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  • Cheap and Useful iPhone 17 Pro Accessories to Try

    Cheap and Useful iPhone 17 Pro Accessories to Try

    While I usually prefer using my iPhone without a case or screen protector, I’ve actually found myself enjoying both on the iPhone 17 Pro and can recommend giving them a try. They’re affordable options that won’t require a long-term commitment.

    A few years back, Apple introduced Ceramic Shield glass to the iPhone screen, claiming it offered four times better drop resistance and fewer shattered screens. Although I haven’t broken my iPhone screen yet, I do notice deep scratches after about a year of use. The latest Ceramic Shield 2 on this year’s models promises triple the scratch resistance.

    Apple has also improved the anti-glare properties of the front panel, although it doesn’t match the nano-texture treatment seen on iPad Pro and MacBook Pro screens.

    To make the display more matte, I use the Mothca matte glass screen protector. It doesn’t quite eliminate the rainbow effect or brightness drop, but it significantly reduces glare and reflections.

    For protective cases, I prefer a minimal design for those just-in-case moments like kayaking or mounting my phone on a motorcycle handlebar. I decided on a gray case that pairs nicely with the Cosmic Orange and gives a futuristic vibe, avoiding the Halloween-like starkness of black with orange.

    I found a case in-store from Spigen called Thin Fit, available in black, gunmetal, or abyss green—the gray version I chose matches my aesthetic. It costs around $39.99, but you can find it cheaper on Amazon for about $34.99.

    Many cheaper cases lack MagSafe compatibility, limiting the effectiveness of magnetic accessories like battery packs and mounts. The Spigen Thin Fit supports MagSafe and features a capacitive Camera Control cover instead of just an opening, which helps protect the camera bump—a concern given its exposure to potential drops.

    Additionally, this case covers the full camera “mountain range,” enhancing durability. It also conceals the orange aluminum border around the display, which can be visually distracting when paired with darker cases and screens.

    For budget-friendly accessories, the Mothca screen protector and Spigen Thin Fit case balance cost with functionality. They help preserve your phone’s appearance and functionality, all without breaking the bank.

  • Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Release Date Revealed

    Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Release Date Revealed

    Fortnite Season 4 of Chapter 7 is set to kick off on August 20, 2026. The new season, titled “Break the rules. Change the game,” promises plenty of surprises. Expect new parts of the map to explore, familiar characters, and fresh gameplay mechanics to learn. Epic Games are always working on updates, so more changes are likely during this season and beyond. If you’re eager to see what’s coming in Season 4 and want to know about potential updates, here’s what we currently know.

    The season officially launches on August 20, 2026, following announcements on the official Fortnite website and in-game messages. The current Battle Pass runs until August 19, so Season 4 begins right after that. There’s also a live event called Unstable Story Moment happening five days before the season starts. This event may mean the servers are down for a short time during the switch.

    One of the biggest updates involves your Fortnite Sprite collection. All Sprites from Season 3 will be forever kept in the new Sprite Garden. This island allows you to hang out with your Sprites, show off your collection, and visit your friends’ gardens. Season 4 will introduce new Sprites that will be added to your collection as you catch them.

    Leaked footage hints at a Tetris crossover, featuring cloud shapes resembling Tetriminos, a Junk Rift item that drops Tetris blocks from the sky, and a new Tetris-themed location on the map. Eye-catching clouds shaped like Dr. Eggman and a Pac-Man Ghost suggest other gaming collaborations might be on the way.

    Another leaked teaser points to a Sonic the Hedgehog crossover, which could include a Sonic skin, a mythical item to boost your speed, and a themed area on the map. There are also rumors about a collaboration called 99 Nights in the Forest, but initial thoughts of a Minecraft or Five Nights at Freddy’s event seem to have changed.

    A new website, called “Recap,” is also expected to launch alongside the season, letting players view and share their stats—how many hours played, wins, eliminations, and more.

    In terms of cost, the Battle Pass for Season 4 will be 800 V-Bucks, which is roughly $8.99 or £6.99. You can earn back those V-Bucks by completing the Battle Pass challenges. A Battle Bundle upgrade is available for 2,600 V-Bucks ($22.99 / £17.49), instantly granting you access to Tier 25. Alternatively, the Fortnite Crew subscription at $11.99 / £9.99 per month provides access to all passes, plus a bonus 800 V-Bucks monthly and exclusive rewards.

    If you prefer to earn V-Bucks without spending money, you can try to get free V-Bucks through various methods, but beware of scams. Remember, you only need 800 V-Bucks to unlock the upcoming Battle Pass.

    That covers what we know so far about Fortnite Season 4 in Chapter 7. Stay tuned for more updates as new details become available!

  • Biodiversity Goals at Risk Before UN Summit

    Biodiversity Goals at Risk Before UN Summit

    A drone shot captures a wild horse and her foal grazing on spiny gorses in the Serra da Groba, near Baiona, Galicia, Spain, on May 24, 2024. — Reuters

    The global community is falling short of its promises to safeguard nature, according to the UN’s biodiversity leader, who issued the warning Thursday, just weeks ahead of an important conference on the topic in Armenia.

    Humans represent a significant threat to Earth’s land, oceans, animals, and plants. Nearly all nations agreed four years ago to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030, with wealthier countries committing to provide developing nations with $30 billion annually.

    In October, national representatives will gather in Yerevan for COP17 to assess progress toward these commitments among the 196 participating countries.

    “Implementation is not advancing rapidly or extensively enough to meet these goals,” stated Astrid Schomaker, the executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

    She emphasized that the upcoming meeting in Yerevan will require extensive stamina and resolve from all parties involved, following nearly three weeks of preparatory discussions in Nairobi, Kenya.

    The convention’s summary confirmed that “the parties recognize the world is not on track to fulfill biodiversity targets.”

    While some efforts toward conservation are promising, progress in areas like resource mobilization, reforming harmful subsidies, and inclusive governance has been slow, the document added.

    Disagreements remain on how to accelerate efforts to meet the 2030 targets, notably regarding the Cali Fund, established during COP16 in Colombia. It aims to distribute a small portion of the substantial profits that corporations in wealthy countries make from sourcing plants and animals from developing nations.

    Most UN member states have signed the Convention on Biological Diversity, with the United States being a notable exception.

    According to the UN, the biodiversity crisis is driven by five human activities, dubbed the “Five Horsemen of the Apocalypse”: habitat destruction, overuse of resources like water, climate change, pollution, and the invasion of non-native species.

    The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that over 25% of all animal and plant species face extinction.

  • Iran Seeks Compensation Over Hormuz Oil Spill Damage

    Iran Seeks Compensation Over Hormuz Oil Spill Damage

    Iran has issued a warning about environmental harm in the Strait of Hormuz following an oil spill that impacted Qeshm Island. The country is calling for those responsible to provide compensation. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the spill severely damaged the Gulf and Sea of Oman waters, pointing to a foreign bulk carrier as the likely origin based on initial evidence. However, TankerTrackers, a US-based shipping monitoring website, suggests the spill resulted from an Iranian attack on the bulk carrier Minoan Pioneer in Omani waters on August 3, after which the oil drifted into Iranian territory.

    Baqaei shared on X that such spills have caused trillions of dollars in damage to Iran’s coastal regions over recent decades and emphasized the responsibility of all parties benefiting from Strait of Hormuz shipping to address the environmental damage. He reiterated that all entities involved in commercial traffic through the strait bear a moral and legal duty to help repair the damage.

    By Wednesday evening, the spill had been nearly fully removed from Qeshm Island, with approximately 32,000 square meters of coastal zone and 90,000 square meters of water affected, according to Habib Masihi, head of Iran’s environmental protection in Hormozgan Province. Sheena Ansari, leader of Iran’s Environmental Protection Organization, added that the pollution exemplifies the ongoing environmental degradation of the region’s marine ecosystems over decades. She questioned who should ultimately be responsible for the reparations: energy-consuming nations or those making the region a military staging ground.

    Since the onset of the Middle East conflict on February 28, Iran has controlled the Strait of Hormuz, blocking ships from US-allied Gulf countries from passing. Iran has announced plans to levy navigational fees on vessels for environmental and other services, a move opposed by the US and regional allies.

    This spill followed another recent incident near Oman caused by a tanker that ran aground, which had been stranded for weeks after an explosion damaged it—details uncovered by AFP investigations.

  • Top 34 Asian Brands Leading Worldwide

    Top 34 Asian Brands Leading Worldwide

    Top Asian Brands Making Global Waves in 2025

    1. Samsung (South Korea) Continues Dominance in Electronics

    Samsung remains at the forefront of technological innovation, leading the way with its vast array of smartphones, display screens, and home appliances. Their commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainability efforts keeps them well ahead in the competitive global market.

    2. LG (South Korea): A Household Name in Home Appliances and Electronics

    LG’s reputation for producing reliable and innovative appliances—ranging from refrigerators to smart TVs—continues to grow worldwide. The company’s focus on eco-friendly features has bolstered its appeal among environmentally conscious consumers.

    3. Hyundai & Kia (South Korea): Automotive Powerhouses

    Hyundai and Kia have solidified their places as top automobile brands. Their commitment to electric vehicle (EV) development and affordability has surged their popularity across North America, Europe, and Asia, redefining mobility for the modern driver.

    4. Toyota & Honda (Japan): Pioneers in Reliability and Innovation

    Toyota leads the global hybrid vehicle market with its Prius and expanding lineup of EVs. Honda, meanwhile, excels in compact cars and motorcycles, with revolutionary safety features and fuel efficiency that continue to set industry standards.

    5. Sony & Nintendo (Japan): Entertainment Giants

    Sony’s dominance in gaming through the PlayStation console, along with its high-quality electronics and entertainment content, sustains its international loyalty. Nintendo remains influential with its innovative gaming consoles and beloved franchises, captivating audiences of all ages.

    6. Canon & Uniqlo (Japan): Icons in Their Fields

    Canon’s photography and imaging products are known globally for quality, while Uniqlo’s minimalist fashion and affordable pricing make it a favorite among diverse demographics and cultures.

    7. Chinese Tech Leaders: Huawei, Xiaomi, Lenovo, Alibaba & TikTok

    Chinese companies continue their ascent by leading innovations in smartphones, e-commerce, and social media. Huawei and Xiaomi are competing fiercely in the global smartphone race, while Alibaba’s e-commerce platforms dominate Asian markets. TikTok remains a cultural phenomenon influencing social trends worldwide.

    8. Indian Giants: Tata Group, Reliance Industries & Infosys

    India’s economic powerhouses have diversified their global reach. Tata focuses on automotive and steel, Reliance on telecommunications and retail, and Infosys on IT services, transforming India into a significant player in various sectors internationally.

    9. Taiwanese Tech Titans: TSMC, ASUS & Acer

    Taiwan’s semiconductor industry with TSMC pushes the boundaries of chip manufacturing, fueling innovations in AI, 5G, and gaming technology. ASUS and Acer continue delivering top-tier computing devices and gaming gear acknowledged globally.

    10. Southeast & Middle Eastern Leaders: Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Emirates, Etihad & Qatar Airways

    Singapore Airlines and AirAsia lead affordable luxury and budget air travel, respectively. Middle Eastern airlines—Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways—remain synonymous with world-class service and extensive global networks, connecting continents seamlessly.

    11. Turkish & Israeli Innovators: Turkish Airlines & Waze

    Turkish Airlines connects more destinations than any other carrier in Europe and Asia, making Turkey a central hub. Israel’s Waze revolutionized navigation with real-time traffic alerts, becoming essential for millions worldwide.

    12. Filipino & Singaporean Favorites: Jollibee & Razer

    Jollibee continues spreading joy with its Filipino-inspired cuisine, expanding internationally. Razer is a top choice for gamers, producing cutting-edge peripherals and gaming laptops, proving Singapore’s strength in tech innovation.

    13. Beko (Turkey): Leading in Home Appliances

    Beko has gained recognition for its cost-effective, durable home appliances designed for modern households worldwide, especially in Europe and Africa.

    14. Thailand’s Energetic: Red Bull

    Red Bull, founded in Thailand, is more than a beverage—it’s a global lifestyle brand supporting extreme sports, music, and esports, maintaining prominent cultural influence worldwide.

    15. Indonesia’s Indomie: Instant Noodles with Global Appeal

    Indomie has become a household staple in numerous countries owing to its flavorful, affordable instant noodles—bridging diverse culinary cultures across the globe.

    2025 is marked by Asian brands redefining consumer experience across industries—from automotive and electronics to fashion and food. Their influence continues growing, driven by technology, innovation, and cultural adaptability, solidifying Asia’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global markets.

  • How to Use GitHub Copilot for Coding Assistance

    How to Use GitHub Copilot for Coding Assistance

    If you’re having trouble with a website not allowing certain actions, like submitting a form or performing a specific task, don’t worry — there’s a simple way to fix it. Sometimes, websites restrict actions to prevent spam or misuse, but if you’re just trying to use the site normally, you can try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This clears out old data that might be causing issues.

    First, open your browser settings. Look for the section labeled “Privacy” or “History.” Here, you’ll find options to clear browsing data. Make sure to select cookies and cached images and files. Then, click “Clear Data” or “Clear Browsing Data.”

    After clearing your browser data, refresh the website. Log in again if needed, and try your action once more. Usually, this solves the problem because it removes any stored data that might be preventing you from completing the task.

    If the problem persists, check if your browser has any extensions or plugins that could interfere with the site. Temporarily disable them and see if that makes a difference.

    Remember, always keep your browser updated to the latest version, as updates often fix bugs that cause such issues. Following these simple steps can help you get past most website restrictions and continue with your usual activities smoothly.

  • DeepSeek Preview Launch: Turn Agent Skills Into Plugins

    DeepSeek has officially launched the developer preview (v0.1) of its innovative product, DeepSeek Harness, opening it up for global testing and releasing the project under the MIT license. This new platform features a modular, plugin-based architecture that allows developers to customize and enhance its capabilities easily. Users can mix and match models, tools, skills, conversations, sandboxes, storage, scheduling, and user interfaces simply by using plugins.

    The core philosophy guiding DeepSeek Harness is “everything is a plugin.” Built atop the Cordis plugin system, the platform’s foundation manages plugin loading, unloading, and dependency management. Individual components within the Agent Harness operate as distinct plugins, communicating through services and event-driven mechanisms. This design ensures flexibility and ease of customization, enabling developers to update or replace features such as models, tools, and skills without modifying the core codebase. Adjustments can be made via configuration settings, streamlining the development process.

    DeepSeek’s presentation highlights four operational modes: Standard, PTC, Minimal, and Creative. The standard mode offers a comprehensive suite of tools for full functionality; PTC mode enables code generation for multi-step tool execution; Minimal mode preserves only essential tools like Shell and file editing for benchmarking in constrained environments; and Creative mode allows users to examine current runtime states and experiment with new plugin combinations directly in memory.

    In terms of session management, DeepSeek Harness employs an append-only log design. All operational data—including system prompts, reasoning chains, tool calls, results, agent scheduling, and context injections—is stored sequentially. Developers can access these logs via a Trajectory view, which organizes information by source. The system also supports features such as session recovery, branching, retrieval, and playback, all driven by a unified event stream for seamless analysis.

    For users with Node.js development environments, the platform can be launched with a simple command: npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web, which starts the web-based user interface. Additionally, the full source code for the project has been made available to the public, fostering community collaboration and further development.

    Despite these exciting advancements, DeepSeek notes that v0.1 remains an early preview, with ongoing iterations planned for core plugins and foundational interfaces. The company emphasizes that this launch marks a significant step toward a highly customizable and plugin-driven AI agent ecosystem, inviting developers worldwide to explore and contribute to its evolution.

  • Top Runes in Elden Ring & Prime Locations for Rune Arc Farming

    Top Runes in Elden Ring & Prime Locations for Rune Arc Farming

    Collecting Rune Arcs and gathering Great Runes are closely linked since each provides valuable benefits. Throughout Elden Ring, players can discover and equip powerful Great Runes, but they remain inactive until you find a Rune Arc. The Rune Arc acts as fuel to activate the buff granted by the Great Rune temporarily.

    Most Great Runes are rewards for defeating certain main bosses in the game. To use them, you need to activate a Divine Tower in the region where you defeated the boss, which restores the rune. Then, you can equip the Great Rune at a Site of Grace. When you consume a Rune Arc, it temporarily triggers the effect of the equipped Great Rune, providing a significant boost.

    For example, activating a Rune Arc with Godrick’s Great Rune boosts all your attributes for a short time. Radahn’s Great Rune increases your health, stamina, and FP. Using these abilities before or during tough fights can be a game-changer.

    Here are some top ways to farm Rune Arcs, whether you’re playing online or offline:

    – Help others defeat bosses. Assisting players by summoning help for easier or mid-level bosses often rewards you with Rune Arcs and Runes.
    – Farm rats. Giant rats in various underground locations, like under Stormveil Castle or in the Divine Tower of Liurnia, can occasionally drop Rune Arcs. While the drop rate is slow, boosting your Arcane stat and killing rats efficiently can make farming worthwhile—especially if you’re struggling with other challenges.

    Great Runes are special items earned by defeating key bosses like Godrick, Renalla, Radahn, Morgott, Rykard, and Malenia. Returning to the Roundtable Hold and talking to Gideon Ofnir can help you locate these bosses if you’re unsure where to find the next one.

    There are six main Great Runes, each with its own effect:

    – Godrick’s Great Rune: Boosts all attributes by 5
    – Radahn’s Great Rune: Increases max HP, FP, and stamina by 15%
    – Morgott’s Great Rune: Raises max HP by 25%
    – Rykard’s Great Rune: Restores 185 HP per enemy defeated
    – Mohg’s Great Rune: Grants the “Blessing of Blood,” giving summoned spirits a special life-steal effect and boosting their damage when they trigger Bleed.
    – Malenia’s Great Rune: Reduces healing effectiveness by 75%, but healing after taking damage allows HP recovery.

    Most effects are straightforward and powerful, like Morgott’s health boost or Godrick’s overall enhancement. Mohg’s Rune is more complex; it grants lifesteal to your summoned allies and can turn enemies into sources of health. Additionally, if you invade with Mohg’s Rune active, nearby enemies also get the Blessing of Blood, creating a dangerous environment for your opponents.

    To restore a Great Rune, take it to the Divine Tower in the same region where you defeated the boss who dropped it. Restoring a rune is a one-time process per rune. These towers are usually large, dark stone structures with bridges halfway up, often requiring players to fight tough enemies or solve puzzles to access.

    Once restored, you can activate the Great Rune at a Site of Grace by equipping it. Using a Rune Arc during gameplay will then temporarily activate its effect, offering a powerful boost when needed most.

  • Astronomers Observe Dying Star Releasing Material into Space

    Astronomers Observe Dying Star Releasing Material into Space

    Astronomers have captured a stunning image of a dying star’s remnants being torn apart and redistributed into the space between stars. This observation provides a rare glimpse into a key cosmic recycling process: the return of material from ancient stars, which can eventually contribute to the formation of new stars, planets, and other celestial objects.

    The finding was made during observations of the Helix Nebula, a well-known planetary nebula approximately 650 light-years from Earth. The study, led by Yale University astronomer Pieter van Dokkum, was published in Nature.

    The Helix Nebula originated when a star similar in size to the Sun reached the final stages of its life cycle. It expelled much of its outer layers into space, leaving behind a dense stellar core known as a white dwarf. This expelled gas created the nebula’s characteristic bright ring.

    However, the new observations uncovered structures far from the nebula’s core, especially on its eastern side. The team was actually calibrating a new telescope called MOTHRA, short for the Modular Optical Telephoto Hyperspectral Robotic Array, located at the El Sauce Observatory in Chile. Designed to detect extremely faint gases in space, MOTHRA unexpectedly revealed a network of previously unnoticed structures in the nebula’s outer regions.

    They identified 22 complete or partial “bow shocks” — curved formations resembling waves in front of a boat. These appear where clumps of material, expelled from the dying star, move swiftly through the sparse gas between stars. As these fragments collide with surrounding material, they produce glowing, curved features visible to astronomers.

    The shape and size of these bow shocks offer vital clues about what happens to stellar debris after its release. Closer to the star, the structures are larger, sharply defined, and thin. At greater distances, they become smaller, more diffuse, and increasingly fragmented. This pattern suggests that the fragments gradually break apart as they traverse space.

    Researchers estimate that individual clumps can survive for roughly 10,000 years after exposure to surrounding gas before being shredded and their material blending into the interstellar medium. This process plays a crucial role in the universe’s matter cycle, with materials from dying stars eventually becoming part of new stellar and planetary systems. In billions of years, our Sun will undergo a similar cycle, returning much of its material to the galaxy.

    The discovery also highlights MOTHRA’s potential. Once fully operational, the telescope will employ 1,140 telephoto lenses, advanced filters, and powerful computing to hunt for some of the faintest structures in the universe. For astronomers, the Helix Nebula has become more than just a beautiful image — it’s a glimpse into the dynamic, ongoing process of cosmic recycling.

    Source: Yale.

  • UN: Afghan Women Rarely Leave Home as Taliban Restrictions Widen

    UN: Afghan Women Rarely Leave Home as Taliban Restrictions Widen

    Half of Afghan women now leave their homes just once or twice a month due to Taliban restrictions that limit their movement and participation in public life, according to a report by UN Women released Wednesday.

    As the Taliban gear up to mark five years since their return to power, Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are barred from secondary education and women are prohibited from attending university, the UN agency that champions gender equality reported.

    “Five years after the Taliban took control in August 2021, Afghanistan has systematically stripped away the rights of half the population, making it a unique case globally with no comparable modern example,” UN Women stated.

    Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice — the agency responsible for enforcing many of the regime’s policies on women — told Reuters that claims women don’t feel safe leaving their homes are false, and that women in Afghanistan still have access to their rights.

    “This is the first time in nearly 50 years that all Afghan citizens feel they are living in safety and security,” he said, adding that the state of women’s rights is heading in a “positive direction.”

    Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban have prevented around 2.4 million girls from attending secondary school, according to UNESCO.

    UN Women reports that Taliban authorities have issued over 100 decrees targeting women and girls since taking control, institutionalizing discrimination and deepening what it called the world’s worst women’s rights crisis.

    The Taliban claim they respect women’s rights in line with their interpretation of Islamic law and Afghan culture.

    More than half of women surveyed by the UN agency reported leaving their homes twice a month or less, and nearly 75% said they felt unsafe going out without a male guardian, known as a mahram.

    These restrictions have also intensified a mental health crisis, with 70% of women describing their mental health as “bad” or “very bad,” citing feelings of isolation, loss of opportunities, and limited access to support networks.

    The report warns that recent edicts have further diminished women’s legal protections. Measures introduced this year abolished legal equality between men and women, increased men’s authority within marriages, and made it harder for women to seek divorce.

    Women also remain largely excluded from the workforce, with only 7% employed compared to 84% of men, the UN Women data indicates.

    This information is based on a door-to-door survey of 2,190 people conducted from February to March 2025, along with telephone surveys of 2,811 individuals carried out from April to May 2026.

  • Leaked: PS5 Remake of Classic PS2 Action Game

    Leaked: PS5 Remake of Classic PS2 Action Game

    An unannounced native PS5 version of a remade PS2 action-adventure game has been leaked by the ESRB rating board. Originally released in 2020, Mafia: Definitive Edition is a complete PS4 remake of the beloved 2002 classic. It seems that PS5 players may soon have the chance to experience the remake natively, rather than through backward compatibility.

    A ResetEra user discovered that the ESRB recently rated a PS5 and Xbox Series X|S version of Mafia: Definitive Edition. Neither Hangar 13, the developer, nor 2K, the publisher, has officially announced the port.

    The assumption is that this will be a free upgrade for current owners, which is typically the case, but we’ll need an official statement to confirm. The game was recently discounted on the PlayStation Store but has since returned to its regular price of $39.99. This suggests that an announcement or release of the PS5 version is imminent.

  • Top 2024 PS5 RPG Now 70% Off on PlayStation Store!

    Top 2024 PS5 RPG Now 70% Off on PlayStation Store!

    A highly acclaimed 2024 RPG published by Sega for PS5 and PS4 is currently available at 70% off on the PlayStation Store in a limited-time deal that couldn’t be more perfect. Developed by Vanillware, Unicorn Overlord is now at its lowest price ever on the storefront, making it an ideal time to make a purchase.

    PS5 and PS4 owners can get Unicorn Overlord (cross-buy compatible) for just $17.99 through August 27. After that, the price will go back up to $59.99.

    This deal is especially timely because Unicorn Overlord is set to be removed from the PS Plus Extra and Premium lineup next Tuesday, August 18. If you don’t think you’ll complete the game before then, grab this offer now while you can.

    According to the official description, “Liberate your kingdom, redefine your destiny. Fight against fate and embark on a royal quest to reclaim your reign alongside loyal allies. Unicorn Overlord fuses classic tactical RPG gameplay with open-world exploration and a fresh battle system, delivering a distinctive epic fantasy experience in Vanillware’s signature style.”

    On Metacritic, the PS5 version of Unicorn Overlord scores an impressive 86 out of 100, and on the PlayStation Store, it has a high user rating of 4.79 out of 5 stars based on over 17,000 reviews.

  • PBOC to Watch Global Central Bank Moves, Maintain Liquidity

    PBOC to Watch Global Central Bank Moves, Maintain Liquidity

    As part of its ongoing strategy, China’s central bank plans to closely monitor shifts in monetary policies by leading international central banks to maintain sufficient liquidity domestically and keep short-term money-market rates stable, according to its latest policy update.

    The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) will strengthen its oversight of liquidity supply and demand within the banking system, as well as monitor developments in the money market. It will also utilize and adjust monetary policy tools as necessary to guide short-term interest rates to fluctuate gradually around policy rates.

    The PBOC indicated that policy changes by major overseas central banks, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, could influence the global economy and financial markets. This year, international crude oil and commodity prices experienced increases amid Middle East tensions, while inflation in key economies has generally risen due to external supply shocks.

    Industry analysts emphasized that China should remain alert to uncertainties related to monetary policy adjustments abroad. It should calibrate the strength, pace, and timing of its own policy responses based on both domestic and international economic conditions, as well as financial market developments.

    International Policy Adjustments

    Experts noted that policy changes by major central banks often have ripple effects on global financial markets. Given China’s deep integration into the global economy and its efforts to develop a dual circulation model—focused both on domestic and international markets—it is crucial to stay vigilant regarding external monetary policy shifts.

    However, the current phase of monetary policy adjustments by key central banks appears to be relatively modest, the PBOC report highlighted.

    The report points out that the recent energy shocks are easing, so even if major economies’ central banks decide to raise interest rates, these increases are unlikely to be large. Furthermore, monetary policy in developed countries was already somewhat restrictive prior to recent hikes, so the changes mainly affect interest rates and liquidity without representing a fundamental reversal of macroeconomic policies.

    For example, the European Central Bank increased its three main interest rates by 25 basis points in June amid inflation pressures from Middle Eastern conflicts and held these rates steady in July. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has maintained its target range for the federal funds rate at 3.5% to 3.75% since early this year, according to its July policy report.

    Domestic Monetary Policy to Remain Moderately Easing

    Given China’s sizable economy, its monetary policy has traditionally focused on domestic needs while considering the balance with global factors, industry experts have noted.

    In recent years, the PBOC has adopted a moderately easing monetary stance to create a conducive environment for stable growth and high-quality economic development. Looking ahead, authorities plan to leverage existing policies effectively, implement targeted incremental measures, enhance countercyclical adjustments, expand domestic demand, and improve supply-side reforms.

    The central bank aims to continue a moderately loose monetary policy while harnessing the synergy between other policy measures to support economic stability, the report stated.

  • Top Countries and Their Largest Religions Percentages

    Top Countries and Their Largest Religions Percentages

    Top Countries by Dominant Religion in 2025: A Global Overview

    India Dominates with Hinduism

    India continues to be the epicenter of Hinduism, with approximately 79.8% of the population adhering to the faith. The religion deeply influences the country’s culture, festivals, and societal norms, making India a unique religious landscape recognized worldwide.

    Japan’s Secular Shift: The Growing Unaffiliated Demographic

    In Japan, a striking 60% of the population identifies as unaffiliated with any organized religion. This shift reflects a broader global trend toward secularism, with many Japanese embracing cultural traditions over religious doctrines.

    The United States: A Christian Stronghold

    Christianity remains the predominant religion in the U.S., with about 63% of Americans aligning with the faith. This diverse religious composition fuels ongoing dialogues about faith, liberty, and multiculturalism across the nation.

    Pakistan Maintains Islamic Majority

    Pakistan’s population is overwhelmingly Muslim, with approximately 97% adhering to the religion. Islam continues to shape the nation’s legal systems, social customs, and national identity.

    Nigeria’s Religious Diversity

    Nigeria presents a melting pot of faiths, with the religion split roughly equally—about 50.5% Islam and the rest comprising Christianity and indigenous beliefs. This diversity influences Nigeria’s complex social and political fabric.

    Bangladesh’s Islamic Majority

    In Bangladesh, Islam dominates, with about 90% of the population practicing the faith. Islamic festivals and traditions are woven into the country’s cultural fabric, impacting societal norms and laws.

    Brazil: Christianity’s Viral Growth

    Brazil stands out as a predominantly Christian nation, with approximately 88% of its population practicing the religion. The country’s lively religious festivals and church-led social initiatives highlight the faith’s influence.

    Russia’s Christian Heritage

    With around 72% identifying as Christian, Russia’s religious landscape is rooted in Eastern Orthodoxy. The faith continues to influence national identity and cultural traditions.

    Mexico’s Deep Catholic Roots

    Mexico is predominantly Catholic, with about 82% of its population practicing Christianity. Religious festivities, such as Día de los Muertos, exemplify this deep cultural integration.

    Indonesia: The Largest Muslim Population in Southeast Asia

    Indonesia leads Southeast Asia with about 87% of its population practicing Islam. The nation’s Islamic heritage coexists with indigenous traditions, creating a vibrant religious mosaic.

    Egypt: The Heart of Arab Islam

    In Egypt, Islam is practiced by roughly 90% of its citizens, influencing legislation, social customs, and daily life.

    Turkey’s Near-Universal Islam

    An astonishing 98% of Turkey’s population adheres to Islam, underscoring the religion’s central role in the country’s identity and governance.

    Iran’s Religious Monolith: 99% Islam

    Iran’s population is almost entirely Muslim, predominantly Shia, shaping its political system, culture, and international relations.

    The Philippines: Christianity’s Pride

    Christianity, mainly Catholicism, is the faith of about 90% Filipinos, influencing national festivals, holidays, and societal values.

    Ethiopia’s Christian Heritage

    Approximately 60% of Ethiopians follow Christianity, with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church being a significant religious institution.

    Vietnam and South Korea: The Rise of the Unaffiliated

    Vietnam (70%) and South Korea (56%) have sizable populations identifying as unaffiliated or secular, reflecting modernization’s influence on traditional religious affiliations.

    Europe’s Shifting Religious Paradigm

    • Germany: 55% Christian
    • France: 47% Christian
    • United Kingdom: 49% Christian
    • Italy: 80% Catholic
    • Spain: 70% Christian

    European countries exhibit declining adherence to traditional Christianity, with increasing secularization, though Christian heritage remains prominent.

    North Korea: The Unknown Faith Landscape

    North Korea remains largely unreported, with estimates indicating virtually 100% unaffiliated, reflecting the state’s suppressive stance on religion.

    Central Asian Islamic Strongholds

    • Kyrgyzstan: 85% Islam
    • Kazakhstan: 70% Islam

    These nations blend Islamic traditions with Soviet-era secular policies, fostering unique religious expressions.

    Australia and Canada: Western Secular Trends

    • Australia: 44% Christian
    • Canada: 53% Christian

    Both countries show significant secular and unaffiliated populations, with religions influencing but not defining public life.

    Africa’s Christian and Islamic Majority

    • South Africa: 80% Christian
    • Tanzania: 60% Christian
    • Kenya: 85% Christian

    In Africa, Christianity and Islam dominate, shaping societal norms, politics, and community life.

    Asian Religions and Beliefs

    • Thailand: 93% Buddhism
    • Sri Lanka: 70% Buddhism
    • Malaysia: 61% Islam
    • Singapore: 31% Buddhism

    Asian countries showcase a vibrant tapestry of Buddhist, Islamic, and indigenous faiths, influencing their cultural identities.

    Middle East and North Africa: The Islamic Heartland

    • Saudi Arabia: 100% Islam
    • Iraq: 95% Islam
    • Syria: 90% Islam
    • Lebanon: 61% Islam
    • Tunisia & Morocco: 99% Islam
    • Afghanistan: 99% Islam

    Islam shapes politics, law, and daily life across these nations, with some exceptions of religious diversity.

    Israel’s Unique Religious Composition

    Approximately 74% of Israelis follow Judaism, with the country serving as a nexus for Jewish culture and religion.

    Latin America’s Predominantly Christian Demographics

    Countries like Argentina (76%), Colombia (90%), Venezuela (88%), Peru (90%), and Chile (70%) highlight South America’s deep Christian roots.

    Insights into the Future of Religion Worldwide

    While some regions are experiencing decline in organized religious adherence, others remain deeply rooted in faith, and new spiritual movements continue to emerge. The global religious landscape in 2025 reflects a complex interplay between tradition, secularism, and cultural shifts, shaping societies across the world.

    Source: Pew Research Center – Religious Composition by Country (2010–2020 data, 2025). World Population Review

    Note: Figures are estimates and subject to change based on new demographic data.

  • Lenovo Stock Jumps as Q1 Earnings Outpace Expectations on AI Growth

    Lenovo Stock Jumps as Q1 Earnings Outpace Expectations on AI Growth

    Lenovo’s shares soared following the company’s impressive fiscal first-quarter results, driven by the continued surge in artificial intelligence hardware demand. The company’s stock in Hong Kong closed up 20%, at HKD34.90 (approximately USD4.45) per share, marking nearly a 280% increase for the year so far.

    For the quarter ending June 30, the Beijing-based tech giant reported a 176% increase in adjusted net profit, reaching $1.08 billion compared to the previous year. Operating revenue also grew significantly, climbing 43% to $26.9 billion—the highest growth rate in five years.

    Company leadership highlighted this milestone, with the CEO stating, “We achieved our best quarter ever—record revenue, record adjusted profit, and a strong push in AI momentum.” Artificial intelligence has become a central growth driver, with AI-related business income soaring 60% during the quarter to a record $63.4 billion, making up roughly 35% of total revenue.

    The CEO emphasized that years of strategic investment and transformation are paying off, noting, “AI is now a clear growth engine across every business segment.” Despite the positive figures, the company reported an unusual net loss of $609 million, primarily due to a non-cash fair-value loss of $1.7 billion on warrants issued in 2025, as well as $30 million in nominal interest on convertible bonds.

    Looking ahead, the leader confirmed the company’s ambition to reach $100 billion in annual revenue within two years. “With the momentum from the first quarter, I believe we’re ahead of schedule and may achieve this goal sooner than expected,” he said.

    The company’s core business groups showed consistent growth. The Intelligent Device Group increased its global market share, with revenue climbing 27% to CNY116.4 billion (about USD17.25 billion), despite broader market challenges. The Infrastructure Solutions Group nearly doubled its revenue, hitting a record of CNY57.9 billion. Meanwhile, the Solutions and Services Group posted CNY19.6 billion in revenue, up 28%, marking a 21st consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.

    Lenovo continues to lead as the world’s largest PC manufacturer, maintaining a market share that is 5.3 percentage points ahead of its nearest competitor, HP—extending its lead for the tenth straight quarter.

  • How to Fix Guardrail Enforcement Issues in AWS Pinpoint Console

    How to Fix Guardrail Enforcement Issues in AWS Pinpoint Console

    If you’re using AWS End User Messaging (SMS or Pinpoint) and notice a strange discrepancy in your billing dashboard, here’s what you need to know and how to handle it.

    First, let’s understand the problem. You might see that your dashboard shows a “$0” spend under the “Spending limits” section, even though you know your team is actively sending SMS messages and incurring costs. For example, your configured spending limit might be set at $50, but the dashboard doesn’t reflect any spend at all.

    This mismatch raises a big concern: is the dashboard just not updating in real-time, or is there a bigger issue? If the “Current spend” isn’t showing your actual usage, AWS might not be accurately enforcing your spending limits. This could mean your account is at risk of overspending because the system isn’t fully aligned with backend data.

    If you’re seeing this across multiple accounts, it’s likely a widespread problem rather than a one-off bug.

    Here’s what you can do:

    1. Verify Actual Usage: Check your CloudWatch metrics and billing reports directly in the AWS Billing Dashboard to confirm how much you’ve actually spent on SMS. This helps determine if the issue is truly display-related or if there’s a deeper problem.

    2. Review the Enforced Limit: Make sure your spending limit is set correctly in the console. If it’s at $50, but the dashboard shows $0, that’s a sign of a UI bug rather than an actual limit issue.

    3. Contact AWS Support: Since a support case has already been opened without a clear answer, follow up with AWS support and insist on an investigation into the dashboard’s data synchronization. Provide details about where you see mismatches.

    4. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on announcements from AWS. Sometimes, these display issues are known bugs scheduled for fix in upcoming updates.

    Remember, even if the dashboard shows $0 spend, always check your actual billing and usage reports to prevent unexpected charges. Until the display sync is fixed, rely on direct billing data to monitor your costs and ensure your spending limits are working as intended.

    In summary, discrepancies between the AWS messaging console and actual billing data can happen, but verified billing will always be the ultimate guide. Stay proactive, keep records, and work with AWS support to resolve the issue quickly.

  • Air India mandates drug tests for all pilots after captain’s marijuana positive

    Air India mandates drug tests for all pilots after captain’s marijuana positive

    Air India will implement mandatory drug testing for all pilots starting Thursday, following an internal memo and shortly after a pilot involved in a serious mid-air incident tested positive for marijuana. The new protocol will screen for substances and medications that are banned under aviation standards. These tests will be carried out during training sessions at the airline’s Gurugram training center, after flights at briefing locations, offices, or at places designated by pilots’ home bases.

    Testing will include pilots from Air India’s budget subsidiary, Air India Express. The airline has not responded immediately to requests for comment. Current regulations mandate that airlines randomly test at least 10% of their flight crews for psychoactive substances annually.

    However, Air India states that they now see the need to go further, emphasizing that the new measures are aimed at maintaining safety standards and reassuring passengers and stakeholders.

    This decision comes amid investigations into an August 4 incident where an Airbus A320neo flying from Phuket to Delhi suddenly lost around 300 feet of altitude during cruise. The pilot involved in that incident tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test, a source familiar with the situation revealed.