Trump imposes steep tariffs on multiple countries, including 19% on Pakistani exports

US President Donald Trump has unveiled a new round of steep import tariffs, affecting dozens of countries — including a 19% duty on Pakistani goods — just days before a key trade deal deadline.

Part of a broader push to overhaul global trade practices, the new measures place Pakistan among 69 nations facing US tariffs between 10% and 41%, effective next week.

Trump stated the tariffs aim to address unfair trade imbalances and safeguard America’s economic and national security interests.

Trump released an executive order listing higher import duty rates of 10% to 41% starting in seven days for 69 trading partners as the 12:01 am EDT (0401 GMT) deadline approached.

Some of them had reached tariff-reducing deals, and some had no opportunity to negotiate with his administration.

The order said that goods from all other countries not listed in an annex would be subject to a 10% US tariff rate.

Trump's order stated that some trading partners, “despite having engaged in negotiations, have offered terms that, in my judgement, do not sufficiently address imbalances in our trading relationship or have failed to align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national-security matters.”

Trump issued a separate order for Canada that raises the rate on Canadian goods subject to fentanyl-related tariffs to 35% from 25% previously, saying Canada had “failed to cooperate” in curbing fentanyl flows into the US.

The higher tariffs on Canadian goods contrasted sharply with Trump’s decision to grant Mexico a 90-day reprieve from higher tariffs of 30% on many goods to provide more time to negotiate a broader trade pact.

A US official told reporters that more trade deals were yet to be announced as Trump’s higher “reciprocal” tariff rates were set to take effect.

“We have some deals,” the official said. “And I don’t want to get ahead of the President of the United States in announcing those deals.”

Regarding the steep tariffs on goods from Canada, the second largest US trading partner after Mexico, the official said that Canadian officials “haven’t shown the same level of constructiveness that we’ve seen from the Mexican side.”

The extension for Mexico avoids a 30% tariff on most Mexican non-automotive and non-metal goods compliant with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade and came after a Thursday morning call between Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

“We avoided the tariff increase announced for tomorrow,” Sheinbaum wrote in an X social media post, adding that the Trump call was “very good.”

Approximately 85% of US imports from Mexico comply with the rules of origin outlined in the USMCA, shielding them from 25% tariffs related to fentanyl, according to Mexico’s economy ministry.

Trump said the US would continue to levy a 50% tariff on Mexican steel, aluminium and copper, and a 25% tariff on Mexican autos and on non-USMCA-compliant goods subject to tariffs related to the US fentanyl crisis.

“Additionally, Mexico has agreed to immediately terminate its Non Tariff Trade Barriers, of which there were many,” Trump said in a Truth Social post without providing details.

Korea deal, India discord

South Korea agreed on Wednesday to accept a 15% tariff on its exports to the US, including autos, down from a threatened 25%, as part of a deal that includes a pledge to invest $350 billion in US projects to be chosen by Trump.

But goods from India appeared to be headed for a 25% tariff after talks bogged down over access to India’s agriculture sector, drawing a higher-rate threat from Trump that also included an unspecified penalty for India’s purchases of Russian oil.

Although negotiations with India were continuing, New Delhi vowed to protect the country’s labour-intensive farm sector, triggering outrage from the opposition party and a slump in the rupee.

Trump’s rollout of higher import taxes on Friday comes amid more evidence they have begun driving up consumer goods prices.

Commerce Department data released Thursday showed prices for home furnishings and durable household equipment jumped 1.3% in June, the biggest gain since March 2022, after increasing 0.6% in May.

Recreational goods and vehicles prices rose 0.9%, the most since February 2024, after being unchanged in May. Prices for clothing and footwear rose 0.4%.

Pakistan Successfully Launches New Remote Sensing Satellite from China

KARACHI: Pakistan has successfully launched its latest remote sensing satellite into orbit from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC), the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) announced on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s expanding space program.

According to a spokesperson for the national space agency, the new satellite is expected to support national capabilities in Earth observation, agricultural monitoring, and environmental analysis.

The satellite was launched in collaboration with the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and MICROSAT China.

The satellite will also contribute to geospatial and monitoring of strategic initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), assist with regional planning, and support natural resource management efforts.

The Suparco spokesperson added that the satellite will help identify transportation networks and geographical hazards.

According to the agency, this is Pakistan’s second remote sensing satellite after PRSS-1, which was launched in 2018. With the addition of the new satellite, five Pakistani satellites are now operational in orbit, strengthening national capacity in space-based monitoring and disaster management.

The launch comes as part of Pakistan’s broader National Space Policy and Vision 2047.

According to Suparco, the new satellite is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging systems and will assist in predicting and mitigating natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, landslides, and glacier melt.

Suparco has said the satellite is equipped with advanced imaging systems capable of round-the-clock data acquisition, designed to aid precision agriculture, disaster response, urban planning, and climate surveillance.

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal congratulated the nation on the successful launch and praised the Suparco team, engineers, and scientists for their achievement.

Iqbal said that the satellite had successfully reached its orbit and expressed gratitude for China’s strong support in making the mission possible.

In a message shared on X, Iqbal described the launch as “another URAAN of Pakistan,” and declared it “another proud moment for our nation.”

He said the mission reflects the “dedication and excellence of Suparco and its brilliant team,” and asserted that the milestone “not only strengthens Pakistan’s capabilities in space exploration but also takes Pakistan–China Iron Brotherhood beyond the skies.”

He further stated that Pakistan would restore its leadership role in space technology and revealed that next year, with Chinese assistance, a Pakistani astronaut would be sent into space.

Iqbal also announced that Pakistan aims to successfully complete its programme to reach the Moon by 2035.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an official press release, declared the launch a “major milestone for space exploration and technological progress,” reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development.

Earlier, Suparco had stated that the satellite would play a pivotal role in sustainable development by improving resource management, supporting precision agriculture, and facilitating urban and regional planning.

The mission builds on a decade of progress since the 2011 launch of PakSat-1R, followed by PakTES-1A and PRSS-1 in 2018. In 2024, the country achieved another milestone with the launch of PakSat-MM1, providing high-speed internet to remote areas.

Pakistan’s first student-built lunar satellite, iCube Qamar, also made global headlines with its images of the Moon’s surface.

Most recently, in January 2025, Pakistan launched its first fully indigenous satellite, Electro-Optical Satellite EO-1, developed entirely by local engineers and scientists, designed for agriculture, disaster monitoring, and environmental analysis.

Trump says edging closer to 'very fair deal' with China

US President Donald Trump has said that trade talks with China are heading in the right direction.

Speaking at the White House, he expressed hope that both countries would soon reach what he called a “very fair deal”.

His comments came as officials from both sides met for hours to try and settle their long-running trade dispute.

"We're moving along with China. We're doing fine with China," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"I think it's going to work out very well. We're right in step. I think we're going to have a very fair deal with China."

US and Chinese officials met in Stockholm on Monday for more than five hours of talks aimed at resolving economic disputes, to extend their truce on a trade war by three months.

China is facing an August 12 deadline to reach a durable tariff agreement with Trump’s administration, after Beijing and Washington reached preliminary deals in May and June to end escalating tit-for-tat tariffs and a cut-off of rare earth minerals.

Trump’s administration has agreed trade deals with the European Union, Britain and Japan. It is negotiating with multiple other countries to achieve more.

US to impose 25% tariff on India from Aug 1, says Trump

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that a 25 per cent trade tariff would be imposed on India from August 1 along with an additional penalty for Russian energy purchases amid the Ukraine War.

In posts on his social platform Truth Social, he said the US had a “massive trade deficit” with India.

In another post, he said: “Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country.

“Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia, and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine — all things not good! India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25pc, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August 1st.”

 Earlier, he said a trade deal with India had yet to be finalised and warned of possible higher tariffs ahead of an August 1 deadline to seal an agreement.

His comments followed a Reuters report that India was preparing to accept higher tariffs of 20-25pc on its exports to the US in the absence of a trade deal, as it holds off on offering fresh concessions ahead of Friday’s deadline.

“India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs, almost more than any other country,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, adding that it would come to an end.

Asked about the Reuters report, Trump said a trade deal had not been finalised and India could face steeper tariffs.

India plans to resume broader trade talks with the US in mid-August when a US delegation is due to visit, hoping to seal a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement by October, Indian officials said.

“Talks are progressing well,” an official said, adding Trump could issue a tariff order in a “worst-case scenario”. The official declined to be identified without authorisation to speak to the media.

“But, we assume it would be (a) temporary measure, considering the five rounds of trade talks that have taken place. A deal will soon be worked out,” the official said.

Trump also reiterated his claim that he helped broker a ceasefire to the conflict between India and Pakistan earlier this year, saying both sides accepted his request.

“That was great,” he said describing his friendship with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India disputes Trump’s claims that he brokered the ceasefire.

Analysts say Trump’s remarks on the India-Pakistan conflict have cast a shadow on trade negotiations.

On Monday, Trump said most partners that do not negotiate separate trade deals would soon face tariffs of 15-20pc on their exports to the US, well above the broad 10pc tariff he imposed in April. His administration will notify some 200 countries soon of their new “world tariff” rate.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC that the India talks require more time, noting Trump wants good deals, not fast ones.

India has shown “strong interest in opening portions of its market” though its trade policy had long focused on protecting domestic interests, Greer said.

Piyush Goyal, India’s trade minister, told Reuters last week India was making “fantastic” progress in US trade talks.

Indian officials said New Delhi had offered tariff cuts on a wide range of goods and was working to ease non-tariff barriers.

However, agriculture and dairy remain no-go areas, with India unwilling to allow US imports of genetically modified soybean or corn, or to open its dairy sector.

Total bilateral goods trade reached about $129 billion in 2024, with India posting a surplus of nearly $46bn.

Officials said India was calibrating its strategy amid broader US tariff threats targeting Brics nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and others), including India, over issues such as de-dollarisation and Russian oil purchases.

“We remain hopeful of securing a deal that gives Indian exporters preferential access compared to our peers,” a second Indian government official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

France, 14 Other Countries Call for Recognition of Palestinian State

France, along with 14 other Western nations, has called on the international community to recognize a Palestinian state, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced on Wednesday.

The appeal came in a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of 15 countries following a conference in New York, co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, aimed at reviving the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“From New York, alongside 14 other nations, France is making a collective call: we affirm our intention to recognize the State of Palestine and urge others to do the same,” Barrot stated on X.

President Emmanuel Macron announced last week he would formally recognise Palestinian statehood in September, provoking strong opposition from Israel and the United States.

France is hoping to build a momentum around the formal recognition of a Palestinian state.

On Tuesday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the UK will formally recognise the State of Palestine in September unless Israel takes various “substantive steps”, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Starmer’s move, paired with Paris, would make the two European allies the first G7 nations to do so.

In the statement, 15 nations including Spain, Norway, and Finland affirmed their “unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution.”

Nine of the signatories which have not yet recognised the Palestinian state expressed “the willingness or the positive consideration of their countries” to do so, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Seventeen countries plus the European Union and Arab League during the conference joined calls for Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in a bid to end the devastating war in the Palestinian territory.

Australia Expands Teen Social Media Ban to Include YouTube, Removes Exemptions

Australia announced on Wednesday that it will include YouTube in its landmark social media ban for teenagers, reversing a previous decision to exempt the Alphabet-owned platform and potentially paving the way for legal pushback.

The move follows a recommendation from the national internet regulator, which urged the government to reconsider the exemption after a survey revealed that 37% of minors encountered harmful content on YouTube — the highest among all social media platforms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “I’m calling time on it,” emphasizing the negative impact of online platforms on Australian youth and urging social media companies to uphold their social responsibilities.

"I want Australian parents to know that we have their backs."

The decision broadens the ban set to take effect in December.

YouTube says it is used by nearly three-quarters of Australians aged 13 to 15, and should not be classified as social media because its main activity is hosting videos.

"Our position remains clear: YouTube is a video sharing platform with a library of free, high-quality content, increasingly viewed on TV screens. It's not social media," a YouTube spokesperson said by email.

Since the government said last year it would exempt YouTube due to its popularity with teachers, platforms covered by the ban, such as Meta's Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat SNAP.N and TikTok, have complained.

They say YouTube has key similarities to their products, including letting users interact and recommending content through an algorithm based on activity.

The ban outlaws YouTube accounts for those younger than 16, allowing parents and teachers to show videos on it to minors.

"Teachers are always curators of any resource for appropriateness (and) will be judicious," said Angela Falkenberg, president of the Australian Primary Principals Association, which supports the ban.

Artificial intelligence has supercharged the spread of misinformation on social media platforms such as YouTube, said Adam Marre, chief information security officer at cybersecurity firm Arctic Wolf.

"The Australian government's move to regulate YouTube is an important step in pushing back against the unchecked power of big tech and protecting kids," he added in an email.

The reversal sets up a fresh dispute with Alphabet, which threatened to withdraw some Google services from Australia in 2021 to avoid a law forcing it to pay news outlets for content appearing in searches.

Last week, YouTube told Reuters it had written to the government urging it "to uphold the integrity of the legislative process".

Australian media said YouTube threatened a court challenge, but YouTube did not confirm that.

"I will not be intimidated by legal threats when this is a genuine fight for the well-being of Australian kids," Communications Minister Anika Wells told parliament on Wednesday.

The law passed in November only requires "reasonable steps" by social media platforms to keep out Australians younger than 16, or face a fine of up to A$49.5 million.

The government, which is due to receive a report this month on tests of age-checking products, has said those results will influence enforcement of the ban.

8.8 Quake Hits Russia's Far East; Tsunami Prompts Japan, Hawaii Evacuations

A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, damaging buildings and triggering a tsunami up to 4 meters (13 feet) high, prompting widespread evacuation alerts across the Pacific region.

Several injuries were reported in the remote Russian area, while evacuation orders were issued along much of Japan’s eastern coast — an area still haunted by the devastating 2011 quake and tsunami.

“This was a major earthquake — the strongest in decades,” said Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov in a video message shared on Telegram.

A tsunami with a height of 3-4 metres (10-13 feet) was recorded in parts of Kamchatka, said Sergei Lebedev, regional minister for emergency situations, urging people to move away from the shoreline.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquake was shallow at a depth of 19.3 km (12 miles), and was centred 119 km (74 miles) east-southeast of
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of 165,000.

It revised the magnitude up from 8.0 earlier, and reported a strong aftershock of magnitude 6.9 soon after.

Japan’s weather agency upgraded its warning, saying it expected tsunami waves of up to 3 metres (10 feet) to reach large coastal areas starting around 0100 GMT (6am PKT).

Tsunami alarms sounded in coastal towns across Japan’s Pacific coast with authorities urging people to seek higher ground.

Footage on public broadcaster NHK showed scores of people in the northern island of Hokkaido on the roof of a building, sheltering under tents from the beating sun, as fishing boats left harbours to avoid potential damage from the incoming waves.

Workers evacuated the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant, where a meltdown following the 2011 tsunami caused a radioactive disaster, operator TEPCO said.

There were no injuries or damage reported so far, and no irregularities at any nuclear plants, Japan Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said.

Warnings across the Pacific

The US Tsunami Warning System also issued a warning of “hazardous tsunami waves” within the next three hours.

Waves reaching more than 3 metres were possible along some coasts of Russia and Ecuador, while waves of 1-3 metres were possible in Japan, Hawaii, Chile and the Solomon Islands, it said.

Smaller waves were possible along coastlines across much of the Pacific, including the US West Coast.

“Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in Hawaii,” US President Donald Trump said in a social media post.

“A Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States. Japan is also in the way. Please visit tsunami.gov/ for the latest information. Stay strong and stay safe!”

Hawaii ordered evacuations from some coastal areas. “Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected,” the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management said on X.

The Hawaii warning urged residents of low-lying areas to either move to higher ground or to the fourth floor of a building.

Several people sought medical assistance following the quake, Oleg Melnikov, regional health minister, told Russia’s TASS state news agency.

“Unfortunately, there are some people injured during the seismic event. Some were hurt while running outside, and one patient jumped out of a window. A woman was also injured inside the new airport terminal,” Melnikov said.

“All patients are currently in satisfactory condition, and no serious injuries have been reported so far.”

Russia’s Ministry for Emergency Services said on Telegram that the port in the Sakhalin town of Severo-Kurilsk and a fish processing plant there were partially flooded by a tsunami. The population has been evacuated.

While a kindergarten was also damaged, most buildings withstood the quake, and no fatalities had been reported, the ministry added.

‘Ring of fire’
Kamchatka and Russia’s Far East sit on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geologically active region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The Russian Academy of Sciences said it was the strongest quake to hit the region since 1952.

“However, due to certain characteristics of the epicentre, the shaking intensity was not as high … as one might expect from such a magnitude,” said Danila Chebrov, director of the Kamchatka Branch of the Geophysical Service, on Telegram.

“Aftershocks are currently ongoing … Their intensity will remain fairly high.

However, stronger tremors are not expected in the near future. The situation is under control.”

UK plans to recognise Palestinian state unless Israel meets conditions, says Starmer

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that Britain was prepared to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the United Nations General Assembly unless Israel takes several steps to improve life for Palestinians.

Britain, if it acts, would become the second Western power on the UN Security Council to do so after France last week, reflecting Israel's deepening isolation over its conduct in its war against Hamas in Gaza, where a humanitarian disaster has set in and the Palestinian death toll has risen above 60,000.

Starmer said Britain would make the move unless Israel took substantive steps to allow more aid to enter Gaza, made clear there will be no annexation of the West Bank and commits to a long-term peace process that delivers a "two-state solution" - a Palestinian state co-existing in peace alongside Israel.

"The Palestinian people have endured terrible suffering," Starmer told reporters. "Now, in Gaza, because of a catastrophic failure of aid, we see starving babies, children too weak to stand, images that will stay with us for a lifetime. The suffering must end."

Starmer said his government would assess in September on "how far the parties have met these steps", but that no one would have a veto over the decision.

He took the decision after recalling his cabinet during the summer holidays on Tuesday to discuss a new proposed peace plan being worked on with other European leaders and how to deliver more humanitarian aid for Gaza's 2.2 million people.

Successive British governments have said they will formally recognise a Palestinian state when the time is right, without ever setting a timetable or specifying the necessary conditions.

With warnings from international aid agencies that people in Gaza are facing starvation, a growing number of lawmakers in Starmer's Labour Party have been asking him to recognise a Palestinian state to raise pressure on Israel.

The issue came to the fore after President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday France would recognise Palestine as a state in territories Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

Israel, a staunch supporter of the United States, blasted France's move, branding it a reward for Palestinian Hamas fighters who ran Gaza and whose attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, triggered the current war.

At the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, when Starmer was the opposition leader, he fully backed Israel's right to defend itself. But his stance has shifted over the years to a tougher approach to Israel, especially since his election as prime minister just over a year ago.

His government dropped the previous government's challenge over arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and has suspended some weapon sales to Israel.

Last month, Britain sanctioned two far-right Israeli cabinet ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, accusing them of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians.

Harvard willing to spend up to $500 million to settle Trump-related dispute

Harvard University is reportedly prepared to spend up to $500 million to resolve its dispute with the Trump administration—more than double the amount Columbia University agreed to pay last week to settle similar federal investigations.

Sources cited in the report indicated that financial terms are still under negotiation.

However, Harvard is resisting the inclusion of an external monitor as part of the agreement, viewing it as a firm red line.

President Donald Trump's administration has initiated a probe into Duke University and the Duke Law Journal over allegations of race-related discrimination, making it the latest American university to face the threat of cuts to federal funding.

The government said on Monday it will probe whether the Duke Law Journal's selection of its editors gives preferences to candidates from minority communities.

"This investigation is based on recent reporting alleging that Duke University discriminates on the bases of race, color, and/or national origin by using these factors to select law journal members," the Education Department said in a statement.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have sent a letter to Duke University’s leadership, accusing the institution of using race-based preferences in hiring, admissions, and scholarship decisions.

The letter urged Duke to review its policies and establish a special panel, authorized by the Board of Trustees, to work with the federal government toward a swift resolution of the alleged civil rights violations. Duke has yet to issue a response.

The Trump administration's actions have drawn criticism from rights advocates, who say the federal government’s approach threatens free speech and academic freedom.

Federal authorities have warned of funding cuts for institutions over their climate initiatives, transgender policies, pro-Palestinian protests, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Meanwhile, Brown University has secured a $500 million loan to offset recent federal funding cuts affecting research and financial aid, according to a regulatory filing.

A U.S. official told Reuters in April that the Trump administration intends to block $510 million in grants to Brown.

Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, educational institutions receiving federal funds are prohibited from engaging in racial discrimination.

In a separate case, the federal government is investigating whether Harvard and the Harvard Law Review violated civil rights laws by fast-tracking publication of an article by a racial minority author.

Harvard is now pursuing legal action to restore its suspended federal funding.

Former President Trump has repeatedly claimed—without evidence—that DEI initiatives discriminate against white individuals and men.

Civil rights groups reject these claims, stating that DEI efforts aim to correct historical injustices against marginalized communities.

AI therapy lacks legal protection, says OpenAI CEO

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has cautioned users against relying on ChatGPT for emotional support or counseling, emphasizing that such conversations are not legally protected.

Speaking on the podcast This Past Weekend with Theo Von, Altman explained that while many—especially younger users—turn to ChatGPT for personal and mental health advice, they may not realize the potential privacy risks involved.

He clarified that ChatGPT does not offer the same confidentiality or support as licensed therapists, doctors, or lawyers.

“People talk about the most personal stuff in their lives to ChatGPT,” Sam Altman said. “We haven’t figured that out yet for when you talk to ChatGPT”.

The CEO’s remarks come in the face of rising anxieties due to ChatGPT therapy privacy and AI tools for mental health support, with experts warning that users should carefully review privacy policies before sharing sensitive information.

Unlike the platforms that don’t use encryption, such as WhatsApp or Signal, ChatGPT conversations can be retrieved by OpenAI and may be communicated in legal proceedings.

Sam Altman also expressed the urgent need for a legal structure that protects users’ data when interacting with AI systems.

“I think we should have the same concept of privacy for your conversations with AI that we do with a therapist,” he added.

As AI continues to participate in daily life, this warning serves as a critical reminder: ChatGPT therapy privacy is not guaranteed.

Users are advised to seek professional help for serious emotional or psychological concerns and avoid oversharing with ChatGPT’s emotional services or AI platforms.

Google is set to permit children under the age of 13 to access its Gemini chatbot from next week via the Family Link service..

According to a report, this move will apply to youngsters who have parent-managed Google accounts via the Family Link service.

Family Link is a tool that enables parents to control their children’s access to various Google services.

Through this platform, parents can now opt to allow their children to interact with the Gemini chatbot.

India Launches ‘Operation Mahadev’ Following Setback in Clash with Pakistan

India has launched a new covert military operation titled "Operation Mahadev" to cover up its recent failures in conflict with Pakistan, security sources revealed on Monday.

The plan, the sources told Geo News, includes reviving fake encounter tactics and framing illegally detained Pakistanis as cross-border terrorists.

According to security sources, the Indian military has begun staging fake operations under the banner of Operation Mahadev following the failure of its earlier campaign, Operation Sindoor.

These fake encounters are part of a broader plot to suppress the growing freedom movement in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and to salvage the political credibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

The sources said Indian authorities intend to use Pakistani detainees already held in Indian jails in these staged operations. Under the plan, detainees will be killed and later declared terrorists who crossed the border.

Following the false flag operation in Pahalgam, Indian forces resumed these encounters, with two Kashmiris allegedly martyred on April 24 after accidentally crossing the border.

The sources added that Indian media have already been supplied with images and videos of the bodies and planted weapons to back these fabricated stories.

Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has previously disclosed the illegal detention of 723 Pakistanis in Indian jails, including 56 individuals forcibly held by Indian intelligence agencies.

The same 56 individuals were mentioned by the DG ISPR during his briefings on 29 and 30 April, the sources added.

He had warned that these illegally held persons may also be coerced into giving anti-Pakistan statements or later falsely presented as killed terrorists, further escalating India's disinformation campaign.

India suffered an embarrassing loss at the hands of Pakistan in May after Islamabad launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in retaliation for India's Operation Sindoor.

Pakistan, during the 87-hour conflict, downed its six fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones. The war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

Thai, Cambodian Leaders Visit Malaysia for Peace Talks

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia were scheduled to meet in Malaysia on Monday for peace talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in their ongoing border conflict. The United States confirmed its officials would be involved in facilitating the process.

Thailand announced its participation in the talks organized by Malaysia in its capacity as ASEAN chair, while Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the dialogue was co-hosted by the U.S., with China also taking part.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said State Department officials were in Malaysia to assist peace efforts, after President Donald Trump had earlier said that he thought both leaders wanted to settle the conflict.

“We want this conflict to end as soon as possible,” Rubio said in statement released late on Sunday in the U.S. and early Monday in Asia.

“State Department officials are on the ground in Malaysia to assist these peace efforts.”

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have intensified since the killing in late May of a Cambodian soldier during a brief border skirmish.

Border troops on both sides were reinforced amid a full-blown diplomatic crisis that brought Thailand’s fragile coalition government to the brink of collapse.

Hostilities broke out last Thursday and have escalated into the worst fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours in more than a decade.

The death toll has risen above 30, including more than 20 civilians, while authorities report that more than 200,000 people have been evacuated from border areas.

ANWAR TO CHAIR TALKS:

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had proposed ceasefire talks soon after the border dispute erupted into conflict on Thursday, and China and the United States also offered to assist in negotiations.

Thailand had said it supported calls for a ceasefire in principle but wanted to negotiate bilaterally, while Cambodia had called for international involvement.

Anwar said he expected to chair the negotiations after being asked by representatives of the two governments to try to find a peace settlement, state media agency Bernama reported.

“So, I’m discussing the parameters, the conditions, but what is important is (an) immediate ceasefire,” he said late on Sunday.

Pakistan to launch advanced Earth observation satellite on July 31

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) has announced that the Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS) will be launched on July 31 from China’s Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC).

According to a statement from Suparco, the mission represents a major step forward in Pakistan’s space ambitions and is expected to significantly enhance the country’s Earth observation capabilities.

Equipped with state-of-the-art imaging systems, the satellite will support a range of national applications — from precision agriculture and urban planning to environmental monitoring and disaster management.

Its role will be vital in predicting and mitigating the impacts of floods, earthquakes, landslides, glacier melt, and deforestation, while enabling informed decisions for resource management.

The satellite will also assist in infrastructure planning and geospatial mapping under national development programmes such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

With its integration into Pakistan’s existing space fleet — including PRSS-1 (2018) and EO-1 (January 2025) — the new satellite strengthens Suparco's capabilities and aligns with the goals of the National Space Policy and Vision 2047, positioning Pakistan to emerge as a forward-looking, spacefaring nation.

The launch is not just a technical milestone — it is the continuation of a transformative journey, the statement added.

According to the official source, Pakistan’s modern space era was reignited in 2011 with the launch of PakSat-1R, a communication satellite developed with Chinese collaboration.

That momentum carried forward with PakTES-1A and PRSS-1 in 2018, reinforcing the strategic partnership with China in advancing space science.

In 2024, PakSat-MM1 brought high-speed internet to underserved areas, while the launch of iCube Qamar, a student-built satellite from the Institute of Space Technology (IST), captured stunning images of the lunar surface, showcasing the innovation and promise of Pakistan’s young scientists on a global stage.

Most notably, in January 2025, Pakistan launched its first fully indigenous satellite, Electro-Optical Satellite EO-1, developed entirely by Pakistani engineers and scientists.

Designed for agriculture, disaster monitoring, and environmental analysis, EO-1 stood as a bold symbol of Pakistan’s growing technological self-reliance.

Now, with the launch of the latest remote sensing satellite, Pakistan reaffirms its resolve to harness space technology for national progress, sustainable development, and global recognition- a proud moment in our journey from aspiration to achievement.

European Union Agrees to 15% U.S. Tariff

The United States and the European Union have reached a trade agreement under which EU exports will be subject to a 15 percent tariff, easing tensions in a tariff dispute that risked escalating into a full-blown trade war.

Following a high-stakes meeting at his golf resort in Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the deal as the “biggest-ever.”

The agreement, finalized in under an hour with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, came just ahead of an August 1 deadline that could have triggered a sweeping 30 percent U.S. tariff on European goods.

“We’ve reached a deal. It’s a good deal for everybody. This is probably the biggest deal ever reached in any capacity,” said Trump.

Trump said a baseline tariff of 15 percent would apply across the board, including for Europe’s crucial automobile sector, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors.

As part of the deal, Trump said the 27-nation EU bloc had agreed to purchase “$750 billion worth of energy” from the United States, as well as make $600 billion in additional investments.

Von der Leyen said the “significant” purchases of US liquefied natural gas, oil and nuclear fuels would come over three years, as part of the bloc’s bid to diversify away from Russian sources.

Negotiating on behalf of the EU’s 27 countries, von der Leyen had been pushing hard to salvage a trading relationship worth an annual $1.9 trillion in goods and services.

“It’s a good deal,” the EU chief told reporters.

“It will bring stability. It will bring predictability. That’s very important for our businesses on both sides of the Atlantic,” she said.

She added that bilateral tariff exemptions had been agreed on a number of “strategic products”, notably aircraft, certain chemicals, some agricultural products and critical raw materials.

Von der Leyen said the EU still hoped to secure further so-called “zero-for-zero” agreements, notably for alcohol, which she hoped to be “sorted out” in coming days.

Trump also said EU countries — which recently pledged to ramp up their defence spending within NATO — would be purchasing “hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment.”

The EU has been hit by multiple waves of tariffs since Trump reclaimed the White House.

It is currently subject to a 25-percent levy on cars, 50 percent on steel and aluminium, and an across-the-board tariff of 10 percent, which Washington threatened to hike to 30 percent in a no-deal scenario.

The bloc had been pushing hard for tariff carve-outs for critical industries from aircraft to spirits, and its auto industry, crucial for France and Germany, is already reeling from the levies imposed so far.

“Fifteen percent is not to be underestimated, but it is the best we could get,” acknowledged von der Leyen.

Any deal will need to be approved by EU member states — whose ambassadors, on a visit to Greenland, were updated by the commission Sunday morning. They were set to meet again after the deal struck in Scotland.

German exporters were less enthusiastic. The powerful BDI federation of industrial groups said the accord would have “considerable negative repercussions” while the country’s VCI chemical trade association said the accord left rates “too high”.

Ireland, one of the EU’s top exporters to the United States, said Sunday it welcomed the deal for bringing “a measure of much-needed certainty”, but that it “regrets” the baseline tariff, in a statement by its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The EU had pushed for a compromise on steel that could allow a certain quota into the United States before tariffs would apply.

Trump appeared to rule that out, saying steel was “staying the way it is”, but the EU chief insisted later that “tariffs will be cut and a quota system will be put in place” for steel.

The big one:

While 15 percent is much higher than pre-existing US tariffs on European goods, which average around 4.8 percent, it mirrors the status quo, with companies currently facing an additional flat rate of 10 percent.

Had the talks failed, EU states had greenlit counter tariffs on $109 billion (93 billion euros) of US goods, including aircraft and cars to take effect in stages from August 7.

Trump has embarked on a campaign to reshape US trade with the world, and has vowed to hit dozens of countries with punitive tariffs if they do not reach a pact with Washington by August 1.

Asked what the next deal would be, Trump replied: “This was the big one. This is the biggest of them all.”

Rubio says Gaza ceasefire agreement could be reached ‘soon’

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been working tirelessly for weeks to secure a Gaza ceasefire deal.

“They’ve made significant progress and are very close,” Rubio stated.

He expressed optimism, saying, “We’re hopeful that a ceasefire agreement could be reached any day now, under which at least half of the hostages — including those confirmed dead — would be released initially, with the remaining hostages freed by the end of a 60-day period.”

Speaking about the captives still held in Gaza, Rubio said: “The good news is every American is out now. We care about all the hostages.”

“There’s a very simple solution to what’s happening in Gaza. Release all the hostages, lay down your arms, and the war ends for Hamas,” he said.

Rubio’s remarks come days after Witkoff said Washington was cutting short its involvement in the negotiations, claiming Hamas had shown “a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire”.

The Israeli military announced on Sunday a pause in military activity in three designated areas of Gaza, shortly after it said it was taking several steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.

The pause will take place daily in Al-Mawasi, Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City, from 10 a.m. (0700 GMT) to 8 p.m. (1700 GMT) until further notice, the military said.

Designated secure routes will also be in place permanently from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m., it added.

Aid trucks started moving towards Gaza from Egypt, the Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said on Sunday, after months of international pressure and warnings from relief agencies of starvation spreading in the Palestinian enclave.

Israel said that it began aid airdrops to Gaza on Saturday and was taking several other steps to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israeli forces intercept activist boat en route to Gaza

Israel intercepted a vessel carrying members of the pro-Palestinian activist group Freedom Flotilla as it sailed toward Gaza on Saturday. According to a statement posted by the Israeli foreign ministry on X, “The Israeli navy has stopped the vessel Navarn from illegally entering the maritime zone off the coast of Gaza.

The vessel is now safely heading toward Israeli shores, and all passengers are safe.”

Footage broadcast by the activists showed them sitting calmly on the deck, raising their hands and singing the Italian anti-fascist anthem “Bella Ciao” as Israeli forces boarded and took control of the ship.

Three video live feeds of the scene, which had been broadcast online, were cut minutes later.

The ship had been on course to try to break an Israeli naval blockade of Gaza and bring a small quantity of humanitarian aid to the territory’s Palestinian residents.

In a message on social media, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition declared: “‘Handala’ has been intercepted and boarded illegally by Israeli forces whilst in international waters,” using an alternative name for the boat.

Israel had earlier vowed to enforce its blockade of Gaza, and its statement Saturday said “unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts.”

An online tracking tool set up to plot the Handala’s course showed the boat’s position as roughly 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the Egyptian coast and 100 kilometres west of Gaza when intercepted.

The Handala was carrying 19 activists, including European politicians, and two Al Jazeera journalists, who were able to broadcast from the vessel until shortly before its interception.

Two French lawmakers were among those detained, Emma Fourreau and Gabrielle Cathala. Their party leader, Jean-Luc Melenchon of France Unbowed (LFI), condemned Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Netanyahu’s thugs boarded Handala. They attack 21 unarmed people in territorial waters where they have no right. A kidnapping in which two French parliamentarians are victims,” he posted on X.

Melenchon demanded the French government take action.

Gaza is facing severe shortages of food and other essentials, with the United Nations and NGOs warning of an imminent famine.

The Handala’s crew said in a post on X that they would go on a hunger strike if the Israeli army intercepted the boat and detained its passengers.

The last boat sent by Freedom Flotilla, the Madleen, was intercepted by the Israeli army in international waters on June 9 and towed to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

It carried 12 campaigners on board, including prominent Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The activists were eventually expelled by Israel.

Israel air drops humanitarian aid packages into Gaza

Israel said Saturday that it air dropped aid into the Gaza Strip and would open humanitarian corridors, as it faced growing international condemnation over the deepening hunger crisis in the Palestinian territory.

Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza on March 2 after ceasefire talks broke down. In late May, it began allowing a small trickle of aid to resume.

Before Israel announced the delivery of seven aid packages, the United Arab Emirates had said it would restart aid drops and Britain said it would work with partners including Jordan to assist them.

The decision to loosen the flow of aid came as the Palestinian civil defence agency said over 50 more Palestinians had been killed in Israeli strikes and shootings, some as they waited near aid distribution centres.

The same day, Israeli troops boarded a boat carrying activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition as it attempted to approach Gaza from the sea and deliver a small quantity of supplies to the aid-starved population.

The humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory has gravely deteriorated in recent days, with international NGOs warning of soaring malnutrition among children.

Trump and EU Chief Meet in Final Bid to Resolve Trade Dispute Before August Deadline

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. President Donald Trump are set to meet this Sunday in Scotland in a decisive attempt to break the months-long trade stalemate.

The United States has threatened to impose tariffs as high as 30 percent on a wide range of European goods if no agreement is reached by August 1, escalating tensions between the two economic powers.

Currently, the EU faces significant tariffs from the U.S., including 25 percent on cars and 50 percent on steel and aluminum. Washington is pushing to reduce its trade deficit and is demanding exemptions for key sectors such as aircraft, pharmaceuticals, lumber, and agriculture.

The European Union, eager to avoid further damage to its economy, has proposed a compromise involving a baseline 15 percent tariff on U.S. goods—similar to the recent agreement with Japan—with carve-outs for critical industries.

Discussions also include allowing a certain quota of steel imports under reduced tariffs, with higher rates applied to imports exceeding the quota.

If no agreement is reached by August 7, the EU plans to retaliate with tariffs on $109 billion worth of American goods, including aircraft and cars, in a move that could escalate the trade war further.

Intense technical and political negotiations have taken place ahead of the summit, with both sides trying to find common ground.

Despite optimistic signals, President Trump has described the likelihood of a deal as “50-50,” acknowledging multiple unresolved issues.

The final decision rests squarely on his shoulders, making this summit a critical moment in shaping the future of transatlantic trade relations and economic stability.

 

Navy Veterans’ Startup Raises $2.3M to Decode Submarine Sounds with AI

Spear AI, founded by former U.S. Navy officers, has raised $2.3 million in its first funding round to advance its artificial intelligence platform that interprets complex underwater acoustic data collected by submarines and sensors.

Unlike traditional AI trained on labeled images or text, Spear AI focuses on “passive acoustic data” — sounds captured underwater — to help submarine operators distinguish between harmless noises like whales or rain and potential threats such as enemy vessels.

The Washington-based company, co-founded by Michael Hunter, a former Navy SEAL analyst, and John McGunnigle, an ex-nuclear submarine commander, builds both hardware sensors for buoys and vessels and software tools to organize and label the raw sound data, preparing it for AI analysis.

This month, the U.S. Navy awarded Spear AI a $6 million contract to enhance its data-labeling platform, confirming its strategic value.Founded in 2021 and previously self-funded, Spear AI employs around 40 people.

The new funding from AI-focused Cortical Ventures and private equity firm Scare the Bear will double its workforce and expand its commercial ventures, including monitoring underwater pipelines and cables.

CEO Hunter explained the importance of private capital in product development:“We wanted to build the product and actually get it out the door before the contract came in to get it. The only way you can do that is with private capital”.

Spear AI’s breakthrough technology promises to revolutionize underwater data interpretation, strengthening national security and opening new commercial opportunities.

Macron Announces France Will Recognise Palestinian State in September

President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will formally recognise the State of Palestine, with the official declaration set to take place at the United Nations General Assembly in September.

In a post on X on Thursday, Macron stated, “In line with France’s longstanding commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine.”

“I will solemnly announce this at the United Nations General Assembly in September this year,” he added.

The move makes France the largest and arguably most influential country in Europe to move to recognise a Palestinian state, after European Union members Norway, Ireland and Spain indicated they would also begin the same process.

At least 142 countries out of the 193 members of the UN currently recognise or plan to recognise a Palestinian state, but several powerful Western countries have refused to do so.

They include the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.

The announcement comes as European anger over Israel’s war on Gaza, in which Israel has killed 59,587 Palestinians and imposed severe restrictions on aid deliveries that have led to a hunger crisis, has grown.

CREATING MOMENTUM

The decision to make the announcement ahead of next week’s conference aimed to give the French team at the United Nations a framework to work with other countries that are also considering recognising a Palestinian state or have misgivings in doing so.

Diplomats say Macron has faced resistance from allies such as Britain and Canada over his push for the recognition of a Palestinian state.

About 40 foreign ministers will be in New York next week.

Israeli officials have spent months lobbying to prevent what some have called “a nuclear bomb” for bilateral ties.

Sources familiar with the matter say Israel’s warnings to France have ranged from scaling back intelligence sharing to complicating Paris’ regional initiatives – even hinting at possible annexation of parts of the West Bank.

Israel has been waging a devastating war in Gaza since the Palestinian militant group Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel in October 2023 and says recognising a Palestinian state now would be equivalent to rewarding Hamas.

Thanking France, the Palestinian Authority’s Vice President Hussein Al Sheikh said on X that Macron’s decision reflected “France’s commitment to international law and its support for the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and the establishment of our independent state.”

Courier Message Asks for a Code? PTA Sounds the Alarm

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued a public alert about a growing scam involving fraudulent SMS and messaging app alerts that pretend to be from courier companies.

These messages typically ask recipients to enter or share a verification code, often under the pretext of confirming a delivery. However, the PTA warns that this is a phishing tactic designed to steal personal data or gain unauthorized access to digital accounts.

"Courier services do not require verification codes for deliveries," the PTA clarified.The authority has advised all users to:Avoid sharing any codes received via SMS or WhatsApp.Verify the sender before taking action on such messages.

Report suspicious activity to relevant platforms or authorities.

The PTA emphasized that similar scams have been reported by banks, where users are asked to share OTP (One-Time Password) codes by individuals falsely claiming to represent the bank or the State Bank of Pakistan.

Sharing such codes can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, or loss of access to personal accounts.

In its statement, the PTA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting digital users and urged everyone to stay alert and think twice before responding to unsolicited verification requests.

Thailand and Cambodia Trade Heavy Fire in Escalating Conflict

Thailand and Cambodia exchanged heavy artillery fire on Friday as their deadliest border conflict in over a decade entered its second day. The clashes have already claimed at least 16 lives and forced the evacuation of over 100,000 people from Thai border areas, sparking regional concern and international calls for an immediate ceasefire.

According to the Thai military, Cambodian forces launched sustained bombardments using heavy field artillery and Russian-made BM-21 rocket systems. In response, Thai forces returned fire “in accordance with the tactical situation”.

Fighting was reported across six separate locations, spanning 209 kilometers along a long-disputed stretch of the border where sovereignty has been contested for over a century.

Tensions escalated rapidly after a Thai soldier lost a limb to a landmine on Wednesday—an incident Bangkok claims involved newly laid explosives by Cambodian troops.Phnom Penh has denied the allegation, calling it baseless. Hours later, Thailand expelled Cambodia’s envoy and recalled its own ambassador.

On the ground, Reuters journalists in Thailand’s Surin province described hearing intermittent explosions throughout the day, while heavily armed Thai soldiers were seen guarding roads and fuel stations. A convoy of military vehicles, including tanks and armored trucks, moved through rice fields toward the front lines.

Thailand’s health ministry reported that 15 Thai nationals—14 of them civilians—had been killed, and 46 others were wounded. Cambodia confirmed one civilian fatality, five injuries, and the evacuation of 1,500 families in Oddar Meanchey province, though its national government has not released full casualty figures.

On Thursday, Thailand deployed six F-16 fighter jets in a rare combat move, one of which was mobilized for an airstrike on Cambodian forces. Cambodia condemned the strike as reckless military aggression.

Defense analysts note that Thailand’s use of advanced fighter jets reflects a clear military advantage over Cambodia, which lacks any combat aircraft and has limited military capacity.International concern is growing. The United States has urged both countries to halt hostilities immediately and prioritize civilian safety.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said he had spoken to both sides and welcomed what he called “positive signals” toward dialogue. 

Despite these diplomatic overtures, the situation remains volatile. Shelling continued through Friday, with no formal ceasefire in place and tensions at their highest in years.

AI Just Cracked a 158-Year-Old Math Challenge, What This Means for the Future

Google and OpenAI’s AI models win gold at the International Mathematical Olympiad, solving 5 out of 6 toughest problems like top human students.

In an unprecedented milestone, AI systems developed by Google’s DeepMind and OpenAI have outperformed expectations by securing gold medal-level scores at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), a competition historically reserved for the world’s brightest high school mathematicians.

For the first time ever, these AI models solved five of the six notoriously difficult problems using natural language reasoning,  mimicking human thought processes rather than relying on rigid programming languages or brute computational force.

Google’s model, Gemini Deep Think, completed all tasks within the official exam time, while OpenAI’s experimental AI massively scaled computing power to “think” deeply and explore multiple solution paths simultaneously.

This approach, though “very expensive,” allowed the AI to demonstrate advanced problem-solving that many experts believe could soon assist mathematicians in cracking unsolved puzzles.

Junehyuk Jung, a Brown University math professor involved with Google DeepMind, said this breakthrough “opens the door for real collaboration between AI and human mathematicians,” marking a new era where artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool but a partner in discovery.

While only 11% of the 630 student competitors earned gold medals, these AI systems matched that elite performance level,  signaling that artificial intelligence may soon revolutionize scientific research far beyond math.

With official results set to be published soon, this achievement has ignited excitement and debate about how AI could reshape education, research, and problem-solving worldwide.

Construction Begins on Landmark Hydropower Dam in China’s Tibet

HONG KONG/SHANGHAI: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has announced the commencement of construction on what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam, according to the official Xinhua news agency. The massive project, situated on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, is estimated to cost approximately $170 billion. This development marks China’s most ambitious hydropower initiative since the construction of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. The new facility is expected to begin operations in the 2030s.

Made up of five cascade hydropower stations, the dam will be located in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo.

A section of the river falls a dramatic 2,000 metres (6,561 feet) within a short span of 50km (31 miles), offering huge hydropower potential.

India and Bangladesh have already raised concerns about its possible impact on the millions of people who live downstream, while NGOs have warned of the risk to the environment, one of the richest and most diverse on the plateau.

Beijing has said the dam, with the capacity to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, will help meet power demand in Tibet and the rest of China without having a major effect on downstream water supplies or the environment.

China's CSI Construction & Engineering Index jumped as much as 4% to a seven-month high. Power Construction Corporation of China and Arcplus Group PLC jumped by their 10% daily limit.

Wang Zhuo, partner of Shanghai Zhuozhu Investment Management, said the project offered investors both long-term investment opportunities and a theme for short-term speculation.

"From an investment perspective, mature hydropower projects offer bond-like dividends," Wang said.

But he cautioned that speculative buying into related stocks triggered by the announcement would inflate valuations.

The project will drive demand for construction and building materials such as cement and civil explosives, benefiting related companies, Huatai Securities said in a note to clients.

Shares of Beijing-listed Hunan Wuxin Tunnel Intelligent Equipment Co, which sells tunnel construction equipment, surged 30%. So did shares of Geokang Technologies Co Ltd, which produces intelligent monitoring terminals.

Cement maker Xizang Tianlu Co Ltd and Tibet GaoZheng Explosive Co, which makes civil explosive materials, both jumped their maximum 10%.

Downstream impact

The Chinese premier described the dam as a "project of the century" and said special emphasis "must be placed on ecological conservation to prevent environmental damage," Xinhua said in its report on Saturday.

China has not given an estimate on the number of jobs the project is likely to create.

The Three Gorges Dam, which took almost two decades to complete, generated nearly a million jobs, state media reported, though at least a similar number of people were displaced by the massive project.

Authorities have not indicated how many people would be displaced by theYarlung Zangbo project or how it would affect the local ecosystem.

NGOs including the International Campaign for Tibet say the dam will irreversibly harm the Tibetan Plateau and that millions of people downstream will face severe disruptions to their livelihoods.

The Yarlung Zangbo becomes the Brahmaputra River as it leaves Tibet and flows south into India's states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and finally into Bangladesh.

China has already started hydropower generation on the upper reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo, which flows from the west to the east of Tibet

Microsoft warns businesses, governments of ongoing server software cyberattack

Microsoft has issued a warning about ongoing cyberattacks targeting server software used by government agencies and businesses for internal document sharing. The company urged users to immediately install recommended security updates.

In a Saturday alert, Microsoft clarified that the attacks are limited to on-premises SharePoint servers and do not affect SharePoint Online through Microsoft 365's cloud services.

The FBI confirmed on Sunday that it is aware of the situation and is collaborating with federal and private-sector partners, though it did not disclose further details.

The Washington Post, which first reported the hacks, said unidentified actors in the past few days had exploited a flaw to launch an attack that targeted U.S. and international agencies and businesses.

The hack is known as a "zero day" attack because it targeted a previously unknown vulnerability, the newspaper said, quoting experts. Tens of thousands of servers were at risk.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the alert, Microsoft said that a vulnerability "allows an authorised attacker to perform spoofing over a network." It issued recommendations to stop the attackers from exploiting it.

In a spoofing attack, an actor can manipulate financial markets or agencies by hiding the actor's identity and appearing to be a trusted person, organisation or website.

Microsoft said on Sunday it issued a security update for SharePoint Subscription Edition, which it said customers should apply immediately.

It said it is working on updates to the 2016 and 2019 versions of SharePoint.

If customers cannot enable recommended malware protection, they should disconnect their servers from the internet until a security update is available, it said.

YouTube monetisation tweaks spark concern

YouTube has updated its monetisation policy, renaming "reused content" to "inauthentic content" and clarifying guidelines on overly produced material.

Experts say the changes are minor and not as alarming as portrayed on social media.

Talha Labib, a social media expert who runs a social media marketing agency and manages several YouTube channels, says that the news was blown out of proportion.

"The content that YouTube wants to discourage already did not meet its monetisation criteria under existing policies, as the platform only promotes creators who produce original and authentic content".

"Some creators are concerned that this update would limit their ability to monetise their channels, but that is not the case.

There are many YouTube channels that spread fake or inauthentic news or use inappropriate language.

The platform regularly takes action against them and de-platform them. So, it’s good that people will now be more careful while uploading the content," she said.

YouTube has uploaded a short update on its YouTube Help page, which says the platform updated its Partner Program monetisation policies on July 15, 2025, to clarify its stance on inauthentic content.

While the platform has always required original and authentic uploads, the new guidelines aim to better identify mass-produced and repetitive material that does not meet monetisation standards.

Digital Marketeer and Content Specialist Anusha Asif said that many YouTube channels use clips from other YouTubers for their videos or Shorts. "What is going to happen now is that such accounts will not be able to monetise their content."

But, she added, the original creators will also feel the heat of the new policy. "If clips or content of an original channel is mass-produced, the channel itself could come under YouTube’s scrutiny and may be flagged. This could lead to a shutdown or a ban".

While Labib was of the view that such strikes are reversible and original creators can restore their accounts, Anusha argued that the restored channels would take some time to gain back the ranking they previously enjoyed.

When the news broke out that the platform was rolling out its YPP update, many initially feared it would demonetise all AI-generated repetitive content, which often includes what is now known as "AI slop".

For instance, some channels repeatedly post AI-generated videos that are nearly identical, often copied from similar creators.

Labib said that while "AI videos are still allowed under the new rules. The crackdown would be against deepfakes or other inappropriate content generated through AI".

He added that as creators move to use AI tools for their content, it is important that they give proper disclosures about the use of the new technology to avoid the spread of misleading content.

Tech expert Shahrukh Malik said that "as a consumer, I think [restricting AI-generated content] is great.

Sure, there was a time when these videos were amusing but there is too much of them now".

But, "as a content creator," he said, "it does limit my options. A lot of people earned a lot of money from the videos that will now be restricted.

Now they have to work harder in an already very competitive space.

Also, this kind of starts a reinforcement learning-like war between content creators and YouTube.

Creators will try to invent ways to circumvent this demonetisation and YouTube will invent ways to capture their new ways".

Wipha Threatens: Hong Kong Issues Red Storm Warning

Hong Kong issued its highest storm alert on Sunday as Typhoon Wipha swept through the territory with winds exceeding 167 km/h (103 mph), bringing torrential rain and strong gusts that led to the cancellation of over 200 flights.

The city’s weather observatory raised the storm signal to No. 10 at 9:20 a.m. (0120 GMT) and warned that the alert would likely remain in place “for some time.”

Wipha will skirt around 50 km to the south of the observatory, the warning showed.

Hurricane-force wind is affecting the southern part of Hong Kong, the observatory said.

Cathay Pacific Airways (0293.HK), cancelled all of its flights arriving or departing Hong Kong airport between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday.

It waived ticket change fees and made arrangements for customers to re-book.

Most public transport was suspended on Sunday, including ferries amid high sea swells.

Netflix Embraces Generative AI with 'El Atonata' Breakthrough

Netflix has officially entered a new era of content creation by integrating "generative artificial intelligence " into its production pipeline, with the first application featured in the Argentine series "El Atonata".

The announcement was made during the company’s post-earnings conference call on July 17.

Co-CEO "Ted Sarandos" revealed that AI was used to create final footage for a "building collapse scene", completed "ten times faster" and at a "lower cost" than traditional visual effects methods.

The move signals a major shift in how visual storytelling could evolve across global media.

“We see AI not just as a cost-saving tool, but as a creative enabler,” said Sarandos.

“There are AI-powered tools that empower real creators to do more with less.

Our teams are already seeing its benefits in pre-visualisation, shot planning, and VFX”.

Previously, sophisticated visual effects like "de-aging" were largely reserved for big-budget productions.

However, Netflix believes AI is democratizing access to these tools, allowing smaller-scale projects to achieve high production value.

Netflix’s other co-CEO, "Greg Peters", added that GenAI is also being leveraged in "personalisation", "search", and "advertising".

The company plans to introduce "interactive AI-powered ads" in the second half of 2025, following the successful rollout of its "AI-enhanced search" function earlier this year.

In its Q2 2025 earnings report, Netflix posted a "16% year-over-year revenue growth", reaching "$11.08 billion", with profits at "$3.13 billion".

Viewership also soared, with users watching over "95 billion hours of content" in the first half of the year.

Notably,"non-English titles accounted for one-third" of total views, highlighting Netflix’s global content strategy.

Trump believes 5 aircraft downed during South Asia clash

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Friday that as many as five fighter jets were downed during the recent hostilities between Pakistan and India, which erupted following a militant attack in April in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The tensions reportedly de-escalated after a ceasefire agreement in May.

Trump made these remarks during a dinner event with several Republican lawmakers at the White House.

"In fact, planes were being shot out of the air. Five, five, four or five, but I think five jets were shot down actually," Trump said while talking about the Pakistan-India hostilities, without elaborating or providing further detail.

Pakistan claimed it had downed six Indian planes in air-to-air combat. India's highest-ranking general said in late May that India switched tactics after suffering losses in the air on the first day of hostilities and established an advantage before a ceasefire was announced three days later.

Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan that he announced on social media on May 10 after Washington held talks with both sides.

India has differed with Trump's claims that it resulted from his intervention and his threats to sever trade talks.

India's position has been that New Delhi and Islamabad must resolve their problems directly and with no outside involvement.

India is an increasingly important US partner in Washington's effort to counter China's influence in Asia, while Pakistan is a US ally.

The April attack in IIOJK killed 26 men and sparked heavy fighting between the nuclear-armed Asian neighbours in the latest escalation of a decades-old rivalry.

New Delhi blamed the attack on Pakistan, which Islamabad has vehemently denied responsibility while calling for a neutral investigation.

On May 7, Indian jets bombed multiple sites in Pakistan, setting off an exchange of attacks between the two countries by fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery that killed dozens until the ceasefire was reached.

New Study Shows AI Friends Becoming Integral to Teen Social Lives

Nearly 75% of American teenagers have interacted with AI companions, and over half are considered regular users, even as concerns about the safety of these virtual relationships continue to rise, according to a new survey released Wednesday.

Nearly three in four American teenagers have used AI companions, with more than half qualifying as regular users despite growing safety concerns about these virtual relationships, according to a new survey released Wednesday.

AI companions -- chatbots designed for personal conversations rather than simple task completion -- are available on platforms like Character.AI, Replika, and Nomi.

Unlike traditional artificial intelligence assistants, these systems are programmed to form emotional connections with users. The findings come amid mounting concerns about the mental health risks posed by AI companions.

The nationally representative study of 1,060 teens aged 13-17, conducted for Common Sense Media, found that 72 percent have used AI companions at least once, while 52 percent interact with such platforms a few times per month.

Common Sense Media is a leading American nonprofit organization that reviews and provides ratings for media and technology with the goal of providing information on their suitability for children.

The survey revealed that 30 percent of respondents use the platforms because "it's entertaining" and 28 percent are driven by curiosity about the technology.

However, concerning patterns emerged: one-third of users have chosen to discuss serious matters with AI companions instead of real people, while 24 percent have shared personal information including real names and locations.

Perhaps most troubling, 34 percent of teen users reported feeling uncomfortable with something an AI companion had said or done, though such incidents were infrequent.

"The reality that nearly three-quarters of teens have used these platforms, with half doing so regularly, means that even a small percentage experiencing harm translates to significant numbers of vulnerable young people at risk," the report said.

The survey revealed an age divide in trust levels.

While half of all teens expressed distrust in AI companion advice, younger teens (ages 13-14) were more likely than older teens (15-17) to trust advice from these systems.

Despite widespread usage, most teens maintained perspective on these relationships: two thirds found AI conversations less satisfying than human interactions, and 80 percent spent more time with real friends than AI companions.

Based on the findings, Common Sense Media recommended that no one under 18 use AI companions until stronger safeguards are implemented.

"Companies have put profits before kids' well-being before, and we cannot make the same mistake with AI companions," the report said.

Sega Revives Its Legacy to Tap Into Nostalgia-Fueled Demand

Japan's Sega aimed to revitalize its brand by tapping into nostalgia through remakes of classic games, movie adaptations, and themed merchandise stores, following a downturn in its console business.

Sonic the Hedgehog’s cinematic success has revitalised interest in Sega, which halted hardware manufacturing after the Dreamcast closed in 2001 and focused solely on software development.

Now, record levels of tourism in Japan and rising global enthusiasm for Japanese pop culture have prompted a strategic relaunch.

Evidence of this resurgence includes the opening of Sega’s flagship merchandise store in Japan this Friday, following a similar launch in Shanghai in May.

Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi stated, “Opportunities expand. We faced difficulties for some time; now we make our return.” He added that Sega intends to grow beyond Japan and adopt a global reach.

In its heyday during the 1980s and 1990s, Sega stood as a major player in the arcade and console market, renowned for titles such as Streets of Rage and Shinobi.

However, the rise of online multiplayer games in the 2000s, notably World of Warcraft, brought financial strain and led Sega to withdraw from hardware production.

US-based industry analyst David Cole observed that franchises from the 1990s now appeal to adults in their thirties and forties, who wish to share them with their own children.

He described this trend as “an untapped value” and noted that Sega, like Nintendo, now seeks to capitalise via films, retail and theme‑park attractions.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3, starring Jim Carrey, achieved one of the best December box‑office openings in North America last year. The franchise followed the success of the first live-action Sonic in 2020 and mirrored the popularity of Nintendo’s 2023 Super Mario Bros. film.

Additional projects include adaptations of Shinobi and Yakuza, plus discussions with potential partners over a Persona movie. Utsumi commented: “Fans should stay ready,” but declined to share further details.

In 2023, Sega acquired Finland’s Rovio, known for Angry Birds, to strengthen its position in mobile gaming. Utsumi remarked that gamer preferences have shifted beyond console-based experiences. Cole argued that Sega should invest in high-end titles to reinforce brand loyalty.

A new “Super Game” is under development, designed with international scope and incorporating social and possibly AI features. Utsumi cautioned that crafting an exceptional game requires time, adding: “Competition in the gaming market is extremely fierce.”

Sega’s parent company, Sega Sammy, continues to produce arcade and pachinko machines, although demand for pachinko parlours has declined.

Cole noted that Sega’s entertainment division now represents its main avenue for growth. Sega Sammy reported that Sonic’s intellectual property has increased revenue across games and character licensing.