Islamabad, Dec 1: Dubai’s Emaar Properties has announced the completion of a state-of-the-art RGBW facade lighting system for the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. The new lighting technology will debut during UAE’s Eid Al Etihad celebrations on December 1, 2024, and mark the 15th anniversary of the iconic structure on January 4, 2025. Key Features of the Upgrade Dynamic Lighting Technology: The RGBW system replaces static lights with addressable, color-changing fixtures capable of creating vibrant lighting effects. Architectural Integration: Maintains Burj Khalifa’s sleek design while enabling festive and adaptive lighting scenes. Enhanced Visual Experience: Offers a wide spectrum of…
Author: Mawadat Fatima
Islamabad, Dec 1: Minister of State for Interior, Shaza Fatima, defended the government’s decision to block X (formerly Twitter), citing directives from the Ministry of Interior aimed at safeguarding national security. She assured that the move does not infringe upon freedom of expression, emphasizing that less than 2% of Pakistan’s population uses the platform. Cybersecurity Measures Highlighted Fatima stressed the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks in Pakistan, underscoring the urgent need for improved cybersecurity protocols. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been instructed to implement measures to protect the country’s digital infrastructure. IT Industry and National Security IT Growth Unaffected: The…
Islamabad, Dec 1: Internet users across major cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, are facing severe disruptions, with slow speeds affecting daily activities. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are particularly impacted, leaving many unable to upload or download media. Impact on Citizens Freelancers, business owners, and students are bearing the brunt of these issues. Entrepreneurs report being unable to manage online communications, while students retaking the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) face difficulties accessing the Sindh Testing Service website for admit slips. Government’s Stance Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, attributed some disruptions to…
Islamabad, Dec 1: The much-anticipated T20I series between Zimbabwe and Pakistan kicks off on December 1, 2024, at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, with action starting at 4:00 PM PST / 1:00 PM local. Pakistan, fresh off a 2-1 ODI series victory, looks to maintain its dominance, while Zimbabwe seeks redemption on home turf. Head-to-Head: T20I Rivalry Pakistan leads the T20I head-to-head with an impressive 16-2 record in 18 matches. However, Zimbabwe’s stunning one-run victory during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup serves as a reminder of their potential to upset. Key Updates Zimbabwe: Star all-rounder Sikandar Raza will captain…
Islamabad, Dec 1: US President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on BRICS nations if they continue efforts to move away from trading in the US dollar. Trump’s statement, made on his platform Truth Social, emphasized that creating a new BRICS currency or alternative to the dollar would lead to “significant economic consequences.” In his post, Trump warned that nations attempting to bypass the dollar would lose access to the US economy, underscoring the dollar’s role as irreplaceable in global trade. This comes as BRICS—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—expands to include nations like…
Islamabad, Dec 1: The 9th Pakistan Banking Awards, held on November 29, 2024, in Karachi, brought together industry leaders to celebrate excellence in Pakistan’s banking sector. Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmad, emphasized the need for banks to foster innovation, financial inclusion, and customer-focused solutions. Ahmad highlighted five priorities for banks: redesigning business models, leveraging technology, improving financial literacy, collaborating with FinTech’s, and enhancing customer service. He praised the banking sector’s resilience and significant contributions to economic stability. Recognitions at the Event The awards acknowledged top-performing banks in various categories. Highlights include: Meezan Bank Limited: Best…
Islamabad, Dec 1: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the aviation sector have endured financial losses exceeding Rs. 450 billion over the past 4.5 years, attributed to European travel restrictions. PIA alone accounted for Rs. 220 billion, while the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) noted industry-wide losses of approximately Rs. 250 billion. Restoration of EU Routes Brings Hope The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recently lifted PIA’s suspension, allowing flights to resume in the EU. CAA Director General Nadir Shafi Dar confirmed the issuance of Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization to Airblue. Efforts are underway to restore UK routes and improve PIA’s…
Islamabad, Dec 1: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) reported provisional revenue collection of Rs. 837 billion for November 2024, falling short of its Rs. 1,003 billion targets by Rs. 166 billion. Final figures are expected to show a slight increase upon compilation. Five-Month Revenue Shortfall From July to November 2024, the FBR collected Rs. 4,277 billion against a target of Rs. 4,639 billion, reflecting a cumulative shortfall of Rs. 362 billion for the first five months of the fiscal year 2024-25. This shortfall underscores challenges in achieving revenue targets amid economic pressures.
Islamabad, Dec 1: Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering Pakistan’s youth by emphasizing the significance of skill-based education. He shared insights on how the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (PMYSDP) is set to help young people achieve global recognition. A Vision for Global Recognition During an exclusive interview with PTV News, Rana Mashhood stated that the PMYSDP is designed to equip youth with both conventional and high-tech, market-driven skills. The goal is to align their abilities with international standards, enhancing career prospects and contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth.…
Islamabad, Dec 1: Vivo has launched its S20 series smartphones in China, consisting of the vivo S20 and the more advanced vivo S20 Pro. The key differences between the two models include their chipsets, camera configurations, and battery capacities. Design and Display Both the vivo S20 and S20 Pro feature 6.67-inch AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The peak brightness is an impressive 4500 nits for excellent outdoor visibility. The S20 has a flat display, while the S20 Pro comes with a premium quad-curved panel. Both models are equipped with in-display optical fingerprint scanners. Internals…
