Islamabad, Nov 29: The ICC Board will meet today to finalize the location and format for the 2025 Champions Trophy, just three months ahead of its scheduled start. Key Scenarios Under Discussion Hybrid Model Most matches in Pakistan, with India’s games at a neutral venue. However, PCB is currently opposed to this option unless ICC offers a satisfactory proposal. All Matches Outside Pakistan PCB retains hosting rights, but the event relocates to a different country. Entire Tournament in Pakistan Without India This option is unlikely due to financial and commercial implications. Challenges and Negotiations PCB Stance: PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Nov 29: The federal government is seeking a six-month delay in meeting the IMF’s requirement to disconnect captive power plants (CPPs) from gas supply by January 2025. Key Points from the High-Level Meeting Tariff and Gas Supply Concerns Industrial gas tariffs will align with RLNG costs by January 2025 to boost grid electricity consumption. CPPs currently contribute Rs. 150 billion in cross-subsidies, essential for domestic gas consumers. Potential Impacts Commerce Minister: Warned of declining foreign exchange inflows and damaged exporter confidence. Petroleum Minister: Highlighted risks of increased circular debt and losses in the gas sector. Grid Transition Challenges Power…
Islamabad, Nov 28: The Honor 300 Ultra, along with the Vanilla 300 and 300 Pro models, is set to debut on December 2, targeting the upper mid-range market with a blend of flagship-level specifications at a more affordable price. Key Features of the Honor 300 Ultra Design and Colors: Leaked renders reveal a premium design, with two elegant color options—Flower White and Charcoal Black. Advanced Photography: Equipped with a periscope telephoto lens for superior zoom and AI travel photography for optimal shots in various lighting conditions. Performance: Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, offering improved performance, efficient multitasking,…
Islamabad, Nov 28: Saudi Arabia plans to launch a value-added tax (VAT) refund system for tourists next year, aiming to attract more international visitors. The initiative, overseen by the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, seeks to simplify tax compliance and enhance the shopping experience for tourists, making the kingdom a more appealing destination. Tourism Growth Goals Target Visitors: Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 127 million visitors by 2025. Projected Revenue: Tourism revenues are expected to reach SR346.6 billion, boosting non-oil income and driving private sector growth. Boosting Tourism Appeal The VAT refund system will allow foreign tourists to reclaim…
Islamabad, Nov 28: Huawei has unveiled the Maextro S800, its first luxury sedan, aiming to rival brands like Mercedes-Maybach and Rolls-Royce. Developed in partnership with JAC, the S800’s pre-sale prices range from €124,320 to €186,510, making it one of China’s most expensive vehicles. Key Features and Design Dimensions: 5480 mm (length), 2000 mm (width), 1536 mm (height), and a 3370 mm wheelbase, placing it in the top 0.01% of vehicle sizes globally. Exterior: A blend of classic and futuristic aesthetics with two color options—purple-silver and black. Unique “flatbread” wheel designs and a softer front grill enhance its luxurious appeal. Lighting:…
Islamabad, Nov 28: A study by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals that Germany needs 288,000 skilled workers annually to sustain its economic growth, highlighting the nation’s significant dependence on foreign labor. Without immigration, the workforce could decline by 10%, dropping from 46.4 million to 41.9 million by 2040. Growing Demand for Immigrant Labor By 2040, Germany may require up to 368,000 immigrant workers annually to meet labor demands as baby boomers exit the workforce. Cities like Hamburg and Berlin, with higher immigrant populations, are less affected, while regions like Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia are projected to face substantial workforce losses.…
Islamabad, Nov 28: WhatsApp’s latest update has sparked frustration among users after the app replaced its iconic “typing…” indicator with an animated speech bubble. The change, introduced without prior announcement, has divided users, with many questioning its necessity and usefulness. New Feature: The familiar “typing…” notification, which typically appeared at the top of a chat, has been swapped for a dynamic, moving bubble below the last message. While the change is subtle in design, it has been met with criticism, with many users calling it distracting and unhelpful. User Reactions: The update has garnered significant backlash, with social media platforms…
Islamabad, Nov 28: The Pakistan Blind Cricket Team showcased an exceptional performance, securing a dominant 10-wicket victory over Nepal in the Blind T20 World Cup 2024, advancing to the semi-finals. The match, held at the Ghani Institute Cricket Ground on Wednesday, saw Pakistan chase down a modest target of 101 runs in just 6.4 overs without losing a wicket. Pakistan’s Dominant Performance: Nematullah played a stellar knock, remaining unbeaten on 73 runs from 30 balls, leading the charge. Mohammad Safdar supported him well, contributing an impressive 24 not out from 14 balls, guiding the team to their fourth consecutive win.…
Islamabad, Nov 28: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to investors and his economic team for helping the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surpass the 100,000-point mark, a historic achievement. In a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, Shehbaz attributed the growth in investor confidence and the success of government economic policies to this remarkable milestone. Key Highlights from PM’s Statement: Investor Confidence: The Premier acknowledged the trust investors have placed in the economy, highlighting it as a key factor in reaching this historic PSX achievement. Economic Policies: He credited the government’s strategic economic measures for steering the country away…
Islamabad, Nov 28: The University of Karachi (KU) is grappling with over Rs. 2.101 billion in unpaid fees from 16,506 defaulter students across its morning, evening, and executive MBA programs. This figure excludes fees from research scholars and postgraduate students. Fee Collection Data Morning Program: Issued vouchers: 22,575 Paid: 13,205 students Defaulters: 9,370 students Total fee charged: Rs. 1,558.87 million Paid: Rs. 567.32 million (36.39% collection) Evening Program: Issued vouchers: 13,425 Paid: 6,543 students Defaulters: 6,882 students Total fee charged: Rs. 1,435.04 million Paid: Rs. 385.19 million (26.84% collection) EMBA Program: Issued vouchers: 767 Paid: 513 students Defaulters: 254 students…
