Unbiased headline news – The Chinese government has dismissed claims by the CIA that COVID-19 likely originated from a lab leak, calling the assertion “extremely unlikely.”
Officials pointed to findings from a joint China-WHO expert team, which concluded that a lab leak was highly improbable. The statement comes amid renewed global scrutiny over the origins of the pandemic, with Beijing urging a focus on scientific research rather than political speculation .
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The launch of DeepSeek-R1, a new AI model by Chinese startup DeepSeek, has sparked a social media frenzy.
The AI’s rapid rise has disrupted the tech industry, with users sharing memes and commentary about its potential impact. The company has also temporarily limited registrations due to a surge in malicious cyberattacks targeting its services . Meanwhile, the U.S. stock market experienced significant losses following the rise of DeepSeek, a low-cost Chinese AI bot.
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In the Middle East, Israel has announced that eight hostages due to be released in the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas are confirmed dead.
The announcement follows intelligence reports that matched information provided by Hamas. The ceasefire, which allowed displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, remains fragile as both sides navigate the complexities of the agreement . Meanwhile, Hezbollah has rejected any extension of the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawals from southern Lebanon.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing escalating violence as clashes between M23 rebels and government forces intensify.
Videos shared online show rebels patrolling the streets of Goma, a major city in the region. The UN has temporarily relocated non-essential staff from the area, and the Security Council has held an emergency meeting to address the crisis . In Kenya, protests against economic hardship and government corruption have turned deadly, with over 60 people killed and 1,200 arrested.
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Newly appointed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has pledged to overhaul operations at the Pentagon, emphasizing a shift from traditional practices.
Hegseth outlined plans to bolster border security, including deploying military personnel and aircraft for immigration enforcement. His remarks come as the Trump administration prepares to issue new orders on transgender military service and COVID-19 policies . Vivek Ramaswamy described the event as a “Sputnik moment” for the U.S. tech industry .
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The Sundance Film Festival is underway in Utah, showcasing independent films and documentaries from around the world.
Actor Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute, discussed the festival’s history and its role in supporting emerging filmmakers. The event has also featured appearances by notable actors, including Glenn Close and Ed Harris, highlighting the festival’s continued influence on the film industry .
