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WASHINGTON: Google rolled back Friday a new feature allowing Google Earth users to generate AI visualisations on top of the service’s satellite imagery, following a furious backlash from researchers and open-source intelligence experts about the potential for disinformation. “We’ve seen geospatial professionals using this feature for a range of useful purposes, however we’ve also seen people sharing screenshots of generated imagery that appear to violate our policies,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement to AFP. “So we’re rolling back this feature in Google Earth while we work on implementing stronger guardrails.” “We know that people uniquely trust Google Earth for…

A version of Chinese startup DeepSeek’s flagship AI model is by far the least expensive to run on benchmark tests among well-known models globally and more than 100 times cheaper to run than Anthropic’s Claude Fable 5, according to a research firm. DeepSeek, which sources have said is preparing for a potential IPO, officially released its V4-Flash model on Friday, its latest attempt to regain momentum by doing what it is best known for — offering ultra —low-cost AI alternatives. The startup’s R1 model became a global sensation in early 2025, triggering a selloff in global technology stocks and raising…

LOS ANGELES: “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” brought in a blockbuster $927 million ‌in worldwide ticket sales, including $355 million in the United States and Canada, to deliver the second most lucrative opening weekend of all time for a film, both domestically and globally. The movie, which marks actor Tom Holland’s fourth outing as the web-slinging superhero, depicts Peter Parker fighting crime in a world that has forgotten he ​is Spider-Man. Zendaya co-stars as MJ, the love of Parker’s life. Audiences returned for a film that was grounded in ​Parker’s struggles with loneliness and his pursuit of human connection. “‘Spider-Man: Brand…

Gianni Infantino’s hopes of extending his Fifa presidency may rest less on winning back soccer’s traditional powers than on calling in favours from the many small and emerging nations that rely heavily on the world governing body’s largesse. Infantino is facing the biggest crisis of his decade-long tenure after regional confederations Uefa and CONCACAF declared no confidence in his leadership following the abortive proposal to bring private equity into the World Cup. He confirmed his intention to stand for a fourth term at next year’s Congress in April but the pressure on Infantino may not wait until the election. Wales…

Pakistan captain Babar Azam said the decision to leave experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas out of the playing XI for the second and final Test against the West Indies was based solely on the playing conditions at Queen’s Park Oval. Abbas’ omission came as the biggest surprise when Pakistan announced four changes for the series decider, despite the right-arm seamer being the visitors’ standout performer in the opening Test. The experienced pacer claimed eight wickets in the first Test, including the seventh five-wicket haul of his Test career, making his exclusion one of the most talked-about selection decisions. Speaking to…

PORT OF SPAIN: Justin Greaves made an unbeaten 64 to steer West Indies to 239-5 at stumps on a rain-shortened opening day of the second and final Test against Pakistan in Trinidad on Sunday. After a match-winning display with the ball in the first Test last week, Greaves displayed what has now become his trademark ease and composure at the crease in a battling knock at Queen’s Park Oval. His only error of judgement came just after reaching the half-century mark when opposing captain Babar Azam put down a straightforward chance at leg slip off spinner Sajid Khan. Greaves at…

A prominent religious scholar, Mufti Jana Mir, was killed in a bomb explosion in Lower South Waziristan, police confirmed on Monday. DSP Wana Circle Asghar Ali Shah said that the explosion occurred on the ground floor of a supermarket located in the busy Rustam Bazaar. Mufti Mir sustained critical injuries in the blast and was immediately shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Wana, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, the police officer added. Soon after the incident, a heavy contingent of police rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area. The investigators collected forensic evidence…

The Lahore district administration declared a public holiday on August 4 (Tuesday) in connection with the annual Urs of Sufi saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. The holiday will apply within Lahore district as announced in the notification. Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar inaugurated the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, by performing the traditional chadar-laying ceremony and inaugurating milk Sabeel at Data Darbar on Sunday. The devotees mark the event annually with three-day ceremonies. Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh was a Persian Sufi and scholar during the 11th century. He was born in…

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Monday claimed the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a simple majority to form the government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after winning 23 of the 45 seats. Addressing a press conference alongside Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam in Islamabad, the senior PML-N leader claimed victory on 13 seats in the second phase of the AJK elections, including four of the seven seats in Muzaffarabad, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured three seats. According to Sanaullah, the PML-N also won 10 of the 12 refugee seats, while the PPP…

MUZAFFARABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the leading party in the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, securing 14 of the 19 contested seats, according to unofficial and unconfirmed results. The second phase of AJK elections was held on Sunday for 19 of the 21 constituencies, including seven seats in Muzaffarabad Division and 12 reserved for Kashmiri refugees settled in Pakistan. Polling in LA-27 Muzaffarabad-I and LA-28 Muzaffarabad-II was postponed until Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) secured five seats, according to unofficial results received so far…