Instagram Rolls Out Diwali-Themed Meta AI-Powered Effects for Stories, Video Effects on Edits App

Instagram has announced limited-edition Diwali-themed effects for Instagram Stories and its Edits app in India and select other markets. Users can enhance their photos and videos in Stories, as well as videos in the Edits app, and infuse them with the new special effects inspired by Diwali, as per the company. These effects will be available to use until October 29.

Reliance Jio, Aptos to Launch Blockchain Rewards for 500 Million Users

Reliance Jio has joined hands with Aptos Foundation and Aptos Labs to launch a blockchain-based rewards platform for its 500 million subscribers. Built on Aptos’ high-speed, low-cost blockchain, the system focuses on real-world utility over speculation. It’s currently in beta with 9.4 million users, and it represents one of the largest telecom-led Web3 integrations globally.

Lyra’s last story – exclusive extract from Philip Pullman’s final installment in The Book of Dust trilogy

Thirty years ago, The Northern Lights introduced the world to Lyra Silvertongue. Now, Pullman completes her story in The Rose Field – plus listen to an audiobook extract read by Michael Sheen

She washed herself as well as she could in the little basin with its lukewarm water, and looked in the mirror dispassionately. The bruises on her face were fading, but she was tanned by the sun, and her cheeks and the bridge of her nose not far off from being actually burnt, so she must find some cream or ointment to deal with that. A broad-brimmed hat would help too.

She spread a very little of the rose salve on her nose and lips, her cheekbones and forehead. Then she sat down and thought about Ionides.

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