Afghanistan earthquake: Assessment finds 98% of buildings destroyed or damaged, and most people grieving at least 2 killed relatives Islamic Relief Worldwide
Afghanistan earthquake death toll tops 2,200, survivors face aid crunch Reuters
After the quake, Afghanistan’s children face a crisis within a crisis Al Jazeera
Homeless and fearful, Afghan quake survivors sleep in the open Dawn
Another earthquake in Afghanistan: 4.8 magnitude jolts region; fourth tremor in three day Times of India
ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia)- Korea displayed overwhelming superiority in every department powering their way to a 96-48 win in the Qualifications to Quarter-Finals game over Kazakhstan at the M Bank Arena on Thursday to take their seemingly appointed place in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals.
Coach Ryu Youngjoon’s team will need all that panache and probably little more when they line up for their Friday’s last eight clash against three-time defending champions Australia with a ticket to the FIBA U17 World Cup 2026 on line.
Lee Seunghyeon and Chu Yudam were the spearheads of the Korean campaign, as the East Asian powerhouse aimed to reclaim their top-eight finish which they have now achieved in all the editions of the competition, barring the previous one which they skipped.
Lee was on fire from the field with a 5/8 rate for 10 points and was a steadying presence under the boards with 5 collections in the opening ten minutes and went on to wrap up the day with 8/12 field shooting for 18 points, missing a double-double by one rebound
Chu Yudam in contrast relied on flamboyance to compensate for profligacy and powered 9 of his game-high 20 points in the opening quarter.
Lee and Chu combined to succeeded in back-to-back attempts, and capped by Min Seungbin’s twin successes from the foul-stripe, Korea built an overwhelming lead to close the first quarter. A lead that only burgeoned as the game progressed.
For Kazakhstan playing in this competition after a gap of 12 years and making the Final Phase for the first time in their history, Aman Tlembay produced a feisty 19 points and 14 rebounds to ensure they left the competition with their heads held high.
After years of unofficial copies of Microsoft’s 6502 BASIC floating around on the internet, the software giant has released the code under an open-source license. 6502 BASIC was one of Microsoft’s first pieces of software, adapted in 1976 by Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates and early employee Ric Weiland to run on the 6502 CPU that powered the Apple II, Atari 2600, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Commodore 8-bit series.
Microsoft’s open-source release of 6502 BASIC is a throwback to the initial days of coding, as the software helped standardize programming language implementations and allowed some of the first developers to use a Commodore machine and learn programming by typing 10 PRINT “HELLO” and 20 GOTO 10.
“In 1977, Commodore licensed it for a flat fee of $25,000, a deal that placed Microsoft BASIC at the heart of Commodore’s PET computers and, later, the VIC-20 and Commodore 64,” explains Microsoft in a blog post announcing Microsoft’s 6502 BASIC open source news.
While 6502 BASIC and Microsoft’s other early software projects helped with the development of MS-DOS and established the company’s software licensing business model, interest in this early code and the MOS 6502 CPU is still very much alive nearly 50 years later. Preservationists and hobbyists have been experimenting with FPGA-based re-creations and emulator projects, and the 6502 BASIC code has also appeared in museum archives.
“Over the years, dedicated preservationists have reconstructed build environments and verified that the historical source can still produce byte-exact ROMs,” says Microsoft. “This open-source release builds on that work, now with a clear, modern license. It follows Microsoft’s earlier release of GW-BASIC, which descended from the same lineage and shipped in the original IBM PC’s ROM.“
If you’re interested in experimenting with the assembly language source code of Microsoft’s 6502 BASIC, the complete source code is now available on GitHub.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un have sat down for formal talks in Beijing, a day after the pair and Russia’s Vladimir Putin put on an unprecedented show of unity against the West at a massive military parade.
Xi and Kim began their meeting at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, Chinese state media reported, in their first formal sit-down in six years. The two leaders last met in Pyongyang in 2019, during Xi’s first state visit to North Korea.
Xi, Putin and Kim took center stage at China’s military parade marking 80 years of the end of World War II on Wednesday.
The trio – who had never appeared together in public before – formed the defiant face of an emerging bloc of illiberal leaders determined to push back against Western rules and tilt the global balance of power in their favor.
The parade – attended by leaders of 26 countries including Iran, Pakistan and Belarus – gave the heavily sanctioned Kim a rare chance to stand alongside political heavyweights on the global stage.
The staggering show of China’s military might capped days of diplomacy and pageantry by Xi to tout his country as an alternative global leader to the United States, at a time when President Donald Trump is upending American alliances and waging a trade war.
After the parade, Kim and Putin met for two and a half hours on the sidelines, where they discussed “long-term” cooperation plans, according to North Korean state media. Putin praised North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, invited Kim to visit Russia, and saw him off with a hug.
China has been the main political and economic patron for North Korea for decades, accounting for over 95% of its total trade and providing a crucial lifeline for its heavily sanctioned economy. North Korea is also China’s only formal ally, with a mutual defense treaty signed in 1961.
But as Pyongyang has greatly expanded its missile and nuclear programs since the early 2000s, some foreign policy analysts in Beijing increasingly saw North Korea as more of a liability than strategic ally.
In recent years, North Korea has moved closer to Russia as Putin turned to Kim for weapons and troops to sustain his war on Ukraine. Last year, the two leaders signed a landmark mutual defense pact in Pyongyang, committing to provide immediate military assistance to each other if under attack – a move that has rattled the US and its Asian allies.
Analysts say Xi was likely watching warily as Putin and Kim forged a new alliance that could complicate East Asia’s fragile security balance, draw more US focus to the region, and undercut Beijing’s efforts to manage stability on the Korean Peninsula.
Beijing is worried that Moscow’s assistance to Pyongyang in return for its weapons and troops – especially on military technology – would further enable and embolden the erratic Kim regime, which has drastically accelerated the buildup of nuclear weapons and missile programs.
Edward Howell, a lecturer in politics at the University of Oxford, said China is not “angry” at the rapprochement between North Korea and Russia, but “emetic, nauseous, and uneasy.”
“After all, prior to the Russia-North Korea (mutual defence) treaty…North Korea was the only country with whom China had a mutual defence pact, and vice versa,” he said.
Were China truly angry about the deepening cooperation, it could put an end to it by no longer helping North Korea evade sanctions or no longer enabling Russia’s war through trade in dual-use goods, Howell noted.
“China has done neither of these things, and will only continue to assist North Korea in evading sanctions whilst refraining from getting involved in any Russia-North Korea dynamics,” he said. “China wants to ensure that North Korea knows of Beijing’s desire to maintain influence over the Peninsula, but on the part of Pyongyang, it will keep trying to extract benefits from both Moscow and Beijing.”
Roborock is launching an updated Qrevo Curv robot vacuum that offers an impressive 25,000 Pa of suction power — topping the 18,500 Pa available with last year’s model. That’s not all that’s new with the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro, either, as the newly announced robovac comes with a dual-spinning mop system that automatically detaches before passing over carpets, helping to keep them dry.
And, at just 3.14 inches (7.98cm) thick, the Qrevo Curv 2 Pro shaves an entire inch off the 2024 model and can retract its LiDAR tower, allowing it to slip under furniture with low clearance. It does share some similarities with its predecessor, as it also features an “AdaptiLift Chassis” that enables the robovac to lift itself up and clean carpets up to 1.18 inches (3cm) thick.
The Qrevo Curv 2 Pro pairs an RGB camera with AI-powered obstacle recognition to help it identify and avoid clutter. It also features an anti-tangle brush and an upgraded version of the bubbly dock with 100-degree Celsius (212 Fahrenheit) hot water mop washing.
The Qrevo Curv 2 Pro is currently only available in the European Union for €1299 (~$1,514), and there’s no word whether it will come to the US.
Digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion are everyday concerns, and while medicines offer relief, natural remedies can often provide lasting support without side effects. Herbs and spices used for centuries in Indian kitchens are now being recognised by modern science for their gut-healing properties. Dr Saurabh Sethi, an AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist, strongly believes that “real gut healing starts in your kitchen.” He recently shared eight herbs he personally relies on for better digestion. From turmeric to cumin, these simple additions to daily meals can help soothe discomfort and strengthen gut health naturally.
8 gut-healing herbs recommended by an AIIMSs doctor
On Instagram, AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi shared eight herbs he personally uses to improve gut health, reminding followers that “real gut healing starts in your kitchen.”
Turmeric supports digestion and reduces inflammation
Turmeric, a staple in Indian households, is well known for its anti-inflammatory compound curcumin. Dr Sethi suggests adding turmeric to warm milk or curries to soothe the gut, reduce inflammation, and support bile flow, which helps break down fats. This golden spice not only calms an irritated digestive tract but also promotes overall gut lining health. Regular use may reduce the risk of long-term inflammatory gut conditions. A human pilot study published in study found that supplementation with turmeric or curcumin significantly altered gut microbiota composition, including a notable increase in species diversity; curcumin increased detected species by 69% compared to a placebo, which saw a 15% decrease
Ginger relieves bloating and nausea
Ginger has long been used as a natural digestive aid. It stimulates gastric emptying, reduces bloating, and relieves nausea. Dr Sethi recommends steeping fresh ginger in hot water to make a soothing tea, especially after heavy meals. Its warming properties help settle the stomach, making digestion smoother and more comfortable. For people with sluggish digestion, ginger can act as a gentle stimulant.
Fennel seeds ease gas and bloating
Chewing fennel seeds after meals is a time-tested Indian practice, and science confirms its benefits. These seeds contain compounds that relax gut muscles, helping release trapped gas and easing bloating. Dr Sethi recommends chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals or making a calming tea. This simple habit can help reduce discomfort and improve digestion naturally.
Cumin improves bile flow and eases cramps
Cumin is another household spice with powerful gut benefits. It stimulates the release of bile, which aids digestion of fats. It is also useful for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as it helps relieve cramps. Dr Sethi suggests toasting cumin seeds and adding them to dals, curries, or vegetable stir-fries. Apart from improving flavour, this enhances nutrient absorption and digestive function.
Cinnamon regulates digestion and blood sugar
Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness to foods, but it also has medicinal value. It helps regulate gut motility, making digestion smoother, and plays a role in stabilising blood sugar levels. Dr. Sethi advises sprinkling cinnamon on oats, kefir, or even coffee. Its ability to calm the gut makes it particularly helpful for people who experience erratic digestion.
Peppermint relaxes gut muscles
Peppermint has a cooling effect and works as a natural gut muscle relaxant. It helps reduce spasms and discomfort caused by digestive issues. Dr Sethi recommends drinking peppermint tea or using peppermint oil capsules to ease gut irritation. However, he cautions against using peppermint if you experience reflux, as it may worsen the symptoms by relaxing the lower oesophageal sphincter.
Garlic nourishes gut bacteria
Garlic is a natural prebiotic, meaning it feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helping them thrive. At the same time, it has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties that keep harmful microbes under control. Dr. Sethi advises lightly crushing garlic before cooking to activate its gut-boosting compounds. Regular consumption can improve microbial balance, which is essential for long-term gut and immune health.
Coriander reduces bloating and adds flavour
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is another herb that promotes gut comfort. It helps reduce gas, bloating, and indigestion while adding freshness to meals. Dr Sethi recommends adding coriander to curries, chutneys, and salads. Beyond its digestive benefits, coriander provides antioxidants that protect gut cells and support overall wellbeing.Gut health is deeply influenced by what we eat daily. Instead of relying solely on medicines, incorporating herbs like turmeric, ginger, fennel, cumin, cinnamon, peppermint, garlic, and coriander can make digestion smoother and more comfortable. These natural remedies work best when used consistently as part of a balanced diet.Dr Sethi’s advice is clear: healing starts in the kitchen. By rotating these herbs weekly and using them in everyday cooking, you can take simple, natural steps towards better gut health.Also Read: Don’t follow these 9 cooking habits that harm digestion and trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome
DLA Piper has advised longstanding client Wipro Limited, a leading Indian technology services and consulting company, on the acquisition of the digital transformation solutions (DTS) business unit of HARMAN.
The acquisition of the DTS unit is a strategic milestone for Wipro, significantly expanding its engineering research and development (ER&D) service offerings. The integration of DTS’ deep engineering experience with Wipro’s AI-powered capabilities will enhance Wipro’s ability to deliver next-generation digital engineering and device engineering services across high-growth sectors such as technology, industrial, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer industries. The transaction also includes a multi-year strategic agreement with HARMAN and Samsung, further deepening collaboration and creating new avenues for joint growth
The firm’s scope of work included non-US and non-India legal due diligence and review of transactional documents, and legal advice on competition and foreign direct investment matters. DLA Piper’s global presence ensured seamless legal coordination across 12 jurisdictions. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of 2025.
HARMAN, headquartered in the United States and owned by Samsung Electronics, is a global leader in connected technologies for automotive, consumer, and enterprise markets. The DTS business unit specializes in digital engineering and product development services, with a strong presence across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Wipro Limited, headquartered in Bangalore, India, operates in over 65 countries with more than 230,000 employees and partners. The company is known for its AI-powered technology services and consulting, helping clients address complex digital transformation challenges and build future-ready businesses.
A multi-disciplinary DLA Piper team from offices in Germany, Brazil, China, France, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, worked on the transaction led by corporate partner Dr Mathias Schulze Steinen and senior associate Nana Krähling (both Corporate/M&A, Frankfurt). They were supported by partners Dr Henriette Norda (Employment), Dr Justus Herrlinger (Antitrust, both Hamburg), senior associate Aleksandra Lis-Rychlinska (Corporate/M&A, Frankfurt), associates Franziska Golombek (Employment) and Dr Jonas Kranz (Antitrust, both Hamburg).
The inhouse legal team of Wipro was led by Nils Vernooij, Associate General Counsel.
“An advanced test for AIDS, the deadly acquired immune deficiency syndrome, could be available in Hongkong by May,” reported the South China Morning Post on February 19, 1985. “American researchers have developed a commercial kit to detect the disease and hope to receive an official go-ahead to begin production this month.
“The US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to license the test within the next two weeks, paving the way for its export abroad. The Australian Government has already placed an order and plans to have units operating before April to screen blood donors.
The South China Morning Post reports the news in February 1985 that Aids virus testing kits will be available in Hong Kong. Photo: SCMP Archives
“The chairman of a task force set up in Australia to combat a threatened AIDS epidemic, said yesterday he had been told by US medical authorities the test kit could be marketed worldwide. ‘I would think that it would be available to Hongkong or any country wanting it,’ Professor David Penington said.”
On April 19, 1985, the Post reported that “the risk of catching AIDS through blood transfusions will be greatly reduced when a blood screening programme is set up in the next four months. The Finance Committee allocated $4,237,000 to fund the blood test. The allocation will help to set up the programme for donated blood in the Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service.”
On August 17, the Post confirmed that “blood tests for AIDS can begin on Monday, the Medical Health Department announced yesterday. Laboratory screening will be run at Queen Mary Hospital and Yan Oi Polyclinic in Tuen Mun – charging $220 or $250 a time depending on what type of test. The facilities will be open for all doctors and hospitals in the territory.
“The Hongkong Red Cross and the Family Planning Association both welcomed the news.”
Lloyds Banking Group is to warn 3,000 staff that they are at risk of being sacked for underperformance, as part of a management overhaul led by chief executive Charlie Nunn.
Bosses have been instructed to rank staff performance, with about 5% of its 63,000-strong workforce due to be put on performance plans that will put their jobs at risk unless they notably improve. About 1,500 of those put on notice could end up losing their jobs.
Executives – who will monitor progress via HR software – are trying to address low turnover among its lowest performers, with staff having been less likely to leave their jobs amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Fewer than 5% of Lloyds staff are understood to be leaving the group each year, which is below the 15% historical average.
It comes as Nunn enters the final year of his five-year strategic plan, which is meant to diversify income, push more customers towards digital and mobile banking, and generally tighten up the sprawling business.
Commenting on the potential job cuts, a Lloyds spokesperson said the moves were part of efforts to “embed a high-performance culture in the organisation”.
“As we build highly skilled teams to move faster forward and deliver great outcomes for our customers, we are striving to embed a high-performance culture in the organisation. To achieve this, and in line with wider industry practice, we continuously look for ways to help our colleagues perform at their best.
“We know change can be uncomfortable, but we are excited about the opportunities ahead as we propel forward to achieve our growth ambitions and delivering exceptional customer experiences.”
Ged Nichols, the general secretary of the Accord union that represents Lloyds workers, said the union had not heard of any managers having yet been asked to start ranking staff.
“There has been an increased focus on performance in Lloyds Banking Group this year with more use of the structured support plans to help individuals who may be falling short of their performance objectives,” he said. “We work hard to support individual members through these processes to help them to keep their jobs and we’ll continue to do so.”
Nichols added: “We’re asking Lloyds Banking Group to reassure its staff that it will continue to uphold the integrity of the established performance management processes including the arrangements for individuals to be supported by their trade union.”
Lloyds – which also owns the Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands – is well known for sweeping job cuts, which have again accelerated as part of Nunn’s strategic plan.
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In January 2024, Lloyds Bank revealed plans to cut 1,600 staff from its branch network, just months after confirming it would be slashing 3,000 roles from the wider business, including middle management. The bank said at the time that it was simultaneously creating thousands of new positions that would ultimately result in a net increase in its workforce, as part of its broader shift to digital banking and asset management,
Earlier this year, Lloyds also started letting customers use any of its brands’ branches, regardless of which lender they held accounts with, raising concerns of site closures and job cuts. Lloyds also started hiring hundreds of IT engineers in India this year, prompting speculation it could start cutting more roles in the UK.
Nunn is also having to steel the business for a multibillion-pound compensation bill over the car finance commission scandal, which involved drivers being overcharged via controversial commission arrangements between lenders and car dealers as far back as 2007. Lloyds has already put aside £1.2bn for potential compensation.
Shares in Lloyds were up nearly 1% on Thursday morning after news of the management overhaul, which was first reported by the Financial Times.
As the death toll from Sunday’s earthquake in Afghanistan rises, global aid agencies are warning of dwindling funds for food, shelter, and medicines for survivors.
Just a few countries have publicly committed money with many traditional donors yet to come forward with assistance.
In addition, poor infrastructure in the country that is still fragile following decades of war, has also hampered the emergency response.
Taliban officials on Thursday said the death toll was now close to 1,500, but that number is expected to rise as rescue workers battle to pull bodies from destroyed buildings.
About 3,400 people have been injured while close to 7,000 homes were destroyed in the quake and its aftershocks.
The World Health Organization warned that the window for finding survivors is closing fast and that every hour counts to get help to those who need it.
At the same time, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said humanitarian needs are “vast and growing rapidly”.
International funding to Afghanistan has fallen dramatically since the Taliban takeover in 2021, and just 28 per cent of the target for humanitarian aid has been met this year.
The United Nations and aid agencies are calling on donors to step up with the World Food Programme warning it has funding and stocks to support survivors for just four more weeks.
Rescue teams have struggled to reach affected communities in Kunar, the worst-affected province, hampered by rockfalls and landslides.
Some are walking for hours to deliver aid and medicine, often up steep hills. People from surrounding areas have rushed in to help.
