Author: Amna Riaz

Looking to launch a career in tech? Great news! Huawei is offering free IT courses to young Pakistanis starting July 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable skills and increase your job prospects in the booming IT sector. Why Free IT Courses Matter? With over 70% of Pakistan’s population being young adults, equipping them with IT skills is crucial for creating employment opportunities. Huawei’s courses address this need by providing training in modern technologies that are in high demand. What to Expect from the Courses: Huawei will offer a range of courses across various fields, including artificial intelligence.…

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has thrown a wrench into the government’s tax cut plans for the 2024-25 Finance Bill. While the IMF rejects tax cuts on most proposals for tax reductions and concessions, they did agree to some key measures aimed at education and research. Key Approvals by IMF: Education : The IMF approved the removal of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on textbooks, a significant benefit for students and families. Research : The IMF also agreed to reinstate tax rebates for professors and researchers, acknowledging their vital role in the country’s development. IMF Rejects Tax Cuts on Proposals: The…

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Dragon fruit cultivation is gaining momentum in Pakistan, with farmers urging the government to support its growth as a lucrative export crop. This exotic fruit offers a promising path to economic development. Promoting Dragon Fruit Farming for Economic Benefits Progressive farmers, like Captain Rizwan Rehman, advocate for such fruit cultivation in Gadap, a region with ideal climate conditions. They propose government incentives like free land allocation and solar power facilities to empower impoverished farmers and tackle unemployment. This initiative could generate significant foreign exchange for Pakistan, potentially rivaling Vietnam and Thailand, current global leaders in dragon fruit exports. Favorable Climate…

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Saudi Arabia has begun enforcing stricter regulations for the Hajj pilgrimage. Hajj permit required now to avoid hefty penalty, authorities urging pilgrims to adhere to the official guidelines. Fines and Penalties for Unauthorized Hajj Hajj is a highly significant religious pilgrimage for Muslims worldwide. To ensure a smooth and safe experience for all pilgrims, Saudi authorities require a special permit for participation. The Public Security has announced a fine of SAR 10,000 (around $2,660 USD) for anyone found performing Hajj without a permit within designated areas in Makkah. This applies to all individuals, including Saudi citizens, residents, and visitors. Repeat…

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The UAE is implementing its annual midday break to protect workers from the scorching summer heat. This year, the break will be in effect from June 15 to September 15, 2024. During this period, working outdoors under direct sunlight is prohibited between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM. Ensuring Worker Safety Through Midday Break The  break is a crucial measure to safeguard worker health and well-being. Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat stroke, dehydration, and other health complications. By mandating a break during the hottest part of the day, the UAE authorities aim to minimize these risks and ensure…

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Pakistan’s automotive industry is set for a significant move announcing the start of electric vehicles of eco-friendly transportation as Dewan Motors shifts gears towards EVs production in August 2024. This move positions DFML as a frontrunner in Pakistan’s electric vehicle market, catering to the growing demand for sustainable solutions. DFML has partnered with Eco-Green Motors Limited (EGML) to manufacture EGML’s Honri-VE. This is an electric vehicle with a range of 200km to 300km. This collaboration leverages the expertise of both companies to deliver high-quality electric vehicles to Pakistani consumers. The introduction of the Honri-VE aligns with the government’s vision of promoting…

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The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing a complex situation as Israel’s ICC campaign alleged attempts to undermine its investigations. Legal experts believe these actions could be classified as crimes against justice under the court’s statute. Israel’s ICC Campaign Because ICC Prosecutor Targets Israel and Hamas Following investigations into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ICC prosecutor Karim Khan requested arrest warrants for leaders on both sides. This included Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. It marked the first time an ICC prosecutor sought action against a close Western ally. Israel Accused of Obstructing Justice: Reports allege that Israel’s…

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Imagine searching for pizza topping ideas and receiving a suggestion to use… glue! This bizarre scenario recently unfolded thanks to an AI algorithm gone rogue . Google’s AI recipe fails, in a moment of questionable creativity, recommended adding glue to pizza, sparking a hilarious—and slightly concerning—online debate . A Sticky Situation: AI Gone Wild with Recipe Recommendations The internet erupted with amusement and disbelief when news spread of Google’s AI suggesting glue as a pizza topping . While some found the idea strangely innovative, most expressed concerns about the taste and, more importantly, the safety of such an unorthodox ingredient…

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For Iranian iPhone enthusiasts, frustration reigns supreme. A government ban on registering the latest iPhone models has fueled anxiety in frustrated iPhone fans because of black market, inflated prices, and limited connectivity options . A Ban Breeds Complications in Frustrated iPhone Fans Hamid, a 32-year-old Iranian, exemplifies the challenges faced by many. He purchased a new iPhone 14 abroad, hoping the ban would be lifted . However, his phone struggles to maintain a stable network connection due to limitations imposed by the ban . He resorts to technical workarounds to connect to the network, highlighting the lengths some users go…

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Pakistan’s packaged juice industry is facing a bitter squeeze due to heavy taxes, particularly the Federal Excise Duty (FED). These high  taxes  on juices are not only hurting industry growth but also impacting the entire agricultural value chain . High Taxes on Juices : Discouraging Investment and Growth The Pakistani government’s focus on maximizing revenue through indirect taxes, like the FED, has had detrimental consequences . The recent increase in the FED to a staggering 20%, coupled with an 18% General Sales Tax (GST), has discouraged investment and stunted industry growth . A Chain Reaction: Reduced Sales, Job Losses, and…

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