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  • Elon Musk plans to launch ‘X’ app after Twitter buyout

    Elon Musk plans to launch ‘X’ app after Twitter buyout

    Elon Musk is taking WeChat as inspiration as he designs Twitter’s future. The tech mogul has only provided a few details about his goal of creating an app for everything, experts warn it won’t be simple to accomplish.

    After purchasing Twitter, Tesla CEO stated late Tuesday that he intended to develop a new app dubbed “X”.

    “Buying Twitter is an accelerant to creating X, the everything app,” he tweeted.

    Musk’s statement followed reports that he had once again changed his mind and chosen to proceed with his offer to purchase Twitter for $44 billion, which was the sum originally agreed upon back in April.

    After months of conflict and sour U-turns, the acquisition would give the world’s richest man control over one of the most important social networks.

    Now, analogies to “super-apps” in Asia, which are effectively one-stop shops that do it all for customers, have been made between Musk’s ambition to build out what is thought to be a versatile platform.

    More than a billion users, mostly in mainland China, rely on the social network to perform almost all of their daily tasks without ever leaving the app, including ordering groceries, scheduling yoga classes, and paying bills.

    People have also flocked to apps like Grab (GRAB) in Singapore and Malaysia and Line in Japan in other parts of Asia. While Line became well-known as a chat app, Grab was first best recognised as a ride-hailing service provider. Both have now greatly expanded to include additional functions.

    Musk hasn’t held back when it comes to his goal to duplicate WeChat’s success. He compared Twitter’s potential to that of Tencent’s pervasive service in China in a town hall with Twitter staff in June.

    “I think an important goal for Twitter would be to try to include as much of the country, as much of the world, as possible,” said Musk. “You basically live on WeChat in China because it’s so usable and helpful to daily life, and I think if we can achieve that, or even get close to that at Twitter, it would be an immense success.”

    Several well-known US tech leaders have followed China’s approach, including Elon Musk: Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook (FB), had previously said that his business could use WeChat as a case study.

  • Fake posts from India fueled Hindu Muslims fighting in England after match

    At least 47 people were arrested in an operation to “deter further disorder” in Leicester, England, as the city dealt with unrest amid tensions involving mainly young men of Muslim and Hindu communities.

    It was reported that the unrest started after a Pakistan vs India cricket match after which news reports of kidnapping of a Muslim girl by Hindu groups emerged online.

    The unrest continued for weeks. Most of the fake tweets fueling the violence came from India, reports Reuters.

    “It is a powerful illustration of how hashtag dynamics on Twitter can use dubious inflammatory claims to … escalate tensions on the ground,” said a spokesperson at fact-checking site Logically, which analysed the posts’ veracity.

    Experts say most of the incendiary tweets, rumours and lies came from India, showing the power of unchecked social media to spread disinformation and stir unrest a full continent away.

    “I’ve seen quite a selection of the social media stuff which is very, very, very distorting now and some of it just completely lying about what had been happening between different communities,” Peter Soulsby, Leicester’s mayor, told BBC radio.

    Rob Nixon, who runs Leicestershire Police, concurred, telling the BBC that misinformation on social media had played a “huge role” in last month’s unrest.
    To counter some of these claims, police took to social media themselves, saying they had fully investigated reports of three men approaching a teenaged girl in an attempted kidnapping, and found no truth whatsoever to the online story.

    “We urge you to only share information on social media you know to be true,” they said.

    Many of the misleading posts alleging that Hindus and Hindu sites were being attacked came from India, analysis showed.
    Some 80% of tweets with geographic coordinates, or geo-tagged information, were connected to India, Logically said.

    “The ratio of tweets geo-tagged to the UK versus those geo-tagged to India was remarkably high for what, ostensibly, was a domestic incident,” a spokesperson told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

    “The involvement of high-profile figures in India setting the discourse was a key element.”

    “The events in Leicester did not happen out of the blue,” said Keval Bharadia at the South Asia Solidarity Group, a British community non-profit.

  • Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh break silence on alleged separation

    Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh break silence on alleged separation

    Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have shut down speculation regarding their alleged split with affectionate comments on Instagram.

    Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh quash separation rumours, indulge in a flirty Instagram chat

    Laying all separation rumours to rest for good, DeepVeer decided to engage in a bit of online flirting. Deepika commented “edible” under Ranveer’s latest Instagram picture.

    The Befikre star replied with a kiss emoji.

    Following this,  Celebrity astrologer, Pandit Jagannath Guruji addressed the controversy with his authentic astrological readings.

    Pandit Jagannath Guruji says, “Some news leave you astonished and Ranveer-Deepika’s rumoured separation tale was indeed one of them. Even when I scrolled down the internet, I could see hundreds of people awestruck, eagerly waiting for official information on the couple’s viral news. But let me tell you, the rumour is completely baseless, very far from being true. The couple is not going to get separated. Rather, they’re meant to last forever, uplifting each other on every path they travel together.”

    Ranveer Singh dropped Bold picture with Deepika Padukone!

    He adds, “They have worked upon their relationship, turning it into concrete as cement. The sense of understanding and empathy both contain for each other ensures positivity and happiness around, eliminating the chance of anything coming between them and hampering their relationship. Rather, this news can turn out to be a PR or publicity stunt that we might get to know in near future”.

    Predictions

    “Witnessing as the things are going, you might have to wait a bit to hear Ranveer-Deepika announcing their pregnancy. The couple has been planning and talking about the kids for a long time now, but one might have to wait till 2024 to hear news on the same.

    Furthermore, he highlighted, “Both Ranveer and Deepika are workaholic souls who even believe in providing space to each other in their personal life. That could be one major mantra of this powerful duo to outshine and influence other couples to date, even after being married together for four years now”.

    Earlier this year, Padukone responded to a fan’s questions in an interview while promoting her film Gehraiyaan. The film’s trailer featured Deepika and her co-actors in a few intimate scenes that led many trolls to ask if she had sought husband Ranveer Singh’s permission. Deepika was asked for her reaction to the query.

    Deepika Padukone reacts to comments asking if Ranveer Singh is okay with her intimate scenes in Gehraiyaan : Bollywood News - Quick Telecast

    Deepika shared that it was “stupid” that they were even reacting to it. “It’s stupid that we are even reacting to it. I don’t read comments. I’m pretty certain he doesn’t,” she said. The actor added, “I think yuck, it’s so stupid.” Deepika shared that Ranveer recently watched the film and he was “extremely proud of my performance.”

    Ranveer and Deepika dated for more than six years before getting married in 2018. They have worked together in various films and were last seen in Kabir Khan’s 83.

  • ‘Verbally abused, poured alcohol on children’: Angelina Jolie makes shocking revelations about Brad Pitt

    ‘Verbally abused, poured alcohol on children’: Angelina Jolie makes shocking revelations about Brad Pitt

    Amidst the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt controversy, alleged photos of Jolie’s bruises surfaced on the net. Now Angelina has filed court papers accusing Pitt of drunkenly attacking her and their children during a private plane flight, prompting her to file for divorce.

    In a lawsuit over a French winery that the stars bought, The Salt star mentioned that grabbed her by the head and attacked two of their children on the 2016 trip.

    Pitt also verbally abused and poured alcohol on his family during the flight from France to Los Angeles, she said.

    Brad denied these allegations. Jolie’s claim of abusive behaviour by Pitt on the 14 September 2016 flight has emerged in previous court papers, including the Oscar-winning former couple’s divorce settlement.

    The incident was investigated by the FBI in 2016. Authorities decided not to press charges.

    But new details were alleged in Tuesday’s filing in Los Angeles by Jolie’s legal team. It is part of an ongoing lawsuit over Chateau Miraval SA, a home and vineyard in the south of France that the former Hollywood couple acquired together.

    Pitt argues that he and his former wife had agreed not to sell their stakes in the venue without the permission of the other.

    Jolie disputes this and blames Pitt for ending negotiations over purchasing her shares of the property.

    The French estate, seen in 2008

    Her cross-complaint on Tuesday says the actor was physically and emotionally abusive towards her and their six children – aged 8 to 15 at the time – during the private plane flight.

    Her lawyers allege the Fight Club star began shouting, accusing her of being “too deferential to the children”.

    Shortly into the flight, Pitt “pulled her into the bathroom” in the back of the plane, says the lawsuit.

    “Pitt grabbed Jolie by the head and shook her, and then grabbed her shoulders and shook her again before pushing her into the bathroom wall,” the filing adds.

    Brad Pitt didn't join Angelina Jolie to drop son off at college

    “Pitt then punched the ceiling of the plane numerous times, prompting Jolie to leave the bathroom.”

    After one child verbally intervened, Pitt “lunged at his own child”, says the filing.

    Jolie then “grabbed him from behind to stop him”, according to the court papers.

    “To get Jolie off his back, Pitt threw himself backward into the airplane’s seats injuring Jolie’s back and elbow,” the legal filing continues.

    “The children rushed in and all bravely tried to protect each other. Before it was over, Pitt choked one of the children and struck another in the face.”

    Jolie’s lawyers say she and her children “sat still and silent under blankets” for the remainder of the flight.

    Angelina Jolie and kids united amid Brad Pitt custody fight

    “Pitt periodically emerged from the back of the plane to yell and swear at them. At one point, he poured beer on Jolie; at another, he poured beer and red wine on the children,” says the filing.

    A source close to the actor told the BBC that Jolie’s claims were false.

    “She continues to rehash, revise and reimagine her description of an event that happened six years ago by adding completely untrue information each time she fails to get what she wants,” said the source. “Her story is constantly evolving.”

    Last year, a judge awarded joint custody of the children to both parents.

    The Miraval estate is located in the village of Correns in south-eastern France, and was bought by the couple for around €25m (£21.3m; $25m) in 2008.

  • FIA forms team to investigate Imran Khan’s audio leaks

    FIA forms team to investigate Imran Khan’s audio leaks

    The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has formed a team to investigate the matter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his aides’ audio leaks related to the infamous cipher that the former Prime Minister blames for his government’s downfall.

    A notification has also been issued which states that the investigation team will include five members from FIA and one member each from Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB).

    On October 1, the federal cabinet announced the formation of a committee to probe the diplomatic cipher that it was said had been ‘stolen’ from the records of the Prime Minister’s House.

    Last week, two audio leaks of Khan and his party members surfaced on the internet. In the first audio leak, Khan told his then-principal secretary Azam Khan that, “We have to play with it [cipher]”.

    In the second audio leak, the PTI chief is directing his close aides not to take America’s name while talking about the US cipher in public. He also told his party members to use the word “letter” instead of “cipher” when they talk about cipher in public rallies.

  • Kapoor family hosts a starry baby shower for Alia Bhatt

    Kapoor family hosts a starry baby shower for Alia Bhatt

    Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor are soon going to enter a new phase of parenthood. They will be welcoming their first bundle of joy later this year. Today, on Dussehra Bhatt’s baby shower was held at her and Ranbir’s new home, Vastu.

    The intimate ceremony was attended by their family members including Neetu Kapoor, Soni Razdan, Karisma Kapoor, and a few close friends. Earlier, in the day everyone was seen arriving for the function. And now the inside pictures have started coming in.

    From Neetu Kapoor to Soni Razdan, everyone took to their social handles and shared the photos from Alia’s baby shower. Ranbir Kapoor’s sister, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also shared photos with the couple on her Instagram handle. On the other hand, Alia’s friend Anushka Ranjan posted a photo with Alia and her girl gang. Ranbir posed for a selfie with his family members- Rima Jain, Karisma Kapoor and mother Neetu Kapoor. Mahesh Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt, too, marked their presence.

    Alia with family
    Alia Bhatt glows in a yellow Anarkali as she poses with Shaheen Bhatt and her girls; PIC

    Alia looked like a ray of sunshine in an all-yellow attire. She donned a bright yellow suit and a yellow dupatta with a golden border. She left her hair open and wore a golden chocker necklace and maang tika with minimal makeup. Alia completed her look with golden flats.

    Ranbir with mother and sisters
    Riddhima with mom to be
    Karisma Kapoor
    Riddhima with daddy to be

    On the work front, Alia will be next seen in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani with Ranveer Singh, whereas Ranbir romances Shraddha Kapoor in Luv Ranjan’s next directorial.

  • ADB to provide up to $2.5 billion under flood relief support to Pakistan

    ADB to provide up to $2.5 billion under flood relief support to Pakistan

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced on Wednesday that it would provide support of $2.3–2.5 billion for relief efforts in the wake of disastrous floods that have left Pakistan severely damaged.

    The declaration was made during a meeting between Pakistan’s ADB Country Director Yong Ye and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, as per a press release from the Finance Division.

    Ye offered his condolences for the loss of life and property as a result of the floods during the meeting and congratulated Dar on taking office.

    According to Dawn, the Balochistan Rural Development and Community Empowerment Programme would receive $1.5 billion of the promised aid, according to the ADB country director, and the request will be presented to the bank’s board this month.

    According to a press release, it was discussed that the Country Partnership Strategy for Pakistan 2021–25 is in accordance with the government of Pakistan’s vision.

    The finance minister was quoted as saying that he welcomed the delegation and valued ADB’s assistance in advancing sustainable development in the nation. Dar also informed the delegation of the flood’s damages and financial consequences.

    The administration had stopped the economy’s slide and put it on the correct course with its “pragmatic policy initiatives,” he continued while acknowledging that the economy still faced enormous obstacles.

    The finance minister also gave the ADB team an overview of the government’s priorities.

    Dar hailed the ADB delegation for their steadfast support and assured them of full government cooperation for the expeditious implementation of the current and new programmes.

  • Process for appointment of next COAS will start from Oct-end or November: Khawaja Asif

    Process for appointment of next COAS will start from Oct-end or November: Khawaja Asif

    Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has revealed that the process for the appointment of a new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will either start by the end of this month or the beginning of the next and that it will be done in line with the law and constitution.

    In a press conference on Wednesday (today), the minister stressed that it is the discretion of the sitting prime minister to pick any name which has been recommended by GHQ (General Headquarters).

    He stated that anyone from among the five nominated names could be appointed as the next chief of army staff. However, he pointed out that in the past, names other than the five suggested have also been chosen for the military chief’s position.

    Speaking about the appointment of the army chief on the basis of seniority, the defence minister said: “All three-star generals are eligible for this post”.

    During the conference, the minister said that the army is currently fighting against terrorism and the nation should support it.

    Taking a jibe at PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s apprehension over the appointment of COAS, Asif said that he is anxious as November is approaching.

    The present COAS, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, will be completing his extended term in November this year. He was appointed to this position in 2016.

    Recently, COAS Bajwa — who is currently in the US— reiterated his promise to leave office after completing his second three-year term in November.

  • Former DG FIA Bashir Memon was locked in PM House’s washroom on Khan’s order

    Former DG FIA Bashir Memon was locked in PM House’s washroom on Khan’s order

    Former Director-General (DG) Federal Investigations Agency (FIA), Bashir Memon, has confirmed the claims made by a hacker that he was locked in a washroom on then-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s orders.

    The hacker, in a series of tweets which have now been deleted, shared details of the meeting between Memon and Khan on Monday. The hacker tweeted that Memon was locked in the washroom on Khan’s orders.

    Memon, responding to the claims, confirmed the details on Channel 24, saying the former premier used abusive language, and insulted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz which made him angry and he responded harshly.

    At this, Memon added, the then-Principle Secretary to the PM, Azam Khan, grabbed his hand, took him out of the room and locked him in the washroom.

    “Azam Khan then scolded me over my conduct with the prime minister” said Memon.

  • Pakistan did not breach any of IMF conditions by reducing petrol price: Aisha Ghaus Pasha

    Pakistan did not breach any of IMF conditions by reducing petrol price: Aisha Ghaus Pasha

    Following the government’s decision to lower the price of petroleum products, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha gave the assurance that Pakistan had not violated any of the terms set forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    According to Geo, there have been numerous rumours surrounding the future of the IMF contract ever since Finance Minister Ishaq Dar cut the price of gasoline last week.

    Since he was sworn in, Dar and his predecessor Miftah Ismail were unable to cooperate because they held divergent views on the IMF agreement and the gradual elimination of gasoline subsidies.

    Pasha responded to the worries by stating that Pakistan had some margin, which the government utilised to relieve the people by lowering the price of gasoline by Rs12.63 per litre.

    She said that the government is still committed to the IMF programme and intends to provide relief to the flood hit masses without tampering IMF conditions.

    Moreover, she said that the government officials are scheduled to meet IMF representatives this month and both sides will discuss things in detail.

    Speaking of the rupee-dollar controversy, she said that the central bank is investigating eight known banks in this issue regarding the banks involved in currency manipulation. Strict action will be taken against any bank found guilty according to Pasha.

    Earlier, the Senate Standing Committee on Finance had summoned the representatives of eight commercial banks that were issued show-cause notices by the central bank on suspicion of currency manipulation.