AWD-IT’s ‘Mayhem’ ***** includes RTX 5060 Ti gaming PCs for as little as £779
AWD-IT’s ‘Mayhem’ ***** includes RTX 5060 Ti gaming PCs for as little as £779
The specialist retailer AWD-IT is hosting an exceptional ‘Mayhem’ ***** right now, and it’s a great opportunity for anyone looking to score a budget-friendly gaming PC.
As TechRadar’s deals editor, I’ve been looking through the ***** today to find my favourites – of which I’ve rounded up just down below. Today’s deals at the retailer range all the way up to over £3,000, but I’ve concentrated on the cheaper machines here.
Among the standout deals are some of the most affordable machines I’ve seen yet that feature the powerful RTX 5000 series graphics cards, with prices starting as low as £779. Generally speaking, AWD-IT’s pre-builts use slightly older chipsets, but they’re superb bang for the buck and some of the first discounted machines I’ve seen with these cards.
If I had to pick an outright favourite, however, I’d be tempted to go for the AWD-IT Infinity for £749 (was £799) at the retailer. The saving isn’t the biggest here, nor does it carry an RTX 5000 series card, but it’s a great option if you’re looking to upgrade down the line. I’ve explained more below alongside my other top picks.
The best cheap gaming PC deals at AWD-IT
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Toxic masculinity: How sports coaches are helping to tackle issue
Toxic masculinity: How sports coaches are helping to tackle issue
The Adolescence drama shone a light on the corrosive impact of social media and the dangerous stereotypes about masculinity some teenage boys see online.
In today’s digital age, providing an interaction with “real life” influencers is more important than ever, according to Slater.
“I think we’re giving them that space to actually see a role model face to face,” the 52-year-old said. “They can talk about what they want to talk about, and they’ll be listened to. A good coach listens first.
“I think so many of our young people today lack the ability to build those relationships. Their social interactions are limited. Everything is online, either on their phone or on the end of their PlayStation 5 or whatever.”
Mark Gannon, chief executive of *** Coaching, said the face-to-face role of sports coaches was particularly important in “trying to get young people to understand the reality versus what they might see on social media, particularly with [online] misogyny”.
Every day around 30 young people facing significant challenges in their lives come to the Raw Mentoring site in Reading, which Slater runs. They are given one-to-one coaching in different sports and activities, while at the same time being mentored.
Zeph, who is in year eight at school, has been supported here for three years, telling BBC Sport: “It makes me happy. When I come here, I don’t want to leave. I used to get into fights nearly every day, I’m much calmer now.”
It is something Puente can relate to, describing his weekly run-ins with the police and being “a silly teenager” who got into a lot of fights before turning his life around.
“When you’re young, your brain’s like a sponge,” said Puente, who now helps youngsters alongside his job running a personal training business.
“You just reflect everything that you see. And I think if you don’t have that strong role model growing up, you’re kind of just going through those transitional periods as a teenager a little bit lost and unguided.
“I think it’s underestimated how beneficial a structured role model and supportive person can be.”
He says that even now Slater is “probably one of, if not the most, influential person” in his life.
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Largest US crypto exchange says cost of recent cyber-attack could reach $400m | US crime
Largest US crypto exchange says cost of recent cyber-attack could reach $400m | US crime
The biggest cryptocurrency exchange in the US forecast that a cyber-attack that breached account data of a “small subset” of its customers would cost it between $180m and $400m. Coinbase said that price tag would not include the $20m ransom demanded by the hackers, which the company refused to pay.
Coinbase, which sees the largest volume of cryptocurrency trades in the US, said that while the attackers stole some data including names, addresses and emails, they did not get access to login credentials or passwords. It will, however, reimburse the customers who were tricked into sending funds to the attackers.
The hackers had paid multiple contractors and employees working in support roles outside the US to collect information from internal systems. Coinbase immediately fired the employees involved, it said.
It also decline to pay the ransom demand of $20m and is working with law enforcement agencies. It has instead established a $20m reward for information on the attackers.
“Instead of funding criminal activity, we have investigated the incident, reinforced our controls, and will reimburse customers impacted by this incident,” the company said in a blogpost.
The company said it received an email from an unknown threat actor on 11 May, claiming to have information about certain customer accounts as well as internal documents. The disclosure comes days before Coinbase is set to join the benchmark S&P 500 index, marking a landmark moment for the crypto industry.
Security remains a challenge for the crypto industry. In February, Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, disclosed that attackers had stolen digital tokens worth about $1.5bn, which many called the biggest crypto heist of all time.
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Funds stolen by hacking crypto platforms totaled $2.2bn in 2024, according to a report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis, the fourth straight year in which such hacks have topped more than $1bn.
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*********** girl, 11, ********* abused by stranger after adding him to get Snapchat points | Snapchat
*********** girl, 11, ********* abused by stranger after adding him to get Snapchat points | Snapchat
An 11-year-old *********** girl added random people on Snapchat as part of an informal competition with her best friend to get a high score in the app. One of the people she added went on to ********* abuse her.
Then 23-year-old Jai Clapp was added on Snapchat using the Quick Add feature by an 11-year-old girl given the pseudonym of “April”, as part of a competition she and her friend were having to reach a “Snap score” of 100,000 points in 2023.
The Snap score is determined by how much a user is engaging on the app, and points can be gained by sending and receiving snaps, maintaining streaks (how many days users consecutively message each other) and by adding friends.
The Quick Add feature in Snapchat lists users the app suggests you could add, based on shared interests as determined by the Snapchat algorithm.
After being added, Clapp told the girl he was only 17, not 23, and a court found he went on to groom her over a 12-day ******* on Snapchat.
He then ********* abused the victim in three meetings at a local park in the town where the girl lived.
The offences Clapp was convicted for included digital and ******* penetration, in what the judge, Marcus Dempsey, described as “abhorrent” behaviour.
Clapp pleaded guilty and was sentenced for the abuse of April and another girl to eight years and 10 months in prison, with a non-parole ******* of four years and eight months.
The details of the case emerged in a county court of Victoria sentencing from late April that was published this week.
A spokesperson for Snap, the parent company of the app, said “******* exploitation of any young person is horrific, ******** and against our policies”.
“Snapchat was designed to help people communicate with friends they know in real life, and our goal is to make it as hard as possible for young people to be contacted by strangers,” the spokesperson said.
“Teens will only be suggested in Find Friends or search in limited circumstances, such as if they have numerous mutual friends. Over the last year we have launched new friending safeguards, which includes limiting who teens can see in Find Friends suggestions.”
Independent guides to Snapchat suggest parents turn off the Quick Add feature so only people known to them can add their child in the app.
Snapchat is expected to be one of the platforms that the *********** government will ban users under 16 years of age from accessing in December this year, but currently the minimum age for accounts on the platform is 13.
Before the ban comes into effect in December, the platforms likely to face the ban have pleaded with the government not to implement the policy, including Snapchat. The company has frequently highlighted the tools they have in their apps to keep children safe, in a push to keep the status quo.
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In its submission to a parliamentary inquiry last year, Snap said the app didn’t allow teens to surface as a suggested friend or in search results for other users unless they had mutual friends, and there was a warning in the app for teens if someone who has few friends in common tries to contact them.
The platform told the *********** online safety regulator, the eSafety commissioner, last year that it undertakes language analysis, and also uses an internal tool to estimate ages for users on the platform to prevent people under 13 from accessing the platform. The commissioner found in a report in February 19% of children aged between eight and 12 had used Snapchat in 2024.
Snap had not undertaken any research to estimate the number of users under 13 years of age on the platform in the first half of last year, according to the report.
A spokesperson for the eSafety commissioner said companies had a responsibility to ensure their platforms are safe for all users.
“While features like Find Friends [Quick Add] might have a number of beneficial uses, companies like Snap also need to think about how new features might be misused,” the spokesperson said.
“We have been concerned for some time about features on social media, messaging and other services which provide a ready means for predators to gain access to children for the purposes of grooming and contact offending.
“[The] feature can allow predators to find their way into the friend groups of multiple children, aided by the platform’s own algorithms, particularly where age assurance measures are not effective.”
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children reported in November last year that of the 7,000 ******* communication with child offences recorded by *** police in 2023-2024, 48% of the offences were on Snapchat.
Information and support for anyone affected by ***** or ******* abuse issues is available from the following organisations. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). In the ***, ***** Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
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DOOM: The Dark Ages Review – For DOOM the Bell Tolls – MonsterVine
DOOM: The Dark Ages Review – For DOOM the Bell Tolls – MonsterVine
Capsule Computers writes:
“I really enjoy game prequels. They often serve as a clever and engaging way to revisit a familiar franchise while presenting it from a fresh perspective. Prequels can provide valuable backstory, add depth to key characters, and expand on the game universe in ways that sequels often can’t. A great example of this is Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel, which gave players insight into the origins of Handsome Jack. It wasn’t just about story, though—it also introduced new gameplay mechanics, a wider variety of weapons, and unique environments that made the experience feel distinct yet connected. This approach could be particularly effective for a series like DOOM, which thrives on fast-paced action and imaginative enemy design. A prequel could offer the perfect excuse to experiment with new weapons and unleash chaos on new types of demons and bosses. At least, that’s the theory. But how well does it work in practice? Let’s find out!”
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Zimbabwe is full of elephants and conflict with villagers is growing. A new approach hopes to help
Zimbabwe is full of elephants and conflict with villagers is growing. A new approach hopes to help
When GPS-triggered alerts show an elephant herd heading toward villages near Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Capon Sibanda springs into action. He posts warnings in WhatsApp groups before speeding off on his bicycle to inform nearby residents without phones or network access. The new system of tracking elephants wearing GPS collars was launched last year by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the International Fund for Animal ********.
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Foretales is a card battler that tasks you with causing or preventing an apocalypse
Foretales is a card battler that tasks you with causing or preventing an apocalypse
Play as a thief who has a vision of the apocalypse
Combination of deck-building and narrative choices
Multiple playthroughs will allow you to play with different combinations
The developers behind Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank and Feed the Pup are branching out in a new direction with their upcoming release – Foretales, a narrative-focused card-based strategy RPG that will release on iOS and Android soon.
In Foretales, you step into the role of Volepain, a thief who’s seen a vision of the apocalypse. That’s your starting point, and how you reach or avoid that vision is entirely up to you. It combines deck-building strategy with narrative choice, where each card played affects the story’s progression.
Diplomacy, stealth, and combat are all on the table, and decisions ripple across multiple branching storylines. It’s a notable shift from Plug in Digital’s usual absurdist tone, diving instead into a more serious and richly atmospheric experience, with a deck of cards as your only lifeline against the end of the world.
It’s not just about battles and upgrades, though. The world of Foretales leans heavily into resource management, dialogue, and exploration, creating an experience where consequences matter. Characters are fully voiced, the art style is hand-painted and vivid, and the score, composed by Christophe Héral (Rayman Legends), brings the tone home with a mix of whimsy and melancholy.
While you wait, check out this list of the best card battler games to play on iOS right now!
Unlike many mobile RPGs, there’s no grinding or randomness to pad the playtime. It’s a premium experience with no ads or microtransactions, and it plays offline. The structure encourages replays, not just to see different outcomes, but to experiment with different choices and strategies.
If it sounds like something up your alley, you can pre-register for Foretales by clicking on your preferred link below. It will be available for $3.99 or your local equivalent. Visit the official Steam page for more information.
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Trump agrees deal for UAE to build largest AI campus outside US | US foreign policy
Trump agrees deal for UAE to build largest AI campus outside US | US foreign policy
The United Arab Emirates and the United States have signed an agreement for the Gulf country to build the largest artificial intelligence campus outside the United States, one of several deals around AI made during Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East.
But the agreement has also raised concerns, since it would have faced restrictions under the previous administration over Washington’s fears that China could access the technology.
The agreement to build the campus would give UAE expanded access to advanced AI chips. The US and UAE did not say which AI chips could be included in the data centers, but sources told Reuters the UAE could be allowed to import 500,000 of Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips per year starting in 2025.
Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang was seen in televised footage conversing with Donald Trump and UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a palace in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The agreement is a major win for the UAE, which has been trying to balance its relations with its longtime ally the US and its largest trading partner China. The Gulf state has been spending billions of dollars in a push to become a global AI player. But its ties to China had limited access to US chips under former president Joe Biden.
The deal reflects the Trump administration’s confidence that the chips can be managed securely, in part by requiring data centres be managed by US companies.
The US has been at the forefront of AI technology and innovation, but over the past year China has emerged as a serious competitor. Despite Trump’s confidence, some worry that striking deals with Persian Gulf countries could further diminish US grip on the burgeoning tech. There’s also the fear that China would be able to access these data centers for its own benefit.
Top CEOs from AI and chip companies, such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Nvidia’s Huang, appear to support such a deal. It could bring their products to an even larger world stage and they stand to profit immensely.
The AI agreement “includes the UAE committing to invest in, build, or finance US data centres that are at least as large and as powerful as those in the UAE,” the White House said.
“The agreement also contains historic commitments by the UAE to further align their national security regulations with the United States, including strong protections to prevent the diversion of US-origin technology.”
Central to the agreement announced on Thursday is the 10 square mile (25.9 square kilometre) AI campus in Abu Dhabi with 5 gigawatts of power capacity for AI data centres, the US Commerce Department said.
The campus will be built by Abu Dhabi state-backed firm G42, but US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick said in a release that “American companies will operate the data centers and offer American-managed cloud services throughout the region”.
The US factsheets also described chip company Qualcomm working on an AI-related engineering centre and that Amazon Web Services, the cloud unit of the tech and commerce company, would work with local partners on cybersecurity and fostering cloud adoption.
The US has pursued protectionist policies for years to curb China’s access to advanced semiconductors, including ensuring the chips do not end up in the country via third parties.
Regulations are easing under Trump, whose AI czar David Sacks said in Riyadh on Tuesday that the Biden administration’s export controls were “never intended to capture friends, allies, strategic partners”.
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Granting the UAE more access to the most advanced chips, manufactured by firms such as Nvidia, marks a major turnaround.
“This shift enables (the UAE) to deepen its technology partnership with the US while still preserving trade ties with China,” said Mohammed Soliman, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.
“It doesn’t mean abandoning China but it does mean recalibrating tech strategy to align with US standards and protocols where it matters most: compute, cloud, and chip supply chains,” he said.
AI was top of the agenda when Bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Washington in December in the final days of Biden’s presidency.
G42 and MGX, the state-linked vehicles picked to drive the UAE’s AI investment push, have also invested in US firms such as OpenAI and Elon Musk’s xAI, while Microsoft last year agreed to invest $1.5bn in G42.
The two companies said the deal was backed by security assurances, and under US pressure, G42 had previously begun ripping out ******** hardware it was using and sold off ******** investments.
Still, major ******** firms like Huawei and Alibaba Cloud are present in the UAE, and organised AI chip smuggling to China was tracked out of countries including Malaysia, Singapore and the UAE, a source told Reuters in February.
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar UAE go all out
Saudi Arabia, Qatar UAE go all out
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) receives US President Donald Trump in the Qatari capital Doha on May 14, 2025.
Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — If the Arab Gulf states were to hold a popularity contest right now, President Donald Trump would be the prom king.
The 45th and 47th president of the United States was greeted with spectacular fanfare in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates during his 4-day visit to the region.
In Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the president on the tarmac. Trump’s motorcade from Qatar’s Doha airport was flanked by bright red Tesla cybertrucks and riders on horseback. And in Abu Dhabi, UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed awarded his American counterpart with the Order of Zayed Award, the nation’s highest civil honor.
As if that wasn’t enough, a parade of royal camels welcomed Trump outside the Amiri Diwan, Qatar’s presidential office. Speaking to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Trump made it clear he was impressed.
“As a construction guy, this is perfect marble,” Trump said, gesturing to the walls and columns of the palace. “This is what they call perfecto. We appreciate those camels,” he added. “I haven’t seen camels like that in a long time. And really, we appreciate it very much.”
Members of an honour guard sit on camels next to U.S. and Qatari flags ahead of a state dinner at Lusail Palace hosted by Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Lusail, Qatar, May 14, 2025.
Brian Snyder | Reuters
The optics of the U.S. leader’s Middle East visit were strong, showcasing the larger-than-life opulence of the region’s richest petrostates — and how much of that wealth they are willing to spend to deepen their ties with the U.S. and advance their own economic agendas.
The numbers are historic. Qatar and the U.S. agreed on a $1.2 trillion “economic exchange”; Saudia Arabia promised to invest $600 billion in the U.S., and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the U.S.
There remains some doubt as to whether those numbers are realistic, especially during a ******* of low oil prices and weaker revenue for crude-producing countries. And some of the deals, like Qatar’s record order of 210 Boeing jets and Saudi Arabia’s $142 billion arms deal with the U.S. — the largest weapons deal ever inked — will likely take decades to pan out.
But the message was clear: the Gulf states want to be first in line when it comes to partnering with the U.S., whether it be for business, military, or tech.
A Qatari police Tesla Cyber Truck escorts the motorcade of US President Donald Trump from Hamad International Airport toward the Royal Palace in Doha on May 14, 2025.
Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images
“The Gulf has always gotten along better with business-first presidents, and President Trump fits that mold perfectly,” Tarik Solomon, chairman at the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, told CNBC.
“He still symbolizes fast money, big defense, and access to American tech. So, if cozying up to him helps secure a seat at the table of the next world order, the Gulf is bringing the gold-plated chair.”
Some observers suggested the three Gulf countries were competing with one another for Trump’s affection. But many in the region say it’s more of a long-term, strategic alignment.
“I do not view the big economic announcements as a competition among the three countries; rather, they reflect a competition with other regions — Europe for example — for a closer relation with the U.S. administration,” said Ahmed Rashad, an Abu Dhabi-based assistant professor of economics at the Economic Research Forum.
“The economic deals appear vital to increase the attractiveness of the Middle East visit. On the other hand, the primary motive of the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] countries appears to be strengthening relations with the U.S. and securing access to advanced technologies,” Rashad said.
The bromance vibes were real in Saudi Arabia in particular, where Trump and Mohammed bin Salman heaped praise on each other in remarks made during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Summit. The event, held in the opulent Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, was attended by scores of top American CEOs including the likes of Tesla’s Elon Musk, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and BlackRock’s Larry Fink, to name a few.
In the UAE, meanwhile, Trump and Emirati leader Mohammed bin Zayed lauded their personal friendship and the more than 50-year alliance between their countries. The visit was the first by an American president to the UAE since George W. Bush visited the sheikhdom in 2008.
The warm body language and free-flowing mutual compliments signified a stark difference in tone from visits to the country by officials from the Biden administration, which were peppered with tension.
The UAE already appears to be reaping rewards from the shift in approach. Recent reports say the U.S. has a preliminary agreement with the UAE to allow it to import, for the first time, 500,000 of Nvidia’s H100 chips per year — the most advanced chips the American company produces. This would accelerate the desert sheikhdom’s ability to the build data centers needed to power its AI models.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) welcomes his US counterpart Donald Trump upon arrival at the presidential terminal in Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2025.
Giuseppe Cacace | Afp | Getty Images
“Trump’s trip to the Gulf reflects the increasing personalization of geopolitics,” said Taufiq Rahim, principal at 2040 Advisory and author of “Trump 2.5: A Primer.”
“The region’s leaders have responded accordingly, putting on an ornate display for the visiting president. Flattery and compliments become as important to the announcement and substance of deals.”
The longer-term question, Rahim noted, centers on the viability of the investments.
“For example, how many data centers are even needed? In an effort to be the ‘biggest’, the outlay by each country may actually create excess supply that surpasses demand in certain sectors,” he said.
Shoot-for-the-moon pledges are still the right strategy according to the American Chamber of Commerce’s Solomon — whether each dollar comes through over the next several years is a matter that can be dealt with later.
“Sure, a lot of it is theater,” he said. “But in this region, signaling ambition is half the game. Even if only 50% sticks, it’s still an impactful play.”
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Saudi Arabia, Qatar UAE go all out
Saudi Arabia, Qatar UAE go all out
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) receives US President Donald Trump in the Qatari capital Doha on May 14, 2025.
Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — If the Arab Gulf states were to hold a popularity contest right now, President Donald Trump would be the prom king.
The 45th and 47th president of the United States was greeted with spectacular fanfare in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates during his 4-day visit to the region.
In Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman broke royal protocol by personally greeting the president on the tarmac. Trump’s motorcade from Qatar’s Doha airport was flanked by bright red Tesla cybertrucks and riders on horseback. And in Abu Dhabi, UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed awarded his American counterpart with the Order of Zayed Award, the nation’s highest civil honor.
As if that wasn’t enough, a parade of royal camels welcomed Trump outside the Amiri Diwan, Qatar’s presidential office. Speaking to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Trump made it clear he was impressed.
“As a construction guy, this is perfect marble,” Trump said, gesturing to the walls and columns of the palace. “This is what they call perfecto. We appreciate those camels,” he added. “I haven’t seen camels like that in a long time. And really, we appreciate it very much.”
Members of an honour guard sit on camels next to U.S. and Qatari flags ahead of a state dinner at Lusail Palace hosted by Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Lusail, Qatar, May 14, 2025.
Brian Snyder | Reuters
The optics of the U.S. leader’s Middle East visit were strong, showcasing the larger-than-life opulence of the region’s richest petrostates — and how much of that wealth they are willing to spend to deepen their ties with the U.S. and advance their own economic agendas.
The numbers are historic. Qatar and the U.S. agreed on a $1.2 trillion “economic exchange”; Saudia Arabia promised to invest $600 billion in the U.S., and major projects were signed with the United Arab Emirates, after Abu Dhabi in March committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the U.S.
There remains some doubt as to whether those numbers are realistic, especially during a ******* of low oil prices and weaker revenue for crude-producing countries. And some of the deals, like Qatar’s record order of 210 Boeing jets and Saudi Arabia’s $142 billion arms deal with the U.S. — the largest weapons deal ever inked — will likely take decades to pan out.
But the message was clear: the Gulf states want to be first in line when it comes to partnering with the U.S., whether it be for business, military, or tech.
A Qatari police Tesla Cyber Truck escorts the motorcade of US President Donald Trump from Hamad International Airport toward the Royal Palace in Doha on May 14, 2025.
Brendan Smialowski | Afp | Getty Images
“The Gulf has always gotten along better with business-first presidents, and President Trump fits that mold perfectly,” Tarik Solomon, chairman at the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, told CNBC.
“He still symbolizes fast money, big defense, and access to American tech. So, if cozying up to him helps secure a seat at the table of the next world order, the Gulf is bringing the gold-plated chair.”
Some observers suggested the three Gulf countries were competing with one another for Trump’s affection. But many in the region say it’s more of a long-term, strategic alignment.
“I do not view the big economic announcements as a competition among the three countries; rather, they reflect a competition with other regions — Europe for example — for a closer relation with the U.S. administration,” said Ahmed Rashad, an Abu Dhabi-based assistant professor of economics at the Economic Research Forum.
“The economic deals appear vital to increase the attractiveness of the Middle East visit. On the other hand, the primary motive of the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] countries appears to be strengthening relations with the U.S. and securing access to advanced technologies,” Rashad said.
The bromance vibes were real in Saudi Arabia in particular, where Trump and Mohammed bin Salman heaped praise on each other in remarks made during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Summit. The event, held in the opulent Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, was attended by scores of top American CEOs including the likes of Tesla’s Elon Musk, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang and BlackRock’s Larry Fink, to name a few.
In the UAE, meanwhile, Trump and Emirati leader Mohammed bin Zayed lauded their personal friendship and the more than 50-year alliance between their countries. The visit was the first by an American president to the UAE since George W. Bush visited the sheikhdom in 2008.
The warm body language and free-flowing mutual compliments signified a stark difference in tone from visits to the country by officials from the Biden administration, which were peppered with tension.
The UAE already appears to be reaping rewards from the shift in approach. Recent reports say the U.S. has a preliminary agreement with the UAE to allow it to import, for the first time, 500,000 of Nvidia’s H100 chips per year — the most advanced chips the American company produces. This would accelerate the desert sheikhdom’s ability to the build data centers needed to power its AI models.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (R) welcomes his US counterpart Donald Trump upon arrival at the presidential terminal in Abu Dhabi on May 15, 2025.
Giuseppe Cacace | Afp | Getty Images
“Trump’s trip to the Gulf reflects the increasing personalization of geopolitics,” said Taufiq Rahim, principal at 2040 Advisory and author of “Trump 2.5: A Primer.”
“The region’s leaders have responded accordingly, putting on an ornate display for the visiting president. Flattery and compliments become as important to the announcement and substance of deals.”
The longer-term question, Rahim noted, centers on the viability of the investments.
“For example, how many data centers are even needed? In an effort to be the ‘biggest’, the outlay by each country may actually create excess supply that surpasses demand in certain sectors,” he said.
Shoot-for-the-moon pledges are still the right strategy according to the American Chamber of Commerce’s Solomon — whether each dollar comes through over the next several years is a matter that can be dealt with later.
“Sure, a lot of it is theater,” he said. “But in this region, signaling ambition is half the game. Even if only 50% sticks, it’s still an impactful play.”
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Rockstar Is Making the Most Expensive Game of All Time
Rockstar Is Making the Most Expensive Game of All Time
Gaming’s worst-kept secret just keeps getting more outrageous. While Rockstar remains characteristically tight-lipped about GTA 6, industry analysts can’t stop talking about one mind-boggling detail: its budget.
We’re not talking millions anymore—we’re talking billions. With speculation placing development costs between $1-2 billion, GTA 6 isn’t just expensive; it’s potentially rewriting the economics of game development entirely. And with the release now pushed to May 2026, that meter just keeps running.
Every day of perfectionist tweaking and polishing adds to what might become the most expensive entertainment product in human history.
The billion-dollar playground that costs more than its rivals
Stills from GTA 6 | Image Credit: Rockstar Games
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Let’s put this rumored budget into perspective: at the lower end of estimates ($1 billion), GTA 6 would cost nearly four times what Rockstar spent developing GTA 5 ($265 million). At the higher end? We’re talking about a single game costing more than some entire gaming empires.
Here’s a sobering thought: Ubisoft, the company behind massive franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six, has a market capitalization of approximately $1.48 billion as of writing.
Yes, you read that correctly—GTA 6 might cost more than the entire market value of this once-mighty publisher that produces dozens of AAA titles but now posts staggering losses with no recovery in sight.
Take-Two‘s latest financial report offers some context for this astronomical investment. While they reported impressive net bookings of $1.58 billion (hitting the top end of their guidance), they also posted a staggering $3.78 billion GAAP net loss.
That number would send most companies into crisis mode, but Take-Two seems completely unfazed.
Why? Because they’re playing the long game. GTA 5 has generated nearly $10 billion in revenue since its 2013 release. With development for GTA 6 reportedly beginning “in earnest” around 2020, Rockstar is investing in what they clearly believe will be their crown jewel for another decade.
The economics here are fascinating. Most industries would consider spending billions on a single product completely insane. In gaming? It might actually be the rational move when your previous title sold over 215 million copies and still tops sales charts a decade later.
Revolutionary features or billion-dollar blunder?
Budget: Unlimited. Release date: Eventually. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games
What exactly is Rockstar building with this mountain of cash? Patents and insider reports suggest technology that could fundamentally transform gaming as you know it.
The most intriguing development is an 88-page patent for a revolutionary character animation system. Created by former Rockstar expert Tobias Kleanthous, this system abandons traditional pre-designed animations for interchangeable “building blocks” that generate movements that adapt to specific situations in real time.
Imagine characters that don’t just look realistic but move with uncanny authenticity based on their environment, physical characteristics, and emotional state. A wounded character limps differently depending on which leg is injured. A drunk NPC stumbles uniquely each time based on terrain and obstacles.
– NPC tossing a drink to another NPC, which is a highly advanced animation to coordinate in a video game. pic.twitter.com/efRl628tsC
— GTA 6 Countdown (@GTAVI_Countdown) February 14, 2024
The rumored AI advancements are equally ambitious. Unlike previous games where NPCs followed simplistic patterns, GTA 6 reportedly features non-playable characters with complex daily routines, memories, and adaptive behaviors. That shopkeeper might remember that you robbed them last week. Those pedestrians will actually seek shelter during storms rather than mindlessly walking through rain.
But will these features justify the rumored billion-dollar investment? That remains the billion-dollar question. But one thing’s certain: Rockstar isn’t just making another sequel; they’re determined to create the most immersive virtual world ever conceived.
What do you think? Is any game worth potentially costing more than the company that makes Assassin’s Creed? Drop your thoughts below!
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Vibe-coding startup Windsurf launches in-house AI models – TechCrunch
Vibe-coding startup Windsurf launches in-house AI models – TechCrunch
Vibe-coding startup Windsurf launches in-house AI models TechCrunchView Full Coverage on Google News
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#Vibecoding #startup #Windsurf #launches #inhouse #models #TechCrunch
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Auroria: A Playful Journey brings its survival and shooter elements to iOS and Android storefronts
Auroria: A Playful Journey brings its survival and shooter elements to iOS and Android storefronts
Auroria is now available on iOS and Android
Explore planets with your pets and shape your future
Metaverse level customisations and shooter elements also part of the fun
First revealed in June 2024, Auroria: A Playful Journey is finally out now on iOS and Android. The mobile RPG shooter comes from a team aiming high, both literally and creatively, with a game that combines open-world survival, sandbox MMO mechanics, and a fully-fledged **** system, all set against a cosmic backdrop.
At its core, Auroria is about building your place among the stars. You’ll explore alien planets, gather resources, and shape your own slice of the galaxy, whether that means designing high-tech outposts or cozy starbound homes. It’s got a similar DNA to No Man’s Sky but with a brighter tone, tighter scale, and a big emphasis on **** companions and community creativity.
Think of it as No Man’s Sky meets Palworld, but for mobile. The real stars of this show are of course, your pets – alien creatures you can tame, evolve, and bring into battle or even recruit for farming and construction duties. You’re not just collecting them for show – they’re also critical to your survival.
Each **** has a distinct role, from scanning the environment to mining and combat support. You can ride them, fight alongside them, and watch them grow stronger over time. If you’ve been craving a more hands-on connection with your companions in a survival setting, Auroria seems built around that bond.
Before you go on, check out this list of the top shooters to play on Android!
The metaverse-inspired creation system adds another interesting feature. You’re free to craft tools, farm resources, and customise everything from weapons to architecture. Share your creations with others or explore what fellow intergalactic settlers have built. The vibe is somewhere between cosy crafting and large-scale MMO sandbox, with the flexibility to lean into either.
But not every corner of space is friendly. Each new planet presents its own hazards, hostile environments, ****** holes, strange weather, and alien creatures that won’t hesitate to attack. That’s where the RPG shooter elements come in. You’ll gear up, dive into combat, and defend what you’ve built with fast-paced action and tactical gear.
You can download Auroria: A Playful Journey by clicking on your preferred link below.
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Cleveland man killed while mowing lawn was planning Spain hiking trip this week, loved ones say
Cleveland man killed while mowing lawn was planning Spain hiking trip this week, loved ones say
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Family members of Tom Overall told FOX 8 that they are devastated and in shock over his death.
The 68-year-old West Park resident was shot by his next door neighbor on Wednesday while cutting his grass on Munn Road.
His grieving loved ones shared this statement with FOX 8’s Suzanne Stratford:
”Tom’s immediate and extended family are shocked and grief stricken over his loss. He was well liked and well loved by everyone who knew him. Originally from Missouri, Tom moved to Cleveland with a job opportunity decades ago. He quickly adopted Cleveland as his hometown and loved it here. He loved his neighborhood and his neighbors and the family is appreciative of all the prayers and love shown by those neighbors during this difficult time.”
Photo from the family of Thomas Overall
Overall was loved by all who knew him.
Man accused of killing Cleveland neighbor had history of violence: I-Team
Friends and neighbors described him as a faithful Christian with a soft voice, a generous soul and kind heart.
He was preparing to leave early Friday morning, headed to Spain to hike The St. James Way or Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage trail and once in a lifetime hiking adventure.
“I was supposed to drop him off at the airport at four o’clock in the morning, tomorrow,” said Dan Kelley, a neighbor and friend. “It is kind of hard when you see that in your phone to kind of grasp reality that he’s gone.”
Overall was going to Spain with members of the Cleveland Hiking Club.
In a statement, CHC President Sharon Uhl said:
“Tom was a member of CHC since 2013 and hiked almost 6,000 miles with us. Many members knew him and hiked those miles with him, enjoying his company on the trail. He planned to leave May 16 for a 2-week hike in Spain with a group of CHC members. We are shocked and saddened by his needless death. A wonderful person, a loss for so many!”
Overall had a successful career and had retired but began working at Rocket Arena at the Cleveland Cavaliers games for fun.
Rock Entertainment Group sent this statement:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of our valued Team Member, Tom. He was a compassionate and dedicated colleague whose absence will be felt both within our organization and in his community.”
‘Will never be the same’: Beloved high school football coach among 4 killed in ******
Cleveland police are investigating a possible motive for the alleged shooter, his next door neighbor 66-year-old Bryan Hurt, but other neighbors said there might not be one.
They described Hurt as a “volatile” person who had been in and out of jail and had multiple run-ins with the law and other residents.
Shortly after the *******, he was found not far away, deceased inside of a vehicle with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“It’s really terrible all around, and I think today as we’re grieving the loss of a neighbor, trying to also understand how it came to this point,” said Charles Slife, Cleveland Ward 17 Councilman.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
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Men Are Dying From 'Broken Heart Syndrome' at Twice The Rate of Women – ScienceAlert
Men Are Dying From 'Broken Heart Syndrome' at Twice The Rate of Women – ScienceAlert
Men Are Dying From ‘Broken Heart Syndrome’ at Twice The Rate of Women ScienceAlert’Broken heart syndrome’ study: Men twice as likely than women to die USA TodayMen twice as likely to die from ‘broken heart syndrome,’ study finds San Francisco ChronicleStudy: Men more likely to die of ‘broken heart syndrome’ NewsNationYes, You Can Die From a Broken Heart Medscape
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Polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea declared by World Health Organisation
Polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea declared by World Health Organisation
The World Health Organisation has declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea and called for an “immediate” vaccination campaign.
Samples of the highly infectious virus were found in two healthy children during a routine screening in Lae, a coastal city in the country’s north east.
Less than half of the country’s population are immunised against the potentially deadly disease, which is close to being wiped out but has recently resurfaced in some parts of the world.
“We have to do something about it and we have to do it immediately,” said Sevil Huseynova, WHO’s representative in Papua New Guinea, warning that the disease could spread beyond the country.
“We have to make maximum effort to get 100% [vaccination] coverage,” Dr Huseynova said at a media conference on Thursday.
“Polio knows no borders.”
The disease is caused by the poliovirus, which spreads through contact with an infected person’s ******* or droplets when they cough and sneeze.
It mostly affects children under five years old.
There is no cure for polio, although the majority of people with the infection – including the two recent cases in Papua New Guinea – have no symptoms. Those who do may get a flu-like illness.
A small number of people infected with polio – between one in a thousand and one in a hundred – develop more serious problems that can lead to paralysis. This is also when the disease becomes life-threatening, particularly when paralysis affects muscles used for breathing.
Papua New Guinea was said to be polio-free since 2000, until an outbreak in 2018, which was contained within the same year.
The latest cases were found to be carrying a virus strain genetically linked to one circulating in Indonesia. Papua New Guinea shares a border with Indonesia’s easternmost Papua province.
Health Minister Elias Kapavore has vowed to achieve 100% polio immunisation in the country by the end of this year.
“There is no excuse… Polio is a serious disease,” he said.
The ongoing campaign will target children aged 10 and below and is expected to reach around 3.5 million people.
“The battle on polio starts today,” the department wrote in a Facebook post yesterday.
The WHO, UN’s children agency Unicef and Australia’s government are supporting Papua New Guinea in its rollout of vaccines.
Unicef’s Papua New Guinea representative Veera Mendonca pointed out the disparity in vaccination coverage across the country – with coverage as low as 8% in some districts.
“That is not acceptable,” she said, adding that Unicef is working with churches and community leaders to encourage vaccination and to dispel any misinformation.
Polio has staged a comeback elsewhere in Asia in recent years. Pakistan saw 74 cases of the disease last year, while Afghanistan recorded 24 cases.
The WHO has also warned of an outbreak in war-torn Gaza after traces of the virus were found in wastewater.
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Country Championships: Details announced for 2025 champs with Lower South West returning and colts spilt
Country Championships: Details announced for 2025 champs with Lower South West returning and colts spilt
This year’s edition of the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships will break records again with 25 teams to contest over five divisions in Perth in July.
WA country football’s biggest stage will return to the Perth and Peel regions from July 10-13 with several changes from 2024.
Most notable of the changes for 2025 will be the CBH Group colts competition split into two divisions for the first time since 2010 and after last fielding a team in 2018, the Lower South West will return to the senior ranks.
The championships are in its 59th year and Country Football WA is also marking a 51st year of partnership with Nutrien Ag Solutions.
Camera IconAction from the division two grand final between Central Midlands Coastal and Great Northern in 2024. Credit: Jack Foley
More than 50 games will be played at eight venues across the championships, the colts divisions being played on July 10 and 11 while the Nutrien Ag Solutions men’s divisions will run from July 11-13.
The Lower South West, comprising of seven clubs, has not played in the championships since 2018 and will return in division three of the men’s competition.
Another major change is the colts competition spilt into two divisions after the return of Pilbara which sat out the 2024 edition.
Division three winners from last year Great Southern will make the jump to division two while Great Northern will test themselves in the top grade after taking out the division two grand final in 2024.
Other changes will see Public School Association venues Scotch College and Guilford Grammar hosting the first day of the colts divisions, the first time school grounds have hosted the country championships.
A return to the newly redeveloped East Fremantle Oval, now named The Good Grocer Park, will also happen at this year’s championships.
Country Football WA country competitions manager Brent Sheridan said excitement was building ahead of the event.
“It’s amazing to see the strong passion and commitment to the Nutrien Ag Solutions Championships continue,” he said.
Camera IconThe colts competition has been split into two divisions. Credit: Shania Ireland/Aussies In Action
“With 17 men’s teams and eight colts teams playing across five divisions, 2025 is arguably going to be our biggest championships to date.
“We are thrilled to again bring the championships into the homes and on to the screens of people throughout country WA, with all games being live streamed on the Streamer platform this year.”
In 2024 South West reclaimed the division one title with an 11-point win over Avon in the final while Peel were the colts champions after a three-point win over South West.
Teams will travel from around WA to compete, including Kimberley in the north and Esperance in the south.
Entry to all colts games this year will be free and fans can watch every match live on Streamer.
Fixtures for the championships are expected to be released in the next week.
South West, Avon, Goldfields, Peel and Great Northern will tackle division one while Upper Great Southern, Central Midlands Coastal, North Pilbara, Eastern Districts, Ongerup and Great Southern all feature in division two.
Mortlock, Esperance, Hills, North Midlands, Central Wheatbelt and Lower South West make up division three in the men’s competition.
In the colts, Peel, South West, Great Southern and Great Northern will contest division one and division two will consist of Regional Districts, Kimberley Spirit, Avon-Mortlock and Pilbara.
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China’s J-10C Fighter: Separating Myth From Reality
China’s J-10C Fighter: Separating Myth From Reality
As the dust settles, at least for now, on the latest clashes between India and Pakistan, it’s clear that the nations’ respective air forces played a very active role in the fighting. Many observers are already pointing to the potentially significant impact made by the Pakistan Air Force’s ********-made Chengdu J-10C multirole fighters, as well as their much-vaunted PL-15 air-to-air missiles — the latter of which you can read about in depth here.
Before looking in more detail at the J-10C, it remains the case that claims from both Indian and Pakistani sources are conflicting, and hard evidence of how these fighters were used and how they performed overall remains elusive. It’s also worth noting that the imagery related to the air war that has been posted to social media, together with claims about possible shootdowns, should be taken as unverified. Large-scale propaganda and information operations, as well as an avalanche of social media exchanges based on vitriol, are still ongoing, and this will likely remain the case for some time to come.
A Pakistan Air Force J-10CE. Unknown author
In terms of the recent clashes, it is clear that the J-10C, in particular, has been heralded as a standout performer, which has implications not only in the standoff between India and Pakistan, but also in the context of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is the type’s most prolific operator.
Provided the successes claimed for the J-10C are accurate, this is still a small sample of combat efficacy in a very unique set of circumstances. Overall, there are limits to the kinds of conclusions that can be drawn from it. Upgrades in terms of new missile, sensor, and networking technologies on fighter platforms happen regularly and could tip the balance in any direction. At the same time, modern aerial combat is less about fighter-versus-fighter than it is about a ********* of networking, training, weapons employment, electronic warfare, tactics, and combined arms.
With all this in mind, to get a better understanding of the J-10C, its advantages, and its limitations, TWZ spoke to our friend Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology at the U.K.-based Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank.
Combat claims
Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian Air Force fighters, including no fewer than three Rafale multirole jets. There are reports that a high-ranking French intelligence official, speaking to CNN, confirmed one Rafale shootdown, and imagery published on social media appears to show the wreckage of one of the French-made jets. Sources official and unofficial have attributed at least some of the claimed kills to the J-10C and PL-15 combination.
Regarding the possible Rafale loss that appears to be supported by imagery, Bronk warns about jumping to any particular conclusions, just as we have done in our previous reporting.
“The fact that a couple of U.S. officials have come out and said it appears to have been a J-10 that was involved in the shootdown of the Rafale is interesting,” Bronk says. “That makes it fairly likely that we’re looking at a shootdown, but it is worth emphasizing that at least two PL-15s found in bits of India, where we know they were firing, doesn’t actually mean the Rafale was shot down for sure. The fact that the engine and the tail seem to be a little distance apart does support the idea that it didn’t just pancake, but it is possible, for example, that they ran out of fuel having spent too much time in afterburner and at low level trying to evade shots and had to eject due to fuel starvation on the way back to base. Or friendly fire, or a long-range HQ-9 shot — although that’s a bit less likely, I suspect.”
Rotating the original image, and looking at pic of serial BS 001 in better times, from the same side (right/starboard), all the details pretty much line up (“RAFALE” and “BS 001”, roundel flag positioning, ****** light, panel lines etc)
If the pic is real, this would call it. pic.twitter.com/IZZwAB2sKP
— Rick Joe (@RickJoe_PLA) May 7, 2025
Other imagery may well point to the loss of an Indian Air Force MiG-29 Fulcrum and possibly also a Su-30MKI Flanker. For now, we also don’t know for sure that there is anything to tie these potential aerial kills to the J-10C specifically. On the other hand, the wreckage of several PL-15s recovered on Indian territory points to engagements of some kind involving the J-10.
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| The remains of a Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force that was shot down by Pakistan a few days ago were found in the Jammu & Kashmir region.
Parts of the MiG-29’s RD-33 turbofan engine can be seen among the debris. pic.twitter.com/tjOsr5Ae9S
— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) May 11, 2025
When Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told parliament that Pakistan Air Force fighters had brought down Rafales, he said he had informed the ********, and they were pleased, again pointing to the J-10 and PL-15.
Whatever the outcomes, combat employment of the J-10 and PL-15 — which had never happened before now — will also provide China with some very valuable data on the capabilities of its own hardware as well as Western equivalents used by India.
“It gives them a chance to assess their performance under far more complex and challenging conditions than usual, and with Pakistan this is not just about the fighter jets themselves, it’s about the missiles, the radar systems, and the whole technology spine of the Pakistani military, from electronic warfare capabilities to satellite systems,” Andrew Small, a senior fellow at the ******* Marshall Fund, told The Guardian.
The various air-to-air combat claims have been leapt on by commenters in the ******** blogosphere and have encouraged a reassessment of the capabilities of the J-10, in particular.
A Pakistan Air Force J-10CE after its arrival at PAF Base Minhas, where it first arrived in 2022. Pakistan Air Force
“We may need to reassess the PLA’s air combat capabilities, which may be approaching or even surpassing the level of U.S. airpower deployments in East Asia,” Shu Hsiao-Huang, an associate research fellow at Taiwan’s Institute of National Defense and Security Research, told Bloomberg.
“The surprising victory of ******** J-10 and PL-15 will force people to reconsider the military balance of power in the event of a Taiwan contingency,” said Yun Sun, director of the China program at the U.S.-based Stimson Center think tank.
On Beijing’s part, there has been no official acknowledgement about the role of the J-10C in the recent combat.
China’s foreign ministry said when asked that it was “not familiar” with the J-10C situation.
A boy holds a placard showing a J-10CE as Pakistani people participate in a public gathering of gratitude for the military organized in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on May 12, 2025. Photo by Zubair Abbasi / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP ZUBAIR ABBASI
J-10 development
Before looking at the J-10C version specifically, it’s worth looking briefly at the development path that led to this fighter, which is numerically the most important fully homegrown fighter in PLA use. You can read our previous account of this aircraft’s rise to prominence here.
China began work on what would become the J-10 in the early 1980s, with a requirement for a single-engine multirole type to replace the J-7 (the ********-made MiG-21 Fishbed) in the air defense role as well as the Q-5 Fantan ground-attack aircraft.
Reflecting something of a pattern in ******** military aircraft development, the program was delayed mainly due to the lack of a suitable powerplant.
When it finally emerged, the J-10 featured a delta wing with canard foreplanes, a chin-mounted engine intake, and fly-by-wire flight controls. Much has been made of the conceptual similarities between the J-10 and the Israeli Lavi fighter, although it should be noted that the ******** fighter is ******* and heavier. While there was certainly some contact between Chengdu and Israel, the J-10 also drew from the company’s earlier J-9 fighter project, which had been abandoned by the early 1980s.
Throughout the 1980s, the development of the J-10 continued to be held up by the lack of a suitable engine and design changes, but a full-size mock-up had been completed by 1991.
When the J-10 first flew in prototype form in March 1998, it was fitted with a Russian-made AL-31FN turbofan. By the end of 2003, flight testing had been completed, and the J-10 had entered series production. The new fighter was ready for service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in June 2004.
Three batches of the initial-production J-10 were soon followed by the J-10A, featuring avionics improvements including the more capable Type 1473G pulse-Doppler fire-control radar and a revised cockpit. Original J-10s were later modified to the same standards. Meanwhile, the J-10AH was produced as a derivative of the J-10A for land-based naval service.
A PLAAF J-10A armed with PL-11 (inboard) and PL-8 (outboard) AAMs. Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense
There is also a tandem-seat trainer version of the J-10A, designated J-10AS, with a large dorsal spine accommodating the electronics displaced by the rear cockpit. The two-seater is fully combat-capable, and the naval derivative is the J-10ASH.
A PLAAF J-10AS pictured in 2017 during joint exercises with the Russian Aerospace Forces. Russian Ministry of Defense
Even in its basic form, the J-10 is a fairly advanced warplane, its cockpit featuring a wide-angle head-up display (HUD), two monochrome multifunctional displays (MFDs), and one color MFD. The pilot is provided with a helmet-mounted sight and ‘hands on throttle and stick’ (HOTAS) controls.
When it was introduced, the J-10’s primary air-to-air armament comprised the medium-range PL-11 semi-active radar-guided and the short-range PL-8 infrared-guided air-to-air missiles (AAMs). The aircraft has progressively received new weapons and sensor pods, including medium-range PL-12 active-radar-guided AAMs. More recently, the PL-8 and PL-12 have begun to be superseded by the far more capable PL-10 and PL-15, respectively. You can read a comprehensive account of ******** AAM development in this previous feature.
A PL-12, inboard, and PL-8, outboard, under the wing of an early J-10. via ChinaDefenseForum
To increase missile carriage capacity, a new twin-rail launch pylon was also introduced for the medium-range AAMs.
Typical air-to-ground weapons loads include a pair of 1,102-pound LS-500J precision-guided bombs, used in conjunction with a forward-looking infrared/laser targeting pod and an electronic countermeasures (ECM) pod. Other air-to-ground munitions include the YJ-91 anti-radiation missile.
After around 270 J-10A/AS aircraft were completed, production switched to the improved J-10B, which was unveiled in 2008. Externally, the J-10B differs in its use of a fixed diverter-less supersonic inlet (DSI), a feature that reduces structural weight and frontal-aspect radar cross-section. The reprofiled radome houses an X-band passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, reportedly able to track 10 targets and simultaneously engage four of them. Other new features include an infrared search and track sensor in front of the cockpit, three color MFDs in the cockpit, and a holographic wide-angle HUD.
A J-10B prototype. ******** internet
Production of the J-10B was limited to around 60 examples before it was superseded by the J-10C, which introduced an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
Having an AESA radar of any kind is a huge plus point, with these kinds of arrays typically offering extended detection and tracking ranges, improved target discrimination and identification, and the ability to pick up low-flying targets with reduced radar signatures, such as cruise missiles and drones. Without the need to physically move around a mechanically steered radar dish, AESA radars can rapidly scan huge volumes of airspace. Furthermore, AESA technology is more resistant to jamming and is much more reliable than its mechanically scanned predecessor. On the other hand, as Bronk points out, there are many ‘unknowns’ about the J-10C’s AESA.
A PLAAF J-10C variant sporting PL-15 (inboard) and PL-10 (outboard) AAMs. ******** internet
“Obviously it has a functional AESA radar,” Bronk says. “By all accounts, it seems to be a reasonably capable one. But if you drill down a little bit, there are AESA radars and AESA radars. Some provide simply a much more efficient automatic capability to scan a very large volume, compared to a mechanically scanned array, so that you’re not dealing with bars in terms of vertical and horizontal scan; you can scan basically all of it near-simultaneously. Cockpit workload is reduced, and the ability to work through clutter is better.”
With the J-10C’s AESA, it’s still very much unclear to what degree it can efficiently manage its energy in certain modes. This would be especially important in making the radar difficult to detect when it’s actively scanning, in terms of low probability of interception and low probability of detection (LPI/LPD) capabilities.
Head-on view of a PLAAF J-10C. Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images dingxiaoyu
How the J-10C’s AESA rates in this regard is very difficult to know, especially since it will very seldom be used in ‘war mode,’ particularly when there’s any chance that an adversary may be collecting emissions. With that in mind, Pakistan’s J-10C use against India could have a significant impact when it comes to retrospective analysis of these particular engagements, as well as a broader assessment of the J-10 more generally.
Another caveat is Bronk’s suggestion that the radar used in the export-configured J-10CE model for Pakistan almost certainly doesn’t feature the same modes as the PLAAF’s J-10C. “It would be slightly surprising if it were,” Bronk says. “There’s a lot we don’t know there [about the radar]. The same goes for what its ECM or even limited electronic attack capabilities might be. Some AESAs have significant capability in that region. Others, much less so.”
An unarmed Pakistan Air Force J-10CE carrying three external fuel tanks. Pakistan Air Force
Since around 2019, the J-10C has been fitted with the domestically produced WS-10 engine. Any lingering doubts about the reliability of this powerplant and ******** aircraft engines in general should be addressed by the fact that the WS-10 now powers the in-production J-10C, the J-20A stealth fighter, as well as locally produced Flanker developments, namely the carrier-based J-15 and the land-based J-16 series.
Somewhat surprisingly, a subvariant of the J-10C appeared in 2022, with a very prominent enlarged dorsal spine. There was some speculation that this might have been tailored for defense-suppression missions, but instead it has been issued to the August 1 aerobatic display team.
Comparative assessment
Overall, Bronk considers the J-10C as the “definitive, mature variant” of the J-10 and a fighter that’s broadly comparable to a modernized F-16C/D Block 50 in terms of rough size, carrying capacity, and agility. When it comes to kinetic performance, the thrust-to-weight ratio between the two aircraft is probably “fairly similar, depending on the engine fit of each one. A Block 50 F-16CM with a General Electric engine probably has a slightly better thrust-to-weight at combat loadings than a J-10 and slightly heavier Block 52 with the Pratt & Whitney, for example, a ‘big-spine’ variant that’s a bit heavier, might have a slightly worse thrust-to-weight ratio than a J-10C, depending on combat weight.”
“Just like a lot of F-16 Block 50s are currently, the J-10A was probably fairly limited in terms of its radar performance compared to something like a Flanker, let alone fifth-generation aircraft, due to the fact that it’s a fairly small nose and relatively limited power output for a mechanically scanned radar. Of course, the J-10C fixes that to some degree, at least with an AESA, as does the Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) upgrade for an F-16.”
A PLAAF J-10C during low-level training. Xinhua/Xi Bobo Xinhua News Agency
There have been suggestions that Pakistan made extensive use of the J-10C in the recent air battles with India, while keeping its F-16 fleet out of the combat, as a political consideration. Over the years, there has been considerable U.S. political opposition to selling F-16s to Pakistan at all from members of Congress. Above all, there have been allegations that Pakistan’s state security apparatus is at least complicit in various terrorist activities, and perhaps even supporting them outright. With this in mind, Pakistan may think twice about using its F-16s against India to avoid restrictions on future military aid from the United States — in the past, planned F-16 deliveries have also been embargoed.
At the same time, as Bronk contends, there would be certain missions for which the ********-made fighter would stand a better chance of success, especially for long-range air-to-air shots.
“The F-16s, and the AMRAAMs that they operate are, from a radar and a missile point of view, almost certain to have a significantly shorter maximum range and no-escape zone than the J-10CE with PL-15,” Bronk asserts. “It’s an AESA radar and a missile with better kinematics versus a mechanically scanned radar and a missile with less kinematic capability. In terms of those sorts of potential engagements that we seem to have been looking at in the recent clash, where both sides are carefully staying on their own side of the lines, at least as some long-range missile shots are being taken, the J-10C would represent a higher likelihood of kill compared to Pakistan’s F-16s.”
One of the Pakistan Air Force’s Block 52 F-16Ds taxies at PAF Base Shahbaz near Jacobabad, Pakistan. U.S. Air Force
According to at least one unconfirmed report in the Pakistani media, citing unnamed sources, the longest PL-15 shot taken during the clashes was 98 nautical miles, or around 112 miles. The non-export PL-15 is generally assessed to have a maximum range of around 124 miles. There have also been reports in Western media that Pakistan might have received a longer-range version of the export PL-15E, which would explain engagements at these kinds of distances.
As we have discussed in our previous coverage, there are various reasons that might explain the appearance of expended PL-15s on Indian territory:
The loss of missiles, especially in a relatively intact state, can be the result of many circumstances. This includes shots taken at the maximum reach of a beyond-visual-range missile’s capabilities, without prolonged guidance support of the launching aircraft. These launches can be used defensively or offensively, with the missile being fired at a target and entering into its ‘fire-and-forget’ mode, without assistance from the launching aircraft, long before its own seeker activates. These shots are made with the missile best predicting where the target will be based on initial telemetry up until its launch aircraft stops sending it mid-course updates. The missile’s onboard radar, which has short range, would then turn on and search for the target when it thinks it’s within range.
This mode of fire drastically lowers the probability of a kill, but it also can greatly enhance the survivability of the launching fighter. Considering no Indian or Pakistani aircraft reportedly crossed over the border during these extensive air-to-air skirmishes, longer-range shots made with limited guidance by the launch aircraft likely occurred, with most aircraft staying far enough away from each other to survive the maximum capabilities of the opposing force’s weapon systems. Mid-course updates provided from the launching fighter’s radar would also be truncated due to the aircraft’s proximity to the border and the need to turn physically away from it so as not to cross it or enter deep into the engagement envelopes of opposing fighters and surface-to-air missile systems. Just turning on a fighter radar for an extended time in such a high-threat area can lead to rapid detection and death.
The relatively intact remains of a PL-15 missile that came down in Indian territory during the recent clashes. via X
Long-range shots also mean that the missiles would more likely be at a very low energy state when they eventually impact the ground.Once again, there are many reasons why a missile could turn up relatively intact like this, but considering what we know about the tactical situation along the border, this seems like one very likely possibility.
PL-15 significance
Another aspect that could have played into the potential success of the J-10C is the fact that India likely has a much better understanding of how AMRAAM works and is therefore better able to optimize countermeasures for it, compared with the PL-15, and particularly the PL-15E export model.
Bronk continues: “The ability of the Rafale’s onboard electronic countermeasures system and radar warning receiver to potentially detect an incoming missile seeker and/or respond to try and improve the effectiveness of missile defeat maneuvers through ECM is potentially lower against the PL-15 than against AMRAAM, just by dint of the fact that there may be less known about it.”
A full-scale model of a PL-15 on display at Airshow China 2024, in Zhuhai. Photo by Zou Wei/VCG via Getty Images VCG
Alongside the J-10C, the PL-15 is being pitched by some observers as one of the decisive players in the recent clashes, although the capabilities of this weapon have been on the minds of Western planners for some years now.
Close-up of a J-20 fighter carrying four inert PL-15 in its main ventral bays. ******** internet
“The main significance of PL-15 is that it’s probably the first time that China produced an indigenous air-to-air missile that is not just markedly superior to Russian alternatives but is markedly superior to most U.S.-made equivalents in terms of really long-range capabilities,” Bronk explains. “Previously, the PL-12 was kind of interesting in the sense that it’s got quite ****** kinematics close in, but broadly speaking, AMRAAM was still comfortably the better weapon in most scenarios, particularly the later model ‘Charlies’ and the AIM-120D-3.”
A PLAAF J-10C conducts a training sortie, with a single inert PL-12 round carried under the starboard wing. Xinhua/Liu Chuan via Getty Images
“The PL-15 is at the very least leveling the playing field and in some cases, posing problems that put the United States at a range disadvantage with AMRAAM,” Bronk adds. Indeed, the appearance of the PL-15 has already contributed to a rush from the U.S. side to push for longer-range AAMs, like the AIM-260 and AIM-174B.
The PL-15 should also be characterized by the advantages of its AESA seeker, Bronk notes. “Just based on the physics of an AESA seeker versus a mechanically scanned seeker or a fixed PESA-type seeker, it should be higher resolution, more resistant to ECM, and work better in jamming environments.” Beyond that, it likely has a better ability to home in on stealth targets.
“The ********, for a long time, were essentially followers and were either customers for Russian weapons or were essentially producing clones of Western systems as best they could, whether that be Python clones, Sidewinder clones, or Sparrow clones,” Bronk continues. “The PL-15 is different, and so it represents a significant maturation of the ******** industrial and research and development base.” Meanwhile, the PL-15 is just one of several ******** AAM programs that are looking at very long-range performance in particular. While continuing to develop and improve its AAMs, China is also able to produce them in large quantities.
Among the unknowns involved in Pakistan’s use of the J-10 in combat, Bronk raises the issue of integration with airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) assets, or more accurately, the degree to which the fighters can cooperate with these radar planes. “Are we talking voice [communications]? Are we talking full datalink interoperability? Are we talking third-party targeting capability, and does that extend to third-party missile support in flight?” No one beyond the Pakistan Air Force or Chengdu will have the full picture of this important aspect of the J-10C’s capabilities, although it is of central importance, especially in terms of long-range air-to-air engagements.
A Pakistan Air Force ZDK-03 AEW&C aircraft flies over Islamabad in 2017. FAROOQ NAEEM/AFP via Getty Images
Further development and export prospects
As to what comes next for the J-10, Bronk considers it unlikely that the PLAAF will seek a D-version of the fighter beyond the current J-10C, with efforts now likely to be centered upon the medium-weight J-35 stealth fighter, not to mention sixth-generation programs.
“They are probably looking to replace or start supplanting it at some point,” Bronk says of the J-10C, “while no doubt they will continue to upgrade and maintain the relevance for the J-10s that they have.” That might also involve a retrofit of J-10Bs to C-standard with the AESA radar and the new engine. “I don’t know how much work that would be, but it would make sense, assuming it’s not cost-prohibitive.”
Most likely, the J-10C’s fortunes will lie more with the lucrative export market.
“I suspect what you’ll see is a push on exports,” Bronk says, drawing a parallel with the advantages that mass export bought the U.S. military in terms of its own F-16 and F/A-18 fleets, long after it has ceased purchasing them in large numbers for its own forces, and nominally at least, moved on to the F-35 and F-22.
Considering that China might be able to offer for export a J-10C at a unit cost of $50 to $60 million, in Bronk’s assessment, this would make a lot of sense for certain operators, especially those looking to supplant increasingly hard-to-maintain Russian-made types, in particular.
That kind of price tag would make the J-10C “extremely competitive as an option for non U.S.- or non-European aligned countries that want to replace aging MiG-29s, Su-27s, and Su-30s, with something that’s cheaper to not just to buy, but to operate, is easier to maintain, and has compatibility with a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground stores, and from a supplier that’s not under massive sanctions.”
A PLAAF J-10B is surrounded by crowds while on display at Airshow China 2016 in Zhuhai. Photo by Marcio Machado / Power Sport Images Power Sport Images
Meanwhile, some countries may well see a possible shift away from reliance on the United States for exports, based on various positions adopted by the Trump administration that have created unease. While this would only be a factor outside of NATO and would exclude other close U.S. allies, it does provide another possible opening for China. On the other hand, potential customers in this bracket might opt to buy the JF-17 as a lower-cost, albeit less capable, alternative to the J-10. The JF-17 has already been sold to Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria and is operated by Pakistan, which co-developed it.
Pakistan Air Force JF-17s. Photo by Asif HASSAN / AFP ASIF HASSAN
Still, even the J-10C could work out cheaper to buy and operate than an F-16 Block 70/72, Bronk says, and it also comes with the option of highly potent PL-15 missiles, which could help seal the deal for some.
“I suspect the list of countries cleared to purchase AIM-260 will be pretty short for a while, and Meteor is not compatible with an F-16,” Bronk notes. At the same time, “fighters are a bit like sports cars,” Bronk says, in that countries don’t tend to buy the cheapest solution to do the job. Oftentimes, countries end up buying a more expensive fighter, while kidding themselves that they can afford it in the long run, Bronk adds. That could end up counting against the J-10C, provided the ******** solution does come out cheaper.
All in all, the market for fighters and air-launched weapons is a dynamic one, and one in which China is increasingly making an impact. Securing a Pakistani order for the J-10C was significant in itself, but as more is learned about the fighter’s performance in the clash with India, its export prospects could also be greatly enhanced, along with its general reputation and that of ******** tactical jet exports.
Contact the author: *****@*****.tld
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European stock markets today: Live updates
European stock markets today: Live updates
Watch: ECB’s Kazaks says interest rates are ‘relatively close’ to target level
The European Central Bank’s interest rates are “relatively close to the terminal rate” if inflation stays within range, Governing Council member Martins Kazaks told CNBC.
The view is similar to that expressed by fellow ECB board member Isabel Schnabel last week, who said: “The appropriate course of action is to keep rates close to where they are today – that is, firmly in neutral territory.”
Goldman Sachs expects two rate cuts this year, while JPMorgan sees one.
— Ganesh Rao
ECB’s Kazaks says interest rates are ‘relatively close’ to target level
The European Central Bank’s interest rates are “relatively close to the terminal rate” if inflation stays within range, Governing Council member Martins Kazaks told CNBC’s Silvia Amaro on Europe Early Edition.
“Currently, if one takes a look at the dynamics of inflation, we are by and large within the baseline scenario and if the baseline scenario holds, then I think we are relatively close to the terminal rate already,” said Kazaks, who is also the Latvian central bank governor.
The terminal rate is the point at which interest rates do not act as headwinds for economic growth, and are consistent with allowing the central bank to achieve its inflation target.
The ECB’s key interest rate (the deposit facility rate) currently stands at 2.25% after the central bank’s governing council voted unanimously to reduce it by 25 basis points in April.
Kazaks also said that the market’s expectation of a 25 basis point cut at the next ECB policy meeting on June 5 is “relatively appropriate, in my view.”
— Ganesh Rao
Earnings due today
Friday will be a quieter day on the corporate earnings front, but investors can still expect a handful of reports out of European firms.
Richemont, Land Securities, Swiss Re and Thales are updating investors on their finances.
— Chloe Taylor
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PPI Surprise: Is Deflation the Next Big Threat to Markets?
PPI Surprise: Is Deflation the Next Big Threat to Markets?
The numbers rolled out this morning, and in a massive divergence from expectations, not only is there no , but the numbers were deeply negative. I suppose the mainstream media, which can spin any data into good news, will celebrate this, although last time I checked with Ben Bernanke, having persistent deflation enter into our economy would be really, really bad.
One asset whose deflation I am cheerful to see is . I’ve been fixated on energy as the best bastion for bearishness, which is why I’m short and in size as well as some individual items like and . A couple of days ago, oil looked like it was going to launch into full bull mode with a breakout, but it stalled out and began slip-sliding away, particularly with chatter about – gasp – no war with Iran. Good!
Speaking of falling assets, I direct your attention to Unitedhealth (NYSE:), which must be one of the most despised organizations in America (although I’ve learned to be cautious about a certain young man who decided to firmly express his feelings on that matter, since apparently some Slopers aren’t fans).
This stock, which I hasten to remind you is in the esteemed company of the , has fallen 55%, since evidently a lot of their money was made through outright fraud. Anyone want to bet how deeply their ex-CEO was involved in these fraudulent activities? I’ll wait!
Here, let me close by snarking directly at a former hero of mine, Zerohedge. That website, which used to be the kingpin among bearish thinkers, is now nothing more than a radical right-wing shill for Goldman Sachs. They did a premium post this morning urging their readers to dive feet-first into equities, whose index looks like this:
Now, to someone like me, if I look at a chart like that, I’ll rush over to the nearest keyboard and short it, which is precisely what I did moments ago. I am thus cheerfully short symbol , which I wouldn’t have bothered doing were it not for this annoying ZH article, which began in this fashion:
Heating up again. Well, yeah, there’s no debating that. A 44% rise in a matter of days is definitely heating up. Yet using that as a basis to buy AFTER the aforementioned rise seems wrong-headed to me.
But it gets worse deeper down the article…………
So what they are saying here is that the P/E fell to 19.8, then it recovered to 26, mysteriously prompting ZH to ask us, “why not take out previous recent highs of mid-30s?”
Do you realize how imbecilic such a query is? Here, I can play that game too:
The bottomed at 666 in March 2009. When the bear market really gets going, why not fall to 333? Answer me!
Yeah, why not. Such a rhetorical question doesn’t merit an answer. Sheesh. Maybe I should make my short position even larger, based on this blinkered, Philistine pig-ignorance.
In any case, as I pledged on Wednesday, I have amped up my positions. Instead of quivering and quaking in the corner of the room (whose climax was that horrible post-surrender Monday I had to endure), I have ramped up positions from 13 to 21 and am back to a 120% commitment level. I’m ready to get even more aggressive, too.
Let’s go get ’em!
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Thunder-Nuggets: 5 takeaways as Denver forces Game 7 – NBA
Thunder-Nuggets: 5 takeaways as Denver forces Game 7 – NBA
Thunder-Nuggets: 5 takeaways as Denver forces Game 7 NBANuggets deliver in fourth quarter, setting up Game 7 with Thunder in Oklahoma City Yahoo SportsDenver Survives! Suddenly Dramatic Playoff Weekend Alert With Rob Mahoney The RingerNuggets’ Murray starts Game 6 despite illness ESPNNightly Pulse: NBA News & Highlights from May 15 NBA
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Inside story of how police caught Vincent Carlino, who strangled girlfriend in domestic violence *******
Inside story of how police caught Vincent Carlino, who strangled girlfriend in domestic violence *******
WARNING: Confronting content.
A Sydney man who strangled his girlfriend to death before wrapping her body in plastic bags and dumping her in a shocking domestic violence ******* has been jailed for more than two decades.
Vincent Carlino, 40, stood in Sydney’s Supreme Court on Friday afternoon as he learned his fate over the July 2022 ******* of his on-again, off-again girlfriend Shereen Kumar.
Carlino pleaded guilty to murdering the 43-year-old mother-of-two inside their Dural home before dumping her in nearby bushland.
Carlino reported his partner missing to police, claiming he was “extremely worried” about her after she went for a walk and did not return.
However his ruse quickly unravelled after his electronic trail uncovered his attempts to cover up her *******.
“It’s clear that in recent years, community concern about the number of women killed by their male domestic partners or ex-partners has only become more acute,” Justice Sarah McNaughton said in her sentencing remarks on Friday afternoon, nothing Ms Kumar’s death involved an “extreme level of violence”.
Camera IconVincent Carlino murdered his partner Shereen Kumar (left). Facebook. Credit: Supplied
The couple met online in 2021 and in the 17 months before her ******* they had a tumultuous relationship marked by frequent hostility and arguments, the court was told.
The couple also owned a dog walking business together.
Carlino in July 2022 told Ms Kumar via text message: “I’m a manipulative ******** that doesn’t deserve love or cannot give love” and “I feel nothing positive in your heart to me.”
On the day of her ******* on 20 July, 2022, Ms Kumar had a Skye session with a therapist and seemed concerned and distracted and was seen looking to her left several times.
“In five minutes, he is going to come inside the room,” Ms Kumar said during the conversation.
“I might have to cut this short today and pick it up another day.”
It was the last time she was seen by anyone.
Over the course of 42 minutes that afternoon, Carlino called Ms Kumar 123 times before he murdered her some time between 7.19pm and 9.38pm.
The court heard that he struck her in the face, head and neck and strangled her. A post-mortem found she died as a result of neck compression.
He disposed of her body in a clearing in the bush off Laurie Road, covering her body with leaves and vegetation.
After her disappearance, he made repeated false statements to police, Ms Kumar’s family, his co-workers and neighbours.
The court heard he searched for OJ Simpson online and viewed a news story about Ms Kumar being missing.
Camera IconVincent Carlino. Facebook. Credit: Supplied
On July 23, police went to his home, he was found carrying bags out of the house and told police: “I’m just catching up on putting some rubbish out, I haven’t had a chance the last couple of days. It’s not what it looks like.”
He told a friend that he intended to sell his business for $100,000 to “last me a few months to get away”, before he corrected himself saying “not get away, just stay here”.
When police searched his phone, GPS data did not match a description he gave to officers about a search he claimed he took to look for Ms Kumar.
Ms Kumar’s body was discovered in bushland off Laurie Road, wrapped in ****** plastic bags, secured with sticky tape and covered with branches and leaves.
Carlino’s fingerprints were found on the plastic bags.
He was arrested and in an interview with police he said he had nothing further to say.
However police lawfully intercepted his calls in jail and was caught making admissions to his parents.
When he was asked if he had choked Ms Kumar, he replied: “Yeah.”
“This was an attack on a woman in her own home where she was entitled to feel safe and secure, by a partner who at that time not only did not care for her or keep her safe, but violently attacked her, causing her death,” Justice McNaughton said.
Carlino was sentenced to a maximum of 21 years in jail with a 15-year non-parole *******.
He will be eligible for release in July 2037.
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New Jersey Transit train engineers go on strike, leaving some 350,000 commuters in the lurch
New Jersey Transit train engineers go on strike, leaving some 350,000 commuters in the lurch
New Jersey Transit train engineers go on strike, leaving some 350,000 commuters in the lurch
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Richemont (CFR.SW) Q4 FY 2025
Richemont (CFR.SW) Q4 FY 2025
A Cartier de Panthere wristwatch on display at a Cartier luxury goods store, operated by Cie. Financiere Richemont.
Bloomberg | Getty Images
Cartier owner Richemont on Friday posted better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter sales, as the wealthiest spenders continued to shrug off global macroeconomic uncertainty.
Revenues at the Swiss luxury group rose 7% year-on-year at constant exchange rates to 5.17 billion euros ($5.79 billion) in the three months to the end of March, above the 4.98 billion euros forecast by analysts in an LSEG poll.
The fourth-quarter sales bump was led by double-digit growth at the group’s Jewellery Maisons division, which includes Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Buccellati.
Sales nevertheless declined within the company’s specialist watchmakers segment, which features brands Piaget and Roger Dubuis, led by weakness in the Asia-Pacific region.
Full-year sales rose 4% to 21.4 billion euros, up on the previous year and just ahead of analyst expectations of 21.34 billion euros.
Sales rose annually across all regions, except Asia Pacific (ex. Japan) — the company’s largest market — where declines were led by a 23% drop in China. Japan led annual sales growth, up 25% at actual exchange rates, buoyed by “strong domestic and tourist spend” and a weak Japanese Yen.
“The Group’s performance was robust overall, driven by remarkable growth at our Jewellery Maisons and retail, and improved momentum at our ‘Other’ activities,” Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert said in a statement. The company’s so-called “other” segment includes its pre-owned watch retailer Watchfinder & Co.
The chairman nevertheless added that ongoing global uncertainties would continue to require “strong agility and discipline.”
Richemont had previously reported its “highest ever” quarterly sales figure in January at 6.2 billion euros, even as China demand weighed.
The earnings had, at the time, been taken as a signal of a wider turnaround in the beleaguered luxury sector. However, the specter of U.S. trade tariffs and subsequent macroeconomic uncertainty have threatened to once again hit consumer confidence and discretionary spending globally.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
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