Islamabad, Sep 24: The International Monetary Fund IMF Ready for Talks with Sri Lanka’s new government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, regarding the country’s $2.9 billion bailout program. Dissanayake, the first leftist president of Sri Lanka, has indicated a desire to renegotiate the terms of the deal, which has implemented unpopular austerity measures. An IMF spokesperson expressed a willingness to collaborate with the new administration, recognizing the economic recovery Sri Lanka has made since defaulting on its debt in April 2022. The IMF Ready for Talks with Sri Lanka’s new government to discuss the timing of the third review of…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Sep 24: Kohli on India’s Shock Defeat: Virat Kohli expressed deep disappointment following India’s shocking exit from the World Cup after an 18-run defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals at Old Trafford. Chasing a modest 240, India faltered early, losing key wickets to New Zealand’s fast bowlers, Matt Henry and Trent Boult. The Indian top-order, including Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Kohli himself, were all dismissed for just one run each, leading to a disastrous start. Reflecting on the defeat, Kohli said, “We’ve played outstanding cricket throughout this tournament. To just go out on the basis of 45…
Islamabad, Sep 24: The situation in Lebanon has escalated sharply, with Israeli strikes resulting in a significant death toll, particularly on Monday, when 274 people were killed, including 21 children and 39 women. Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad confirmed that thousands of families have been displaced due to these attacks, and over 1,000 people have been injured, some of them rescuers. The strikes are part of a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group involved in cross-border clashes that have intensified since the outbreak of violence between Hamas and Israel. The Israeli military has targeted Hezbollah positions extensively,…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Scholarships Announced for Pakistani Students: COMSTECH, the OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, has announced research fellowships for students, scholars, and institutions in Mauritania to enhance scientific ties and build capacity. This initiative, part of the Joint Science and Technology Capacity Building Program, is in collaboration with Mauritania’s National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation. These fellowships are targeted at young researchers and early-stage scientists or engineers in Mauritania, allowing them to spend six months at top research institutions in OIC member states, particularly in Pakistan. The program aims to develop research capabilities and foster long-term…
Islamabad, Sep 24: The Lahore police have lodged a fresh case against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur under 13 provisions, including the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), for violent actions near the Sialkot Interchange. The incident occurred as Gandapur was en route to Lahore for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally on September 21. The PTI’s Lahore power show was abruptly halted when police intervened, cutting off the stage’s microphone and lights, forcing PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and others to leave. Authorities acted after the rally exceeded the 6 pm deadline outlined in the event’s no-objection certificate (NOC). Gandapur,…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Apple is set to enhance its AI-powered Siri with the iOS 18.3 update, slated for early 2025, following the iPhone 16 series’ release. The initial iOS 18.1, arriving in October 2024, will introduce Apple Intelligence features like a revamped Siri, Writing Tools, and Photos Cleanup. iOS 18.2, expected later, will bring Image Playground, Genmoji, and ChatGPT integration. The most anticipated upgrade comes in iOS 18.3, introducing AI-driven enhancements to Siri, including visual updates and a glowing screen edge when activated. Partnering with OpenAI, Apple aims to significantly boost Siri’s capabilities. This next-gen iPhone, designed for Apple Intelligence,…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Silver, symbolized by Ag and atomic number 47, holds significant cultural and economic importance in Pakistan. Traditionally used in jewelry, ornaments, and artifacts, silver is also considered a reliable investment during economic uncertainties. Its growing industrial demand, particularly in electronics, solar panels, and medical equipment, has further increased its relevance. Silver prices in Pakistan fluctuate based on global market trends, exchange rates, government policies, and domestic factors. Speculation and seasonal demand contribute to volatility. On September 24, 2024, 10 grams of silver were priced at Rs 2,786, while one tola was sold at Rs 3,246. These fluctuations…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Kuwait Airways has taken steps to address the termination of its absorption contract with Kuwait Aviation Services Company (KASCO) after financial and procedural concerns were raised by the Audit Bureau. These corrective actions follow directives from the Government Performance Follow-up Agency and the Public Investment Authority. On the positive side, Kuwait Airways has emphasized its commitment to adhering to legal procedures and ensuring that employees affected by the contract will not face salary or benefit reductions. This shows a dedication to employee welfare and maintaining job security. Moreover, the plan to offer transfers to interested employees could…
Islamabad, Sep 24: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations to the government and people of Saudi Arabia on the Kingdom’s 94th National Day, commemorating its unification by King Abdul Aziz in 1932. In his message, PM Shehbaz praised the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, recognizing Saudi Arabia’s rise as a leading nation of the 21st century. He lauded the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 as a global model for progress in business, technology, and the economy, highlighting the enduring, historic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia based on shared religious and cultural values. The…
Islamabad, Sep 23; MediaTek is set to launch its flagship chipset, the MediaTek Dimensity 9400, next month, featuring Arm’s Immortalis-G925 GPU, which is touted as “the highest performing, most efficient GPU to date.” Recent benchmarks suggest strong graphics capabilities, with the Dimensity 9400 outpacing competitors, including Apple’s A18 Pro. In the GFX Aztec 1440p off-screen Vulkan benchmark, the Dimensity 9400 achieved an impressive 134 frames per second (fps), significantly higher than the A18 Pro’s 72 fps and last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s 95 fps. However, the real-world performance of the chipset will depend on its implementation in smartphones, and…