Belgium is set to modernize its railway network with a €3 billion investment under the Vision Rail 2040 plan led by Vice-Prime Minister and Transport Minister Georges Gilkinet. The plan aims to increase train usage, improve freight transport efficiency, and modernize infrastructure. Key benefits include reduced traffic, economic gains, lower fossil fuel dependence, and improved public health. The strategy includes offering more services, incentivizing off-peak travel, and encouraging businesses to subsidize employee travel. Freight transport will benefit from a new, streamlined timetable system and upgraded infrastructure by 2030.

A Chinese man spent 10,500 yuan to buy 106 KFC meals to complete his collection of Pop Mart toys, part of a marketing campaign celebrating KFC's 35 years in Asia. The campaign led to irrational consumer behaviors, including paying others to eat meals or discarding food to obtain the toys, prompting the Chinese Consumers Association to criticize KFC for encouraging wasteful practices. The collectible toys have also created a secondary market, with prices significantly higher than the original meal cost.

Au Pied de Cochon, a legendary Parisian brasserie, remains open 24 hours a day, offering a unique cultural and culinary experience. The author spends 24 hours at the brasserie, observing its clientele, which includes regulars, tourists, and occasional celebrities. Despite the challenges posed by management and historical events like the 2015 Paris attacks, the brasserie continues to thrive, serving traditional French dishes like pig's feet and onion soup. The article highlights the enduring charm and historical significance of the establishment, while also noting the changes in its clientele and atmosphere over the years.

The article chronicles a 24-hour experience at Au Pied de Cochon, a legendary Parisian brasserie known for its 24/7 operation. The author details the brasserie's rich history, its clientele, and the unique atmosphere that persists throughout the day and night. The narrative captures interactions with staff and patrons, highlighting the brasserie's cultural significance and its role in preserving traditional French cuisine. Despite modern challenges, including a decline in celebrity visits and the impact of the 2015 Paris attacks, Au Pied de Cochon remains a beloved institution, attracting both locals and tourists.

Human fascination with lifelike machines predates many modern religions. The article explores the potential conflicts between artificial intelligence (AI) and religious beliefs, highlighting comments from Pope Francis and various experts. The Pope's prayer for ethical AI development is seen as conflicting with traditional Church dogma. Concerns are raised about AI's impact on religious concepts of the soul and immortality, with potential to widen social inequalities. The article also discusses the historical resistance of religions to new discoveries and the uncertain future of religion in the face of advancing AI technologies.

Ua Huka, a remote volcanic island in French Polynesia, is renowned for its free-roaming horses, which outnumber the human population. Introduced in the 19th century by French naval officer Aristide Aubert du Petit-Thouars, these horses have thrived in the island's lush environment. Local horseman Vohi Brown uses a unique ocean-based training method to tame the horses, reflecting a deep cultural connection between the islanders and their equine companions. Despite the increasing presence of vehicles, traditional practices involving horses remain vital for transportation and hunting on the island.

The Mata Atlântica, or Atlantic Forest, is a crucial biome for biodiversity, covering the southeast coast of Brazil, east Paraguay, and north Argentina. Once spanning over 1.29 million square kilometers, it has been dramatically reduced, with only 11-28% remaining in good condition. This forest is home to about 7% of the world's plant species and 5% of vertebrates, with a high rate of endemism. Despite its importance, the Mata Atlântica is less known than the Amazon and has been degraded for centuries due to colonialism and economic exploitation. Organizations like WWF and Cirad are working to protect what remains of the forest, which is also a living laboratory for learning how to better conserve other tropical forests worldwide.

France is recognized as a strong nation in e-sport, with notable players and teams excelling in international competitions. Despite this, e-sport remains underappreciated by French political leaders, partly due to lingering stereotypes about video games. The article discusses the potential of e-sport as a tool for soft power, similar to traditional sports, and highlights the economic opportunities it presents. However, challenges such as political reluctance, misconceptions about video games, and the control of game publishers need to be addressed. The French government has taken steps to support e-sport, but more recognition and investment are needed to fully harness its potential.

The article discusses the growing popularity of role-playing games, highlighting the success of the show 'Game of rôles: les deux tours,' which features fictional political candidates in a realistic setting. Created by Fibre Tigre and initially launched by JVTV, the show has found a dedicated audience and is now produced by Franceinfo and Gozulting. The resurgence of role-playing games, once considered a niche activity, is attributed to their immersive and imaginative nature, appealing to both adults and children. The article also references the historical stigma associated with role-playing games, which has since diminished.

Video games, traditionally seen as a young person's hobby, are increasingly becoming a favorite pastime for grandparents. A 2021 study by Médiamétrie for the S.E.L.L. found that 49% of those over 60 in France play video games, with an even gender distribution among French gamers, contrasting with the 80-20 male-female ratio in 2000. Seniors tend to focus on single games until completion, often on computers or smartphones. The digital transformation of gaming, mobile gaming, and accessibility have contributed to this trend. While seniors' gaming habits differ from younger players, they provide relaxation, mental engagement, and intergenerational connections, with some seniors even participating in esports competitions. The future may see an increase in competitive gaming among older adults.