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  • Google launches Windows desktop app with Spotlight-style search and AI mode

    Google launches Windows desktop app with Spotlight-style search and AI mode

    Google has rolled out a new experimental desktop app for Windows, designed to streamline the way people search and access information across devices and the web.

    Announced on Tuesday, the app can be launched instantly using the Alt + Space shortcut, enabling users to search their computer files, installed applications, Google Drive documents, and online content from a single interface, as per a report by TechCrunch.

    The tool mirrors the functionality of Apple’s Spotlight search on macOS, offering quick results both locally and online.

    The app is being released through Search Labs, Google’s experimental platform that allows users to test early features and provide feedback ahead of wider availability.

    Among its key features is Google Lens integration, which allows users to select and search anything on their screen. This can be used to translate images or text instantly, solve maths problems, or identify objects. The app also includes an AI Mode, where users can ask complex or multi-part questions and receive deeper responses.

    Search results can be filtered by category, including all results, AI mode, images, shopping, and videos. A dark mode is also available.

    For now, the app is only available in English and to users in the United States, with compatibility restricted to Windows 10 and newer PCs.

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  • Who is Sushila Karki, Nepal’s new 73-year-old interim prime minister? | Protests News

    Who is Sushila Karki, Nepal’s new 73-year-old interim prime minister? | Protests News

    Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the country’s new interim prime minister, following days of deadly youth protests.

    Karki’s appointment was announced by the office of President Ramchandra Poudel on Friday, September 12, and she was sworn into office as the country’s first-ever female prime minister later that day.

    “I did not come to this position because I had sought it, but because there were voices from the streets demanding that Sushila Karki should be given the responsibility,” she said during her first public remarks on Sunday.

    Here is what we know about Karki.

    Who is Sushila Karki?

    Following the youth-led “Gen Z” protests against corruption in Nepal, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned last Tuesday. Karki was appointed on Friday to lead the transitional government until snap elections in March 2026.

    Karki, 73, is the first woman to head the government of Nepal.

    She was born in June 1952 in what is now Nepal’s eastern city of Biratnagar, about 400km (250 miles) south of Kathmandu, the capital. Karki reportedly attended the Mahendra Morang College in Biratnagar and earned her Bachelor of Arts at age 20. Later, she attended graduate school in India, earning her Master’s degree from Banaras Hindu University before returning to Nepal.

    Karki completed her law degree at Tribhuvan University in 1978, according to The Kathmandu Post, and went on to become a lawyer and teach law at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Nepal’s eastern city of Dharan.

    Karki became the first female chief justice of Nepal in 2016.

    In May 2017, the government tried to suspend her as members of parliament signed an impeachment motion against her after the court, under her leadership, overturned their appointment of Jaya Bahadur Chand as police chief. The court chose the highest-ranking officer, Nawaraj Silwal, for the position instead.

    The United Nations labelled the impeachment effort, which was eventually dropped, as “politically motivated”, and Karki retired in June 2017.

    What happened in Nepal?

    Young people in Kathmandu and other cities took to the streets on September 8 to protest political corruption. There was also anger towards children of Nepali government officials – dubbed “Nepo kids” – who document their lavish lifestyles online.

    Days before the protests, the Nepali government had banned more than 20 social media websites in the country for not complying with the government’s demands.

    On the first day of protests, some demonstrators broke past police barriers and entered the parliament complex. A violent crackdown by security forces led dozens dead, inflaming tensions further.

    The next day, protesters defied curfews to set fire to government buildings, including parliament, and freed thousands of prisoners. Nepali ministers were evacuated by helicopter to ensure their safety.

    Many protesters were killed amid clashes with the police. On September 12, a police spokesman said the death toll from the protests had climbed to 51.

    In response, Oli, who was elected as PM for the fourth time last year, announced his resignation last Tuesday, September 9. Other ministers also resigned from their posts.

    Nepal’s army was deployed late on September 9 in an attempt to restore order. The situation has started to calm down, with schools reopening and businesses resuming operations.

    Hami Nepal, the group that organised the protests, held a call on the messaging application, Discord, late last week to choose Nepal’s interim prime minister. About 10,000 Nepalis – including many from the diaspora – participated.

    After hours of debate, they chose Karki.

    Paudel announced Karki’s appointment on September 12. He also announced that the 275-seat parliament had been dissolved, and elections were then set for March 5, 2026, about two years earlier than planned.

    Why Karki?

    While the young protesters highlighted the generation gap between them and Nepal’s leaders during their agitation, they ended up picking septuagenarian Karki as their interim leader.

    “This has been a concern from people here as well,” Anish Ghimre, a Nepali journalist with the Kathmandu Post, told Al Jazeera, referring to Karki’s age. “But I think the bigger picture here is people wanted someone they could trust, someone they can look up to.”

    Ghimre, 24, said the decision was motivated by the young protesters researching Karki’s background and career. He pointed out how Karki has previously said during interviews that “many ministers came to her and they asked for some favour” but that she had refused to comply with their demands.

    “Hopefully, after six months, maybe we can see a new face, maybe someone younger,” he added, referring to the March election.

    Others also pointed to the selection of Karki being based on her reputation, despite her age.

    “Gen Z protesters rallied behind septuagenarian Sushila Karki because, even in her earlier statements to the press, her image as Nepal’s first woman chief justice symbolised integrity and resistance against corruption,” Yog Raj Lamichhane, an assistant professor at the School of Business in Nepal’s Pokhara University, told Al Jazeera.

    What has PM Karki done so far?

    “We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki said on Sunday.

    She acknowledged the youth’s demands for the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality.

    “We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and pledge to hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”

    On Monday, she named three new government ministers: Om Prakash Aryal as home minister, Rameshwar Prasad Khanal as finance minister and Kulman Ghising as energy minister.

    What’s next for Nepal?

    With the parliament dissolved, Karki is likely to face challenges in passing any new legislation.

    “Although the government has changed and parliament dissolved, no concrete programme against corruption has been introduced, underscoring the concerns of the Gen Z movement,” Lamichhane said.

    “The interim government must ensure timely elections and also address the challenge of reconstruction.”

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  • Norwich Baton of Hope walk led by those bereaved by suicide

    Norwich Baton of Hope walk led by those bereaved by suicide

    ALEX DUNLOP/BBC Jay Harrison in a blue hoodie looking forwards. He is bald and has a dark beard. He appears to be standing in a living room, with a green wall and mirror blurred out behind him.ALEX DUNLOP/BBC

    The death of his close friend inspired Jay Harrison to support others who have lost loved ones to suicide

    Jay Harrison said he had “never known pain like it” when his close friend, musician John Brindle, took his own life 13 years ago.

    On Wednesday, Mr Harrison will be one of 40 people affected by suicide who will carry the “Baton of Hope” through Norwich, as part of the UK suicide prevention initiative.

    The tour has travelled across the country to spark conversations about mental health and encourage people to seek support.

    Data from Norfolk Insight showed there were about 90 suicides each year in Norfolk and Waveney, with men making up three-quarters of those deaths.

    When Mr Harrison was told his bandmate had died, he said: “It felt like someone had set off a grenade in my living room.”

    He described his friend as “larger than life” and always “front and centre”, not someone he would have expected to have struggled with his mental health.

    Mr Harrison said: “The Baton of Hope really encompasses what suicide prevention needs to be across the country.”

    FAMILY HANDOUT A black and white image of John Brindle performing with a guitar, while singing into a microphone.FAMILY HANDOUT

    John Brindle was the lead guitarist in the band Birkenhed

    The tour, which has been supported by Norwich Samaritans, is due to set off at 08:30 BST from the Norfolk Showground.

    The day will end at Carrow Road, where a member of Norwich City’s first team will carry it on a lap of the pitch.

    As part of the tour, organisers have arranged an event at The Plantation Garden, which is open to the public to offer people a space to reflect on their own experiences.

    Mr Harrison now focusses his grief on supporting others, working at Norfolk and Waveney Mind to help those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

    “People often think suicide prevention only happens when someone is right at the metaphorical cliff edge,” he said.

    “Self care is suicide prevention.

    “It starts with a cup of tea, it starts with chatting to your friends, it starts with dancing in the kitchen.”

    Mr Harrison said he hoped the campaign would inspire more openness around mental health.

    The baton is to continue its journey across the UK before finishing in London for a closing ceremony.

    If you have been affected by the issues raised in this story you can visit BBC Action Line for support.

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  • The association between insulin resistance and urge urinary incontinence in non-diabetic women is primarily mediated by obesity: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES from 2005 to 2016 | BMC Women’s Health

    The association between insulin resistance and urge urinary incontinence in non-diabetic women is primarily mediated by obesity: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES from 2005 to 2016 | BMC Women’s Health

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  • PM Shehbaz inaugurates Pakistan TV Digital English Channel

    PM Shehbaz inaugurates Pakistan TV Digital English Channel




    ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated Pakistan TV Digital’s English channel, calling it a vital step in strengthening Pakistan’s voice on the global stage.

    Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Information Secretary Ambreen Jan, and senior officials accompanied the Prime Minister during the visit.

    The Prime Minister toured various sections of the new channel, interacting with young professionals and commending their enthusiasm.

    He emphasized that their role is “crucial in countering external narratives.” He added that the digital channel aims to provide authentic news to effectively respond to misrepresentation and propaganda against Pakistan.

    Shehbaz Sharif also recorded his first interview for broadcast on the newly launched channel.

    Briefing the Prime Minister, Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan TV Digital will serve as a proactive and credible voice of the country in the English language, bridging the information gap and acting as a public diplomacy platform.

    He added that the initiative is designed to challenge one-sided narratives dominant in Western and Indian-influenced media. 


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  • Smartwatch, fitness tracker may help detect abnormalities in pregnancy

    Smartwatch, fitness tracker may help detect abnormalities in pregnancy

    NEW DELHI: A simple wearable device like a smartwatch or a fitness tracker may help revolutionise pregnancy care and easily detect abnormalities.

    Scientists at Scripps Research have found preliminary evidence suggesting that common wearable devices such as the Apple Watch, Garmin, and Fitbit could remotely monitor pregnancy-related health changes by tracking physiological patterns — like heart rate — that correlate with hormonal fluctuations.

    “Wearable devices offer a unique opportunity to develop innovative solutions that address the high number of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the US,” said co-senior author Giorgio Quer, the director of artificial intelligence and assistant professor of Digital Medicine at Scripps Research.

    “Our results show that signals collected via wearable sensors follow the expected changes in hormone levels and can detect unique patterns specific to live birth pregnancies, potentially allowing the monitoring of maternal health throughout the pregnancy and postpartum.”

    For the study, the team selected 108 individuals who had consented to provide data from three months before their pregnancy through six months after delivery. Using sophisticated statistical methods to identify population-level patterns, the team could account for individual differences and device variations.

    From this data, the scientists were able to identify physiological patterns that aligned with the fluctuation of key pregnancy hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The fluctuations of these hormones are critical to healthy pregnancy outcomes and provide insight into the pregnancy’s progression.

    The heart rate data was particularly compelling. During early pregnancy, researchers found that the individual’s heart rate initially decreased around weeks five to nine, then steadily increased until about eight or nine weeks before delivery, reaching peaks up to 9.4 beats per minute above pre-pregnancy levels.

    After birth, the heart rate dropped below baseline levels before stabilising around six months postpartum. The researchers also tracked sleep and activity patterns throughout pregnancy.

    To validate this correlation, the team compared wearable sensor patterns with published hormone-level data from previous pregnancy studies, creating detailed models that predicted heart rate changes based on expected hormonal fluctuations throughout pregnancy. While these findings are still early, they demonstrate that wearables could potentially enhance prenatal care, particularly for women living in maternal care deserts.

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  • Award-winning Cayenne restorations celebrate Porsche Heritage at Experience Centre Toronto

    Award-winning Cayenne restorations celebrate Porsche Heritage at Experience Centre Toronto




    Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. (PCL) has announced the winners of the 2025 Porsche Classic Restoration Competition. A panel of experts selected the National Champion, the “Best in East” and “Best in West” titleholders, as well as the recipient of the Marketing Award. In addition, the general public selected the Popular Vote Award winner, and guests at the finale event on September 14 voted for the Attendees’ Choice Award.


    “Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Classic Restoration Competition,” said Trevor Arthur, President and CEO, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. “The skill and dedication that shines in each of these entries are testament to the unparalleled passion surrounding Porsche vehicles of the past and the future. There is no more appropriate setting to honour our brand’s heritage than our first official Porsche Experience Centre Toronto Cars & Coffee event.”

    For the fourth time, Canadian Porsche Centres vied for the restoration crown

    The nationwide Porsche Centre competition celebrates the care, dedication, and craftsmanship of restoring the brand’s vehicles and intends to educate and inspire a new generation of technicians and enthusiasts. Since the contest’s inception in 2019, dozens of Porsche classic models have been restored back to pristine condition – to be enjoyed for many more years to come.

    Porsche Classic Restoration Competition, Trophies, PEC Toronto, Canada, 2025, Porsche AG





    For the fourth edition of the challenge, Porsche Centres across the country were invited to restore and reimagine their own first-generation Cayenne, bringing their unique visions to life — whether as a rugged off-roader, mountain climber, or even high-horsepower track-focused SUV. Introduced in 2002, the Cayenne was the brand’s first venture into the SUV segment and quickly established itself as a best-seller for the brand in Canada. The group of 17 teams from across Canada presented their competition entries at the Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) Toronto on September 14.

    National Champion: Porsche Centre Vancouver

    Cayenne Turbo (2008), Canada National Champion - Porsche Centre Vancouver, Porsche Classic Restoration Competition, PEC Toronto, Canada, 2025, Porsche AG




    National Champion: Porsche Centre Vancouver’s Cayenne Turbo (2008)

    The team at Porsche Centre Vancouver collaborated closely with a customer to transform a 2008 Cayenne Turbo into an overland vehicle with a Gulf-Racing-inspired livery that also features the map of British Columbia. The interior was highly customized with a stunning Cohiba leather upholstery accented by a black, white and orange pepita fabric. Other customization features include a Porsche-crest-embossed Racetex roof lining as well as custom floor mats. The estimated 1,000-hour project also included a major mechanical refresh, suspension upgrades, and overlanding accessories like a roof rack, winch, and auxiliary lighting.

    Best in East: Porsche Lauzon

    Cayenne S (2008), "Best in East" - Porsche Lauzon, Porsche Classic Restoration Competition, PEC Toronto, Canada, 2025, Porsche AG




    Best in East: Porsche Lauzon’s Cayenne S (2008)

    Porsche Centre Lauzon transformed a 2008 Cayenne S into an overlanding vehicle, blending Porsche performance with rugged off-road capability. The project included a 3-inch suspension lift, custom wrap, heavy-duty tires, roof-mounted utility gear, and a remote-controlled lighting system. The build celebrates creativity, engineering, and the freedom of exploration.

    Best in West: Porsche Centre Victoria

    Cayenne Turbo (2008), "Best in West" - Porsche Centre Victoria, Porsche Classic Restoration Competition, PEC Toronto, Canada, 2025, Porsche AG




    Best in West: Porsche Centre Victoria’s Cayenne Turbo (2008)

    Porsche Centre Victoria restored a 2008 Cayenne Turbo, blending West Coast cultural heritage with Porsche motorsport DNA. The project was designed in collaboration with Coast Salish artist Luke Maston. The restoration included cultural storytelling through artwork on various exterior and interior panels – from Orcas who travel with their family in pods, to a raven and sun on the hood. The roof rack carries a custom-built and painted dugout race canoe. Modern upgrades like the Porsche Classic Communication Management Plus system complete this project.

    Marketing Award: Porsche Centre Québec

    Cayenne Turbo (2004), Marketing Award recipient - Porsche Centre Québec, Porsche Classic Restoration Competition, PEC Toronto, Canada, 2025, Porsche AG




    Marketing Award: Porsche Centre Québec’s Cayenne Turbo (2004)

    Porsche Centre Québec reimagined a 2004 Cayenne Turbo. The Cayenne was equipped with oversized tires, a roof rack, and rally lights, blending raw performance with refined aesthetics. The project involved restoring and transforming the vehicle into an expedition machine, showcased in a cinematic short film called “Au-delà des routes” – “Beyond the Roads”. The film reel highlights the vehicle’s journey through Québec’s wilderness, emphasizing the engineering and adventurous spirit of Porsche.

    Popular Vote Award and Attendees’ Choice Award: Porsche Centre Markham

    Cayenne (2009), Popular Vote Award and Attendees' Choice Award recipient - Porsche Centre Markham, Porsche Classic Restoration Competition, PEC Toronto, Canada, 2025, Porsche AG




    Popular Vote Award and Attendees’ Choice Award: Porsche Centre Markham’s Cayenne (2009)

    The general public was invited to vote for their favourite project on Instagram. Guests of the Cars & Coffee event were also invited to pick their favourite among the 17 projects on display. Porsche Centre Markham’s project was crowned the fan-favourite with their project inspired by the Porsche Jagdwagen, a hunting vehicle. The restoration involved a 2009 Cayenne with upgraded wheels and tires, a Bilstein suspension system, underbody skid plates, a powerful winch, and a custom-built storage compartment. The build aims to enhance the vehicle’s off-road ability while supporting long expeditions.

    A concourse of guests came to celebrate brand heritage at the world’s tenth Porsche Experience Centre

    The 2025 Porsche Classic Restoration Canada Competition grand finale was celebrated by a concourse of guests at the Porsche Experience Centre Toronto, the third of its kind in North America and the tenth in the world.

    Open to the public since June of this year and designed as an immersive environment where the thrill of driving meets the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering, the PEC Toronto offers something for everyone, from long-time owners to curious visitors. Four instructor-led driving modules – a two-kilometre driver development handling circuit, dynamics area, low-friction handling circuit, and low-friction drift circle – are designed to demonstrate the engineering and capabilities of Porsche models.

    911 (G-Series), 911 Carrera Cabriolet (964), Porsche Classic Restoration Competition, PEC Toronto, Canada, 2025, Porsche AG





    First-time visitors can explore the building, take in the view from the visitor terrace, browse the Porsche Lifestyle Shop, or enjoy a refreshment at the Carrera Café. The PEC Toronto also has a fitting lounge, where visitors can explore extensive customization options to configure their dream Porsche. In addition, guests can reserve time in a dedicated space with five cutting-edge driving simulators. Behind the wheel of a virtual Porsche, they can race against themselves or someone else on racetracks from around the world.

    The PEC Toronto is open Wednesdays to Sundays year-round. For the most up-to-date opening hour information, please visit https://porscheexperience.ca/centre.

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  • Eleven Sports to bring WTA Tour to Polish fans in new five-year deal

    Eleven Sports to bring WTA Tour to Polish fans in new five-year deal

    • Broadcaster secures exclusive rights from 2027 to 2031 

    LONDON, UK & WARSAW, POL — Eleven Sports has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to the WTA Tour in Poland for five seasons, from 2027 to 2031. The agreement, signed with WTA Ventures, covers all WTA 1000, WTA 500 and WTA 250 tournaments, as well as the prestigious season-ending WTA Finals, featuring the world’s best players in both singles and doubles.

    The globally renowned WTA Tour continues to grow in popularity in Poland as fans follow the success of Iga Swiatek, who has consistently held top positions in the PIF WTA Rankings and claimed 24 WTA titles to date, including her success at the 2025 Cincinnati Open and Wimbledon Championships. Polish fans also follow the performances of Magdalena Frech and Magda Linette, while enjoying the battles of international stars such as Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova and Jasmine Paolini.

    Eleven Sports will deliver comprehensive, high-quality coverage of the WTA Tour in Poland, including in-depth studio shows, expert commentary, and live on-site reporting from the biggest matches and tournaments.

    Krzysztof Świergiel, CEO of Eleven Sports:

    “We are proud that in the coming years we will bring Polish fans the excitement of the very best in women’s tennis. This is an important milestone in the development of our portfolio, as we welcome the prestigious WTA Tour – a competition enjoying immense and ever-growing popularity in Poland – to our programming line-up. It is further proof that Eleven Sports consistently remains closest to sports fans.”

    Marina Storti, CEO of WTA Ventures:

    “This is a great time for women’s tennis, and we’re thrilled to partner with Eleven Sports to bring five seasons of the WTA Tour to Polish fans from 2027. With three Polish women in the world’s top 50, led by six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, Poland has become one of the most passionate homes of our sport. Together with Eleven Sports, we will build on that passion to grow the reach and impact of women’s tennis for years to come.”

    The agreement between Eleven Sports and WTA Ventures does not include future WTA tournaments hosted in Poland, the United Cup, or the Grand Slam tournaments.

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  • Pakistan Railways to launch high-speed train between Islamabad and Rawalpindi

    Pakistan Railways to launch high-speed train between Islamabad and Rawalpindi

    Pakistan Railways has announced plans to introduce a high-speed train service between the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, aiming to ease daily commutes and cut travel time to just 20 minutes.

    The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi and attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Officials agreed to expedite the project, which will connect Margalla Station in Islamabad to Saddar Station in Rawalpindi. The framework agreement is set to be signed next week.

    Under the plan, Pakistan Railways will provide the track, while the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will manage the service. The government has also approved the import of modern high-speed trains for the project.

    According to officials, the new service will not only save time and fuel but also help reduce traffic congestion between the twin cities.

    Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi described the initiative as a major public welfare project, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said it reflects Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of modern, accessible public transport.


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  • AI model uses mammograms to predict cardiovascular risk

    AI model uses mammograms to predict cardiovascular risk

    AI can accurately predict cardiovascular (CV) risk by analyzing mammograms, according to results published September 16 in Heart.

    Researchers led by Clare Arnott, PhD, from the George Institute for Global Health in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, developed a deep-learning algorithm based on only mammographic features and age to predict CV risk. They reported that the algorithm was on par with traditional cardiovascular risk equations.

    “We have potentially identified a two-for-one screening test. The hope is that we can integrate this into breast screen centers in an automated fashion,” Arnott told AuntMinnie. “Women identified as moderate or high risk can then be prompted to see their primary care physician for a CV risk assessment.”

    Previous studies point to breast arterial calcification (BAC) being tied to higher CV risk in women. These calcifications are also linked to vascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. Other mammographic features, including microcalcifications and breast density, may also be associated with cardiometabolic disease risk and mortality.

    The researchers developed and internally validated an algorithm that predicts CV risk in women attending routine screening mammography for breast cancer. They developed the prediction model by using the DeepSurv architecture to compile radiomics data from mammograms and patient age.

    The study included data from 49,196 women with no evidence of prior CV disease, an average age of 59.6 at baseline, and a median follow-up of 8.8 years. Of the total women, 3,392 experienced a first major CV event.

    The DeepSurv model using mammography features and patient age had a concordance index of 0.72. To compare, the American Heart Association’s “Prevent” equations led to concordance indices of 0.76 (for men) and 0.79 for women; New Zealand’s “Predict” model had an index of 0.73. The latter two models use age and clinical variables in their respective prediction risk assessments.

    Finally, the team’s combined model that used clinical characteristics and radiomic data achieved a concordance index of 0.75.

    Arnott said that the model can be integrated into routine breast cancer screening without interrupting mammography services.

    “There is a huge body of work from us as clinicians and public health advocates to encourage women to use this screening,” she said.

    Arnott also told AuntMinnie that the team is performing qualitative research with breast screening organizations, women, and general practitioners to understand barriers and facilitators to implementation.

    “Following this, we will conduct an implementation trial in breast screen services nationally [in Australia],” she added. “In addition, we are working with overseas collaborators on external validation of the algorithm in other populations.”

    Read the full study here.

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