Islamabad, Dec 28: Pakistan’s Education Minister, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, has pledged practical support to rehabilitate educational institutions in Palestine, according to COMSTECH (OIC’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation). Key Developments: Impact of Gaza Conflict on Education: Since October 7, 2023, over 44,000 Palestinians have died, and 625,000 children have missed a school year due to the ongoing conflict, with risks of missing another year. Pakistan’s Support Initiatives: A scholarship program launched in 2021, initially offering 500 fully funded scholarships to Palestinian students, was expanded to 5,000 scholarships in 2023. Many Palestinian students are currently pursuing full-degree programs…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Dec 28: WhatsApp has unveiled a new shortcut for its in-app Meta AI chatbot, enhancing accessibility for users. According to WABetaInfo, the update is available in the latest beta version for iOS (24.25.10.79) and repositions the Meta AI feature from the navigation bar to the Chats tab for easier access, particularly on larger screens. Key Features of the Update: Streamlined Design: The shortcut now resides within the Chats tab, replacing its earlier location atop the navigation bar, improving user convenience. Personalized Image Creation: Users can explore AI features like customized image generation through the enhanced visibility of the shortcut.…
Islamabad, Dec 28: French Ambassador to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey, highlighted the growing collaboration between Pakistan and France during a meeting with Sardar Zahoor Iqbal, Chairman of the France-Pakistan Business Forum. He emphasized expanding diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations, marking a new chapter of bilateral engagement. Key Highlights: Bilateral Strength: Ambassador Galey noted France’s recognition of Pakistan’s contributions to regional peace and stability, underscoring a strong foundation for relations. Economic Cooperation: French companies are actively investing in Pakistan, with a focus on dairy, technology, and other industries. Efforts are underway to foster private sector partnerships, leveraging French expertise to boost economic…
Islamabad, Dec 28: Pakistan, like many developing countries, is at a crossroads in its industrial development. With rising environmental challenges and increasing global pressure to adopt sustainable practices, decarbonization has become imperative. Leveraging emerging technologies and climate finance offers a viable pathway to achieve this goal, ensuring both economic growth and environmental sustainability. The Role of Emerging Technologies Emerging technologies, particularly those focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and industrial automation, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Below are some key innovations: Renewable Energy Solutions: Transitioning from fossil fuels to solar, wind, and hydropower can drastically cut carbon emissions. Pakistan’s…
Islamabad, Dec 28: The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, one of the deadliest disasters in history, caught many by surprise. Experts were astonished to find that a large number of people in the affected regions were unaware of such a destructive phenomenon until it struck. “Tsunami is a Japanese term,” explained Syamsidik, an engineer and director of the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center at Syiah Kuala University in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Like many Indonesians, he uses only one name. Initially, he believed tsunamis were solely a concern for Japan. “This assumption misled many, including me,” he admitted. That perception…
Islamabad, Dec 28: Park View Enclave (Private) Limited has initiated legal proceedings against the proposed merger between Silkbank Limited and United Bank Limited (UBL). The lawsuit, filed in the Sindh High Court in Karachi, contests the amalgamation scheme sanctioned by the State Bank of Pakistan under Section 48 of the Banking Companies Ordinance, 1962. On December 18, 2024, the Sindh High Court took decisive action by issuing an order aimed at safeguarding pledged securities, while also placing restrictions on the defendants from proceeding without prior consent. UBL has been identified as Defendant No. 17 in the ongoing case. The suggested merger is currently facing examination,…
Islamabad, Dec 27: Lahore experienced light rain across various areas, including Faisal Town, Garden Town, Ferozepur Road, Gulberg, Jail Road, and Model Town, bringing a slight decrease in the temperature. The weather is expected to remain cloudy throughout the day, further intensifying the winter chill. Key Weather and Air Quality Details: Light Rain: The rain provided a temporary relief from the heat, but the city continues to battle hazardous air quality levels. Air Quality Concerns: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lahore was recorded at 249, which is categorized as unhealthy. Specific areas reported alarmingly high AQI levels: Pine Avenue:…
Islamabad, Dec 27: Ibrahim Hasan Murad, President of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) has been appointed Chairman of ILM Trust and the UMT Board of Governors. This appointment makes Murad the youngest university chairman in the country. Key Highlights: Focus on Youth Empowerment: Murad’s leadership at UMT has been centered on youth empowerment. Under his guidance, the ILM Fund has awarded PKR 13 billion in scholarships to 37,000 students across Pakistan, significantly increasing access to higher education. Commitment to Research-Driven Education: He reaffirmed UMT’s commitment to building a research-driven higher education system that addresses national challenges and equips…
Islamabad, Dec 27: TPL REIT Fund I (PSX: TPLRF1) has announced its decision to divest from Project C- Technology Park through the sale of the project land. This will be carried out by the Fund’s wholly owned subsidiary, TPL Technology Zone Phase I (Pvt.) Limited. Following the sale, the project’s Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be liquidated, and the proceeds will be distributed to the Unitholders. Key Details: Transaction Process: The divestment will proceed once the transaction documents are executed, and after the Fund and the SPV receive all necessary corporate, regulatory, and third-party approvals. The liquidation process will be…
Islamabad, Dec 27: Mobility services platform inDrive has made a strategic investment in Krave Mart, a leading online grocery delivery service in Pakistan, through its New Ventures division. This move aims to fuel Krave Mart’s expansion and enhance its technological and logistical capabilities. Key Highlights: Growth and Expansion Plans: Krave Mart plans to use the investment to expand its network of dark stores, grow its private label products, and strengthen its tech and logistics infrastructure to enhance the accessibility and affordability of groceries in Pakistan. Strategic Collaboration: Krave Mart CEO, Kassim Shroff, emphasized that the partnership with inDrive would play…
