ESPN NBA writer Brian Windhorst criticized the Los Angeles Lakers' plan for Bronny James, who won't be heading on the road with the G League South Bay Lakers.

1. 800 million diabetics worldwide and most aren't getting treatment, finds study  The Times of India
2. India has the highest number of diabetic people in the world, even more than China: Report  The Economic Times
3. Indians account for quarter of world’s adult diabetes patients: Lancet study  Hindustan Times
4. Why have diabetes rates doubled over the past 30 years – and what can be done about it?  The Guardian
5. One-fourth of people living with diabetes globally are in India, study estimates  The Hindu

Wouldn't it be nice if you could go out for a run without fear of being harmed? Technology has a way of making us both safer and at greater risk while out and about, but a new tool from Strava might help with the former. Strava has announced Night Heatmaps, a feature that shows which areas have more activity — or "heat" — between sunset and sunrise. Yes, Heatmaps is the feature that accidentally revealed the location of US military bases. 

The update is a welcome one with sunset getting very early in some areas of the world, while night seems to last late into the morning. It also comes alongside a new Weekly Heatmap, which shows heat levels in an area over the last seven days. Again, this can help you know which paths will have the most people, but at all times of the day. While this added awareness is great for knowing where to go, some people might also purposely choose to avoid the busiest times, for fear of unwanted attention (there's no winning here). 

In either case, the Night and Weekly Heatmaps are only available on subscriber accounts (a membership will cost you $12 monthly or $80 annually). It's also worth noting that Heatmaps pull solely from public activities on Strava, so you're not getting the full story of how many people go where. 

Night and Weekly Heatmaps join the Global Heatmaps (also subscriber exclusive) and your Personal Heatmap. You can access any of them through the Map tab and filter the Heatmap by activity type. 

This time of year has a lot of merry and bright things to be excited about, but it can be stressful if you’re stumped on what to get your mom, dad, best friend, coworker or kids’ teacher as a holiday gift. Whether you enjoy or dread buying gifts for people, it’s safe to say we all want to give our loved ones things they will enjoy and appreciate. But there’s a lot of noise, junk and bad deals disguised as good deals to sift through as we get closer and closer to the holidays.

Allow us at Engadget to help you through it. Here, you’ll find all of our holiday gift guides collected in one place, so you can more easily find the best Christmas gifts you need this year. Are you looking for white elephant gift ideas? Are you struggling to come up with a good gift for the father figure in your life? Are you just looking for a good board game to pick up for your own family? We’ve got you covered with gift ideas for all of those scenarios and more. We'll update this post as more of our gift guides hit the internet, so check back for even more gift ideas throughout the season.

Table of contents

• Best white elephant gift ideas

• Best board game gifts

• Best gifts under $50

• Best gifts for gamers

• Best retro gaming gifts

• Best gifts for coffee lovers

• Best cooking gifts

• Best tech toys for kids

• Best gadgets for your pets

• Best travel gifts

• Best gifts for remote workers

• More coming soon!

Best white elephant gift ideas

According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. This story is almost certainly untrue, but it has led to a modern holiday staple: the white elephant gift exchange. These gift ideas will not only get you a few chuckles, but will also make your recipient feel (slightly) burdened.

Read more: The best white elephant gift ideas

Best board game gifts

We could all use more time away from screens of all types and sizes, and board games are a fun way to do that and bond with friends and family. You can find plenty of unique sets out there now, from word puzzles to whodunnits to calming playthroughs that showcase the beauty of the little things in life. From games with giant monsters to those with haunted mansions, we’re sure at least one of our suggestions will be a hit with you and your loved ones.

Read more: The best board games to gift this season

Best gifts under $50

We wouldn’t blame you if you try to do all of your tech shopping around the holidays. That’s when you can typically get the best sales, both on relatively affordable gear and (more importantly) on big-ticket items. But it would be wrong to think that only the most expensive tech is worth gifting. Since we at Engadget test a plethora of gadgets every year, we know that there are some hidden (and not so hidden) tech gems at lower price ranges — you just have to know where to find them.

Read more: The best gifts under $50 that make great stocking stuffers

Best gifts for gamers

This year may not go down as one of the best years in gaming like 2023 did, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a lot of great new releases. Between titles like Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, there were plenty of games to keep even the most dedicated of gamers busy in 2024. And if you’re shopping for one, especially as a non-gamer, it can be tricky to navigate what’s worth buying. We've got you covered with these recommendations.

Read more: The best gifts for gamers

Best retro gaming gifts

A million new video games seem to come out every week, but for some of us, nothing beats the classics. If you know someone who is way into retro gaming but don’t feel like hunting through eBay and local shops for gear to add to their collection, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite gift ideas for the nostalgic gamer in your life, from video upscalers for old consoles to retro-themed books and artwork.

Read more: The best retro gaming gifts for the holidays

Best gifts for coffee lovers

When it comes to making a great cup at home, coffee nerds are constantly learning and love to try new things. Whether the person you’re shopping for is a newly indoctrinated pour over lover or obsessive over every brewing parameter, we’ve compiled a list of the best gear for coffee geeks that you can get this holiday season.

Read more: The best gifts for coffee lovers

Best cooking gifts

There are few things more rewarding than making good food for your friends and family. But after a while, it’s easy to get bored with the same tried and true recipes. And what better way to inject some fun into your favorite home chef’s routine than with a brand-new kitchen gadget? To help you find the right gift for the cook in your life, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen gadgets across a wide range of prices and categories.

Read more: The best cooking gifts

Best tech toys for kids

We’re all having a bit of a budget crunch this year, but the good news is that when it’s time to bestow presents on the young ones (or young at heart), you don’t have to break the bank. Our list of our favorite tech, science and design toys is stacked with items under $100, with plenty of reuse packed in so the fun can extend far beyond the holiday season.

Read more: The best tech toys for kids

Best gadgets for your pets

In Engadget’s Slack rooms, our pets are high on the list of stuff we chat about — just behind work-adjacent tech stuff, insane current events, video games and food. We’ve bought plenty of high- and low-tech stuff to keep our furry friends fed, occupied, safe and happy and we’ve put together the best of what we tried here. Perhaps you’re shopping for your own very good boy or girl, or maybe you have a dutiful pet parent on your list — either way, the gadgets gathered here will make great gifts, according to the enthusiastic tail wags (or aloof meows) of our own fur babies.

Read more: The best gadgets for your pets

Best travel gifts

Since the dawn of humanity, we have traveled. We’ve come a long way from on-foot journeys laden with animal hide satchels. But the goal of good travel gear is the same: Get you and your necessities to a destination in the highest level of comfort available. If you know someone who is always catching a flight, rides the train to work or is bravely embarking on a cruise, some new tech may just help them out.

Read more: The best travel gifts

Best gifts for remote workers

There's a pretty good chance you know at least one person who works remotely in some fashion. While the WFH life has its perks — nobody likes a long commute — it comes with its own set of challenges, from lacking pro-level equipment to dealing with household disturbances. If you’re looking to give a gift to someone who spends much of their time in their home office, we’ve rounded up a few techy gift ideas that should make their days a little more delightful, or at least easier to manage.

Read more: The 19 best gift ideas for the remote worker in your life

Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.

Federal government departments are still allowed to advertise on TikTok despite mounting security concerns about the social media app, CBC News has learned. 

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security and its disaster agency has said people aren’t driving temperature increases and declined to accept federal climate money for disaster preparedness as governor of South Dakota

Set to Richard Ashcroft's Sonnet, this year's John Lewis TV advert is a "tear-jerker", experts say.

The chancellor wants to merge the UK's pension funds, but critics worry about the impact on savers.

Highlights: BHB-Phe, a newly discovered molecule, suppresses hunger by activating specific neurons in the brain

Highlights: Maintaining your usual sleep schedule, even during daylight saving shifts, helps keep your circadia

Can a new molecule help regulate hunger and body weight? Researchers have discovered BHB-Phe, which targets neurons to suppress appetite and reduce weight!

It is that time of the year. Easter bunny gone, snow around the corner before the big slightly chubby guy in red comes down the chimney to give us presents.

As the heavy rainfall continues to batter several districts of Tamil Nadu, the State Health Department has issued a public advisory warning of a potential surge in viral infections. These include dengue, influenza, and other fever-related illnesses.

1. NSE expands F&O segment with 45 new stocks, including Zomato, Jio Financial, LIC, DMart, and Paytm; check full list  Upstox
2. NSE to introduce futures and options contracts on 45 stocks from November 29, here's the full list  Moneycontrol
3. Jio Financial, Zomato potential Nifty inclusion candidates? Here is what analysts said  CNBCTV18
4. Exchanges make 45 new additions in the F&O following new eligibility norms | News on Markets  Business Standard
5. NSE adds 45 new stocks to F&O segment; Jio Financial, Zomato among notable entrants  The Economic Times

and background of the case:

The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 21.09.2023 seeking information on following points:-

"What kind of punishment is sanctioned by the law for any Pilot who gets the RTR permit or licence on the basis of false documents?"

The CPIO, Sr. DWA (COP & regulations) vide letter dated 05.10.2023 replied as under:-

"- Information sought does not fall under purview of RTI Act 2005, hence this RTI is closed"

Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 08.10.2023. The FAA vide order dated 08.11.2023 stated as under:-

"Reply :- I have gone through the case and found that information sought was denied by the CPIO stating that the information did not fall under the purview of the RTI Act, 2005. The undersigned is convinced with the above reply in view of Section 8-1(j) of the RTI Act. 2005."

and background of the case:

The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 21.09.2023 seeking information on following points:-

"To, Shri Umang Srivastva Sr.DWA (COP) I had complained on 05/05/2023 against Rahul Sinha regarding his COP permit. What action or inquiry has been conducted in this regard?"

The CPIO, Sr DWA (COP & Regulation) vide letter dated 05.10.2023 replied as under:-

"Information sought does not fall under purview of RTI Act 2005, hence this RTI is closed"

Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 08.10.2023. The FAA, JWA vide order dated 08.11.2023 stated as under:-

"Reply :- I have gone through the case and found that information sought was denied by the CPIO stating that the information did not fall under the purview of the RTI Act, 2005. The undersigned is convir.ced with the above reply in view of Section 8-1(j) of the RTI Act. 2005."

and background of the case:

The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 10.07.2023 seeking information on following points:-

"(1) Copy of filled up application form in which my name & designation is mentioned submitted by Avani seeds Ltd, Ahmedabad to Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to get In-house R &D Units certificate issued in FY 2019 (on March 2019 vide certificate F.No.TU/TV- RD/4444/2019). (2) Copy of filled up application form in which my name & designation is mentioned submitted by Avani seeds Ltd, Ahmadabad to Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to get In-house R&D Units certificate issued in FY 2021."

:

The Appellant filed an (offline) RTI application dated 26.05.2023 seeking the following information:

Page 1 of 5

"प्र०1- रामा कृष्णा पुरम, अय्यप्पा मार्ग, चचग रोड की रे ड लाइट से लेकर के केंद्रीय विद्यालय तक दिल्ली नर्र ननर्म की ककतनी तहबाजारी अलॉटमें ट की र्ई है उन सभी का साइड नंबर, स्थान, तथा तहबाजारी धारकों के नाम बताएं?

प्र०2- ज्ञानचंि S/Oअयोध्या प्रसाि साइड नंबर 13 341 अलॉटमें ट कक साइट बताएं तथा यह िक ु ान कहां लर्ी हुई है बताएं ?

प्र०3- राजू साइड नंबर 17076 ककस जर्ह लर्ी हुई है इस तहबाजारी का स्थान बताएं ?

प्र०4- रामा कृष्णा पुरम सेक्टर-1 वििेकानंि माकेट के सामने लाल बत्ती से फायर स्टे शन तक ककतनी तहबाजारी लर्ी हुई है सभी का साइड नंबर, स्थान और तहबाजारी धारक का नाम बताएं?"

:

The Appellant filed an (online) RTI application dated 02.05.2023 with the CPIO, Department of Defence seeking the following information:

"Prime Minister Modi ji I want to know from you under the right of information that you and your government always say that we will not spare the fraudsters and forgery as the previous government used to do but did it really happen because I have seen your portal But do not know how many times wrote about the fraud happening in the name of Defense where a multinational company Samsung and its dealer evaded tax in the name of canteen store department as well as canteen department of the countrys most important department Ministry of Defence Store department name used without permission.

and background of the case:

The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 12.07.2023 seeking information on following points:-

"1. Total number of employees whose Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) were issued between 01.01.2018 to 30.6.2023 from the office of the PAO, PP&M, Faridabad. 2. Total number of employees whose Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) were issued after the date of their retirement or delayed due to any reason. Information may be provided from 01.01.2018 to 30.6.2023 only. 3. Photocopy of note sheet in respect of my (Devendra Singh, Applicant) pension file maintained in your office to date. 4. Photocopies of the dispatch register maintained in your office for the dates 14.3.2023 to 17.3.2023 and 20.3.2023 to 22.3.2023."

A drug used for treating breast cancer, known as exemestane, is more effective than a common breast cancer prevention drug, tamoxifen, in preventing breast cancer recurrence in young women who also receive post-surgical treatment to suppress ovarian function. The combined results of the Tamoxifen and Exemestane Trial and Suppression of Ovarian Function Trial were presented at the 2014 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Govt cites financial problems; PSC rank-holders say posts are being created for other language subjects

India, LMDCs advocate for equitable climate finance at COP29, pushing for transparency, fairness, and flexibility in financial commitments

Israeli warplanes launched a strike at dawn targeting a residential apartment in a building in the Dawhet

India, LMDCs advocate for equitable climate finance at COP29, pushing for transparency, fairness, and flexibility in financial commitments

Points out that the government does not provide any grant for conducting recruitment examinations

The expansion aims to double the facility’s size, creating 167 new jobs, and enhance production capacity for automatic transmissions in response to growing global demand

The Congress attack came a day after a woman member of BJP’s mahila morcha was arrested in connection with the jobs scam

During the negotiations, the LMDCs emphasised the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR) to address the pressing financial gaps hindering effective climate action

Investors keenly comparing Swiggy to its main competitor, Zomato, which has already experienced two years in the stock markets

The two countries are strengthening collaboration in new areas including technology, energy, renewable energy, connectivity, health and education

States being given funds on time, and the total funds given under each head was far higher than what the states received earlier, she said

How should our parish communities live out the fullness of our Orthodox Faith by including and making a space for those who need a space in our worship that acknowledges their worth and our need to be a spiritual home for everyone? Fr. Barnabas talks with Summer Kinard, an author, a singer, and the mother of five autistic children. Then be sure to listen for a very special announcement from Fr. Barnabas in the second half of the show.

Zerkle, A L; Yin, R; Chen, C; Li, X; Izon, G J; Grasby, S E. Nature Communications vol. 11, issue 1, 1709, 2020 p. 1-9, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15495-3
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200064.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20200064.jpg" title="Nature Communications vol. 11, issue 1, 1709, 2020 p. 1-9, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-15495-3" height="150" border="1" /></a>

Sun, R; Grasby, S E; Shen, J; Xiao, J; Yin, R. Chemical Geology vol. 598, 120830, 2022 p. 1-6, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2022.120830
<a href="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20220032.jpg"><img src="https://geoscan.nrcan.gc.ca/images/geoscan/20220032.jpg" title="Chemical Geology vol. 598, 120830, 2022 p. 1-6, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2022.120830" height="150" border="1" /></a>

Descartes Systems Group has acquired Sellercloud, a provider of omnichannel ecommerce solutions.

 DHL eCommerce UK has made two new appointments to its management team, drawing on experience from the retail industry to further align DHL’s services to the evolving eCommerce market.

Palletline, UK palletised freight distribution network Palletline has strengthened its executive board with the appointment of Bali Bandha as Group Chief Financial Officer as part of its ambitious expansion plans.

Omniva Group, the logistics and parcel delivery service provider in the Baltics, announced a solid financial performance for the third quarter of 2024, with revenue up by 9% year-over-year to EUR 34.4 million.