Author: Mawadat Fatima

Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: Baidu, often referred to as “China’s Google,” has just introduced a significant enhancement to its Ernie AI model. The latest update brings Ernie 4.5 alongside Ernie X1, with the latter claiming to surpass Deepseek’s AI in efficiency. Ernie 4.5 serves as the successor to Baidu’s foundational AI model, which was first launched two years ago. According to the company, this upgraded version possesses a heightened ability to comprehend satire, memes, and nuanced humor. Meanwhile, Ernie X1 reportedly delivers performance on par with Deepseek R1 but at merely half the cost. Both models seamlessly integrate text, images,…

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Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has officially identified 157 housing schemes as unauthorized and has requested the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Revenue to enforce a restriction on the buying and selling of plots in these projects. According to a letter issued by Tahir Mayo, Director of Metropolitan Planning and Traffic Engineering at RDA, these housing schemes initially applied for approval from the RDA and Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA). However, they later withdrew their applications and continued their operations without legal authorization. As a result, these schemes have been officially categorized as illegal, prompting authorities to impose…

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Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: In a significant move toward standardizing education and improving evaluation systems, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has declared that from the upcoming academic session, Class 8 students will undergo board examinations. This development marks a shift from the previous practice, where individual schools conducted exams internally. The newly introduced framework aims to promote uniformity and transparency in student assessments throughout the province. Under this revised system, Class 8 students will appear for exams at designated centers rather than within their own institutions. To ensure an unbiased process, external supervisors, including educators from different schools and…

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Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted a slight dip in Karachi Weather over the coming three days, with the mercury anticipated to decline by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Karachi Weather As per the latest report from the Met Office, a change in wind direction is contributing to drier conditions across the city. Daytime temperatures are projected to range between 33°C and 35°C, providing some relief from the recent heat.

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Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has declared school holidays starting Sunday, March 16, and continuing until the conclusion of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The announcement was made through an official statement from his office, instructing the Ministry of Education to revise the academic calendar accordingly. This decision ensures that students and teachers can fully participate in the festive occasion without academic disruptions. Dbeibah acknowledged the dedication and perseverance of students, teachers, and parents who remained committed to their studies during Ramadan. He commended their efforts in successfully completing the midterm examinations despite the challenges of…

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Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: The federal government has officially revised solar net metering rates, introducing significant adjustments for rooftop solar panel users. Under the updated policy, net metering consumers will now receive Rs 10 per unit for surplus electricity sold to the grid, down from the previous rate of Rs 27 per unit. Federal Minister for Power, Sardar Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari, confirmed this development, emphasizing that the change aims to ensure a fairer tariff structure. While solar users exporting energy to the grid will not be subject to any additional taxes, they will continue to pay an 18% sales…

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Islamabad, Mar 17, 2025: Pak Elektron Limited (PEL), a renowned Pakistani manufacturer of electrical equipment, has officially launched its export operations in the United States. This major development was confirmed through a notification to the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The company successfully shipped its first batch of transformers from Pakistan on March 13, 2025. However, this achievement signifies a crucial step in PEL’s strategy to expand its global reach and enter competitive international markets. “This accomplishment is a pivotal moment in our international expansion efforts and underscores our commitment to exploring new global opportunities,” the company stated. Additionally, PEL’s entry into…

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Islamabad, Mar 15, 2025: As the sacred month of Ramadan draws to a close and the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, Pakistanis eagerly uphold the cherished tradition of gifting ‘Eidi’ to family and friends, often in the form of crisp new currency notes. In previous years, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) used to circulate fresh currency notes worth millions ahead of Eid. However, this long-standing practice was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, citizens have had to rely on old, worn-out banknotes for their Eid celebrations. Will Fresh Banknotes Be Issued in 2025? Reports indicate that the…

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Islamabad, Mar 15, 2025: As Hajj 2025 approaches, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is actively refining its arrangements to provide a seamless and comfortable experience for pilgrims. Extensive measures are being implemented to facilitate religious rituals with efficiency and ease. Dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all visitors, the ministry has introduced various services to enhance convenience. Among these initiatives, a specialized helpline has been established to offer immediate assistance and guidance to pilgrims throughout their journey.

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Islamabad, Mar 15, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is preparing for an official three-day visit to Saudi Arabia next week, accompanied by a distinguished delegation comprising the Deputy Prime Minister, prominent federal ministers, and senior government officials, according to sources cited by ARY News. During his stay, PM Shehbaz is expected to engage in high-level discussions with Saudi leadership to explore avenues for expanding trade and economic ties, attracting investments, and fortifying diplomatic relations. A crucial meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also on the agenda. The Pakistani delegation will reaffirm its unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s…

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