Pashto Medium

Through the noise of heavy machines in Kyoto, a Kyoto zine revival is taking shape inside a print factory. Two creators watch their photo essay transform into broadsheet pages. The project aims to attract readers in an AI-driven digital age.

The Kyoto zine revival reflects Japan’s shifting publishing landscape. Traditional print media continues to decline across the country. However, self-published zines and handmade magazines are gaining strong attention among young creators and readers.

Photographer Kazuma Obara works with writer Akihico Mori on this project. They use a printing press provided by Kyoto Shimbun. The newspaper company seeks new uses for its equipment as subscriptions fall. Technicians inspect each printed page for quality during production.

Obara explains that paper engages all five senses. He believes the Kyoto zine revival offers a deeper connection than digital platforms. He also describes mobile phones as isolating tools. He argues that print allows shared reading experiences.

Mori supports this view during the Kyoto zine revival process. He says readers can feel the creator’s effort when holding printed work. He believes artificial intelligence cannot reproduce that physical connection. He values the emotional link between creator and reader.

Japan’s publishing industry has dropped sharply in recent decades. Book and magazine sales have fallen to nearly 40 percent of earlier peaks. Newspaper circulation has also decreased significantly since the late 1990s. These changes in the industry  push publishers to explore new formats.

The Kyoto zine revival aligns with a wider self-publishing movement in Japan. The market for zines continues to expand and may reach 150 billion yen soon. Young creators increasingly adopt handmade publishing methods. Bookstores have also begun stocking zines for new audiences.

Visitors at zine fairs in Tokyo support this shift. They say algorithm-driven content limits discovery. They prefer physical works that show different perspectives. Many believe the Kyoto zine revival offers variety missing in digital media.

Creators like Watashi Kishino continue to produce hand-drawn zines. She says digital tools are powerful but not always meaningful. She values physical books for their tangible presence. She sees ongoing interest in printed media.

Bookstore managers also respond to this demand. They introduce zines to attract new readers. They believe niche publications appeal to diverse interests. The Kyoto zine revival continues to expand across Japan.

Despite digital growth, many creators remain optimistic. They believe printed works still hold emotional value. They expect physical media to survive alongside technology. The Kyoto zine revival shows that print culture still has a strong future.

A new scientific study highlights a breakthrough method affecting lithium production cost in battery manufacturing. Researchers at MIT and partner institutions introduced a low-temperature process that reduces energy use and waste. The study focuses on improving lithium production cost by changing how lithium is extracted from hard rock ore.

The research was published in Science and examines spodumene, a common lithium-bearing mineral. Conventional processing requires heating ore to nearly 1,000°C. It also uses sulfuric acid, which creates significant waste. These steps increase lithium production cost and raise environmental concerns.

The new method lowers lithium production cost by replacing high-temperature roasting with a chemical solution. Researchers use ammonium fluoride heated to about 70°C. This solution breaks down spodumene into separate streams of lithium, silicon, and aluminum. The approach improves efficiency and reduces overall processing energy.

In this system, lithium production cost decreases because lithium forms lithium fluoride in solution. This compound can be used directly in battery electrolytes. It can also be converted into lithium nitrate or lithium oxide for industrial applications. The simplified process reduces handling stages.

Silicon recovery also supports lower lithium production cost. The silicon converts into silicon dioxide after treatment with ammonia. It settles as a solid and can be reused in construction materials. This byproduct helps balance processing expenses.

Aluminum extraction remains the most energy-intensive stage. However, it occurs after separation, which improves system efficiency. The aluminum is heated in stages to produce high-purity aluminum oxide. This sequencing contributes to reduced lithium production cost compared to traditional methods.

The process also recycles key chemicals. Ammonia and hydrogen fluoride are reused to regenerate ammonium fluoride. This closed-loop system reduces material loss and supports lower lithium production cost over time. It also improves operational efficiency in continuous processing systems.

Economic analysis suggests strong potential savings. Conventional spodumene processing costs about $9,000 per tonne of lithium. The new method could reduce lithium production cost to just above $5,000 per tonne. This brings hard rock extraction closer to brine-based production costs.

Despite promising results, uncertainties remain. Final lithium production cost will depend on ore quality and infrastructure scale. Market fluctuations may also influence economic outcomes. However, the method provides a strong alternative approach for future lithium sourcing.

Researchers continue to test scalability for industrial adoption. The focus remains on reducing lithium production cost while maintaining material purity. This innovation may reshape how global lithium supply chains operate in the coming years.

Microsoft is preparing to launch OneDrive Copilot Suggested Rename, a new AI-powered feature for file management. The feature is scheduled to begin rolling out in June 2026 through the web version of OneDrive. Reports indicate the tool will help users organize files with clearer and more descriptive names.

The OneDrive Copilot Suggested Rename feature analyzes file content before offering naming recommendations. Users often store files with unclear names such as Document1 or FinalFINALv3. Finding specific (OneDrive) files later can become difficult when folders contain hundreds of items.

Microsoft aims to simplify that process through artificial intelligence. The tool reviews a file and generates three relevant naming suggestions. Users can then choose one option directly from the rename window.

The OneDrive Copilot Suggested Rename system also appears after uploads. A notification window will provide suggested names immediately after a supported file reaches OneDrive. This allows users to organize content without extra steps.

Microsoft confirmed support for several common file formats. These include Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, Markdown files, and images. The broad file support makes the feature useful for both personal and professional users.

The OneDrive Copilot Suggested Rename tool is currently listed on the 365 Microsoft roadmap. Microsoft plans to release it first through web browsers. Personal and business OneDrive customers will receive access through the online platform. A desktop or mobile version could arrive later.

File naming rarely receives attention during software development. However, large digital libraries often create management challenges. Generic file names can slow searches and reduce productivity.

The new feature could provide a useful solution. By generating context-based names, users may spend less time organizing documents. The approach also improves file identification across shared folders and cloud storage systems.

Microsoft continues expanding AI features across its services. The arrival of OneDrive Copilot Suggested Rename reflects that strategy. The feature offers a practical improvement rather than a complex workflow change.

For many users, better file organization can save valuable time. The new tool may become an important addition to daily cloud storage management. It also delivers a convenient and efficient way to keep files properly labeled.

Pakistan IMF budget talks have reached a key stage before the federal budget announcement. Government officials and the International Monetary Fund agreed on major fiscal targets for FY2026-27.

Sources said the upcoming federal budget may remain close to Rs18 trillion. Most discussions have been completed between both sides. However, virtual meetings continue on proposals for salaried taxpayers.

Pakistan IMF budget talks also focused on revenue collection goals. The IMF reportedly agreed to lower the current fiscal year's tax target for a second time.

The revised Federal Board of Revenue target has been reduced. It moved from Rs13.979 trillion to Rs13.005 trillion. Officials expect a higher target for the next financial year.

The government plans to set a tax collection target of around Rs15.264 trillion. This figure remains central to Pakistan IMF budget talks for FY2026-27.

According to proposed estimates, direct taxes may generate Rs7.413 trillion. Sales tax collections could reach Rs4.727 trillion.

Customs duties are expected to contribute Rs1.651 trillion. Federal Excise Duty collections may add Rs1.043 trillion.

The Petroleum Development Levy will remain a major revenue source. Officials may increase the levy collection target significantly next year.

Current projections place the new levy target at Rs1.727 trillion. The existing fiscal year's target stands at Rs1.468 trillion.

Non-tax revenue could reach Rs2.768 trillion during FY2026-27. Gas surcharge collections may contribute nearly Rs151 billion.

Pakistan IMF budget talks also reviewed federal expenditure plans. Debt servicing remains the government's largest financial obligation.

Interest and debt payments are estimated at Rs7.824 trillion. Domestic debt repayments account for Rs6.652 trillion.

Foreign debt obligations may reach Rs1.107 trillion. These payments will consume a large share of federal resources.

Officials are also considering fresh taxation measures. New taxes worth around Rs220 billion may support agreed fiscal targets.

Income tax revisions for salaried individuals remain under review. Policymakers are examining options for limited taxpayer relief.

The proposed changes aim to support formal sector employees. Discussions continue between the IMF and revenue authorities.

The federal budget is expected in the coming days. It will provide detailed information on taxation, spending plans, and economic policy.

Pakistan IMF budget talks remain important for shaping fiscal strategy. The final budget will clarify revenue priorities for FY2026-27.

China is accelerating the expansion of the digital yuan across domestic and international markets. The move reflects Beijing’s long-term strategy for digital finance and cross-border payments.

The People's Bank of China is encouraging banks to increase digital yuan usage. New measures support adoption in lottery systems, government spending, and green electricity payments.

Industry sources said banks received policy incentives to promote the currency. Financial institutions are also developing products linked to the digital yuan.

Several banks now offer services connected to loans, trade financing, and letters of credit. These products target growing demand across Belt and Road trade routes.

China’s approach differs from the United States. Washington supports stablecoins while restricting a central bank digital currency. Beijing continues expanding its state-backed alternative.

Officials view the digital yuan as a tool for reducing dependence on dollar-based payment networks. Some experts believe geopolitical tensions increased interest in alternative settlement systems.

Recent conflicts highlighted risks within global financial infrastructure. Analysts said these concerns strengthened support for broader yuan internationalization.

The digital yuan still operates from a relatively small base. Official figures showed cumulative transactions reached 16.7 trillion yuan by November. However, UnionPay processed 279 trillion yuan during 2025 alone.

China recently introduced major policy changes. Authorities allowed interest payments on digital yuan holdings earlier this year. Regulators also expanded the number of authorized operating banks to 22.

These reforms increased incentives for financial institutions. Banks can now count digital yuan balances toward deposit assessment targets.

A fintech industry source described the latest campaign as serious and organized. Banks now track account growth and deposit balances more closely.

Authorities are testing smart contract technology within the digital yuan ecosystem. These systems trigger automatic payments when specific conditions are met.

Pilot projects include lottery draws, prepaid cards, fiscal programs, and supply chain financing. Regulators are also testing tools that track medical insurance payments.

Local governments launched internal programs using digital yuan payments. Some projects cover salaries and healthcare disbursements.

China is also promoting international payment platforms. Shanghai officials support mBridge, which connects financial institutions across several countries.

Cross-border adoption remains a challenge. Many overseas partners still show limited interest in using the digital yuan for settlements.

Despite obstacles, China continues investing in infrastructure and banking support. The strategy demonstrates strong ambition for the future of digital finance.

The outlook remains promising, although wider international acceptance may require years of development.

Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo has reported a sharp rise in interest for DuckDuckGo No AI Search. The increase followed several AI-related announcements made by Google during its I/O event on May 19.

Google unveiled new AI-powered search features. These included an intelligent search box with AI suggestions, follow-up question support, and expanded Personal Intelligence tools. The New update also connected services such as Google Photos  and  Gmail more closely.

According to DuckDuckGo, visits to the DuckDuckGo No AI Search page more than tripled after Google's announcement. Traffic reached its highest point on May 28. On that day, visits were about three times higher than normal levels.

The company also noted that traffic has remained strong. Since May 19, visits to DuckDuckGo No AI Search have averaged around 84 percent above the usual baseline.

The search engine is now promoting browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These extensions allow users to make DuckDuckGo No AI Search their default search experience.

The No AI version removes AI-generated answers and chat features. It also reduces the number of AI-created images displayed in search results. Users who select this option will not see DuckDuckGo’s own AI tools.

DuckDuckGo can already serve as the default search engine on Apple devices. However, users cannot currently set the specific No AI page as the default option.

The company plans to expand support soon. Future updates will add No AI search settings to extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera.

Interest in AI-free search alternatives continues to grow. Other privacy-focused services also limit AI-generated content. One example is Kagi, a paid search engine. Kagi charges $5 per month for limited searches and $10 per month for unlimited access. The service does not show ads or collect and sell user data.

The growing demand highlights a notable trend. Many users are exploring DuckDuckGo No AI Search for a simpler and reliable search experience. The development marks an important shift in search preferences.