Islamabad, Dec 8: The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2024 is being conducted again today across Sindh, with over 38,000 students participating in the retake. The test will last three and a half hours, and arrangements have been made at various centres, including two in Karachi: NED University and the University of Karachi. IBA Sukkur, which is responsible for organizing the retest following court orders, confirmed that the paper consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. Entry points have been established for students’ convenience: Karachi University: Metroville Gate, Maskan Gate, and Shaikh Zaid IBA Public School Sukkur: Gate number 3…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Dec 8: Pakistan’s rice exports to Saudi Arabia have experienced a 25% increase, reaching $4 billion in 2024, thanks to the growing popularity of Pakistani rice among Saudi consumers. Exporters are optimistic about a further rise, with projections suggesting that exports could reach $4.5 billion by 2025. To strengthen their position in the Saudi market, Pakistani rice exporters are developing strategies to enhance their presence. The Chairman of the Saudi Pakistani Business Council commended the quality of Pakistani rice, and Pakistan is committed to reinforcing its market position in Saudi Arabia. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has played…
Islamabad, Dec 8: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced that taxpayers registered in oil and gas (exploration and production) companies and microfinance banks will now be required to file their sales tax returns for the tax period of November 2024, due in December 2024, and onwards, using the Single Sales Tax Return (SSTR). In collaboration with Provincial Revenue Authorities/Boards, FBR has expanded the scope of the SSTR to include these two sectors. Taxpayers in these sectors will now file their sales tax returns through the Single Sales Tax Portal, available at www.iris.fbr.gov.pk. Previously, the FBR had implemented the…
Islamabad, Dec 8: Honda has launched the third generation Amaze compact sedan in India and unveiled plans to broaden its lineup significantly. By FY 2026-2027, the automaker intends to introduce three new models featuring electric and strong hybrid powertrains, leveraging its e:HEV technology and a new Honda electric badge. Takuya Tsumura, President and CEO of Honda Cars India, outlined the company’s vision to address evolving customer preferences by balancing traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electrified options . While details of the new models are yet to be disclosed, Honda aims to transition its lineup toward hybrids and fully…
Islamabad, Dec 8; Honda is recalling more than 200,000 SUVs due to a fault in the fuel-filling system that could increase fire hazards. The recall affects specific 2023–2024 Honda Passport models and 2023–2025 Honda Pilot SUVs, where improperly installed fuel system parts may cause leaks in the event of a crash. The issue was initially identified in May 2024 after a warranty claim filed by a dealership. Subsequent investigations revealed similar problems in vehicles stored at Honda warehouses, prompting the recall. Affected vehicle owners will be notified by mail starting January 2025, and authorized Honda dealerships will perform free repairs…
Islamabad, Dec 8: Pakistan has won 10 awards at the prestigious Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024, often referred to as the Oscars of regional countries. Although no gold awards were secured, Pakistani companies earned several runner-up, people’s choice, and merit awards out of 20 submitted projects. APICTA, with 16 member economies including Pakistan, Australia, and China, recognizes technological innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. Pakistani participants showcased groundbreaking projects, demonstrating the nation’s tech creativity and potential. This year’s jury included three Pakistanis: Badar Khushnood, Dr. Shoab Ahmed Khan, and Muhammad Zohaib Ahmed Khan, all former P@SHA chairmen. Their leadership…
Islamabad, Dec 8: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced the option to register a VPN using a mobile number to ensure legitimate and secure operations for freelancers without static IP addresses. Freelancers can now easily register their mobile phone numbers with PTA to access VPNs on mobile data connections. This initiative aims to streamline VPN registration, supporting the IT industry. Over 31,000 VPNs have already been registered. Last month, PTA simplified the process for organizations and freelancers, enabling entities like software houses, call centers, and embassies to register online via its official website. Freelancers must provide proof of project…
Islamabad, Dec 7: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday apologised for his attempt to impose martial law earlier this week, but he refused to resign despite intense pressure from his ruling party and just hours before a planned impeachment vote. Yoon acknowledged that he made the decision to declare martial law, the first such move in South Korea since 1980, out of desperation. He stated that he would not avoid legal or political responsibility for his actions. In a televised address, Yoon expressed deep regret, saying, “I am very sorry and would like to sincerely apologise to the…
Islamabad, Dec 7: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, has announced exciting developments for students in Karachi, according to ARY News. Dr. Siddiqui revealed that two new universities will be launched in Karachi this December. The National Textile University campus will open on December 14, and the National Skills University campus will also be inaugurated within the same month. Additionally, Dr. Siddiqui shared plans to establish a campus of a federal university in the Mirpurkhas district by March next year. This campus is expected to benefit students from the Sanghar, Umerkot, and Tharparkar districts. However,…
Islamabad, Dec 7: The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi has announced a revised date sheet for the postponed Intermediate second-annual examination practical exams. These exams were delayed last month due to PTI protests in Islamabad. According to BISE spokesman Arslan Cheema, practical exams for November 25 (Physics, Health, and Physical Education) and November 27 (Chemistry, Outlines of Home Economics, Statistics) were postponed following a notification from the Deputy Commissioner. This notification declared November 25, 26, and 27 as public holidays due to law-and-order concerns, which led to the closure of all government and private educational institutions in…
