Author: Mawadat Fatima

Islamabad, Sep 26: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a dengue alert, signaling a notable increase in dengue fever cases over the past decade. With the post-monsoon season approaching, from September 20 to December 5, the disease is expected to pose a serious health threat, particularly in favorable environmental conditions. Favorable Conditions for Dengue Transmission The PMD indicates that dengue transmission is most likely to occur under the following conditions: Temperatures: Ranging from 26-29°C. Humidity Levels: Approximately 60%. Rainfall: Amounts exceeding 27mm within a maximum lag of three weeks are conducive to outbreaks. Additionally, the prime times for dengue…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: Qatar has reached a significant milestone by becoming the second Muslim-majority and the first Arab nation to join the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This achievement allows Qatari citizens to travel to the United States without the need for a visa, enhancing bilateral relations and facilitating travel. Key Criteria for Admission The announcement was made collaboratively by the Departments of State and Homeland Security, which cited several criteria for Qatar’s eligibility: Low Visa Refusal Rate: Qatar demonstrated a strong track record of visa applications being approved. Minimal Visa Overstays: The country has maintained a low rate of individuals…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: Pakistan’s Test coach, Jason Gillespie, has expressed strong confidence in Shan Masood, praising his leadership and vision for the future of Pakistan cricket. In a recent commentary during the Champions One-Day Cup, Gillespie acknowledged the challenges Masood faced since assuming the captaincy, highlighting the pressures that accompany leading a national team. Navigating Challenges as Captain Gillespie noted that Masood has had to navigate “pretty choppy waters” as captain, acknowledging the tough initiation into the role. He emphasized, “It’s been a tough initiation for him as a leader,” reflecting on the scrutiny and expectations placed on Masood. Vision…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: Yango, the international ride-hailing service under the Yango Group, has teamed up with Waada, a leading Insurtech company in Pakistan, to launch free Ride Insurance for its users. This partnership is set to provide one of the most comprehensive safety coverages offered by any ride-hailing service in Pakistan, enhancing security for both passengers and partner drivers during their journeys. Comprehensive Coverage Details Through this collaboration, Waada will offer comprehensive accident coverage at no additional cost to Yango users, which includes both passengers and drivers. The insurance plan addresses unforeseen circumstances, covering incidents such as: Damage to mobile…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities committed by Israeli forces against the Palestinian people. Speaking alongside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Sharif urged the international community to unite in demanding an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of an independent state of Palestine. Urgent Call for Action Sharif emphasized that peace in the region hinges on global efforts to support the creation of a Palestinian state. He stated, “The time has come when we all must come together and demand an immediate ceasefire…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: Vivo has expanded its V40 series with the launch of two new models in Indonesia: the V40 Lite 4G and V40 Lite 5G. These new additions complement the recently unveiled V40e, enhancing Vivo’s mid-range smartphone offerings. Key Features and Specifications Both the V40 Lite 4G and 5G share similar designs and core specifications, with the main differences lying in their chipsets and memory configurations: Processor and RAM: V40 Lite 4G: Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 685 processor, featuring 8 GB of RAM. V40 Lite 5G: Equipped with the more advanced Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chip, offering up to…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: The government has significantly decreased the profit rates on various national savings certificates and schemes by up to 375 basis points (bps). This adjustment affects several popular savings instruments, including: Bahbood Savings Certificates (BSC) Defence Savings Certificates (DSC) Pensioner Benefit Account (PBA) Regular Income Certificates (RIC) Shuhada Family Welfare Account (SFWA) Special Savings Certificates (SSC) Key Changes in Profit Rates: The Regular Income Certificate (RIC) rate has been reduced by 180 bps to 12.72%. The Special Savings Certificate (SSC) rate has been cut by 310 bps to 12.10%. The rates for BSC, PBA, and SFWA are now…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: Attock Petroleum Limited (PSX: APL) is making significant strides in the electric vehicle (EV) market by establishing EV charging facilities across its retail outlets. In its annual report for the financial year 2023-24, the company emphasized that this expansion of the EV charging network will not only help combat climate change but also support green business initiatives by reducing its overall carbon footprint. APL is focusing on expanding its DC Fast Electric Vehicle Charging network, particularly at motorway service areas, which will enhance accessibility for EV users. The company has already installed and commissioned an EV charger…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to present his plans for increased U.S. support to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during his visit to the White House on Thursday. This visit comes amidst a backdrop of rising tensions related to the U.S. presidential election, particularly regarding the role of former President Donald Trump, who has recently criticized Zelensky and questioned the rationale behind continued U.S. financial support for Ukraine. Zelensky’s meeting with Biden is expected to include the announcement of a surge in U.S. security assistance, although it remains unclear if he will secure…

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Islamabad, Sep 26: A recent United Nations report highlights an alarming increase in the demand for cooling systems in developing countries, which could exacerbate climate change if sustainable solutions are not prioritized. By 2050, air conditioning, refrigeration, and refrigerated transport demand is projected to increase seven-fold in Africa and four-fold in Asia, according to the UN Environment Agency (UNEP) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). IFC head Makhtar Diop emphasized that developing nations are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of rising temperatures and urgently require effective cooling solutions. The surge in demand is driven by factors such as rising…

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