USAID Announces Scholarships for Flood-Affected Students

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced scholarships for flood-affected students in Pakistan. The scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, room and board, and other expenses for students who have been displaced by the recent floods.

The scholarships are part of USAID‘s $100 million commitment to help Pakistan recover from the floods. The floods, which hit Pakistan in July 2023, displaced over 2 million people and caused billions of dollars in damage.

The scholarships will be awarded to students who have been affected by the floods and who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at accredited Pakistani universities. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must be able to demonstrate financial need.

The application deadline for the scholarships is September 1, 2023. Applications can be submitted online at the USAID website.

Here are some of the benefits of the USAID scholarships for flood-affected students:

They will help students to continue their education and to achieve their academic goals.
They will provide financial assistance to students who have been displaced by the floods.
They will help to rebuild the Pakistani education system, which was damaged by the floods.
They will send a message of hope to flood-affected students that their future is still bright.

If you are a flood-affected student who is interested in applying for a scholarship, We encourage you to do so. These scholarships are a great opportunity to continue your education and rebuild your life after the floods.

Early Adopters in Mexico Participate In a Biometric Project Aimed at Creating Unique Digital Identification for Everyone Globally

Early adopters in Mexico were spotted at a café participating in a Biometric Project aiming to create a unique digital identification for everyone on the earth. The participants were getting their eyes scanned through a futuristic sphere which is outfitted with cameras.

The project is aimed at scanning the iris of human beings in order to differentiate them from online bots. Those participating in the project are being paid an incentive in the form of a cryptocurrency bonus.

This Worldcoin project of a biometric verification tool is a joint collaboration between the CEO of Open AI, Sam Altman and Tools for Humanity (a crypto-based company by Altman).

A participant named Jose Incera who received $54 in Worldcoin’s cryptocurrency said, “(Privacy) is something that doesn’t worry me too much.” He added, “In the digital era we’re living in, sharing your information is unavoidable.”

Sam Sadle who is the public policy chief at Tools for Humanity said, “The point of the iris biometrics is simply to confirm that you’re human.” He further added, “The image on default is deleted and the only piece that is kept is the iris code.”

Regarding the security of this project, Agneris Sampieri, a policy analyst remarked, “They don’t clearly mention the time frame in which the biometric data they collect will be processed and retained.”

Egyptian Man Claims His Wife Is a Man!

These days, the Egyptian media is abuzz with the news of a man claiming his wife is a man. The news surfaced from the Al-Bahira region where a husband believes that his wife is actually a man. He made the revelation after being with her for two years.

The husband reached out to a news agency and broke the news that his wife has the physical characteristics of both, male and female. He also said that he has already informed his parents-in-law who suggested undergoing a surgical procedure to resolve the issue. However, despite consulting with several doctors, the issue has not been resolved.

The husband also told the news agency that his wife was living as a bit until she was nine years old. After that, her name of change and she was pronounced a female due to dominant female characteristics.

The wife, on the other hand, has denied all these claims and says that she is willing to undergo a medical examination to prove her femininity.

Ferry Service Offering Scenic Views to Tourists Launched on River Indus

The Sukkur District Council has initiated a ferry service between Rohri and Sukkur. The fleet comprising six boats will ensure a safe commute for the locals and will also facilitate tourists coming here to enjoy the scenic views of the River Indus.

The Chairman of the District Council seemed very excited about the project and said that they have also set up several huts along the bank of the river where people coming from farfetched areas can get some rest.

The local residents were also overjoyed to have another eye-catching recreational spot.

WhatsApp Introduces Screen-Sharing Option During Video Calls

WhatsApp has launched yet another productive feature in which you can share the screen with others on a video call with you. This is an excellent feature for face-to-face virtual meetings, fixing issues, and showing things to each other from a distance.

To start screen sharing, all you have to do is click on a tab at the bottom of the screen and everyone on video call will be able to see your screen. You can also share your messages like this and even record the call and share it with others on the call.

It is better to switch on the “Do Not Disturb” mode to avoid any interruptions during a call.

Currently, the screen-sharing facility is only available to users using the latest beta version of Whatsapp which is 23.12.0.74. However, soon this feature will be rolled out for all users.

Pakistan Parliament Due to be Dissolved Today Ahead of Elections

Pakistan was pushed into political turmoil ever since ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan lost office last April.

Then Shehbaz Sharif took over the office and he has been struggling to bring things back on track. He launched several initiatives and drafted strategies to recover the economy.

Today, Sharif too will go home as the parliament of Pakistan is completing its tenure and will be dissolved. Soon an interim government with qualified technocrats will come and take charge until the next elected government comes into power.

In an ideal scenario, elections should be conducted within 90 days of dissolving parliament. It is noteworthy that Imran Khan has been disqualified over the Toshakhana case and he will not be able to run for the PM office this year.

SECP Cracks Down on Loan Apps, Protects Borrowers

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has announced new rules to crack down on predatory loan apps and protect borrowers. The new rules require loan apps to be registered with the SECP and to comply with a number of regulations, including:

Providing clear and transparent terms and conditions to borrowers
Not charging excessive interest rates
Not engaging in unfair or deceptive practices
Having a dispute resolution mechanism in place

The SECP has also warned borrowers to be wary of loan apps that offer quick and easy loans with no questions asked. These loans are often predatory and can lead to borrowers getting into financial trouble. The SECP encourages borrowers to do their research before taking out a loan and to only borrow from reputable lenders.

The SECP’s crackdown on loan apps is a welcome move that will help protect borrowers from predatory lending practices. The new rules will make it more difficult for loan apps to operate illegally and will give borrowers more information about the loans they are taking out. This is important, as predatory lending can have a devastating impact on borrowers’ financial health.

The SECP’s actions are in line with the government’s efforts to promote financial literacy and protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. The government has also taken steps to regulate other financial products, such as microfinance loans and credit cards. These measures are helping to create a more fair and transparent financial system in Pakistan.

The SECP’s crackdown on loan apps is a positive step for borrowers in Pakistan. It will help to protect them from predatory lending practices and make it easier for them to get the loans they need to meet their financial needs. The government’s other efforts to promote financial literacy and protect consumers are also welcome. These measures are helping to create a more fair and transparent financial system in Pakistan.

Top 3 Cold Places To Visit in Pakistan

Pakistan is indeed a heaven on earth with magnificent mountains and beautiful landscapes. Thanks to all the four seasons it has, people are able to experience different weather throughout the year. However, if you are someone who loves chilly winds and cold areas, we suggest you visit these places (pro tip: visit them in winter if you want to witness snowfall)

Skardu

Skardu is one of the coldest places in Pakistan. The valley is completely surrounded by snowy mountains and breathtaking views. The lakes there freeze in the winter and turn the valley into a magical Winterland. You can also see the K2 peak along with Sheosar Lake and other amazing spots.

Gorakh Hills

Want to take a break from your busy routine and spend some time enjoying the serenity of nature? Head over to Gorakh Hills which is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Though this location is not as popular as other options on the list, it is a must-visit place for those who appreciate nature and, of course, cold.

Hunza

Hunza is very cold and the valley almost freezes during the winter. The major attractions here are Altit Fort and Karimabad Village. The people here are very friendly and serve the best food you can have in cold. You can enjoy the delicious apricot soup while gazing at the stars in the clear sky at night.

Pakistan’s Homegrown Messaging App Will be Available for Public Use Within a Year

In an interesting turn of events, Syed Aminul Haque, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication revealed Pakistan’s first-ever WhatsApp like Beep communication application called Beep.

Beep Pakistan is aimed to enhance digital communication within government organizations.

The app is developed by the National Information Technology Board (NITB) and was officially launched on Monday.

Beep boasts a number of features like document sharing, secure messaging, and audio, video and conference calls.

Haque further said the app will be available for use by all government organisations after one month and the public will be able to access it within a year.

Haque added, “The Beep Pakistan application is a vital step towards enhancing secure and efficient digital communication among government officers and employees.”

Pakistan launches Whatsapp-like application for communication

The Ministry of Information Technology has successfully launched the Beep Pakistan communication application, tailored for the utilization of government employees spanning across 41 federal ministries and departments. The application’s future release for the public is also on the horizon.

Designed as a viable substitute for platforms like WhatsApp and other social media apps, this tool is specifically crafted to establish secure lines of communication amongst government staff. It boasts a comprehensive set of functionalities, encompassing audio and video calls, as well as video conferencing, while also facilitating the secure transfer of sensitive government documents.

During its initial phase, the app will cater exclusively to federal authorities, with plans for a subsequent rollout at the provincial level. Post its utilization by government personnel, the general populace will gain access, signifying a significant milestone in the form of Beep Pakistan – the nation’s premier homegrown social media application.

The government asserts that the application’s heightened security is derived from its servers being housed within Pakistan, thereby surpassing alternative options. Furthermore, the application’s source code will find its hosting grounds within the country. This substantial stride forward is attributed to the implementation of 83 new projects, a collective investment amounting to Rs. 79 billion.

In the momentous ceremony marking the launch of the Beep Pakistan app, dignitaries from the Ministry of IT, including the Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Syed Amin Ul Haque, were in attendance.

The IT Minister emphasized that the app’s introduction will effectively curb instances of audio and video leaks. He also unveiled the establishment of three new incubation centers in the past four years.

He elaborated:

Presently, Pakistan is home to 33 domestic smartphone manufacturers. Notably, global industry giants have also chosen Pakistan as a manufacturing hub for mobile devices. Remarkably, IT exports, which stood at a modest $1 billion in 2020, have surged to an impressive $2.6 billion today. Aspirations are set high, with a target to elevate IT exports to an impressive $15 billion.

Syed Amin Ul Haque further highlighted the attainment of significant milestones, including the formulation and implementation of the Cyber Security Policy and the Data Protection Bill.

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Barbie Becomes the First Ever Solo Woman Director Movie to Earn $1bn Globally

Hollywood’s Barbie has stirred a Pink Storm across the globe. It has been topping the charts everywhere. In North American theatres alone, Barbie dominated the screens for the third week straight.

The movie has also crossed the $1 billion mark, which is the first one for a woman director, reported by Exhibitor Relations.

The reports also suggest that not only has Barbie become the first ever movie made by women to cross $1bn club, but it has also done it faster than any other movie.

Barbie also successfully became the movie with the biggest opening weekend of the year. Analyst Paul Dergarabedian from Comscore said, “it has captured the imagination of moviegoers around the world and the results are incredibly impressive.”

110 Year Old Saudi Woman Returns to School

A Saudi Woman defied societal norms and broke barriers when she decided to go back to school at the age of 110.

The woman named Nawda Al-Qahtani belongs to the Umwah governorate in Saudi Arabia and is a mother of four.

Al Qahtani is now attending Al-Rahwa Center and has become an inspiration for many. Each day, she goes to the centre to join 50 more students from different ages and backgrounds. Together, they all learn about the basics of reading and writing along with the Quranic verses.

Al Qahtani is very much serious about her education and regrets that she did not get this opportunity at the right time. She also thinks that things would have been different if she has not delayed her education this much. The old lady thinks that this was a challenging choice, however, she was able to do this due to the support of her family.

Al Qahtani joined the educational institution as part of the Saudi government‘s initiative to eradicate illiteracy in the country. She goes to the center with her 60-year-old son.

WhatsApp Introduces Animated Avatars

Image: SamMobiles

WhatsApp has released a latest update via the Google Play Beta programme. The new version 2.23.16.12 now enables animated avatars.

According to the messaging app, the most-awaited animated avatars are now available in the new version.

In order to check whether you can access the avatars or not, one should open the keyboard and then check, WABetainfo said.

The avatars depict inclusivity and can be shared with all WhatsApp users irrespective of the beta version.

Currently, there are only limited options available, however, reports suggest that WhatsApp plan to launch a complete set of avatars in the future.

The animated avatars are expected to enhance the overall experience of conversion on the app. Though accessible to a limited audience, WhatsApp will make these lively avatars available to all users down the road.

Government allows Pakistan to travel to India for World Cup 2023

The Pakistan cricket team has received official permission from the Islamabad government to travel to neighboring India for the much-awaited ICC World Cup 2023.

In a statement on Sunday, the Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan’s firm belief in keeping sports separate from politics. The decision to send the Cricket Team to India reflects Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling its international sports-related obligations despite the current state of bilateral relations with India.

The move also showcases Pakistan’s constructive and responsible approach compared to India’s refusal to send its Cricket Team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup.

However, the government expressed deep concerns regarding the security of its cricket team during the visit. It stated that these concerns would be conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Indian authorities. Pakistan expects full safety and security guarantees for its players during their time in India.

The decision to participate in the ICC World Cup 2023 comes after a committee, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, deliberated on Pakistan’s involvement in the event. The committee, headed by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, assessed the security arrangements and reached a consensus that Pakistan should indeed go to India for the tournament.

However, it was also suggested that a security guarantee should be obtained from India before the team’s departure. Pakistan plans to engage with India and the ICC to send a security delegation, tentatively scheduled for the last week of August, to ensure the safety of its players.

The upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 holds crucial matches for Pakistan, and the team’s schedule includes encounters with Netherlands, Sri Lanka, India, Australia, Afghanistan, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England. The cricketing world eagerly awaits these exciting clashes, and Pakistan’s fans hope for a successful and safe journey for their team during the tournament.

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Mobile Phone Manufacturing Soars in Pakistan, Outshines Imports

During the first half of 2023 (January-June), local manufacturing plants in Pakistan showcased an impressive performance by producing 6.07 million mobile handsets. This figure far surpassed the 0.53 million handsets that were imported commercially during the same period.

The month of June 2023 saw local manufacturing plants assembling 1.19 million mobile handsets, whereas only 0.12 million handsets were imported commercially.

Among the locally manufactured handsets, 4.77 million were 2G phones, and 1.3 million were smartphones, according to data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). Interestingly, smartphones accounted for 56 percent of all mobile devices on the Pakistan network, while 2G devices made up the remaining 44 percent.

In contrast, Pakistan’s mobile phone imports experienced a significant decline during the fiscal year 2022-23 (FY23), totaling $570.071 million. This represented a staggering 71.19 percent drop compared to the previous fiscal year, where imports reached $1.978 billion.

However, there was a month-on-month (MoM) increase of 24.03 percent in mobile phone imports in June 2023, amounting to $53.583 million compared to $43.201 million in May 2023, as reported by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

Moreover, on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, mobile phone imports in June 2023 surged by 66.30 percent compared to the same month in 2022, which recorded imports worth $32.220 million.

The overall telecom imports for FY23 reached $956.921 million, indicating a significant 64.45 percent decrease compared to the previous year’s total of $2.684 billion.

When considering YoY growth in June 2023, the overall telecom imports marked an 11.18 percent increase, amounting to $96.481 million. This figure was also 19.07 percent higher on a MoM basis compared to the imports worth $81.028 million in May 2023.

While the overall telecom imports experienced a negative growth trend, other apparatus imports followed a similar path. For July-June FY23, these imports amounted to $386.850 million, showing a 45.16 percent decrease compared to the same period in the previous year, where imports were valued at $705.353 million.

In June 2023, other apparatus imports accounted for $42.898 million, reflecting a 21.37 percent YoY decrease compared to $54.557 million in June 2022. Nevertheless, there was a positive 13.41 percent growth on a MoM basis, as imports rose from $37.827 million in May 2023.

The rise of local manufacturing in Pakistan’s mobile phone industry is undoubtedly shaping the dynamics of the market, overshadowing the previously dominant trend of import-based supply. With a growing emphasis on local production, the country’s mobile phone sector is undergoing a significant transformation.

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