China has dismissed claims made by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic was “more likely” the result of a laboratory leak than natural transmission. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated that a joint expert team from China and the WHO had concluded the lab-leak theory to be extremely unlikely after conducting field visits to Wuhan laboratories.
“This conclusion has been widely recognised by the international and scientific communities,” Mao said on Monday. She also called on the United States to stop “politicising and instrumentalising the issue of origin-tracing” and urged Washington to respond to “legitimate concerns of the international community.”
The CIA’s new assessment came after John Ratcliffe was confirmed as the CIA director during Donald Trump’s second White House administration. A CIA spokesperson said the agency now assesses with low confidencethat a research-related origin of the pandemic is more likely than a natural origin, though no previous determination had been made on this issue.
The debate over COVID-19’s origins continues to spark tensions, with Beijing accusing the US of shifting blame and smearing other countries, further complicating global efforts to uncover the truth.
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Lt. Gen. Nigar Johar (Retd) has stressed the significant role women play in the development of Pakistan’s economy during her recent visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
While speaking to ICCI President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, Nigar Johar highlighted that the women in our country, who mark up half of the population, should be empowered to participate meaningfully in economic progress.
“Pakistan cannot afford to neglect its women who are determined to serve the country. Their empowerment is vital for the economic wellbeing of the nation.” Johar stated.
Johar called for inclusive economic policies and enhanced contribution of women in different sectors. She underscored empowering women as the key to a stronger economy. The discussion also focused significance of linkages between academia and industry.
Dr Johar Khan emphasised that education should be business and industry-focused to help students transition from job seekers to job creators. She added, “Our youth must be equipped to become entrepreneurs, contributing to the economy rather than relying on traditional employment.”
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The ICC announced Afghanistan’s all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai as the ODI Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards 2024. Omarzai played a key role in four out of Afghanistan’s five ODI series wins in 2024. His exceptional performances in both batting and bowling helped him earn this prestigious title.
Azmatullah Omarzai scored 417 runs in 14 ODIs for Afghanistan, ending the year as his team’s second-highest run-scorer behind Rahmanullah Gurbaz. He maintained an impressive batting average of 52.12. Additionally, Omarzai was also Afghanistan’s second-highest wicket-taker, with 17 wickets at an average of 20.47, behind AM Ghazanfar.
The 24-year-old’s achievements highlight his consistent contributions to Afghanistan’s ODI success in 2024. His recognition as the ODI Cricketer of the Year came just two days after he was named in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024.
ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year for 2024
Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Kusal Mendis (wk) (Sri Lanka)
Charith Asalanka (c) (Sri Lanka)
Sherfane Rutherford (West Indies)
Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan)
Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka)
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
AM Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)
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Ever since Sham Idrees decided to break his silence on the seven-year-old controversy involving Ducky Bhai, social media has been abuzz. But what led to this feud and why did it escalate? Let’s dive into the details.
Watch Here:
How It All Started
It all started seven years ago when a popular YouTuber named Ducky Bhai accused Sham Idrees of unfair practices. Ducky claimed that strikes were issued on his channel and all his work associated with his Facebook page got deleted due to Sham. All these allegations quickly spread and fueled the burning rivalry between the two.
Ducky Bhai’s Allegations against Sham Idrees
Ducky Bhai has accused Sham of creating fake content and unethical methods to silence critics. He also made personal comments about Sham’s family, which further worsened the situation. After years of silence, Sham Idrees has finally come forward to face the allegations head-on.
Allegations of Striking Ducky Bhai’s Content
Sham clarified that the strikes were issued because Ducky’s content violated community guidelines. He explained that the reported videos included defamatory remarks about his family and religion.
Sham also denied any involvement in the disappearance of Ducky Bhai’s Facebook page, stating that it was a result of Ducky’s non-compliance with platform rules.
Sham Idrees Defends His Actions
According to Sham, Ducky’s content was against YouTube’s community guidelines. He also said that the act of reporting such content is not an act of malice but for the protection of his family and reputation.
Personal Attacks by Ducky Bhai
Ducky had reportedly slandered Sham’s wife Saher, aka Froggy. He also made remarks on how Sham was conceived, on which Sham felt deeply insulted.
The Role of Badla Bhai in the Controversy
Sham brought Badla Bhai into the conversation, who stated that Ducky had been threatening and harassing his family. In a shocking twist, Badla Bhai told the court that Ducky had abducted him by giving him false pretences to attend a meeting.
Froggy’s Perspective
Saher responded to the allegations that she insulted Pakistan by calling it a “tiny YouTube community.” She said that her words were directed at Ducky, not the country or its people.
She also shared that Ducky Bhai even criticised her hijab. She was not perfect; she admitted that she did make mistakes but said that no one had any right to question her personal choices.
Sham Idrees on Personal Struggles
Sham reported a terrible episode in which an assailant attacked Froggy in public, bringing home the emotional strain the controversy has caused on their family. The YouTuber explained that this experience took a psychological toll on his family as they described it to be an “emotional period.”
Ducky Bhai’s Alleged Hypocrisy
Sham,however,statedthatDucky‘s criticism about his content was full of irony. He pointedout that Duckywas once mocking him for creating “cringe content,” but now he is engaging in similar content.
If anything, this feud reminds one of the importance of respecting boundaries and resolving conflicts privately. After seven years, Sham Idrees finally opened up regarding his side of the story and addressed allegations while shedding light on the challenges he faced. Although the internet remains divided, one thing is for sure: social media feuds leave no winners but lessons to be learned.
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China has prohibited imports of sheep, goat, poultry and even-toed ungulates from African, Asian and European countries following outbreaks of livestock diseases like, sheep pox, goat pox and foot-and-mouth disease.
The ban includes both processed and unprocessed products after the World Health Organisation (WHO) released information about disease outbreaks in multiple countries, according to a series of announcements by China’s General Administration of Customs dated Jan 21.
The ban from the world’s largest meat importer affects Ghana, Somalia, Qatar, Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Tanzania, Egypt, Bulgaria, East Timor and Eritrea.
China has also halted imports of sheep, goats, and related products from Palestine, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and Bangladesh due to sheep pox and goat pox outbreaks.
It also blocked the imports of even-toed ungulates and related products from Germany after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, it said.
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The Nigahban Ramadan Relief Package launched by the Punjab government is aimed at relieving struggling families who are less privileged during the holy month of Ramadan. Led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the programme will help those in need with dignity to avoid long queues and delays by applicants.
Source: CM Laptop Scheme
How to Apply?
There are two main ways through which citizens can register for the package:
Online Registration: On the PSER portal, the applicant shall fill out his or her details and create a secure login that will be used for future access.
Physical Registration Centers: Over 4,000 centres at all union councils and municipal offices in Punjab are set up for registration.
The applicants will receive confirmation or a receipt to follow up on their application, but only after completing the registration process. The last date for registration is February 15, 2025. Therefore, eligible families should apply as soon as possible.
Source: Daily Nation
Who Is Eligible?
To avail of the Nigahban Ramadan Relief Package, households must meet the following criteria:
Poverty Score: Must be below 30%.
Monthly Income: Should not exceed 60,000 PKR.
Permanent Residence: Only those individuals will be eligible for this facility who are permanent residents of Punjab, not have a family member staying abroad.
No Vehicle Registration: The head of the family shall not possess any registered vehicle under his/her name.
Valid CNIC: The head of the family should have a valid Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
In this manner, only deserving families recieve benefits.
Transparency and Accessibility
The government has taken the initiative to make this process more transparent. Efforts include opening an online portal and a dedicated helpline. It aims to ensure easy access with minimum obstacles in the application process.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the programme is the poor families’ right and a basic responsibility of the government. The relief package reflects the commitment of the administration to address poverty while maintaining the dignity of its citizens.
Why it Matters
Being a time of spiritual reflection and community, the Nigahban Relief Package is a lifeline for families who are struggling with inflation. The form of timely aid alleviates financial stress and ensures that no household is left behind during the holy month.
Authorities are encouraging eligible families to register before February 15 to be recipients of this package.
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The suspension of US refugee admissions under President Donald Trump’s recent executive order has brought the hopes of thousands of Afghan refugees stranded in Pakistan to nought. According to the order, which puts the admissions on hold for at least 90 days, 10,000 Afghans, who were already approved for entry, have been blocked, with tens of thousands more applications frozen.
A Shattered Promise for Afghan Allies
For many refugees, this decision left them in precarious limbo. Zahra is a 27-year-old former worker at the Afghanistan defence ministry, who was on the cusp of resettling in the United States after an application process spanning three years.
Speaking under a pseudonym for safety, she shared her devastation, “All I want is for them to stand by the promise they made. I only wish to live a peaceful life.”
It is a particularly critical time for female refugees who have fled the Taliban regime’s repressive rule. Afghan women have been denied education and participation in public life, forced to wear the most extreme form of veiling.
Many, such as Zahra, believe that going back to Afghanistan is impossible. Some women, like lawyer Moniza Kakar, shared that they “prefer suicide than going back to Afghanistan.”
The U.S. Withdrawal’s Lingering Impact
The U.S. withdrawal from Kabul in 2021, which ended two decades of war, triggered an evacuation as Afghans feared Taliban reprisals. The refugee programme was a lifeline for those who worked with or on behalf of the U.S., including ex-soldiers and government employees. Now, with the suspension, many are left in uncertainty.
Pakistan, home to one million Afghan refugees, has become a waiting line for these hopefuls. Even so, conditions could hardly be more unwelcome. Refugees have reported harassment and pressure from Pakistan to leave, as Pakistan was enforcing a campaign to evict the undocumented Afghans. Since October of 2023, about 800,000 Afghans left Pakistan, many forced to return to a homeland filled with danger.
Source: Al Jazeera
Moral Obligation and Advocacy
According to Trump, the reason for the halt was the inability of the U.S. to take in huge numbers of migrants. However, advocacy groups say that America owes a moral debt to those who risked their lives for U.S. interests.
Caught between an uncertain future in Pakistan and the dangers of returning to Afghanistan, there are refugees such as Zahir Bahand, a former journalist, who feel abandoned. “There is no life left for me—no peace, no future, no home,” he laments.
The suspension leaves a pressing question unaddressed: what happens to the thousands of Afghans who bet their fate on a promise now frozen in time?
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Italian tennis prodigy Jannik Sinner has cemented his name further into the history books of tennis by successfully defending his Australian Open title. The 23-year-old defeated world No. 2 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 to claim his third Grand Slam title and extend his dominance on hard courts with a 21-match win streak.
A Masterclass in Precision
Sinner was a masterclass in precision and adaptability. Coming out against Zverev, who is arguably the sport’s greatest server, what made Sinner’s performance incomparable was his unparalleled consistency and tactical genius. The Italian correctly read Zverev all game long, especially getting into and out of tricky drop situations, which simply led to baseline rallies that never ended. Sadly for him, that didn’t lead to a single break point—something Zverev has never enjoyed in a Grand Slam match to date.
Source: Times
Reflecting on his victory, Sinner mentioned that defending the title added pressure but emphasised his development as a player. “This time, I understood that every day is different. You might not feel 100%, but it’s about handling the situation,” he said. His development can be seen both in his performances and in his resilience on the field.
Joining the Elite
With this win, Sinner joins a very exclusive set of tennis elites—he is now alongside Bjorn Borg, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal—players who won their first three Grand Slam finals. He’s also the first man since Nadal to defend his maiden major title.
Whereas on the hard courts, Sinner reigns supreme, he focuses on other surfaces to conquer. “I want to be a complete player,” he said, saying that he needs to do much better on clay and grass surfaces, where he has his best semifinal finishes.
Source: Mint
The defeat marked Zverev’s third Grand Slam final loss. He accepted defeat and praised Sinner, who he said reminded him of a “prime Novak Djokovic” with the dominance he showed on the court. “I don’t want to end my career as the best player to never win a Grand Slam,” Zverev said.
As Sinner takes his latest victory in, the world will be eager to see whether that rising star could expand his dominance on all court surfaces. Certain of the many things; still, one truth is only about to get larger: Sinner’s legacy.
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Donald Trump’s reelection has reignited the “America First“ doctrine. This approach aims to reshape the global order, with significant implications for Asia and even Pakistan. As his administration prepares to take office in January, many wonder how the U.S. will redefine its global role, particularly toward China and sub-regions like South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Partners Like Pakistan
Trump’s second term brings risks and possibilities for U.S. allies like Pakistan. His focus on reducing overseas military commitments and protecting the U.S. economy calls for a reevaluation of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. Areas of cooperation and negotiation will need to be redefined for mutual benefit.
Executive Orders Galore: A Frenzy of Policy Shifts
In his first week, Trump unleashed over 100 executive orders. These targeted fossil fuels, clean energy and diversity initiatives. Corporate America is scrambling to adapt, as these bold decisions signal a clear shift in priorities.
Trump Looks to Remake America with Sweeping Second Act
Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”
One of Trump’s symbolic moves is renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” This reflects his emphasis on U.S. influence in the region. The president framed this change as a way to underscore U.S. sovereignty and influence over the waters adjacent to its southern states. This renaming has sparked significant reactions both domestically and internationally.
Trade Wars Are Back: Tariffs on Colombia
Internationally, Trump has slapped 25% tariffs on imports from Colombia amid disputes over deported migrants. This aggressive trade stance sets the tone for his approach to foreign economic relations.
Domestically, immigration and border control dominate Trump’s agenda. He plans to reassign nearly 90,000 new IRS agents to guard the southern border. This follows his indefinite freeze on hiring at the IRS.
The Democratic Dilemma: Resistance or Cooperation?
Democrats face a tough political environment. Some support Trump’s bills on migrant detention, while others advocate stronger opposition. Balancing resistance and cooperation will be critical for them in this era.
Trump’s return marks a period of swift policy changes, bold domestic actions and international recalibrations. The administration’s decisions are already creating ripple effects. Now, the world watches closely for what’s next.
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Everybody hits a patch where going to the gym seems more like a chore than a training session. Want to add some zest to your routine without overdoing it? Simple tweaks can help you see improved outcomes more. It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, these tips are going to ramp up your exercise game.
1. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
It is easy to get stuck with the thought that you must execute every movement with perfection. But here’s the thing: progress is more important. A study found that over 60% of people stop working out because they see no results. Instead of stressing over your form, track your progress and celebrate those wins, whatever their size may be.
The trick is being consistent. Remember,“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
2. Mix Up Your Routine
Your body becomes too familiar with the type of workouts you are doing over time. Once this happens, you will stop seeing progress in the gym. Experts recommend changing your workout routine around every 4 to 6 weeks to keep training or challenging your muscles. So, mix things up: introduce new exercises increase the weight, or try out a different approach to your training.
3. Drink More Water
A no-brainer, right? To hydrate or not stay hydrated? Well, hydration is actually one of the most important parts of your routine. According to research, adequate hydration may increase endurance while reducing fatigue by up to 25%. Did that catch your attention? So have a water bottle nearby and sip it at intervals. Hydrating is good for your muscles and helps prevent that sluggish feeling halfway through exercise.
Try to drink water every 20 minutes while you’re working out. You’ll feel more energized and focused.
Look, I get it—you’re eager to jump into your workout, but hold on a second. Skipping your warm-up routine might set you up for injuries. A solid warm-up preps your body for exercise, which cuts down the risk of pulling a muscle. Spending just 5–10 minutes on some easy cardio and stretches can have a big impact.
Cooling off after exercising matters just as much. To help your muscles bounce back and cut down on aches, try stretching or using a foam roller. It’s worth spending those extra minutes!
5. Listen to Your Body
People often fixate on specific rep counts or workout durations. However excessive strain can result in exhaustion. Listen to your body’s signals. When fatigue sets in, take a brief rest. A short pause might help you tackle the next set with increased power and improved technique.
Simple Ways to Boost Your Workouts
Keep in mind that the quality of each rep matters more than the quantity. As the saying goes, “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
6. Eat the Right Foods
Eating right changes the game. Proper food ups your pep and aids in getting you back on track. Research indicates balancing carbs, proteins and fats pre and post-exercise betters your game. A munch with three parts carbs to one part protein does wonders.
A banana with peanut butter or a protein smoothie is a great choice before or after your workout.
7. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is when your body recovers and rebuilds. Skipping it can slow down progress and leave you feeling drained. Studies show that getting 7–9 hours of sleep each night is ideal for muscle recovery. So, don’t skimp on your rest; your muscles need it!
At the end of the day, amping up your exercise routine doesn’t need wild stuff. Just do simple things, like making sure you drink water, mixing up what you do, or catching plenty of zzz’s. These bits can shake things up. Sticking with it matters most. So chill out on trying to nail it every time—just be there and do the grind. At the end of the day, remember, “The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.”
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New Zealand is set to ease visitor visa rules to allow visitors to work remotely while they are visiting. Erica Stanford, Immigration Minister stated that starting January 27, visitors would be able to work while travelling across the country.
“This is a brand-new market of tourists New Zealand can tap into. We want people to see our country as the ideal place to visit and work while they do it,” she said.
“The government’s ambition is that new visa rules will put New Zealand boldly on the map as a welcoming haven for the world’s talent,” New Zealand Minister of Economic Growth Nicola Willis, said.
“We hope that in some cases, it will encourage those people and the firms they represent to consider doing more business with New Zealand in the future,” Willis added. International visitor numbers are currently at approximately 86% of 2019 levels. The tourism sector continues to recover from pandemic-induced border closures.
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The second Test between Pakistan and the West Indies got over inside seven sessions at the Multan Cricket Stadium. On the back of Jomel Warrican’s five-for in the fourth innings, West Indies secured a 120-run win on Monday, January 27, to level the two-match series 1-1.
Pakistan started Day 3 at 76/4, chasing a target of 254 on a very tricky surface. Overnight batters Saud Shakeel and Kashif Ali were dismissed in the first and second over of Day 3. Kevin Sinclair took the wicket of Shakeel on the third ball of the day with an almost perfect delivery. Meanwhile, the in-form Warrican got the better of the nightwatchman, Kashif, in the following over.
Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan joined forces and stitched a fighting partnership of 39 runs. However, the all-rounder’s resistance came to an end when Warrican trapped him in front of the stumps with a ball that came in with the arm. A few overs later, Warrican quashed Pakistan’s hopes of a memorable win when he went through Rizwan’s defence and disturbed the stumps.
At 122/8, and with no proper batter remaining, Pakistan were staring at a humiliating home defeat. Noman Ali tried to score some quick runs and hit a six off Gudakesh Motie in the process. However, the all-rounder dismissed him with his following delivery as Pakistan slipped further.
It was fitting when Warrican took the last wicket of Sajid Khan to help the West Indies register their first win on Pakistan soil since 1990. The Caribbean side also levelled the two-match series after they had lost the first Test. The home side was dismissed for 133 as the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side won by a comfortable margin of 120 runs as Warrican finished with figures of 5/27 to add to his four-for in the first innings.
The left-arm spinner finished with 19 wickets from the two Tests and won the Player of the Series award. He was also adjudged Player of the Match in the second Test.
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The 27th of January marks the International Holocaust Remembrance Day every year. In 1945, this was the day when the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, where more than 1 million people were sent to gas chambers to their agonising deaths, was liberated at last.
During World War II, approximately 44,000 concentration camps and ghettos existed across Nazi-occupied Europe. Adolf Hitler used these horrifying sites as a mechanism to terrorise and eliminate the non-Aryan groups aka those not part of the pure, white Germanic race. One of these camps was Auschwitz, where more than 1.1 million people died or were forced into labour.
It is self-evident that the holocaust should be remembered in the way it was- horrifying, terrifying and an extreme case of genocide. Auschwitz inmates were employed on huge farms. They were forced to work in coal mines, stone quarries, fisheries and armaments industries. If this wasn’t bad enough, upon being too sick or weak, they were transported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and killed.
The Importance of Remembering
The holocaust will not be forgotten, for it comes with the responsibility of remembering. The mass murder of six million people might be a statistic to many but each dead person had a name, an identity. The Quran says in verse 5:32, “Whoever kills a person, it is as if they have killed all mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as if they have saved all mankind.”
However, it makes me sad to think that despite the horrendous events of World War II not very long ago, we might have already forgotten about them.
No one is safe until everyone is safe. In October of 2023, Palestinians became subjected to a war that continued for 15 long months, killing 46,600 people according to the official Palestinian Health Ministry. These were just the deaths documented; how many remain under the rubble, undocumented, is still not known to the world.
“I have experienced what the children in Gaza are experiencing now,” Marione Ingram, an 88-year-old holocaust survivor said, adding, “So it is something when I see what is going on in Gaza, it has an immediate identification with my life as a child.”
So, Have We Really Progressed?
On this day, the day that marks the liberation of Auschwitz, it’s time we question ourselves- Have we really progressed as humans? If the heinous murder of six million Jews is considered genocide then why is the same happening to the Palestinians called a war? How is creating a graveyard of 17000 plus children considered an act of self-defence? Who is being defended and from who? And worst of all, where are the world leaders when they’re needed the most? Why does the deafening silence get louder with every passing day? So, I ask you again: Have we really progressed as humans in the past 80 years?
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On January 20, the little-known Chinese AI research lab DeepSeek made waves by releasing an open-source AI model. According to their research paper, DeepSeek-R1 outperforms leading models like OpenAI’s o1 in several math and reasoning benchmarks. The model also excels in key areas such as capability, cost and openness, challenging Western AI giants.
A Surprising Outcome of the Tech Cold War
DeepSeek’s success highlights an unintended result of the ongoing tech rivalry between the US and China. US export controls have limited Chinese companies from scaling up traditionally; buying more chips and extending training times. Most Chinese firms have shifted focus to downstream applications, avoiding direct competition with Western leaders. However, DeepSeek’s strategy proves there’s another way to win: revamping AI model structures to use resources more efficiently.
A Focus on Software Optimisation
“Unlike many Chinese AI firms that rely heavily on advanced hardware, DeepSeek focuses on software-driven resource optimisation,” says Marina Zhang, an associate professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
“By embracing open-source methods, they pool collective expertise and foster collaborative innovation. This approach overcomes resource constraints and accelerates technological development, setting DeepSeek apart from its competitors.”
DeepSeek’s Roots in Finance
DeepSeek began as Fire-Flyer, a research branch of High-Flyer, a leading Chinese quantitative hedge fund. High-Flyer, founded in 2015, quickly gained prominence, managing over 100 billion RMB ($15 billion) at its peak. By 2023, Liang Wenfeng, a computer science master’s graduate, redirected the hedge fund’s resources into DeepSeek. His bold vision was to build cutting-edge models and work toward artificial general intelligence.
DeepSeek Dethrones OpenAI’s ChatGPT on Apple’s App Store in the United States
“DeepSeek represents a new generation of Chinese tech companies that prioritise long-term innovation over quick profits,” says Zhang.
Liang told 36Kr, a Chinese tech publication, that scientific curiosity motivated him to start DeepSeek. “Basic science research has a very low return-on-investment ratio,” he said. “When OpenAI’s early investors gave it money, they weren’t thinking about profits. They simply wanted to pursue the idea.”
Unlike other Chinese AI firms, DeepSeek operates without funding from giants like Baidu, Alibaba, or ByteDance.
A Team of Young Innovators
Liang’s hiring strategy focused on PhD students from top Chinese universities, such as Peking University and Tsinghua University. Many had published in prestigious journals and won international awards but lacked industry experience.
“Our core technical positions are filled by recent graduates,” Liang told 36Kr. This created a collaborative environment where researchers had access to ample resources for unorthodox projects. The contrast with other firms, where teams compete for resources, is stark.
“Most young people can commit fully to a mission without utilitarian concerns,” Liang explained. His pitch to recruits was simple: “Solve the hardest questions in the world.”
Necessary Innovation
US export controls on advanced chips like Nvidia’s H100 posed a challenge for DeepSeek. Although the company began with a stockpile of 10,000 H100s, they needed more to stay competitive.
DeepSeek adapted by finding more efficient ways to train models. “They used engineering tricks, custom chip communication schemes and memory-saving techniques,” explains Wendy Chang, a policy analyst at the Mercator Institute. DeepSeek also excelled in Multi-head Latent Attention (MLA) and Mixture-of-Experts designs, creating cost-effective models requiring less computing power. Their latest model, for instance, used one-tenth the resources of Meta’s Llama 3.1.
DeepSeek has emerged as a bold innovator, proving that resource constraints can inspire groundbreaking approaches. By focusing on efficiency, collaboration, and open-source methods, it has reshaped global AI dynamics. The rise of DeepSeek signals a new era where innovation is driven not just by resources but by creativity and determination.
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On Sunday, Kashmiris worldwide marked India’s Republic Day as Black Day. This annual protest reflects their ongoing fight for freedom and justice.
Protests against Indian Occupation and Violence
An unyielding Kashmir rebellion against Indian control has continued for 77 years, rejecting the Indians’ claim to legitimate control over the region. Besides, it brings to the world’s attention the ongoing human rights violations taking place in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), such as custodial killing, torture and harassment of innocents.
The people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir were united in mass. Protests and rallies took place in all ten districts. The state capital of Muzaffarabad was also host to a major demonstration with political leaders and parliamentarians joining in. Also, protests were held throughout Pakistan and other countries, unmistakably conveying a message of solidarity.
Kashmiris observe ‘Black Day’ on Indian Republic Day
Global Attention Urged by APHC
The APHC called for the attention of the world to the rapidly deteriorating condition in Kashmir. They urged world powers to put pressure on India to resolve the Kashmir conflict peacefully. Additionally, they pointed out that ignoring the issue allows these injustices to continue out of sight.
Prime Minister of AJK, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, minced no words when addressing a rally in Islamabad. He said:
“Kashmiris are observing India’s Republic Day as Black Day today to protest Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He went on to condemn India’s treatment of minorities under the Modi government. “Minorities in Modi’s India neither enjoy religious freedom nor their places of worship are safe,” he said. Furthermore, he accused the Modi regime of orchestrating crimes like the killing of Sikh leaders in Canada while deflecting blame onto Pakistan.
Eternal Bond between Pakistan and Kashmir
The Prime Minister of AJK assured Kashmiris that their fight for self-determination, as guaranteed under UN resolutions, would continue.
Thanking Pakistan for its continuous support, the Prime Minister stated that “Pakistan and Kashmir have an eternal relationship.”
At the rally, participants chanted slogans like “Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan” and “Hum Pakistani Hain” to express their unity with Pakistan. The atmosphere was filled with passion and determination.
Black Day serves as a haunting reminder of the Kashmiris’ struggle for justice and freedom with a call for international intervention to quell violence in the region and restore peace. While the struggle continues, there is still hope for a better tomorrow.
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South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on charges of insurrection following his attempt to declare martial law in December.
His attempt to impose military rule plunged the country into an unprecedented political dilemma, making him the first sitting president in the history of South Korea to be indicted with a crime. This indictment followed a court in Seol’s dismissal of a request to extend Yoon’s detention. This meant the prosecutors had to choose whether to charge or release him.
The legal team of Yoon criticised the indictment and pledged to expose any “illegalities in the probe.” “The prosecution has made a grave mistake, reducing itself to being the indictment arm of the CIO and a tool of political interests,” Yoon’s lawyers said.
In South Korea, insurrection is punishable by life imprisonment or death. However, the latter is unlikely, as the country has not carried out executions in decades. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court has begun considerations on whether to formally dismiss Yoon as President or reinstate him.
The impeached President has also refused to cooperate with the criminal investigation over his act of imposing martial law.
Yoon is set to stand trial along with his former Defence minister and senior military commanders, accused of providing him assistance in his plan and carrying out the attempt to seize entire power.
In case of Yoon’s removal from office, a presidential election would be held within 60 days.
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Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, Mohsin Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), provided a significant update on cricketer Saim Ayub.
Mohsin Naqvi, speaking in Houston to the reporters during his US visit, stated he is in contact with the batter’s medical staff and confirmed that PCB is committed to not hastening the young cricketer’s recovery process. The PCB chief confirmed, “We cannot put Saim Ayub’s career at risk for the Champions Trophy,”
While providing assurance about the left-handed batter’s recovery, Naqvi added, “The plaster on Saim Ayub’s foot will be removed in a couple of days as he is undergoing rehabilitation.”
It is worth mentioning that Saim Ayub is currently in the UK for his rehabilitation following an ankle injury. The batter sustained a right ankle fracture on the opening day of the second cricket test while fielding against South Africa at Newlands.
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The National Telecom and Information Technology Security Board (NTISB) has issued a cybersecurity advisory warning Pakistani users about the risks of using certain browser extensions that could compromise their personal data.
The advisory highlights tools such as ChatGPT-4, Gemini for Chrome and more than a dozen others being targeted by hackers to steal private information. The board specifically alerts users who rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) and artificial intelligence-powered tools about the growing threats posed by hackers employing phishing techniques. These hackers are reportedly injecting malicious code into legitimate browser extensions, potentially exposing users’ personal identifiable information (PII).
Among the 16 compromised extensions identified are popular tools like AI Assistant – ChatGPT, Bard AI Chat Extension, VPNCity, VidHelper Video Downloader and Trackker – Online Keylogger Tool, among others.
The NTITSB has issued several key recommendations to users to protect their privacy and security:
Avoid using the affected extensions and opt for alternative trusted options.
Only install browser extensions from reputable sources.
Review extension permissions and ratings carefully before installation.
Regularly update extensions to the latest versions.
Remove unused extensions from browsers.
Install and maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
Remain cautious of free extensions, as they may carry hidden risks.
Actively monitor system activity for unusual behavior.
The advisory urges users to stay vigilant and take immediate action to safeguard their data.
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U.S. President Donald Trump said that he was in talks with multiple people about buying the TikTok app and would likely make a decision on the popular app’s future in the next 30 days. During a flight to Florida, Trump told reporters on Air Force One, “I have spoken to many people about TikTok and there is a great interest in TikTok.”
According to reports, two people with information about discussions said the U.S. President’s administration is working on a plan to save TikTok that involves tapping software company Oracle and a group of outside investors to effectively take charge of the app’s operations.
As per one source who spoke to Reuters, under the deal being negotiated by the White House, TikTok’s China-based owner, ByteDance, would maintain a stake in the company. However, Oracle, which already supports TikTok’s web infrastructure, would take responsibility for overseeing data collection and software updates.
Meanwhile, in his comments to reporters on the flight, Trump said he had not spoken to Oracle’s Larry Ellison about buying the app. When asked if he was working on a deal with Oracle and other investors to save TikTok, Donald Trump bluntly responded, “No, not with Oracle. Numerous people are talking to me, very substantial people, about buying it and I will make that decision probably over the next 30 days. Congress has given 90 days. If we can save TikTok, I think it would be a good thing.”
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The British Museum was partially closed after a fired IT employee shut down some of its computer systems, museum management said. The museum located in Central London, which attracts almost 6 million visitors a year, closed its temporary exhibitions and part of its permanent collection following the alleged attack.
“An IT contractor who was dismissed last week trespassed into the museum and shut down several of our systems,” a museum spokesperson said. “We are working hard to get the museum back to being fully operational but with regret our temporary exhibitions have been closed today and will remain so over the weekend – ticket holders have been alerted and refunds offered.”
The Metropolitan Police force stated officers responded to reports that a man had entered the British Museum and damaged the museum’s security and IT systems. It said a man in his 50’s was arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage. He has been released on bail as the inquiry continues.
The 266-year-old museum has also faced some of the major challenges in recent years. It is still trying to recover more than 1,800 items that are believed to have been stolen by a former curator and placed for online sale. Peter Higgs, who served in the museum’s Greece and Rome department for 30 years, was fired in July 2023 and is being sued by the organization. He denies the accusations.
The Museum director Hartwig Fischer, who resigned in August 2023, accepted that the institution’s management had not taken the alerts seriously and had ignored warnings that items such as gold jewelry, semi-precious gems and ancient artifacts dating back to the 15th century B.C were being stolen from the collection and sold on eBay.
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