The plans were revealed by the director of GCHQ at the spy agency’s inaugural annual lecture

GCHQ has developed plans for a new national AI cyber shield, thought to be the first of its kind in the world. The system, which is hoped to be running within five years, will use AI agents to detect and flag threats to critical national infrastructure, airlines, telecoms firms and other major companies.

It aims to make hacks such as the breach that targeted Jaguar Land Rover dramatically less likely.

The plans were revealed by the director of GCHQ at the spy agency’s inaugural annual lecture held at Bletchley Park, the wartime headquarters of GCHQ’s predecessor, on Wednesday.

During the speech, agency chief Anne Keast-Butler said that AI is an “unstoppable force” that the UK must harness for good as the technology gets increasingly autonomous.

She said: “In the past few months, GCHQ has developed the blueprint for a new national cyber defence capability that will hardwire cutting-edge agentic AI into machine-speed cyber defence.

“And as we draw on decades of expertise in machine learning to reimagine cyber security, we’re also embedding frontier AI deeper into our operations – responsibly and ethically – to enhance algorithms, translate foreign language, and find needles in haystacks quicker than ever before.

“AI is an unstoppable force with great opportunity. But it’s also a force with risks.

“As AI gains increased autonomy, we all have an intergenerational duty to harness and secure it for good; to protect our national security, our economy and our way of life.”

She urged the technology industry and those working in national security to “anticipate and drive advancements, together, at the speed of the frontier”, and called on the public to take action “from boardrooms to living rooms” to increase cyber security.

“The AI revolution is now fully upon us – with ever faster pace of model releases, increasingly sophisticated agents and greater system autonomy – transforming the world with both promise and peril.

“That’s equally true for intelligence and security, where the latest frontier AI is rapidly unearthing the fault lines in technologies that our society relies on every single day.

“The ground beneath our feet is shifting, and shifting fast. Which means cyber security has never been more important.

“That message may sound familiar – the National Cyber Security Centre is 10 years old, after all – but I’m now saying it with utmost urgency. Cyber security is a critical priority for all businesses.

“Our experts are producing unprecedented levels of advice and guidance, but we need businesses to take immediate action. Not just to protect livelihoods and customers, but for the front line defence of our nation and our economy.”

The director of GCHQ, which is now headquartered in Cheltenham, also warned that Russia was “relentlessly” targeting critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust in the UK and Europe.

She set out how Russia is increasing its daily hybrid activity against countries including Britain, and urged the public and businesses to make cyber security “10 times more urgent”.

The agency is “disrupting Russia’s efforts to smuggle Western tech, fending off cyber attacks and countering reckless sabotage and assassination attempts”, and “as we remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is going backwards on the battlefield”, she said.

New intelligence shows that nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the conflict in Ukraine, the audience heard.

Russia is “relentlessly targeting critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust” and the speed of advancements in technology means there is a “narrowing window for the UK and allies to stay ahead” she said.

“China is now a science and tech superpower, with sophisticated capabilities across their intelligence, cyber and military agencies”, the audience was told.

Earlier this year, Dr Richard Horne, head of the National Cyber Security Centre which is part of GCHQ, warned that most nationally significant cyber attacks on Britain were carried out by hostile states, including China, Iran and Russia.

He said the body dealt with around four of these attacks each week, and warned businesses to be prepared to protect themselves against cyber attacks without needing the option of paying ransoms, because the UK could be targeted “at scale” if it were to become involved in an international conflict.

Nairobi: Several girls were feared dead in a school fire in Kenya, local media said Thursday. The fire broke out at around 1:00 am local in Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, local media said, but was only reported at around 3:30 am, according to the Kenyan Red Cross.

Several local media reported that at least 10 girls had died, with Citizen TV saying 16 children had been killed and 74 hospitalised, but this was yet to be confirmed by police.

“First responders, ambulance crew and our support personnel are currently on the ground,” a spokesperson for the Kenyan Red Cross told AFP, declining to give a toll.

Frantic parents were being held outside the school buildings by authorities, according to local media.

There have been many devastating school fires in Kenya, where boarding schools are common.

A fire in 2024 killed 21 boys after flames engulfed a dormitory at the Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county.

UK business owners manage hundreds of documents every week. Invoices, receipts, and client reports arrive in fixed formats that lock information away. Staff members waste valuable hours typing these numbers into tracking systems.

This friction slows down decision-making and reduces weekly productivity. Finding a fast method to unlock this information keeps operations running smoothly. Modern tools remove this administrative bottleneck completely. Companies can now shift their attention toward growth and revenue generation.

The Administrative Burden on Modern UK Firms

Small and medium enterprises handle high volumes of paperwork daily. Financial managers track expenses from multiple suppliers across the country. Managing these documents by hand creates major operational delays.

Errors frequently happen when staff copy rows of figures manually. A single misplaced digit can disrupt quarterly financial projections completely. Leaders need a dependable system to protect their operational accuracy

Office workers spend up to a third of their week on repetitive tasks. This time drain stops them from completing higher-value projects. Reducing manual labor allows small teams to achieve much more every day.

Why Manual Data Entry Stalls Business Growth

Modern business teams face heavy administrative burdens when typing out physical financial updates. Finding a reliable PDF to Google Sheets converter saves hours of manual labor for accounting departments. Teams can focus on scaling operations instead of fixing minor typing mistakes.

Growth requires staff to work on strategic analysis instead of repetitive typing. Employees experience higher job satisfaction when they avoid monotonous administrative tasks. Shifting talent toward creative problem-solving improves company retention rates.

Slow data entry creates bottlenecks that hold back new customer acquisition. Sales reps wait days for clear pricing details from backend logs. Eliminating these pauses makes a firm more competitive in fast markets.

Limitations of Traditional Cloud Spreadsheets

Many teams try to use standard office software to handle incoming documents. An industry guide notes that the primary cloud spreadsheet platform cannot open these document files directly. Users find themselves stuck copying data manually, line by line.

Copying text directly from a document viewer often breaks the structural layout. Numbers end up scattered across the wrong columns and rows. Fixing these layout issues takes up more time than the original entry work.

Standard copy-paste actions fail to recognize clean horizontal grids. Hidden formatting codes embed themselves into cells and mess up equations. Teams require a smarter approach to handle complex document formatting.

The Role of Specialized Transformation Software

A tech publication explains that specialized software transforms files between these static formats and popular spreadsheets. This technology bridges the gap between fixed documents and editable rows. Companies gain immediate access to their figures without retyping a single line.

Using these programs provides several distinct advantages for small operations:

• Speeding up the preparation of monthly client expense reports.
• Eliminating the human errors linked to overnight data entry.
• Standardizing the layout of incoming supplier billing sheets.
• Reducing the reliance on external administrative support teams.
• Simplifying the path toward digitizing paper records completely.

These benefits allow departments to maintain lean budgets during economic challenges. Leaders protect their profit margins by optimizing internal workflows. Clean data feeds directly into secondary business intelligence tools.

How Artificial Intelligence Changes Information Extraction

New tools incorporate smart algorithms to read complex document layouts. A software review shares that automated tools handle extraction by pushing reviewed data straight into your spreadsheet. This approach removes middle steps from the tracking process.

Smart systems recognize table borders and column headers without manual guidance. The system learns from historical files to handle future documents faster. Accuracy rates remain high even with scanned or skewed document images.

AI understanding goes beyond basic optical character recognition technology. The models interpret context to separate tax numbers from total balances. This intelligence speeds up validation checks for the accounting department.

Streamlining Financial Reports and Invoices

Accounting teams see the most immediate improvements from automation. Standardizing invoice tracking helps managers keep a close watch over cash flow. The entire process takes minutes instead of taking multiple days.

Automated data pipelines support several core financial tasks:

• Tracking weekly transport and fuel costs across delivery fleets.
• Auditing corporate credit card receipts from remote sales teams.
• Consolidating regional sales figures into a main spreadsheet.
• Organizing tax records before seasonal filing deadlines arrive.
• Merging disparate bank statements for easier cash reconciliation.

Clear visibility over these numbers helps directors make faster purchasing decisions. Cash flow management becomes a predictable routine rather than a stressful event. Managers spot negative spending trends before they harm company profits.

Security and Data Protection Considerations

Handling sensitive corporate records requires strict attention to data protection rules. UK firms must protect client details from unauthorized external viewing. Selecting platforms with strong encryption keeps corporate secrets safe.

Managers should review where information is processed before uploading files. Clear data policies protect companies from regulatory penalties and fines. Secure systems maintain client trust and maintain fast processing speeds.

Audit trails show exactly who uploaded each file to the system. This accountability satisfies compliance checks during annual corporate reviews. Keeping data clean and protected minimizes external operational risks.

Cloud storage options must match national privacy standards to avoid legal issues. Data controllers need absolute certainty about vendor storage locations. Secure protocols prevent data leaks during bulk conversion tasks.

Simple Steps for Team Adoption

Introducing new software to a busy team requires a straightforward plan. Training should focus on the immediate time savings for individual workers. Employees adopt tools quickly when they see a reduction in their workload.

Start with a small pilot program in one specific department. Gather feedback from daily users to fix any early operational hitches. Expand the system across the broader company once success is proven.

Set clear goals for how many hours the team should save each week. Reviewing these milestones keeps the software implementation on track. Success builds confidence among staff members resisting change.

Supervisors can reward workers who find creative ways to optimize their new workflow. Sharing positive case studies internally drives faster adoption across other branches.

Transitioning to automated document processing protects valuable corporate resources. Businesses save money and eliminate costly human mistakes during financial reporting.

Modern software handles the heavy lifting of extraction so teams can focus on commercial success. Embracing these tools positions a firm ahead of slow-moving competitors.

NEW YORK — The New York Times Connections game continued its daily draw on Thursday as players sorted words into thematic groups in puzzle No. 1,082 for May 28, testing vocabulary links across everyday actions, journalism and legal settings.

The popular word association game challenges solvers to identify four groups of four words each from a 4×4 grid. Categories range from straightforward to tricky, with yellow typically the easiest and purple the most challenging.

For Thursday’s edition, the solutions featured clear connections once identified, though misdirection from overlapping terms like “press,” “bar” and “lift” created moderate difficulty for many participants.

Today’s Categories and Solutions

Get Low (Yellow): DUCK, HUNCH, SQUAT, STOOP These words describe actions of lowering one’s body or posture.

Fourth Estate (Green): MEDIA, NEWS, PAPERS, PRESS A classic reference to the news media as a pillar of society alongside government branches.

Parts of a Courtroom (Blue): BAR, BENCH, PODIUM, STAND These refer to physical elements in legal proceedings, from the judge’s bench to the witness stand.

Ski _____ (Purple): JUMP, LIFT, LODGE, SLOPE Words that complete the phrase with “ski,” relating to winter sports terminology.

The puzzle mixed physical actions, institutional terms and recreational vocabulary, prompting players to navigate red herrings such as workout-related words including “press,” “bar,” “bench” and “lift.”

Player Reactions and Strategies

Community discussions highlighted varied solving paths. Some players quickly spotted the courtroom group due to legal familiarity, while others connected the journalism terms through “fourth estate” knowledge. The purple category often proved hardest, requiring recognition of compound phrases.

On forums, solvers shared sequences showing initial struggles with overlapping terms before separating the groups. The yellow category provided an accessible entry point for many, focusing on common verbs for bending or crouching.

The New York Times designs Connections to balance challenge and satisfaction. Thursday’s puzzle earned descriptions of medium difficulty, with many completing it in 10 to 20 minutes.

Connections’ Rise in Popularity

Since its introduction, Connections has joined Wordle and Spelling Bee as a core offering in the New York Times Games section. Created as part of the company’s expansion into interactive puzzles, it attracts a broad audience seeking mental stimulation through pattern recognition rather than pure vocabulary recall.

The game presents 16 words daily, resetting at midnight. Players submit groups of four, receiving feedback on correct categories and their difficulty level. Perfect solves earn special recognition, while mistakes add tension within the 20-minute typical play window.

Analysts attribute its appeal to the “aha” moments when disparate words suddenly align. Unlike solitary crossword solving, Connections encourages social sharing of results through emoji grids that show category colors without spoiling specific answers.

Educators have noted potential benefits for cognitive skills, including categorization, lateral thinking and vocabulary expansion. The game’s mix of common knowledge and occasional specialized references mirrors real-world associative thinking.

Recent Puzzle Trends

This week’s Connections puzzles have explored diverse themes, from entertainment and mechanics to everyday objects. Thursday’s blend of physical actions, media and legal elements continued the pattern of accessible yet layered categories.

Difficulty varies intentionally. Some days feature straightforward synonyms, while others rely on cultural or idiomatic knowledge. Puzzle No. 1,082 fell comfortably in the middle range, avoiding extreme frustration while still offering challenge.

Red herrings remain a signature element. Words that could plausibly fit multiple categories test solvers’ precision. Thursday’s workout-adjacent terms created deliberate confusion between physical actions and courtroom or sports references.

Tips for Mastering Connections

Veteran players recommend scanning for obvious clusters first, such as clear synonyms or common phrases. Starting with potential yellow categories builds confidence before tackling harder groups.

Focusing on word forms helps—verbs, nouns or adjectives often cluster together. Considering multiple meanings proves crucial, as many words serve double duty. Taking breaks after partial solves can provide fresh perspectives on remaining terms.

Tracking personal statistics, including solve rate and average mistakes, adds a competitive layer. Many maintain streaks by playing consistently and learning from near-misses.

The New York Times provides companion articles with post-puzzle discussion, though many prefer independent solving before checking hints.

Broader Impact on Digital Puzzles

Connections exemplifies the New York Times’ successful pivot into gaming. Following Wordle’s acquisition, the company has built a portfolio that blends tradition with modern digital engagement. Subscriptions offer archive access and ad-free play, supporting further development.

The game’s design encourages inclusivity. It rewards general knowledge over specialized expertise, appealing across age groups and backgrounds. Social media amplifies its reach, with daily discussions fostering community among solvers.

Thursday’s puzzle prompted reflections on language versatility. Terms like “press” and “bar” demonstrated how context shifts meaning, turning gameplay into subtle lessons on nuance.

As players completed No. 1,082, attention turned to Friday’s challenge. Each new grid resets the experience, maintaining daily engagement without fatigue.

Connections stands out for its elegant simplicity. Sixteen words, four categories, immediate feedback—the formula delivers consistent satisfaction. Its staying power reflects a desire for structured yet creative mental exercise in busy digital lives.

The New York Times continues refining the game based on player data while preserving core mechanics. Future puzzles are expected to maintain the balance that has made Connections a morning staple for millions.

For those who solved Thursday’s edition cleanly or struggled with the ski category, the shared experience reinforces the game’s role as accessible entertainment that also sharpens thinking skills. Whether perfect or imperfect, each solve contributes to the growing archive of daily word challenges.

Council and Greater Manchester Pension Fund team up on plans

New plans have been shared for part of Manchester city centre that has been ‘derelict’ for years.

The Northern Quarter is one of the city’s trendiest corners, known for its mix of nightlife, cafes and food.

But one piece of the area has been left out in recent years.

Hoardings hide the patch of land around Newton Street and Postal Street, which are covered in graffiti.

This part of Manchester has been empty since 2024 when the former building that stood here was knocked down.

A planning application has now been made to develop the land by Manchester council on behalf of its own housing company, This City.

It could be turned into a complex with 126 new apartments along with areas for businesses on the ground floor.

If approved, it would offer future residents all the joys of city-centre living, as well as access to transport with trains, trams and buses within walking distance.

The mix of homes would be 70 one-bed and 56 two-bed apartments. Ground-floor spaces in the building would be made available for businesses.

Computer-generated images published in the planning application show people making the most of outdoor seating around the building, hinting at possible food or drinks venues.

But the council said it remains to be confirmed which type of businesses would be based at the site.

When asked if it could include cafes and bars, the town hall explained that the spaces would be used to ‘enliven’ the ground floor, consistent with its city centre approach.

The homes are being planned so Mancunians across the city can afford to live there. The council said ‘at least’ 20 per cent of the flats would be at Manchester Living Rent rates – below levels set by the government that would cover someone’s rent if they are getting housing benefit.

Each apartment in the new plans would have bike storage and future residents could save on their bills, with the homes designed to ‘low carbon’ standards.

Land off Postal Street has a long history and was once part of Manchester’s industrial story.

A map from 1848, published in the planning reports, showed two warehouses with a cotton mill and tin plates manufacturer on Newton Street and Postal Street, as well as other businesses and also private houses along Dean Street and Faraday Street.

Manchester council said it is entering a joint venture with the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to deliver the plans on land off Postal Street, with further sites earmarked for development in north and east Manchester.

The council, which is led by Labour, has set a target to build at least 36,000 homes up to 2032, including 10,000 ‘genuinely affordable, council and social homes’ – of which at least 3,000 will be in Manchester city centre.

Council leader Bev Craig said: “Manchester has set ambitious targets to build the homes we know the city needs, in particular over 10,000 genuinely affordable social and council homes. One part of this plan is This City – using council-owned brownfield land to build homes, leading the way and on our own terms.

“This is an innovative approach to developing housing in different parts of the city, reacting to the housing needs of the area and diversifying housing options – particularly in the city centre – and creating affordable homes that provide more choice for our residents in where they live.

“Our first This City development at No1 Ancoats Green is now complete with a strong pipeline of schemes across the city being brought forward – all part of our plan for This City to build thousands of homes for Manchester people. We are already delivering on our targets, building more genuinely affordable council and social homes last year than in the last 25 years.”

Councillor Gavin White, executive member for housing and development, said: “Postal Street in the Northern Quarter is a brilliant prospect for new housing. The site has been unused for many years and the homes, including at least 20 per cent that will be capped at the Manchester Living Rent, will help meet demand for quality, sustainable housing in the city centre – while the commercial space will enhance the offer of the area.”

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.