DeepSeek releases new AI model with reduced costs, intensifying US-China rivalry
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Chinese startup DeepSeek has released a new Artificial Intelligence model, claiming "drastically reduced" costs. This follows their 2025 R1 reasoning model, which matched US rivals' capabilities and was developed at a fraction of the cost. Founded by Liang Wenfeng in Hangzhou, DeepSeek began as a side project of his hedge fund in 2023. The company's R1 model, released in January 2025, led to a US tech share sell-off and was described by venture capitalist Marc Andreessen as a "Sputnik moment." DeepSeek's AI tools, like other Chinese chatbots, avoid topics censored in China, leading to bans or restrictions on government devices in several countries, including the United States, Australia, and South Korea. Despite this, its low cost and ease of deployment have made it popular in developing countries, holding four percent of the global chatbot market share, compared to ChatGPT's 68 percent. DeepSeek's systems are open-source, a strategy also adopted by other major Chinese AI players like Alibaba, in contrast to the closed models of Western rivals. The success of DeepSeek has boosted China's AI sector, with other Chinese AI startups like Zhipu AI and MiniMax seeing strong market debuts. However, DeepSeek's rise has faced controversy, with reports suggesting the company may have circumvented a US ban on exporting high-end chips to China to train its new V4 model. DeepSeek did not respond to requests for comment on these allegations, and NVIDIA stated they had not seen evidence of
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Okeoghene Patrick Udugba, a 45-year-old Nigerian residing in Frisco, Texas, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. The indictment, announced by the United States Attorney鈥檚 Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleges that Udugba orchestrated overlapping romance and business email compromise schemes. As part of the romance scam, Udugba and others reportedly used social media and dating websites to establish purported romantic relationships, grooming individuals to act as money mules for cashing fraudulently obtained checks. In the business email compromise scheme, the syndicate allegedly sent spoofed emails from Nigeria, posing as representatives of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service FWS. These emails directed that FWS grant funds be used to pay fabricated invoices, falsely representing money mules as FWS contractors. As a result, FWS鈥檚 grant administrator issued payments exceeding $300,000. The case is being investigated by multiple agencies, including the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The maximum penalty for this offense under federal law is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release, and a fine. All charged individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Must ReadThe National Human Rights Commission NHRC in Borno has documented more than 600 cases of human rights violations, including domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking, from January to July 2026. Ms. Jummai Mshelia, the State Coordinator of the NHRC, shared this information with the News Agency of Nigeria in Maiduguri. She noted that the reported cases cover a broad spectrum of concerns, such as sexual and gender-based violence, unlawful detention, child abandonment, child maltreatment, rape, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, kidnapping, and domestic violence. Mshelia attributed the increase in reported domestic violence cases partly to enhanced public awareness campaigns by the commission, which have encouraged more victims to come forward. The commission has also handled numerous cases involving child abuse, neglect, and abandonment, with poverty, displacement, inadequate parental care, and domestic violence identified as contributing factors to children living on the streets. Mshelia urged parents and guardians to prioritize their children's welfare and education. Many cases have been resolved through mediation, while others requiring criminal investigation were referred to agencies like the Police and the Ministry of Justice. Mshelia reiterated the NHRC's dedication to justice for victims and survivors, emphasizing that all services are free and accessible. A key challenge for the commission is the lack of operational vehicles, which impacts service delivery
Barcelona has announced the signing of forward Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of 29 million euros, potentially rising to 33 million dollars with add-ons. Adeyemi, a versatile 24-year-old, has signed a five-season contract with Barcelona, extending until June 30, 2031. This acquisition marks Barcelona's second major signing, following the transfer of England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle. Adeyemi's arrival is expected to strengthen Barcelona's attacking options, especially after the departure of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski and the end of Marcus Rashford's loan from Manchester United. The German national team player, who made his debut under current Barcelona coach Hansi Flick in 2021, joined Dortmund in 2022 from Red Bull Salzburg, where he scored 36 goals in 146 games across all competitions over four seasons.