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Beijing Supports AI Startup Manus in Search for Next DeepSeek

BEIJING: Chinese AI startup Manus has registered its AI assistant for the domestic market and received its first feature on state media, reflecting Beijing's strategy to promote local tech firms gaining international acclaim. Following the success of DeepSeek, which unveiled competitive AI models at lower costs, Manus is being closely watched as a potential disruptor in the global tech landscape. The company recently gained attention on social media after claiming to develop the world's first general AI agent, which operates with less user prompting than traditional chatbots. In a show of support, state broadcaster CCTV aired a segment comparing Manus' AI agent to DeepSeek's chatbot. Additionally, Beijing's municipal government announced that Manus' AI assistant, Monica, has met regulatory requirements for generative AI applications in China. Manus has also partnered with the team behind Alibaba's Qwen AI models, potentially enhancing its domestic rollout, currently limited to invite-only users with a waiting list of 2 million. sources

Published:
Mar 21 2025, 1 pm

Two Dead in Nepal Pro-Monarchy Rally Clash with Police

Nepal's capital, Kathmandu, witnessed violent clashes on Friday as riot police employed tear gas, water cannons, and batons to disperse a protest rally advocating for the restoration of the constitutional monarchy. The unrest resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, including a protester and a journalist from Avenues TV, who perished in a house fire during the chaos. Authorities imposed a curfew in the affected areas to prevent further violence, which saw protesters vandalizing property and clashing with police. While a separate anti-monarchy rally occurred peacefully, tensions remain high in a nation that has experienced significant political instability since the monarchy's abolition in 2008. Public discontent is growing over the government's failure to improve economic conditions, prompting many young Nepalis to seek work abroad. The situation remains fluid, with local officials indicating that the curfew may be extended if necessary. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 8 pm

Irish Youth Face Economic, Mental Health, and Housing Challenges

A recent survey by the Central Statistics Office has revealed a concerning trend among Ireland's youth, with many expressing a desire to emigrate for better opportunities. The 'Growing Up In Ireland' survey indicates that young people, particularly those in their 20s, feel uncertain about their future in the country. Notably, 34% reported difficulties making ends meet, and 86% voiced concerns over housing access. Mental health issues are also prevalent, with 31% of women and 18% of men reporting diagnoses of depression or anxiety. Additionally, one in eight respondents had already emigrated. The study highlights troubling drinking habits, as 51% of educated men engage in hazardous alcohol consumption. While 58.5% of participants are in romantic relationships, 20% expressed disinterest in politics. The survey, which tracks individuals born in 1998, included 3,380 respondents and has followed their development from childhood to adulthood. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 8 pm

Netanyahu: Israel Will Strike Anywhere in Lebanon Against Threats

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning on Friday, stating that Israel will respond decisively to any threats from Lebanon, particularly following a recent strike on southern Beirut, the first since a ceasefire with Hezbollah in November. "The equation has changed... we will not allow any fire on our communities," Netanyahu declared, emphasizing Israel's commitment to enforcing the ceasefire with "force." He further asserted that military action would be taken across Lebanon to safeguard the State of Israel and ensure the safe return of residents in northern Israel to their homes. Netanyahu's remarks underscore escalating tensions in the region and Israel's readiness to confront any perceived threats from its northern neighbor. The situation remains volatile as both sides navigate the fragile ceasefire. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 8 pm

Causes of the Recent Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake Explained

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Sagaing region near Mandalay, Myanmar, on Friday, causing significant destruction and affecting neighboring Thailand. Myanmar, situated on the boundary of two tectonic plates, is highly susceptible to seismic activity, although major earthquakes in Sagaing have been infrequent. Experts noted that this quake, likely the most severe in 75 years, was exacerbated by its shallow depth of just 10 kilometers, resulting in intense shaking and widespread damage. The US Geological Survey estimated potential fatalities could range from 10,000 to 100,000, with economic losses possibly reaching 70% of the country's GDP. The lack of earthquake-resistant infrastructure in the region, due to the rarity of such powerful quakes, has heightened the impact of this event. Historically, the last significant quake in Sagaing occurred in 1956, leaving buildings ill-equipped to withstand the recent seismic forces. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 8 pm

Trump Urges Supreme Court to Lift Deportation Ban

US President Donald Trump has appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court's ruling that halted deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a law he has utilized to target alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The controversial action involved transporting these individuals to a prison in El Salvador. The lower court's decision has temporarily paused the summary deportations, prompting Trump to seek a swift resolution from the Supreme Court. This move highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and the use of historical legislation in contemporary governance. The case raises significant legal questions regarding the application of the Alien Enemies Act in modern contexts and its implications for the treatment of foreign nationals accused of gang affiliations. The outcome of the Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching consequences for Trump's immigration strategy. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 9 pm

Greenland Parties Form New Coalition Government

Greenland's Democrats, alongside three other parties, have formed a broad coalition government, announced just hours before a visit from US Vice President JD Vance. This coalition, led by Democrats leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, aims to demonstrate political unity in light of President Donald Trump's expressed interest in acquiring the semi-autonomous Danish territory. The pro-business Democrats, which advocate for a gradual independence from Denmark, emerged as the largest party in the March 11 general election, tripling their seats to 10. The coalition encompasses 23 of the 31 parliamentary seats, although it notably excludes the Naleraq party, which is firmly pro-independence and doubled its representation to eight seats. This political alignment reflects a significant shift in Greenland’s governance as it navigates its relationship with Denmark and international interests. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 7 pm

Jaishankar: Pakistan's Fanatical Mindset Stumps Even Indira Gandhi

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed Parliament today, highlighting a troubling rise in attacks on minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh. He reported ten significant incidents in Pakistan during February, including abductions, forced conversions, and police brutality against Hindus and Sikhs. Jaishankar condemned Pakistan's "fanatical and bigoted mindset," noting that even the Ahmediya Muslim community and a Christian individual faced persecution. In Bangladesh, he acknowledged 2,400 incidents of minority attacks in 2024 and 72 in 2025, which have been raised with Bangladeshi officials. He warned that despite India's efforts to address these issues internationally, including at the UN, the entrenched mindset in Pakistan remains unchanged. Responding to queries about potential tough actions against Pakistan, Jaishankar emphasized that New Delhi's stance is clear, echoing historical challenges faced by India in altering its neighbor's approach to minority rights. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 7 pm

Teacher Suspended for Slapping Student Over Name Calling

A teacher in Shandong province, China, has been suspended after he slapped a student nine times for calling out his name during a physical education class. The incident occurred on March 14 when the mathematics teacher, surnamed Wu, reacted violently after perceiving the boy's shout as disrespectful. Despite the student's apologies and pleas from classmates, Wu continued to strike the child, resulting in visible injuries including swelling and tinnitus. The boy's mother expressed her outrage on social media, questioning the teacher's right to physically discipline her son and revealing that they had sought medical attention and reported the incident to the police. In response, the school suspended Wu and offered 5,000 yuan in compensation, which the family declined. Local education authorities are now investigating the matter, promising to address the situation in accordance with legal regulations. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 5 pm

Israel Strikes Beirut for First Time Since November Ceasefire

An Israeli airstrike on Friday targeted a building in the Hadath neighborhood of southern Beirut, marking a significant breach of the ceasefire established last November between Israel and Hezbollah. Official Lebanese media reported the strike as the first of its kind since the cessation of hostilities, which had largely stabilized the region. Images from AFPTV captured smoke rising from the site, while the National News Agency indicated that the airstrike hit a densely populated area housing residential buildings and schools. Israel claimed the building was being used as a Hezbollah storage facility, leading to its complete destruction. The warning prior to the attack caused panic among residents, prompting parents to rush to schools to collect their children, while heavy traffic ensued as many sought to flee the area, which had previously endured significant bombardment during a two-month conflict last September. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 6 pm

New Satellite Images Reveal Chinese Bombers in South China Sea

China has deployed two long-range H-6 bombers around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, as revealed by satellite images obtained by Reuters. This unannounced military maneuver coincided with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to the Philippines, which also claims sovereignty over the shoal. The Chinese defense ministry did not comment on the deployment's scale or its timing. Hegseth reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines, emphasizing that China's actions necessitate deterrence in the region. The H-6 bombers, modernized versions of a Soviet-era design, are capable of carrying various missiles, including nuclear-tipped ones. Analysts suggest the deployment is intended to demonstrate China's military capabilities and assert its claims, particularly following a 2016 international ruling that rejected China's territorial assertions. The increased military presence has raised tensions, with recent clashes reported between Chinese vessels and Philippine fishermen. sources

Published:
Mar 28 2025, 6 pm

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