Islamabad, Mar 29, 2025: A newly released United Nations study has underscored Islamabad’s susceptibility to localized flooding, despite its status as a planned metropolis, primarily due to the lack of an efficient stormwater drainage system. UN-Habitat and Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) jointly published the study titled Multi-Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Assessment (MHVRA). It revealed that even moderate rainfall frequently triggers urban flooding in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, largely attributed to rapid urban expansion, deforestation, and increasing water consumption. The depletion of groundwater reserves and rising temperatures have exacerbated the situation. Read More: UAE Unveils New Currency Symbol for Dirham…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Mar 29, 2025: The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the week concluding on March 27, 2025, registered a marginal week-on-week (WoW) reduction of 0.15% and a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 1.26%. The SPI, assessed weekly to track fluctuations in the prices of essential goods, provides timely insights into inflation trends across the country. This index monitors 51 key items, with data sourced from 50 different marketplaces in 17 cities. Weekly Price Changes For the week ending March 27, the SPI recorded a slight contraction of 0.15%. The most significant price reductions were noted in: Onions (-4.68%) Bananas (-4.27%) Eggs…
Islamabad, Mar 29, 2025: Billionaire Elon Musk has announced the sale of X, formerly known as Twitter, to his artificial intelligence company xAI in a $45 billion deal. The transaction includes $12 billion in debt, valuing X at $33 billion—a slight increase from Fidelity’s recent estimate but still below Musk’s original $44 billion purchase price in 2022. Musk, who has made significant changes to X since acquiring it, said the merger will create a powerful AI-driven platform by integrating xAI’s advanced models with X’s massive user base. “This combination will unlock immense potential by blending xAI’s AI expertise with X’s…
Islamabad, Mar 29, 2025: The federal government has escalated the petroleum development surcharge on High Octane Blending Component (HOBC) by Rs. 20, increasing it to Rs. 70 per liter, as per the most recent directive issued by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division). This modification is set to take effect from March 29, 2025 (today). According to the notification, the updated petroleum levy charges will be applicable to both locally refined and imported petroleum commodities. The levy on motor spirit (petrol) and high-speed diesel has also been pegged at Rs. 70 per liter for sales through retail outlets, whereas direct…
Islamabad, Mar 29, 2025: Google is implementing major updates to Android’s security system to bridge the privacy gap between Android and iPhone. While these enhancements will improve protection, they might also create challenges for users with older devices. Many may need to upgrade their smartphones to maintain full functionality, particularly for Google Wallet and banking apps. A Significant Overhaul in Android Security Google recently announced modifications to the Play Integrity API, a tool that helps developers detect fraud, bot activity, cheating, and unauthorized app usage. The company reports that apps utilizing this API have already witnessed an 80% reduction in…
Islamabad, Mar 28, 2025: Telecom companies have raised concerns regarding the Ministry of IT’s initiative to introduce a smartphone installment plan, arguing that the policy could have adverse effects on Pakistan’s digital landscape. Industry insiders reveal that two out of four major telecom operators have voiced objections to a specific clause that mandates blocking all SIM cards registered under defaulters’ names. These telecom providers argue that enforcing such a restriction would infringe on citizens’ digital rights and hinder the country’s progress toward digital inclusivity. They emphasize that in other nations, governments take responsibility for handling default-related financial risks rather than…
Islamabad, Mar 28, 20254: Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank and The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) have recently signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on the establishment of a Centre for Islamic Finance. This initiative aims to strengthen the Islamic banking and finance industry by enhancing professional capacity through education, training, and certification programs. ICAP, a premier regulatory body established under the Chartered Accountants Ordinance, 1961, has long been committed to the professional development of accountants and finance professionals. Recognizing the growing demand for expertise in Islamic banking and finance, ICAP has partnered with Meezan…
Islamabad, Mar 28, 2025: As Eid approaches, a surge in road traffic is expected as countless individuals embark on journeys to celebrate with their families. In response, the Motorway Police has issued a travel advisory to ensure commuters experience a safe and smooth journey during the festive rush. Key Safety Measures for Eid Travelers To prevent accidents and minimize traffic congestion, authorities have outlined essential safety protocols for travelers: Vehicle Inspection – Before setting off, drivers should conduct a thorough check of their vehicles, including brakes, tires, headlights, and engine condition, to avoid breakdowns during travel. Speed Regulations – Adhering…
Islamabad, Mar 28, 2025: Oppo is preparing to introduce its highly anticipated Find X8 Ultra on April 10, 2025. As the launch approaches, a key specification has been officially confirmed, adding to the excitement. Massive Battery Capacity Zhou Yibao, the product manager of Oppo’s Find series, has revealed that the Find X8 Ultra will feature an impressive 6,100 mAh battery. This makes it larger than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s 5,410 mAh battery, giving Oppo a clear advantage in battery life and endurance. Ultra-Fast Charging & Wireless Capabilities The Find X8 Ultra will support 100W wired fast charging, allowing the phone…
Islamabad, Mar 28, 2025: The Punjab government is swiftly converting Lahore’s Mehmood Booti landfill into a solar energy park and urban forest, aiming to complete the first phase by July and the second phase by year-end. However, spanning 42 acres, this former landfill—once towering nearly 80 feet—has long been a major environmental hazard, emitting methane and unpleasant odors. Under the Chief Minister’s “Clean Punjab” initiative, the site is now being rehabilitated with soil coverage and transformed into an eco-friendly energy and recreational zone. Key Aspects of the Project Methane Gas Utilization Furthermore, to minimize pollution, large plastic conduits will capture…
