Latest Summaries

Vice President JD Vance arrived in New Delhi for a pivotal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling significant progress toward a bilateral trade deal aimed at avoiding U.S.-led tariffs. The talks covered trade agreements, defense, critical technologies, and energy, with Modi praising the visit as a step toward dialogue. Vance’s family attended the meeting, which included cultural interactions in Jaipur and Agra. The U.S., threatening higher tariffs if no agreement is reached by July, has been focusing on trade negotiations, while India has sought to attract investments through tariff reductions and economic partnerships.

The Razer Blade 14 has become thinner than ever before, with a shell as tall as ten stacked pennies, making it one of the slimmest gaming laptops available. However, its higher cost reflects the impact of tariffs and its use of AMD's Ryzen AI 9 365 paired with up to 64GB of 8,000MHz LPDDR5X RAM. The system also includes a lightweight design that balances port features like HDMI and microSD slots with aggressive cooling for better performance during intensive gaming sessions. Despite its upgrades, the Blade 14 still offers limited battery life compared to some competitors, though its RGB-lit keyboard provides premium customization options.

The Trump administration has intensified its immigration enforcement push with executive orders targeting criminals and identifying sanctuary cities as obstacles to federal law enforcement. Despite White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt describing this move as a strategic effort to protect American communities, ongoing legal challenges and resistance from sanctuary jurisdictions like California pose significant roadblocks. A symbolic display of ICE mugshots around the White House underscores the administration's commitment, though it faces legal pushback such as a federal judge in California barring federal funds for sanctuary cities' efforts.

Lori Hyrup, John Lindemuth, and Steve Gray have joined Wheel of Time Games as industry experts to help create a new triple-A, open-world RPG inspired by the Wheel of Time universe. Lori brings expertise in narrative design with previous work on titles like *Star Wars: Uprising*, while John offers deep art direction experience from major studios, and Steve contributes his 30+ years of tech leadership, most recently overseeing *The Lord of the Rings* video game series. These additions signal Wheel of Time Games' commitment to building a talented team for an immersive fan experience.

Foreign investors are increasingly treating Taiwan as a potential tail-risk scenario due to heightened U.S.-China relations under Trump, which have led to tariffs causing market instability. With China considering Taiwan "sacred" territory, the fear of conflict could lead to economic disruptions, including loss of Taiwan's currency and market identity, pushing investors toward safer bets amid geopolitical tensions.

Get ready for a virtual battleground! MixRift’s Battle Orb, launching soon in early access on Meta Quest 3S, 3, and 2 platforms, lets you play solo or with up to four friends. Combine tactical strategy with physics-based action as you transform your surroundings into dynamic battlegrounds. Customize your characters, engage in real-time PvP battles, and progress strategically while ensuring controls are intuitive for all skill levels. Available now on Meta Quest platforms, Battle Orb is part of MixRift’s family of accessible, multi-player mixed-reality games designed to be both fun and immersive.

Black smoke signalled the failure of the 133 cardinals inside the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope on the first day of the conclave, with voters finally choosing at 9:05 pm after hours of waiting. The crowd of over 45,000 in St Peter’s Square showed strong support for Pope Francis, with many hoping the new pope will continue his progressive vision. Meanwhile, challenges remain as the college of cardinals is divided and does not want the election to last longer than a few days.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has rejected calls for tax cuts, warning that Japan's financial state mirrors Greece’s and advising against using government bonds to fund such measures due to rising borrowing costs. He emphasized the nation's dire fiscal situation, highlighting its current poor condition compared to Greece’s.

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, under CEO Sundar Pichai, is set to keep growing its engineering workforce well into 2026, highlighting the importance of human talent as AI investments ramp up. While U.S. tech leaders like Microsoft have cut staff this year due to rising AI demands, Google itself has recently laid off employees to reallocate resources.

Hamdan Ballal, an Oscar-winning filmmaker, recount his brutal attack by Israeli settlers after winning for "No Other Land," feeling mocked and violated amidst the violence his community faces daily. He describes how he narrowly escaped with his family, emphasizing their resilience but the ongoing threat to their lives, despite the film's Oscar win not making a difference for them. The directors of "No Other Land" expressed hope that international support continues to recognize the struggle of the Masafer Yatta community under occupation.

Bix Caleen, portrayed by Adria Arjona, confirmed theories that her pregnancy with Cassian Bane was a key factor in her decision to leave the rebel base in *Star Wars: Andor*. The actress revealed that she knew she was pregnant when she made the choice to depart, highlighting her internal conflict and sacrifice for Cassian's future as well as the rebellion. This heartfelt moment, which also serves as a poignant farewell to fans, is masterfully handled by the creators, adding emotional depth to Bix's decision.

Matheus Cunha is drawing interest from Manchester United as they explore a potential transfer due to his skillset and goalscoring ability in his current club, Wolves. Despite competition from other European clubs, Man U are reportedly considering him for their attack this summer, with Cunha expected to depart Wolves ahead of the upcoming season after confirming their Premier League survival with a hard-fought victory over United last weekend.

Tom Sermanni has scathingly criticized the A-League Women’s lack of professionalism and underinvestment despite their historic 2023 World Cup success. He pointed out stark contrasts in player conditions, staff support, and financial backing compared to other international leagues like Canada's Northern Super League. With the league failing to meet key targets by 2026-27, Professional Footballers Australia has warned of a potential 'player drain,' jeopardizing the Matildas’ future.

Jamie Lee Curtis sparked controversy by publicly appealing to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to remove an AI-generated ad featuring her image, highlighting concerns over the use of her likeness and calling for transparency in AI's role within industries. Curly's post, shared alongside actor Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson's similar appeals, underscores growing scrutiny of AI-generated content and its impact on creative credentials and industry interdependence. Her acknowledgment during a 2023 strike further positions her as an advocate against perceived threats from AI, while the rapid resolution of her case reflects broader efforts to regulate such content responsibly.

Vox Media has sold its video game specialist website, Polygon, to Valnet, a publisher of platforms like Game Rant and OpenCritic, following the abrupt layoffs of key journalists at the 13-year-old outlet. Among those affected are co-founder Chris Plante and Senior Writer Michael McWhertor. Several current and former employees expressed shock at the sudden departures, with one saying they were ready to embrace summer blockbuster season but now feel displaced. This wave of layoffs marks a significant shift for the gaming journalism landscape, signaling potential changes in how such platforms operate moving forward.

Pakistan has been accused of launching a fresh wave of drone strikes against India on Friday night, with projectiles reported over the states of Indian-administered Kashmir and Punjab. Explosions were heard in areas of Indian Kashmir and the bright flash of intercepted drones were seen over the Punjab city of Amritsar. Witnesses said the drone strikes were heavier than those that took place on Thursday night. India said it had launched four drone strikes at Pakistan, directly targeting military defence infrastructure. However, a Pakistan security official said that Thursday night’s drone strikes were just to “heat things up” before Pakistan launched a fully fledged retaliatory attack.

"For nearly 18 years, Tim Friede injected himself with venom from over 650 carefully calibrated snake bites to build immunity against 16 deadly species. His groundbreaking experiment revealed antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple snake venoms, potentially revolutionizing global antivenom development and preventing millions of injuries and deaths caused by venomous snakes."

A Coalition government, if elected, would boost Australian defence spending to the 3% of GDP demanded by the Trump administration of America’s allies, opposition leader Peter Dutton will promise on Wednesday. Under the Coalition proposal, defence spending would continue to increase, as a proportion of GDP, to 3% within a decade. The details of the Coalition’s proposed defence spending have not been unveiled publicly but are expected to include new drones, missiles and expanded Aukus-related infrastructure in Western Australia. The shadow defence minister, Andrew Hastie, said the costings for the Coalition’s defence commitments would be released before the 3 May election. “The main concern the United States should press with Australia ... is higher defence spending.

Disneyland is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a new tribute to Walt Disney, bringing him back as an Audio-Animatronic in a show called *Walt Disney - A Magical Life*. The exhibit features reimagined looks of Walt in his Burbank home and classic projects like Mary Poppins and Disneyland's earliest plans. Tom Fitzgerald noted how excited Walt is about sharing his life's work. Meanwhile, the park will also showcase never-before-seen Disneyland history through a gallery called *Evolution of a Dream* and highlight Disney cast members' impacts on the parks.

Revolutionizing Railway Operations: Ravitharan Systems' advanced railway management system uses REMS, a core component collecting real-time data from trains and infrastructure. Equipped with sensors, it employs analytics to predict maintenance issues proactively, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime. The system collaborates with transport authorities for informed maintenance schedules, saving costs by minimizing disruptions. However, resistance from some bodies due to reliance on foreign technology remains a challenge, though pilot projects could aid its global acceptance.

YouTube has introduced an experimental feature designed to enhance safety for users during searches, particularly for queries involving sexual themes. By blurring thumbnails in relevant search results while keeping video titles, channel names, and descriptions visible, YouTube aims to help users avoid unintended exposure to sensitive content. This limited rollout phase allows YouTube to assess the feature's effectiveness without compromising on user privacy or access to related information, distinguishing it from its SafeSearch tool which both filters and removes results.

Senator Fatima Payman reported a colleague to Parliament House’s Workplace Complaints Service after experiencing inappropriate comments at a 2023 function. The comments were deemed sexually suggestive and insensitive due to his alcohol consumption and his Muslim background. Ley criticized the behavior, while Payman emphasized the need for accountability in Parliament House culture. She praised the PWSS but noted it's imperfect and stressed efforts to promote inclusivity among parliament members.

AI is revolutionizing how we consume energy, with data centers spearheading a significant transformation—expected to triple their energy needs by 2030. This surge will exceed Japan's current electricity demands, while fossil fuels maintain dominance in the short term. Post-2030, renewables and nuclear power promise a cleaner future. Beyond data centers, sectors like electric vehicles and industries are set to become major electricity consumers, presenting both challenges and opportunities for global energy management.

The US and Ukraine have reached a groundbreaking agreement to share profits from Ukrainian minerals and rare earths, setting up a fund aimed at attracting global investments to support Ukraine's recovery. This deal is a significant step in Trump's peace efforts with Russia, ensuring long-term security without giving Russia economic leverage. The fund will be split equally between the US and Ukraine, focusing on new investments rather than debt obligations, preserving control over natural resources and infrastructure. Criticisms highlight concerns about the terms, but progress was finally made despite initial setbacks during tense negotiations.

AI is reshaping our world, challenging traditional roles and redefining human value beyond mere productivity. As AI becomes more advanced, cognitive migration may force people to adapt, finding new ways to contribute meaningfully. Human essence lies in empathy, creativity, and care, which remain irreplaceable despite technological progress. The article emphasizes the need for ethical consideration as AI evolves, urging us to embrace a future where human connection and empathy are central to our survival and fulfillment. Preparing for this transformation requires focus on what truly makes us human—our capacity for deep connection and ethical reasoning—in a rapidly changing world.

The article highlights Facebook's shift toward prioritizing influencer content over friends' posts after a critical antitrust trial could lead to its breakup. A new feature allows users to view only friend activity, though Meta redirected focus away from this core purpose due to its evolving priorities and lack of awareness of user needs. User surveys show deep desire for friend interactions but instead consumed less than 17% of their time on such content in 2025, driven by more profitable influencer posts.

"The Australian YouTubers Danny and Michael Philippou made history with their debut feature, Talk To Me, becoming a global horror hit and prompting plans for sequels and new projects. Currently under development is Talk To Me 2, with Bring Her Back opening in theaters this week. The brothers have grown into accomplished filmmakers, blending psychological horror with intelligent gore, reflecting their transition from chaotic backyard pranks to refined feature films."

An Israeli politician has expressed concerns about abandoning the war in Gaza, stating that their previous efforts over two years have failed and that continuing now would be pointless. He emphasized the risk of more casualties from ongoing bombing and expressed a plea for a definitive solution to secure all hostages, both alive and dead, to end the suffering caused by the conflict.

Inter Miami faced a tough loss to Orlando City at Chase Stadium, dropping them to 0-3 in MLS with five consecutive defeats in their last seven games. Captain Lionel Messi highlighted the need for unity and resilience following the setback, vowing to move forward despite the disappointment. Head coach Javier Mascherano underlined the importance of collective effort as he avoided blame-shifting, instead focusing on overcoming challenges together. With just a few matches left in May, Inter Miami will aim to climb back up with a strong performance against Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park.

The US-Ukraine minerals deal, which grants access to minerals without resolving Ukraine's security concerns, has been signed despite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizing it's an equal agreement. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warns that the war likely won't end soon, with ongoing tensions and Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian cities like Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, along with destroyed Ukrainian drones.

TechCrunch Sessions: AI is gearing up for a big lineup of AI experts at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall on June 5th. Attendees can secure discounted tickets for the full day event, with $292 including a 50% off second ticket. Jared Kaplan, Anthropic's Chief Science Officer, will discuss hybrid reasoning models and risk-governance frameworks, sharing insights from his extensive background in physics and AI development at companies like OpenAI and Google.

The Amazfit Bip 6 is a stylish and functional smartwatch priced under $80, offering an impressive AMOLED display and long battery life (14 days), alongside extensive activity tracking for over 200 activities, including artistic swimming and dancing. Though it sacrifices temperature and altitude sensing compared to its pricier sibling, the Bip 6 excels in fit and style, making it a great budget option for active lifestyles, providing accurate sleep tracking as well. Available in bold colors like Black, Charcoal, Stone, or Red, this sleek device strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability, ideal for those on a tight budget.

Nottingham Forest pulled off a stunning comeback against Crystal Palace, equalizing just after Eberechi Eze’s penalty left supporters hopeful of European progress. Despite trailing early in the match, Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad fought back with passion and determination, showcasing their resolve as they close the season with three crucial matches ahead. Their resilience highlights the potential of a youthful team aiming for big achievements, but Nuno has emphasized the importance of mental strength to secure victories against Leicester, West Ham, and Chelsea. Meanwhile, Palace faces tension due to injury issues and depth problems as they seek their highest-ever Premier League finish.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping didn’t mention President Donald Trump once during his three-nation tour of Southeast Asia this month. As China and the United States prepare for what’s expected to be a long and painful trade war, Southeast Asia is emerging as a first major battleground. Trump’s steep tariffs on goods from countries in Southeast Asia have sent officials in the region scrambling to negotiate relief with the White House. U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods are now as high as 245 percent and Chinese tariffs on U.S. exports are at least 125 percent — duties so high they amount to an embargo. Malaysia is exploring whether Beijing would consider implementing export restraints or halting the devaluation of the yuan, which would make Chinese goods cheaper.

Vietnam has decided to end its long-standing two-child policy as declining birth rates and aging population raise concerns about economic and social impacts. The National Assembly recently removed a clause in the country’s population ordinance, allowing couples to have more than two children unless in approved special cases. Vietnam's fertility rate of 1.91 per woman is below the replacement level of 2.1, with cities like Ho Chi Minh City even lower at 1.39. Despite efforts to boost births through incentives and education on family planning, enforcement isn’t strict, but officials aim to shift societal attitudes toward smaller families rather than coercion.

Spain’s environmental minister, Sara Aagesen, dismissed claims that Monday’s blackout was caused by increased reliance on renewable energy, calling such accusations “inaccurate” and urging critics to focus on other factors. She noted that solar power accounted for nearly 55% of Spain’s electricity production, yet highlighted nuclear power as a reliable backup system during blackouts. Meanwhile, conservative politicians have criticized Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for prioritizing renewables over nuclear energy without adequately addressing the risks involved.

The once-popular tech startup Palantir, whose software played a key role in the Trump administration's efforts to centralize federal data and deport illegal immigrants, has faced a wave of criticism amid reports that its work may involve creating a surveillance database on Americans. Co-founder Joe Lonsdale recently defended the company's activities, while MAGA-aligned figures and online trolls have labeled Palantir a front for deep-state surveillance. The company, which has profited handsomely under Trump through government contracts, is now at the center of an ethical storm as its critics accuse it of enabling lawful yet intrusive practices.

"Fans of *Schedule* on the PlayStation 5 are reacting with shock and disappointment as they discover a fake game resembling the official release, now listed under a misleading name like 'Weed Drug Empire.' The listing replicated the artwork and branding of Schedule 1 almost identically, leading players to believe it was the real thing before realizing its connection to PublishMe Agency Limited. Days after the mishap, the fraudulent entry changed its name but maintained the same visuals, prompting mixed reactions. This incident underscores the challenges faced by digital platforms in moderating content, especially when successful games attract imitators."

Katie Drummond humorously pokes fun at Chegg and Studdy for their monotonous names while acknowledging their long-standing presence in education. Michael Calore highlights how AI tools like ChatGPT can assist students with academic tasks such as grammar checks, plagiarism avoidance, and citation generation. However, he also notes educators' concerns about the potential overwhelm these tools may cause, including burnout from funding cuts, high salaries, and heavy workloads. The article provides examples of professors using AI for feedback and facing backlash over its perceived misuse in generating lecture content.

Last week, Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok triggered a stir when it incorrectly spread "white genocide" conspiracy theories in South Africa and later denied Holocaust denial after a programming error. Meanwhile, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized Grok for appearing left-leaning and propagating fake news, including her defense of QAnon while claiming to be a Christian. Greene highlighted how relying on AI can lead people away from seeking truth and discernment.

The Indiana Hoosiers are bringing back their beloved bison mascot for a return to Bloomington this fall after a nearly two-year hiatus. The reveal coincides with an official video that highlights the mascot's history, which includes its former role as the school's mascot in the 1960s and its current presence at Nick's English Hut. Viewers can expect details about the bison's new costume from a promotional image shared during the unveiling.

Israel carried out airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen's Hodeida after a missile attack on its main airport halted flights, injuring four people. The Houthis, backed by Iran, claimed credit for the missile strike but denied involvement in the subsequent airstrikes, which were not part of an official U.S. military operation. Houthi leader Nasruddin Amer vowed revenge against the Israeli aggression and plans to escalate attacks on ships and Israel until the war in Gaza ends. The conflict continues with civilian casualties rising as air strikes target Hodeida's port and other infrastructure.

John Mulaney wrapped up "Everybody’s Live" season finale with an intense battle scene against three 14-year-olds, before surprising fans by bringing out Bone Thugs-N-Harmony for their hit song "Tha Crossroads." The episode also featured musical guest Sleater-Kinney performing a cover of "Kids In America," alongside humor from Adam Sandler and Joe Mande. Meanwhile, Mulaney faced backlash after revealing he was scammed in an attempt to book the rap group, though he now confirmed their authenticity. The series is set to return on Netflix with a two-season order pending confirmation.

A shocking knife attack at Hamburg's central train station this evening has resulted in 17 injured individuals, with four reported to be in critical condition. The suspect—a 39-year-old woman—is believed to have acted alone but reportedly surrendered to the police without resistance after the attack occurred. Authorities are continuing their investigation into potential motives and the suspect's possible mental state following the incident.

Gérard Depardieu’s guilty verdict at the Cannes film festival sent shockwaves through the world of French cinema, as the Oscar-winning actor was found liable for alleged sexual assault. Despite denying the allegations, his legal team is set to appeal the ruling. Binoche, Cannes’ distinguished director-president, called Depardieu a man who has lost his “aura” due to past actions and emphasized the importance of accountability in the industry. The verdict highlights the festival’s evolving approach to supporting women facing accusations, as Cannes now actively addressesabuse allegations under its new duty of care for attendees.

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old American-Israeli dual citizen who had been believed to be the last surviving U.S.-born Israeli held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, was released on Monday as part of a deal negotiated directly with the United States. The release came after President Trump pressed for his safe return following the collapse of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas earlier that month. Alexander, who grew up in New Jersey and served in the Israeli military after completing a special program to prepare young immigrants for service, is now free after more than two decades of captivity under Hamas.

Sam Howell has been traded to the Vikings for a pick swap involving draft picks and his services, marking a strategic move by both teams in the NFL. The Vikings acquire Howell, who spent three seasons with the Washington Commanders, as their likely backup quarterback after J.J. McCarthy, the team's current starter candidate, hasn't been named yet. Meanwhile, the Seahawks draft a new quarterback, Jalen Milroe, in the third round, signaling a possible shift in their quarterback competition.

The high-stakes parliamentary election in Trinidad and Tobago is unpredictable, shaped by escalating crime rates, economic challenges tied to Trump's policies, and deepening political tensions between the ruling Progressive National Movement (PNM) and UNC. The election was triggered by Keith Rowley’s resignation, leading Stuart Young to dissolve parliament, dissolve the government, and call an election for his leadership. UNC’s Kamla Persad-Bissessar, a 73-year-old with decades of experience, faces internal turmoil and repeated electoral defeats but boasts a loyal base campaigning against crime and cost-of-living issues, as high crime rates remain a key factor in the race.

"US President Trump recently held a productive telephone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, discussing efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and addressing issues in Syria and Gaza. Trump praised his relationship with Erdogan and expressed a desire to collaborate on resolving conflicts, inviting the Turkish leader to visit Washington, DC. Turkey has long sought to mediate regional conflicts since Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is set to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates next week as part of its regional strategy."