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Pakistan scholarships for Bangladeshi students
News

Pakistan Announces 300 Fully Funded Scholarships for Bangladeshi Students

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

In a significant move to strengthen ties with Bangladesh, the Pakistani government has launched a programme offering 300 fully funded scholarships to Bangladeshi students. This initiative is backed by Pakistan’s Ministry of Education and aims to foster educational exchanges and cultural connections between the two nations.

Leading universities in Pakistan, including the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), COMSATS University, and the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), are collaborating on this scholarship programme. These institutions are renowned for their world-class education and research opportunities, making this programme a golden opportunity for Bangladeshi students to advance their academic pursuits.

State-run Pakistan Television News (PTV News) reported that officials from Pakistan’s education ministry have urged universities to promote this programme actively in Bangladesh. This includes hosting events and establishing an online portal to simplify the application process and encourage more students to apply.

The scholarships are seen as a step toward strengthening bilateral relations under the newly formed Bangladeshi administration. The programme is expected to open avenues for greater educational collaboration, helping to build a bridge of understanding and friendship between the two countries.

These fully funded scholarships will cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder talented Bangladeshi students from accessing high-quality education.

By providing this opportunity, Pakistan aims to contribute to the academic growth of Bangladeshi students while showcasing its commitment to fostering strong regional ties.

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Will Smith Quran reflections
Religious

Will Smith Expresses Deep Admiration for the Quran, Praises Its Timeless Wisdom

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

Renowned Hollywood actor Will Smith recently opened up about his spiritual journey, revealing a newfound admiration for the Quran, which he read “cover to cover” during the last Ramadan. Speaking on the Big Time Podcast, hosted by Egyptian journalist Amr Adeeb, Smith shared personal reflections on how turning to spirituality has provided him solace amid the challenges he has faced over the past two years.

On the podcast, Smith described his experience with the Quran, praising it for its “crystal-clear” message and simple, profound teachings. He expressed deep respect for the text, emphasizing that its clarity leaves “no room for misunderstanding,” which he found both refreshing and enlightening. Among the stories in the Quran, Smith was particularly moved by the story of Prophet Moses. He mentioned his fascination with the numerous references to Moses, sharing that these narratives left a lasting impact on him.

In addition to his reflections on the Quran, Smith spoke warmly about his experiences in Saudi Arabia, where the Big Time Podcast episode was recorded. Expressing his appreciation for the Gulf region, Smith noted that this visit marked his third time in the country. He praised Saudi Arabia’s welcoming environment and captivating culture, stating that he finds something new to appreciate with each visit.

Smith’s candid discussion of spirituality has captivated global audiences, drawing attention to his unique perspective on faith and personal growth. The Hollywood star’s interest in the Quran and other holy scriptures showcases his openness to diverse spiritual wisdom, offering a glimpse into his evolving worldview.

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OpenAI Sora
Science & Tech

OpenAI Launches “Sora” A Text-to-Video AI Model

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

OpenAI has introduced its groundbreaking text-to-video AI model, Sora, during its 12-day “Ship-mas” product release series. This innovative model allows users to create videos directly from text prompts and is now available on Sora.com for ChatGPT subscribers in the US and several other countries.

With the launch, OpenAI also unveiled Sora Turbo, an enhanced version featuring advanced tools like animating images, remixing videos, and blending scenes. These features mark a significant step forward in AI-driven video creation.

Subscription Plans

Sora requires a ChatGPT subscription for access:

  • ChatGPT Plus ($20/month):
    • Generate up to 50 priority videos (1,000 credits).
    • 720p resolution with video durations of up to 5 seconds.
  • ChatGPT Pro ($200/month):
    • Unlimited generations with 500 priority videos.
    • 1080p resolution and video durations of up to 20 seconds.
    • Watermark-free downloads and simultaneous generations.

Features and Capabilities

Key features of Sora include:

  • Storyboard Tool: Generate videos from a sequence of text prompts.
  • Animation Tool: Convert still images into dynamic videos.
  • Remix Tool: Refine and tweak videos with text-based instructions.
  • Blend Tool: Combine two scenes seamlessly using AI.
  • Explore Page: Browse community-created AI-generated videos.

Sora-generated videos include watermarks and C2PA metadata for transparency, ensuring ethical use. Users must comply with content guidelines prohibiting explicit, violent, or copyrighted material.

Challenges and Availability

Rohan Sahai, Sora’s product lead, highlighted the moderation challenges in fostering creative expression while preventing misuse. OpenAI is actively refining its systems and encourages user feedback for improvements.

Currently, Sora is available in the US and most countries, with limited access in parts of Europe and the UK. Non-subscribers can explore AI-generated content on the platform’s browse page.

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Google PK
News

Surprising Search Trends on Google by Pakistanis in 2024

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

Google’s Year in Search 2024 report unveils the top search trends in Pakistan, reflecting the nation’s cultural diversity and digital curiosity. From sports and entertainment to food and technology, the insights showcase how Pakistanis are blending tradition with modern interests.

Cricket Reigns Supreme

Cricket dominated the search landscape. The ICC T20 World Cup and PSL 2024 schedules ranked among the most-searched topics. In addition, Olympic gold medalist Arshad Nadeem captured attention as he brought Pakistan its first Olympic gold medal in three decades, signaling growing interest in sports beyond cricket.

Entertainment and Personalities

Searches for Pakistani dramas like Ishq Murshid and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum highlighted the love for local TV content. Bollywood movies, including Animal, Dunki, and Stree 2, alongside shows like Bigg Boss and Mirzapur Season 3, also garnered attention. Influential figures like Sana Javed, Zoya Nasir, and social media influencers like Hareem Shah further illustrated the impact of entertainment and digital platforms on Pakistani audiences.

Food enthusiasts searched for recipes spanning local delicacies like malpura and tawa kaleji to international favorites such as banana bread and garlic bread. Quick meals like egg noodles and refreshing drinks such as peach iced tea also saw high interest, reflecting Pakistanis’ love for diverse cuisines.

Technology and Practical Searches

AI tools like Gemini and Remaker AI topped tech-related searches, showing Pakistan’s growing interest in artificial intelligence. Smartphone trends continued to thrive, with models from Infinix, Redmi, and Apple among the most searched. Practical “how-to” queries included topics like polling stations and parenting tips, showcasing both civic engagement and a focus on family values.

Expert Insights and AI Integration

Google’s Country Director for Pakistan, Farhan Qureshi, emphasized the balance between tradition and modernity in the digital habits of Pakistanis. He noted AI’s transformative impact on search, enabling users to discover more efficiently.

Google’s Year in Search 2024 paints a vibrant picture of Pakistan’s digital journey, reflecting its passion for sports, love for entertainment, and enthusiasm for technology. The report underscores how Pakistanis are using the internet to explore their interests and stay connected with both their culture and global trends.

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Gwadar International Airport
News

Pakistan’s New Gwadar Airport Set to Open by Month-End

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

Pakistan’s New Gwadar Airport to Launch by Month-End: A Boost to Regional Trade

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced the much-anticipated launch of the New Gwadar International Airport in Baluchistan. PAA said that the project will become operational by the end of this month. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic development in Pakistan’s coastal city of Gwadar.

Final Preparations Underway
The Acting Director General of PAA, Zeeshan Saeed, along with Deputy Director General Sadiq Rehman, recently inspected the site to evaluate its operational readiness. Project Director Faizullah Khattak briefed them on the progress, highlighting that the airport’s preparations are in their final stages.

The project team also engaged with stakeholders to discuss the economic zones and business opportunities linked to the facility, expressing optimism about its potential to transform Gwadar into a major commercial hub.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
With an investment of $246 million, including a grant from China, the New Gwadar International Airport boasts modern amenities. An advanced terminal building, and a large runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The airport aims to position Gwadar as a critical node in regional and international trade routes, further solidifying its strategic importance.

Challenges and Progress
Despite facing delays, the airport has seen accelerated progress with strong backing from China. Officials remain committed to ensuring its timely completion. Concerns are emphasizing its role in strengthening Pakistan’s economic ties with global markets.

Additional Developments
In related news, Pakistan’s Supreme Court has cleared the way for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The court’s latest ruling enables the government to proceed with the process, potentially enhancing the airline’s operational and financial efficiency.

With the opening of Gwadar Airport and ongoing reforms in the aviation sector, Pakistan is taking significant steps to boost its transportation infrastructure and global connectivity.

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Black Basta ransomware Microsoft Teams
Cyber Security

Black Basta Ransomware Exploits Microsoft Teams for Advanced Attacks

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

Black Basta Ransomware Uses Microsoft Teams to Deploy Zbot Malware

The Black Basta ransomware group has advanced its tactics, leveraging Microsoft Teams to execute targeted cyberattacks. These attackers employ social engineering techniques to deliver malware such as Zbot, DarkGate, and custom payloads, increasing their effectiveness in targeting Windows users.

How the Attack Works

The campaign begins with threat actors using Microsoft Teams to contact targets. They pose as IT personnel and exploit phishing tactics to convince users to install remote management tools such as QuickAssist, TeamViewer, or AnyDesk. Once the victim grants access, attackers initiate malware downloads to compromise the user’s credentials and infiltrate organizational assets.

Key tactics include:

  • Social Engineering: Threat actors use authentic-looking display names on Teams to gain the target’s trust.
  • Remote Management Tools: Attackers install software to establish a foothold in the target’s system.
  • Credential Harvesting: Using customized DLL payloads to steal login information and VPN configurations.
  • Payload Delivery: The attackers deploy advanced malware like Zbot, which uses RSA encryption for secure command-and-control communications, and DarkGate, a multifunctional toolkit for data theft and privilege escalation.

Notable Techniques

  • Reverse Shells: Operators utilize Windows’ OpenSSH client to execute commands remotely.
  • QR Codes: In some cases, attackers distribute QR codes, likely to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Cobalt Strike Beacons: For further penetration, the group uses PowerShell commands and loaders for Cobalt Strike and other malicious payloads.

Recommendations for Protection

  1. Restrict External Communications: Limit external users’ ability to contact employees via Microsoft Teams.
  2. Standardize Remote Management Tools: Regulate the use of authorized tools to minimize risks.
  3. User Training: Educate employees to recognize phishing attempts and social engineering techniques.
  4. Secure VPN Access: Strengthen VPN configurations and enforce MFA to protect organizational networks.

The sophistication of Black Basta’s methods underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures. By exploiting trusted platforms like Microsoft Teams, the group increases its chances of success, emphasizing the importance of proactive threat detection and response.

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BlueAlpha APT Cloudflare Tunnels
Cyber Security

Russian BlueAlpha APT Abuses Cloudflare Tunnels To Deliver Custom Malware

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

The state-sponsored cyber threat group BlueAlpha, linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), has been actively targeting organizations with advanced cyber tactics since 2014. Recently, BlueAlpha has adopted a novel strategy by leveraging Cloudflare Tunnels to stage and deliver its GammaDrop malware, enhancing its ability to evade detection.

BlueAlpha employs spear phishing campaigns to distribute malicious HTML smuggling files embedded with JavaScript. These files execute custom malware variants GammaDrop and GammaLoad, enabling data exfiltration, credential theft, and persistent network access. The group’s updated approach involves:

  • HTML Smuggling: Embedding JavaScript into HTML attachments to bypass traditional email security systems.
  • Cloudflare Tunnels: Using the TryCloudflare tool to create subdomains for staging GammaDrop. This tactic hides malicious infrastructure behind Cloudflare’s network, complicating traditional detection.
  • DNS Fast-Fluxing: Changing DNS records rapidly for its command-and-control (C2) servers, making it harder to trace.

The malware suite utilized by BlueAlpha includes:

  • GammaDrop: A dropper ensuring the delivery and persistence of GammaLoad.
  • GammaLoad: A custom VBScript capable of beaconing to C2 servers, deploying additional malware, and stealing sensitive data.

Mitigation Strategies:

  1. Deploy tools to detect and block HTML smuggling activities, flagging suspicious JavaScript events like “onerror.”
  2. Establish application control rules to block the execution of malicious .lnk files and untrusted executables, such as mshta.exe.
  3. Monitor and restrict unauthorized DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) traffic, especially queries targeting trycloudflare.com subdomains.

Organizations must invest in advanced detection and response capabilities to counteract sophisticated threats posed by BlueAlpha and similar state-sponsored groups. The group’s persistent use of obfuscation tactics and infrastructure hiding underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive cybersecurity measures.

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CEO of PIA
Business

Khurram Mushtaq Appointed New CEO of the PIA

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

Khurram Mushtaq has been appointed as the acting CEO of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) following a decision by the PIA Board of Directors.

Mushtaq, a senior PIA executive with extensive experience in aviation, will take over after the tenure of Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat ends.

Previously, Mushtaq led various departments within PIA, including commercial, airport services, flight services, security, and vigilance.

Additionally, the Supreme Court of Pakistan allowed the government to proceed with the privatization of PIA, ensuring transparency in the process.

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China-Based Cyber Attack
Cyber Security

China-Based Hackers Target U.S. Organization in Sophisticated Cyber Attack

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider

U.S. Organization in China Hit by Advanced Cyber Attack

A U.S. organization with extensive operations in China recently became the victim of a highly advanced cyber attack, reportedly orchestrated by China-based hackers. This breach lasted for four months, from April to August 2024, and was primarily focused on intelligence gathering.

Details of the Cyber Attack

The attackers infiltrated multiple computers, including critical Exchange Servers, signaling an emphasis on email harvesting. The breach involved various advanced techniques:

  1. DLL-Sideloading: Legitimate applications such as GoogleToolbarNotifier.exe and iTunesHelper.exe were exploited to load malicious DLLs.
  2. Impacket Framework: This open-source Python tool was used to manipulate network protocols.
  3. File Transfer Tools: FileZilla and PSCP were likely employed for data exfiltration.
  4. Living Off the Land Techniques: Tools like WMI, PsExec, and PowerShell enabled lateral movement and command execution within the network.

Technical Insights

Security experts at Symantec confirmed that at least five machines were compromised. The hackers focused on credential dumping, network reconnaissance, and email data extraction.

Key indicators suggest a China-based origin:

  • The use of DLL-sideloading, a common tactic among Chinese hacking groups.
  • Links to the Daggerfly group, previously associated with attacks on the same organization.
  • Evidence of the file textinputhost.dat, tied to the Chinese espionage group Crimson Palace.

Implications

This incident underlines the persistent threats U.S. organizations face when operating in China. The attack’s scale and sophistication highlight the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

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Google, Harvard, And More are Offering FREE AI Courses
News

Google, Harvard, And More are Offering FREE AI Courses

by Ali Haider
written by Ali Haider


Here are 8 FREE courses to master AI in 2024:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, and staying ahead in this field has become essential. Here are eight free, high-quality courses that can help you build and refine your AI expertise in 2024:

1. Google AI Courses
Google offers 5 different courses to learn generative AI from the ground up.
Start with an Introduction to AI and finish having a solid understanding of AI as a whole.
🦾 https://lnkd.in/eW5k4DVz

2. Microsoft AI Course
Microsoft offers an AI course that covers the basics and then more.
Start off with an introduction and continue through learning about neural networks and deep learning.
🦾 https://lnkd.in/eKJ9qmEQ

3. Introduction to AI with Python
Harvard University is offering a full 7-week course to explore the concepts and algorithms of AI.
Start with the technologies behind AI and end with knowledge of AI principles and machine learning libraries.
🦾 https://lnkd.in/g4Sbb3nQ

4. Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT
This 6 module course by Vanderbilt University offers beginners a starting point to writing better prompts.
Start by learning effective prompting and complete the course knowing how to bend ChatGPT to your will.
🦾 https://lnkd.in/d-rCb-AM

5. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Devs
OpenAI in collab with DeepLearning is offering this course taught by Isa Fulford and Andrew Ng.
Start off with best practices and finish with a better understanding of prompting with hands-on practice.
🦾 https://lnkd.in/gtGc5Znp

6. LLMOps
Google Cloud in collab with DeepLearning is offering this brand new course taught by Erwin Huizenga.
Go through the LLMOps pipeline of pre-processing training data and adapt a supervised tuning pipeline to train and deploy a custom LLM.
🦾 https://lnkd.in/gMXDr7MJ

7. Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Ethics
In this 4 module course, the University of California – Davis covers big data and introduces IBM’s Watson.
Start by learning about big data opportunities and end knowing the limitations of AI.
🦾 https://lnkd.in/gVEf3Dvm

8. AI Applications and Prompt Engineering
edX has an introductory course on prompt engineering that goes beyond the basics.
Start by learning the basics and end knowing how to create your own applications.
🦾 https://lnkd.in/g2P9U_Bs

Need to learn ChatGPT?
Start studying ChatGPT with my bestseller bundle „Ultimate ChatGPT guide“
Master AI/ChatGPT With Bestseller Books
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Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your AI expertise, these courses provide the perfect pathway to success in the AI-driven world. Share this to help others in your network.

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