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Humanoid robots race and tumble at China’s first ‘robot Olympics’

More than 500 androids took part in events ranging from the 100-yard (109-yard) hurdles to kung fu as the first World Humanoid Robot Games for the first time came to an end in Beijing.

The National Speed Skating Oval in China, which was constructed for the 2022 Winter Olympics, hosted 200 80 robotics teams from 16 nations.

Events included both competitive sports like basketball and basketball, as well as practical tasks like arranging and cleaning medications.

According to 18-year-old spectator Chen Ruiyuan, “I believe robots will be basically on the same level as humans in the next ten years or so.”

Perhaps human athletes aren’t yet quaking in their boots.

Ten robots the size of seven-year-olds shuffled around the pitch during one of the first five-a-side games, getting stuck in a scrum or falling over in a flurry.

However, Unitree’s humanoid, the nation’s champion, stomped along the track at a fast pace, easily outpacing its rivals in a 1, 500m (nearly 1-mile) race.

The fastest robot broke the human man’s record of 3:26.50, which was a respectable time.

A human operator was immediately struck by one mechanical racer. Despite not appearing to be hurt, the robot remained standing while the human was knocked flat.

The 2025 World Humanoid Robot Games is the first to concentrate solely on robots that resemble human bodies, according to organizers. Robot competitions have been around for decades.

In an effort to take the lead in the field, the Chinese government has invested money in robotics.

The International Federation of Robotics stated in a report released on Thursday that Beijing has “placed humanoids at the center of their national strategy.”

The government added that it wants to show its expertise and global competitiveness in this area of technology.

China made plans for a one-trillion-yuan ($139bn) fund in March to help support technology start-ups, including those in robotics and artificial intelligence.

Next Digital, Three Other Tech Firms Partner To Push AI Sovereignty In Africa

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the tech companies Lakeba Group and Next Digital (Nigeria), AqlanX (UAE), and Agentic Dynamic (Netherlands) to establish a&nbsp, Joint Venture (named&nbsp), AfricAI.

AfricAI, a pioneering initiative to advance Africa’s AI sovereignty and regional digital infrastructure, focuses on deploying, commercializing, and localizing enterprise-grade AI solutions that are specifically tailored for African markets.

AfricAI will immediately concentrate on Nigeria as its main market, leveraging existing national data centers and edge infrastructure to deliver impactful AI applications in the fields of healthcare, digital identity, document automation, public administration, and enterprise services, according to a joint statement.

The joint venture aims to establish Africa as a leading global producer of locally developed, inclusive, and context-aware AI ecosystems built for local needs.

Also read: &nbsp, Passwords Under Threat as Tech Giants Strike for Better Security.

The founding partners stated in the statement that “we are bringing together four complementary pillars: global IP, regional expertise, deployment excellence, and next-gen agentic AI architecture” to create an AI foundation that reflects African realities.

They claimed that AfricAI’s goal was to develop AI within Africa, for Africa, rather than outsourcing it to other countries.

A distributed, interoperable AI network is being developed by AfricAI across Africa. AfricAI uses localized applications in agriculture, urban planning, public services, and education to provide trusted, transparent AI infrastructure for African governments, businesses, and communities, they continued.

The JV intends to expand to Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Rwanda by 2026, train more than 100 regional AI professionals, and firmly establish data, deployment, and decision-making on the continent.

The strategic partnership’s goals include creating and deploying sovereign AI applications that are specifically designed for local market requirements in fields like digital identity, document automation, healthcare, education, and enterprise services.

In order to enable adaptable and explainable AI across industries like human resources, CRM, legal, and public policy, the joint venture is also expected to incorporate modular, agent-based AI architecture&nbsp.

To ensure that AI workloads are hosted, processed, and governed locally in accordance with national data residency requirements, it will use existing Nigerian edge and cloud infrastructure.

In addition, it will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in order to foster a regional talent pool in areas of AI development, cybersecurity, model tuning, and ethical deployment, according to the statement.

Scalable AI solutions that address national development objectives and market opportunities will be prioritized by AfricAI. Agentic AI assistants, multilingual health and citizen services, document intelligence and knowledge automation, and sovereign AI for identity and compliance are the first examples of initial deployments.

Prince Malik Ado-Ibrahim, the chairman of Next Digital, stated that the company was developing AI to reflect “who we are as Nigerians and Africans.”

More than just software, AfricaAI is all about. It’s about bringing our intelligence to the world, creating a future for us, and putting Africa on the map. We are prepared, Ado-Ibrahim continued, “and Nigeria will lead that movement.”

Giuseppe Porcelli, the CEO of Lakeba Group, stated that the company has long been at the forefront of global AI innovation.

“AfricAI represents a courageous next step for sovereign AI’s future, not just for Lakeba.” The ideal starting point for the creation of an authentic African AI ecosystem is Nigeria. We are proud to design the AI infrastructure Africa needs and deserves thanks to our flagship DoxAI platform and extensive capabilities in cybersecurity, automation, and orchestration, Porcelli said.

Localization, multilingual compliance, and digital trust are the foundation of our AI philosophy, according to the founder and CEO of AqlanX, Demetrio Russo.

AqlanX’s strategic intention is to influence Africa’s digital sovereignty agenda while fostering secure, AI-first innovation ecosystems built for scale, ethics, and inclusion, Russo said.

The company’s Chairman and CEO, Eren Sivasli, Sivasli, stated that the company was excited about its contribution to the project.

Donnelly steps down as Fermanagh boss

Images courtesy of Getty

After four years in charge, Fermanagh senior football manager Kieran Donnelly has resigned.

Donnelly, who was given a new three-year term, was reportedly informed county officers of his decision to leave the position over the weekend in a statement from Fermanagh GAA on Monday.

The county board’s statement read, “Fermanagh GAA would like to sincerely thank Kieran and his entire backroom team for their dedication and commitment over the past four years.”

“It has been difficult to transition from Covid and the new playing rules.” Although the senior side may not have had the opportunity to win silverware, Kieran provided a wonderful culture and a positive environment.

We wish Kieran, his family, and the entire backroom team a happy future.

Former Fermanagh player Donnelly, who took Ryan McMenamin’s place in 2021, described it as an “honneur and a privilege” to lead his native nation.

The former Scotstown and Cavan Gaels boss remarked, “I would like to thank my backroom team for their sincere and professional service throughout my tenure.

“I’m proud of the progress the squad has made over the past few years because the players have shown tremendous growth and development.” I wish Fermanagh GAA’s players, management, and supporters the best of luck in the coming years.

Donnelly helped Fermanagh move up from Division Three in 2023, but he was unable to stop the decline from last year.

In a tight Ulster SFC quarter-final in Enniskillen, the Ernesiders were denied promotion this year and were defeated by Down.

After defeating Sligo in the quarter-finals, Donnelly’s side regrouped to take the top spot in their Tailteann Cup group, only to lose to Kildare, who had previously qualified for the title.

managerial changes after the new season

vacant position Andy McEntee (Antrim)

Ger Brennan replaces Dessie Farrell (Dublin) in his place.

Tony McEntee (Sligo) is stepping down in favor of Dessie Sloyan and Eamonn O’Hara.

vacant position for Kieran Donnelly (Fermanagh).

Mark Dowd replaces Davy Burke (Roscommon) in his place

Andy Moran takes Kevin McStay’s place in Mayo.

Waterford’s Paul Shankey is tapped for a position.

Dermot McCabe – Raymond Galligan (Cavan)

Gavin Devlin takes Gavin Devlin’s place in Ger Brennan (Louth).

Ciaran Meenagh and Paddy Tally (Derry)

Westmeath’s Dermot McCabe has a vacant position.

related subjects

  • Gaelic Games
  • Northern Ireland is a sport

This £30 alternative to Vogue Williams’ £160 lemon print bikini is great for bigger busts

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We found a great alternative for just £30 that’s ideal for bigger busts after Vogue Williams nailed the Amalfi aesthetic in her £160 lemon print bikini on a trip with her family.

Vogue wore the lemon print bikini during her family holiday(Image: Vogue Williams/Instagram)

Our summertime wardrobe is filled with lemon prints, linen dresses, and vintage glamour-inspired accessories like head scarves and oversized sunglasses, and the Amalfi aesthetic and Euro girl summer has become a staple. Vogue Williams, one of the celebs who mastered the look, took a recent family trip to Spain.

Vogue was present when Alexandra Miro’s lemon print bikini cost $ 160 for the top and $ 130 for the bottoms. We found a fantastic alternative at Next, with the complete set costing less than £50, despite the fact that we may not have the $290-to spend on a bikini.

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon’s supporters laud her as wearing an “amazing” holiday dress, which reads “blue is your color.”

A hidden meaningful detail is present in Vicky Pattison’s “Bond girl” tummy-control swimsuit.

The next White/Blue Stripe Bandeau Bikini Top with Lemon Print Wired Bandeau is only available for £30 and is ideal for those who have bigger busts or those who want a little extra support. With wide shoulder straps that prevent digging in and spread the pressure to avoid pain and provide you with more security, it is fully underwired to provide you with lift and support.

Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews on holiday
Vogue’s bikini nails the “Amalfi aesthetic” trend(Image: Spencer Matthews/Instagram)

The straps can also be fully detachable, so you can sunbathe without worrying about tan lines, or keep them attached to provide you with additional support while you’re out and about or swimming. It comes in standard bra sizes, so you can get the exact fit you need, and there is also some light padding for flattering support.

Next advises picking it up in your regular bra size to ensure the best fit, with sizes ranging from 32A to 38G. The Lettuce Edge High Leg Bikini Bottoms are one of the best-selling pairs, available in sizes six to twenty, along with high-waist and roll-top full coverage pairs.

The bikini received a 4.5 star rating from customers because of its appeal. One person wrote, “Until now, I have found it very difficult to find a pretty but supportive bikini top due to my larger bust (36E)!” I bought a second bikini top in a different color because I absolutely adore the coverage, support, and style of this bikini top. The support was fantastic even without the straps, and I initially tried it because the straps were removable so I could try to balance out those tan lines. I’d highly suggest it to everyone”!

Next lemon print bikini top
The Next lemon print bikini top is just £30(Image: Next)

while adding “Wonderful bikini top soft to touch, lovely fit” A stunning appearance is achieved. Next, I’m grateful. Loved the fact that it offered the same bikini in a different color.

Some people found the bikini’s design to be a little challenging, with one saying, “I really like it because of my 32 DD chest. I enjoy the material’s texturing as well. A nice touch are also the removable straps. Given that the padded structure is quite rigid, I prefer to give it 4 stars rather than 5 because it’s difficult to pack this item in my holiday suitcase without the padding getting stung.

The £55 Dolce Vita V-Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit – Green Tropical from Pour Moi is a great alternative because it nods to Amalfi vibe with its yellow and green palm print. The White Lemon Embroidered Long Sleeve Shirt, available at New Look for £18 down from £29.99, would make the ideal cover for a day at the beach or swimming pool.

Continue reading the article.

However, Next also offers a large selection of swimwear in lemon print. In fact, you can find everything in the same print, including midi dresses, shirt and shorts sets, and matching beach bags to one-piece swimsuits.

‘I lived with Prince Harry for years – his brutal claim about Camilla doesn’t add up’

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While he was employed by King Charles’ country house Highgrove for seven years, Butler Grant Harrold is now speaking out about his time there. He has met Princes William and Harry for the first time in seven years.

Prince Harry with his stepmother Queen Camilla (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

A royal butler who worked for King Charles has claimed Prince Harry’s brutal claims about Queen Camilla don’t add up.

Grant Harrold worked for seven years at Highgrove, the King’s country home in Gloucestershire, from 2004 to 2011. During his time at Highgrove, he got to know both Princes William and Harry, who were in their late teens and early 20s.

In a new interview, the former butler reveals that he first met Harry as a 19-year-old, with their first encounter coming when Harry hit him with a water balloon during a playfight. He says the pair even shared a takeaway in the time before the Duke of Sussex went off to Sandhurst Military Academy.

READ MORE: Prince William and Kate Middleton issue statement after King’s address to nationREAD MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce major update to Netflix deal

William and Harry at Charles and Camilla's wedding in 2005
William and Harry at Charles and Camilla’s wedding in 2005 (Image: PA)

Harrold’s Highgrove days also coincided with Charles and Camilla’s engagement announcement and marriage.

In his bombshell memoir Spare, Harry told how he and now estranged brother William begged their father not to marry his now wife. He telling wrote: “We support you, we said. We endorse Camilla, we said. ‘Just please don’t marry her. Just be together, Pa.’ He didn’t answer. But she answered. Straight away.

Continue reading the article.

She began a long-term relationship with her shortly after our private summits, allegedly with Pa’s approval, and the campaign was aimed at getting married and eventually winning the Crown.

However, Harrold, who was present at the wedding in 2005, recalls that William and Harry decorated their father’s car with “Just Married” signs, and the newlyweds raced after the couple left after their wedding reception.

Grant Harrold who previously worked for King Charles at Highgrove
Grant Harrold who previously worked for King Charles at Highgrove (Image: Jack Stooks)

And he says what he saw was a far cry from what Harry wrote in his memoir. He told The Telegraph: “The four of them, I promise you, got on so well. And that’s why I don’t understand what Harry’s said, I really don’t understand.

“Because I saw them,” I witnessed them having dinners together, drinking drinks together, and attending parties with others.

He also recalls that any royals had no animosity, and that William and Harry used to act as a whip and giggle.

The Royal Butler: My remarkable life of Royal Service, a biography of the then-current King, is Harrold’s comment as he prepares to write it. It charts his transition from being a young boy growing up in North Lanarkshire to working for the then-current King.

Harry frequently refers to Camilla in Spare on more than 60 occasions, calling her “the Other Woman.” He also claimed that the Queen was “dangerous” and that she had “stole him on her personal PR altar” by allegedly leaking negative news to the press.

Before marrying to Charles, she and her husband, who were grieving the loss of their mother, considered whether she would become his and William’s “wicked stepmother.”

In his bombshell interview with the BBC back in May, Harry said that “some members of my family will never forgive me” for writing his memoir. But he added: “It would be nice to have that reconciliation part now. If they don’t want that, that’s entirely up to them.”

Continue reading the article.

Real Madrid vs Osasuna: La Liga – team news, start time, lineups

Who: Real Madrid vs. Osasuna
What: Spanish La Liga
Where: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
When: Tuesday 9pm (19:00 GMT)

How to follow: From 6 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Al Jazeera Sport will have the entire build-up before our live commentary stream of the game.

On Tuesday, Real Madrid will play at home against Osasuna in the La Liga season, starting with a game against Real Madrid in 2025-2026.

The 36-time domestic champions are gearing up for the new year with “ambitious” football and a number of new signings and fresh hope under recently appointed coach Xabi Alonso.

There is still work to be done if the megaclub wants to reclaim its La Liga title from Barcelona in the new season, as Alonso saw firsthand in his Real managerial debut at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer – Paris Saint-Germain defeated Madrid 4-0 in the semifinal.

Vinicius-Mbappe challenge for Alonso

Alonso is trying to implement a 3-4, 1 formation that helped him win the 2023 Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, but it will be very difficult to do so with his two superstar forwards, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

According to reports from the Marca newspaper, both Mbappe and Vinicius are being told to contribute more off the ball this year and set a better example for the team. Vinicius and Mbappe both scored 44 goals in their debut seasons at Real.

Alonso is reportedly concerned about some of his top players’ lack of teamwork and allegedly offensive gestures, a problem that has persisted since last season.

The club’s rumor mill will start churning once more if the two players fail to consistently connect up front in the 2025-2026 season.

Xabi Alonso, the manager of Real Madrid, hopes that the star forward duo of Vinicius Junior, left, and Kylian Mbappe succeeds [File: Anna Szilagyi/EPA]

Osasuna finished last season where?

The Pamplona-based club reached the Copa del Rey semifinals after finishing ninth in the league standings and winning one of their most successful seasons.

What transpired between Real Madrid and Osasuna last time?

After Jude Bellingham was sent off in the 39th minute for what appeared to be an argument with the match referee, the two teams fought out a content 1-1 draw on February 19. 10-man Real wasted a chance to retake control of the La Liga title.

Guler in, Modric out

For the first time in more than a decade, Real Madrid won’t have veteran Luka Modric, who has been a motivating force in the 2025-26 La Liga season. A team lacking some guile in midfield will be affected by the Croatian’s lack of experience and quality.

Los Blancos hope that Turkish player Arda Guler, who is just beginning his second season with the club, will be able to thrive there and develop into a player with command of the tempo.

Guler said, “The coach is trying to make us have more control over the game, and that’s better for me.”

With Bellingham, a crucial midfielder, out until mid-October, Bellingham should have plenty of chances to start playing.

Arda Guler and Luka Modric react.
[File: Gerrit van Keulen/ANP via Getty Images] Turkish sensation Arda Guler will attempt to bridge the significant playmaking gap created by Luka Modric’s departure from Real Madrid.

Who have Real Madrid’s new signings included?

Trent Alexander-Arnold, a former England and ex-Liverpool player and widely regarded as one of the best right backs in the world, was Real Madrid’s most notable acquisition over the summer. He will almost certainly start his La Liga debut against Osasuna on Tuesday.

After signing a 50 million pound ($67 million) deal with Bournemouth on May 17, towering centre back Dean Huijsen will join the club. He is also anticipated to feature in the starting XI.

Real also signed promising Argentinian teenager Franco Mastantuono for a midfield position at Madrid along with Benfica’s Alvaro Carrera.

Real Madrid team news

According to the Osasunas, midfielder Eduardo Camavinga may miss the game due to an injury to his right ankle, the club announced on August 10.

Eduardo Camavinga has been identified as having a sprain to his right ankle, according to the 15-time European champions’ website. Madrid did not provide a return date for the 22-year-old.

Bellingham, an England international, will miss the first two months of the season despite having successful shoulder surgery.

Antonio Rudiger has received a one-game suspension that was rescheduled from the previous campaign.

Jude Bellingham reacts.
After having off-season surgery, star midfielder Jude Bellingham won’t start for Real Madrid until October.

Osasuna as a team news

No injuries or suspensions have been reported by Osasuna.

Victor Munoz, a promising winger who left Real Madrid for the youth system in the summer, is expected to make his Osasuna debut in the season opener against his former club.

lineups that might exist:

Real Madrid starting XI: Courtois (GK), Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen, Militao, Carreras, Guler, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr, Mbappe,

Herrera (GK), Arnaiz (GK), Boyomo (Catena), Cruz (TORRo), Garcia (Oroz), Munoz (G), Gomez (BUDImir), and Osasuna (GK) start XI:

Head-to-head:

Real Madrid has won four of their previous five games against Osasuna and drawn one more.

Real Madrid 1, Osasuna 1, February 16, La Liga
Real Madrid 4, Osasuna 0 – November 10, La Liga
Osasuna 2, Real Madrid 4 – March 17, 2024, La Liga
Real Madrid 4, Osasuna 0 – October 8, 2023, La Liga
Real Madrid versus Osasuna 1 on May 7, 2023, Copa del Rey final

Kylian Mbappe reacts.
Kylian Mbappe, center, is gearing up to capture his first La Liga title with Real Madrid. [File: Anna Szilagyi/EPA]