Author: Iqra Khan

Islamabad, Feb 17: OpenAI’s update to its AI training policies marks a significant shift toward promoting free speech and neutrality, allowing ChatGPT to address more sensitive, controversial, and political topics. With this change, the goal is for the AI to present multiple perspectives on issues, rather than taking sides or avoiding questions altogether. This update reflects OpenAI’s desire to allow users to engage with diverse viewpoints and understand various sides of a debate. Key Points: Neutrality & Multiple Viewpoints: Instead of taking a stance, ChatGPT will now provide different perspectives on issues, including those that may be controversial or sensitive.…

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Islamabad, Feb 17: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced Consumer Protection Principles for Non-Banking Microfinance Finance Companies (NBMFCs), with an emphasis on improving transparency and fairness for borrowers. The new directive, under Circular No. 5 of 2025, requires NBMFCs to provide a Key Fact Statement (KFS) to borrowers prior to loan disbursement. Key Requirements: KFS Display: NBMFCs must present a summary of the Key Fact Statement in a clear and accessible format, preferably in the local language. Loan Contracts: The contracts must be available in the local language and a signed copy must be shared with…

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Islamabad, Feb 17: Serene Air has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of two new Airbus A320 aircraft, which were secured on a wet lease. The aircraft arrived in Pakistan from Malta, bringing the airline’s fleet total to nine planes, which includes Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A330 jets.In an official statement, the airline reassured passengers that it would continue to offer top-tier services and in-flight entertainment that align with international standards.

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Islamabad, Feb 17: A fact-finding committee formed by the Sindh Assembly has recommended awarding grace marks to first-year students who failed the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi (BIEK) exams. The committee’s proposal suggests granting 15% to 20% additional marks to help students pass. The committee, led by NED University VC Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, analyzed exam results, the evaluation process, and overall academic performance. It reviewed exam copies of failing students, including those with top Matriculation grades, and found issues like spelling mistakes and errors in mark totaling, tabulation, and data entry. The report indicated the pass rate was unusually low,…

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Islamabad, Feb 17: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with the nine World Bank Executive Directors who visited Pakistan for the first time in two decades to assess the progress of the $40 billion Country Partnership Framework. During the meeting, the premier highlighted key areas of focus for Pakistan’s economic development. He shared that $20 billion of the funding would be allocated toward health, education, and youth development, while the remaining $20 billion would be directed towards the private sector through the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The prime minister also briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s efforts to fast-track the digitalization of…

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Islamabad, Feb 17: Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the verge of revolutionizing the way we understand animal emotions, particularly in detecting pain and distress. Researchers across various institutions are developing AI systems that analyze facial expressions and other behavioral indicators, potentially transforming farming, veterinary care, and pet welfare. At the University of the West of England Bristol and Scotland’s Rural College, scientists are developing an advanced AI-driven system named Intellipig, designed to scan pig facial expressions. This system can detect signs of pain, sickness, or emotional distress, allowing farmers to receive real-time alerts about their livestock’s health. This technology enables…

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Islamabad, Feb 17: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled a proposal for a new highway aimed at improving access between the Prime Minister House and the Margalla Enclave. The plan involves utilizing the existing six-kilometer highway up to the Barakahu Bypass, with an additional four-kilometer extension to complete the connection. The initiative was launched in response to Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s directive for a five-minute route to Margalla Enclave. The CDA’s Planning Wing identified the site and submitted the proposal to CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and the Islamabad Chief Commissioner for approval.

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Islamabad, Feb 17: The Punjab government has launched an ambitious tree plantation campaign in Lahore, aiming to tackle the city’s severe smog problem and improve air quality. Announced by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the initiative targets planting 634,000 trees over 978 acres of land along the River Ravi. This initiative is designed to combat Lahore’s growing air pollution, which reached alarming levels in November 2024, affecting nearly two million people. The toxic haze led to school and office closures, restricted outdoor activities, and limited business hours, with Lahore ranking among the world’s most polluted cities.

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Islamabad, Feb 17: Yuvraj Singh believes that Pakistan will have a slight edge over India due to their familiarity with the playing conditions in Dubai. He emphasized, “Pakistan will have an upper hand vs India in those conditions in Dubai,” citing the team’s past success in UAE, where they have traditionally excelled. Pakistan’s dominant 10-wicket victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai will likely boost their confidence as they head into the highly anticipated encounter. The UAE’s slow pitches and conditions conducive to reverse swing are historically favorable for Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack, which boasts world-class…

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