Pakistan delivers ‘final message’ to Taliban: Act on security concerns or face regime change

 

Pakistan delivers ‘final message’ to Taliban: Act on security concerns or face regime change

Pakistan has issued a “final message” to the Afghan Taliban leadership: comply with its security demands and pursue reconciliation, or face Islamabad’s support for alternative political forces capable of challenging the regime in Kabul, according to a News18 report.

Pakistan’s intelligence agencies have begun re-establishing contact with key Afghan political and opposition leaders, among them former presidents Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani, National Resistance Front leader Ahmad Massoud, ex–vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum, as well as figures aligned with the Afghanistan Freedom Front and remnants of the former Northern Alliance.

The ultimatum, conveyed through Turkish mediators, follows months of stalled negotiations and growing frustration in Islamabad over the Taliban’s refusal to rein in Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants and stop cross-border attacks.

The development comes shortly after Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India, a diplomatic outreach that Pakistani officials reportedly view as a strategic shift away from Islamabad.

With ties deteriorating, Pakistan now sees the Taliban government’s stance as both a security threat and a geopolitical setback. Consequently, officials have begun exploring closer engagement with anti-Taliban political figures and resistance networks, both within Afghanistan and abroad.

What has Pakistan offered to the Taliban? 

Islamabad has signaled it is willing to provide political room, security guarantees, and even office space inside Pakistan for Afghan opposition figures, a move that suggests preparations for a more coordinated anti-Taliban bloc.

According to the report, these assurances are also being extended to exiled Afghan women leaders, civil society activists, and pro-democracy groups who continue to call for an inclusive and representative political system in Afghanistan, whether through a Loya Jirga or future elections.

What are Pakistan's demands? 

Despite three rounds of negotiations, first facilitated by Qatar and later by Turkey, talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have stalled, with no breakthrough in sight. A tentative ceasefire arrangement discussed in the earlier stages has also not progressed following the unsuccessful round in Istanbul.

Throughout the process, Islamabad has kept its core expectations unchanged. Pakistan has sought decisive action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the transfer of key militant figures wanted for major attacks, clear assurances to prevent further escalation along the Durand Line, and the establishment of a limited buffer zone to curb cross-border militant movement. Additionally, Pakistan has pressed for improved trade ties and broader bilateral cooperation as part of the overall security framework.

Kabul's stance

However, Afghanistan’s Taliban government has pushed back against these demands, particularly the proposals concerning the handover of TTP militants and the creation of a buffer zone near the border. Islamabad sees this resistance as untenable, especially amid a surge in militant strikes on its troops and installations.

Pakistan’s latest outreach to anti-Taliban political forces represents its most significant strategic shift since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Officials say the move is driven by security imperatives and the need to protect regional stability.

Turkey meet, Syrian operative, Pak handlers: NIA maps global terror network behind Delhi blast

 

Turkey meet, Syrian operative, Pak handlers: NIA maps global terror network behind Delhi blast

Investigators probing the November 10 Delhi car blast are uncovering a complex web of international links, radicalisation, and overseas meetings involving the alleged suicide bomber, Dr Umar un Nabi, and several other accused.

According to a report by TOI, Umar, along with Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai and Dr Muzzafar Rather, had travelled to Turkey in 2022, where they met a Syrian terror operative, which is believed to have taken place on the directions of their Pakistan-based handler, Ukasha.

While agencies are still trying to find what was discussed in that meeting, investigators believe it may have played a key role in shaping the terror plot that later unfolded in Delhi.

Muzammil, who was arrested by NIA Thursday with three other accused, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, Dr Shaheen Saeed and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, is expected to be interrogated by NIA to take forward the probe into international linkages of the conspiracy.

Turkey visit and missed meeting with Pakistani handler

According to intelligence inputs, the three doctors stayed in Turkey for nearly 20 days. Their original plan was to meet Ukasha, who is believed to operate along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. But the meeting never happened. Instead, Ukasha allegedly told them to meet a Syrian national, who acted as his representative.

According to the investigators, Muzaffar travelled to Afghanistan via the UAE after Turkey and is believed to have joined al-Qaida. Umar also wanted to go to Afghanistan but was instructed by Ukasha to return to India for what he reportedly described as “bigger plans” of the Jaish-e-Mohammed. Umar followed the instruction.

Soon after he came back, he joined Al-Falah University in Faridabad, where he allegedly set up a terror module and began gathering explosives for future attacks.

Telegram instructions and radicalisation material

According to the report, Umar, Muzammil and Adeel were in constant touch with three Pakistan-based handlers, Faisal, Hashim and Ukasha, through Telegram. These handlers allegedly sent them instructions, radical content and even bomb-making videos.

NIA said on Thursday that the three doctors arrested and Shopian cleric Mufti Irfan were part of a wider conspiracy and were preparing for multiple coordinated strikes. Their arrests have given investigators more clarity on the organisational structure, foreign connections and the role of overseas handlers.

Before Thursday’s arrests, the NIA had already detained Amir Rashid Ali, a plumber from Pampore, and Jasir Bilal Wani from Qazigund. Amir helped buy the vehicle used in the Delhi blast and was aware of Umar’s suicide plan.

Investigators say Umar visited Pampore a week before the purchase, arranged money and travelled back to Haryana with Amir. Amir stayed with him for nearly a week, bought the car in his name and returned to Kashmir just days before the explosion.

Meanwhile, Jasir is accused of providing technical support for terror strikes by trying to convert drones into rocket-like weapons. All the accused were initially held by the Jammu & Kashmir Police, whose investigation began with the discovery of Jaish posters in Nowgam.

Japanese man living in Bihar shares a powerful concept he learnt in India

 

Japanese man living in Bihar shares a powerful concept he learnt in India

A Japanese man who has been living in Bihar for a while now has shared a thoughtful post on the spiritual philosophy of Dharma Yoga.

Describing Dharma Yoga as "one of the most powerful concepts" he has learnt in India, Nozomu Hagihara shared a video on Instagram where he spoke about how his time in the country has helped him understand that yoga is not limited to physical postures, but is a way of life grounded in ethics, awareness, and compassion.

"One of the most powerful concepts I've learned from this country is Dharma Yoga. Dharma Yoga is not just about the physical practice on the mat - it's about living yoga off the mat. It emphasises living with integrity and compassion in everyday life, guided by the ethical principles of the Yoga Sutras, especially the Yamas (restraints) and Niyamas (observances)," Hagihara said in his post.

Furthermore, he listed five values that it teaches us to embody: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

He explained that Dharma Yoga "reminds us that yoga is not about flexibility of the body, but flexibility of the heart - to live with awareness, kindness, and purpose."

The video has drawn appreciation for its cross-cultural message and deep respect for Indian philosophy.

Many viewers praised Hagihara's understanding of Indian spirituality. "You are amazing! So inspirational! Thank you for your love for India," one user commented. Another wrote, "I believe India has a wealth of knowledge that often goes unnoticed."

According to his bio, Nozomu Hagihara works as a social activist in Bihar.

5 Suspects Arrested, Publicly Paraded Day After Bhopal Cafe Vandalism

 

5 Suspects Arrested, Publicly Paraded Day After Bhopal Cafe Vandalism

A day after a group of masked men armed with swords, rods, and sticks barged into a cafe in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, smashing furniture and glass, police arrested five suspects involved in the attack and later took them out in a public procession. 

The attack, which was carried out late in the night and captured on CCTV, showed a large group of masked men armed with swords, rods, and sticks entering the Magic Spot Cafe in Misrod. In less than two minutes, the group vandalised the counter, glass panels, furniture, display units, and machines before fleeing. 

A young man and woman present inside the cafe managed to escape just moments before the attackers entered.

The Misrod police took the arrested suspects in a procession through the main market, starting from the very cafe they vandalised. 

Officers said the public parade was intended to send a clear message that acts of terror and violence will not be tolerated in the capital.

CCTV footage showed the men walking in a coordinated formation, carrying out the attack, and exiting without attempting to steal anything.  

The police said that the preliminary investigation rules out robbery as a motive. "The attackers did not attempt to take anything. They came with the sole intention of vandalising the cafe. The entire act lasted less than two minutes," DCP Zone-2 Vivek Singh told NDTV. Police believe the attack was linked to a personal rivalry between two groups of students of a private college. 

The trigger was an earlier clash on November 16 in Katara Hills, where a youth named Yogi was allegedly beaten by Abhishek Rajput and his friends. Abhishek is reportedly a friend of one of the cafe partners. This earlier dispute, for which an FIR had already been registered, appears to have escalated into Tuesday night's retaliation.

Cafe owner Saksham Giri had lodged a First Information Report (FIR) naming five individuals, including Yogi, Nikhil and Abhishek, along with several unidentified persons. Police have arrested two of the individuals named in the complaint and detained three more for questioning.

The cafe owner said he shared the CCTV footage widely across multiple groups, which helped in identifying several of the attackers. "I do not personally know any of the assailants, nor do I have any enmity with anyone," Saksham told NDTV. 

"The attack caused a loss of nearly two and a half to three lakh rupees to my cafe," he added. 

Given the seriousness of the crime, joint teams from Misrod, Baghsewania and Katara Hills police stations worked on the investigation. They scanned the CCTV footage from nearby areas, mapping possible escape routes and examining past altercations among the individuals involved.

Sources confirmed that police are also questioning the three partners of Magic Spot Cafe, as one of them is known to be associated with a person involved in the earlier clash. Officers say all possible angles – rivalry, retaliation, and any internal dispute – are being verified.

The case has been registered at Misrod police station, and several teams are working to trace the remaining suspects.

What is “Vibe-Coding”? Here is why Alexandr Wang thinks it’s a game-changer for young programmers

 

What is “Vibe-Coding”? Here is why Alexandr Wang thinks it’s a game-changer for young programmers

Alexandr Wang, the 28-year-old cofounder of Scale AI and Meta’s chief AI officer, is urging young tech enthusiasts to immerse themselves in “vibe-coding”—hands-on experimentation with AI coding tools. Speaking on the TBPN podcast, Wang stressed that early engagement with AI tools could become a career-defining advantage, much like personal computers were for Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg.

“Young people who dedicate time to mastering these tools now will gain an edge in the future economy,” Wang said. “It’s a moment of opportunity that won’t last forever.”

The rise of Vibe-Coding

Vibe-coding is a term Wang uses to describe learning AI programming through natural language prompts and iterative experimentation. Unlike traditional coding, which often relies on structured learning, vibe-coding encourages unstructured tinkering—testing AI tools, understanding their limits, and creating workflows that optimise productivity.

Wang compares this approach to the early experiences of tech founders: those who grew up experimenting with computers in the 1980s and 1990s gained a disproportionate advantage as the digital economy exploded. “When personal computers first came about, those who spent the most time with them had immense advantages in the future economy,” Wang explained on the TBPN podcast. “I think that moment is happening right now with AI.”

Why young programmers should care

The rise of automation and AI is reshaping the tech job market. Entry-level positions are shrinking as companies rely more on AI to handle coding, testing, and even project management. Wang argues that the solution for young professionals isn’t to compete with AI—but to learn to use it effectively.

By logging thousands of hours experimenting with AI tools, young programmers can build skills that far outpace peers who rely solely on formal education. Wang calls it a “huge advantage” for those willing to put in the time. The concept mirrors the 10,000-hour rule popularised in talent development: deep practice over long periods leads to mastery.

Other tech leaders are echoing this sentiment. Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of Klarna, has said AI programming tools now allow him to build prototypes in 20 minutes—a task that previously took weeks of engineering back-and-forth. This kind of productivity boost is only possible for those comfortable interacting with AI systems daily.

Alexandr Wang’s journey and credibility

Wang became the youngest self-made billionaire at 25 after launching Scale AI at age 19. Today, Scale AI is valued at around $7 billion. In June 2025, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg entrusted Wang with leading Meta’s AI operations, following a $14.3 billion investment in the company.

“I’ve been radicalised by AI coding,” Wang said on the TBPN podcast. “You just have to figure out how to use the tools maximally. Those who do will have a tremendous advantage in the next decade.”

Opportunity for young workforce

For Gen Z and younger millennials entering the tech industry, Wang’s message is urgent: early, hands-on experimentation with AI is no longer optional—it is essential. Unlike traditional coding education, which can lag behind industry trends, vibe-coding equips young workers with practical, market-ready skills that companies increasingly demand.

Those who embrace the approach can differentiate themselves in a crowded job market, create faster prototypes, and innovate at a pace previously impossible. For career-minded teens and early professionals, vibe-coding represents not just a learning opportunity but a potential springboard to leadership roles in AI-driven tech companies.

The takeaway

Alexandr Wang’s advice is clear: start vibe-coding now. For young programmers, experimenting with AI isn’t just a hobby—it’s a strategic investment in their careers. As automation reshapes the tech workforce, those who master AI tools early could emerge as the next generation of tech leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Former Cisco CEO's dangerous prediction goes beyond AI will destroy jobs; says 50% of Fortune 500 companies will disappear

 

Former Cisco CEO's dangerous prediction goes beyond AI will destroy jobs; says 50% of Fortune 500 companies will disappear

Former Cisco Systems CEO John Chambers has issued a stark warning about the future impact of artificial intelligence (AI). While concerns about AI replacing human jobs have already been widely discussed, Chambers believes the disruption will go far deeper. “You are probably going to see 50% of the Fortune 500 companies disappear and 50% of the executives of the Fortune 500 disappear,” he said in a recent interview with Fortune.

Chambers, who led Cisco through the internet boom of the late 1990s and the painful crash that followed, compared today’s AI wave to the dot-com era. But he stressed that the pace and consequences of AI adoption are far more dramatic. “AI is moving at five times the speed and will produce three times the outcomes of the internet age,” he said, pointing out that startups are now able to develop products in weeks rather than years.

The former CEO cautioned that such rapid transformation will create both winners and losers. “Is there going to be a train wreck? Yes, for those that aren’t able to translate the technology into a sustainable competitive advantage,” Chambers said. He warned that while some companies will thrive, others will vanish because their leaders lack the ability to adapt quickly enough to the new innovation economy.

Former Cisco CEO on job loss due to AI

On the jobs front, Chambers echoed a concern that has been raised by many industry leaders but with an even sharper edge. “If I am right about AI moving at five times the speed of the internet, we are going to destroy jobs faster than we can replace them,” he explained. He acknowledged that new roles will eventually be created, but not before a painful period of adjustment. “There is going to be a drought while we have to re-educate lots of people,” he said

According to Chambers, both white-collar and blue-collar entry-level jobs are most at risk in the immediate future. To counter this, he urged governments and companies to rethink education and training systems. “We need to change education. Entry-level jobs, both white and blue collar, are going to disappear fast,” he warned.

Despite his concerns, Chambers also sees potential for AI to drive productivity and economic growth—if businesses reinvest their gains. But he believes only those companies that can quickly reinvent themselves will survive. “With the speed the market is moving at now, you have to be able to reinvent yourself, which most CEOs and business leaders don’t know how to do, especially with AI,” he said.

For Chambers, the current moment represents the most uncertain global business climate he has ever witnessed. He described it as “the new normal” and said leaders who fail to adapt will be left behind.

Optical illusion personality test: Man or woman? What you see first reveals if you focus on details or the big picture

 

Optical illusion personality test: Man or woman? What you see first reveals if you focus on details or the big picture

Optical illusion personality tests are simple and fun tests that can decode a person's true traits within seconds. But, how? These images are strange-looking, and they have one or more elements in them that trick the eyes. Depending on what a person notices first in the image, a lot can be revealed about their true nature as these images are based on psychology.

This particular image claims to reveal if a person is a keen observer or look at the bigger picture. At first glance at the weird picture, a person can either see a man or a woman. Depending on what they notice first, a lot can be decoded about their true nature.

Intriguing, right? To take this test, simply close your eyes, relax, and look at the picture with a fresh mind. Notice what caught your attention first-- the man or the woman-- in the image. Now, read its interpretation below:

1. If you saw the woman in the picture first, it means...You likely have a keen eye for detail and tend to notice the little things others might miss. This shows you’re observant, emotionally in tune, and often deeply connected to the world around you. People find comfort in your presence, appreciating your supportive and understanding nature. These traits reflect a nurturing personality that’s often considered more traditionally feminine—calm, caring, and attentive. Whether it’s in relationships or daily life, you make others feel seen and valued. Your ability to tune into both emotions and small nuances is a strength that sets you apart in today’s fast-paced world.

2. If you saw the man in the picture first, it means...You’re someone who naturally sees the bigger picture and focuses on the overall vision rather than getting caught up in tiny details. While you may sometimes overlook subtle cues or hidden meanings, your strength lies in understanding broader patterns and long-term goals. You prefer clear communication and often need specifics to be spelled out, which helps you stay focused on what truly matters. Your perspective is valuable in group settings, as you bring clarity, direction, and a strategic mindset. Big-picture thinkers like you are often the ones who drive innovation and lead others toward meaningful progress.

How true was this test result for you and do you agree with it? Tell us your views in the comments section below.

If you liked this test, then do share it with your friends and family to know them better. Also, do checkout other similar tests to know on our website to know yourself better.

Think you are fearless? Humans will always fear these 2 things no matter what, says science

 

Think you are fearless? Humans will always fear these 2 things no matter what, says science

Despite the modern narrative of humans being fearless or bold by nature, science tells a different story. Humans aren’t born with a long list of phobias. In fact, psychologists and neuroscientists agree that we only come into the world hardwired with two basic fears: the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. These two serve a fundamental purpose—protecting us from harm in our earliest and most vulnerable stages.

One of the most cited pieces of evidence is the “visual cliff” experiment from 1960. In this setup, infants aged 6 to 14 months were placed on a platform with a transparent surface that gave the illusion of a drop. Despite encouragement from trusted caregivers, most babies would not crawl across the glass section. This reaction wasn’t something they were taught. It showed a natural fear of falling—something deeply rooted in our instincts. Babies who hadn’t yet started crawling didn’t show as much concern, suggesting that the development of movement plays a role in reinforcing this inborn fear.

Similarly, the fear of loud noises is seen right from birth. Sudden, sharp sounds—like the clanging of metal or a bursting balloon—can cause a newborn to flinch, cry, or display distress. This reaction is called the acoustic startle reflex. According to neuroscientist Seth Norrholm, this reflex is automatic and wired into the brain’s primitive survival systems. Loud noises are universally interpreted as signals of potential danger, which is why even a baby with no prior experience of the world reacts to them.

Learned Fears Begin with Experience

While these two fears are inborn, all other fears—be it spiders, darkness, or public speaking—are acquired through life. These are shaped by culture, upbringing, and personal experience.

The famous “Little Albert” experiment from the early 20th century is often referenced when discussing learned fears. A young child who was originally indifferent to a white rat began fearing it after it was repeatedly paired with loud, startling noises. Over time, the child began to associate the rat alone with fear, demonstrating how easily fear can be conditioned.

When it comes to things like fear of snakes or spiders, infants don’t start off frightened. Research shows they may notice these creatures more quickly than others, but that’s not the same as fear. It’s only through learned associations—perhaps stories, parental cues, or traumatic experiences—that children come to fear them.

Even something as common as a fear of the dark can be traced back to imagination and storytelling. Toddlers aren’t afraid of the absence of light itself—they respond to what they’ve been told could be lurking in it.

If Fear Can Be Learned, It Can Be Unlearned

This understanding that most fears are not innate but learned has wide-reaching implications. If a fear can be developed through life, it can also be reduced or even reversed through exposure, therapy, or conscious effort.

Many psychologists and therapists use this insight to encourage individuals facing anxiety or phobias. Recognizing that public speaking fear or social rejection anxiety wasn’t part of our original design can be empowering. It means the emotional weight of those fears can be lightened with time and effort.

As the saying often goes in self-help and mental health circles: we're only born with the fear of falling and loud noises. Everything else, we pick up along the way.

Two-faced moon: New study reveals moon’s near and far sides are more different than thought

 

Two-faced moon: New study reveals moon’s near and far sides are more different than thought

The near and far hemispheres of Earth’s only natural satellite are so unlike one another, it’s remarkable that they’re situated on the same celestial sphere. Now, recent research indicates that they’re even more dissimilar than astronomers believed. Research published Tuesday in the journal Nature Geoscience discovered evidence to indicate that the interior of the Moon’s mysterious far side may be considerably colder than the near side, which continuously faces Earth. As per the authors, the findings show that the geological contrasts between the Moon’s two faces extend far beneath the surface, bringing astronomers closer to knowing why they’re so different.

“It is one of the great mysteries of the Moon,” co-author Yang Li, an associate professor of Earth and planetary sciences at the University College London and Peking University, stated in a UCL release. “We call it the two-faced Moon. A dramatic difference in temperature between the near and far side of the mantle has long been hypothesised, but our study provides the first evidence using real samples.”

Geological Contrasts

Astronomers previously assumed that the Moon’s near and far sides were almost similar, but over the past 60 years of in-depth observation, geological differences have become significant. Only 1% of the far side contains maria, dark plains created by ancient volcanic eruptions when compared with 31% coverage on the near side. Findings from several lunar orbiters also suggest that rocks from the far side have distinctly contrasting chemical compositions than those on the near side. NASA’s twin GRAIL orbiters found out that the far side’s crust is approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) thicker than the near side’s.

These differences are thought to track back to the Moon’s formation and evolution, which are closely linked to Earth’s history. Scientists generally believe that both Earth and its satellite formed following a Mars-sized object collided with the proto-Earth nearly 4.5 billion years ago. Observing these geological discrepancies offers valuable insight into our planet’s origin story.

Insights from Chang’e 6

The samples evaluated by Li and his team were gathered by China’s Chang’e 6 spacecraft, which landed on the Moon’s far side in May 2024. Analysis of the 2.8-billion-year-old rock indicates that it formed from lava deep beneath the lunar surface at approximately 2,012°F (1,100°C), about 200°F (100°C) cooler than similar near-side samples.

While the research did not directly examine current temperatures, the researchers found that these thermal contrasts likely persisted over billions of years. The cooler far-side interior may result from having less heat-producing radioactive factors like uranium, thorium, and potassium.

Possible Explanations

Some scientists indicate that the uneven distribution of these factors could be the result of a massive asteroid impact on the far side, which displaced denser, radioactive-rich material toward the near side. Others indicate that the Moon may have collided with a smaller satellite early in its history, making thermally different regions. Another hypothesis is that the near side’s interior remains warmer in regard to the Earth’s gravitational impact.

Regardless of the cause, the Chang’e 6 samples confirm yet another puzzling contrast between the Moon’s two faces. Knowing the complete implications of these contrasts for the Moon’s history and evolution will need further study, leaving scientists with more questions than answers for the time being.

FAQs:

Q1. Why is the Moon called two-faced?The Moon’s near and far sides have distinct geological traits. The far side is thicker, colder, and has fewer maria than the near side.

Q2. What is Maria on the Moon?Maria are dark plains formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. They cover 31% of the near side but only 1% of the far side.