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Showing posts from February, 2025

Trump tells Zelensky to ‘make a deal’ with Russia or lose US support

US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky openly argued in the White House on Friday as they clashed on the need for compromising with what the Ukrainian president called Russia’s “killer” leader. Trump berated Zelensky as they sat in the Oval Office, telling him to be more “thankful” and saying, “You’re in no position to dictate what we’re going to feel.” He told the Ukrainian president that he either “make a deal” with Russia “or we’re out”. US Vice President JD Vance, sitting nearby, also attacked Zelensky, calling him “disrespectful”. Zelensky appeared to try to speak but was cut off. The extraordinary outburst came after Trump said Ukraine would have to make “compromises” in a truce with Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbour three years ago. “You can’t do any deals without compromises. So certainly he’s going to have to make some compromises, but hopefully they won’t be as big as some people think,” Trump said. But showing T...

Struggling with hair loss? Here’s how to stop it

Hair loss, or alopecia, affects millions worldwide, impacting self-esteem and confidence. While some cases are linked to genetics, others result from stress, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or harsh hair treatments. Scientists are now developing innovative treatments to combat the issue. Dermatologists suggest several strategies to slow down hair loss and promote regrowth. Increase Protein Intake: A protein-rich diet can support hair growth. Vegans and vegetarians may need 40 to 60 grams of protein daily through sources like beans, eggs, and Greek yogurt. “You can drink your protein; you don’t have to eat it in a food substance,” says a dermatologist. Take Vitamins: Deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, zinc, and iron can contribute to hair thinning. Supplements such as biotin with zinc, saw palmetto, calcium, and selenium can support healthy hair. “Look for supplements from a reputable company,” advises the dermatologist. Follow the Mediterranean Diet: A diet rich in fruits, v...

Karachi traffic police to install cameras in dumpers, trucks

Amid the rising accidents and fatalities caused by dumpers and trucks in Karachi, the traffic police has decided to install front and rear cameras in all dumpers and trucks, Express News reported. The decision was made during a meeting with the Goods Carrier Association, aimed at enforcing traffic laws more effectively and identifying the causes of potential accidents. During the meeting, the DIG Traffic issued directives for the installation of front and rear cameras in dumpers and trucks to monitor drivers, prevent accidents, and analyze the causes of any incidents that occur. He explained that a large number of dumpers and trucks operate on the roads, and investigations into past accidents have faced difficulties due to a lack of evidence. The installation of these cameras will not only help monitor drivers but also aid in identifying the true causes of accidents. He further instructed that the footage from the cameras should be stored for at least 15 days, and that the Kar...

Abu Dhabi crown prince to visit Pakistan at PM Shehbaz's invitation

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will embark on his first official visit to Pakistan on Thursday at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Foreign Office announced on Wednesday. The crown prince will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, senior officials, and prominent business leaders, underscoring the importance of this visit. This trip marks a significant milestone in strengthening the long-standing fraternal ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The visit aims to reinforce the historical bonds shared by both nations and expand bilateral economic cooperation. During his visit, Sheikh Khaled is expected to engage with Pakistan's leadership to discuss matters of mutual interest, focusing on enhancing economic and investment ties. Several agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be signed, paving the way for joint ventures and projects that promote long-term collabora...

Apple glitch causes 'Trump' to appear when dictating 'racist' in voice-to-text feature

Apple has come under scrutiny after a viral TikTok video revealed that its iPhone voice-to-text feature briefly displays the word "Trump" when users dictate "racist" before correcting itself. Fox News Digital replicated the issue multiple times, observing the word “Trump” flash on the screen before being replaced by “racist.” However, the glitch did not occur consistently, and in some instances, the dictation feature displayed unrelated words like “reinhold” or “you” instead. In response to the controversy, an Apple spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating: "We are aware of an issue with the speech recognition model that powers Dictation, and we are rolling out a fix as soon as possible." According to Apple, the speech recognition models that power dictation may temporarily display words with phonetic overlap before settling on the correct word. The company clarified that the bug affects other words starting with ‘r’ as well, not just "racist....

AI innovation takes centre stage at Qatar Web Summit 2025

The second annual Web Summit in Doha has become a focal point for discussions on the future of artificial intelligence (AI), with leading entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators gathered to explore the rapid transformation of the tech landscape. Held in Qatar's capital, the four-day event is set to address the most pressing questions surrounding AI, attracting over 25,000 attendees from 124 countries, including more than 1,520 start-ups and 600 investors. The summit kicked off its second day with a keen focus on AI advancements, as the technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Entrepreneurs such as Alexander Wang, founder and CEO of Scale AI, and Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, took centre stage, sharing insights on AI’s global impact. Wang noted that the US and China are at the forefront of AI development, with most countries and companies likely to build their AI systems using either of the two nations' technology stacks. He highlighted the competition b...

Thousands gather in Beirut for slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral

Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in Beirut on Sunday to pay their final respects to Hezbollah’s late leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated by Israel five months ago. The public funeral, initially delayed due to security concerns, was held at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, Lebanon’s largest venue. The event began with a speech by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, read aloud to the crowd. Mourners stood in silence as the decorated coffins of Nasrallah and his heir apparent, Hashem Safieddine—who was killed in another Israeli airstrike a week later—were brought into the stadium, draped in Hezbollah’s yellow flag. Hezbollah leaders framed the funeral as both a tribute and a demonstration of resilience. “We will uphold trust and walk on this path,” said Hezbollah’s acting leader, Naim Qassem, in a televised speech. “Your struggle lives within us.” Hezbollah official Ali Daamoush said 800 dignitaries from 65 countries attended the ceremony, which featured ...

Beyond borders

Across the world, diasporas have played an important role in shaping global economies, influencing policy, and maintaining strong cultural ties with their homelands. Whether it is the Chinese diaspora's economic influence, the Irish diaspora's political advocacy, or the Indian diaspora's role in global technology sectors, expatriate communities have repeatedly proven their significance. Similarly, the Pakistani diaspora - spread across the US, the UK, the Middle East, and beyond - has emerged as a formidable force contributing to both their host nations and their country of origin. Multiple forms of immense contributions link to Pakistanis who live abroad. The remittances from overseas Pakistanis help improve the balance of payments situation. The Pakistani professionals together with entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable achievements through their work in technology fields, finance, medicine and academic sectors. Pakistani-origin individuals now lead globally as execu...

Pakistan, UAE boost economic ties with focus on trade and investment

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and other key sectors, Pakistan’s foreign office said on Friday, as Islamabad seeks to revive its struggling $350 billion economy. The announcement followed a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi. The two leaders discussed strengthening economic and diplomatic relations between their countries. “The two leaders explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, defense, and people-to-people connections,” Pakistan’s foreign office said. Both nations have ramped up economic collaboration in recent years. In January 2024, Pakistan and the UAE signed agreements worth over $3 billion in sectors such as railways, economic zones, and infrastructure. The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the U...

Five fiery moments of Pakistan-India cricket rivalry

As Pakistan and India gear up for a highly anticipated clash in the ICC Champions Trophy on Sunday in Dubai, AFP Sport recalls five controversial moments from their fierce rivalry in one-day cricket. Miandad’s Kangaroo Jump (1992 World Cup) Javed Miandad’s antics were legendary, often leaving opponents rattled. During Pakistan's chase against India in the 1992 World Cup, the Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More's constant appeals seemed to get under Miandad’s skin. After a cheeky run, Miandad mocked More’s persistent shouting with a playful kangaroo jump, imitating the keeper's movements. While fans found it amusing, Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin was less than pleased, visibly angry at Miandad’s behavior. Prasad’s Revenge (1996 World Cup Quarter-Final) During the 1996 World Cup quarter-final, Pakistan opener Aamer Sohail was in the middle of a blistering knock when he taunted Indian medium-pacer Venkatesh Prasad after hitting him for a boundary. The next ball, however, Prasa...

Saudi Arabia, UAE top destinations for Pakistani workers in 2024

Pakistan sent 727,381 skilled workers to Middle Eastern and European countries in 2024, a record figure aimed at reducing unemployment and increasing remittances, state-run media reported on Thursday. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), most workers were employed in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman, while a significant number also secured jobs in European nations. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development credited the achievement to "aggressive marketing strategies, improved facilitation, and strengthened ties with international employers." "This landmark achievement is a shining testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to providing Pakistani workers with lucrative employment opportunities abroad," the APP report stated. Pakistan’s workforce plays a crucial role in supporting the economy, with remittances serving as a vital source of foreign exchange amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges. Th...

Drake's drone encounter sparks privacy debate

In response to escalating privacy breaches, prominent figures in entertainment and sports are adopting sophisticated measures to protect their personal spaces. The misuse of drones and the proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes have prompted these individuals to invest in drone-jamming devices and AI-driven surveillance systems. Drone Intrusions and Countermeasures Unauthorized drone flights over private properties have become a significant concern for celebrities. For example, during the filming of the "Game of Thrones" finale, producers employed drone-jamming technology to prevent aerial leaks of the set. These jammers disrupt the communication between drones and their operators, effectively neutralizing potential threats. AI Surveillance Against Deepfakes The rise of AI-generated deepfakes—fabricated images and videos that closely mimic real individuals—has led celebrities to seek technological defenses. Companies like Loti have emerged, offering services that scan the in...

Security forces kill 30 terrorists in South Waziristan IBO: ISPR

Security forces have killed 30 terrorists during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the South Waziristan District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the military's media wing said on Tuesday. This operation follows the elimination of 15 terrorists in two separate operations in K-P last week. The operation took place on Monday in the Sararogha area, following reports of the presence of Khwarij militants. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the security forces effectively engaged the militants' location, leading to the death of the 30 terrorists. “During the conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the Khwarij location, as a result of which, thirty Khwarij were sent to hell,” the ISPR added.The military further stated that a sanitisation operation was underway in the region to clear the area of any remaining terrorists. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” the ISPR concluded. The oper...

Meret Schneider calls Elon Musk’s X ‘threat to democracy’ and urges ban in Switzerland

Meret Schneider, a Swiss National Council member from the Green Party, recently criticized Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) as a “threat to democracy,” suggesting it should be banned in Switzerland. Schneider, an outspoken vegan activist, claims that the platform promotes conservative viewpoints, which she argues poses a risk to democratic values. Meet Switzerland National Council Member Meret Schneider. She wants to ban X in Switzerland, saying it may be a "threat to democracy" and that it promotes conservatives. What is your response? pic.twitter.com/7SXY3pV6Vq — Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 17, 2025 Schneider is an active advocate for reducing meat consumption in Switzerland and is the co-manager of Sentience Politics, an organization focused on animal rights. Her political career includes serving as a municipal council member in Uster from 2014 to 2019, followed by a role in the Cantonal Council of Zurich. She was elected to the National Council in 2019, returned...

Tottenham vs Man Utd 1-0: Madison shushes tepid United by scoring

James Maddison netted the decisive goal on his comeback from injury as Tottenham secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in a battle of struggling Premier League sides.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Premier League (@premierleague) Maddison, sidelined for nearly four weeks with a calf issue, capitalised on a rebound in the 13th minute after United goalkeeper Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall's effort, slotting home from close range.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Tottenham Hotspur (@spursofficial) United had opportunities to respond, most notably a couple which Alejandro Garnacho missed during both halfs, but another lacklustre performance saw them leave empty-handed. The result ended Tottenham’s three-game winless run, including back-to-back...

Government announces reduction in petrol, diesel prices

The government has announced a reduction in fuel prices by up to Rs5, effective from February 16, 2025. High-speed diesel (HSD), which is widely used in agriculture and transport sectors, will see a price drop of Rs4 per litre. The new price for HSD will be Rs263.95, down from the previous rate of Rs267.95 per litre. In addition to HSD, the price of petrol has also been reduced by Rs1 per litre. The new petrol price will be Rs256.13, following a similar decrease in the second fortnight of February 2025. Furthermore, the prices for kerosene and light diesel have been lowered by up to Rs5 per litre. Kerosene will now be available at Rs171.65 per litre, while light diesel will cost Rs155.81 per litre.   In a statement, the finance ministry said that the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) had reviewed and adjusted consumer prices for petroleum products in light of recent fluctuations in the international oil market. It further stated that the prices of these products had been fi...

iPhone SE: Apple reveals date for exciting new release

Apple is set to unveil the first update to the iPhone SE since 2022 on February 19, according to a cryptic post by CEO Tim Cook on X. “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19,” the post read. This announcement is expected to be part of a busy week for Apple, with other product news such as Apple TV+ expanding to Android phones and updates related to Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman had previously suggested the iPhone SE 4 would be announced the week of February 10, but later updated the timeline to February 17, which aligns with the recent post from Cook. There’s no official confirmation that the announcement will specifically be for the iPhone SE 4, with some speculating Apple might rebrand the device, which has been part of the lineup since 2016. The teaser from Cook simply shows the Apple logo with a liquid metal effect, leaving some uncertainty around what product will be revealed, but it’s widely expected to be a new iPhone SE. ...

What 'special gift' did ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’ co-star give to Mawra Hocane for her wedding?

Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane’s recent wedding has sparked celebrations, not just among her fans but also from her 'Sanam Teri Kasam' co-star, Harshvardhan Rane, who extended his wishes in a unique way. Mawra tied the knot with actor Ameer Gilani on February 5. To mark the occasion, her 2016 Bollywood film 'Sanam Teri Kasam' was re-released in Indian cinemas on February 7. The film performed better at the box office than during its initial release, making it an unexpected success for the actress. In a recent interview, Rane was asked about his wedding gift for Hocane. He responded by calling the film’s renewed success the biggest present he could offer. “I would like to send my best wishes to Mawra through the film’s numbers because our re-release has done exceptionally well,” he said. Rane further revealed that after the film’s initial failure in 2016, he distanced himself from his co-stars, producer, and director. However, the film’s recent success has brought him jo...

Pakistan shatters multiple records in historic run chase against South Africa

Pakistan's record-breaking run chase saw Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha score centuries, leading their team to their highest-ever successful ODI chase and securing a spot in the final of the ongoing Tri-Nation ODI Series. Pakistan defeated Temba Bavuma’s South Africa by six wickets, successfully chasing down a challenging target of 353 at the National Stadium in Karachi. https://ift.tt/SgvVOAK The hosts made a strong start to their pursuit, reaching 138/3 after 21 overs. This marked the first time in 20 years that Pakistan scored more than 90 runs in the first 10 overs of an ODI, with 91 runs coming at the cost of two wickets. The last time Pakistan achieved this feat was in 2005, when Shahid Afridi led the charge in a memorable match against India in Kanpur. The opening partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam laid a solid foundation for the chase, with Fakhar playing an aggressive knock of 41 off 28 balls, while Babar added a steady 23 runs off 19 balls. Their efforts...

Punjab revises prison rules, raising questions on Imran Khan's relocation

The Punjab interior ministry has implemented changes to prison regulations, allowing inmates to serve sentences in their local areas, sparking discussions on whether this will affect the imprisonment location of Imran Khan. The ministry has recently approved significant changes to prison regulations, marking a key shift in the management of incarcerated individuals in the province. A meeting on Monday reviewed reports on the implementation of these reforms, which include provisions aimed at improving the living conditions and rehabilitation of prisoners. One of the most notable changes is the new rule allowing convicted prisoners to serve their sentences in jails located in their native regions. Previously, according to the jail rules, criminals had to serve their sentences in the jail located in the area where the crime was committed. However, the revised regulations now permit criminals to be transferred to jails in their own districts, provided they are convicted within Punjab. ...

Rashid Latif calls for Shaheen Afridi to be dropped from team

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called for a major overhaul of Pakistan's fast bowling attack, criticising the underperformance of senior pacers following the team’s defeat to New Zealand in the tri-nation series opener. Speaking to a private news channel, Latif questioned the form of Pakistan's senior bowlers, specifically Shaheen Shah Afridi. "When was the last time Afridi delivered a match-winning performance?" Latif asked, adding that the time had come to make changes in the squad. He also expressed concerns about Naseem Shah, stating that despite his long tenure with the team, he has not contributed significantly to Pakistan’s success. The former cricketer pointed out the discrepancy in how players are treated, highlighting how the likes of Khushdil Shah and Salman Agha are frequently criticised, while senior players like Afridi, Babar Azam, and Muhammad Rizwan often escape scrutiny. "No one is talking about these players' lacklustre performance...

Chahat Fateh Ali Khan faces criticism after proposing to TV anchor

Renowned for his unique singing style on social media, singer Chahat Fateh Ali Khan has once again made headlines due to a controversial conversation on a TV show. Recently, he appeared on a private TV show, where his remarks about marriage and his interaction with the host drew criticism from the public. During the show, the host, Hina Niazi asked Khan, who claimed to be single, about the kind of woman he would like to marry. In response, he stated, "I would like to marry someone like you. I have been pursuing you for the past year." The host politely declined his remarks, explaining that her family is strict and she has her own preferences. However, despite her response, Khan continued to compliment her beauty and repeatedly proposed to her during the program. Further in the conversation, the singer revealed that 38 women had proposed to him for marriage. When asked why he ignored the two dozen women interested in him, he replied, "The heart has its own choices." ...

PML-N responds to speculations over Sindh Governor's replacement

The ruling party, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) [PML-N], has stated that there is no interference in the matters of allied parties and that Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori will remain in office. According to Express News, sources within PML-N revealed that Governor Kamran Tessori will continue his work as the Governor of Sindh while emphasizing that the organizational matters of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan are the responsibility of their leadership, with no involvement from the federal government. Sources within the federal government also clarified that PML-N's federal administration does not interfere in the organizational setup or matters of its allies, and it is due to this policy that the relationship between PML-N and its allies remains exemplary. They further stated that the circulating rumors about the replacement of the Sindh Governor are incorrect. There is no proposal under consideration in the federal government regarding the removal of Governor Tessori o...

Over 30 missing after landslide in Southwestern China; rescue efforts underway

At least 30 people remain missing following a devastating landslide that struck Jinping village in China’s southwestern Sichuan province. The disaster, which occurred at 11:50 AM local time (03:50 GMT), buried ten houses and trapped several residents. So far, two people have been rescued, while emergency teams race against time to find survivors. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an "all-out" rescue operation, urging authorities to minimize casualties and swiftly manage the aftermath. Premier Li Qiang has also instructed officials to investigate geological risks in the surrounding areas and evacuate those at risk of further landslides. Rescue efforts are being led by hundreds of emergency workers, with approximately 200 residents already evacuated from the disaster zone. Images from Chinese state media show a massive collapse of mud and rock cutting through the village, leaving destruction in its wake. Authorities have allocated 50 million yuan ($6.9 million) from c...

Love-sick US woman discharged from hospital, departs for home

Security and health officials heaved a sigh of relief as the 35-year-old American woman, Onija Andrew Robbins, who has been receiving psychiatric treatment at JPMC, was declared fit to travel and discharged on Friday evening. She was escorted to the Women Police Station by an all-female squad from where she was taken to the Jinnah Interantional Terminal and put on a flight back home. Earlier, hospital officials confirmed that arrangements for her travel, including necessary documents and an air ticket, were pending from the US Consulate General in Karachi. Once the formalities were complete, she was sent off. The hospital had been in regular communication with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the US diplomatic mission regarding her return. Medical reports had indicated major improvement in her condition. Her hemoglobin level had risen from four to 9.9. However, she continued to battle bipolar disorder, which would require ongoing treatment. According to Prof Chooni Lal, head ...

Rizwan addresses speculations on squad changes ahead of Champions Trophy

Pakistan Captain Muhammad Rizwan has confidently addressed speculations surrounding the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, reaffirming his trust in Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah. From February 19, the tournament will feature the eight best cricket teams in the world battling it out. Prior to that, a tri-nation series will be held in Lahore starting on Saturday, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand. In a pre-series press conference held in Lahore on Friday, Rizwan spoke candidly about the squad for both the series and the 2025 Champions Trophy, highlighting the team's strengths and potential. When asked about the opening pair, Rizwan humourously responded, “King will take care of it,” suggesting that Babar Azam will be entrusted with the responsibility. Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman has returned to the team after six months and his recent form has been questioned, while Azam is not in great from either.         View this post on Instagram   ...

Govt declares national day of mourning on Feb 8 to honour Aga Khan IV

The funeral of Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, will be held privately in Lisbon on Saturday, while Pakistan observes a national day of mourning on February 8 to honor his passing. Prince Karim al-Husseini, aged 88, passed away on Tuesday, marking the end of his long tenure as the 49th Imam of the Nizari Ismailis, a branch of Shia Islam with millions of followers across Central and South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The funeral ceremony will be held at the Ismaili community center in central Lisbon, attended by several hundred guests. Naguib Kheraj, a senior adviser to the Ismaili community, confirmed that it would be a private and dignified event. "This is a private event, not a big public event… It will be short and dignified," Kheraj told reporters at a press conference on Thursday. Meanwhile, Pakistan will observe a national day of mourning on Saturday, February 8, to honor the funeral of Prince Karim Aga Khan. A notification issued by ...

Indian officials refuse to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy

The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will not feature Indian officials, as two prominent candidates have excused themselves from officiating in Pakistan. According to reports from Indian media, Javagal Srinath, one of the most respected match referees, and Nitin Menon, a member of the ICC’s elite umpire panel, have both opted not to undertake assignments in the Pakistan leg of the tournament due to personal reasons. “Menon has refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy citing ‘personal reasons.’ Obviously, he can’t be officiating in India’s matches in Dubai, as the tournament rules stipulate neutral umpires. Hence, he is missing from the Champions Trophy,” a source told The Times of India. Meanwhile, Srinath, who is currently officiating in India’s bilateral white-ball series against England, confirmed his absence by stating he had requested "leave" due to an extended period away from home during the months of November, December, and January. “Yes, I had asked for l...

Tiger Woods shares news of mother's death, Kultida, at 78

Tiger Woods announced the passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, at the age of 78 on Tuesday, sharing the news with heartfelt sadness through a post on X (formerly Twitter). In his emotional statement, Woods expressed deep gratitude for his mother’s support throughout his life and career. “It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Woods wrote. “My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible.” Woods also reflected on the love his mother received, especially from her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. "She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren," he added. Woods, who requested privacy for his family during this difficult time, posted a picture of Kultida alongside the statement. "Thank you al...

Trump considering USAID-State Dept merger to boost efficiency

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering merging the US Agency for International Development (USAID) with the State Department as part of a broader push to improve efficiency and align the agency’s spending with his administration’s priorities. A senior White House official confirmed the discussions on Monday, revealing that Elon Musk has been entrusted to oversee efforts aimed at cutting wasteful government spending. Musk, who is leading Trump’s drive for fiscal responsibility, has been vocal about his criticisms of USAID, calling the agency “beyond repair” and suggesting it should be shut down. This has raised concerns that Musk's personal political views could be influencing efforts to dismantle or restructure the agency. According to Musk, Trump has agreed with the need to shutter USAID. Meanwhile, tensions have risen within the agency. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he is now acting head of USAID, claiming the agency has been “unresponsive” and acc...

Casey Deidrick arrested for domestic assault in Tennessee

Casey Deidrick, an actor best known for his role as Chad DiMera on 'Days of Our Lives', was arrested in Tennessee over the weekend on charges of domestic assault and interference with an emergency call. According to TMZ, Deidrick was taken into custody on Sunday following an incident at his Nashville home. He was later released after posting a $2,500 bond. According to the arrest warrant, Deidrick got into a heated argument with his girlfriend after suspecting she was recording him on her phone. He allegedly grabbed her phone, which led to a confrontation. Deidrick claimed his girlfriend wrapped her hands around his neck, but officers found no evidence to support this. His girlfriend, however, told authorities that the argument escalated when Deidrick put her in a bear hug and took her phone. She stated she was fearful for her safety and demanded her phone back to call 911. After promising to move out that day, she said Deidrick returned her phone. In addition to 'Days of O...

Saudi Arabia becomes number one destination for Pakistanis

Saudi Arabia has become the top destination for Pakistani travelers, with a 100% annual increase in the number of Pakistanis visiting the Kingdom, according to the popular travel service app "Wego" in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry is rapidly expanding, driven by ambitious mega-projects like NEOM, a futuristic city on the Red Sea, and The Red Sea Project, which emphasizes luxury and eco-tourism, poised to redefine global tourism standards. Under its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is making significant efforts to promote tourism, and it remains a favored destination for thousands of Pakistanis who travel annually for religious duties, especially during Ramadan when they visit the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for pilgrimage and Umrah. Wego recently introduced its online travel agent platform, "Book on Wego," to its Pakistani users. The app reports that Saudi Arabia is a popular tourist choice among Pakistanis, with the ...

The AI war begins

In 2023, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was on a visit to India. In one of his interactions, the ChatGPT boss was asked: was it possible to build an AI model with $10 million investment? His answer was pretty straightforward: "Next to impossible." He then went on to boast about the US high-tech prowess by saying that China cannot compete. The same year, a 38-year-old engineer in China established a startup, called DeepSeek. The Chinese company with 140 fresh university graduates worked on an AI tool, with the outside world having little idea that it would give the US tech giants a run for money. On 10 January, DeepSeek unveiled its AI model RI costing just $5.6 million. Within days, DeepSeek has become the most downloaded free application in the US. Investors were surprised how the low-cost, open-source generative AI tool was able to compete with leading AI apps such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. It shook Silicon Valley and Wall Street. President Donald Trump conceded that it was a "w...

President approves transfer of three judges to Islamabad High Court

The President of Pakistan has approved the transfer of one judge each from the Lahore, Sindh, and Balochistan High Courts to the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Following this approval, the Federal Ministry of Law has issued the official notification. President Asif Ali Zardari sanctioned the transfers under Article 200 of the Constitution, after which the Ministry of Law formalized the decision through an official notification. According to the notification, Justice Sarfraz Dogar from the Lahore High Court has been transferred to the Islamabad High Court. Similarly, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro from the Sindh High Court and Justice Muhammad Asif from the Balochistan High Court have also been reassigned to the IHC. Concerns over judicial appointments Previously, five judges of the Islamabad High Court had written a letter to the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the Chief Justices of respective high courts, expressing their concerns over the appointment of judges from other courts to the IHC....