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Monsoon 2025: Heavy rains lash parts of country; low-lying areas submerged – Samaa TV
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Hot DOG galaxy W2246-0526 | BBC Sky at Night Magazine
Astronomers have become rather notorious for creating tortured names, whether they’re mistreating acronyms for telescopes (SPECULOOS is apparently the Search for habitable Planets EClipsing ULtra-cOOl Stars).
Or finding whimsical monikers for types of objects (green peas, blueberries, beans and chillies are all types of galaxy).
Magann / Getty Images Such names are fun, but occasionally they’re useful: an eccentric name can help draw attention to objects that can often otherwise be overlooked.
In that spirit, there’s an interesting research paper that peers at a Hot DOG – a Hot, Dust-Obscured Galaxy – one of several identified a decade or so ago in data from the WISE telescope.
The 12.5-billion-lightyears-distant Hot DOG galaxy W2246-0526 has grown rapidly despite its youth. Credit: NRAO/AUI/NSF; Dana Berry / SkyWorks; ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO) WISE was a NASA infrared space telescope that operated from 2009 until 2024.
The object in question, with the distinctly unmemorable name of W2246-0526, was the most luminous in the whole survey.
It was easily detected by WISE, even though its redshift of z=4.6 means that we see it as it was when the Universe was a tenth of its present age.
Its brightness seems to be due to a disc of material falling towards the galaxy’s central black hole.
However, in a Hot DOG, what we’d normally see as a quasar in visible light is hidden under a thick blanket of dust.
This dust heats up and shines like a glowing poker fresh from the fire in the infrared.
Snapshot of history
The impact of the rapidly accreting black hole is seen throughout the galaxy which hosts it.
Previous observations have spotted material expelled from the centre at speeds in excess of 10,000km/second and signs of shocks are seen throughout the galaxy.
As such turbulent conditions might be common in the early Universe, the brightness of W2246-0526 offers observers a rare chance to study what galaxies back then looked like.
The paper presents data from ALMA – an array of telescopes sensitive to sub-millimetre radiation, located high in the Atacama desert of northern Chile – to study the gas in the system.
In particular, they looked at common carbon monoxide. ALMA’s world-beating capabilities and the unique properties of the source mean that the spectrum reveals highly excited gas.
Even just a quick look at the data, which shows the most excited carbon monoxide spectrum seen anywhere, confirms that this is an unusual system.
Four antennas of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Credit: ESO/José Francisco Salgado (josefrancisco.org) What lurks in the Hot DOG?
Modelling suggests that this particular Hot DOG is stuffed full of gas.
Only models that have a high density of gas at a high temperature can explain the observations.
The total molecular gas mass seems to be about 100 billion solar masses – a surprising amount so early in the history of the cosmos.
In fact, the proportion of gas in the form of carbon monoxide is comparable to what we see in the Milky Way today, a sign that this system has grown rapidly despite its early age.
Results such as these illustrate how odd these (presumably short-lived) phases of a galaxy’s life with a rapidly growing obscured black hole must be.
Further observations from future telescopes will let astronomers peer closer in and see what’s happening much nearer to the black hole.
When they do, they might echo the title of this paper: hot diggity dog!
Chris Lintott was reading Hot Diggity Dog: A Complete Analysis of the Extreme Molecular Gas and Dust Properties at kpc scales in the Hyper-luminous Hot, Dust-obscured Galaxy W2246-0526 by Kevin C Harrington et al. Read it online at: arxiv.org/abs/2504.17639.
This article appeared in the July 2025 issue of BBC Sky at Night Magazine
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Nintendo Highlights Multiple Switch 2 And Switch Games Launching In July 2025
Image: Koei Tecmo We’re now past the halfway mark of the year and the Switch 2 has arrived with all sorts of games, but there’s no slowing down anytime soon – with even more games arriving in July.
Nintendo has now spotlighted a handful of these games in its own round up – highlighting some of its blockbuster releases out this month, Tony Hawk’s return, and even some smaller-scale titles offering up all sorts of experiences.
So, here are Nintendo’s Switch 2 (and Switch) highlights for this month:
Patapon 1+2 Replay – 11th July 2025
“Enjoy the original PATAPON games remastered with all-new features in PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY for Nintendo Switch. As the god of the cute and mysterious Patapons, take advantage of their unique characteristics as you use the rhythm of four Mystical Drums to lead them on a grand adventure!”
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 – 11th July 2025
“The legend returns with Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™ 3 + 4 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, revamped with new skaters, new parks, gnarlier tricks and a sicker soundtrack. Drop into cross-platform online multiplayer and relive the classic skateboarding fun!”
Donkey Kong Bananza – 17th July 2025
“The big guy is back for a ground-breaking adventure in Donkey Kong Bananza, only on Nintendo Switch 2! Help Donkey Kong make his way through the depths of the Underground World, destroying everything in his path as he chases down a mysterious group of baddies.”
The Wandering Village – 17th July 2025
“Mysterious plants are spreading all over the earth, emitting toxic spores in The Wandering Village for Nintendo Switch. Become the leader of a small group of survivors seeking shelter on the back of a giant, wandering creature and build a settlement to survive in this post-apocalyptic world.”
Shadow Labyrinth – 18th July 2025
“Experience a genre-twisting alternate take on the iconic PAC-MAN in the 2D action platformer Shadow Labyrinth for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. To survive, you’ll need to discover secrets, consume your enemies, and grow from prey to the apex predator as you embrace your true purpose.”
Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Jamboree TV – 24th July 2025
“The party powers up with Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Jamboree TV! Use full body motion controls in selected modes, make some noise using the built-in microphone, put yourself in the game using CameraPlay, flip the script with new Mario Party rules and more.”
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – 25th July 2025
Iris the internet idol finds herself on board a mysterious UFO in No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. As Date, conduct investigations, solve puzzles, and Psync into the dreams of potential suspects to help Iris escape and unravel the mystery!
Wild Hearts S – 25th July 2025
“Giant, nature-infused beasts plague the once prosperous lands of Azuma in WILD HEARTS S for Nintendo Switch 2. As a hunter, fight back against their overwhelming might, joining forces with comrades and wielding deadly weapons and ancient technology to survive.”
Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game – 29th July 2025
“Live the cosy life of a Hobbit amongst the serene landscapes of the Shire in Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings™ Game for Nintendo Switch. Decorate your own Hobbit Hole, tend to your garden, fish at the clear ponds, forage wild fruits and herbs, or trade with townsfolk as you settle down in this idyllic corner of Middle-earth!”
If you want to find out what else is on the way to the Switch 2 and Switch this month (and for the remainder of 2025) check out some of our previous coverage on Nintendo Life:
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Best Crypto to Buy: Why BTCBULL Could Explode Next Week as Presale Enters Final 48 Hours
The BTC Bull Token presale is in its final stretch, with less than 48 hours left for buyers to join at discounted rates before token claiming goes live. The presale has already raised over $8 million, showing strong interest in this new project.
Many believe this token could take off this month as Bitcoin edges closer to new all-time highs. Positive signs across macroeconomic factors, including an increase in the global money supply, the likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, and growing talk of Bitcoin adoption in national reserves and by companies, have investors watching the crypto space closely.
With the project having scheduled Bitcoin airdrops to holders when BTC hits new price milestones, BTC Bull Token (BTCBULL) could become one of the biggest winners from Bitcoin’s future bull rallies.
Meme Coin With Real Bitcoin Rewards
BTC Bull Token is a meme coin at its core, but it also rewards its token holders with real BTC rewards as Bitcoin reaches key price milestones. For example, when BTC reaches $150K and $200K for the first time, BTCBULL token holders will receive Bitcoin airdrops in their wallets.
When BTC hits $250K, a massive BTCBULL token airdrop will take place. For airdrops, the team has allocated 10% of the total token supply.
Another way to earn tokens is to stake your BTCBULL and earn a dynamic yield of 51%. This can be an excellent way to increase token holdings without making new purchases. However, as we approach the token claim and the launch on exchanges, staking at this point may not be suitable for all investors.
Aside from airdrops and staking rewards, BTCBULL uses token burn mechanisms to lower its supply. As Bitcoin reaches $125K, $175K, and $225K, the team will burn up to 15% of its tokens, reducing the supply and increasing scarcity.
In a surprise announcement, the team has already burned around 35% of the total token supply, reducing it from 21 billion to 13.65 billion. A low token supply at launch gives the token a higher chance to explode depending on demand.
Because token holders get Bitcoin rewards, a popular crypto YouTube channel called Cryptonews believes the BTCBULL token can 100x.
SUPER 100X PRESALE | GET PAID IN FREE BITCOIN TO HOLD BTC BULL TOKEN
BTCBULL Leverages the Ethereum Blockchain
Unlike Bitcoin, the BTCBULL token is built on the Ethereum blockchain, which provides it with several advantages. Ethereum’s EVM standard is widely used and compatible with many popular wallets and exchanges. This makes it simple for people around the world to buy, store, and trade BTCBULL.
Once the token claim goes live, BTCBULL will be listed on decentralized exchanges, making it easy for new buyers to join in.
The team also formed a partnership with Best Wallet, a multi-chain crypto wallet app. This lets users buy into the presale, store or stake their tokens, and claim them when they go live. Since Best Wallet is a multi-chain wallet, BTCBULL token holders can receive their BTC airdrop rewards in the same wallet, simplifying the process.
BTC Bull Token Could Outperform Bitcoin
Bitcoin is the best-performing asset in modern history, having grown more than 200 million percent since its creation. Its average annual return stands around 230%. Analysts expect BTC to keep climbing, with price targets of around $200K by the end of 2025 and beyond $1 million within the next 8 years.
The BTCBULL token has a lower market cap, giving it a higher likelihood of a 10x return this year, something that BTC is unlikely to achieve. Still, BTC doubling its price this year means BTCBULL token holders will get two BTC airdrops.
This passive income makes BTCBULL stand out from other meme coins. With the presale having raised over $8 million, and the token claim going live in 48 hours, this could be the last chance to buy BTCBULL token at a discounted price.
Interested investors can buy BTCBULL by visiting the BTC Bull Token presale site, connecting their crypto wallet, and using ETH, BNB, USDT, or a bank card.
Alternatively, investors can download Best Wallet and buy BTCBULL from the Upcoming Tokens tab.
Visit BTC Bull Token Presale
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide financial advice. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile, and the market can be unpredictable. Always perform thorough research before making any cryptocurrency-related decisions.
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Rolls-Royce shares could still go higher!
Image source: Getty Images Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR) shares are the Crown Jewels of the FTSE 100. The stock’s climbed more than 1,000% from lows over two years ago.
However, there are compelling reasons to believe its shares could still push higher, despite a valuation that looks stretched compared to both its sector and historical averages.
On a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) basis, Rolls-Royce trades at 37.3 times for 2025, above the sector median of 20.4 times. Other valuation metrics, such as enterprise value-to-EBITDA and price-to-sales, also sit at significant premiums to sector norms.
At first glance, this might suggest the shares are vulnerable to a pullback, particularly if earnings growth disappoints or the macroeconomic environment deteriorates.
However, the market appears willing to pay up for Rolls-Royce’s unique position in the global aerospace and power systems markets. The group’s economic moat is underpinned by its dominant position in the civil aviation engine market. It’s one of only a handful of suppliers to the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers.
Its engines power many of the jets that form the backbone of global aviation, and its installed base generates lucrative, recurring revenue from long-term service agreements. This so-called ’razor and blade’ model — selling engines at low margins but locking in high-margin maintenance contracts — provides revenue visibility and pricing power that few industrial peers can match.
Compared to GE Aerospace, one of its closest peers, Rolls-Royce actually looks a little cheaper. For 2025, GE’s is even higher at 44.3 times. GE’s price-to-sales and price-to-book ratios are also notably richer.
Both companies enjoy wide economic moats and resilient aftermarket revenues. However, Rolls-Royce is forecast to deliver faster earnings growth next year — 36.9% versus GE’s 21%.
While GE’s premium reflects its size and diversification, Rolls-Royce’s sharper growth and successful turnaround suggest its shares could still have room to close the valuation gap with its American rival.
Rolls-Royce is benefitting from a powerful cyclical upswing in global air travel and aircraft deliveries. Airlines are ramping up capacity after years of underinvestment, and demand for new, fuel-efficient jets is strong. As such, Rolls-Royce’s order book is swelling, and the company is guiding for strong double-digit earnings growth through 2026.
Despite CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç‘s aggressive cost-cutting portfolio rationalisation, and a renewed focus on cash generation, risks remain. The pandemic highlighted that Rolls-Royce is reliant on flying-hours contracts and that future disruptions in civil aviation could really hurt the business.
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16 Of the best foods for gut health, according to nutritionists & doctors
“We recently conducted a study that explored the effects of increasing fermented food intake in more than 6,000 people,” she tells me. “We found that 42% reported less bloating and 52% reported feeling less hungry.”
4. Beans and legumes
Described as “full of fibre” and a “longevity food” by Nasser, beans and legumes can help with feeding the good bacteria in the gut, as they tend to contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Pick from kidney beans, butter beans, edamame beans, black beans, borlotti beans, pinto beans, chickpeas and myriad others for maximum variety.
5. Kefir
“A fermented dairy drink that’s rich in live cultures (or probiotics), kefir is a staple in my home because of the way it supports the balance of good bacteria in the gut,” nutritionist and author of The Unprocessed Plate, Rhiannon Lambert explains. “There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting that regularly consuming probiotic foods like kefir can help improve gut microbial diversity, potentially supporting digestion, immune function and even mood.”
6. Cooked leafy greens
“Rainbow chard, kale, spinach, spring greens and cavolo nero are all rich in magnesium and fibre, which feed beneficial gut bacteria and support regular bowel movement,” says BANT registered nutritionist, hormone specialist and author of Everything I Know About Hormones, Hannah Alderson. She emphasises how important regular bowel movements are for detoxifying excess oestrogen from the body.
7. Shiitake mushrooms
“Shiitake mushrooms contain a special type of fibre known as ‘beta-glucan’,” Nasser explains. “It helps to strengthen the gut lining, increase SCFA production and plays a role in immune-modulation.” In layman’s terms, this means it can positively affect how the immune system functions.
Nasser says she likes to buy dried shiitake mushrooms, blitz them in a blender or food processor and then add them to the base of whatever she’s cooking. So, for good gut health, think onions, garlic and shiitake.
8. Pumpkin seeds
A handful of pumpkin seeds contains around 5g of fibre and 150mg of magnesium, which can help with gut motility and regular bowel movements, says English. “A lot of people who experience bloating or constipation are low in magnesium, especially if they’re stressed or not sleeping well,” she says. Sprinkle on salads, porridge or yoghurt, or simply enjoy a handful as a mid-morning snack.
9. Herbs and spices
According to Dr Murthy, carminative (anti-bloating) herbs and spices are a happy gut’s best friends. “Ginger, fennel, ajawain (carom) cumin, coriander, cinnamon and mint all support digestion, reduce bloating and regulate gut motility (the way in which the digestive tract moves food and waste through),” he explains. His best tip is to sip a warm ginger and mint tea in the morning to “wake up” the gut.
10. Stewed fruit
Ideal for when you fancy a warming sweet treat, cooked fruits are high on Alderson’s list of the best foods for gut health. “Cooked apples and stewed berries are high in pectin, a soluble fibre that feeds your gut bacteria, especially those linked to inflammation reduction and gut lining health.”
11. Healthy fats
“Extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts and omega-3 rich fish can help calm inflammation and support the gut lining,” nutritionist, naturopath and founder of Artah, Rhian Stephenson tells me. Consider swapping low-quality, heavily processed cooking oils like corn and some sunflower varieties for healthier alternatives, such as ghee, coconut, extra virgin olive or avocado.
12. Dark chocolate
In addition to offering a range of health benefits (better mood being just one of them), dark chocolate contains a notable amount of fibre, says Nasser. “One study found that a serving size of 85% dark chocolate helped to improve gut health,” she says. “The darker the chocolate, the more fibre and polyphenols it’ll contain.”
13. Bone broth
An often overlooked part of good gut health is the gut lining. The innermost layer of the digestive tract, the gut lining can control how well food is able to pass through the colon without pesky particles “leaking” back into the bloodstream. “Bone broth is rich in collagen, glycine and glutamine,” English explains, noting that each of these nutrients plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the gut lining.
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Ashura processions underway across country amid tight security – Pakistan
Yaum-i-Ashura processions commenced across the country on Sunday amid tight security, police said.
Yaum-i-Ashura is observed every year on Muharram 10 with solemnity to pay homage to Imam Husain — the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — and other martyrs of Karbala.
Earlier in the week, Karachi Traffic Police issued a traffic plan for Muharram 8 to 10, outlining the procession routes as well as alternative traffic flows.
Stringent security measures are being taken across the country, such as army deployment as well as a crackdown on sectarian content and hate mongers, ahead of Ashura (Muharram 10), being observed today.
In Karachi, the Ashura majlis commenced at Nishtar Park at around 8:30am, according to an alert from the police. “The number of participants is approximately 3500 to 4000 and it is being led by Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi.”
Traffic has been closed from main Numaish to MA Jinnah Road up to Kharadar Husseinia Irania Imam Bargah, with the exception of Bab-e-Urdu Chowk, Karachi traffic police said in a post on X.
A total of 7,004 police personnel are present for surveillance and security for the main procession.
Additionally, 733 NGOs, as well as senior officers of Karachi Police, and 6,271 head constables and constables are performing duty today. Expert police snipers have also been deployed alongside the main procession.
“Traffic police officers and personnel have been deployed to maintain traffic flow on the main procession routes and crossings, including alternative traffic routes arranged for the 10th Muharram procession, so as to keep the traffic flowing by keeping the public safe from any inconvenience,” said a statement from the office of Karachi’s additional inspector general of police.
“Karachi Police is providing complete security to the mourners participating in the 10th Muharram processions.”
The statement urged the public to keep an eye on their surroundings and immediately inform the police on Madadgar 15 of any suspicious or unusual situation.
Pots of Haleem were cooked at Sindh Governor House niaz distribution and distributed among the people on the instructions of Governor Kamran Tessori.
In Multan, 225 majlis and 283 processions have commenced across the city, according to commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan. More than 5,000 police personnel are providing security, and 12 vigilance teams have also been formed for monitoring.
The processions are expected to conclude at Haram Gate, where mourners will offer asr prayers.
“Special reserves are in place to deal with any kind of emergency that may arise,” said a statement from the Multan police. “In addition to rooftop duty, police personnel in white uniforms are also present on procession routes for surveillance.”
CCTV cameras have been installed at more than 180 places across Multan and are strictly monitoring the processions and gatherings , according to Deputy Commissioner Wasim Hamid Sindhu.
“Law and order across the province is being monitored from the central control room of the Home Department,” Multan City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar said.
Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 put in place several measures, including 600 rescue personnel, 15 fire tenders, 30 ambulances, 93 motorbike ambulances, and two special vehicles deployed in Multan’s Shujaabad tehsil and Jalalpur Pirwala.
Rescue personnel are providing medical cover at designated locations across Multan. — Imran Gabol Rescue personnel are providing medical cover at designated locations across Multan. — Imran Gabol Rescue personnel are providing medical cover at designated locations across Multan. — Imran Gabol Similar arrangements have been made across Punjab on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, with more than 12,000 rescuers deployed for Ashura and routine rescue operations, according to Emergency Services Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer.
“Across Punjab, 815 ambulances, 2,166 motorbikes, and 316 fire and rescue emergency vehicles have been deployed,” he said.
Meanwhile in Lahore, 55 emergency ambulances, 300 rescue motorbikes, 44 fire and rescue and specialised emergency vehicles have been deployed, as well as 1,350 rescuers deployed.
In Islamabad, over 4,000 police officers and personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of 12 processions and 48 religious gatherings scheduled for the day.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi is personally monitoring all security arrangements across the federal capital and supervising operations on the ground, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
A total of 57 security checkpoints have been established across Islamabad to secure processions and majalis, and more than 300 traffic officers have been deployed to ensure smooth vehicular flow and assist the public throughout the day.
“All security operations are being monitored through Safe City surveillance, body-worn cameras, drones, as well as both mobile and central control rooms,” IG Rizvi said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, saying that Ashura gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness, sincere determination, and standing up for the truth.
In their separate messages on Yaum-i-Ashura, they urged the nation to uphold the values and principles of fortitude and courage demonstrated by the martyrs of Karbala and to exhibit perseverance in the face of trials, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
President Zardari said that Karbala is a symbol of an eternal struggle against falsehood. “This day is not only an unparalleled story of sacrifice, loyalty, and patience but also a bright lamp that shows the path of truth and righteousness in the darkness of every era.”
In his message, PM Shehbaz said: “Karbala teaches us that although the path of truth is difficult, it is the path that leads to the pleasure of Allah Almighty and the satisfaction of hearts and eternal prosperity.”
He said the message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is not limited to his time but is a universal message, which even today convinces us that a Muslim stands for the truth, supports the oppressed, and advocates justice in all circumstances.
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Ashura procession underway in Karachi amid tight security – Pakistan
Karachi’s central mourning procession of Ashura commenced at Nishtar Park on Sunday amid tight security, police said.
Yaum-i-Ashura is observed every year on Muharram 10 with solemnity to pay homage to Imam Husain — the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — and other martyrs of Karbala.
Earlier in the week, Karachi Traffic Police issued a traffic plan for Muharram 8 to 10, outlining the procession routes as well as alternative traffic flows.
Stringent security measures are being taken across the country, such as army deployment as well as a crackdown on sectarian content and hate mongers, ahead of Ashura (Muharram 10), being observed today.
The Ashura majlis in Karachi commenced at Nishtar Park, according to an alert from the police. “The number of participants is approximately 3500 to 4000 and it is being led by Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi.”
Traffic has been closed from main Numaish to MA Jinnah Road up to Kharadar Husseinia Irania Imam Bargah, with the exception of Bab-e-Urdu Chowk, Karachi traffic police said in a post on X.
A total of 7,004 police personnel are present for surveillance and security for the main procession.
Additionally, 733 NGOs, as well as senior officers of Karachi Police, and 6,271 head constables and constables are performing duty today. Expert police snipers have also been deployed alongside the main procession.
“Traffic police officers and personnel have been deployed to maintain traffic flow on the main procession routes and crossings, including alternative traffic routes arranged for the 10th Muharram procession, so as to keep the traffic flowing by keeping the public safe from any inconvenience,” said a statement from the office of Karachi’s additional inspector general of police.
“Karachi Police is providing complete security to the mourners participating in the 10th Muharram processions.”
The statement urged the public to keep an eye on their surroundings and immediately inform the police on Madadgar 15 of any suspicious or unusual situation.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions, saying that Ashura gives us a message of sacrifice, truthfulness, sincere determination, and standing up for the truth.
In their separate messages on Yaum-i-Ashura, they urged the nation to uphold the values and principles of fortitude and courage demonstrated by the martyrs of Karbala and to exhibit perseverance in the face of trials, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
President Zardari said that Karbala is a symbol of an eternal struggle against falsehood. “This day is not only an unparalleled story of sacrifice, loyalty, and patience but also a bright lamp that shows the path of truth and righteousness in the darkness of every era.”
In his message, PM Shehbaz said: “Karbala teaches us that although the path of truth is difficult, it is the path that leads to the pleasure of Allah Almighty and the satisfaction of hearts and eternal prosperity.”
He said the message of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) is not limited to his time but is a universal message, which even today convinces us that a Muslim stands for the truth, supports the oppressed, and advocates justice in all circumstances.
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The coder ‘village’ at the heart of China’s AI frenzy
HANGZHOU – It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and dozens of people sat in the grass around a backyard stage where aspiring founders of tech startups talked about their ideas.
People in the crowd slouched over laptops, vaping and drinking strawberry Frappuccinos. A drone buzzed overhead. Inside the house, investors took pitches in the kitchen.
It looked like Silicon Valley, but it was Liangzhu, a quiet suburb of the southern Chinese city of Hangzhou, which is a hot spot for entrepreneurs and tech talent lured by low rents and proximity to tech companies like Alibaba and DeepSeek.
“People come here to explore their own possibilities,” said Mr Felix Tao, 36, a former Facebook and Alibaba employee who hosted the event.
Virtually all of those possibilities involve artificial intelligence. As China faces off with the United States over tech primacy, Hangzhou has become the center of China’s AI frenzy.
A decade ago, the provincial and local governments started offering subsidies and tax breaks to new companies in Hangzhou, a policy that has helped incubate hundreds of startups. On weekends, people fly in from Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen to hire programmers.
Lately, many of them have ended up in Mr Tao’s backyard. He helped found an AI research lab at Alibaba before leaving to start his own company, Mindverse, in 2022.
Now Mr Tao’s home is a hub for coders who have settled in Liangzhu, many in their 20s and 30s. They call themselves “villagers,” writing code in coffee shops during the day and gaming together at night, hoping to harness AI to create their own companies.
Hangzhou has already birthed tech powerhouses, not only Alibaba and DeepSeek but also NetEase and Hikvision.
In January,
DeepSeek shook the tech world
when it released an AI system that it said it had made for a small fraction of the cost that Silicon Valley companies had spent on their own.
Since then, systems made by DeepSeek and Alibaba have ranked among the top-performing open source AI models in the world, meaning they are available for anyone to build on. Graduates from Hangzhou’s Zhejiang University, where DeepSeek’s founder studied, have become sought-after employees at Chinese tech companies.
Chinese media closely followed the poaching of a core member of DeepSeek’s team by the electronics company Xiaomi. In Liangzhu, many engineers said they were killing time until they could create their own startups, waiting out noncompete agreements they had signed at bigger companies like ByteDance.
DeepSeek is one of six AI and robotics startups from the city that Chinese media calls the “six tigers of Hangzhou”.
In 2024, one of the six, Game Science, released China’s first big-budget video game to become a global hit, Black Myth: Wukong. Another firm, Unitree, grabbed public attention in January when its robots danced onstage during the Chinese state broadcaster’s televised annual spring gala.
This spring, Mr Mingming Zhu, the founder of Rokid, a Hangzhou startup that makes AI-enabled eyeglasses, invited the six founders to his home for dinner.
It was the first time they had all met in person, Mr Zhu said. Like him, most of the six had studied at Zhejiang University or worked at Alibaba.
“When we started, we were small fish,” Mr Zhu said. “But even then, the government helped out.” He said government officials had helped him connect with Rokid’s earliest investors, including Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba.
But some said the government support for Hangzhou’s tech scene had scared off some investors. Several company founders, who asked not to be named so they could discuss sensitive topics, said it was difficult for them to attract funds from foreign venture capital firms, frustrating their ambitions to grow outside China.
The nightmare situation, they said, would be to end up like ByteDance, the Chinese parent of TikTok, whose executives have been
questioned before Congress
about the company’s ties to the Chinese government.
Founders described choosing between two paths for their companies’ growth: Take government funding and tailor their product to the Chinese market, or raise enough money on their own to set up offices in a country like Singapore to pitch foreign investors. For most, the first was the only feasible option.
Another uncertainty is access to the advanced computer chips that power artificial intelligence systems. Washington has spent years trying to prevent Chinese companies from buying these chips, and Chinese companies like Huawei and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation are racing to produce their own.
So far, the Chinese-made chips work well enough to help companies like ByteDance provide some of their AI services in China. Many Chinese companies have created stockpiles of Nvidia chips despite Washington’s controls. But it is not clear how long that supply will last, or how quickly China’s chipmakers can catch up to their American counterparts.
A seemingly inescapable concept in Hangzhou is “agentic AI”, the idea that an artificial intelligence system could be directed to act on its own.
Mr Qian Roy, another Hangzhou entrepreneur, has developed an AI-enabled digital companion for young people that responds to their moods based on information from the Myers-Briggs personality test, which is popular among young people in China.
His team programmed his app, All Time, using publicly available AI systems, including those made by DeepSeek, Alibaba and Anthropic, an American startup.
Mindverse, the company cofounded by Mr Tao, who hosted the backyard event, is working on a product that would use AI to help people manage their lives. It can send supportive daily emails to colleagues, for example, or regular text messages to parents reminiscing about family vacations.
“I don’t want the AI to just handle tasks, but to actually give you more mental space so you can unplug,” Mr Tao said.
Many in the crowd in Mr Tao’s backyard said the atmosphere in Hangzhou, set on the banks of a lake that was muse to generations of Chinese poets and painters, fueled their creativity.
Mr Lin Yuanlin started his company, Zeabur, while studying at Zhejiang University. His company provides back-end systems to people who are making apps and websites by “vibecoding”, or using AI tools to program without deep software knowledge.
Liangzhu is the perfect testing ground for his product, Mr Lin said. He can lean over to someone in a coffee shop or wander into a neighbor’s living room and learn what kind of support they need for their startups. Mr Lin found himself going to Liangzhu so often that he moved there.
Liangzhu villagers have been hosting film nights. They had recently gathered to watch The Matrix. Afterward, they decided the movie should be required viewing, Mr Lin said. Its theme – people finding their way out of a vast system controlling society – provided spot-on inspiration.
Aspiring founders in Liangzhu, even those who did not go to top universities, believe they could start the next world-changing tech company, Mr Tao said.
“Many of them are super brave to make a choice to explore their own way, because in China that is not the common way to live your life.” NYTIMES
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Miss Essex’s battle to get ADHD and autism test
Henry Godfrey-Evans & Sonia WatsonBBC News, Essex
Cutter CreativesClaire Redgrave (front, centre) was given the tiara for Miss Essex 2025 by last year’s winner, Lauren Jennings The winner of Miss Essex 2025 said she wanted to use her platform to share her struggle to get assessed for suspected ADHD and autism.
Claire Redgrave has plotted her difficult journey getting “believed” and tested through her Instagram page, Navigating Neurodiversity.
She said she wanted to break the “stigma” around women and girls being diagnosed, adding the conditions presented themselves differently in men and boys.
The 29-year-old said she hoped through social media she could “give people a place to feel a bit more understood and supported”.
Miss Redgrave, from Basildon, was awarded her tiara last week at the Rayleigh Club and will attend the national final of Miss Great Britain on 17 October.
Last year’s Essex winner, Lauren Jennings, also used her award to raise neurodiversity awareness.
Cutter CreativesClaire Redgrave – the new “Miss Essex” for 2025 (left) – pictured with Abby Squires, the new “Ms Essex” On her Instagram page, Miss Redgrave talks about how the high volume of referrals for such conditions had made it difficult for people to get help and support.
“I’ve been fighting for an ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder] and autism diagnosis for quite a while now, and I’ve had problems with people not believing me – like GPs submitting my referral, and then going back and checking and realising that they’ve actually not submitted it properly,” she told the BBC.
If you need support with suspected or diagnosed conditions such as ADHD or autism, BBC Action Line has links to organisations that can help.
Last year, the Nuffield Trust warned that a large rise in demand for assessments and treatments in England had overtaken the NHS’s capacity to meet it.
The Department for Health said it was “vital to have a timely diagnosis of autism or ADHD” and it was “taking action to reduce assessment delays”.
Speaking about raising awareness on social media, Miss Redgrave said: “I just wanted to be able to give people a place to feel a bit more understood and supported, because I felt like I was so dismissed and invalidated because I seem ‘normal’.
“I’ve learned to be like this, I’ve put a lot into this, so I wanted to make sure that it was like a safe space for people to feel like they could go somewhere, and be like, ‘Oh, OK, they’re like me.’”
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