Islamabad, Feb 25: Google has rolled out a new automatic transcript feature for videos stored in Google Drive, allowing users to search and navigate through video content effortlessly. The update is being deployed gradually for Google Workspace subscribers, with full availability expected by March 26th. This transcription tool mirrors YouTube’s format, displaying timestamped text blocks in a sidebar alongside the video. As the video plays, the corresponding transcript highlights in real-time, functioning similarly to subtitles. Users can click on any segment of the text to jump directly to that moment in the video, making navigation seamless. Additionally, a search bar…
Author: Iqra Khan
Islamabad, Feb 25: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday extended heartfelt greetings to the leadership and people of Kuwait as the nation marks its National Day and Liberation Day. Currently on a two-day visit to Azerbaijan, the prime minister conveyed his warm wishes to Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the government and people of Kuwait. In his message, Shehbaz Sharif praised Kuwait’s resilience and determination, acknowledging the nation’s proud history and unwavering courage in safeguarding its sovereignty against foreign aggression. He reaffirmed the deep-rooted bilateral ties between Pakistan and Kuwait, highlighting…
Islamabad, Feb 25: International Packaging Films Limited (IPAK) Group has reported strong financial performance for the six months ending December 31, 2024, with a consolidated profit before tax of Rs. 464.67 million. The net profit attributable to the owners of the holding company stood at Rs. 567.63 million, translating into earnings per share (EPS) of Rs. 0.81 for the period. The group recorded an impressive 61 percent increase in revenue, reaching Rs. 16.25 billion, compared to Rs. 10.08 billion in the same period last year. This substantial growth was driven by new production capacities, the introduction of a new product…
Islamabad, Feb 25: The Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI) Multan hosted a one-day refresher course on cotton production technology, aiming to equip farmers and agricultural stakeholders with advanced techniques to improve cotton yields. Organized under the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee (PCCC), the event gathered experts, government officials, private sector representatives, and farmers to discuss modern farming practices, seed development, and sustainable agricultural solutions. Dr. Yusuf Zafar (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz), Vice President of PCCC, addressed the participants virtually, emphasizing the urgent need for innovation in cotton farming. He expressed concern over declining cotton production and underscored the importance of adopting advanced technologies to…
Islamabad, Feb 25: The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) continued its decline against the US Dollar (USD) for the third consecutive day, closing at 279.67 in the interbank market. The PKR opened at 280 and remained within the 279-280/$ range throughout the day. Despite losing one paisa against the USD, the rupee strengthened against most other major currencies. It appreciated by: 75 paisas against the Canadian Dollar (CAD) 29 paisas against the Euro (EUR) 46 paisas against the British Pound (GBP) 72 paisas against the Australian Dollar (AUD) However, it remained stable but closed slightly lower against the UAE Dirham (AED) and…
Islamabad, Feb 25: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev in Islamabad to discuss bilateral relations and areas of mutual interest. The two sides focused on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts and agreed to activate the counter-terrorism dialogue between Pakistan and Russia. To strengthen ties, both nations decided to increase the exchange of delegations. The Russian ambassador extended an invitation for Pakistani officials to participate in anti-narcotics training programs in Moscow and Siberia. Minister Naqvi emphasized that terrorism is a global challenge requiring collective efforts and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening relations with…
Islamabad, Feb 25: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Privatization was informed on Tuesday that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remains incomplete despite payments exceeding $4.3 million (Rs. 1.9 billion) to the Financial Advisor. Secretary Privatization Commission Usman Bajwa briefed the committee that Rs. 1.2 billion 63 percent of the financial advisory fee has been paid so far, with the total due amount standing at $6.9 million. He clarified that the Financial Advisor would receive payments for the second phase of privatization only after the sale is completed. The committee was also informed that the previous bid for…
Islamabad, Feb 25: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Islamabad held a balloting ceremony on Monday for residential plots in Margalla Enclave, a collaborative housing project between the two entities. The event, hosted at the Jacaranda Family Club in DHA Phase-2, Islamabad, drew a large number of applicants and was attended by prominent figures, including CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Acting Administrator of DHA Islamabad-Rawalpindi, Brigadier (retd) Ghulam Murtaza. The project has generated substantial public interest, receiving approximately 47,000 applications for plots of 125, 250, and 500 square yards. This overwhelming response underscores the high…
Islamabad, Feb 25: The Commerce Ministry has utilized only 10 percent of the funds allocated to it under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2025-26, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was informed on Monday. Secretary Commerce explained that this limited expenditure was due to strict austerity measures imposed by the federal government in FY26, which led to the halting or cancellation of several planned expenditures. The committee also reviewed the performance of Pakistan’s trade missions abroad. While 57 missions are currently operational, 10 newly established missions remain vacant. The Commerce Secretary assured the committee that…
Islamabad, Feb 25: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has officially launched a digital print production facility, marking a significant step towards modernizing the university’s educational resources. The inauguration ceremony was held on Monday, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood leading the event. The newly inaugurated facility, which also includes an extension to the existing print production capabilities, will digitize the examination, printing, and mailing of books, with support from the Pakistan Post Foundation. During the ceremony, Professor Dr. Mahmood highlighted that the initiative is a revolutionary move aimed at ensuring greater transparency in the examination system and improving the efficiency…
