CII

16colo.rs, an online archive dedicated to ANSI and ASCII text art, is drawing attention as a curated collection of retro terminal-based artwork. The site preserves works created with text characters, a style rooted in 1980s and 1990s bulletin board system culture, and gives visitors a way to browse and revisit an art form largely displaced by graphics.

Industry body CII has welcomed a GST decriminalisation decision, describing it as a shift towards trust-based governance in India's tax system. The move reduces criminal penalties for certain offences under the goods and services tax regime, a change businesses have long sought. Analysts say it could ease compliance burdens and improve the climate for smaller enterprises, though detailed implementation rules are still awaited.

An artist using the name Arcana Obscura has released a new text-mode artwork titled 'The Dreamer', created in PETSCII in the style of a tarot card and shared within the retrocomputing and demoscene community. The piece draws on Commodore 64 and BBS-era traditions, and appreciation of ASCII and textmode art remains active among retro art enthusiasts.

The Economic Development Board has called on investors to explore opportunities in the space sector during the CII summit held in Visakhapatnam. The appeal highlights growing interest in India's expanding space economy, with officials encouraging private capital to enter satellite, launch and allied space businesses discussed at the Confederation of Indian Industry event.

Chinese state media highlights a burst of diplomatic activity running alongside the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, framing Beijing as a source of development opportunities and stability at a time of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The coverage positions China's trade openness and diplomatic engagements as a counterweight to worldwide turmoil.

A Japanese tech review says Apple's latest iPad mini, equipped with an A20 Pro chip, is remarkably thin and light while delivering high image quality, with water resistance that reportedly makes it safe to use in the bath. The write-up frames it as another example of Apple raising the bar on tablet design. Attention is focused on whether the compact tablet's display and portability justify an upgrade.

Michelin is presenting two new tire technologies at the 2026 China International Import Expo in Shanghai: a tire made of 75% sustainable materials and a Touch Intelligence sensing system. The showcase highlights the company's push toward eco-friendly materials and smart tire capabilities, drawing attention from automotive industry observers covering the expo.

Multi-layer ASCII art, which uses text characters arranged in stacked layers to create depth and texture, is being shared as a creative technique. The work highlights how a decades-old text-based art form is still being explored and adapted by makers and artists today.

The China International Import Expo in Shanghai is highlighting frontier technology, with exhibitors using the event to launch and demonstrate advanced products to international buyers. China Daily reports that the fair is positioning itself as a stage for cutting-edge innovation, drawing attention to artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and other next-generation sectors on display.

A streamer is hosting a Halloween livestream playing a Death Note video game, marking the holiday as the birthday of the character L Lawliet from the Death Note series. The event combines anime fandom with gaming, inviting viewers to join in celebrating both Halloween and the character's fictional birthday.

A matchmaking event called 'Winter Heartbeat Aquarium' is being held this winter at an aquarium in Japan, using the latest technology to bring singles together. The event is promoted as a place where romance 'starts moving' among the tanks, combining a dating party format with an aquarium setting, and the announcement has been picked up on Japanese social media.