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The stalemate in front of Imran Khan’s residence continues

By
John Collins
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The standoff between former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s supporters and police officers near his Lahore home continued for two straight days.
Police in the capital Islamabad is seeking to arrest Khan in a case linked to the sale of government gifts presented by foreign leaders during his tenure as prime minister.
In a video address Wednesday morning, Khan said he was willing to post bail to appear in court on Saturday.

Khan: ‘The alleged arrest is just a drama; the real intention was to kidnap and kill.’

In a tweet on Wednesday, Imran Khan said the police’s attempts to arrest him were “just drama,” and their real intention was “to kidnap and kill.”

“Obviously, the ‘arrest’ claim is just drama because the real intention was kidnapping and murder.” Instead of tear gas and water cannon, they now use a direct fire. I signed the bond last night, but DIG refuses to look at it. There is no doubt about their evil intentions,” he wrote on Twitter.

Ready to give a surety bond to appear in court: Imran Khan

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is willing to give a surety bond that he will appear in court on Saturday; he said in a video address as clashes continued between his supporters and law enforcers.

A lower trial court in the capital, Islamabad, had issued an arrest warrant for Khan for not appearing before it despite several summonses. Khan is accused of unlawfully selling state gifts while in power from 2018 to 2022, but he denies wrongdoing.

In the address early on Wednesday, Khan said there were security concerns at the court he was supposed to appear in Islamabad as there had been two militant attacks there previously.

Mentally Prepared Imran Khan to Appear in Lahore High Court: Toshakhana Case

By
Lillian Hocker
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Imran Khan, the ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan, who is anticipated to face arrest in the Toshakhana case, has been slated to attend Lahore High Court on March 18. On Wednesday, Khan wrote a letter to the president of the Lahore High Court bar, guaranteeing his appearance before the court on the designated date.

Mentally prepared to get arrested

  • Imran Khan gave an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday night amidst the confrontation between PTI supporters and the police over his potential arrest in the Toshakhana case.
  • He stated that he was mentally prepared to be detained and already assuming that they might arrest him that night due to the significant force outside, which included police and rangers (the army).
  • He also said that it appeared as if Pakistan’s greatest terrorist was barricaded inside.
  • According to Khan, the authorities are resolute in apprehending him, and their motive is not to uphold the rule of law because the biggest criminals are presently in the government.
  • He claimed that 60% of the cabinet members are presently out on bail in corruption cases.

Petrified by my party’s popularity

  • Imran Khan believes that the authorities want to remove him from the electoral contest because they fear the popularity of his party. According to him, his party won 30 out of 37 by-elections and is expected to sweep the upcoming election.
  • He made a call for his supporters to come out on the streets, which came after police used tear gas shells and water cannons on PTI supporters outside Zaman Park.
  • In the interview, Imran clarified that his request for his supporters to come out and fight for their “freedom” was not meant to be interpreted as a call for violent protests.
  • He stated that protests are a part of the democratic process.

Honduras Seeks to Establish Diplomatic Relations with China, Severing Ties with Taiwan

By
Lillian Hocker
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  • Honduras President Xiomara Castro announced on Tuesday her government’s intention to establish diplomatic relations with China, which would mean severing ties with Taiwan.
  • This move would leave Taiwan with only 13 countries recognizing it as China invests billions to gain recognition for its “One China” policy.
  • Castro instructed Honduran Foreign Affairs Minister Eduardo Reina to initiate negotiations with China, stating her aim to “expand frontiers freely in concert with the nations of the world” on her Twitter account.
  • During her 2021 presidential campaign, Castro had promised to pursue relations with China but backtracked on those statements once in power.
  • In January 2022, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Reina, had told The Associated Press that Honduras would continue strengthening its relationship with Taiwan and that establishing diplomatic ties with China was not a priority for Castro.
  • The government weighed the benefits of its good relationship with Taiwan and decided that there was no reason to change it at that moment.

The government of Honduras announced plans to establish diplomatic relations with China, which would require severing ties with Taiwan.

Beijing has not commented on the issue

This move would leave Taiwan recognized by only 13 countries, as China works to gain recognition for its “One China” policy.

The announcement was met with concern by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has urged Honduras to carefully consider the long-term friendship between the two countries.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and threatens retaliation against countries that maintain formal ties with it. China has successfully used trade and investment incentives to encourage other countries to switch their allegiance, including Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and more recently, South Pacific nations.

It is not clear what prompted Honduras’ decision to shift its stance, but China’s investment in building a massive dam in the country may have played a role.

Former Pakistan PM Escapes Arrest After Clashes Between Police & Supporters

By
Lillian Hocker
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Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, could not be arrested after an over eight-hour-long operation outside his Lahore residence.

Supporters of Imran Khan clashed with Pakistan Police outside his home before his potential arrest.

Read in Points Full News

  • Imran Khan was found guilty by Pakistan’s election commission in October last year of unlawfully selling gifts to foreign dignitaries, which violated the law governing Islamabad’s “Toshakhana” or “treasure house” in Persian.
  • Under this law, politicians can keep official state gifts by paying a percentage of their value to the government.
  • Charges were filed against Imran Khan in an anti-corruption court recently, and an arrest warrant was issued after he failed to respond to a summons.
  • On Tuesday, Pakistan Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse hundreds of Mr. Khan’s supporters who gathered outside his house to prevent his arrest.
  • Sadly, one activist from Mr. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party lost their life during the clash with the police.
  • The police dispatched from Islamabad to arrest ex-PM Imran Khan for skipping court summons for the second time in recent weeks.
  • As chaos ensued outside his residence, Mr Khan released a video message. stating: “The police have arrived to arrest me. They think that if Imran Khan goes to jail, the people will go to sleep. You have to prove them wrong, you have to prove that the qaum (people) is alive.”
  • “You have to fight for your rights, you have to hit the streets. God has given Imran Khan everything. I am fighting your battle. I have fought all my life and will continue to do so. But if something happens to me, they put me in jail or kill me, you have to prove that you can fight even without Imran Khan. You have to prove that you will never accept this slavery and this rule by one man. Pakistan zindabad,” he added.
  • On Monday, Lahore police booked Khan in a case related to the death of a PTI worker in a road accident.
  • Earlier, an FIR was filed against Khan and 400 others for the same incident.
  • This is the 81st FIR filed against Khan since the PML-N-led coalition took power 11 months ago.
  • Khan was ousted from power in April last year after losing a no-confidence vote.
  • Khan claimed that the no-confidence vote was part of a US-led plot.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Oman: Top 7 Places to Visit in 2023

By
Lillian Hocker
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Welcome to Oman, a fascinating country that is home to an array of breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures. Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is a true gem of the Middle East, offering a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. From the stunning beaches along the Arabian Sea to the majestic mountains, vast deserts, and rich cultural heritage, Oman has something to offer every traveler. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the top places to visit in Oman, including its vibrant capital city, ancient forts, historic sites, and natural wonders. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a thrill-seeker, Oman’s diverse landscape and rich heritage will surely captivate your senses. So, pack your bags, put on your explorer hat, and let’s discover the best that Oman has to offer!

7. Jebel Shams

Nestled at an altitude of just over 2000 meters, Jebel Shams Resort is an idyllic retreat located a stone’s throw away from the famous “Grand Canyon of Oman”. Offering spectacular views of Oman’s highest mountain at approximately 3000 meters, it is the perfect destination for mountain enthusiasts. A warm welcome awaits all weary travelers at this serene location, with the option to spend the night in one of our Arabic Rents or Chalets and stargaze under the starry night sky while enjoying a cozy campfire. During the day, adventurers can embark on delightful walks and treks suitable for all levels of fitness. For those looking to unwind, there’s a refreshing swimming pool and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains.

6. Nizwa

Located in the city of Nizwa, the 17th century Nizwa Fort is a remarkable historical landmark that is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Oman. The fort is renowned for its impressive defence mechanisms, including the infamous honey traps, strategically shaped windows, and an enormous cylindrical tower that was designed to keep approaching enemies at bay. Visitors can take a tour of the fort and marvel at its impressive architecture and engineering, which is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of its builders.

5. Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands is a vast desert region located in central Oman that stretches for over 200 kilometers. It is an incredible natural wonder that is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Oman, with towering sand dunes that rise up to 100 meters in height. Visitors to Wahiba Sands can experience the ultimate desert adventure by taking a camel trek across the vast expanses of sand, enjoying a thrilling dune bashing session in a 4×4 vehicle, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the desert.

4. Bahla

Another incredible destination in Oman is the city of Bahla, located in Northern Oman. Bahla is a kind of oasis in the desert, and it has been a stopping point of travelers for centuries. Bahla is just 40 km (25 miles) from Nizwa, and it also boasts a spectacular and historic fort.

The Bahla Fort dates back to the 13th century, when it was widely under the control of the Banu Nebhan tribe. In addition to exploring the fort of Bahla, you can see the walls of the city, which are made from adobe and stretch for nearly seven miles in length. If you’re in the market for souvenirs, Bahla is widely known for its impressive selection of local pottery.

3. Salalah

In Southern Oman is Salalah, a destination sometimes known as the second city to Muscat. Salalah is particularly important today because it is the ancestral home to the Sultan Qaboos, the reigning sultan in Oman since 1970. On a visit to Salalah, you can admire the incredible Qaboos Palace, and you can appreciate older architecture in the Old Town, known as the Haffa.

Step even further back in time by visiting the Al Baleed Archaeological Site. Salalah is known for its frankincense trade, so be sure to pick some up as a souvenir from the souk in the Haffa. From June to August, monsoon clouds from India bring a constant rain to the area and, as a result, the coastal region around Salalah is transformed into a green oasis with seasonal waterfalls and streams.

2. Musandam Fjords

The Musandam Peninsula is the northernmost portion of Oman, and it is separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates. Parts of this region are very isolated, and they have long served as the home to residents in mountain villages and coastal communities. The Musandam Fjords stretch north and offer spectacular views.

If you visit the Musandam Fjords, the highlights can include things like boat trips to explore the coasts and peaks rising up from the water, spotting dolphins from a Dhow, or traditional Omani boat, and scuba diving out at sea. Population is sparse and wildlife in abundant, making this region one of the best places to visit in Oman for nature lovers.

  1. Muscat

Muscat is a must-visit destination in Oman, offering a wealth of attractions and experiences. With its stunning forts, palaces, museums, and bustling markets, the city has something for everyone. Although the interior of the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace is off-limits to visitors, you can still marvel at its impressive architecture from the harbor.

The palace is guarded by the twin forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani, both of which have been transformed into museums that welcome tourists. For non-Muslim visitors, a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a must. This majestic mosque boasts an enormous crystal chandelier, marble wall panels, and the world’s second-largest Persian carpet, making it a true sight to behold.

Oman offers visa-free entry for tourists from over 103 countries

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

Dubai: As per local media reports, Oman has commenced welcoming tourists from more than 103 countries by granting visa-free entry for a period of up to 14 days.

According to the Royal Oman Police (ROP), tourists from Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Georgia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Belgium, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Cyprus, Ukraine, Spain, Czech Republic, Austria, Ireland, United Kingdom, Poland, Slovakia, France, Netherlands, Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Japan, Thailand, South Africa, Russia, China, the United States of America, Turkey, South Korea, New Zealand, Iran, Australia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore are allowed visa-free entry.

Moreover, Indian tourists who possess a valid entry visa from the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Schengen countries, Japan, or a resident permit from one of the GCC countries and are employed in an occupation sanctioned by the Omani government can also obtain a visa on arrival.

An official from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has explained that visitors from 103 nations have the opportunity to prolong their visa-free stay beyond 14 days, subject to a fee for the extension. In addition, once this duration has elapsed, travelers from these countries must apply for an e-visa online, which costs OMR 20 and is valid for one month.

Also Read: Ultimate Travel Guide to Oman: Top 7 Places to Visit in 2023

They may also request a multi-entry visa for one year, provided they do not stay for more than a month on each visit and satisfy certain prerequisites. This measure was implemented to promote the tourism sector in Oman, which experienced a significant surge of 348 percent in tourists in 2022 compared to 2021, with 2.9 million visitors arriving in Oman in 2022, as reported by the National Centre for Statistics and Information.

According to Mohammed Al Ghufaili, a prominent figure at Omran Group, the boost in tourism can be attributed to various integrated measures, including the provision of free entry visas to over 100 countries.

As a result, the number of tourists has significantly impacted the revenue of 3-5 star hotels, with an increase of 50.8 percent in January 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, amounting to OMR20.79 million.

Additionally, the occupancy rate has risen by 31.3 percent, reaching 53.7 percent compared to 40.9 percent in January 2022. Moreover, the number of guests in 3-5 star hotels has surged to 173,313, reflecting a 65 percent increase from last year.

Oman has also observed an upswing in domestic tourism, with Omran and governorate offices co-hosting celebratory events across the governorates. Al Ghufaili emphasized that Oman is a first-rate tourist destination, and the travel industry is gradually recovering post-Covid, with a growing interest in novel and experiential travel destinations from people around the world.

Allies of Netanyahu continue to push legislation to undermine the power of the Supreme Court

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, has taken a significant step towards passing a controversial bill that would grant lawmakers the power to pass laws that the Supreme Court would be unable to overturn. This proposed legislation, a cornerstone of Benjamin Netanyahu’s and his supporters’ plan to overhaul the country’s judiciary system, has created division in Israel.

Despite calls for compromise and demonstrations by tens of thousands of Israelis over the past two months, Netanyahu’s governing coalition of ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox parties has continued with its legislative blitz. In a marathon overnight session, the Knesset gave initial approval to various bills, including one that would protect the prime minister from being declared unfit or incapacitated, and another that would permit settlements in the northern West Bank.

One more piece of legislation that received approval would enable parliament to pass laws that are immune to judicial review, with a mere majority of 61 members in the 120-seat Knesset. These bills will require further votes before they become law. These measures are part of a broader effort by Netanyahu’s coalition to reform Israel’s legal system.

Supporters of the prime minister argue that this move aims to rein in a court that is too active. However, opponents claim that the plan would upset the country’s democratic checks and balances, render the Supreme Court powerless, and centralize authority in the hands of Netanyahu and his majority in parliament. Business leaders, legal experts, and retired military officials have joined the protests against the judicial overhaul, and Israeli reservists have threatened to stop showing up for duty if the overhaul is passed.

In December, Netanyahu was re-elected to power after Israel’s fifth election in less than four years, leading the country’s most ultranationalist and religious government yet. Despite being on trial for charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes, which he denies, he has continued to serve as prime minister while his legal proceedings continue.

GPT-4 Is Coming Next Week, Prediction It Will Surpass ChatGPT by a Significant Margin

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

Microsoft, which has already invested more than $10 billion in OpenAI, has announced that the AI-based startup is preparing to launch GPT-4 in the coming week. Experts predict that GPT-4 will surpass ChatGPT’s capabilities by a significant margin, rendering the latter as a basic model in comparison. ChatGPT has garnered a significant buzz since its release in November last year, thanks to its powerful large language model-based AI generator. Initially based on GPT-3, it was later updated to GPT-3.5. However, the next big advancement in AI is almost upon us, as Microsoft has revealed that it will be releasing GPT-4-based applications to the public next week. For anyone remotely interested in AI and its applications, this is a monumental development.

what is GPT-4?

GPT-4 is a natural language processing (NLP) model developed by OpenAI, which is designed to generate human-like text based on input prompts. It is the successor to GPT-3, which is currently one of the most advanced and powerful language models in existence. Like its predecessors, GPT-4 is based on deep learning techniques, specifically a type of neural network known as a transformer model. GPT-4 is expected to have significantly more parameters than its predecessor, enabling it to generate even more sophisticated and nuanced responses to input prompts. While details about GPT-4 are still limited, it is anticipated to be a major breakthrough in NLP and AI research, with potential applications in areas such as content creation, chatbots, language translation, and more.

How is GPT-4 better than GPT-3?

As GPT-4 has not been released yet, it is not possible to give a definitive answer about how it will be better than GPT-3. However, based on what has been announced by OpenAI, we can expect some improvements in various aspects of the model.

One of the most significant improvements of GPT-4 over GPT-3 is expected to be its model size. While GPT-3 has 175 billion parameters, making it one of the largest language models currently available, GPT-4 is expected to be even larger, with an estimated 10 trillion parameters. This increase in size will likely result in a significant improvement in the model’s ability to understand and generate more nuanced and sophisticated language.

Additionally, GPT-4 is expected to have better accuracy and coherence in generating language, and a better ability to generate language that is contextually appropriate and relevant. It may also have better zero-shot learning capabilities, allowing it to perform tasks for which it was not explicitly trained.

Overall, GPT-4 is expected to be a significant leap forward in natural language processing technology, with the potential to unlock new applications and use cases.

What about Google and Meta’s AI?

Google and Meta have their own AI models. Google has Bard, an experimental conversational AI service, which like ChatGPT, is powered by LaMDA. Meta’s AI, on the other hand, is powered by PyTorch, an open-source machine learning framework that was developed in collaboration with the AI community and is now part of the Linux Foundation. Both Google Bard and Meta’s AI are similar to GPT-4 in that they can generate both text and videos. However, these AI models have some notable issues that lead to inaccuracies in the results they produce. For instance, when Google demoed their Bard AI and it provided an incorrect answer, the company’s stock dropped by $100 billion. This incident highlights the potential consequences of AI-generated content that is not entirely accurate.

Despite concerns over AI models’ accuracy, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, and CTO, Mira Murati, believe that GPT-4 will be a significant paradigm shift in the field. While both have cautioned against overhyping the model, they have hinted at its potential to usher in a new era of natural language processing and artificial intelligence.

In the Midst of ‘RRR’ Oscar Victory Celebration, US Police Video Dancing to ‘Naatu Naatu’ Becomes Viral – Watch

By
John Collins
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0

In early 2022, director SS Rajamouli’s RRR was lit thanks to a historic Oscar win. The song Naatu Naatu, which took the world by storm with its energetic rhythm and addictive dance moves, won the Best Original Song award at the 95th Academy Awards.

The RRR fever has now flared up again as more and more people are being introduced to films and their cinematic visual advantages. Amidst RRR’s historic victory celebrations, fans enjoyed a viral video showing two American police officers dancing to naatu naatu.

The viral video features people drenched in water and paint, suggesting the video was taken on the Holi holiday. A man is seen teaching the two American cops how to do viral legs. The officers watched him and tried to imitate him. At one point, the three held hands and attempted to make a viral move.

The video was shared on Twitter by the username Nenavath Jagan, who claims it was shot in Texas. The video went viral on social media as fans celebrated RRR’s global reach amidst the Oscar celebrations.

Health Monitoring Features In AirPods : Discounted Prices Sale

By
Lillian Hocker
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0

Reportedly, Apple is planning to enhance its AirPods with health-tracking features. As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company based in Cupertino could turn the AirPods into a health tool in the next one or two years. The upcoming Apple AirPods may also provide hearing data of some sort. Apple has been working on adding hearing-related functionality to AirPods, which may include Conversation Boost and Live Listen features, as per reports. However, these features are yet to receive FDA approval, as stated by Gurman. Previously, it was suggested that the AirPods could serve as an alternative to hearing aids.

According to reports, Apple is planning to enhance its AirPods by incorporating features such as biometric sensors, motion detectors, and temperature monitors to track heart rate and perspiration. Kevin Lynch, the Vice President of Technology, has hinted at the possibility of more health data being added to the device. However, reputable Apple analyst Ming Chi Kuo suggests that the AirPods may not receive an upgrade until next year, with the next generation expected to be available for shipping in either the first or second half of 2025.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Flipkart Big Billion Days sale is offering the base model of the Apple iPhone 14 with 128GB storage at a discounted price of ₹66,999, down from the original price of ₹79,900. The 256GB storage model is available for purchase at a price of ₹76,999, and the 512GB variant is being sold for ₹96,999. Additionally, Apple has recently released a Yellow colour variant of the iPhone 14, which is being sold for ₹72,999 in its 128GB storage model. The iPhone 14 is available in several other colour variants, including Midnight, Purple, Starlight, Product RED, and Blue.

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