Islamabad: There are indications that electricity prices might rise once again, with the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) poised to consider CPPA’s request for a Rs5 per unit increase in the base tariff. If approved, this could burden electricity consumers with over Rs310 billion. The proposed increase is for the base tariff for the fiscal year 2024-25, with power purchase prices ranging from Rs25.03 to Rs27.11 per unit. This move could potentially impose a burden of over Rs3 trillion on electricity consumers. Despite significant increases in power tariffs and fuel adjustments, the circular debt in Pakistan’s power sector continues…
Author: WebDesk
Leeds: Pakistan’s T20I squad has seen a change, as fast bowler Hasan Ali has been released due to his underwhelming performance in the series against Ireland. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that Hasan Ali will now focus on his responsibilities in county cricket. Initially included as a backup for Haris Rauf, who has since recovered from injury. During the series against Ireland, Hasan Ali struggled to make an impact, conceding 42 runs in 3 overs without taking a wicket against the Irish batting lineup. It’s worth noting that Pakistan is set to announce its squad for the upcoming T20…
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that by Wednesday night, a minimum of 4,036 Pakistani students will be returning to Pakistan from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. In his recent media briefing following his visit to the Kyrgyz capital, Dar addressed the concerning situation of recent mob attacks on international students, including Pakistanis, triggered by a brawl on May 13. Dar expressed gratitude to his Kyrgyz counterpart, Jeenbek Kulubaev, for swiftly arranging his return from Astana to Bishkek. He also visited Shahzaib, a Pakistani student injured during the attacks, who expressed a desire to return to Pakistan for further…
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced on Wednesday that Norway will officially recognize an independent Palestinian state, aiming to facilitate peace with Israel. Ireland and Spain are also expected to make similar declarations, according to sources. Other European Union members, such as Slovenia and Malta, have recently signaled their intentions to recognize Palestine, emphasizing the necessity of a two-state solution for enduring peace in the region. Støre emphasized the importance of maintaining hope for a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, particularly amid ongoing conflict. He stressed the significance of two states living harmoniously alongside each other. Prior to these…
Speculation is rife on the internet following a viral video showing Bollywood actors Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal strolling through the streets of London. Katrina’s choice of loose-fitting attire in the video has led fans to speculate that she may be expecting her first child with Vicky. Social media platforms quickly filled with comments and theories about Katrina’s alleged pregnancy. Adding to the speculation, a recent report by Zoom has claimed that Katrina is indeed pregnant. According to a source quoted by Zoom, Katrina’s pregnancy rumours are not unfounded, and if all goes well, she and Vicky will welcome their…
Google recently introduced its own AI search engine, Gemini, entering the competitive landscape alongside OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot. Previously known as Bard chatbot, Gemini has been rebranded and relaunched, garnering mixed reviews from users. Gemini offers both free and paid models. The Gemini Pro, a free version, provides basic responses to user queries. On the other hand, Gemini Ultra or Advanced requires a subscription to Google One AI, priced at $20 per month. This subscription unlocks enhanced reasoning, coding, and instruction-following capabilities, along with improved multimodal and data analysis features. Additionally, the AI Premium plan integrates seamlessly with Google…
Commissioner of Rawalpindi Division, Engineer Aamir Khattak, has announced a complete ban on plastic bags starting from June 5. Chairing a meeting of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Engineer Aamir Khattak emphasized the importance of providing relief to citizens through price control measures and anti-encroachment operations. The administration’s priority is to foster economic activities by creating a conducive environment for the business community. The Commissioner assured that no businessman would face undue harassment, urging traders to adhere to official rates for essential commodities. Assistant Commissioners have been tasked with visiting all markets to educate people about the ban on plastic…
The Pakistan Netball Federation is gearing up for the National Netball Championship, slated to kick off on June 27 at the Liaquat Gymnasium in Islamabad’s Pakistan Sports Complex. Mudassar Arain, Chairman of the Pakistan Netball Federation, announced that preparations are underway, with 17 men’s and women’s teams from across the country set to participate. The participating teams encompass various organizations and regions, including Pakistan Army, Wapda, Police, Pakistan Air Force (APF), and more. A meeting of team managers is scheduled for June 26 to finalize tournament details and introduce any new rules. The championship will run until June 30, with…
Islamabad: It was highlighted that Pakistan Railways has significantly boosted its revenue (251%) over the past decade through extensive reforms. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Law and Justice Azam Nazeer provided this information while responding to a Senate inquiry regarding governmental measures to mitigate Pakistan Railways’ losses. During the fiscal year 2022-23, Pakistan Railways earned Rs. 63.250 billion in revenue while receiving a Grant in Aid/subsidy of Rs. 47.5 billion from the Finance Division, totaling Rs. 110.8 billion. Although revenue growth has been notable, it has not fully met the operational requirements, primarily due to a substantial increase in pension…
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has recovered 6,096 acres of land belonging to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), valued at Rs. 40 billion, and returned it to the board. Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that based on a report from FIA ACC Islamabad Circle, 116 Kanal agricultural land of ETPB located in village Neka, Tehsil Fateh Jang, District Attock, has been vacated and handed over to ETPB by the FIA. The minister further explained that the FIA takes action against officials responsible for irregularities concerning properties under the Board’s trust. The FIA operates within the…