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Early Reading Memories Virginia Evans shares her earliest reading memory, reading either 'The Velveteen Rabbit' by Margery Williams or poems from 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' by Shel Silverstein with her sister. Favorite Books Growing Up Evans loved mysteries and fantasy worlds, reading many Nancy Drew books, 'The Boxcar Children' by Gertrude Chandler Warner, and 'The Wind in the Willows'. She enjoyed books about things that can't exist, calling it escapism. The Book That Changed Her as a Teenager At 15, Evans read John Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath', which gave her a new understanding of what fiction can do and how words can portray complex living. The Writer Who Changed Her Mind Evans praises Joan Didion, saying every time she reads Didion's work, she is changed in some way, seeing the world, people, and politics differently. The Book That Made Her Want to Be a Writer In college, Evans read Jhumpa Lahiri's 'Interpreter of Maladies', which inspired her to write, making her think: 'I have to do this, I can do this, I will do this'. The Author She Came Back To Evans tried Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' too young, but when she came back to it in her late 20s, she enjoyed it tremendously. Books She Rereads Daphne du Maurier's 'Rebecca' Steinbeck's 'East of Eden' The Book She Could Never Read Again Evans devoured the Millennium series by Stieg Larsson but was too disturbed to read it again. The Book She Discovered Later in Life Evans didn't read 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott until her adult life, relating to the mother character and identifying with Jo's struggles as an author. Current and Comfort Reads Currently reading: 'While I Was Gone' by Sue Miller Comfort reads: 'The Uncommon Reader' by Alan Bennett, 'Beautiful Ruins' by Jess Walter, 'I Capture the Castle' by Dodie Smith

The Lead Kane Parsons' feature directing debut, Backrooms, is a horror film that has been making waves in the industry with its unique blend of psychological terror and conceptual storytelling. Based on Parsons' web series and scripted by Will Soodik, the film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. The Event Details The film revolves around Clark (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a failed architect and alcoholic who manages a vast discount furniture store called Cap'n Clark's Ottoman Empire. Clark's life takes a dark turn when he discovers a supernaturally porous section of wall in the store's basement, leading him to a vast network of 'backrooms' - strange, installation-style areas that show snapshots of different versions of reality. The Data Analysis The film features a blend of genuine constructions and digital fabrication in its production design by Danny Vermette. The cinematography by Jeremy Cox creates an oppressive, crepuscular kind of dead yellowish light, adding to the film's eerie atmosphere. The Impact Analysis Backrooms draws inspiration from various sources, including J-horror, the V/H/S found footage franchise, Dan Erickson's Severance, and Nathan Fielder's The Rehearsal. The film's unique approach to horror has been praised for its originality and ability to progressively raise the stakes towards a thrilling conclusion. The Prediction With its release scheduled for May 28 in Australia and May 29 in the UK and US, Backrooms is expected to make a significant impact on the horror film genre. Fans of psychological terror and conceptual storytelling are eagerly anticipating the film's release, which promises to deliver a fascinating exploration of memories, past traumas, and alternate realities.

At Amazon’s AI on the Lot conference in Culver City, Gareth Edwards declared generative AI a revolutionary creative partner, likening it to a "second‑unit director who is a billionaire on acid" and suggesting it could outdo traditional CGI.Edwards Positions AI as the Next‑Gen Camera at AI on the LotSpeaking to an audience of filmmakers, Edwards said the technology is "so clearly a tool that might be up there with the camera" and is most valuable during the "preparatory stages" for iterating story ideas. He emphasized that AI helps discover a film’s direction before production begins, then hands the reins back to human creators.Cost‑Cutting Potential Highlighted by Paul SchraderPaul Schrader reinforced the economic upside, questioning why studios pay extras $180 a day when AI can generate realistic background performers. He argued the real commercial breakthrough will come when AI can portray a protagonist without needing a human analogue, potentially reshaping revenue models.AI’s Disruptive Ripple Through Film ProductionAI is framed as a creative "second‑unit director" capable of rapid iteration.Critics note early AI‑generated images, such as in Steven Soderbergh’s John Lennon: The Last Interview, have been received as "blandly generic and very mediocre".Industry voices see AI as a tool that could replace traditional extras and visual effects pipelines.Uncertain Trajectory: What’s Next for AI‑Driven CinemaEdwards cautioned that predicting AI’s evolution over the next five years is impossible, warning that anyone claiming certainty is "just a liar". The consensus suggests a near‑term surge in experimentation, followed by broader adoption as the technology matures.

The Journey to Rogun: A Nation's AmbitionThe road to Rogun Dam from Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe winds through rocky hills and small villages, offering a glimpse into the challenging terrain where this monumental project is taking shape. For Tajikistan, a nation familiar with winter power outages and harsh geography, the Rogun Dam represents more than just infrastructure—it's a promise of energy security and economic independence.The Engineering Marvel: Taming the Vakhsh RiverThe $5 billion Rogun project, originally launched in the mid-1970s to address Tajikistan's chronic energy shortages, has been described by President Emomali Rahmon as a matter of 'life or death.' The dam is being constructed on extremely difficult terrain, requiring complex engineering solutions including access roads, excavation, transportation challenges, and river control systems.A Subterranean Network: The Hidden InfrastructureRogun is not merely a concrete wall holding back water but an entire network of tunnels, diversions, canals, and facilities beneath and around the mountain. The project includes hydraulic tunnels ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 meters in length and an underground power station housing six units designed to harness the power of the Vakhsh River.The Power Generation: From Water to ElectricityAt the heart of the project are massive turbines that will convert the movement of water into electricity. Once completed, the dam will stand 335 meters high, making it one of the tallest in the world, with a power plant capable of producing approximately 3,600 megawatts of electricity—enough to potentially transform Tajikistan's energy landscape and allow for power exports to neighboring countries.The National Dream: Project of the CenturyFor Tajikistan, Rogun has become the 'Project of the Century'—a gamble on the nation's geography to turn adversity into strength. While the project offers tremendous potential benefits, it also carries significant risks requiring massive funding, meticulous management, stringent safety guarantees, and careful balance with downstream countries in the sensitive regional water system.

Scientists have unveiled a new giant sauropod from Thailand, naming it Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis. The discovery, detailed in Scientific Reports, positions the species as the largest known dinosaur from Southeast Asia and offers fresh clues about the region’s prehistoric environment.Discovery of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis in Northeast ThailandThe fossil remains were first spotted by local residents a decade ago in the Chaiyaphum province, but systematic excavation only concluded in 2024. The specimen, recovered from one of the youngest Thai rock formations, displayed unique skeletal features that warranted classification as a new species within the sauropod lineage.Size and Weight Estimates Put Nagatitan Among the Largest SauropodsMeasurements indicate the herbivore stretched 27 metres (89 feet) long and weighed about 27 tonnes, comparable to the mass of nine adult elephants. Researchers note it likely outweighed the famous Diplodocus cast “Dippy” at the Natural History Museum by at least 10 tonnes. The animal is dated to have roamed the area between 100 and 120 million years ago, during the mid‑Cretaceous.Implications for Southeast Asian Paleontology and Regional HeritageAs the biggest dinosaur ever found in Southeast Asia, Nagatitan expands the known geographic range of late‑surviving sauropods, which were thought to have largely disappeared from the region when it became a shallow sea in the Cretaceous. The find underscores Thailand’s growing importance as a paleontological hotspot and adds to the modest list of 14 named Thai dinosaurs.Future Research Directions and Tourist OpportunitiesLead author Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul—a University College London PhD student—suggests further fieldwork could clarify the dinosaur’s feeding habits, which likely involved bulk browsing of conifers and seed ferns. A life‑size reconstruction now stands at Bangkok’s Thainosaur Museum, hinting at increased scientific tourism and educational outreach in the region.

The RSF Attack on Civilians A force affiliated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed at least 27 people, including elderly residents, in an attack on villages west of Bara in Sudan's North Kordofan state, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. The Cairo-based medical NGO said the attacks took place on Thursday in the al-Murrah area, describing them as “a new crime targeting unarmed civilians in areas with no military presence”. The Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Sudan has been engulfed in civil war since April 2023, when long-running tensions between the Sudanese army and the RSF erupted into a full-scale conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions. The Kordofan region has become one of the war's main battlegrounds, with fighting intensifying across several fronts, including through drone attacks. The Impact on Civilians The Sudan Doctors Network said that “targeting villages and civilian areas and executing citizens in such a brutal manner constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and all norms and conventions that prohibit attacks on civilians, especially amid the catastrophic humanitarian conditions people are enduring because of the ongoing war”. The group added that the “continued attacks on civilians and safe villages” are worsening the humanitarian crisis and forcing more families into displacement, suffering and the loss of their livelihoods. The Food Security Situation The attacks come as more than 40 percent of Sudan's population faces acute hunger, according to a report released on Thursday by the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The report said nearly 19.5 million people across the country are facing severe food insecurity as the conflict drives what aid agencies describe as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The Call to Action The Sudan Doctors Network also called on the “international community and human rights and humanitarian organizations to condemn these violations and act urgently to protect civilians and stop the repeated attacks on residential areas by pressuring RSF leaders to end violations against civilians”.

The LeadIndia's Tata Electronics has signed a landmark agreement with Dutch technology giant ASML to establish a major semiconductor manufacturing facility in Dholera, Gujarat, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Netherlands. This strategic partnership represents a significant step in India's quest to become a key player in the global semiconductor industry.The Strategic PartnershipASML, Europe's largest technology company by market value, will supply its cutting-edge lithography machines and chipmaking tools to support the development and ramp-up of production at Tata's semiconductor facility. ASML chief executive Christophe Fouquet emphasized the company's commitment to establishing long-term partnerships in India's growing semiconductor industry, citing 'many compelling opportunities' in the region.The Investment BreakdownTata Electronics plans to invest $11 billion in the semiconductor facility, which is expected to manufacture advanced chips for artificial intelligence, the automotive industry, and other high-tech sectors. This substantial investment underscores India's determination to build domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and reduce its dependence on imported chips.The Global Semiconductor ImpactThe deal comes at a critical time when global semiconductor supply chains are being reconfigured due to geopolitical tensions and technological competition. By partnering with ASML, Tata gains access to the most advanced chipmaking technology available, positioning India to compete in the high-end semiconductor market currently dominated by a few East Asian countries.The Geopolitical ImplicationsThe semiconductor agreement is part of broader efforts to deepen economic ties between India and the Netherlands. During his visit, Modi held extensive talks with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and met King Willem-Alexander. The discussions covered defense and security, with Modi specifically mentioning the possibility of creating an action plan for the defense industry and collaboration in space travel, maritime systems, and maritime security.The Future OutlookFollowing his Netherlands visit, Modi is scheduled to travel to Sweden for talks focused on trade, innovation, and green technology cooperation. This European tour highlights India's strategic approach to building technological partnerships with Western nations as it seeks to advance its manufacturing capabilities and economic growth. The successful implementation of the Tata-ASML semiconductor facility could serve as a model for future high-tech collaborations in India.

The Tata-ASML Deal: A Game-Changer for India's Semiconductor Sector India's Tata Electronics has signed a deal with Dutch technology giant ASML to build India's newest venture into a front-end semiconductor fabrication plant. This move is part of New Delhi's efforts to develop a domestic semiconductor manufacturing base. Details of the Agreement Under the agreement, ASML will supply advanced lithography technology to Tata Electronics for the manufacture of 300mm wafers. Tata Electronics plans to invest $11bn to build India's first semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat. The plant will produce chips for sectors including automotive manufacturing, mobile devices, and AI applications. The Significance of 300mm Semiconductor Wafers The Gujarat plant will manufacture chips using 300mm wafers, the global industry standard for advanced semiconductor fabrication. Larger wafers allow manufacturers to produce more chips per production cycle, lowering costs and improving efficiency. Why the Deal Matters for India The deal is significant for India as it furthers self-sufficiency and strengthens ties with Europe. It signals a shift in India's role in the AI economy from mainly software services and AI talent toward owning part of the physical infrastructure behind AI itself. The deal supports the government's broader push to position the country as a major global technology and AI player. India's AI Ambitions India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his desire for India to become a global AI and digital economy leader. The government has launched initiatives focused on AI research, semiconductor manufacturing, digital infrastructure, and advanced computing, including the India AI Mission with a budget of $1.07bn over five years. The Future Outlook The deal is expected to boost India's semiconductor sector and support its AI ambitions. However, experts note that challenges remain, including infrastructural issues such as power and water supplies, as well as skill development. The success of this initiative will depend on India's ability to address these challenges and create a favorable business environment.

The Surge in Chinese EV Exports China's electric vehicle exports surged 40 percent last month, bolstering its position at the top of the rapidly growing global market, customs data compiled by Bloomberg shows. Chinese EV exports hit 278,081 in April, taking overseas sales since the start of the year to 893,852, according to the data. Global Demand for Chinese EVs Asia imported the most EVs of any region, at 110,613 vehicles, followed by Europe and Latin America with 83,813 and 52,897, respectively. Oceania imported 22,695 Chinese EVs, while North America imported 4,422, according to the data. Brazil experienced the biggest rise in demand among the top 10 export destinations, with imports surging 221 percent to 38,144. South Korea, Germany and Australia also saw sharp increases in demand, with imports rising between 100 percent and 190 percent. The Impact of Trade Restrictions China's growing exports come despite efforts by the United States and Europe to restrict the country's vehicles from their domestic markets. The US applies a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs and bans certain Chinese-made software used in connected vehicles. The European Union imposes tariffs as high as 35.3 percent on Chinese EVs. The Future of EV Sales China is by far the largest manufacturer of EVs globally, accounting for about 75 percent of the 22 million vehicles produced in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency. Chinese EV exports hit a record high of 2.5 million in 2025, double the figure of the previous year. Outside of Europe and the US, Chinese models accounted for 55 percent of all EV sales last year, according to the IEA. The IEA estimates that global EV sales will hit 23 million in 2026 to account for nearly 30 percent of all auto sales. Global EV sales surpassed 20 million in 2025, accounting for about a quarter of total auto sales.