In April, Meta made a significant announcement regarding the termination of its original show support on Facebook Watch, marking the end of its streaming ambitions. This decision was part of broader cost-cutting measures, which also included layoffs within the company. Recent court documents, unveiled as part of an antitrust suit against Meta, shed light on the factors influencing this decision. The documents suggest that Meta’s relationship with Netflix, one of its major advertising customers, played a pivotal role. Allegations within the documents claim that Facebook provided Netflix access to private messages of Facebook users in exchange for ad spending. While Meta has denied these claims, the documents hint at a close business relationship between the two companies, with Netflix allegedly influencing Meta’s strategic decisions regarding streaming video competition. Despite Meta’s earlier intentions to invest in original content and compete with platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, its streaming efforts, including Facebook Watch, failed to gain significant traction. As a result, Meta shifted its focus away from original content and towards virtual reality (VR) experiences. It is reported that Meta drastically reduced its streaming budget by $750 million in 2018, redirecting resources to other areas deemed more promising for the company’s future growth and success.

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, the Presidency for Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has announced significant developments in the spiritual arrangements at the Grand Mosque of Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. With the completion of Taraweeh prayers’ Holy Qur’an recitation on the evening of Ramadan’s 29th, worshippers have witnessed a culmination of spiritual endeavors during this sacred time. Alongside the recitation of the Qur’an, various initiatives have been undertaken to enrich the worship environment, including religious guidance sessions, educational programs, and the expansion of Qur’an study circles. These efforts reflect a commitment to nurturing a tranquil and spiritually uplifting atmosphere for worshippers and visitors alike.

Furthermore, the Presidency has emphasized the importance of meticulous preparation and collaboration with relevant entities within the Two Holy Mosques to optimize services for worshippers, Umrah performers, and visitors. By leveraging technology and translation services, the aim is to facilitate the fulfillment of religious obligations and enhance the spiritual experiences of all individuals engaging in worship activities. These initiatives underscore the commitment of the Presidency to uphold the sacredness and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques while catering to the diverse needs of worshippers from around the world.

Rolls-Royce has commenced flight testing for its latest business aviation engine, the Pearl 10X, intended to power Dassault’s Falcon 10X aircraft. These flight tests are being conducted aboard a Boeing 747 flying testbed, serving to gather crucial performance data for the engine. The data collected during these tests surpasses the average usage of a typical household in the UK, underscoring the extensive nature of the evaluations. As part of Rolls-Royce’s advanced Pearl engine family, the Pearl 10X represents the company’s inaugural venture into the business jet sector partnered with Dassault. Flight testing is an integral phase in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the engine, involving comprehensive assessments by both pilots and engineers. Leveraging the Flying Test Bed in Arizona, Rolls-Royce can conduct real-world airborne testing, enhancing the development and validation processes for the Pearl 10X engine.

In response to concerns surrounding deepfakes, Meta has announced a new approach to handling manipulated images and audio on its platforms. Instead of deleting such content, Meta will employ labeling and contextualization methods to provide users with information about the authenticity of the media. This decision comes amid preparations for upcoming elections in various countries, with Meta acknowledging the challenge of distinguishing between machine-generated content and reality. To address this issue, Meta has begun labeling AI-generated photos uploaded to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Additionally, the White House’s recommendation to watermark AI-generated media has prompted Meta to develop tools to detect synthetic content. Meta has already implemented a watermark indicating that an image was “Imagined with AI” and plans to extend this feature to other AI-generated content from various providers. In a blog post, Meta encouraged users to consider several factors when evaluating AI-generated content, emphasizing the importance of assessing the trustworthiness of the account and the authenticity of the content.

Serene Airline has announced discounted fares for flights between Quetta and Islamabad, offering travelers an affordable option for air travel between these two cities. Passengers can now fly between Quetta and Islamabad for as low as PKR 12,499, making air travel more accessible and convenient for individuals commuting between the two cities. This initiative by Serene Airline aims to cater to the needs of passengers seeking affordable and efficient transportation options, particularly between major cities like Quetta and Islamabad. With these discounted fares, travelers can enjoy the comfort and convenience of air travel at competitive prices, enhancing connectivity and facilitating smoother journeys for passengers. Serene Airline’s commitment to providing cost-effective air travel solutions aligns with its vision of offering quality service while prioritizing customer satisfaction. Travelers can take advantage of these discounted fares to experience seamless air travel between Quetta and Islamabad with Serene Airline.

The remarkable journey of John Alfred Tinniswood, a resident of Southport, England, has led him to achieve a significant milestone: officially being recognized as the world’s oldest living man by Guinness World Records. At the remarkable age of 111, Tinniswood’s life story spans over a century, witnessing the unfolding of significant historical events. Born on August 26, 1912, in Liverpool, his birth coincided with the tragic sinking of the Titanic, marking the beginning of a life intertwined with history. Throughout the decades, Tinniswood has observed the world undergo countless transformations. Despite his advanced age, he remains remarkably independent, navigating daily tasks with ease and without the need for assistance. His method of staying informed includes listening to the radio, and he continues to manage his finances autonomously. When asked about the secret to his longevity, Tinniswood humbly attributes it to “pure luck,” showcasing a modest perspective on his extraordinary journey through life.

The White House has formally instructed NASA to develop a time standard for the moon, known as Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC). This directive comes in response to the European Space Agency’s proposal for a unified lunar time reference. As lunar missions become more frequent, the need for a standardized time framework becomes increasingly apparent to avoid confusion and facilitate smooth operations. The LTC system must adhere to several criteria, including traceability to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), high precision for scientific research and spacecraft operations, autonomy during communication loss with Earth, and scalability for application on other celestial bodies. By establishing this time standard, the aim is to improve spacecraft communication, data transmission, and navigation, which will benefit all nations engaged in space exploration endeavors.