Islamabad, Nov 30: Microsoft has denied allegations that it uses customer data from its Microsoft 365 applications, including Word and Excel, to train artificial intelligence models. “These claims are false,” a Microsoft spokesperson clarified in a statement to Reuters. “Microsoft does not use customer data from Microsoft 365 consumer and commercial applications to train foundational large language models.” The company explained that the “connected experiences” feature supports functionalities like co-authoring and cloud storage and is unrelated to AI model training processes. The company responded after social media discussions claimed that users needed to opt out of a “connected experiences” feature,…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Nov 30: Mayor of Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, has introduced free WiFi services at major parks and recreational areas across the city. The initiative, which began with the launch at Frere Hall, aims to provide seamless internet access for citizens, fostering connectivity in popular outdoor venues. During the inauguration, Mayor Wahab announced that the service would soon expand to other significant locations such as Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, Kidney Hill Park, Hill Park, Safari Park, and Lake Park, all managed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). Highlighting the growing reliance on smartphones, the Mayor stated, “Cities worldwide offer such amenities, and…
Islamabad, Nov 29: The 28th World Investment Conference (WIC28), jointly hosted by Invest Saudi and the World Association of International Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), concluded in Riyadh after three days of discussions from November 25-27. The event focused on international collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. H.E. Khalid A. Al-Falih, Saudi Minister of Investment, emphasized the Kingdom’s role in promoting global partnerships and driving economic growth. He credited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his strategic leadership and noted the event’s success in addressing challenges like digital transformation, sustainable growth, and localized value chains.…
Islamabad, Nov 29: Azerbaijan is considering significant investments in Pakistan’s M6 Sukkur-Hyderabad and M9 Karachi-Hyderabad motorways. Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan, Qasim Mohiuddin, shared this update during a meeting on Thursday that reviewed developments following a recent high-level delegation’s visit to Baku. The M9 Motorway, spanning 136 km, is a six-lane road connecting Karachi and Hyderabad, while the M6 Motorway will extend 306 km to link Sukkur and Hyderabad. Both projects are integral to improving north-south connectivity in Sindh. The meeting, chaired by Minister for Privatisation and Investment Abdul Aleem Khan, discussed Azerbaijan’s interest in investing through a G2G model…
Islamabad, Nov 29: Recent reports reveal that around 70% of Pakistan’s population is suffering from health problems due to severe smog. Common symptoms include cough, flu, and breathing difficulties. In Punjab, the situation became so dire last month that it was declared a “calamity.” The region’s air quality frequently exceeds dangerous levels, surpassing an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 1,000, well beyond the hazardous threshold of 300. The thick smog has led to a surge in respiratory diseases. In just one month, nearly two million people in Punjab visited medical facilities for breathing-related problems. The hardest-hit cities are Lahore and…
Islamabad, Nov 29: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is introducing new pricing policies aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing congestion, set to launch in early 2025. These changes will include adjustments to road tolls, parking fees, and congestion pricing during events. Salik Road Toll Pricing: Starting in January 2025, the RTA will introduce Variable Road Toll Pricing (Salik). The toll will be free from 1 am to 6 am, with a fee of Dh 6 during peak hours (6 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm on weekdays). For off-peak hours (10 am to 4…
Islamabad, Nov 29: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced an ambitious plan to auction premium commercial plots for 5-star hotel developments and launch residential plots in Sector C-14, a scenic area of Islamabad. The initiative, aimed at attracting both local and overseas Pakistanis, was revealed during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Two prime plots for luxury hotels are earmarked for international bidding, with the auction scheduled to conclude on 17 December 2024. Investor-friendly terms, including flexible payment plans and incentives, have been introduced to encourage participation, particularly from overseas investors. Additionally, residential plots in Sector…
Islamabad, Nov 29: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is projected to miss its tax collection target by over Rs. 255 billion during the first five months of the current fiscal year. For November, FBR is expected to fall short of its target of Rs. 1,003 billion by around Rs. 150 billion. Over the past four months, FBR has already recorded a shortfall of Rs. 102 billion. While protests in the federal capital had minimal impact on overall revenue collections, tax receipts in Islamabad and Lahore have been adversely affected. However, Karachi continues to be the largest contributor to FBR’s…
Islamabad, Nov 29: Pakistan Railways has introduced a 50% discount on train fares for people with disabilities (PWDs) traveling on all express and passenger trains, except the Green Line. To avail of the discount, PWDs must present a Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) with the disability logo. The discount also extends to attendants traveling with visually impaired passengers. In addition to the fare reduction, Pakistan Railways has taken steps to enhance accessibility at stations. Wheelchairs are now available at all major stations, and special counters have been set up for PWDs to book tickets. Several major stations also provide free…
Islamabad, Nov 29: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has extended the enrollment deadline for its continuing students until December 5. The decision comes in response to requests from students who were unable to enroll due to the recent law and order situation. These students approached the Vice-Chancellor for a special chance to avoid wasting their semester. In response, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood approved the extension, emphasizing that no student’s semester would be wasted under any circumstances. This extension ensures that affected students will have the opportunity to complete their enrollment and continue their studies without disruption.
