más. Si dice que tú te involucraste más, puedes sentirte aliviado de haber salido de una relación desequilibrada. Sea como sea, esto te dará otra razón para seguir adelante.
17. ¿Crees que algunos compromisos más podrían haber salvado la relación?
Aunque hayCosas en las que nunca debes comprometerte en una relaciónNecesitan adaptarse y trabajar para encontrar un punto medio para permanecer juntos a largo plazo. ¿Será la falta de disposición para adaptarse a las necesidades del otro la razón por la que se separaron? Analicen sus patrones pasados, ya que pueden ayudarles a mejorar en sus futuras relaciones.
18. ¿Hay algo que quieras confesar?
Podrían confesar haberte engañado, sentirse atrapados en la relación o incluso decirte que dejaron de amarte mucho antes de decidir terminar contigo. Prepárate. También podrían decirte que siguen enamorados de ti. Si piensas igual que ellos, puedes darle otra oportunidad a esta relación.
19. ¿Sientes que nuestra ruptura te ha ayudado a crecer personalmente?
Esta pregunta explora si la ruptura condujo a una mejora personal o a nuevas perspectivas. Busca comprender si la separación fue un catalizador para el crecimiento personal y un cambio de perspectiva.
20. ¿Cuál es la parte más difícil para usted de seguir adelante?
Esta investigación tiene como objetivo identificar el aspecto más desafiante de laproceso de curaciónAyuda a revelar qué obstáculo emocional o problema persistente es más difícil de superar después de que termina la relación.
21. ¿Cómo reflexionas sobre nuestra relación ahora, con el tiempo?
Esta pregunta examina cómo ha evolucionado la perspectiva sobre la relación pasada con el tiempo. Ofrece información sobre si los recuerdos se han vuelto más objetivos, nostálgicos o si siguen marcados por el arrepentimiento.
22. ¿Qué aspecto de nuestra relación extrañas más, si hay alguno?
Esta pregunta invita a tu ex a identificar un elemento particular de la relación que aún conserva valor sentimental. Ayuda a aclarar qué apreciaba, ya sean experiencias compartidas, compañía o una dinámica específica.
23. ¿Hay algo sin resolver que desearías que hubiéramos abordado?
Esta indagación se centra en problemas o temas persistentes que permanecen sin abordar. Busca identificar cualquier asunto no resuelto que pueda estar afectando el cierre emocional y la sanación.
24. ¿Cómo has cambiado desde nuestra ruptura?
Esta pregunta invita a la reflexión sobre la transformación personal.después de la rupturaSu objetivo es revelar cómo la experiencia ha alterado su comportamiento, mentalidad o estilo de vida.
25. ¿Cuál dirías que es el aprendizaje más valioso de nuestro tiempo juntos?
Esta pregunta busca extraer lecciones positivas de la relación. Ayuda a ambas partes a reconocer perspectivas significativas u oportunidades de crecimiento que surgieron de sus experiencias compartidas.
Preguntas para hacerle a tu ex después de una ruptura si todavía tienes sentimientos por él o ella
Si aún albergas sentimientos por tu ex después de la ruptura, puede ser difícil seguir adelante sin comprender su perspectiva y evaluar si todavía hay algo que te ayude a superarlo.conexión emocionalEstas preguntas tienen como objetivo descubrir si todavía piensan en ti, se arrepienten de la ruptura o incluso consideran la posibilidad de una reconciliación.
1. ¿Piensas en mí cuando tienes sexo?
Esta pregunta profundamente personal indaga en si conservan recuerdos emocionales o sexuales de la relación en sus experiencias actuales. Da una pista sobre si te han superado emocionalmente o si aún tienen sentimientos residuales.
2. ¿Aún me acosas en las redes sociales?
Muchas personas revisan obsesivamente las redes sociales de su expareja mucho después de terminar la relación, a menudo de forma inconsciente. Esta pregunta te ayuda a determinar si sigue monitoreando tu vida, indicando que te extraña o que le cuesta dejarlo ir.
3. ¿Cuál es tu recuerdo favorito de nosotros?
Hacer esta pregunta puede revelar qué aprecia tu ex de su pasado compartido. Ayuda a determinar qué destacó para él durante la relación y ofrece una perspectiva del vínculo que compartían.
4. ¿Has conservado alguno de mis regalos?
La retención de regalos puede ser una señal de que tu ex aún valora alguna parte de ti o incluso puede sermantener viva la relaciónEmocionalmente. Hacer esta pregunta puede ayudarte a ver si hay apegos persistentes por su parte.
5. ¿Cuál es tu recuerdo íntimo favorito de nosotros?
Esta pregunta profundiza en un aspecto más personal de su relación pasada y permite saber si su ex todavía recuerda con cariño los momentos compartidos de cercanía, ya sean emocionales o físicos.
6. ¿Alguna vez pensaste en volver a estar juntos?
El enfoque más directo cuando te preguntas si sienten la misma necesidad de reconciliarse. Saber si piensan en retomar la relación te ayudará a evaluar si existe una oportunidad para renovar la conexión.
7. ¿Comparas a tu pareja actual conmigo?
Esta pregunta revela si su relación o pareja actual está a la altura de lo que tenía contigo. Si constantemente compara a su nueva pareja contigo, sugiere que quizás no haya superado completamente su relación emocional.
8. ¿Alguna vez viste un futuro conmigo?
Saber si tenía planes a largo plazo contigo puede ayudarte a comprender si imaginaba un futuro juntos o si la ruptura era inevitable para ellos desde el principio. También te permite ver si aún desea un futuro contigo.
9. ¿Desearías que todavía estuviéramos juntos?
Esta pregunta indaga directamente si se arrepienten de la ruptura. Si desean estar juntos, podría indicar que aún albergan sentimientos y podrían estar dispuestos a empezar de cero contigo.
10. ¿Aún hago que tu corazón se acelere?
Esta es una manera lúdica pero reveladora de evaluar si aún se sienten fuertes físicamente oatracción emocionalPara ti. Los sentimientos de atracción que persisten incluso después de una ruptura suelen ser una señal importante de emociones no resueltas.
11. ¿Te imaginas cómo habría sido nuestra vida si nos hubiéramos casado?
Esta pregunta indaga en si alguna vez imaginaron un futuro comprometido contigo. Muestra si disfrutan fantaseando sobre lo que pudo haber sido y si aún tienen esperanza en esa vida.
12. ¿Sigues enamorado de mí?
Una pregunta inevitable pero crucial. Si buscas respuestas sobre si los sentimientos de tu ex aún son lo suficientemente fuertes como para marcar la diferencia en tu futuro, esta pregunta revelará si el amor se ha apagado o se ha mantenido intacto.
13. ¿Alguna vez recuerdas nuestros momentos compartidos?
Esta pregunta profundiza en si tu ex se aferra al pasado a su manera. Los recuerdos de “buenos momentos” pueden ayudar en el proceso de sanación o servir como un ancla emocional que dificulta el cierre.
14. ¿Con qué frecuencia te encuentras pensando en lo que teníamos?
Si tu ex se encuentra reflexionando frecuentemente sobre la relación, podría indicar que realmente no ha…Déjalo ir. También puede ofrecer una idea de lo estancados que pueden estar en el pasado.
15. Cuando ves algo que te recuerda a nosotros, ¿qué sientes?
Esto se centra en las respuestas emocionales que desencadenan los recuerdos vinculados a la relación. Puede ayudar a determinar si los recuerdos traen paz emocional y cariño o tristeza y arrepentimiento.
16. ¿Alguna vez has comparado tus emociones actuales con cómo te sentías conmigo?
Una pregunta clave para ver si todavía sienten la misma intensidad de afecto o pasión con su nueva pareja, o si se encuentran comparando sentimientos actuales con lo que alguna vez experimentaron contigo.
17. ¿Qué emoción asocias más con nuestra relación pasada?
Esto ayuda a explorar las consecuencias emocionales que tu expareja arrastra de la relación. La respuesta revela sus sentimientos más profundos: si recuerda la relación con cariño, arrepentimiento o amargura.
18. ¿Alguna vez sientes nostalgia por nuestros primeros días juntos?
La nostalgia puede servir como un recuerdo inolvidable de cuando todo parecía perfecto. Comprender si tu ex extraña los primeros momentos, más emocionantes o inocentes, de la relación puede indicar si sus sentimientos aún tienen algún peso emocional.
19. ¿Aún tienes alguna esperanza para nosotros en tu corazón?
Directa y clara, esta pregunta busca entender si están emocionalmente abiertos a la posibilidad devolviendo a estar juntoso si han cerrado esa puerta por completo.
20. ¿Puedes recordar un momento en el que te diste cuenta de que todavía sentías algo por mí?
Esta pregunta profundiza la comprensión de cuándo sus sentimientos por ti comenzaron a resurgir. Permite comprender si las emociones se estaban desvaneciendo, pero luego se reavivaron por algo específico después de la ruptura.
21. ¿Cómo te sientes cuando te encuentras con nuestros mensajes o fotos antiguas?
Una forma divertida de evaluar si los recuerdos antiguos aún impactan a tu ex. Las reacciones emocionales a los mensajes o fotos antiguas revelan si aprecian los recuerdos o si se han distanciado emocionalmente.
22. ¿Qué es lo que aún aprecias profundamente de mí?
Esto muestra si hay algo en ti que aún conserva valor sentimental, ya sean rasgos físicos o cualidades personales. Puede darte una idea de lo que realmente valoraban en ti.
23. ¿Alguna vez te has encontrado deseando que las cosas entre nosotros fueran diferentes?
Esta pregunta aborda si se arrepienten o se preguntan si la relación podría haber sido diferente. Revela si han aceptado plenamente la ruptura o si aún esperan un cambio.
24. ¿Alguna vez has sentido una chispa al encontrarte con recordatorios de nuestro tiempo juntos?
Las chispas pueden reavivar viejos afectos. Esta pregunta investiga si los recuerdos de ti despiertan algún…tipo de atracción— física o emocional.
25. ¿Hay alguna canción o lugar en particular que te haga añorarnos?
Las asociaciones emocionales con canciones o lugares son poderosos desencadenantes de añoranza. Esta pregunta apela a la nostalgia sensorial que tu ex podría sentir por el vínculo que compartían.
Preguntas que debes hacer antes de volver con tu ex
Antes de considerar la reconciliación, es fundamental evaluar si ambos miembros de la pareja han reflexionado sobre los desafíos del pasado y están preparados para construir un futuro más saludable. Las siguientes preguntas buscan fomentar un diálogo sincero sobre el crecimiento personal, las expectativas y los pasos necesarios para reconstruir una base sólida juntos.
1. Si volviéramos a estar juntos, ¿cómo abordarías nuestra relación?
Esta pregunta busca comprender la visión de tu ex para manejar la relación de manera diferente, enfocándose en estrategias para evitar repetir el pasado.errores en las relaciones.
2. ¿Tienes ahora alguna estrategia diferente para resolver problemas?
Investiga si tu ex ha desarrollado nuevos métodos para abordar los conflictos, lo que refleja un crecimiento personal y una mejora en las habilidades de comunicación.
3. ¿Qué cambios específicos has hecho desde nuestra ruptura?
Esta investigación tiene como objetivo determinar si su ex ha trabajado activamente en su superación personal y ha abordado conductas que contribuyeron a la ruptura.
4. ¿Qué límites establecerías para evitar errores pasados?
Esta pregunta se centra en establecer límites y expectativas claros que ayuden a prevenir la repetición de patrones dañinos anteriores.
5. ¿Está usted dispuesto a buscar ayuda profesional, como asesoramiento, para resolver nuestros problemas?
Evalúa la apertura de tu ex al apoyo externo y la orientación profesional, lo que puede ser crucial para abordar problemas profundos.
6. ¿Cómo imaginas nuestra relación si decidimos reunirnos?
Al preguntar esto cuandovolver con un ex, les invita a describir una imagen concreta y positiva de cómo podría ser la relación renovada.
7. ¿Qué considera usted que es esencial para reconstruir la confianza entre nosotros?
Esta investigación busca descubrir las acciones o garantías específicas que su expareja cree que son necesarias para restablecer la confianza con el tiempo.
8. ¿Cómo manejarías los conflictos de manera diferente esta vez?
Esta pregunta solicita ejemplos concretos de estrategias de resolución alternativa de conflictos basadas en lecciones aprendidas de desacuerdos pasados.
9. ¿Qué papel juega el perdón en tu voluntad de reconciliarte?
Evalúa la disposición de tu ex para dejar atrás las heridas del pasado y enfatiza la importancia del perdón enreconstruyendo una relación positiva.
10. ¿Está usted comprometido a hacer los compromisos necesarios para nuestro futuro?
Esta pregunta pone a prueba si tu ex está preparado para adaptarse y colaborar, destacando la importancia del esfuerzo mutuo en una relación renovada.
11. ¿Qué haría usted para garantizar una comunicación abierta y honesta entre nosotros?
Enfatiza la necesidad de transparencia e invita a tu ex a compartir estrategias específicas para mantener un diálogo claro y efectivo.
12. ¿Cómo planeas equilibrar tu crecimiento personal con nuestras necesidades de relación?
Esta investigación examina cómo su ex pretende integrar su desarrollo individual y al mismo tiempo alimentar la relación.
13. ¿Qué lecciones de nuestro pasado aplicarías si volviéramos a estar juntos?
Fomenta la reflexión sobre desafíos pasados y le pide a tu ex que identifique aspectos clave que podrían contribuir a un futuro más saludable.
14. ¿Qué importancia tiene el esfuerzo mutuo para reconstruir nuestra relación?
Esta pregunta resalta la necesidad de un compromiso igualitario, invitando a tu ex a definir qué implicaría un esfuerzo equilibrado y colaborativo.
15. ¿Está usted preparado para abordar problemas no resueltos antes de reunirse?
Se destaca la importancia de afrontar los problemas persistentes para garantizar que ambos socios estén preparados para avanzar sinequipaje emocional.
16. ¿Qué garantías necesitas para sentirte seguro de volver a estar juntos?
Esta pregunta invita a tu ex a articular las condiciones o garantías específicas que lo ayudarían a sentirse seguro de reiniciar la relación.
17. ¿Cómo planeas reconstruir la conexión emocional que alguna vez tuvimos?
Esta pregunta explora las estrategias que tu ex pretende utilizar para reavivar la intimidad y restablecer una relación sólida.vínculo emocional.
18. ¿Qué medidas tomarías para garantizar que ambos aprendamos de nuestros errores anteriores?
Fomenta un enfoque proactivo hacia el crecimiento personal y relacional al solicitar medidas viables para prevenir la recurrencia de problemas pasados.
19. ¿Estás listo para comprometerte a comenzar de nuevo sin guardar rencores del pasado?
Esta pregunta evalúa la voluntad de tu ex de dejar atrás conflictos previos y abrazar un nuevo comienzo libre de resentimiento.
20. ¿Cómo describirías el futuro ideal para nosotros si nos reconciliáramos?
Invita a tu ex a articular una visión clara y positiva para el futuro, ayudando a ambos socios a alinear sus expectativas y objetivos.
21. ¿Qué cambios esperas de mí si decidimos reunirnos?
Esta pregunta abre un diálogo sobreexpectativas realistas, animando a tu ex a compartir cualquier mejora o ajuste deseado que espera ver.
22. ¿Cómo prevés gestionar las influencias externas si volvemos a estar juntos?
Aborda el impacto de factores como los amigos, la familia o el trabajo, y le pide a su ex que considere cómo se pueden manejar estas influencias para proteger la relación.
23. ¿Cuál es su principal motivación para considerar una reconciliación?
Esta investigación busca descubrir las razones subyacentes que impulsan el interés de tu ex en volver a estar juntos, aclarando si se debe a un afecto genuino o a otros factores.
24. ¿Crees que ambos hemos crecido lo suficiente como para mantener una relación renovada?
Se insta a evaluar el crecimiento y la preparación personal, preguntándose si ambas partes han evolucionado lo suficiente como para superar los desafíos anteriores.
25. ¿Cómo garantizará que nuestra renovada relación sea más saludable que antes?
Esta última pregunta solicita medidas viables que sentarán las bases para una relación más equilibrada, respetuosa y próspera en el futuro.
Qué evitar al hablar con tu ex
Definitivamente será incómodo cuando hables con tu ex por primera vez después de una ruptura. Elregla de no contactoTe hizo cortar completamente la relación con él o ella. Lo poco que sabes de él o ella proviene de las redes sociales y amigos en común. Sin embargo, hay ciertas cosas que debes evitar al hablar con tu ex.
No te pongas celoso si mencionan que están saliendo con otra persona
No los culpes por todo lo que salió mal en tu relación.
No les digas que todavía estás enamorado de ellos a menos que estés seguro de sus sentimientos.
No te quejes de la persona con la que están saliendo actualmente.
Reflexiones finales
Estas fueron las 100 preguntas para hacerle a tu ex. Son excelentes para cerrar el capítulo y te ayudarán a superar la relación. Y si quieres volver con tu ex, estas preguntas también te servirán a la perfección.
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Testing your internet speed is a smart way to check you’re getting what you pay for. But if the results seem slower than expected, don’t rush to blame your ISP—testing mistakes could be skewing your numbers.
1
Running Other Apps or Devices Simultaneously
One of the most common mistakes when testing internet speed is leaving other apps or devices running in the background. If you have apps running in the background, they could distort the results because bandwidth will be shared between the speed test and the other apps.
The extent of the impact will vary depending on the activities other apps are performing, but for bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming, downloading, or backing up content, the results can be significantly affected.
The same applies to devices connected to your internet. When multiple devices are connected to the network, they share the total bandwidth among themselves. So, when you run a speed test, it won’t reflect your full available bandwidth. Instead, it will show the speed of the leftover bandwidth that your device had access to at that moment, after other devices took their share.
To get an accurate reading, close all the unnecessary apps and browser tabs before starting the test. Additionally, temporarily disconnect other devices from the network.
2
Testing Over Wi-Fi Instead of Ethernet
Testing over Wi-Fi is convenient, and it’s a great way to check your current internet speed. But if you’re interested in getting the most accurate reflection of your network speeds, it’s not the best option. When you run your test over Wi-Fi, you introduce a myriad of variables that can distort the results.
The distance from the router, walls, interference from other devices, and router placement can all affect your Wi-Fi performance. So, if you run your speed test from your bedroom while the router is in the living room, the results could be slower than what your connection is capable of delivering.
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Why I Prefer Ethernet Over Wi-Fi for My Streaming Setup
Don’t let Wi-Fi performance affect your live stream.
For the most accurate results, connect directly via Ethernet. If you don’t have any, Ugreen’s 6-Foot Cat8 Ethernet cable or DbillionDa Cat8 Ethernet Cable are affordable and offer high-speed performance. Considering the advantages, you can even start using Ethernet over Wi-Fi wherever possible.
If using Ethernet isn’t an option, try testing as close to the router as possible to minimize physical barriers, such as walls, and interference from other devices. However, keep in mind that Wi-Fi speed will almost always be lower than that of a wired Ethernet connection, even under ideal conditions.
3
Testing Only Once
Relying on a single speed test can give you a misleading snapshot of your internet’s performance. Although you pay for a specific speed from your ISP, that number is mainly only a guide of the maximum you can get at any given time. However, the speed of the actual connection varies throughout the day, depending on various factors such as your ISP’s routing and network congestion.
Even speed test servers can be experiencing issues that impact your results, giving you a false impression that your network is sluggish when it’s fine. Therefore, one test won’t tell you the full story. You should run multiple tests at different times of the day to get an accurate reflection of your internet speed.
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How to Make Sense of Your Wi-Fi Speed Test
Understanding the various numbers is actually quite useful when you run a Wi-Fi speed test.
Because the tool you use matters, it’s equally important that you run your test using different testing services. The best websites for testing internet speeds are free, so cross-checking results can help validate them.
4
Overlooking Server Location
When you run a speed test, most tools automatically select a test server, usually one that’s geographically close to you. However, sometimes the server selected may be located far from you, resulting in slower speeds.
Server location matters because speed tests measure your connection to that specific server, not the internet in general. The farther the server, the more network hops your data has to make, which increases the latency of your connection and can lead to slowdowns in download or upload speed.
To avoid this mistake, always check which server you’re using for the test. If the tool you use lets you manually select a server, the better, because you can pick one that’s closer. With tools like Ookla’s Speedtest, you can manually choose a server closer to your region for more consistent and representative results.
5
Using VPNs or Proxies During Testing
Running a speed test while connected to a VPN or proxy can heavily skew your results. VPNs and proxies route your traffic through an intermediary server, which could be located in a different city or, worse, country. As a result, they add overhead to your connection via distance, encryption, or both, resulting in much slower speeds than what your actual internet connection is capable of delivering.
Even using the fastest VPNs won’t help. To get an accurate reflection of your network speeds, disconnect your VPN or proxy server before testing. You can even run a test both with and without the VPN to see a clear picture of how much speed you’re sacrificing for privacy.
6
Testing During Peak Usage Hours
The time of day you run your speed test also matters. If you test during peak internet usage hours, such as in the evening when most people are at home streaming, gaming, or on video calls, the results will be misleadingly low. This could be because your ISP is experiencing network congestion.
Related
How I Check If My ISP Is Throttling My Internet
If you’re experiencing incredibly slow internet speeds, there are a few ways to check if your ISP is throttling your connection.
Network congestion typically happens in the evening between 7 PM and 11 PM. During these so-called peak hours, ISPs may throttle internet speeds to manage network congestion. If you only test during these hours, you might assume your connection is always underperforming when, in reality, you get your money’s worth at other times.
To get a more accurate view of your true internet speed, test at various times throughout the day, including off-peak hours.
7
Running Tests on Old or Underpowered Devices
The hardware you use to test your internet speed also plays a key role in the results you get. If you’re running an older computer, phone, or tablet, the hardware itself could be the bottleneck, giving you results that don’t accurately reflect the actual speed.
Jayric Maning / MakeUseOf
Older devices have much slower processors and outdated network adapters that can’t fully take advantage of high-speed connections. For example, if your laptop only supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) or slower Ethernet ports that max out at, say, 100Mbps, it caps the maximum achievable speed regardless of your internet plan.
Even if you pay for gigabit speeds, your speed tests may not accurately reflect that due to hardware limitations. If you prefer using that old tablet to watch content, ensure you switch to your more recent and capable device for the test.
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Does Your Wi-Fi Speed Drop? Here’s Why and 7 Tips to Fix It
Want to speed up your Wi-Fi? Follow these methods to fix slow internet speeds that are spoiling your time online.
Testing your internet speeds is easy, but there’s more that goes into it if you want to get accurate results. If you make any of these mistakes while measuring, you won’t get the most precise reflection of your internet speeds. Before filing a complaint with your ISP, ensure you’ve correctly measured your speeds.
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Qinhuangdao-s-old-port-overflows-with-vitality–1Eprz6rOyk0/img/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160.jpeg'A photo shows the newly developed Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourist Area in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, on June 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Qinhuangdao-s-old-port-overflows-with-vitality–1Eprz6rOyk0/img/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160.jpeg'A photo shows the newly developed Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourist Area in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, on June 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Qinhuangdao-s-old-port-overflows-with-vitality–1Eprz6rOyk0/img/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160.jpeg'A photo shows the newly developed Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourist Area in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, on June 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Qinhuangdao-s-old-port-overflows-with-vitality–1Eprz6rOyk0/img/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160.jpeg'A photo shows the newly developed Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourist Area in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, on June 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Qinhuangdao-s-old-port-overflows-with-vitality–1Eprz6rOyk0/img/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160.jpeg'A photo shows the newly developed Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourist Area in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, on June 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Qinhuangdao-s-old-port-overflows-with-vitality–1Eprz6rOyk0/img/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160.jpeg'A photo shows the newly developed Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourist Area in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, on June 19, 2025. /CGTN
<img src='https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-06-22/Qinhuangdao-s-old-port-overflows-with-vitality–1Eprz6rOyk0/img/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160/b43bc4e38f404dbab5aa885c41f54160.jpeg'A photo shows the newly developed Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourist Area in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, on June 19, 2025. /CGTN
Qinhuangdao Port in Hebei has been transformed from an abandoned industrial harbor complex into a popular tourist spot through the repurposing of the maritime infrastructure and industrial machinery. Boasting breathtaking coastal views, the Qinhuangdao Port Industrial Tourist Area features attractive cafés and restaurants where visitors can relax and explore the area’s maritime heritage and learn about its history.
While military strategists scramble to learn the damage done by U.S. bombs and missiles in Iran, many scholars and Iranian Americans are wondering what this means for the people and architectural treasures of Isfahan.
The Isfahan area, which includes one of the three Iranian nuclear sites that the U.S. targeted Saturday, is also home to one of the country’s most historic cities, full of landmarks from Persia’s years as a regional power in the 17th century.
Isfahan “is thought of as a sort of treasure, like a vestige of a different Iran,” said Jasmin Darznik, who spent part of her childhood in Iran before becoming a novelist and chair of the MFA writing program at California College of the Arts in San Francisco. “I think people have a very special feeling about the place.”
The city’s architecture includes intricately tiled mosques, several stately bridges and a sprawling square that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. American and Israeli military leaders focus on the nuclear complex 14 miles east of Isfahan and the 2.2 million people in the city, but the list of cultural assets there is also long.
A UNESCO report recently noted that the region’s 17th-century leaders “established colourful tiling as the most salient characteristic of Iranian architecture, and this decorative style reached its zenith in Isfahan.”
Among the landmarks:
Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the second-largest public square in the world, surpassed only by Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
(Kaveh Kazemi / Getty Images)
Naqsh-e Jahan Square, also known as Shah Square and Imam Square, was laid out between 1598 and 1629, its broad central area surrounded by mosques, palaces and the Isfahan Bazaar. The open space is about 1,800 feet long and about 520 feet wide, which appears to make it the second-largest public square in the world, surpassed only by Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
The Masjed-e Jāmé, also known as the Jāmé Mosque or Great Mosque of Isfahan, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. It goes back to the year 841, its grounds showing how Islamic architecture has evolved over 12 centuries. It is the oldest Friday (congregational) mosque in Iran.
The Si-o-Se Pol Bridge, also known as the Bridge of 33 Arches, was begun in 1599 and completed in 1602. Illuminated by night, it harbors tea houses on its lower deck and has served as a gathering spot for generations. At 977 feet long, it is the largest of 11 historic bridges spanning the Zayandeh River.
Khaju Bridge is often billed as the most beautiful bridge in Isfahan.
(Rasoul Shojaei / IRNA / AFP via Getty Images)
Khaju Bridge is younger and shorter than the Si-o-Se Pol Bridge but is often billed as the most beautiful bridge in Isfahan. It was built around 1650 and made of stone and bricks with tile work above its arches. It is about 449 feet long.
As the U.S. stepped into the war between Israel and Iran, U.S. military authorities told the New York Times they targeted Iranian sites in Fordo and Natanz with “bunker buster” bombs and Isfahan with missiles from a submarine. As of noon Sunday, CNN reported 18 destroyed or damaged structures at the Isfahan nuclear complex outside the city, which was built in 1984 and is thought to employ 3,000 scientists, making it Iran’s largest nuclear research complex.
This satellite image shows the Isfahan nuclear facility in Iran after U.S. strikes.
(Maxar Technologies / Associated Press)
There were no reports of damage or casualties in central Isfahan.
Much of the city goes back to the Safavid dynasty, which lasted unbroken from 1501 to 1722. During the dynasty’s peak years, the Safavids held power over what is now Iran, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and Armenia, along with parts of Georgia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Turkey and other countries.
The leader during many of those peak years was King Abbas I, also known as Abbas the Great, who assumed power at age 16, ruled from 1587 to 1629, chose Isfahan as his empire’s capital and effectively rerouted the Silk Road to include the city. While Shakespeare was writing plays in England and Caravaggio was painting in Italy, Isfahan’s landmarks were taking shape and, thanks to the Silk Road trade, Persian rugs began showing up in the homes of wealthy Europeans.
Toward the end of his tenure, nervous about succession, Abbas I had one of his sons killed and two blinded. Still, the family dynasty continued for another century. Once the dynasty fell, Isfahan lost its status as Persia’s capital but retained its reputation for beauty.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that dark web, cryptocurrency, online marketplace and drones continue to pose a challenge for the country and these have to be checked by the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies.
Chairing a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ here, Shah also asserted that the country will not allow even a single kg of drugs to be smuggled in or out of the country.
He said the government has not only been successful in eliminating many networks of drugs, but the terrorism linked with them too was also destroyed.
He said many cases of narco-terrorism were busted in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh and these were major achievements.
“The use of dark web, cryptocurrency, online marketplace, drones continue to pose a challenge for us even today,” he said.
Shah said a technical solution to these problems have to be found through joint efforts by the states and the central government and technocrats for the country’s security and development.
All agencies should strengthen the resolve for a drug-free India by stopping drug smuggling through the dark web, cryptocurrency and drones, he said.
Observing that seven per cent people in India use drugs illegally, he said the fight against drugs has gained a new strength under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
“In the last 10 years, there has been a seven-fold increase in the seizure of drugs, which is a major achievement. The Modi government has given a strong message of destroying the entire ecosystem of drugs through strict action,” he said.
The home minister said that in 2024, by seizing drugs worth Rs 16,914 crore, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and police across the country took the biggest action against drugs, which is a significant step in making a drug-free society.
“No country can move forward on the path of development with a young generation suffering from drug addiction. It is our responsibility that we all fight this challenge together and make all efforts to win this battle,” he said.
Shah said that during 2004-14, a total of 3.63 kg of drugs were seized while during 2014-24, altogether 24 lakh kg of drugs were seized – a seven-fold increase as compared to the previous decade.
He said drugs worth Rs 8,150 crore were disposed off in 2004-14 but in 2014-24, drugs worth Rs 54,851 crore were destroyed – eight times more than the previous decade.
The conference, organised by the NCB, aims to address the growing concern of drug trafficking and its impact on national security, with a special focus on eight states and Union Territories of northern India.
Shah also launched the drug disposal fortnight starting from Saturday to January 25.
He said that during this period, one lakh kg of narcotics worth Rs 8,600 crore will be destroyed.
Shah stressed the importance of timely policies, enhanced intensity, meticulous micro-planning, and consistent monitoring to address the challenges ahead.
He said the Modi government has worked at a rapid pace to destroy drugs, uncover the networks, and bring the entire ecosystem under the grip of the law.
The home minister said for the success of the drugs-free India campaign, technical solutions to these challenges must be found by the law enforcement agencies, state governments, and the youth involved in this field; only then this fight could be result-oriented.
He urged all states to destroy illegal clandestine labs with rigour and take legal action against them with a ruthless approach.
Shah said the Modi government is moving forward with a ruthless approach against the drug supply chain, a strategic approach for demand reduction, and a humane approach for the victims.
He emphasised the need to strategically and cautiously expand the use of legal provisions for asset confiscation.
The home minister stressed the importance of devising district-level strategies and establishing mechanisms to escalate cases systematically, which would enhance the effectiveness of the campaign.
He also highlighted the central government’s efforts to develop an anti-drone system, urging the police forces of all border states to support this initiative by organising hackathons and actively contributing to advancements in this area.
“The time has come now when we can all contribute to this fight and succeed in winning it,” he said.
The conference is being attended by governors, lieutenant governors, chief ministers and senior officers from the eight participating states and UTs and the Centre.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nintendo Switch 2 users have two official methods for charging the new Joy-Con 2 Controllers for wireless play. Out of the box, you can dock the console with the controllers attached before removing them for TV mode, either connected to the grip or turned to the side for single Joy-Con controls. For $40, you can replace the standard grip with the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip, which lets you charge the right and left controllers while playing. But if you have an extra set of Joy-Con 2 Controllers for local multiplayer, you’ll either need to purchase two Charging Grips or take turns charging each pair.
Nintendo and its third-party partners have released plenty of notable Switch 2 accessories already, but we have yet to see officially licensed charging docks for Joy-Con 2 Controllers. We imagine those will start popping up before long, but what about right now? Unofficial controller charging docks for Switch 2 exist already–in fact, there are tons of Joy-Con 2 charging stations at Amazon, including models that charge four or more controllers at once. Some of the manufacturers currently producing Joy-Con 2 charging stations have made popular, well-received controller chargers for original Joy-Con Controllers as well as the PS5 DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controllers.
Disclaimer:None of the controller chargers listed above or shown below are officially licensed. While many of them are known brands with solid track records, there’s always the small possibility they won’t work as intended or will damage to your controllers. Unofficial controller chargers for other platforms, including the original Switch, generally work perfectly fine, and it’s very rare for an accessory like this to damage your controller. But since they don’t have the official Nintendo seal of approval, this is a “buy at your own risk” situation. If you want to play it as safe as possible, the Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip is the way to go. The official grip has built-in back buttons and lets you play while charging via the detachable USB-C cable.
Switch 2 Joy-Con Charging Docks – third-party, not licensed by Nintendo
Of the unofficial products, the Mumba Charging Dock has been the most popular on Amazon since the Switch 2’s launch earlier this month. It has sold over 1,000 units in the past month and has earned great reviews from buyers so far. Offering a compact design that holds and charges up to four Joy-Con 2, it’s a frugal choice at just $20. It even manages to pack in some cool RGB lights and overcharge protection.
Two different options from Fastsnail have great reviews and are among the top sellers, too. There’s a $15 standard docking station for four Joy-Con 2 Controllers as well as a versatile 8-in-1 model with slots that support Switch 2 and original Switch Joy-Con Controllers. Instead of an upright position, the controllers are placed on their sides like mouse mode.
NexiGo has manufactured a number of popular console controller chargers over the past few years, and the brand’s two newest models are for Switch 2. NexiGo’s traditional Switch 2 docking station is getting a limited-time discount at Amazon that drops it to $22 (was $25). Magnetic connections hold your Joy-Con 2 in place as they charge, LED indicators let you know when they’re ready for action, and various protections like overvoltage and overcurrent protection should help keep your controllers safe even though this is an unofficial product. NexiGo also has a model for four controllers that’s similar to Fastsnail’s 8-in-1 edition.
Take a look at some of the Joy-Con 2 charging stations below. We’ve included lists of key specs and features for each product.
Prevention and treatment campaigns are not adequately targeting the particular needs of the 50+ years age group.
Indeed, between 2000 and 2016, the number of adults aged 50 years and older living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa doubled. At present, their HIV prevalence is exceeding that of younger adults.
By 2040, one-quarter of people living with HIV in Africa will be aged 50 years and older; tailored awareness and treatment campaigns are pressing.
Dr Luicer Olubayo, a researcher at the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) at Wits University and the first author of a study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal, which investigated HIV in older people in Kenya and South Africa, noted that perceptions on who acquires HIV are limited. “We often think of HIV as a disease of younger people. It doesn’t help that intervention campaigns are mainly targeted at the youth.”
Moreover, older adults are less likely to believe that they can get HIV. This misconception is pervasive and has consequences for reaching global targets to achieve UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 targets by 2030 (95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of people who know their status are on treatment, and 95% have a suppressed viral load).
“While HIV prevalence among individuals over 50 years of age is similar to or even exceeds that of younger adults, HIV surveys focus on younger individuals, leaving considerable gaps in understanding HIV prevalence, incidence and treatment outcomes in older populations,” says Associate Professor F. Xavier Gómez-Olivé, at the MRC/Wits-Agincourt Research Unit.
Stigma remains a barrier to treatment
The uptake of HIV testing among older adults is poor, which delays diagnosis and limits access to care. This is, indeed, one of the signifiers of the pervasiveness of stigma surrounding the disease.
“We know that there is significant social stigma related to HIV infection. This is why understanding HIV-related stigma in older adults remains crucial as a way to inform interventions to support older people’s mental health and overall well-being,” says Olubayo.
Interventions could focus on repeated testing, the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and campaigns to increase awareness and reduce infections among the elderly.
“HIV can be managed alongside other chronic conditions, too, since HIV is managed as a long-term illness,” says Gómez-Olivé.
Non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, have dramatically increased in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among older people. HIV treatment and intervention can be included in the healthcare ecosystem of long-term illnesses.
Apart from stigma, a complex interplay of factors shapes HIV risk
The study shows that age, education, gender, and where people live all affect their risk of HIV. Even though more people now have access to HIV treatment, older adults — especially in rural areas — still face significant challenges in preventing HIV, such as low education levels and gender inequality.
Widowed women had the highest HIV rate (30.8%). This may be due to losing a partner to HIV, stigma, and a greater risk of unsafe behaviours like transactional sex and limited power to negotiate condom use. People without formal education and those with low income also had higher rates of HIV infection.
The benefit of longitudinal data to make decisions
An important added value of this study is the provision of longitudinal insights into the HIV epidemic among older adults in sub-Saharan Africa. “Our study is beneficial in that older populations are under-represented, and not much is known about them over time. What changes are occurring? We have to answer these kinds of questions. With longitudinal data, we can look at the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy coverage in older people,” says Gómez-Olivé.
The study used data collected in urban Kenya and in urban and rural sites across South Africa during two data collection waves: 2013-2016 and 2019-2022.
Throughout a decade of research, the team has been gaining a deeper understanding of this ageing HIV epidemic. Numerous important insights about HIV in older populations have been achieved, and research gaps are being covered.
Data for the study were drawn from the Africa Wits-INDEPTH Partnership for Genomic Research (AWI-Gen) from adults aged 40 years and older. AWI-Gen is a multicentre, longitudinal cohort study conducted at six research centres in four sub-Saharan African countries (South Africa, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Ghana) to investigate various health determinants.
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything.
Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where sophisticated diseases are prevented, treated, and cured; where treatments are smarter and less invasive; and where solutions are personal.
Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity.
About the Opportunity
The Johnson & Johnson Law Department is recruiting for an on-site Legal Counsel reporting to the country lead counsel at Medical Devices India.
Roles and Responsibilities
Provide legal counsel, strategic mentorship and support to the Medical Devices operation of Johnson & Johnson Private Limited (JJMI)
Provide independent legal counsel, strategic mentorship and support to the Franchise leaders
Work with the country lead counsel to craft the legal strategies for various Go To Market models and New Product Introductions
Work with the country lead counsel to address and manage those risks including preventative actions, trainings and communications
Exercise communications and other skills in order to be able to positively influence the leadership team and management of JJSV to make well considered decisions and achieve compliant success of operations
Provide mentorship on and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations applicable to the operations of JJSV including any relevant industry codes
If taught by the country lead counsel, support the country lead counsel and/other lawyers in the Law Department in other regions for business development initiatives (e.g. M&A and licensing transactions) including due diligence reviews, negotiation of transaction and drafting/execution of deal documentation
Engage and manage outside counsel (including seconded counsels, if applicable) including providing appropriate budgets for outside counsel and setting ground rules for the operations on when and how to request outside legal services/support
Manage all litigation, dispute resolution, and any internal and external investigations related to the business operations assigned by the country lead counsel
Provide legal input and mentorship to the employees of JJMI and other J&J group entities on all J&J policies and procedures including the Code of Business Conduct, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Corporate Integrity Agreements, and the Health Care Compliance and Health Care Business Integrity Guide. This includes advising employees on any new policies or required changes to existing policies, and crafting with the country lead counsel appropriate training for employees on such policies
Proactively partner and work with other Johnson & Johnson lawyers in the country (other sectors) /region/global to drive local alignment with country (cross-sector), regional and global legal standard methodologies and knowledge sharing
Advise operations on its copy clearance of materials and internet-related activities
Eligibility Criteria
LL.B. or LL.M. from a reputed university/law school in India
Proficient in written and spoken English
6-10 years PQE
Experience working in multi-national corporations preferably with experience doing legal work in the health care industry) is preferable, but not a prerequisite
Broad corporate experience, preferably advising senior leaders of business units or functions is favorable
Ability to go beyond law and ethics to live Our Credo – the business foundation of J&J over the last 70 years, and to incorporate Our Credo in making appropriate decisions.
Comfortable and willing to work as part of a team, and open to different roles and responsibilities in a changing environment
Keen to get along with diverse group of people spanning a broad range of business teams and executives within the client organizations
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively across all levels of a sophisticated matrix organization and capability to accept sudden changes
Outstanding interpersonal skills and proven track record to counsel senior management on sophisticated legal matters
Ability to work effectively in a multi-national company and cross-border environment.
Self-starter with strong drive for results & strong sense of ownership but also willing to take direction from various team members
Client Oriented – ability to proactively connect and engage with operations to find practical or innovative solutions (including alternative solutions, if applicable) and partner with them to implement desired actions and lead compliant success of operations
Judgment capability, good consultative skills, and structural thinking
Objective problem solver who is able to advance ideas and influence others
Ability to manage conflicts in an open and constructive manner
Able to lead by example and ensure high ethical, legal and compliance standards and be proactive in engaging organization to find opportunities to improve ethics and anti-corruption practices and procedures
Strong ability to deal with ambiguity and simplify issues for clients
How to Apply?
Interested candidates can apply through the link given below this post.
Disclaimer: Charging money from students for internships or from job applicants is an unethical practice and can lead to blacklisting. Facing concerns? Please email us at [email protected]
Both dandruff and fungal infections cause flaking, but their causes and treatments differ vastly. That’s why it’s important to tell the apart.
Dandruff is a common scalp woe, but surprisingly, not every flake is what it seems. Many may dismiss dandruff as just a haircare misstep, but it may also point to a more serious scalp issue, like a fungal infection. It’s easy to mix them up, but by understanding the key differences, one can get the right diagnosis and treatment before the problem worsens. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr BL Jangid, Dermatologist, Hair Transplant Surgeon at SkinQure Clinic, New Delhi, outlined the key differences between dandruff and fungal scalp infections.
Don’t dismiss particles in your hair as just dandruff, because the treatment may differ.(Shutterstock)
ALSO READ: Can you get rid of dandruff permanently? Dermatologist answers
Pointing out how alike they can sometimes look, he explained, “To the casual eye, dandruff looks like a dusting across the hair and shoulders, while strands catch the light and show tiny piles resting on the skin. But sometimes, dandruff can also be something else. Because dandruff and fungal infections look so alike, both itch, flake, and leave the scalp feeling uncomfortable, many people mistake one for the other. Yet knowing which problem is what really matters, because the underlying trigger can be different and the best way to treat it may change.” It is vital to tell them apart, as Dr Jangid also reminded, that the treatments are different. For fungal infections, doctors prescribe antifungal medication, not just any dandruff shampoo.
Dr BL Jangid simplified the differences with the help of a comprehensive guide, outlining the key distinctions along with signs that may indicate the need for a dermatologist visit. Here’s the guide he shared:
What is dandruff?
Dandruff, in contrast to a healthy scalp, looks like a dusting across the parting and shoulders, tiny white or yellowish flakes that shed easily on the shoulders. (Shutterstock)
Dandruff itself is a widespread scalp nuisance that causes loose white or light yellow flakes to drift off the head.
Its roots vary. Skin that is too oily or too dry, sensitivity to shampoos or gels, and even that same Malassezia yeast living on everyone up there, which, in some people, sparks mild inflammation.
So while the fungus sits on most scalps without fuss, it can provoke symptoms in the unlucky few and snow-balling flakes follow.
What is a fungal scalp infection?
It may itch, yet the urge tends to stay faint, stopping short of the full-body scratching seen with deeper infections.
Fungal infections on the scalp, most often tinea capitis or scalp ringworm, grow when dermatophytes-small, skin-loving fungi-take hold in the skin, hair, and follicles.
As the fungus spreads, the scalp can turn very red, flake or crust over, lose hair in patches, and, in severe cases, swell or fill with pus.
Unlike ordinary dandruff, a fungal infection can pass from one person to another and tends to show up more in kids, although grown-ups catch it, too.
Because of this, treatment usually requires prescription antifungal pills or ointments that a doctor writes, not the over-the-counter products found on a drugstore shelf.
What are the key differences between dandruff and fungal scalp infections?
A trained dermatologist is still the only person who can give you an official diagnosis, yet a few rough clues may point you toward the right trouble:
Flake texture: Ordinary flakes feel dry and drift-free, while fungal scales are thicker, greasier, and cling harder to the skin.
Location and spread: Dandruff sticks almost exclusively to the scalp; a fungus may creep onto the temples, neck, or even the ears.
Hair loss: Patchy bald spots show up with infection, but are rare if your scalp problem is just flakes.
Inflammation: Extra redness, swelling, heat, or tenderness usually signals fungus instead of plain dandruff.
When to visit a doctor?
When these persist for more than a week:
Itching
Burning
Unexplained patches
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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News / Lifestyle / Health / Dandruff or fungal infection? Doctor shares how to spot the difference
The dream of home ownership , or even just affordable renting, is slipping further out of reach.
The issue isn’t simply population growth or greedy developers. The real culprits lie deeper within policy, tax, and planning structures.
Until we deal with the policy-level supply constraints, prices will remain high, not just because demand is strong, but because government-induced bottlenecks are choking supply.
Australia’s housing crisis has become impossible to ignore.
For first home buyers, renters, and even seasoned investors, it feels like the dream of affordable housing is slipping away.
But what’s really driving the shortage?
And where does all the money go when a new home is built?
In summary, there are three main culprits to this housing shortage and affordability catastrophe.
Government taxes and charges. A report prepared from the Housing Industry Association states, “ In 2023–24, in Sydney, we estimate that of the total outlay made to acquire a new house & land package in a Greenfield estate (about $1 182 000), 49 per cent (around $576 000) is made up of regulatory costs, statutory taxes and infrastructure charges”.
Insufficient infrastructure. In the Kevin Costner movie Field of Dreams, there is a comment made, build it and they will come. This statement sheds some light on the topic. People need access to land and transportation to get to their place of work, for enjoyment, or to visit family. Lack of infrastructure is forcing people into an ever-narrower choice of where to buy.
Social Housing or should I say lack of. In 2023, the percentage of Australians living in social housing was approximately 4%. There has been a steady decrease over the past 20-30 years, when in mid-1990 the percentage was 6.5%. The lack of a coherent government policy and expenditure program is forcing more people into an already exhausted rental property market.
Let’s look at how governments, at all levels, are making the problem worse, and the eye-watering taxes and charges quietly driving up the price of new homes.
How Governments and Councils are holding back housing
Contrary to popular belief, the main problem isn’t just greedy developers or population growth; it’s government policy and planning restrictions.
Here’s how:
1. Zoning Laws that restrict supply
Local councils and state governments keep large areas locked up in low-density zoning, even in inner-city suburbs.
That means you often can’t build townhouses or apartments where people want to live.
2. Slow and bureaucratic approvals
Obtaining development approval can take years.
Councils are often bogged down in red tape, and projects can stall due to local opposition -known as NIMBYism (‘Not In My Backyard’).
3. Lack of infrastructure
Even when land is zoned, it often lacks the necessary infrastructure, such as roads, water, schools, and public transportation, to support new housing.
Without these basics, councils delay or deny developments.
4. Political fear
Many local politicians are scared of upsetting existing homeowners, who often oppose higher-density housing.
This fear blocks much-needed reform.
The hidden taxes on building a home
Let’s say a developer jumps through all the hoops and gets the green light to build. What next?
A tsunami of government taxes and charges, from all levels of government.
Here’s what’s typically added to the cost of building a new home:
Federal Government
GST (10%) on new dwellings.
Capital gains tax and income tax on developer profits.
Non-deductibility of interest expenses during construction for investors
Foreign withholding rules for international investors. Less than 1% of existing houses are purchased by foreigners. While the figure for new housing was 7.9% in Q1 2023, developers need a base level of sales to begin a project, and foreign buyers tend to pre-purchase off the plan. Investment in new construction helps drive the economy.
State Governments
Stamp duty: 4–6% on the land purchase.
Land tax on holdings during construction and after for property investors.
State Governments’ total taxes revenue associated with houses is approximately 50%.
Foreign buyer surcharges (stamp duty and land tax).
Massive developer infrastructure charges, often $30,000–$100,000+ per dwelling.
Fees for planning panels, building approvals, and compliance.
Local Councils
Development application (DA) fees.
Local infrastructure contributions for roads, parks, and drainage. Typically, this adds up to 0.5-1.0% of total construction costs. This figure can be higher in new areas.
Open space or public art levies.
Building inspection, occupancy permits, and even waste management fees during construction.
Total tax impact: up to 49% of a home’s cost
When you add it all up, government-imposed costs can make up 40-50% of a new home’s price, and sometimes more in high-growth areas.
That means before a builder lays a brick, tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars have already been baked into the final price tag — all thanks to government taxes, levies, and red tape.
There are, of course, three other elements to this story
A reduction in tradesmen. For many reasons, it became unfashionable to be a “tradie” and the Labour Government reforms and incentive payments, especially in 2009, increased children attaining year 12 education from 72% in the early 2000 to 88% by 2015 thus reducing the pool of people going to trade school and wanting a university degree.
Green and red tape are strangling the supply of building materials, which impacts price and availability, and forcing the industry to import more and more.
A banking regime instigated by the Reserve Bank and APRA that penalises residential property investment borrowings.
So what’s the fix?
The situation we find ourselves in has taken 30 years to materialise, and like the parable of the frog and hot water, a slow burn is less felt.
The solutions will take many years to implement, but some of the problems have a quick fix, such as reducing government imposts, implementing a more suitable planning regime, and freeing up the finance sector.
If Australia wants to solve its housing crisis, we need to stop pointing fingers at buyers and builders and start looking at policy failure.
The solutions aren’t complicated — they’re just politically not front of mind:
– Reform zoning to allow more housing where people want to live. – Speed up planning approvals. – Invest in infrastructure to unlock developable land. – Simplify and reduce development levies and taxes. – Coordinate better across federal, state, and local levels.
Until these reforms happen, prices will stay high, not because of demand alone, but because supply is being choked at the policy level.
About Ken Raiss Ken is director of Metropole Wealth Advisory and gives strategic expert advice to property investors, professionals and business owners. He is in a unique position to blend his skills of accounting, wealth advisory, property investing, financial planning and small business. View his articles
When two Scorpios come together, it’s a potent mix of intensity, passion, and shared depth. Both partners are deeply emotional, fiercely loyal, and intensely driven, but that intensity can be a double-edged sword. A Scorpio man and Scorpio woman may feel an almost uncanny understanding of each other’s needs, yet you might also trigger each other’s strongest defenses.
As astrologer Linda Goodman vividly describes, pairing these two is “like pairing Merlin and Macbeth to stir a potion”, a “baffling blend of personalities” with “oh, there will be contests!”. If you’re in such a relationship, expect your connection to be electric and transformative, but beware of power struggles and jealousies along the way.
Goodman notes that each of you will be “cautiously and suspiciously aware of the other’s unleashed power, even though both are overjoyed to have finally found someone who really understands them”. Your daily life together often feels extraordinarily synchronized: you pick up on each other’s moods, intuitively know when the other is upset or affectionate, and can communicate in subtle, nonverbal ways. But it also means you’ll be playing a subtle psychological game, both craving deep connection yet wary of revealing your innermost secrets.
In a Scorpio Scorpio relationship, the highs are high and the lows are low. This connection has the potential to become the most wholesome relationship or one that brings out the worst in both partners. Which direction you steer yours in depends on your understanding of Scorpio man and Scorpio woman compatibility and challenges. In this article, we touch upon these very aspects, so you can navigate your romance mindfully and in the right direction.
Scorpio Man And Scorpio Woman Emotional And Romantic Connection
Emotionally, a Scorpio-Scorpio pairing is powerful and profound. You both seek deep, meaningful love rather than superficial flirtation, and you will instinctively understand each other’s feelings at a level many others can’t. However, vulnerability does not come easily to you. Goodman observes it’s “a difficult thing to desire to be understood yet simultaneously and inexplicably to be unwilling to allow the one who understands you best to know your innermost secrets.”
You will instinctively understand each other’s feelings
You may find yourselves having to work through trust issues early on. Each of you wants closeness, but each of you fears being hurt. Once trust is built, you’re likely to love and defend each other fiercely. Astrologer Susan Miller emphasizes Scorpios’ depth by noting that Scorpios “make great negotiators” because they truly understand motivation, meaning in love, and you’ll both strive to meet each other’s needs. However, jealousy can flare if you feel insecure. You may sometimes circle around issues in a psychological way: one or both of you might brood, test, or play mind games before sharing feelings. The key is to remember that underneath any stoicism or silence is a heart that desperately wants to be heard and validated. Navigating these diverse aspects in a relationship successfully boils down to this:
Related Reading: Best Match For A Scorpio Woman: Top 5 Ranke
Expect intense, private intimacy: You both crave emotional depth in romance. If you feel connected, you’ll gladly explore each other’s feelings and fears late into the night. You’ll often finish each other’s thoughts or sense moods intuitively. This deep soul connection can be beautiful but may also scare you at first; take it slow until both feel safe
Practice honest communication: It’s tempting to play coy or use indirect signals, but it’s best to occasionally break the silence and push yourself to open up. Even if it’s awkward, saying “I feel hurt” or “I need reassurance” can prevent misunderstandings from spiraling
Beware of possessiveness: This is the biggest impediment to otherwise near-perfect Scorpio Scorpio compatibility. You’ll likely want to spend a lot of time together, and you both value loyalty. Remind yourself that giving each other a little space isn’t a betrayal. It’s healthy to maintain your own interests so that you don’t feel suffocated
Use empathy and patience: If one of you withdraws, gently encourage them to talk. Scorpio empathy is strong when a safe channel is opened. For example, if your partner gets quiet after an argument, instead of demanding answers, let them know you’re ready to listen when they are. Building emotional safety will pay off in trust
Your connection is undeniable. But will it translate into a lasting relationship? Find out with a moon reading
Compatibility Of Scorpio Man Scorpio Woman Sexually
Scorpio and Scorpio is widely known as one of the hottest sexual matches of the zodiac. This zodiac rules the 8th house of deep sexuality. In a Scorpio-Scorpio couple, both partners bring volcanic passion to the bedroom. When you connect, it will likely feel raw, magnetic, and transformative. Deep trust makes your intimacy not only passionate but also meaningful.
The compatibility of Scorpio man Scorpio woman sexually is so fiery because both want sex to be an expression of their emotional bond. You instinctively know how to titillate each other’s deepest fantasies. Susan notes, “Scorpios, in general, enjoy great sex and a deep union in partnership. When two Scorpios come together, the intensity just doubles.”
Related Reading: 15 Unique Scorpio Woman Traits That Make Her Attractive
However, keep in mind the flip side: your sex life can become entangled with your emotions. If one of you is upset or insecure, it might dampen intimacy until resolved. Conversely, conflicts outside the bedroom can cause tension during sex. To make the most of the raw passion and deep desire you each harbor to strengthen your bond, here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Expect fireworks in the bedroom: Your physical compatibility is phenomenal. Both of you take lovemaking seriously, and you’ll likely enjoy exploring fantasies together. Expect slow-building arousal and a highly responsive partner, since Scorpios are very attuned to sensation. When you sync up, it can feel almost telepathic
Trust enhances passion: You both approach sex as an intimate bond. The more secure you feel, the more freely your passion will flow. Vulnerability in the bedroom through sharing desires, fears, playful fantasies, and exploring roleplaying ideas will only deepen your connection
Don’t weaponize jealousy: It can be tempting, especially after a fight, to withhold intimacy as a form of punishment. Try to break this pattern. Even a small step like a gentle touch or loving hug can remind both of you of the love you share and open the door to forgiveness
Keep it fresh but deep: You both love intensity, but a little creativity will keep things exciting. Plan a private getaway, try a sensual massage, or share something you’ve never told anyone else. These gestures reinforce the emotional bond and channel your passionate energy positively
Scorpio Man And Scorpio Woman Commitment And Marriage
Both partners commit to a long-term partnership
When it comes to commitment, a Scorpio man and Scorpio woman connection has incredible potential. Scorpios are fixed water signs, which means once they commit, they do so with steadfast devotion. Susan emphasizes, “A Scorpio’s ability to be compassionate, loyal, and loving knows no end.” As a Scorpio pair, you and your partner will likely strive to make a relationship last. Once you decide on marriage or a long-term partnership, you’ll work hard to maintain it and keep nurturing it with consistent effort.
Since you already share core values of faithfulness, emotional honesty, and an appreciation for privacy, there’s very little friction about goal-setting. With your shared determination, home and family life can be a safe haven where both of you feel truly understood. Here is how different aspects of a shared life in a Scorpio-Scorpion relationship pan out:
Profound loyalty: As Susan notes, Scorpios thrive on trust. Once you’ve pledged to each other, expect strong faithfulness. You’ll fiercely protect one another’s reputations and confidences. This can create a rock-solid foundation for marriage
Shared life goals: You may have similar ideas about home and family. If starting a family is on the horizon, you’ll likely feel aligned on values. Even if you stay childfree, you’ll both want security and intimacy at home. You both understand the value of building your “castle” together
Handling finances: Money might not be a passionate topic, but it still needs to be handled. You need to work together to achieve financial harmony in your life. Letting your partner take the lead on areas they excel at can turn financial planning into a partnership strength
Keep communication channels open: In marriage, small irritations can build. Since you are both private, set aside time to share any concerns. This habit prevents misunderstandings from festering
Challenges And Conflict Resolution In A Scorpio Scorpio Relationship
No relationship is perfect, and Scorpio-Scorpio pairs certainly face their share of challenges. The biggest hurdle is power struggles. Since both partners are from the same zodiac sign, they bring the same flaws, imperfections, or weaknesses to the dynamic. The issue isn’t that Scorpio man and Scorpio woman fight, it’s how they fight and the ripple effect this has on the overall quality of the relationship.
Goodman cautions, “If one Scorpio offends the other, the offended one decides to get even, then the recipient of the revenge decides to get-even-back, and by the time the getting-even has become an actual contest … one shudders to imagine the scene. The thing is that Scorpios must win. They’ll risk anything to win, short of their lives.” This pig-headed and stubborn nature can become a huge impediment to Scorpio and Scorpio love if not consciously checked and corrected. Here are some ways you can do that:
Related Reading: Dating A Scorpio Man? Here Are 6 Interesting Things To Know
Avoid one-upmanship: Neither of you wants to admit defeat easily. When small issues arise, pause and ask yourselves what you really want: winning the argument or keeping trust intact? Remember Goodman’s words: the contests drag on until someone gets hurt. Choose peace over pride where possible
Don’t let grudges fester: Scorpios can hold onto pain. If you feel wronged, try to express it calmly soon after. Goodman points out that grudges “inevitably return to the sender”. It’s better to air a complaint in a kind way than to stew. A timely apology or acknowledgment can stop a vendetta
Focus on the positive: Remind yourself of what attracted you in the first place. Make a conscious effort to control the negative and stress the positive qualities. Celebrate each other’s strengths—loyalty, courage, and protectiveness. This will, in turn, strengthen your relationship with one another
Tap into humor and honesty: Sometimes a joke or a playful line can defuse tension. A little lightness and that cheeky Scorpio wit can break the pattern of cold wars. Also, agree to be honest. If one of you feels hurt, find a gentle way to bring it up. Phrases like “I felt hurt when…” instead of “You always…” can open a better dialogue
Final Verdict: Compatible Extraordinaire
Overall, a Scorpio man and Scorpio woman can be extraordinarily compatible if both partners stay self-aware and communicative. Astrologically speaking, this match is among the most intense possible. Both partners share the same emotional language and expectations in love, so in many ways, being in such a relationship can feel like meeting yourself in another body.
However, intensity doesn’t equal ease. The relationship’s success often comes down to how you handle the fire you’ve lit together. If you consciously work on forgiveness and honest sharing, you can build a relationship that most people can only dream of.
Every couple’s journey has ups and downs. In a Scorpio and Scorpio love story, expect the waves to be high. Even the most intense Scorpio-Scorpio pairing can tide these highs and loves and flourish if both partners strive for open communication, avoid power games, and lean into forgiveness and trust.
Scorpio Woman In Love: Compatibility With Other Zodiac Signs
Everything You Need To Know About Dating A Scorpio Woman Successfully
10 Reasons Why Scorpio Men Make The Best Husbands
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Having used Android phones for the better part of the past decade, I’ve gotten accustomed to several open-source Android apps. I find these better than their closed-source equivalents—in both functionality and user experience—and I can’t imagine using my phone without them.
10
Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an open-source password manager that I use to store login credentials for all my online accounts. The app offers a clean and simple interface that’s easy to navigate and packs all the essential password-management features I need.
Related
The 7 Best Bitwarden Features You’re Not Using
Bitwarden is hiding a heap of features you should absolutely be using.
I particularly like its built-in password generator. It gives me complete control over the generated password, allowing me to choose its various characteristics so I can ensure both my and the website’s requirements are satisfied before I use it for an account. You can also generate passphrases in case you prefer them over passwords.
Custom fields are another Bitwarden feature I use extensively. With these, I can store extra info like security questions, so they’re quickly available along with my login credentials.
Aside from passwords, I also use Bitwarden to store personal information such as software license codes and home server details. This is possible thanks to Bitwarden’s Secure Note feature, which keeps all your notes secure in its encrypted vault.
Bitwarden also offers an easy way to share passwords, even with non-Bitwarden users. It’s called Bitwarden Send, and it gives you control over how the other person can interact with your shared passwords.
VLC is a free and open-source multimedia player available on desktop, as well as Android. It can play a host of audio and video file formats, including MP4, AVI, Ogg, FLAC, MKV, and MOV.
While I use Poweramp for playing local music files, VLC is my go-to player for all video playback needs. This includes playing videos stored locally on my phone, as well as those on other devices like my home server. VLC makes this possible thanks to support for network streaming and network file sharing (SMB, FTP, and DLNA).
The app offers a comprehensive set of controls for both audio and video playback. Outside of the basics, you’ll find features like Audio Boost for files with low audio, picture-in-picture (PiP) mode to play content while multitasking, a built-in 10-band equalizer to tweak the audio, and Bookmark to save specific points within a file to return to quickly.
VLC is also ad-free, which isn’t common for apps in this category.
Binary Eye is my go-to app for scanning and generating barcodes and QR codes on my Android phone. It operates on the ZXing barcode scanning library, which is open-source and supports a range of barcode types.
One of the main reasons I use it, aside from it being 100% free with no ads, is that it can read inverted codes. These inverted-color codes are becoming increasingly common to match design and aesthetics. Similarly, I appreciate that it supports scanning in both portrait and landscape orientations.
As soon as you scan a code, Binary Eye shows its content on the screen. (You can skip this for faster access, but I’d advise against it.) Depending on the code, you’ll see action suggestions like Copy, Share, and Open.
Likewise, generating barcodes in Binary Eye is straightforward. You can choose from a range of desired formats, set your preferred background and foreground, and similar. The app will then create an output that’s easy to save or share.
Image Toolbox is a powerful app that allows you to perform a range of image and PDF manipulations on your Android phone. At the time of writing, it packs around 50 tools spanning multiple categories.
I use Image Toolbox for all kinds of image operations, from cropping, converting, and resizing to removing backgrounds, stitching, and splitting. In addition, I also use its PDF tools to convert PDFs to images and vice versa, and the EXIF tools for editing or deleting metadata before sharing images online.
The best part about Image Toolbox is that it supports batch processing, so you can perform operations on multiple files at once. That said, be aware that the results with some of the advanced tools may not always be comparable to what you’d get from desktop tools.
My work requires me to use several PC and smartphone operating systems. As such, I need an app that allows me to quickly and easily transfer files between all my devices. LocalSend is my current go-to for this.
LocalSend allows peer-to-peer file transfers between devices on the same local network. You can use it to send and receive all kinds of files, including images, videos, documents, and APKs. Plus, you can even share clipboard content or send text messages. If someone doesn’t use LocalSend, you can instead generate a shareable link they can open in a browser to access all the files.
All your transfers in LocalSend are end-to-end encrypted using TLS to ensure complete privacy, and it has no ads to worry about.
Since I use multiple devices and operating systems, I need a browser that ensures my browsing data is accessible across all of them. My primary reason for picking Firefox years ago—aside from it being free and open source—is its superior privacy protection features.
For example, Firefox comes with Enhanced Tracking Protection to protect you against cross-site trackers. By default, it’s set to the Standard level, which blocks fewer trackers, but I switch to Strict (for advanced protection) or Custom (for customized blocking) based on the websites I’m visiting.
There’s another nifty privacy feature called HTTPS-Only Mode. As the name implies, this feature prevents the browser from making any connections that aren’t secured with HTTPS.
Firefox on Android has lots of other perks like support for extensions, a built-in PDF viewer, and the ability to use an external download manager.
FFShare is one of the first apps I always install on a new Android phone. It helps me shrink the size of image, video, or audio files to make them fit for storage or sharing while also removing their metadata.
While many other apps can do this, I prefer FFShare for two reasons. First is the control and flexibility it offers over encoding and decoding: I can choose everything from codec and qscale to resolution and file size.
Second is the fact that it uses FFmpeg, a popular open-source multimedia framework for media processing known for its efficient compression with minimal quality loss. This helps with various media conversion and manipulation needs.
Aside from being efficient and effective, FFShare is also really speedy.
Termux is one of the popular Android terminal emulator apps that gives you access to a Linux environment on your phone. This enables you to run Linux CLI utilities, install packages, automate various tasks, access remote servers, and much more.
My use case for Termux is quite limited, though. I primarily use it to manage my home server (and its content), or to securely access or transfer files between my Android phone and other devices remotely.
I like Termux best because it’s super easy to use, fast, and doesn’t consume excessive battery. And for times when I need additional tools, I can easily install them into Termux to extend its functionality.
F-Droid is an open-source app store, serving as one of the many alternatives to Google’s Play Store, with a huge library of open-source apps that are open for anyone to inspect and modify.
You don’t need an account to browse and download apps on F-Droid, unlike the Play Store. Since it’s committed to transparency and privacy, it flags undesirable aspects of apps such as advertisements, trackers, non-free assets, and non-free service promotions.
While you’ll find many apps from the Play Store on F-Droid, some of the popular F-Droid exclusives include Syncthing-Fork (secure file synchronization service), Aegis Authenticator (2FA app), Seal (audio/video downloader), Amaze (file manager), and Key Mapper (hardware button remapper).
F-Droid is based on a repository system. This means you can add multiple repositories to the app to explore, find, and download the apps they host.
Obtainium allows you to easily install and update apps from their official release pages and sends you notifications when new releases are available. That way, I don’t have to head into the repositories of different apps and install them manually.
As of the time of writing, Obtainium supports over 15 app sources. Some of the popular names include GitHub, GitLab, Aptoide, APKPure, and F-Droid. I’ve installed a few Android apps on my phone from these alternative sources, and this lets me update them all in one place.
It’s important to note that Obtainium relies on web scraping for some sources. As a result, if the websites undergo any major design or structure changes, the app will fail to obtain the latest releases.
If you haven’t explored the world of open-source Android apps, now is a great time to do so. The apps above can serve as a great starting point, but there are countless other useful open-source apps available if you’re interested in this world.
You’ll discover them as you delve deeper into the ecosystem. You can also look up open-source alternatives for apps you’re currently using—but not satisfied with—and see how they compare.
Swiss kungfu enthusiast Joel Achermann first arrived at Shaolin Temple in Henan Province in 2012. Since then, he has returned many times to a martial arts school to refine his skills. He has also helped his teacher translate ancient Chinese martial arts texts into English, which have since been published.
Dispatches from northern China, Jia Zhangke’s movies constitute their own cinematic universe. Repeatedly returning to themes of globalization and alienation, the 55-year-old director has meticulously chronicled his country’s uneasy plunge into the 21st century as rampant industrialization risks deadening those left behind.
But his latest drama, “Caught by the Tides,” which opens at the Frida Cinema today, presents a bold, reflexive remix of his preoccupations. Drawing from nearly 25 years of footage, including images from his most acclaimed films, Jia has crafted a poignant new story with an assist from fragments of old tales. He has always been interested in how the weight of time bears down on his characters — now his actors age in front of our eyes.
When “Caught by the Tides” premiered at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, critics leaned on a handy, if somewhat inaccurate, comparison to describe Jia’s achievement: “Boyhood,” which followed a young actor over the course of 12 years, a new segment of the picture shot annually. But Richard Linklater preplanned his magnum opus. Jia, on the other hand, approached his film more accidentally, using the pandemic shutdown as an excuse to revisit his own archives.
“It struck me that the footage had no linear, cause-and-effect pattern,” Jia explained in a director’s statement. “Instead, there was a more complex relationship, not unlike something from quantum physics, in which the direction of life is influenced and ultimately determined by variable factors that are hard to pinpoint.”
The result is a story in three chapters, each one subtly building emotionally from the last. In the first, it is 2001, as Qiaoqiao (Zhao Tao) lives in Datong, where she dates Bin (Li Zhubin). Early on, Qiaoqiao gleefully sings with friends, but it will be the last time we hear her voice. It’s a testament to Zhao’s arresting performance that many viewers may not notice her silence. She’s so present even without speaking, her alert eyes taking in everything, her understated reactions expressing plenty.
Young and with her whole life ahead of her, Qiaoqiao longs to be a singer, but her future is short-circuited by Bin’s text announcing that he’s leaving to seek better financial opportunities elsewhere. He promises to send word once he’s established himself, but we suspect she may never see this restless, callous schemer again. Not long after, Bin ghosts Qiaoqiao, prompting her to journey after him.
“Caught by the Tides” richly rewards viewers familiar with Jia’s filmography with scenes and outtakes from his earlier movies. Zhao, who in real life married Jia more than a decade ago, has been a highlight of his movies starting with his 2000 breakthrough “Platform,” and so when we see Qiaoqiao at the start of “Caught by the Tides,” we’re actually watching footage shot around that time. (Jia’s 2002 drama “Unknown Pleasures” starred Zhao as a budding singer named Qiaoqiao. Li also appeared in “Unknown Pleasures,” as well as subsequent Jia pictures.)
But the uninitiated shouldn’t feel intimidated to begin their Jia immersion here. Those new to his work will easily discern the film’s older footage, some of it captured on grainy DV cameras, while newer material boasts the elegant, widescreen compositions that have become his specialty. “Caught by the Tides” serves as a handy primer on Jia’s fascination with China’s political, cultural and economic evolution, amplifying those dependable themes with the benefit of working across a larger canvas of a quarter-century.
Still, by the time Qiaoqiao traverses the Yangtze River near the Three Gorges Dam — a controversial construction project that imperiled local small towns and provided the backdrop for Jia’s 2006 film “Still Life” — the director’s fans may feel a bittersweet sense of déjà vu. We have been here before, reminded of his earlier characters who similarly struggled to find love and purpose.
The film’s second chapter, which takes place during 2006, highlights Qiaoqiao’s romantic despair and, separately, Bin’s growing desperation to make a name for himself. (This isn’t the first Jia drama in which characters dabble in criminal activity.) By the time we arrive at the finale, set during the age of COVID anxiety, their inevitable reunion results in a moving resolution, one that suggests the ebb and flow of desire but, also, the passage of time’s inexorable erosion of individuals and nations.
Indeed, it’s not just Zhao and Li who look different by the end of “Caught by the Tides” but Shanxi Province itself — now a place of modern supermarkets, sculpted walkways and robots. Unchecked technological advancement is no longer a distant threat to China but a clear and present danger, dispassionately gobbling up communities, jobs and Qiaoqiao’s and Bin’s dreams. When these two former lovers see each other again, a lifetime having passed on screen, they don’t need words. In this beautiful summation work, Jia has said it all.
‘Caught by the Tides’
In Mandarin, with subtitles
Not rated
Running time: 1 hour, 51 minutes
Playing: In limited release at Lumiere Cinema at the Music Hall, Beverly Hills; the Frida Cinema, Santa Ana
Seoul, June 22: Hyundai Motor’s vehicle exports from its US plant plunged last month, industry data showed on Sunday, as the company accelerates production realignment strategies to cope with rising tariff tensions. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), a U.S. production unit of the South Korean automaker, exported just 14 vehicles in June, a sharp decline from 1,303 units in the same month last year and 2,386 in May, according to the data, reports Yonhap news agency. It marked the first time HMMA’s monthly exports fell below 100 units since April 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HMMA exported a total of 22,600 vehicles last year. Industry insiders attributed the sharp decline to Hyundai’s production realignment strategy aimed at mitigating the impact of Washington’s tariff policies, which impose a 25 percent duty on all imported vehicles. Hyundai Motor, which exported 637,000 vehicles to the United States last year, is reportedly considering redirecting U.S.-produced vehicles to the domestic market instead of exporting them overseas. Tesla First Showroom in India To Open in July 2025 in Mumbai, Elon Musk’s EV Firm Expected To Offer Tesla Model Y in Indian Market; Check Expected Price.
To reduce tariff exposure, the company has earlier announced plans to boost U.S. production capacity by expanding output at its Alabama and Georgia plants to meet local demand. At the same time, it will scale back production of U.S.-bound models at Kia Corp.’s plant in Mexico. “In order to minimise the impact of U.S. tariffs, we have implemented measures to shift Tucson production from Mexico to HMMA and moved HMMA’s Canadian-bound production to Mexico,” a Hyundai official said during an earnings call in April.
In line with that shift, Hyundai shipped around 2,100 units of the Tucson crossover from Mexico in February, but that number dropped to 522 in March and has remained at zero since April. Meanwhile, South Korea’s automobile exports declined slightly in April from a year earlier, largely due to a sharp drop in shipments to the United States following Washington’s imposition of steep tariffs on foreign-made cars, government data showed. Mahindra Thar Facelift Spotted Testing: New Design Modifications, Updated Interior and More Expected From Thar 3-Door Facelift.
The value of outbound shipments of automobiles came to US$6.53 billion last month, down 3.8 percent from a year earlier, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. By region, exports to North America tumbled 17.8 percent on-year to $3.36 billion, with shipments to the U.S. plunging 19.6 percent to $2.89 billion.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 22, 2025 10:10 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The crypto market is witnessing a slowdown in terms of token pricing. Bitcoin on Monday reflected a price dip of around one percent on global exchanges to trade at $94,472 (roughly Rs. 81.5 lakh). On Indian exchanges, the value of Bitcoin dropped by 0.47 percent over the past 24 hours. At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at the price point of $99,812 (roughly Rs. 86.2 lakh), according exchanges like Giottus and CoinDCX. Presently, the dominance of Bitcoin over the crypto sector stands at 56.94 percent.
“Bitcoin’s recent rollercoaster ride, marked by a sharp correction from over $102,000 (roughly Rs. 88 lakh) to lows around $91,250 (roughly Rs. 78.8 lakh), highlights the market’s inherent volatility but also its cyclical nature. Historically, such price drops have often been followed by strong recoveries. Notably, Bitcoin’s all-time high of $108,000 (roughly Rs. 93.2 lakh) in mid-December emerged just weeks after a significant downturn,” Avinash Shekhar, co-founder and CEO at Pi42 told Gadgets360.
Ether clocked a loss of 0.10 percent in the last 24 hours on foreign exchanges, data by CoinMarketCap showed on Monday. Currently, the asset is trading at $3,293 (roughly Rs. 2.84 lakh) on global exchanges. According to Indian exchanges like CoinSwitch and CoinDCX, ETH is priced $3,507 (roughly Rs. 3.02 lakh).
The CoinSwitch markets desk explained the reason behind the ongoing slowdown in asset prices. “Markets have been on a slight downturn ever since stronger than expected economic data suggested that the Fed might pause rate cuts in 2025. There was an estimate of 167,000 jobs added in December but the actual data bettered it by a huge difference at 256,000,” the exchange said.
The crypto price tracker by Gadgets 360 showed that the prices of most cryptocurrencies were down on Monday.
Ripple, Solana, and Cardano joined BTC and ETH on the loss-making end of the crypto chart.
Avalanche, Chainlink, Shiba Inu, Dogecoin, Stellar, and Polkadot also saw their values drop.
The valuation of the crypto market dropped by 0.90 percent over the last day, data by CoinMarketCap showed. With this, the crypto market cap now stands at $3.29 trillion (roughly Rs. 2,84,20,723 crore).
Tether, Iota, Status, and Braintrust rose in value on Monday.
“The broader crypto market reflects growing concerns, including FTX liquidations and speculation about a potential US government sell-off of Silk Road-related Bitcoin holdings. These factors have dampened investor sentiment. As the inauguration of pro-crypto President elect Donald Trump approaches, market participants are watching closely, anticipating that his stance on digital assets could shape the market’s trajectory in the coming weeks,” the CoinDCX research team told Gadgets 360.
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Gearbox has revealed a new story trailer for its looter-shooter Borderlands 4. While it was brief, it did reveal a fresh look at the game’s primary villain, the Timekeeper, his minions, and franchise punching bag Claptrap.
Borderlands 4 launches on September 12 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S–with a Switch 2 version coming at a later date–and the base version of the game is priced at $70. With its launch date drawing closer, Gearbox has been revealing more details on the game, and how it’s building on the Borderlands foundation with a seamless world to explore, dynamic events to take part in, and an overhauled drop-rate for weapons that will make legendary-class feel special again.
Another big change in Borderlands 4 is its tone, as Gearbox wants the humor in the game to be more grounded. Essentially, this sounds like Borderlands 4 won’t be relying on comedy that can become very quickly dated after launch.
“This feels like a Borderlands game through and through where enough has changed for me to feel like this is an improvement over Borderlands 3, but it’s not so different that I can expect huge and sweeping changes,” Jordan Ramée said in GameSpot’s Borderlands 4 preview.
Viruses are entirely dependent on their hosts to reproduce. They ransack living cells for parts and energy and hijack the host’s cellular machinery to make new copies of themselves. Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), it turns out, also redecorates, according to a new study in Nature Communications.
Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona have discovered the cold sore virus reshapes the human genome’s architecture, rearranging its shape in three-dimensional space so that HSV-1 can access host genes most useful for its ability to reproduce.
“HSV-1 is an opportunistic interior designer, reshaping the human genome with great precision and choosing which bits it comes into contact with. It’s a novel mechanism of manipulation we didn’t know the virus had to exploit host resources,” says Dr. Esther González Almela, first author of the study.
While other herpes viruses have been seen compacting and reshaping host chromosomes, it was unclear whether it was a side effect of the virus invading and setting up its own viral replication factories. The study is the first proof that HSV-1 reshapes the human genome deliberately and within hours of infection.
Crucially, the researchers found that blocking a single host enzyme, topoisomerase I, completely blocked HSV-1’s ability to rearrange the human genome during infection, bringing the hostile takeover to a halt. The discovery represents a new potential strategy to control a virus which infects nearly four billion people worldwide.
“In cell culture, inhibiting this enzyme stopped the infection before the virus could make a single new particle,” says ICREA Research Professor Pia Cosma, corresponding author of the study at the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona. “That gives us a potential new therapeutic target to stop infection.”
The researchers made the findings by combining super-resolution microscopy, an imaging technique which can see structures 20 nanometers wide, around 3,500 times thinner than a strand of hair, with Hi-C, a technique that reveals which bits of DNA are touching inside the nucleus. They used both techniques to gain new mechanistic insights into how HSV-1 hijacks human cells.
They found the hostile takeover begins within the first hour, with the virus hijacking the human RNA-polymerase II enzyme to help synthesize its own proteins. Topoisomerase I, an enzyme that snips DNA to release torsional stress, and cohesin, a structural protein, followed human RNA-polymerase II into the newly forming viral replication compartments.
Three hours after infection, most polymerase and a sizeable fraction of the other two factors had abandoned human genes. The wholesale theft causes transcription to collapse across the host genome, which in turn caused chromatin, the human genome’s natural state inside cells, to be crushed into a dense shell just 30% of its original volume.
This was an unexpected finding, as the structure of chromatin is thought to dictate transcription. “We always thought dense chromatin shut genes down but here we see the opposite: stop enough transcription first and the DNA compacts afterwards. The relationship between activity and structure might be a two-way street,” says Dr. Álvaro Castells García, co-first author of the study.
Two in every three people under age 50 live with HSV-1. Once infected, people have the virus for life, though most cases are asymptomatic or manifest as recurrent cold sores. Rarely, the virus can cause blindness or life-threatening disease in newborns and immunocompromised people.
The findings of the study can help address the public health burden of HSV-1, which is considered a global health challenge because of its prevalence and ability to cause recurrent outbreaks. Though treatments are available to manage symptoms, drug-resistant strains are on the rise, and there is no cure
Perched amidst the verdant embrace of Timbertales Luxury Resort in Coorg, Twisted Basil stands out as a feast for both the eyes and the palate—a pure‑vegetarian sanctuary where plant‑based cuisine is elevated to an art. If you are looking for an interesting tasting menu on your next trip to Coorg, look no further than Twisted Basil that offers a choice of tasting menu that include Pan Asian, Continental as well as a Chef’s Choice option, which is a mix of what is in season and fresh produce of the day.
Food: The continental menu starts with the first course called ‘starting savoury’. The Creamy Carrot Soup is hearty, served with a hint of basil oil. The Carpaccio Di Barbabietola salad with roasted beetroot carpaccio, navel orange and goat cheese is delicious. Next up is the Frittelle Di Zucchine e Parmigiano—crispy fritters made with grated Zucchini and Parmesan cheese, served with a tangy tomato and basil dip. It hits the right spot with its mellow flavours. The Cannelloni Spinach—a tender coconut and pineapple granita is a perfect for the main course. For dessert, the Barretta Di Cioccolato Croccante, a crunchy chocolate bar with salted caramel and white pearls, is a sweet end to the meal.
Service: The service is excellent with the staff explaining each course and ingredients well.
Décor: Set over water, framed by lush bamboo and ambient fountains, the restaurant pairs bold, globally inspired flavours with a serene, tropical backdrop—perfect for travellers seeking a refined and memorable dining adventure.
Price: The price is on the higher end, a meal for two costs Rs 10,000 without taxes.
Address: No. 94/2, Kedakal Post, Modur, Madikeri, Karnataka – 571237.
YASH Technologies is a consulting-led transformation partner with a proven track record of helping customers address their current and prospective digital transformation challenges. Recognized as “Large enough to transform and small enough to care,” their customer-centricity and robust value systems has helped them earn the trust of our clients globally and enabled them to be the “Digital Partner of choice” of 75+ global F500 companies.
About the Opportunity
Yash Technologies is looking for a qualified Company Secretary or LLB/LLM with a passion for structuring global compliance frameworks, negotiating complex IT Contracts, SaaS agreements, and safeguarding intellectual property in the tech sector.
Roles and Responsibilities
Draft, review, and negotiate SaaS, licensing, Master Service Agreements and vendor contracts in alignment with international IP and data protection laws
Build scalable compliance frameworks across jurisdictions including GDPR, CCPA, and emerging ESG mandates.
Collaborate with IT, finance, and project management teams to align contractual risks with enterprise objectives, Develop compliance calendars, audit protocols, and risk-mitigation workflows for global operations.
Eligibility Criteria
Legal & Global Compliance Consultant Experience: 5–7 years in legal advisory, contract structuring, and multinational compliance implementation, preferably in a technology-driven environment.
CS/LLB/LLM with demonstrated experience in SaaS/IP contracting, cross-border data governance, and regulatory compliance, Strong understanding of legal implications in software licensing, cloud platforms, and product rollout across jurisdictions.
How to Apply?
Interested candidate may send their CV at [email protected] with subject line: Opportunity in Indore: Legal & Compliance Role Inquiry
Disclaimer: Charging money from students for internships or from job applicants is an unethical practice and can lead to blacklisting. Facing concerns? Please email us at [email protected]
Do you check your dates before eating them? While dates are a popular choice, whether as a quick snack or a sweet salad topping, they can sometimes harbour hidden mould that often goes unnoticed. Cutting them open before eating increases the chances of spotting any fungal contamination and avoiding potential health risks. Also read | Are dates ‘health tonic’? Doctor says eating 2-3 dates a day can transform your body: Here’s how
“No matter how sweet the date, always check before committing,” wrote Dr Kunal Sood.(Instagram/@doctorsoood, Freepik)
Dr. Kunal Sood, MD, who regularly shares health insights on Instagram, recently addressed this issue and cautioned, “No matter how sweet the date, always check before committing.”
Sharing the video on June 21, Dr Sood said, “Have you ever wondered why dates are considered one of the most nutrient packed fruits?” The doctor went on to explain the health benefits of dates and why it is essential for daily consumption.
Nutritional benefits of having dates every day:
“Dates are a nutrient packed superfood with incredible health benefits. they’re rich in essential vitamins like B6, minerals like potassium and magnesium and dietary fiber that support digestion. Dates also boost powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids which can help combat inflammation and oxidative stress potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases,” said Dr Sood in the video.
What causes mould in dates?
Addressing fungal contamination in dates, Dr Sood added, “Before enjoying our natural sweetness, always check your dates before committing, especially since their high sugar and moisture content can make them susceptible to fungal contamination. Have you been checking your dates?” Also read | Ayurveda expert on rules to eat dates or khajoor, benefits, best time to eat
Dates for bone health:
In a 2021 interview with HT Lifestyle, Siddhant Bhargava, fitness and nutritional scientist, Co-Founder- Food Darzee explained the benefits of dates for bone health. “Less exposure to sunlight, vital for Vitamin D, during winters, can deteriorate bone health. This can be prevented by including dates, rich in calcium, in your diet that will help to keep bone and teeth strong. It also contains rich minerals like potassium, phosphorus, copper, and magnesium that play an important role in preventing bone-related issues like osteoporosis and arthritis.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
If you’re a property investor, I have an important question for you…
If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing a game of property monopoly in Australia, but someone else got to pass “Go” decades before you and now owns half the board, you’re not imagining it.
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