India has scrapped an order making it mandatory for smartphone makers to preload a state-run cyber safety app on new phones after a public furore. The order gave smartphone makers 90 days to pre-load new phones with its new Sanchar Saathi app which could not be “disabled or restricted”, sparking privacy and surveillance concerns. The government argued the move was necessary to verify the authenticity of handsets, but cybersecurity experts said it impinged on citizens’ right to privacy. Withdrawing the order on Wednesday, the government cited the app’s “increasing acceptance”. It came after Apple and Samsung had reportedly resisted the…
Author: Oki Bin Oki
The idea of everyday beauty has shifted dramatically over the past few years. Instead of full routines packed with layers of product, many people now gravitate toward a look that feels natural, refined, and easy to maintain. This modern standard is about appearing fresh and confident without looking overly styled, an approach that aligns with the rise of streamlined enhancements such as those offered by Envolash. What was once considered a “minimalist trend” has evolved into a long-term mindset that prioritizes subtle polish over dramatic transformation. Why Simplicity Feels More Luxurious Than Ever For years, beauty culture equated effort with…
As more adults embrace active routines, from long-distance walking to running, gym training, recreational sports, and mobility-focused classes, foot and ankle health has become an essential part of sustainable movement. It’s increasingly common for people to seek simple, accessible support options early on, whether that means improving footwear, adjusting training volume, or exploring tools such as compression sleeves for plantar fasciitis when subtle signs of strain begin to appear. This heightened awareness reflects a shift in mindset: preventive care for the feet and ankles is no longer reactive or injury-driven; it’s a foundational component of an active lifestyle. Why Foot…
Vehicle ownership has always come with responsibilities, but in 2026 a new pattern is emerging: more drivers are choosing to handle aspects of their car care themselves. Many begin this shift with simple upgrades, like browsing car polishing pads for sale, and quickly discover how approachable and rewarding at-home maintenance can be. What was once considered a task for professionals has evolved into a practical, cost-effective, and satisfying part of modern vehicle ownership. This change reflects broader cultural movements toward self-sufficiency, personalization, and long-term care for the things people rely on daily. Drivers aren’t investing more time at home because…
Making the right decisions about your vision is essential for comfort, health, and overall quality of life. With so many eyewear options these days, from glasses to contact lenses, navigating the choices can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, advances in technology and expert guidance have made it easier to select the right vision solutions that meet both your prescription needs and lifestyle preferences. By combining online equipment, professional advice, and reliable products, you can make confident choices that guard your eyes and enhance daily comfort. Understanding Your Vision Needs Before exploring eyewear or contact lenses, it’s far essential to apprehend your particular…
Staff at a Virginia liquor store got a shock on Saturday when they came into work to find the store had been broken into by a very intoxicated raccoon. The “masked bandit” was found passed out in the bathroom between the toilet and bin having helped itself to some bottom shelf spirits. Animal control officer Samantha Martin transported the “suspect” for questioning at Hanover County Animal Protection and Shelter but not before it had a chance to sober up. After a few hours of sleep and zero signs of injury (other than maybe a hangover), the animal was safely released…
Kenya’s parliament has accused British soldiers of decades of sexual abuse, killings, human rights violations and environmental destruction while training in the country. The report detailed harrowing testimony from communities in Laikipia and Samburu counties, near the military training bases. The British soldiers are accused of evading accountability by refusing to cooperate with the parliamentary investigation. The UK High Commission in Kenya said it regretted that its submission was not reflected in the report’s conclusions and affirmed its readiness to investigate the allegations “under our jurisdiction fully, once evidence is provided”. For decades, troops from the British Army Training Unit…
Prada announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Versace, bringing two major Italian luxury fashion houses under one roof. The $1.38bn (£1.04bn) deal is well below the roughly $2bn that Versace’s former parent company, Capri Holdings, paid for the brand in 2018. The acquisition expands Prada’s portfolio of designer brands – including Miu Miu – as it seeks to compete with rivals including French conglomerate LVMH, which owns Dior and Fendi in addition to Louis Vuitton. Storied designer Donatella Versace stepped down as the brand’s creative chief in Marchafter 27 years at the fashion company, known for its glamorous styles…
YouTube says Australia’s “rushed” new laws to block teens from its platform will mean children will be less safe as its “robust parental controls” will be stripped away. Parents will “lose their ability to supervise their teen or tween’s account” such as content settings or blocking channels from 10 December when a social media ban for under-16s starts. Children will still be able to view videos but without an account. Communications Minister Anika Wells responded by saying it was “outright weird” that YouTube was highlighting the dangers of its platform for children. “If YouTube is reminding us all that it…
Thailand temporarily lifted a decades-old ban on the sale of alcoholic drinks in the afternoons as it seeks to boost tourism. Liquor stores, restaurants and other accredited establishments can now sell beer, wine and spirits from 14:00 to 17:00 as part of a six-month trial. The ban, which came into force in 1972, was primarily introduced to stop government employees from drinking during work hours. But it has long vexed visitors to the predominantly Buddhist country – which is also known for its vibrant party scene. The move comes just days ahead of Christmas and the New Year holiday, both…
The Pennsylvania police officer who received a tip about Luigi Mangione being spotted at a local McDonald’s has said he and his supervisor were so sceptical that it was the suspected shooter they exchanged jokes about it. Joseph Detwiler told a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday that tip ultimately led to Mangione’s arrest for the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York last December. Mr Mangione, 27, who has pleaded not guilty to state and federal murder charges, was in court for a second day of proceedings to decide if evidence from his arrest is admissible in trial. His…
Republicans have won a hotly-contested congressional election in Tennessee, US media outlets are projecting, after a race that was viewed as a test of whether Democrats can mount a national comeback next year. With all counties now reporting results, Republican Matt Van Epps is on course to beat Democrat Aftyn Behn by around nine percentage points. That will ensure the Republicans retain their slender majority in the House of Representatives. But their margin of victory is set to be less than half of what it was last time, just over a year ago, which has caused anxiety for some in…
US President Donald Trump has said he does not want Somali immigrants in the US, telling reporters they should “go back to where they came from” and “their country is no good for a reason”. “I don’t want them in our country, I’ll be honest with you,” he said during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Trump said the US would “go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country”. His disparaging comments came as immigration authorities were reported to be planning an enforcement operation in Minnesota’s large Somali community. In response, the prime minister of Somalia…
Tech billionaire Michael Dell and his wife, Susan, announced plans to donate $250 to 25 million children across the US. The $6.25bn (£4.72bn) gift will bolster Trump-branded investment accounts, which were authorised by Congress as part of its tax and spending bill earlier this year with the aim of encouraging families save for retirement. As part of that scheme, babies born between 2025 and 2028 are also eligible to receive $1,000 from the government. The Dells said their gift, which targets children age 10 and under, was intended to help seed those accounts and expand the savings opportunity to even…
Actor Dave Coulier, who starred in the US TV sitcom Full House, has announced he has been diagnosed with tongue cancer. It comes seven months after Coulier, 66, told fans he was cancer free, following his 2024 diagnosis of stage three non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. Speaking to NBC’s Today show, Coulier said his tongue cancer has “a 90% curability rate”, adding that he is undergoing 35 rounds of radiation that will end on 31 December. Coulier explained his latest diagnosis is “totally unrelated to the previous cancer that I had”. Coulier is best known for playing Joey…