news and current affairs.
miHoYo reveals Varsapura, a mind-bending open world
miHoYo has revealed its new open-world project, Varsapura, through an extended gameplay demonstration. The game is set in a surreal near-future city afflicted by a reality-warping phenomenon known as Mind Rot. Players assume the role of an applicant for the Shadow Emergency Alliance, or SEAL, an organization dedicated to containing these paranormal threats. The gameplay preview showcased a mix of investigative segments, psychological evaluations, and fast-paced combat where the protagonist utilizes an umbrella as a primary weapon. Players will navigate environmental puzzles and hazards while potentially receiving support from non-player character allies. The demo also indicated the inclusion of vehicular travel and role-playing game...
Silent Hill 2 remake haunts Xbox at half price
Konami has released its acclaimed Silent Hill 2 remake on the Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and the Xbox PC Store. The title supports the Xbox Play Anywhere feature, allowing a single purchase to grant access on both console and compatible Windows computers. To celebrate the launch, the publisher has instituted a fifty percent discount on the game's Standard and Deluxe Editions for the Xbox and PlayStation 5 platforms. This promotion prices the Standard Edition at 34.99 dollars and the Deluxe Edition at 39.99 dollars. A dual pack including Silent Hill 2 and the recently released Silent Hill f is also available. The survival horror remake, developed by Bloober Team, originally launched in October 2024 to a positive critical reception...
Intel lands US chip giants for packaging push
Intel Foundry is emerging as a potential provider of advanced packaging services for several major US technology firms. Reports indicate that companies such as Microsoft, Tesla, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA, which currently place chip orders with TSMC’s Arizona facility, are considering Intel for the subsequent packaging stage. This development opens a significant new business avenue for Intel’s foundry division. The United States is actively building a self-reliant semiconductor supply chain, yet it currently possesses limited domestic packaging capabilities. Intel’s extensive portfolio of advanced packaging technologies positions it to address this gap. The recent hiring of former TSMC executive Dr. Wei-Jen Lo is seen as a strategic move to...
JEDEC set to double DDR5 memory with CQDIMM
The JEDEC standards organization is developing a new CQDIMM specification for DDR5 memory. This standard will support 4-Rank CKD modules, effectively doubling capacity to 128GB per module while maintaining speeds of 7200 MT/s. Motherboard manufacturers, including MSI, Gigabyte, and ASUS, are reportedly preparing their high-end models to support this new technology. This initiative follows a recent collaboration between MSI and ADATA that demonstrated a 4-Rank CUDIMM module. The forthcoming CQDIMM standard is expected to be formally introduced with future platforms. Industry reports suggest Intel's Arrow Lake-S Refresh processors may be the first to leverage these higher-capacity memory modules. Wider market adoption of the CQDIMM...
Apple eyes Samsung for next-gen HMO iPhones
Apple has reportedly selected Samsung to mass-produce a new display technology called High Mobility Oxide, or HMO, according to a recent rumor. These panels are said to offer reduced power consumption and lower manufacturing costs due to simpler production requirements. The Korean giant, having previously developed the technology, is believed to be the only manufacturer capable of fulfilling Apple's volume demands. Mass production for the HMO displays is anticipated to begin in 2026. This timeline suggests the technology could debut in future Apple products, potentially including the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a rumored iPhone Fold. While the technology provides advantages, its extremely short process window may present...
China trains Gambian farmers in veggie tech
Chinese agricultural experts have initiated a month-long training program for local extension workers focused on vegetable cultivation. The event, part of the China-aid Agriculture Technology Cooperation Project at the Jambanjelly Mix Farming Center, involves sixty participants from various agricultural backgrounds. Alagie Nyangado, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, recognized the longstanding bilateral relationship with China and emphasized horticulture's role as a national backbone. He stated that a productive agricultural sector, which employs a majority of the population, is fundamental for economic development. Economic and Commercial Counselor Tong Zhan confirmed that the Chinese Embassy collaborated with the...
Debt squeeze threatens Gambia’s 2026 budget
A parliamentary committee has warned that The Gambia's 2026 national budget is under significant strain from high debt repayments. The Finance and Public Accounts Committee reported that servicing the national debt consumes a substantial portion of domestic revenue, limiting funding for public services and development programs. Committee Chairperson Alhagie S. Darbo expressed concern that debt servicing costs are crowding out vital social and productive sectors. He also highlighted a long-term risk from the government's heavy reliance on donor grants, which are projected to constitute over thirty-six percent of total revenue. The total proposed budget stands at 43.49 billion dalasis, increasing to 59.36 billion dalasis with external...
Gambia charges ahead with new power standards
The Gambia Standards Bureau is advancing its initiative to align the national electrical sector with international standards. Board Chair Dr. Ernest Aubee announced the bureau has already established 103 electrotechnical standards covering household and industrial applications. He described these standards as vital practical tools for safeguarding lives, property, and investments. Director General Papa Secka detailed plans to implement an International Electrotechnical Commission conformity assessment system. This new framework, scheduled for introduction next year, will enable product certification without relying on sophisticated local laboratories. The bureau's recent consolidation with the national metrology service was noted as a...
Mystery surrounds Brufut teen’s tragic death
Police are investigating the death of a sixteen-year-old boy discovered in Brufut. The body of Lamin Tamba, a resident, was found motionless and wet. Officers from the Brusubi Police Station responded to the scene and transported him to the Brufut Health Centre, where medical personnel declared him deceased upon arrival. Authorities stated that the circumstances leading to the teenager's death remain unclear. They have appealed to the public for any information that could aid the investigation. The Gambia Police Force has pledged a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, emphasizing its commitment to delivering justice in the case.
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