Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: Hino Motors, a subsidiary of Toyota, has admitted to falsifying emissions data in the United States and will now pay $1.6 billion in penalties as part of a settlement with U.S. authorities. The decision came after a federal court in Detroit accepted Hino’s guilty plea, exposing years of environmental violations. Court Ruling and Penalties A U.S. District Court judge ruled that Hino must pay a $521.76 million fine and will serve a five-year probation period. During this time, the company is prohibited from importing diesel engines it manufactured into the U.S. Additionally, the court imposed a…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is making a groundbreaking move toward digital transformation by introducing a Universal Digital Payment System. This initiative, named “Cashless Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” aims to modernize transactions and facilitate seamless business payments across the province. We have formulated a well-structured strategy to implement this system efficiently. Relevant departments, institutions, and district administrations have received clear responsibilities and deadlines to ensure its successful execution. Once fully operational, this system will revolutionize financial transactions by making digital payments compulsory for all public and private dealings, including small and large businesses. With this initiative, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will…
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: ConnectHear, a pioneering assistive technology startup in South Asia, has unveiled its latest initiative, “AI for Inclusive Disaster Response,” at the Access.Ability.Tech event in Karachi. This groundbreaking project harnesses artificial intelligence to bridge communication gaps for Pakistan’s Deaf community during emergencies. Supported by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, in collaboration with HANDS and Ufone 4G, this initiative introduces AI-driven tools that ensure life-saving information is accessible to individuals with hearing impairments. Given Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, this project is a crucial step toward inclusive crisis management. Revolutionizing Emergency Communication with AI Pakistan ranks…
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: The public offer for TRG Pakistan Limited’s shares by Greentree Holdings Limited is back on track following a key ruling by the Islamabad High Court. AKD Securities Limited, serving as the offer manager, confirmed the resumption of the process in an official announcement on March 20, 2025. Greentree Holdings Limited had initially made a public offer on January 15, 2025, to acquire up to 191,690,015 shares, equivalent to 35.147% of TRG Pakistan’s paid-up capital. This offer was publicly announced in major newspapers on January 17, 2025. To determine eligible shareholders, a book closure period was set…
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: Pakistan is making notable strides in regulating cryptocurrency, aiming to establish a structured legal framework that encourages international investment. Bilal bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, recently shared insights on Bloomberg TV about the country’s commitment to developing clear regulations for digital assets. According to him, a well-defined legal structure will help strengthen Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem and create new economic opportunities. This statement aligns with the government’s recent move to set up a national crypto council under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The initiative is focused on integrating blockchain technology into the…
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: Google has officially introduced the Pixel 9a, a budget-friendly addition to the Pixel 9 series. Priced at $499, this smartphone is set to launch in April, offering flagship-level features at an affordable price. Design and Display The Pixel 9a follows the premium aesthetics of its predecessors, featuring a flat glass front and an aluminum frame. The back panel is made of polycarbonate, ensuring durability while keeping the weight light. A major upgrade is its IP68 certification, providing superior water and dust resistance over previous A-series models. The device boasts a 6.3-inch pOLED display with a 2424…
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: Singapore starts the new year on a high note, reclaiming its position as the world’s most powerful passport in the latest Henley Passport Index. With visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations, Singaporean passport holders enjoy the highest level of global mobility. Global Passport Rankings: Who Leads in 2025? Japan takes second place with visa-free entry to 193 destinations, making a strong comeback after regaining access to China post-pandemic. The third position is shared by France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, and South Korea, each allowing seamless travel to 192 locations. Meanwhile, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg,…
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) experienced a minor dip against the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) in the open market, settling at Rs74.70 on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Meanwhile, the selling rate also declined, with exchange companies offering 1 SAR for Rs75.10, as reported by the Forex Association of Pakistan. Understanding the Saudi Riyal and Its Exchange Rate The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is the official currency of Saudi Arabia, commonly denoted as SAR or SR. Each Riyal is further divided into 100 halalas. Exchange rates fluctuate based on several market-driven factors, impacting the currency’s strength relative to others. Key…
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: The ongoing dry weather across Punjab, including Lahore, has resulted in rising temperatures as a passing cloud system failed to bring rainfall, according to the Meteorological Department. With no significant rain in sight, the region continues to experience dry conditions, gradually pushing temperatures higher. In Lahore, the minimum temperature is expected to hover around 19°C, while the maximum could soar to 32°C. As the heat intensifies during the day, nighttime temperatures are also projected to increase in the coming days.
Islamabad, Mar 20, 2025: To curb the spread of the poliovirus, the Punjab Anti-Polio Program has launched a targeted vaccination drive for children traveling during Eid. This strategic initiative aims to ensure that every child entering the province receives life-saving polio drops at key transit points. According to an official spokesperson, polio vaccination teams will be stationed at 13 major districts across Punjab. These teams will operate at critical locations, including bus terminals, railway stations, hospitals, and shopping centers, making the vaccination process easily accessible for families on the move.
