Islamabad, Jan 18: A meeting on Islamabad’s water issues was held at the CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by CDA members, the Director General (DG) Islamabad Water, and other senior officers. During the meeting, DG Water gave briefing on the restoration of water filtration plants and the installation of sewage treatment plants in Islamabad for controlling contamination of water in the Rawal Dam. During the briefing, it was apprised that the quality of water at all filtration plants is being ensured according to WHO standards. Additionally, the water quality of…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Jan 18: The World Economic Forum (WEF) has highlighted Pakistan’s significant achievements in the digital economy, positioning the country as a leader in innovative reforms. In 2024, Pakistan’s IT exports reached $3.2 billion, reflecting a remarkable 24% annual growth. This increase underscores the country’s expanding capacity in digital services. The government has also set up 18 Special Technology Zones, which provide tax exemptions, duty-free imports, and foreign exchange account facilities to attract investment and foster technological innovation. Startups in Pakistan, despite recent challenges, secured $355 million in funding in 2022, with fintech, edtech, and agritech as dominant sectors. Mobile…
Islamabad, Jan 18: TikTok is preparing to cease its operations in the United States on January 19, unless the Biden administration intervenes to prevent the shutdown. The company confirmed reports that it will be “forced to go dark” on that date unless it receives a “definitive statement” from the administration, assuring that its key service providers—such as Apple, Google, Amazon, and Oracle—won’t face legal repercussions. These companies play a critical role in TikTok’s availability through app distribution and hosting services. In its statement, TikTok emphasized the urgency of a resolution, stating that unless the Biden administration provides the necessary assurances,…
Islamabad, Jan 18: Daryl Mitchell, the dynamic New Zealand batter, is set to make his mark in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 as a part of the Lahore Qalandars. Known for his powerful and composed batting, Mitchell is excited to be the first Platinum pick of the season and is eager to contribute to one of the most competitive T20 leagues globally. Expressing his enthusiasm for the PSL experience, Mitchell thanked Lahore Qalandars for the opportunity to join their squad, stating, “I am truly grateful to Lahore Qalandars for choosing me, and I’m looking forward to the challenge…
Islamabad, Jan 18: OpenAI has recently announced a major update to its flagship AI chatbot, ChatGPT, bringing new customization options that allow users to have a more personalized experience. This update, which was revealed on Friday, introduces a redesigned user interface aimed at giving users greater control over their interactions with the chatbot. With this update, users can now select personality traits such as “chatty” or “Gen Z,” allowing them to fine-tune the tone and style of the chatbot’s responses to better suit their preferences. The rollout of these new features will begin with the ChatGPT web interface and the…
Islamabad, Jan 18: A team from the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), led by Rabia Abbas Malik (Lead Advancement) and including Abeera Atif (Lead Projects) and Ameer Hamza (Lead Alumni Relations), visited the SITE Association of Industry’s NUST ICON in Karachi. The purpose of the visit was to discuss fundraising initiatives for deserving NUST students, with a focus on increasing financial support from philanthropists, particularly those in Karachi. During the meeting, the NUST representatives revealed that philanthropists in Karachi contribute 51% of the total funds needed for student scholarships across the country, reflecting the city’s strong commitment to…
Islamabad, Jan 18: The Punjab government has approved a significant shift in its vehicle registration policy, aimed at curbing tax evasion and improving security. Under the new policy, citizens of Punjab will be prohibited from registering their vehicles in other provinces or in Islamabad. The decision, which was recently ratified by the Punjab cabinet, has been welcomed by the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department. Excise officials have long expressed concerns over the widespread practice of Punjab residents registering their vehicles outside the province, often in neighboring regions or the federal capital, to avoid local taxes. This, they say, has not…
Islamabad, Jan 18: In a groundbreaking move to enhance educational opportunities and student welfare, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif unveiled a series of transformative measures. Building on the momentum of the Maryam Nawaz Laptop Scheme, she announced the launch of the Honhaar Scholarship Programme for Gujranwala Division, aimed at empowering academically talented students with financial support and cutting-edge tools. Key Features of the Laptop Scheme Eligibility for Laptops Students achieving over 65% in their academic results will qualify to receive laptops, ensuring that high achievers are equipped with modern resources to excel further. Honhaar Scholarship Programme Highlights Scholarship Distribution:…
Islamabad, Jan 18:Iran and Russia have solidified their bilateral ties through a landmark strategic partnership treaty, signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. This treaty is hailed as a pivotal move in expanding cooperation between two nations that have long been under heavy international sanctions. It aims to strengthen ties across key sectors such as politics, trade, security, transport, and energy. The treaty is designed to counter the economic isolation both countries face due to sanctions imposed by Western nations. During a joint press conference in Moscow, both leaders expressed the importance of the…
Islamabad, Jan 18: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is revolutionizing citizen services in Sindh with the launch of the innovative “NADRA Biker Service.” This service, which will be available in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas, offers a convenient and efficient way for residents to apply for Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and B-forms from the comfort of their homes. With a fleet of motorcycles deployed in each city—three in Karachi and one each in Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas—the service brings essential government services directly to the doorsteps of citizens. NADRA’s Biker Service is designed to simplify the process of applying…
