Explainer: What is AI model distillation and why is it becoming a US-China flashpoint?
US AI firms have accused Chinese rivals of using the technique to extract capabilities from proprietary models A technique that allows developers to shrink powerful artificial intelligence models into cheaper, more efficient systems has become the latest battleground in the intensifying US-China race for AI dominance. Known as model distillation, the method uses the outputs of a […]
At least 15 killed in coal mine blast near Quetta – Pakistan
QUETTA: At least 15 coal miners were killed in a powerful methane gas explosion at a coal mine on Thursday, while more than two dozen others remained trapped inside the mine in the Sorange coalfield, located about 30 kilometres northeast of the provincial capital. Officials said the blast occurred at a private coal mine in […]
Trump says deal reached for ‘complete disarmament’ of Hamas – World
US President Donald Trump said talks in Cairo between mediators and Hamas leaders on Thursday have led to a phased disarmament agreement in Gaza, but a Hamas official described the deal as a draft and US officials said Israel was sceptical the Palestinian group would surrender its weapons. “Today, the Board of Peace reached a […]
PM Shehbaz orders audit of power firms’ billing systems – Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday ordered comprehensive technical audit of billing systems of power distribution companies (Discos) and stressed that power sector reforms remained among the government’s foremost priorities. Presiding over a review meeting on power division issues here, the prime minister said as performance of the distribution companies had improved considerably, but […]
Illegal Israeli blockades encroach deeper into Gaza – World
• Earth barriers now seal off 85pc of boundary• Satellite images show land cleared, olive groves razed, buildings demolished beyond Yellow Line• Troops forcing families from tent camps into ever-shrinking safe zone ISRAEL’s military is systematically expanding an extensive network of earth barriers and shifting demarcation markers deeper into the Gaza Strip, displacing Palestinian families […]
Shahid Anwar highlights foundations of Pakistan U19 success
The 58-year-old says his core philosophy has always been to give your absolute best Shahid Anwar credited Pakistan’s successful Asia Cup campaign to months of hard work. Photo: PCB Discussing his coaching philosophy, 58-year-old Shahid said that while the core principles remain unchanged at every level, coaching an U19 side requires a unique approach. “My core philosophy […]
Rescue efforts in full swing as dozens of villages in Punjab still under water – Pakistan
• Floods along GT Road affect over 1,000 houses, inundate over 43,000 acres of land• Official says water in affected villages receding, warns rainfall may cause floods again• FFD says Indus flowing at medium flood, predicts ‘medium-to-high-level flows’ in eastern rivers’ nullahs LAHORE: Recent floods in Ferozewala, Muridke — Sheikhupra tehsils — and Kala Shah […]
Riyadh unveils maritime alliance as war spreads – Newspaper
QESHM ISLAND (Iran): A plume of smoke rises after a residential area was hit by US missile strikes. Iranian media reported on Thursday that three civilians were killed and two children wounded in the attack.—Reuters • 14 countries, including Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, back joint statement• Dar, Saudi counterpart discuss Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb situation• Sisi […]
Govt increases petrol price by Rs1.09, HSD by Rs2.42 – Business
The government on Thursday increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs1.09 and Rs2.42 per litre, respectively. Following the revision, petrol will retail at Rs336.15 per litre, while HSD will cost Rs393.04 per litre. The government continues to levy Rs110 per litre in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs96 per litre […]
Renowned climber among 10 missing after avalanche in Pakistan
International expedition includes American, Chinese national, Omani and five Nepali climbers Ten climbers led by renowned Nepal-born mountaineer and former military serviceman Nirmal “Nims” Purja have gone missing after an avalanche struck Pakistan’s Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said on Instagram late Thursday that the international expedition […]