Pakistan and China on Thursday agreed to further enhance ties and joint broadcasting projects between their state broadcasters to tackle fake news and disinformation, Radio Pakistan reported.
Pakistan and China share a longstanding strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity. Over the decades, ties have expanded across different sectors, including trade, energy, infrastructure, and media collaboration, with initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) symbolising a shared vision for development.
The government, as well as the military, have previously warned about “fake news and propaganda” proliferating on social media, with Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry saying that not enough was being done against “digital terrorism” under the law.
The decision was made during a meeting in Beijing between Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Cao Shumin, Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Minister and Party Secretary of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA).
“Both leaders also agreed on a joint narrative against fake news and emphasised technical training and institutional collaboration,” the report said. “They described the ongoing partnership in the media as a reflection of mutual trust and longstanding friendship.”
The report added that the two sides also held talks related to a proposed agreement between China Central Television (CCTV) and PTV to promote the exchange of information and cooperation.
Tarar said Pakistan was ready to translate bilateral media cooperation into practical steps and that state-run media entities — PTV, Radio Pakistan and Associated Press of Pakistan — were playing a crucial role in communicating stories of China’s development, the Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC, cultural ties, and bilateral cooperation to the people of both countries.
Per the report, Tarar said PTV was building intellectual and cultural bridges between the two nations by broadcasting Chinese programmes, documentaries and news reports in Urdu.
He said APP’s “China News Service” had crossed a significant milestone in effectively conveying Pakistan’s narrative to Chinese readers.
Referring to the recent Pakistan-India tensions, the information minister noted that the youth of China and Pakistan expressed strong solidarity with each other, which went viral on social media.
The meeting also discussed exchange visits of digital influencers from both Pakistan and China. Tarar said in the digital age, exchanges between influencers and social media representatives of both countries can inject new energy into bilateral relations.
Shumin said China considered Pakistan a trustworthy partner. “Media organisations of Pakistan and China can come closer through the exchange of experiences,” she was quoted as saying in the report.
Both sides agreed that media, culture, and people-to-people relations can introduce new dimensions to the Pakistan-China friendship, and these efforts will be further strengthened under a joint strategy.
In February, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong said: “We are ready to expand cooperation with Pakistan in education, media, think tanks, youth exchanges, and the film and television industries, to foster mutual learning between civilisations and strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.”
With NASA planning to decommission the International Space Station around 2030, a new generation of commercial and hybrid orbital platforms is in the making. At the Paris Air Show, key players VAST, The Exploration Company (Nyx), Alatyr, and Andromach showcased their solutions, from compact capsules to full-fledged orbital habitats.
After more than two decades of continuous service in space, the International Space Station is nearing the end of its operational life. NASA and its international partners have announced that the ISS will be deorbited by 2030, opening up a significant gap in access to low Earth orbit (LEO) infrastructure. With scientific research, in-orbit manufacturing, and commercial missions increasingly dependent on microgravity platforms, the pressure is on to build the next generation of orbital outposts.
Rather than a single successor, what is emerging is a diverse ecosystem of commercial space stations and orbital vehicles. Each target specific niches, from human habitation and science to rapid testing, cargo return, and in-space assembly. Governments, space agencies, and private investors are closely watching these developments as they seek reliable, sovereign, and cost-effective platforms for the post-ISS era.
At the 2025 Paris Air Show, several ambitious startups presented their visions for the future of orbital platforms. Here are four key players to watch in the coming space station race:
1/ VAST – Haven‑1 & Haven‑2: The First Commercial Space Station
California-based VAST is on target to launch Haven‑1, a cylindrical orbital module for up to four crew, via a SpaceX Falcon 9 in 2025. It’s designed as a proof-of-concept “revenue-generating space station” and stepping stone toward NASA’s Commercial LEO Destination (CLD) program.
Their next milestone, Haven‑2, is a modular expansion set to launch by 2028 pending CLD backing, offering increased volume, robotic arms, a cupola, and artificial gravity potential .
Franco‑German startup The Exploration Company is developing Nyx, a reusable modular spacecraft set to launch cargo—and eventually people—to LEO and beyond. Its initial mission: cargo delivery for ESA and DLR, with a future crewed variant by mid‑2030s. Nyx supports up to 4–5 astronauts or 1,400 kg unpressurized cargo; it’s open-architecture, green-propellant, and Euro-developed. At Le Bourget, The Exploration Company emphasized European autonomy in orbital logistics.
Read our full report
3/ Alatyr – Robotic Space Station for Microgravity Research
Parisian newcomer Alatyr is aiming to fill the post‐ISS demand for microgravity labs. Their crew‑free station combines pressurized core and unpressurized logistics pods, robotic arms for container docking and autonomous R&D, as well as onboard analytics and remote-control interface.
It is expected to launch by 2028–29 via European micro‑launcher, with a 1–1.5 tonne, annually resupplied mini‑station.
Designed for biotech and life‑science experiments, Alatyr’s model includes institutional and private sector clients, underlining Europe’s sovereign R&D path.
Read our full report
4/ Andromach – Suborbital Shuttle Paving the Way to Mini Orbital Vehicles
French startup Andromach targets the nascent market for reusable, cost‐effective access to microgravity with their Envol suborbital drone—and later, their Étoile micro‑shuttle.
Envol launches on runway, uses turbojet to climb, then switches to hybrid rocket mode for ~5 minutes microgravity, before fully reusable return. Built‑in propulsion and adaptive nozzle tech (patented), with CNES-supported engine tests summer 2025. European-made components ensure ITAR-free, sovereign systems.
The next step? A full mini‑shuttle to orbit carrying 100 kg payloads and returning to Earth.
“We assemble proven tech into something that doesn’t yet exist… even the US or China don’t have a commercial equivalent,” co‑founder Hugo Verjus told DirectIndustry at Paris Air Show.
Sonalben Padhiyar lost six family members in the accident
Survivors of a bridge collapse in India’s Gujarat state on Wednesday that killed at least 15 people have said that they initially thought it was an explosion or earthquake.
The cause of the collapse is still to be ascertained, and investigations are under way according to state government officials.
Anwarbhai, who was driving a van which had two other passengers, was on the bridge on Wednesday morning when he heard a deafening crack – a section of the bridge behind him had collapsed into the Mahisagar river, taking some vehicles along with it.
“There was a huge explosion-like sound and part of the bridge collapsed behind us. Our van also started rolling backwards so we quickly jumped out,” he told BBC Gujarati.
The 40-year-old bridge connected Vadodara district with central Gujarat and usually saw a lot of traffic.
Dramatic visuals after the collapse showed a truck teetering dangerously from the edge of the broken bridge – it was later moved to safety. But other vehicles, including lorries, cars and a tuktuk, plunged into the water.
At least four people are still missing and search operations are under way.
“Our priority is to check the area quickly and retrieve both bodies and any survivors,” Surender Singh, an official with the National Disaster Response Force, told news agency ANI.
ANI
A truck teetering off the edge of the broken bridge on Wednesday
Sonalben Padhiyar was the only survivor among her family members after the car she was travelling in fell into the river.
Recounting the terrifying moments, Ms Padhiyar told the Indian Express newspaper that she was sitting in the back when the car fell into the river headfirst.
A video of her, visibly distressed and shouting for someone to save her son, has since gone viral. She later told ANI that she screamed for a long time before help arrived. She lost six family members.
Dilipsinh Padhiyar, another survivor (not related to Ms Padhiyar), was returning home from a night shift on his two-wheeler when the accident took place.
“Traffic was moving as usual,” he told the Indian Express.
He said he had barely crossed 100m on the bridge when he felt a vibration before the structure gave way.
“I found myself falling into the river,” he said.
Mr Padhiyar suffered injuries but managed to hold on to a metal rod and stay afloat until local fishermen arrived to help.
Eyewitnesses said the collapse felt like an earthquake, shaking the ground and sending multiple vehicles crashing into the river.
Jairaj Singh, one of the locals who rushed to the scene, told BBC Gujarati he was alerted by a phone call from a friend.
“As soon as I heard, I rushed over,” he said. “We began pulling out vehicles with ropes. People from the area came together to help.”
Reuters
Locals also rushed to help rescue people from the river
The collapse has set off a political row, with locals saying they had often complained about its poor condition.
Ravibhai, who lives in the area, told BBC Gujarati that the bridge would often shake when heavy vehicles drove on it.
Abhesinh Parmar, a local council chief from a village near the bridge, said it was in a “dilapidated” condition and “had potholes everywhere”.
“Rods could be seen sticking out of the structure. We complained many times, but no action was taken,” he alleged.
Rushikesh Patel, a spokesperson for the Gujarat government, denied this, saying that the bridge was inspected and repaired at regular intervals.
“Recently, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had approved dismantling the existing bridge and constructing a new one. We were set to issue a tender soon,” he said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is from Gujarat, has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced compensation.
Wednesday’s collapse is among a series of deadly accidents linked to ageing and poorly maintained public infrastructure in India.
In 2022, around 135 people were killed when a 137-year-old suspension bridge in Gujarat’s Morbi town collapsed into a river. The bridge, a popular tourist attraction, had reopened for visitors just days earlier following repairs.
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Amazon Prime Day is here and is running until July 11. There are plenty of savings across Amazon but there are also many hidden deals from other retailers that we have spotted! Make sure to check in with our Amazon Prime Day deals hub for savings on telescopes, drones, cameras and much more.
With so much to see in the night sky, a pair of binoculars can come in handy, especially if you can travel to get away from light pollution. We have rounded up the best binoculars deals from Prime Day and even some amazing anti-Prime Day deals too.
Many of these models feature in our best binoculars guide, so you can rest assured that we are recommending only the best binoculars to buy on Amazon Prime Day.
The Lionesses got exactly the result and performance they were looking for with Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Netherlands at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Six of our players were involved in the match, with Leah Williamson and Player of the Match Alessia Russo starting for England, while Daphne van Domselaar and Victoria Pelova played the full 90 minutes for Netherlands.
Sarina Wiegman introduced Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead in the 69th and 75th minutes respectively.
Ever the team player, Russo provided a hat-trick of assists, initially making a good run to get on the end of an incredible pass forward from Hannah Hampton. Our striker spotted Lauren James to her left and teed her up for England’s opener.
It was 2-0 on the brink of half-time, Russo finding Georgia Stanway, who smashed the ball into the bottom left corner from distance.
After James made it 3-0 on the hour mark, Russo provided another assist, this time for Ella Toone to wrap up a convincing display from the competition’s holders.
The Lionesses moved up to second in Group D, level on points with Netherlands but with a better goal difference. After France beat Wales 4-1, they’re top of the group on six points.
England face Wales at 8pm BST on Sunday, looking for a win that would send them through to the quarter-finals, while France go head-to-head with Netherlands, who could still go through.
Read more
When our players are in action at Euro 2025
Copyright 2025 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
Airbus is reshaping the lifecycle of materials used in aerospace manufacturing. With service lives upwards of 20 years, aircraft have always been designed for longevity and optimised resource use. Now, thanks to advances in key technologies, Airbus is improving its ability to reduce aluminium and titanium consumption during manufacturing, salvage parts from decommissioned aircraft, and recycle metals. It is a gamechanger for these two metals.
What is circularity?
Circularity is a model of production and consumption that seeks to optimise resource use and minimise waste. This is especially pertinent for metals, which for the most part are infinitely recyclable, without any deterioration in quality. However, while circularity and recycling efforts have led to an increase in the use of recycled materials, this growth continues to be outpaced by demand for virgin metals.
Airbus is dedicated to advancing materials circularity within the aerospace value chain, with a particular focus on two metals: titanium and aluminium. Titanium is one of the primary metals of structural aerospace manufacturing, with its alloys primarily used for pylons, engines and landing gear. Aluminium, for its part, is used extensively to form aircraft fuselages, wing structures and interiors. Both metals are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and have a high strength-to-weight ratio. Titanium is also resistant to high temperatures and has good fatigue resistance.
Efforts at Airbus to increase the circularity of these two metals are present throughout the value chain. The goal is to increase circularity through the ten ‘Rs’, which are found in how products are designed (refuse, reduce, rethink), how their lifespans are extended (reuse, repair, refurbish, repurpose and remanufacture), and how the end-of-life process is dealt with (recycle and recover). Many people may already be familiar with a simplified version of this: reduce, reuse, recycle.
Achieving true circularity for aerospace-grade titanium and aluminium – also called closing the loop – is a complex undertaking that requires a collaborative approach. Airbus is thus actively working on a variety of initiatives across a wide ecosystem, including with raw material suppliers, component manufacturers, recycling specialists and industry partners.
Exploring technologies to reduce metal consumption
While 3D printing is not a new manufacturing concept, Airbus has been taking steps to use a specific kind of 3D printing technology – called additive layer manufacturing (ALM) – to produce aircraft parts from titanium with minimal waste. Instead of forging a part from a larger amount of material or milling it down and ending up with scraps – in other words, a subtractive process – additive layer manufacturing allows for parts to be manufactured using only what material is needed.
Indeed, ALM is a win-win situation: the process uses less raw material, which means lower production costs. Two primary forms of ALM are used in aerospace manufacturing, reducing raw material use in different ways. The first is powder bed fusion (PBF), which uses laser beams to melt powdered titanium into a desired shape. This allows a part to be constructed by creating layers as thin as 0.1mm on top of each other.
This technology is now being used by Airbus to create the 32 door latch shafts needed for each A350 aircraft. Before, the latch shaft of the A350 was made using ten separate parts that were assembled together. Now, with ALM, there is only one integrated part, which weighs 45% less compared to latch shafts made using a traditional forging process. In real terms, that amounts to a weight savings of just over four kilograms per aircraft, which is the equivalent of saving up to 126,000 kilogrammes of CO2 emissions over a 20-year aircraft lifespan.
The second ALM method is directed-energy deposition (DED), which is used to create large and regularly shaped parts by using a laser to melt a titanium wire and then deposit it in place. This technique results in a ‘near net shape’ part, meaning it is very close to its final shape but still must be fully machined before being ready for installation. This is an improvement over traditionally forged parts, where several centimetres of material usually need to be removed during machining.
In July 2023, the first two DED-manufactured parts were installed on an A350. DED is classified as the most promising ALM technology for Airbus because the development lead times are quicker than those for traditional forgings, and it also helps relieve pressure on titanium supply chains.
Saving metal scraps from the junk pile
Although new manufacturing techniques can reduce metal consumption, there will always be some level of waste during production. To counter this, Airbus is investing in recycling titanium production floor scraps. Titanium scraps are critical to manufacturing new ingots because aerospace-grade titanium is not pure – it is made of a mix of virgin alloy (titanium sponge) and recycled titanium. Since 2024, a company called EcoTitanium* has been recycling titanium scraps gathered from engine pylon production at Airbus’ Saint-Eloi factory in Toulouse, France. As of January 2025, 460 tonnes of scrap had been collected from Airbus sites in France for processing by EcoTitanium, and the company has been working to establish the closed loop recycling of titanium scraps from Premium Aerotec sites in Germany.
Moving to the end of the lifecycle, the manufacturing of the first ingot containing end-of-life titanium from an Airbus pylon was completed by EcoTitanium in June 2025, under the lead of Airbus and in collaboration with IMET Alloys. The ingot, which will be used by metals specialist Aubert & Duval to manufacture new titanium-forged airframe parts, is the first instance of secondary material from end-of-life scrap being reused in manufacturing aerospace-grade material.
EcoTitanium is the first venture in Europe to offer recycled aerospace-grade titanium, with the potential to produce up to 75%-recycled titanium ingots, which will then be reallocated to Airbus production programmes. EcoTitanium’s manufacturing process uses four times less energy than the traditional method of using titanium sponge, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions.
In addition to these titanium initiatives, Airbus has also teamed up with key aluminium producers Constellium and Novelis to establish closed loop recycling of aluminium production scrap, with more similar industry partnerships in the works. Five Airbus sites, working in collaboration with external machinists, are part of an initial pilot that aims to improve traceability of aluminium scrap and develop a standard calculation for determining the ratio of recycled content. The project involves onboarding the machinists, who produce the scrap; the scrap dealers, who ensure collection and distribution of the scrap and play a crucial role in ensuring traceability; and the melters. Putting this closed loop recycling process in place will be an important step toward improved traceability for aluminium and for industry alignment on how it is handled. By the end of 2026, all aluminium from Airbus sites will be included in the closed loop.
As with titanium, expanding the recycling and reuse of aluminium beyond manufacturing is also key to creating circular models for the aerospace industry. Tarmac Aerosave (a company jointly owned by Airbus, Safran and Suez) has partnered with Constellium to recycle fuselages into new aluminium alloys that meet aerospace manufacturing specifications. The two companies recently announced a milestone in their partnership after successfully recycling and remelting aluminium from an aircraft fuselage into a new, high-performance alloy suitable for future aerospace applications. This is a promising development, as recycling aluminium uses only 5% of the energy required for primary production and emits 95% fewer CO₂ emissions.
Salvaging usable parts from decommissioned aircraft
While closed loop and end-of-life recycling initiatives reduce waste from manufacturing parts, these parts often have long lives – sometimes longer than an aircraft itself. Enter VAS Aero Services, a subsidiary of an Airbus-owned company called Satair that offers manufacturers and operators a range of aircraft parts and services, including an end-of-life dismantling programme. Practically speaking, once an aircraft has reached the end of its time in service, it is dismantled by VAS Aero Services and the parts are sorted into two categories: those that can be reused are sold to airlines and lessors, and those that cannot be resold are scrapped and recycled.
While recycling can significantly reduce waste and carbon emissions over a material’s lifecycle, reusing parts is the most sustainable process of all as it extends their lifetime. Depending on the type of aircraft and its age, VAS Aero Services can recover anywhere from 300 to 6,000 parts for resale. The most common parts that are sold to be reused for aircraft repairs are structural components like the engines, landing gear and auxiliary power unit.
Because every single part on an aircraft has to be traceable, VAS Aero Services is responsible for verifying the paperwork, serial number and lifetime flight cycles allowed for each individual part. It is time-consuming work but one that allows the business to extract the maximum financial value from a decommissioned aircraft while reducing its lifecycle environmental footprint.
Closing the loop: how far left to go?
Achieving a completely closed loop where 100% of all materials in an aircraft’s value chain are recycled or reused within the industry is an ambitious long-term vision. Progress towards this goal has been challenging for the aerospace industry due to the stringent safety and performance requirements of aerospace manufacturing.
“Creating a circular economy for aerospace materials is a complex journey, but we are making significant progress,” explains Isabell Gradert, Vice-President of Central Research & Technology at Airbus. “We are embracing innovative approaches to reducing waste and optimising resources across the value chain. Continued collaboration and dedication will be required to fulfill our long-term vision of closing the loop.”
Despite the breadth of the challenge, Airbus remains committed to increasing the circularity of different manufacturing materials as part of the Company’s broader ambition to pioneer sustainable aerospace. By focusing on intelligent design, efficient resource use and advanced recycling technology, Airbus is not only reducing emissions from its products but also enhancing the resilience and efficiency of its own operations.
*EcoTitanium is a joint venture by Aubert & Duval of France, French ecological transition agency ADEME and regional bank Crédit Agricole Auvergne. Airbus is a joint owner of Aubert & Duval along with Safran and Tikehau Capital.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday rebutted rumours of President Asif Ali Zardari being asked to resign, terming it a “malicious campaign”.
“We are fully aware of who is behind the malicious campaign targeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the chief of army staff,” Naqvi wrote on X.
“I have categorically stated that there has been no discussion, nor does any such idea exist about the president being asked to resign or the COAS aspiring to assume the presidency,” he asserted.
“The president of Pakistan enjoys a strong and respectful relationship with the leadership of the armed forces,” the minister said.
He quoted President Zardari as having “clearly” stated: “I know who is spreading these falsehoods, why they are doing so, and who stands to benefit from this propaganda.”
Naqvi stressed that the “sole focus” of Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir was Pakistan’s strength and stability, and “nothing else”.
“To those involved in this narrative, do whatever you wish in collaboration with hostile foreign agencies. As for us, we will do whatever is necessary to make Pakistan strong again, InshAllah,” Naqvi added.
Earlier today, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui also denied reports of Zardari’s resignation.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Geo Pakistan”, he said: “Reports that Zardari is resigning, Imran’s sons are coming, Nawaz Sharif is going to Adiala … these are not news. They are bogus, table stories.”
He further said, “Zardari has not created any difficulties for the government, and understands his constitutional responsibilities as head of state”.
The PML-N leader said his party had “no trouble” working with the president, who leads the PPP, and there was no credible reason to remove him from office.
“We have a coalition with the PPP. Why would we bring down this system?” he questioned.
Over the past couple of years, social media campaigns against the army have escalated, reflecting broader tensions within the country’s political and social fabric.
The government, as well as the military, have repeatedly warned about “fake news and propaganda” proliferating on social media, with military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry saying that not enough was being done against “digital terrorism” under the laws.
In May, President Zardari and PM Shehbaz formally decorated Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir with the rank of field marshal for his “sagacious leadership and exceptional strategy” during the recent conflict with India.
In a subsequent dinner hosted by the army chief, Field Marshal Munir lauded the political leadership for their “strategic foresight” during Marka-i-Haq against India.
The next month, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who belongs to PM Shehbaz’s PML-N, hailed the “existing hybrid model of governance” in the country. In a separate interview, he also termed it as a “practical necessity” for Pakistan, saying the system was “doing wonders”.
In May 2024, the army chief and President Zardari had expressed their concern over “baseless and unsubstantiated allegations levelled by a specific political party and its few individuals” against the army for their political interests.
I thought the show was going to be a bit of a money grab. I thought they’d turn their backs, play the songs, and not put too much effort into it. But it was just banger after banger. The pace was incredible. For me, it was pure nostalgia, with my brother and best mate. My brother and I had our own falling out earlier in the year, so there was reconciliation all round. Nature’s healing.
Lloyd Williams (right), who last saw Oasis in the Principality Stadium in 2009, and his friend James. Photograph: Guardian Community
I think my highlight was Noel and Liam bowing to each other as they walked out. But Richard Ashcroft had already started strongly – when he played Bitter Sweet Symphony, tops were already off.
Champagne Supernova and Acquiesce were special. There were blokes crying everywhere. This was our Eras tour.
I last saw Oasis in the same stadium in 2009 when I was 15, on the last day of my GCSEs, and I thought Liam sounded crap. The roof was open, there wasn’t much of an atmosphere, the sky was grey, and they just sounded off. They needed a break; we all needed a break. You never know what you have until it’s gone. Lloyd Williams, 31, London (originally Cardiff)
‘I felt seen as a younger generation Oasis fan’
I’ve been an Oasis fan since 2020. I was out of school, and I felt a bit lost, and their music helped me quite a bit going through that tough time during Covid. It made me realise I really do enjoy music.
So seeing Noel and Liam finally back together was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. It lived up to everything I ever wanted it to be; an emotional and extremely memorable night. There were older fans, and fans who were younger than me. When Noel dedicated The Masterplan to people in their 20s and thanked them for “keeping the spirit of Oasis alive”, I started crying. I felt seen as a younger generation Oasis fan. I’m extremely grateful that I got to experience the monumental first night – it’ll forever be one of the best days of my life. Millie Cottrell, 21, Monmouthshire
‘Liam’s voice was back to its best’
It was completely joyful, something I will remember for a long time. Oasis might not have been as talkative on stage as they used to be, but they gave the fans exactly what they wanted – hit after hit, with some of the fan-favourite B-sides.
I was lucky enough to see Oasis five times back in their heyday, including Maine Road and Knebworth in 1996, so I have fantastic memories of seeing them at their very best when I was a teenager. But it felt as exciting to see them now. It was the perfect mix of nostalgia and joy at seeing them again. Liam’s voice was back to its best, and Noel – whose songs were always my favourite – belted them out with the crowd singing every word. Kate, 45, London
Muhammed Abdelmoteleb, whose set highlight was Acquiesce. Photograph: Guardian Community
‘The anticipation was palpable’
Seeing Liam and Noel emerge on stage for the very first time in 16 years was always going to be electric. I was lucky enough to be there and the anticipation was palpable all day in Cardiff, with Oasis being blasted from pubs, and hordes of people wearing Oasis T-shirts and bucket hats milling around the city.
Right from the opening lyrics of their first song on stage, Hello, it was clear that Liam’s voice was in top shape and the rest of the band ran a tight musical ship. I would say my highlight was Acquiesce. It’s one of the few songs where both Liam and Noel sing in shared verses – seeing them share the same song was pretty amazing. Muhammed Abdelmoteleb, 48, Newport
‘I went to both nights – it felt like they had never been away’
When they announced Oasis was reuniting and I got pre-sale access, I felt sick with anticipation. I classify myself as a superfan and just had to be at both opening nights. I bought a ticket to the Saturday show in the first round of sales, but friends of mine said: “Well, you’re not really going to the reunion if you don’t go to the first gig.” So I spent a lot of time refreshing, and got lucky last week.
It was beyond my wildest expectations. Richard Ashcroft really set the tone for a magical evening with a superb set. I don’t think I’ve ever seen as many people so engaged with a support act. The atmosphere before Oasis felt like the build-up before a massive heavyweight boxing match. When they arrived, it was a beautiful moment. Liam was on fire. The set list has to go down as one of the greatest of all time.
I’d seen Oasis seven times before, where there were drinks thrown and a few fights. There was none of that. It seemed like the crowd didn’t want anything to spoil it. It felt like they had never been away. The best two gigs I’ve ever been to. Nigel Wright, 44, Tongham, Surrey
‘It was raw emotion’
Being there on the first night, in my country, after a 30-year wait, meant the world to me. I was singing loudly to Acquiesce with a bunch of strangers, never saying a word to each other but all knowing what the other was feeling. Back in the 90s, music was very tribal, but this crowd was full of different people, young and old.
The band sounded great. Liam and Noel sang like no time had passed since the 1990s. Friday night took me back to 1996, when it felt like I could tell 13-year-old me that things are going to get dark, but they will get better. I know others will criticise the band for ripping off the Beatles – who hasn’t? – and for the Gallaghers having questionable opinions and means of expressing them in a non-musical setting. But it was raw emotion for me. While the Gallaghers can be right bellends, their music means so much more. They are my bellends, and will always be. Paul Hunt, 42, Abercynon, Wales
Builds on existing presence and commitment to the Kingdom following strategic investment by Alat finalized in January 2025
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Official PC & Gaming Hardware partner of the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC), Lenovo, is bringing its latest Legion gaming innovations directly to fans at the tournament, with a premier booth experience at Riyadh’s Content Creator Park. Positioned adjacent to the tournament’s main stage, Lenovo’s on-ground presence reflects the brand’s commitment to championing elite performance and inclusive gaming culture.
Visitors to the Lenovo booth will get their hands-on the latest Legion devices – from the powerful Legion 9i to immersive fan experience zones featuring Legion notebooks. Lenovo’s full ecosystem of gaming solutions, including notebooks, desktops, visuals, and accessories, will be on display to showcase the ultimate in performance, cooling, and design. Gamers will also get the chance to put the latest Legion devices to the test in various tournaments on the booth and stand to win prizes for topping the leaderboards.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in esports is a core part of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and expand the digital entertainment sector. Through initiatives such as the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), the Kingdom plans to generate over 39,000 gaming-related jobs and contribute more than US$13 billion to national GDP by 2030[1].
Lenovo’s strategic partnership and investment with Alat, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, includes building a new manufacturing hub in the Kingdom where they will produce millions of “Saudi Made” laptops and desktops (including gaming devices) a year, as well as servers. By localizing manufacturing and expanding innovations capabilities in the Kingdom, Lenovo and Alat will together accelerate the development of a gaming and technology ecosystems—creating high-skilled jobs, nurturing local esports talent, and contributing to the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals. The partnership, which was finalized in January 2025, aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives and complements Lenovo’s presence at the Esports World Cup 2025, where the brand is showcasing its Legion portfolio to empower Saudi gamers and reinforce the Kingdom’s emergence as a global leader in esports and digital entertainment.
“With nearly 89% of the Kingdom’s population under the age of 35[2], Saudi youth are crucial to shaping the future of this sector. Gaming and Esports resonate strongly with a generation raised in a digital culture. It is inspiring to see Saudi youth embracing new opportunities, honing their skills, and engaging with a global community,” said Giovanni Di Filippo, Vice President & General Manager, Saudi Arabia. “In Saudi Arabia, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive gaming ecosystem -one that empowers youth from all backgrounds by expanding access to technology and creating opportunities to thrive. The Esports World Cup is a celebration of this spirit, where the best gamers compete on Lenovo Legion devices and prove that with the right tools, anything is possible,” he added.
Celebrating Female Gamers with #HerLegion Clan
At the heart of Lenovo’s booth programming is the #HerLegion Clan: Inclusion Night, a dedicated evening celebrating female gamers and fostering a more inclusive gaming environment. Executed in collaboration with Valar Club, this activation aligns with Lenovo’s regional #HerLegion Clan inclusivity campaign, empowering women in gaming through community-driven initiatives and on-ground visibility.
Aligned with Vision 2030’s focus on empowering women, Saudi Arabia is taking measurable steps to increase female participation in the gaming industry, with women now accounting for 48% of gamers in the Kingdom[3]. National strategies to support this growth include targeted funding for women-led game development, university programs focused on digital skills, and training initiatives in game design and esports management.
“Initiatives such as #HerLegion Clan further build on this momentum by providing safe, structured, and empowering spaces for female gamers to compete, connect, and create. These programs not only increase visibility and representation but also lay the groundwork for long-term industry leadership. As the Kingdom works to establish itself as a global gaming hub, female gamers and professionals are playing an increasingly central role in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s digital entertainment economy,” added Di Filippo.
As the official PC & Gaming Hardware partner of Esports World Cup 2025, Lenovo is supporting the tournament’s efforts to scale the global esports ecosystem and build sustainable infrastructure for competitive gaming. The partnership reinforces Lenovo’s commitment to delivering high-performance gaming experiences through its Legion portfolio – powering gameplay for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
To learn more about EWC, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.
Explore Lenovo Legion’s full lineup at www.lenovo.com/legion.
[1] PwC Middle East and Saudi Esports Federation report: Saudi Arabia stands to gain US$13.3 billion from Esports and gaming by 2030
[2] ConsultancyME, citing BCG and media demographic analysis
[3] Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (via ITP Live) – “The Surprising Rise of Saudi Women Gamers at 48%
BEIJING, Jul 10 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar met with Cao Shumin, Deputy Head of the CPC Publicity Department and Minister of National Radio and Television Administration of China (NRTA) China, to explore broadening cooperation through joint productions, combating disinformation, launching training initiatives, and fostering cultural exchange.
Both leaders characterized the media partnership as a testament to mutual trust and a deep-rooted friendship.
Speaking on the occasion, Attaullah Tarar stated that Pakistan has much to learn from China’s experience in media and communication.
He praised China’s expertise in digital media, public service broadcasting, and cultural content promotion as truly commendable.
Pakistan and China have agreed to expand cooperation and joint broadcasting projects between their state media organizations. This initiative aims to more effectively counter fake news and disinformation.
Both leaders also endorsed a unified stance against fake news, along with plans for technical training and institutional collaboration.
The meeting further featured discussions on a proposed agreement between China Central Television (CCTV) and Pakistan Television (PTV) to promote information exchange and strengthen media cooperation.
Discussions during the meeting also touched on facilitating exchange visits of digital influencers from Pakistan and China to strengthen cultural ties and mutual engagement.
Attaullah Tarar stated that under the agreement, both institutions will enhance cooperation in news coverage, documentary production, training resources, and technical support.
Attaullah Tarar noted that during the recent tensions between Pakistan and India, youth from China and Pakistan demonstrated strong solidarity, a sentiment that gained widespread attention across social media platforms.
Attaullah Tarar remarked that in today’s digital age, the exchange of influencers and social media representatives from both countries can bring renewed vitality to bilateral relations.
He affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to turning mutual media cooperation into concrete actions.
Tarar emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as a cornerstone for a promising future between the two nations.
Attaullah Tarar said that Pakistan Television, Radio Pakistan, and the national news agency APP are instrumental in highlighting China’s development, the Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC, cultural ties, and mutual cooperation to the people of both Pakistan and China.
He noted that Pakistan Television (PTV) is fostering intellectual and cultural ties between the two nations by broadcasting Chinese programs, documentaries, and news reports in Urdu.
Likewise, APP’s China News Service has made notable strides in delivering Pakistan’s narrative to Chinese readers effectively.
Federal Minister for Information stated that media organizations in both countries are playing a key role in fostering closer ties between the people of China and Pakistan, promoting social understanding, and enhancing mutual harmony.
He added that further opportunities for collaboration in media and culture exist and can be pursued through active institutional frameworks.
Ms Cao Shumin highlighted China’s recognition of Pakistan as a trusted partner, noting that media organizations from both nations can deepen their collaboration by sharing experiences. She further emphasized that greater cooperation in media and technology will be mutually advantageous.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on shaping a joint narrative around civilizational exchange and innovation between Pakistan and China.
Both sides agreed that media, culture, and public relations hold the potential to deepen the bilateral relationship, with future efforts to be advanced through a coordinated strategy.
