Google loses $100 billion over one wrong search result

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, experiences $100 billion loss after AI chatbot shares inaccurate information

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, suffered a massive loss of $100 billion in market value on Wednesday, following an incident in which its new AI chatbot, Bard, provided incorrect information in a promotional video.

Bard is an experimental conversational AI service, powered by LaMDA. Built using our large language models and drawing on information from the web, it’s a launchpad for curiosity and can help simplify complex topics → https://t.co/fSp531xKy3 pic.twitter.com/JecHXVmt8l— Google (@Google) February 6, 2023

During regular trading, Alphabet shares fell as much as 9%, with volumes almost three times the 50-day moving average. They recovered slightly after hours and were relatively stable.

The company had lost 40% of its value last year but had rebounded by 15% since the start of this year, not including Wednesday’s losses.

This situation occurred after the company announced that Bard would soon be available for public testing.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai wrote in a blog post on Tuesday that they had developed a new AI chatbot, Bard, using LaMDA, the company’s Language Model for Dialogue Application.

He further added that the chatbot would first be tested by trusted users before becoming more widely available to the public in the coming weeks.

Although Bard has not been released to the public yet, its error was discovered just before the presentation on Wednesday.

Google released a brief GIF video of Bard in action via Twitter, promising that it would simplify complex topics.

However, in the video, the chatbot gave an incorrect answer when asked, “What new discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) can I tell my 9-year old about?” Bard provided various answers, including one that claimed the JWST was used to capture the first images of a planet outside the Earth’s solar system or exoplanets.

Unfortunately, the first images of exoplanets were taken in 2004 by the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), which was confirmed by NASA.

A Google spokesperson responded to the issue by emphasizing the significance of a thorough testing process. They stated, “This highlights the importance of a rigorous testing process, something that we’re kicking off this week with our Trusted Tester program.

We’ll combine external feedback with our own internal testing to make sure Bard’s responses meet a high bar for quality, safety, and groundedness in real-world information.”

LHC questions delay in election date

The Lahore High Court has instructed the Election Commission to respond to a contempt of court petition regarding the scheduling of elections to the Punjab Assembly.

The court had previously ruled on Friday that the ECP should announce a date for the polls, yet no date has been issued, prompting the contempt petition.

In its response, the ECP informed the court that a meeting had taken place with the governor, but no date had been decided.

They also stated that the meeting had determined that further clarification was needed to comprehend the court’s decision.

Justice Jawad Hassan, who made the ruling, cautioned the government’s lawyer against making a mockery of the decision.

The judge was informed that the ECP had arranged another meeting to discuss the matter, leading to the adjournment of the court’s proceedings until the meeting’s conclusion.

Overall, the Lahore High Court has demanded that the Election Commission explain the delay in scheduling elections for the Punjab Assembly, in light of their ruling from Friday.

The ECP has cited the need for more clarity regarding the court’s decision, leading to a meeting with the governor that did not produce a date for the polls.

The court has expressed concern over the delay and cautioned against any disregard for their previous decision.

After critical documentary, Indian tax officers search BBC offices

Indian tax officials search BBC bureaus after critical documentary on Modi

Indian tax officers have conducted searches on the BBC’s bureaus in Mumbai and New Delhi. The searches took place after the BBC released a documentary that was critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

The documentary focused on Modi’s leadership during the deadly communal riots that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,000 people, most of them Muslims.

The BBC stated that it was fully cooperating with the authorities and hoped for a quick resolution to the situation. However, the Editors Guild of India expressed concern and called the search an attempt to intimidate and harass news organizations that are critical of the government. The tax department had previously conducted similar searches on media outlets critical of the government in 2021.

The BJP defended the tax department’s actions, stating that Indian institutions work independently, and the department was acting within the law. The Congress party condemned the searches, with one lawmaker stating that it showed the Modi government’s fear of criticism and was undemocratic.

The Indian government has dismissed the documentary as propaganda, claiming that it is biased and lacks objectivity. The BBC has stood by its reporting, which led to police detaining students who gathered to watch the documentary in January.

Modi, who ruled Gujarat for over a decade before becoming prime minister in 2014, has faced accusations of not doing enough to stop the rioting during his leadership. However, a panel appointed by the Supreme Court in 2013 stated that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute him.

The communal violence in Gujarat began in 2002 after a suspected Muslim mob set fire to a train carrying Hindu pilgrims.

Actor and wife of Turkish series Kurulus Osman die in earthquake, mourned by fans

Turkish actor Çağdaş Çankaya, best known for his role in the hit series Kuruluş Osman, and his wife Zilan Tigris, a professional musician, have tragically been declared dead following the catastrophic earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria.

The quakes have killed thousands of people and forced millions to stay outdoors in extreme weather. As rescue efforts continue, the World Health Organization has dubbed the quakes as the worst natural disaster in a century.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of the valuable actor of our TV series Establishment Osman, Çağdaş Çankaya, and his musician wife, Zilan Tigris, in the earthquake disaster that deeply injured us all.???? pic.twitter.com/eAnWGabs4i— Özge Törer (@Ozge_Torer) February 12, 2023

A production company confirmed the deaths of Çağdaş Çankaya and his wife, expressing sincere condolences to their family and loved ones. Fans of the Turkish star remembered him with heartfelt condolences.

The Turkish Red Crescent President recently told an international publication that the relief efforts would continue for nearly 18 months as thousands of buildings were razed in quake-hit regions.

The February 6 quakes reportedly affected nearly a dozen cities, which were home to nearly 15 million people, about one-sixth of the country’s population.

Nora Fatehi to Star in Kunal Khemu’s Debut Film ‘Madgaon Express’

Nora Fatehi, the actor and dancer, is all set to play a role in Kunal Khemu’s debut directorial project ‘Madgaon Express’. The film was announced in August 2022 and is produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani under their banner, Excel Entertainment.

According to sources, the film is a fun-filled comedy with an ensemble cast, and Nora has already completed shooting for her part.

Nora Fatehi is known for her work in the music video space and has acted in several films, including ‘Bharat’, ‘Bhuj: The Pride of India’, and ‘Street Dancer 3D’. She has now taken on a new challenge by showcasing her acting skills in ‘Madgaon Express’.

The plot of the film has not been revealed yet, but it is reported to be a fun character for Nora, different from her previous roles.

Nora is excited to see how audiences react to her new avatar and is eager to show her acting chops. The film is expected to release this year, and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Apart from ‘Madgaon Express’, Nora has another film titled ‘100%’ in the pipeline, alongside Riteish Deshmukh and John Abraham. The film is also set to release this year.

Nora’s rise in the Indian film industry has been significant, and she has made a name for herself with her dance performances and acting skills.

Her fans are eagerly awaiting her upcoming projects, and with ‘Madgaon Express’, Nora is all set to showcase her versatility as an actor.

Over 40,000 dead as 9 rescued from Turkihe earthquake debris

Nine survivors were pulled from the rubble more than a week after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Turkiye and neighboring Syria, as the focus of aid efforts turned towards helping survivors without shelter or enough food in freezing temperatures.

The death toll in the combined countries is over 41,000, with many left homeless and struggling to survive in the aftermath of the disaster.

President Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged the problems in the initial response but said the situation is now under control.

Two brothers aged 17 and 21 were among those rescued from an apartment block in Kahramanmaras province, along with a Syrian man and young woman who had been trapped for over 200 hours in the rubble of Antakya.

Rescuers believe there may still be more survivors to find. However, UN authorities have stated that the rescue phase is coming to a close, and aid efforts must now focus on providing shelter, food, and schooling.

The earthquake has left many people suffering without basic necessities, and they urgently need assistance.

“We applied to receive a tent, aid, or something, but up to now we didn’t receive anything,” said Hassan Saimoua, a Syrian refugee living in a playground in the southeastern city of Gaziantep.

Saimoua and others who had found refuge from the Syrian war but were made homeless by the earthquake had to use plastic sheets, blankets, and cardboard to create makeshift tents.

The World Health Organization’s Director for Europe, Hans Henri P. Kluge, said, “The needs are huge, increasing by the hour. Some 26 million people across both countries need humanitarian assistance.”

There are also concerns about health issues arising from the cold weather, poor hygiene, and sanitation, and the potential spread of infectious diseases, putting vulnerable people at risk.

The earthquake has caused significant damage to cities in both Turkiye and Syria, leaving many people in desperate need of help.

As the focus shifts towards providing shelter and aid, organizations like the UN and the WHO will play a crucial role in ensuring that those affected receive the support they require.

President Alvi rejects approval of ‘mini-budget ordinance’ for IMF deal

On Tuesday, President Dr Arif Alvi rejected a request by the federal government to approve an ordinance that would impose new taxes to generate additional revenue in line with the conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and revive a stalled $6.5 billion bailout package.

According to an official statement released by the President House, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had visited the president and updated him on the progress of talks with the IMF and all modalities that had been agreed upon.

The statement also mentioned that President Alvi appreciated the government’s efforts to negotiate an agreement with the IMF and assured that Pakistan would stand by the government’s commitments in this regard.

The finance minister informed the president that the government intended to increase revenue by imposing new taxes through an ordinance.

However, President Alvi advised that it would be more appropriate to take the parliament into confidence on this important subject and call a session immediately to ensure that the bill was enacted without delay.

The government had previously met two prior actions of increasing electricity and gas prices that were set by the IMF, along with other conditions, to reach a staff-level agreement.

According to details, gas consumers would have to pay an additional Rs310 billion in just six months.

Moreover, the government had already increased electricity prices by Rs3.30 to Rs15.52 per unit to recover Rs237 billion more until June, and another burden of Rs189 billion would be passed on in the form of increased taxes by June 2023.

As a result, these three measures would cost the people an extra Rs736 billion in just six months, which had increased due to the government’s failure to revive the IMF programme on time.

Zalmi Defeats Kings by 2 Runs in Nail-Biting Match

In a thrilling second match of the Pakistan Super League 2023 held at the National Bank Cricket Arena on Tuesday, Captain Imad Wasim’s unbeaten 80 went in vain as Peshawar Zalmi beat Karachi Kings by just two runs.

Peshawar Zalmi batted first after Karachi Kings’ invitation and posted 199-5, thanks to Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s impressive 92 and Babar Azam’s 68.

The two batsmen added a 139-run partnership for the third wicket after Peshawar Zalmi lost two early wickets. Opener Muhammad Haris was dismissed for 10, and Saim Ayub was unlucky to be run out for 1.

With the score at 16-2 inside two overs, Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam and Tom Kohler-Cadmore displayed an excellent batting performance. Cadmore hit three consecutive sixes to Imad Wasim in an over that went for 23 runs.

The Englishman hit six sixes and seven fours for his 50-ball 92. Babar Azam hit seven fours and a six for his 46-ball 68 runs before being dismissed by Imran Tahir.

In response, Karachi Kings lost four wickets for just 46 runs as Sharjeel Khan, Haider Ali, Mathew Wade, and Qasim Akram went back to the pavilion. Sharjeel Khan was dismissed for a golden duck by Wahab Riaz in the very first over.

Mathew Wade scored a quick 23 runs but failed to score big. Qasim Akram (7) and Haider Ali (12) also perished in quick succession, leaving Karachi Kings reeling at 46-4.

Then, Imad Wasim played a captain’s knock, and he, along with experienced Shoaib Malik, put on a 131-run partnership for the fifth wicket and almost pulled off a famous victory for the home side.

Imad Wasim scored a career-best 80 not out, hitting four sixes and seven fours. Shoaib Malik hammered a 34-ball 52. Karachi Kings needed 24 runs in the last two overs, but it was Wahab Riaz who gave away just eight runs in the penultimate over and dismissed Shoaib Malik.

In the last over, Khurram Shahzad successfully defended 16 runs, as Karachi Kings fell two runs short of their target.

In conclusion, Peshawar Zalmi’s brilliant batting performance and tight bowling in the end helped them win a closely contested match against Karachi Kings.

BBC responds to Indian tax authorities’ survey

The Income Tax Department in India conducted a survey at the offices of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in Mumbai and Delhi on Tuesday, as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion.

The BBC stated that it was cooperating fully with the tax authorities, and hoped to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

The tax officials’ visit comes less than a month after the BBC released a two-part documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots, which the Indian government dismissed as “propaganda.”

While a Central Board of Direct Taxes official confirmed the survey, a second official added that the tax department was investigating certain matters related to the BBC based on inputs of irregularities, and that only after the completion of the survey would it be known if there were any deliberate irregularities or not.

The I-T Department’s survey covered only the business premises of the BBC, and not the residences or other locations of its directors or promoters.

News of the tax officials’ visit to the BBC offices drew onlookers and media crews in Delhi and Mumbai.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said that the BBC should not “spew venom” while operating in India, and accused the BBC of indulging in anti-India propaganda, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh termed the survey as “intimidation tactics.”

Ramesh said that the action showed that the Narendra Modi government was scared of criticism.

In response, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said that the IT raid at BBC’s offices “reeks of desperation” and demonstrated that the Modi government was scared of criticism.

Interbank rupee gains momentum against dollar

The Pakistani rupee gained ground against the US dollar in interbank trading on Tuesday, rising by Rs2.59 to be quoted at 266.85.

This gain came after the local currency had seen a decline on the first day of the week, closing at 269.44 against the greenback.

The slight strengthening of the rupee has been attributed to ongoing talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that have recently resumed virtually.

The dollar depreciated against rupee last week

The government’s stringent measures to unlock crucial funding have also been a contributing factor.

Although the talks with the US-based lender did not result in a deal, and the visiting delegation of financial institutions left after 10 days of discussions, negotiations are expected to continue.

Experts believe that the resumption of talks with the IMF has been a primary reason for the slight strengthening of the rupee.

Pakistan, with a population of 220 million, is on the brink of a debt default, with the country’s foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank plunging to less than $3 billion.

The removal of an unofficial price cap on the exchange rate has led to the rupee nosediving to a record low.

In summary, ongoing talks with the IMF have been the primary reason for the Pakistani rupee’s slight gains against the US dollar in interbank trading.

While no deal has been reached, negotiations are set to continue. The country’s precarious financial situation, with dwindling foreign exchange reserves and a record-low rupee, has made the outcome of the talks with the IMF all the more crucial.

Flying taxis to launch in Dubai by 2026

Dubai is set to launch air taxis by 2026. During the World Government Summit, the UAE’s Vice-President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, approved the design and locations for air taxi stations in Dubai.

He confirmed in a recent tweet that the air taxis will start operating within three years.

Women-Only Pink Taxis in Karachi

The air taxis are planned to link four key parts of the city, including the Dubai International Airport, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina.

To accommodate the air taxis, Dubai will have to build special infrastructure, called ‘vertiports,’ which will assist electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to fly and land easily.

With the capacity to accommodate four passengers and a pilot, these air taxis will fly at a speed of around 300 km/h, providing Dubai residents with a quick and efficient mode of transportation.

Dubai authorities are working towards making the Air Taxi project a success.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai is collaborating with Skysports Infrastructure and Joby Aviation to develop a seamless air taxi network by 2026.

During the announcement at the World Government Summit, people were given the opportunity to virtually experience flying taxis, providing a glimpse of what’s to come.

Once the air taxi stations are in place, residents and visitors will be able to hail a flying taxi to pick them up and drop them off at their destination.

US ‘deeply concerned’ over Putin’s coup plan

Charges of Putin’s coup plans in Moldova by its president are ‘deeply concerning’ says US National Security Council spokesman

The US National Security Council has expressed alarm over allegations that Russian President Vladimir Putin is plotting a coup in Moldova.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu recently warned that Putin is intending to use foreign saboteurs to destroy her nation’s leadership and stop it from joining the European Union, adding that Moldovan intelligence services had also confirmed Ukraine had received a document detailing the alleged plot. Moldova has been an ally of Ukraine.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Dies in Helicopter Crash

Sandu said that the Russian plan included the use of saboteurs disguised as civilians who had received military training, who would carry out violent actions, attacks on government buildings, and hostage-taking.

She also warned that the plan included the use of foreigners for violent activities, adding that reports received from Ukrainian partners had indicated the locations and logistical aspects of organizing the subversive activity.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby commented that, while the US has not independently verified the coup reports, he believes Putin is capable of such an act.

Kirby added that the US “absolutely stand(s) with the Moldovan government and Moldovan people.”

In response, Russia rejected the accusations, stating that “such claims are completely unfounded and unsubstantiated.”

The country also accused Ukraine of stirring tensions between Russia and Moldova.

Fans react to choreographer’s BTS pic of SRK and Salman Khan together

A recent Instagram post by choreographer Shiamak Davar has left Bollywood fans nostalgic.

The post featured a throwback photo of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan taken during a rehearsal for some event or show.

The photo shows the two stars looking younger, with Shah Rukh wearing a grey shirt and baggy pants with a bandana, while Salman sports a casual look in a grey t-shirt and denim pants.

Hrithik Roshan and Mahira Khan Pose Together

Shiamak Davar praised Shah Rukh’s latest outing in Pathaan, which marks the two Khans’ rare reunion on screen after Om Shanti Om.

In the caption, Shiamak expressed his gratitude towards Shah Rukh for launching him in Dil Toh Pagal Hai and added how wonderful it was to see Shah Rukh slay it on the big screen with Pathaan.

He also acknowledged Salman’s alluring presence and added that both stars were absolute legends.

Fans were thrilled to see the photo and commented on the post, expressing their desire to see the two stars work together again.

Many described the photo as a picture of three legends in one frame, including Shiamak Davar. Shah Rukh is currently enjoying the success of his film, Pathaan, which was directed by Siddharth Anand and also starred Deepika Padukone and John Abraham.

Salman’s special appearance in the film was a sweet surprise for fans, and a post-credit scene was added with his iconic character, Tiger, as part of YRF’s spy universe. Hrithik will also be joining as Kabir.

In conclusion, the throwback photo of Shah Rukh and Salman is a great reminder of their long-standing friendship and contributions to Bollywood.

Fans hope to see the two stars work together again soon and are excited to see what the future holds for them.

FM Bilawal urges political parties to unite for crisis resolution

In an effort to overcome the crises faced by Pakistan, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called for all political parties to come together and form a consensus on a code of conduct for resolving issues and moving forward.

Speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Constitution of 1973 at Parliament House, Bilawal shared that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had formed a committee to approach all political parties and devise rules for contesting polls and ensuring smooth functioning of the country.

The minister criticized the non-serious thinking of the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that their stubborn attitude and non-cooperation was damaging the interests of the masses and the country’s democracy.

He urged people’s representatives to agree on a code of conduct and implement it for the smooth running of the country.

Bilawal lamented Imran Khan’s willingness to negotiate with anti-state elements while being allergic to sit with fellow politicians, stating that the Constitution guaranteed the rights of people, journalists, and others.

He highlighted that the 1973 Constitution provided freedom of expression and the right to vote to ordinary people, while only the rich and powerful were previously given the right to vote.

The Constitution of 1973 revolutionized the power structure and enabled the common masses to have a say in governance.

Overall, Bilawal’s call for unity among political parties and the formation of a code of conduct reflects a need for consensus-building and a smooth functioning of the country.

Possible Rs20 Increase in Petrol Price from Feb 16

Pakistan may experience another significant surge in petrol prices in the upcoming fuel price review on February 15, 2023, with sources suggesting a possible increase of up to Rs20 per litre.

This rise in prices is mainly due to the high international price of petrol on a free on board (FOB) basis, as calculated by the oil industry sources.

Ogra denies rumors about rise in petrol prices

The previous fortnightly review of fuel prices already saw a massive increase of Rs35 per litre, with the government currently imposing a petroleum levy (PL) of Rs50 per litre but no general sales tax (GST) yet.

Aside from the FOB-based petrol price, the exchange rate between the Pakistani rupee and the US dollar also plays a crucial role in determining local fuel prices.

The sources claim that the exchange rate is currently on the higher side, which could prevent local consumers from benefiting from any reduction in international petrol prices.

Moreover, while the international market has seen a decrease in petrol prices, the steep depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar offsets these gains, leading to higher fuel prices for domestic consumers.

If the exchange rate is adjusted in the upcoming fuel price review, the petrol price could further increase by up to Rs20 per litre, which means a cumulative increase of up to Rs40 per litre.

As for diesel, its FOB price does not reflect any increase yet, but if the exchange rate is adjusted, diesel prices may go up in the next review.

In the last review, the government adjusted the exchange rate for diesel by Rs14 per litre, but the current appreciation of the US dollar has nullified this adjustment.

The current shortage of petrol in Pakistan exacerbates the issue, particularly in the most populous province of Punjab.

The crisis is blamed not only on the low import of petrol by many oil marketing companies but also on the hoarding practices of some petroleum dealers who anticipate the expected increase in fuel prices.

Consequently, major and smaller cities, towns, and villages in Punjab suffer from a lack of petrol supply.

The last time the federal government increased the prices of petroleum products in Pakistan was on January 29, 2021.

During that review, petrol was priced at Rs249.80 per litre, high-speed diesel at Rs262.80 per litre, kerosene oil at Rs189.83 per litre, and light-speed diesel at Rs187 per litre.

In the most recent review on January 29, 2023, petrol and high-speed diesel prices went up by Rs35 per litre, while kerosene oil and light diesel oil saw an increase of Rs18 per litre each.

In summary, Pakistan is facing potential fuel price hikes due to the high international petrol price on FOB basis, the unfavourable exchange rate between the Pakistani rupee and the US dollar, and the shortage of petrol supply.

While diesel prices may not increase based on FOB price, adjusting the exchange rate could lead to an increase in diesel prices in the upcoming review.

Shahid Khaqan opposes arrest of Shaukat Tarin

Shaukat Khaqan Abbasi, a leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has spoken out against the planned arrest of Shaukat Tarin, a senator of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and former finance minister.

Tarin is accused of attempting to disrupt talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Abbasi believes that Tarin should be tried in court instead of being detained. He has also stated that he is not in favor of “political revenge” against Tarin.

In addition to his comments on Tarin’s case, Abbasi discussed his party’s internal affairs.

He declared that he would not become part of any new leadership under the supervision of Maryam Nawaz, as he is a companion of Nawaz Sharif.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah’s authorization of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to arrest Shaukat Tarin has been met with opposition from Abbasi.

The FIA’s cyber crime wing has registered a case against Tarin under the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PICA) on the complaint of Arshad Mehmood. Tarin has been charged with sedition and provocation.

Moderna CEO clarifies company’s vaccine production capacity at Davos 2023

Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel spoke at the Davos 2023 conference about how the company was able to quickly scale up vaccine production at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

False Claim Circulates Online About Moderna’s Covid Vaccine Production

Bancel said that Moderna had only manufactured a total of 100,000 doses of vaccine in 2019 and had to scale up production capacity to be able to make a billion doses because of the pandemic. However, some online users have falsely claimed that Moderna made 100,000 Covid vaccine doses before the pandemic started.

Moderna’s 2019 Portfolio and Covid Vaccine Production

The clip of Bancel’s response was circulated on social media with a false caption that misinterpreted his remarks.

Pakistan records a decline in COVID cases

Reuters streamed the full Davos 2023 session, and the “State of the Pandemic” panel discussion can be seen on the World Economic Forum site.

During the panel, the moderator asked Bancel about the company’s current production capacity to make variant-specific Covid vaccines, and Bancel responded by recalling how Moderna had to scale up production at the start of the pandemic.

Other Vaccines and Therapeutics in Moderna’s Pipeline in 2019

Moderna did not produce 100,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in 2019, according to Chris Ridley, a Moderna spokesperson. Bancel’s remark about having made 100,000 doses referred to the company’s entire output in 2019, not to Covid vaccines.

Ridley explained that the 100,000 Bancel mentioned during the “State of the Pandemic” session referred to “total doses across our portfolio: Vaccines, rare diseases, cancer – the entire companies 2019 pipeline,” and from there, “we scaled to 1B doses just for Covid.”

Covid-Related Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation

In 2019, Moderna reported at least four different vaccines in clinical trials, including a vaccine against the Zika virus, a flu vaccine, and vaccines against other respiratory viruses.

It also reported results from a trial of a Chikungunya virus therapeutic. On Jan. 23, 2020, Moderna announced funding from the WHO-affiliated Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to work on a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus in a partnership with the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Debunks Claim that Moderna Worked on Covid-19 Vaccine Before Pandemic

The false claim that Moderna had made 100,000 Covid vaccine doses before the pandemic began is just one of many Covid-related conspiracy theories that have circulated online.

Reuters has previously debunked a claim that Moderna worked on its Covid-19 vaccine before the SARS-CoV-2 virus was officially named in Feb. 2020, which some people used as evidence that the pandemic was planned in advance.

Lahore Qalandars Win Over Multan Sultans in PSL 8 Opening Match

In the opening match of the 2023 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Lahore Qalandars secured a victory against Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Despite Khushdil Shah’s valiant efforts for the Sultans, striking four boundaries, the Qalandars were able to hold off the chase and secure the win.

The Sultans were off to a strong start, thanks to a 100-run partnership from their opening batsmen, Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood.

Rizwan hit his 13th fifty in the PSL and both he and Masood provided a commanding presence at the crease, not allowing the Qalandar bowlers to overpower them.

However, Hussain Talat broke the partnership by sending Masood back to the pavilion after scoring 35 runs in 31 balls.

Rizwan was later bowled by Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, after scoring 75 runs in 50 balls, bringing the Sultans’ score to 131-2.

The Qalandars were able to regain control of the match with the help of their captain, Shah Afridi, and his bowling partner Haris Rauf.

Shah Afridi provided the much-needed breakthrough and Rauf delivered a fantastic over, clean bowling South African David Miller, who was known for his powerful hitting, with a blistering yorker.

Overall, the match was a well-fought contest, with both teams putting in a strong effort.

However, it was the Qalandars who ultimately came out on top, securing their victory in the opening match of the PSL 8 by 1 run

No murder evidence of Arshad Sharif found in Kenya: JIT informs SC

The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) tasked with investigating the murder of senior journalist Arshad Sharif reported to the Supreme Court of Pakistan that no substantial evidence was discovered during their visit to Kenya and that there was a lack of cooperation from the authorities in the East African nation. The court, which was presided over by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, and had four other justices, heard the suo motu notice.

In October of last year, the senior journalist was shot dead by Kenyan police in what they claimed was a case of “mistaken identity” while he was returning to Nairobi from Magadi Town in Kenya. The police said they opened fire after the vehicle he was in breached a blockade. Following the murder, the Supreme Court took notice of the case and ordered an investigation.

Arshad’s Murder was Planned – Kenya HRC

During the hearing, the JIT head, Awais Ahmed, submitted the second progress report on the investigation. When Justice Naqvi asked if the JIT had found anything during their visit to Kenya, Mr. Ahmed said the team found no solid evidence and that the authorities of the foreign country did not provide access to the evidence in the case. To this, Justice Naqbi said that the discussion of evidence would take place during the trial and that the court wanted to know what material they had collected in Kenya at this time.

In response to a question from Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the JIT head said that Mr. Sharif’s mobile phone and iPad were in the custody of Kenya’s IT department and that other belongings had been recovered. The additional attorney general, who was also present at the hearing, said that people who had registered cases against Mr. Sharif would also be interrogated, but it would be premature to name someone as the perpetrator.

Justice Naqvi reprimanded the additional attorney general, saying that this was only the first part of the investigation and it was still incomplete. CJP Bandial commented that the investigation in Pakistan was marred by multiple mistakes and expressed frustration over the leaking of the fact-finding report in the case, telling the court to find the person responsible.

When Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked if the statements of two suspects, Khurram and Waqar, who had hosted Mr. Sharif in Kenya, had been recorded, the additional attorney general said that the Kenyan authorities only arranged a meeting with the Director of Public Prosecution. He also said that the Kenyan officials had promised full cooperation in the investigation, but did not allow the JIT members to visit the crime scene. He added that diplomatic pressure was being put on Kenya.

When Justice Ahsan suggested using the United Nations platform to pressure Kenya for cooperation, the additional attorney general said that Kenya was a friendly state and that they did not want to take a step that would damage bilateral relations. CJP Bandial said that Kenya was an independent state and that a respectful approach should be taken when talking to the foreign country.

The court adjourned the case for one month and asked for a progress report from the JIT in two weeks.

Future Apple Watches may feature cameras

The tech giant Apple has filed a patent (US-11571048-B1) for an Apple Watch strap that could contain a camera.

According to Patently Apple, an Apple-focused blog that brings in the latest news about any new patents filed by Apple, the patented watch strap mechanism will allow Apple to include a built-in camera in their watches.

The strap is described as having two segments and a nest section, allowing users to easily detach the watch from the strap and use it separately when capturing an image.

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Apple has included several figures in the patent, depicting the design functionality of the watch strap, including one where the Apple Watch is detached from the strap and being used separately.

This is not the first time that Apple has gone forward with a camera-related patent design for the Apple Watch.

Over the years, the company has filed several patents for the Apple Watch, such as a rotatable camera strap in 2019 and even a patent for an Apple Watch with a camera in its digital crown. Although these patents are promising, there is a high probability that this new patented design might never be implemented, only time can tell.

Apple is known for bringing innovative designs and features to their watches, as seen in the differences between the Apple Watch Series 7 and 8 in terms of design, functionality, and features.

The idea of an Apple Watch with a built-in camera is certainly exciting, but for now, it remains just that – an idea.

UNESCO reports a 9% enrollment rise with improved school meals

According to a report by UNESCO, providing school meals has been found to increase enrollment by 9% and attendance by 8%.

The report also highlights the impact of deworming and micronutrient supplementation in areas where anemia and infections are prevalent, leading to students staying in school for an additional 2.5 years.

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Creating a safe and violence-free learning environment also leads to students being 50% less likely to skip school. Improving water, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly for girls during menstruation, has been found to reduce absenteeism in low-income countries.

The report emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to address the complexities of food security and support agricultural development in the farming community.

In addition to school meals, the report highlights the importance of promoting eyecare, mental health, and well-being of children, as well as preventing school violence.

Such measures can result in a significant return on investment for countries and have a positive impact not just on children and adolescents, but on their homes and communities as well.

Concerns over Britney Spears’ health worry Sam Asghari

According to a friend of Britney Spears, Sam Asghari has been providing support for the singer amid concerns about her deteriorating mental health.

The source stated that Spears’ depression has been triggered by her sons’ refusal to visit her, and Asghari is doing everything in his power to make her happy.

Initially, the friend had doubts about Asghari, but now they feel he genuinely loves and cares for Spears and is determined to help her through this difficult time.

The friend also spoke about Spears’ mental state, explaining that her depression is, in part, due to the hurtful behavior of her sons, Sean and Preston.

The friend described Spears’ behavior as “childlike,” which is often misperceived as “crazy.”

They revealed that Spears has always been playful and like a 12-year-old girl, and her behavior is a result of a traumatic experience she had at that age.

The friend insisted that despite her occasional outbursts, she is not going crazy but simply quirky and different.

In conclusion, Sam Asghari is doing everything he can to support Britney Spears during this challenging time, and her behavior is a result of her childlike personality, which has always been a part of her but is now becoming more apparent to the public.

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