A divided Israel marks 2 years since Oct. 7 attack as war in Gaza grinds on and hostages languish

Israelis are mourning the dead and fearing for the remaining hostages as they mark two years since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack plunged the region into a devastating war. Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas are conducting indirect negotiations in Egypt. The main memorial ceremony is being organized by bereaved families, not the government, reflecting deep divisions over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, which many blame for the failure to secure a ceasefire that would free the hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed tens of thousands of people and razed entire towns and cities in the Gaza Strip, where those who can are fleeing another Israeli invasion of Gaza City.

Philrice testing rice farm pest control via drones

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is using drone technology to spray herbicides and manage weeds in rice plantations. According to PhilRice, researchers discovered that drones can effectively control weeds in wet direct-seeded rice, which could transform weed management into a modern farming practice. “This is especially useful for large rice fields