After nearly two decades of speculation, Microsoft has finally unveiled its handheld gaming console, the ROG Xbox Ally, marking a significant entry into the portable gaming market. Designed to compete with industry giants like Nintendo and PlayStation, the device promises a unique blend of Xbox and PC gaming experiences. Priced at £499 for the base model and £799 for the more advanced ROG Xbox Ally X, the console is not just a gaming device but a portable Windows PC, offering compatibility with a vast library of PC games alongside Xbox’s Game Pass subscription service. The device’s dual functionality allows users to play both Xbox and PC games, though it comes with the inherent challenges of PC gaming, such as compatibility issues and the need for manual adjustments. The ROG Xbox Ally features a comfortable controller design, a decent LCD display, and solid performance for most modern games. However, its reliance on Windows 11 introduces some drawbacks, including mandatory updates and a lack of the polished user experience typically expected from premium gaming devices. While the console excels in offering Game Pass on-the-go and access to a massive game library, its high price and late market entry raise questions about its ability to stand out in an already crowded handheld gaming space. As Microsoft targets tech-savvy gamers, the ROG Xbox Ally’s success will depend on whether its unique features can justify its cost and compete with established rivals like the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck.
作者： admin
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‘I can’t afford to save both twins’: Sudan’s war left one mother with an impossible choice
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has left a trail of devastation, with countless lives shattered and families torn apart. Among the victims is Touma, a 25-year-old mother whose life has been irrevocably altered by the conflict. Sitting in the malnutrition ward of Bashaer Hospital in Khartoum, Touma cradles her three-year-old daughter, Masajed, who is severely malnourished and too weak to cry. ‘I wish she would cry,’ Touma whispers, her voice filled with despair. The hospital, one of the few still operational in the capital, is overwhelmed with children suffering from acute malnutrition, their mothers helplessly watching over them. Touma and her family were forced to flee their home after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) looted everything they owned, leaving them with nothing but their lives. ‘We had livestock, milk, and dates. Now, we have nothing,’ she recalls, her voice trembling. The war has plunged Sudan into one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with three million children under five acutely malnourished, according to the UN. Despite the hospital’s free basic care, lifesaving medicines must be paid for by families, leaving many, like Touma, to make impossible choices. She could only afford antibiotics for one of her twin daughters, choosing Manahil over Masajed. ‘I wish they could both recover,’ she sobs, cradling her dying child. The war has left families with nothing, no means to save their children, and little hope for survival. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the RSF, has turned Khartoum, once a vibrant cultural and commercial hub, into a battlefield. The city is now littered with the remnants of war—burnt-out cars, tanks, and shattered homes. Amid the destruction, 12-year-old Zaher wheels himself through the wreckage, singing softly, ‘I’m coming home.’ Zaher, who lost both legs in a drone strike, dreams of prosthetic limbs so he can play football again. His mother, Habibah, recounts the horrors of living under RSF control, where they were constantly under threat. ‘We couldn’t switch on our lights at night,’ she says. The war has robbed children of their childhoods, leaving them to navigate a world of violence and loss. Ahmed, a 16-year-old who works clearing debris, has found human remains in a playground where he once played with his brothers. ‘I have been certain that I was destined to die,’ he says, his voice devoid of hope. Yet, amidst the despair, moments of resilience shine through. Zaher, despite his injuries, drags himself across a scarred football pitch, determined to play the game he loves. ‘Football and my friendships have saved me,’ he says, smiling for the first time. The war has left an indelible mark on Sudan’s children, but their spirit and determination offer a glimmer of hope in a land ravaged by conflict.
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Netherlands’ renewables drive putting pressure on its power grid
The Netherlands, a global leader in renewable energy adoption, is grappling with a severe electricity grid crisis as its rapid shift to wind and solar power overwhelms the existing infrastructure. The country has embraced electric vehicles and renewable energy with remarkable enthusiasm, boasting the highest number of charging points per capita in Europe and more than a third of homes equipped with solar panels. By 2030, offshore wind farms are expected to become the nation’s largest energy source. However, this green transition has come at a cost: the national grid is under immense strain, leading to frequent power outages and widespread grid congestion. Kees-Jan Rameau, CEO of Dutch energy provider Eneco, likens the issue to a ‘traffic jam on the power grid,’ caused by an imbalance between supply and demand. The grid, originally designed for centralized gas-fired power plants, is ill-equipped to handle the decentralized nature of renewable energy. Small power lines in rural areas, where most solar panels and wind turbines are located, are particularly overwhelmed. Damien Ernst, a leading grid expert, warns that resolving this crisis will require billions of dollars and years of investment. The Dutch government has launched initiatives like the ‘Flip the Switch’ campaign to encourage energy conservation during peak hours, but the problem persists. Businesses and households face long waiting lists for grid connections, hampering economic growth and new housing developments. Tennet, the national grid operator, plans to invest €200 billion to reinforce the grid by 2050, but the process is slow and complex. Meanwhile, grid congestion costs the Dutch economy up to €35 billion annually, according to a 2024 report. The Ministry for Climate Policy and Green Growth acknowledges the challenges and is working on a ‘National Grid Congestion Action Plan’ to expedite grid expansion and adjust legislation. Despite these efforts, the Netherlands’ rapid energy transition continues to outpace its infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.
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Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine’s trains in ‘battle for the railways’
In the heart of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, the nation’s railway system has become both a lifeline and a target. Olha Zolotova, a train conductor, lies in a Kyiv hospital bed, recounting the harrowing moment her train was struck by a Russian drone. ‘When the Shahed hit, I was buried under rubble. Everything was burning,’ she recalls. Her injuries, severe enough to require surgery and a metal plate in her leg, are a stark reminder of the relentless attacks on Ukraine’s railways, a critical infrastructure sustaining the country’s war effort and economy.
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‘Sorry I couldn’t save you’: Israel buries hostage returned from Gaza
In a somber ceremony on Wednesday, Israel laid to rest Guy Iluz, a 26-year-old hostage whose remains were returned from Gaza as part of a US-backed ceasefire agreement. The funeral procession began in Rishon Lezion and concluded in Raanana, where Iluz had resided before being abducted during the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. The attack, which targeted the Nova music festival in southern Israel, resulted in the deaths of at least 370 people and the abduction of 251 others, both living and deceased. Iluz, a guitarist and sound engineer, was among those taken captive. Reports indicate he attempted to flee the festival site and later hid in a tree, where he made his final contact with his parents before being captured. He died in captivity due to untreated injuries sustained during his abduction. The ceasefire deal, which took effect last Friday, mandated the release of all hostages within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel released nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. The return of Iluz’s body, along with three others on Monday and four more on Tuesday, marked a bittersweet moment for mourners. Amira, a woman in her sixties, expressed her grief, stating, ‘I’m sorry, sorry, sorry I could not save you!’ She emphasized the importance of having a grave for the family to mourn. Viki Lavi, another attendee, noted the duality of emotions, saying, ‘This is our life, crying and being happy.’ The ceremony underscored the ongoing trauma and resilience of those affected by the conflict.
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China arrested 30 Christians. Some fear it’s the start of a bigger crackdown
In what activists are calling China’s largest arrest of Christians in decades, 30 members of the Zion Church network, including its founder Pastor Jin Mingri, were detained last weekend. The arrests, spanning at least 10 cities, have raised concerns of a broader crackdown on underground churches. Jin Mingri, a prominent figure in China’s Christian community, was taken from his base in Beihai city, Guangxi province, and is currently held in Beihai Number Two prison on suspicion of “illegal use of information networks.” His daughter, Grace Jin Drexel, who resides in the US, recounted the moment she learned of her father’s detention, describing it as a sudden and shocking event. The arrests come amid increasing pressure from Chinese authorities on unregistered religious groups, with new laws and regulations aimed at curbing their activities. Despite official figures stating there are 38 million Protestants and six million Catholics in China, rights activists estimate that tens of millions more attend underground churches, which do not align with state-sanctioned ideologies. The Chinese government has long sought to control religious practices, with recent measures including the banning of Christian apps, demolition of church buildings, and the imposition of strict online codes of conduct for religious personnel. The Zion Church, which began as a small house church in Beijing, has grown to over 10,000 followers across 40 cities, making it a significant target for authorities. While some arrested members have been released, the majority remain in detention, with fears that this crackdown may be just the beginning. Christian advocacy groups warn that the Chinese government’s policy of acting against house churches will continue, with accusations of fraud and economic crimes likely to be used as intimidation tactics. Despite the challenges, church leaders remain hopeful, citing historical examples where repression led to revival.
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Sri Lankan PM highly praises China’s initiatives at Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women
During her visit to China for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya highlighted the concerning global decline in women’s rights, gender equality, and reproductive rights. In an exclusive interview with China Daily on Tuesday, she praised China’s steadfast support for gender equality and its proactive initiatives, which she described as a testament to the nation’s strong sense of international responsibility. Amarasuriya emphasized that China’s efforts stand out in a world where many countries are experiencing setbacks in these critical areas. Her remarks underscored the importance of global cooperation and leadership in advancing gender equality, particularly in the face of growing challenges. The Prime Minister’s comments also reflected the broader significance of the meeting, which brought together leaders from around the world to address pressing issues related to women’s rights and empowerment.
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Halsey to headline 2025–2026 Dubai Shopping Festival with first UAE concert
Global music sensation Halsey is set to make her highly anticipated debut in the United Arab Emirates with a headline performance at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on December 6, 2025. This exclusive concert will mark the grand opening of the 2025–2026 Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), the world’s longest-running retail festival. Presented as part of Dubai Calendar’s winter lineup, the event promises an electrifying night of chart-topping hits, powerful vocals, and the raw storytelling that has defined Halsey’s illustrious career. Tickets, starting at Dh295, are now available at www.coca-cola-arena.com, with the first 500 Fan Pit ticket buyers receiving a Dh50 merchandise voucher to commemorate this historic occasion. Halsey, a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist, has cemented her status as a cultural icon with over 50 billion streams, 75 RIAA-certified singles, and four RIAA-certified albums. Her latest release, *The Great Impersonator* (2024), debuted at No. 1 on *Billboard’s* Top Rock & Alternative and Top Alternative Albums charts, continuing her streak of chart-topping successes. Beyond music, Halsey has expanded her influence through her beauty line, bestselling poetry collection, and inclusion in *TIME’s* 100 Most Influential People list. This concert follows her critically acclaimed For My Last Trick Tour and coincides with the release of *BADLANDS: Decade Edition Anthology*, celebrating 10 years of her groundbreaking debut album.
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Giuffre accuses ‘entitled’ Andrew in posthumous book
In a posthumous memoir titled *Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice*, Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, details harrowing allegations against Prince Andrew, Duke of York. The book, co-written with author Amy Wallace, is set for release next week, nearly six months after Giuffre’s tragic suicide in April. The memoir recounts three instances where Giuffre claims she was forced into sexual encounters with Prince Andrew, including at Ghislaine Maxwell’s London residence, Epstein’s New York townhouse, and his private island in the US Virgin Islands. Giuffre describes Prince Andrew as ‘entitled,’ alleging he acted as if sexual relations with her were his ‘birthright.’ She also recalls a notorious photograph taken in London in 2001, where Prince Andrew, then 41, placed his arm around her waist while Epstein snapped the picture. The memoir further reveals Giuffre’s struggles with trauma, including her reliance on tranquilisers to cope with the abuse. Despite reaching a financial settlement with Giuffre in 2022, Prince Andrew has consistently denied all allegations, stating in a BBC Newsnight interview that he ‘categorically’ never met her or engaged in any sexual contact. The book sheds light on Epstein’s manipulative tactics, his circle of powerful associates, and the systemic exploitation of vulnerable young women. Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019, while Maxwell is serving a prison sentence for sex trafficking. Giuffre’s memoir serves as a poignant testament to her fight for justice and the enduring impact of her experiences.
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Supreme Court weighs ‘earthquake’ ruling that could reshape political map
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday in a landmark case that could significantly alter the electoral landscape of the American South. The case challenges a key provision of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was enacted to safeguard the voting rights of Black Americans against state-level discrimination. The session, initially slated for an hour, extended well beyond as the justices rigorously questioned the attorneys involved. The outcome could lead to a substantial reinterpretation of the law, potentially redrawing congressional districts across the South and shifting more than a dozen seats from Democratic to Republican control. This could provide President Donald Trump’s Republican Party with a decisive advantage in the upcoming midterm elections, given the current narrow partisan divide in the U.S. House of Representatives. The case originated from a lawsuit by Black voters in Louisiana, who sought to compel the state to create a second majority-Black congressional district to better reflect the state’s demographic composition. Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act prohibits states from denying or limiting voting rights based on race, color, or language. Over the years, the Supreme Court has interpreted this provision to require states to create ‘opportunity districts’ that allow minority populations to elect legislators in proportion to their share of the state’s population. Louisiana’s population is approximately 31% Black, yet only one of its six congressional districts has a Black majority. The conservative majority on the court has indicated a willingness to reconsider whether Section 2 violates the U.S. Constitution by mandating that states consider race when drawing congressional districts. Louisiana’s Republican officials, initially defending their state’s legislative map as compliant with the Voting Rights Act, have now asked the court to eliminate the law’s Black-district requirements entirely. The Trump administration has joined the case to make a similar request. Janai Nelson, representing the original group of Black Louisiana voters, warned that abandoning Voting Rights Act protections would be ‘pretty catastrophic,’ emphasizing the law’s role in diversifying leadership and ensuring minority voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process. Louisiana’s Solicitor General, J Benjamin Aguiñaga, countered that explicitly considering race when drawing legislative lines constitutes unacceptable discrimination, arguing that the Constitution does not tolerate government-mandated racial balancing. The Supreme Court is not expected to issue its decision for several months, but the oral arguments suggest a majority may favor discarding or significantly paring back the current Voting Rights Act requirements. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a potential swing vote, expressed concerns about the duration of the law’s minority-district requirements. Chief Justice John Roberts, who authored a 2013 ruling striking down a separate provision of the Voting Rights Act, is also seen as a decisive vote in this case. The court’s decision could mark a significant shift in American political dynamics, potentially leading to a rush to redraw congressional lines and cement a House of Representatives majority.