Earth witnessed its highest recorded average temperature

On Thursday, July 6, an extraordinary milestone was reached in the history of global climate as the Earth witnessed its highest recorded average temperature, soaring to 17.2 degrees Celsius. This remarkable occurrence followed a series of record-breaking heatwaves earlier in the week, which persisted from Monday through Wednesday. Scientists attribute this prolonged period of scorching heat to the combined impact of human-induced climate change and the influence of El Niño, a weather pattern that amplifies the effects of global warming.

The University of Maine’s Climate Reanalyzer, gathering data from satellite, ship, and buoy observations, confirmed these exceptional temperatures. On July 3, the average global temperature reached 17.01 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set during an El Niño event in August 2016.

The sweltering heat persisted over the following days, with temperatures peaking at 17.18 degrees Celsius (62.92 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 4 and 5. Although data for this specific record-breaking period is available only from 1979 onwards, earlier evidence from tree ring and ice core data corroborates the severity of the situation. The Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union, which has data dating back to 1940, also reported record-breaking temperatures during this week.

Furthermore, historical evidence suggests that these temperatures may be the highest experienced in thousands of years. Urgent action is emphasized by climate scientists to address this escalating crisis. With greenhouse gas emissions continuing to rise, the likelihood of more frequent temperature records being shattered in the future is alarmingly high. If immediate measures are not taken to reduce emissions, experts predict a further alarming escalation in temperatures over the next six weeks.

This unprecedented occurrence underscores the critical need for global efforts to mitigate climate change. The urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards sustainable practices has never been greater. The world must unite in taking decisive action to combat the escalating climate crisis and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Foreign Exchange Reserves Increase by $393M, Reaches $4.4B

The foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan witnessed an increase of 9.6% on Thursday on a week-on-week basis.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported that the foreign currency reserves rose to $4.4 billion, after an increase of $393 million. On June 23, 2023, the foreign exchange reserves were recorded at $4.06 billion.

Experts claim that the increase in reserves is primarily due to the official inflows from the Government of Pakistan. After the recent surge, the overall reserves owned by the banks, excluding SBP, have reached $9.7 billion.

Multan Sultans owner Alamgir Tareen commits suicide

Tragic news unfolded as Alamgir Tareen, the brother of Jahangir Khan Tareen, Patron-in-Chief of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and owner of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Multan Sultans, took his own life on Thursday.

Multan Sultans owner Alamgir Tareen shots himself in head

According to police sources, Alamgir Tareen allegedly shot himself in the head with a pistol at his residence in Lahore’s Gulberg area. The details surrounding the circumstances leading up to this heartbreaking event remain unclear.

Authorities have sealed the crime scene and recovered the pistol used in the incident, initiating the collection of fingerprints and other evidence. While the initial investigation couldn’t establish a definite motive, the search for a possible suicide note is underway. The complete picture will emerge once the investigation concludes.

Alamgir Tareen, recognized for his successful business ventures, held the position of owner and managing director of the Multan Sultans franchise in the PSL. Haider Azhar, CEO of Multan Sultans, confirmed the tragic news and expressed profound grief, offering heartfelt condolences to the Tareen family.

The authorities are diligently investigating the incident to understand the factors that may have contributed to Alamgir Tareen’s distress and the decision that followed. This loss has sent shockwaves through the community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.

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Meta and SBP Join Hands to Digitally Empower 500 Pakistani Women Entrepreneurs

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram’s parent company) have partnered to train 500 Pakistani women entreprenurs.

A press release issued on Wednesday said that this partnership will “digitally empower 500 women entrepreneurs and other high value small businesses.”

The initiative was announced in Karachi at the launchings ceremony of “The Digital Bridge: Advancing Financial Inclusion for Pakistan.” The event was attended by Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry, officials of the Ministry of Commerce, and other notable figures from the banking, telecommunication, and business community.

Meta said that Demo, its consulting agency, will recruit women entreprenurs from Pakistan’s export-oriented chambers and the ones who have already participated in the SheMeansBusiness program.

.”SheMeansBusiness” was launched by Meta in 2018 in which more than 30,000 women from 51 cities were trained, including the women from Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Celebrating the Success of 'The Digital Bridge: Advancing Financial Inclusion for Pakistan' Event! The launch of Phase 2 of @meta’s #SheMeansBusiness BRFE Program, in collaboration with @StateBank_Pak, @NibafPakistan and Demo, was conducted on July 4th, 2023. pic.twitter.com/ADaITfSjyU
— DEMO | Ideas for impact (@demoideas) July 5, 2023

Women steal million-worth gold with help of child

In a shocking incident at Sohawa Bazaar in Jhelum district, a group of cunning women orchestrated a daring robbery, leaving a goldsmith astounded and losing millions worth of gold. What sets this theft apart is the involvement of a child, as captured in the CCTV footage.

According to the official police statement, the three women entered the jewelry shop posing as regular customers. Using their charm and conversational skills, they engaged the unsuspecting shopkeeper, creating a flawless diversion.

While the shopkeeper was distracted, one of the women, aided by the child, seized the opportunity to execute the theft. It was only when the bewildered shopkeeper noticed the missing gold that the gravity of the situation became apparent.

Law enforcement authorities, armed with the CCTV footage, are diligently working to identify and apprehend the woman who played a central role in this audacious robbery. Their relentless efforts to bring the culprits to justice demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that such criminal acts do not go unpunished.

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Pakistan’s volleyball team awaits NOC at airport

Boy attempted sexual assault on a covered girl in Gulistan e Jauhar’s street

In the bustling neighbourhood of Gulistan e Jauhar, a horrific incident unfolded in broad daylight. A young girl, draped in a vibrant red abaya with a black scarf, was making her way down the street when an unknown man began to follow her. Reports indicated that the man’s bike lacked a number plate, further adding to the mysterious nature of the situation.

Unbeknownst to the girl, danger lurked behind her as the man closed in on her with malicious intent. The atmosphere grew tense as the girl became increasingly aware of the stranger’s presence after he suddenly ran to assault her from behind. Fear must have coursed through her veins, but she maintained her composure, hoping to find safety amidst the chaos and walked after the guy left as she pushed him back retaliating.

The man’s intentions turned violent. With audacity fueled by darkness, he assaulted the girl, shocking the onlookers who were taken aback by the brazen act. In the video footage captured in a camera recording of the street, the assailant could be seen wearing a casual t-shirt and white shorts, his face concealed by a mask—a cowardly disguise.

The incident sent shockwaves through the community, stirring anger, fear, and a collective call for justice. The authorities swiftly launched an investigation, vowing to apprehend the perpetrator and bring him to account for his heinous actions.

As the video circulated, it served as a stark reminder of the dangers women face while simply navigating their daily lives. It sparked a nationwide conversation about the urgent need to address issues of harassment and ensure the safety and security of individuals, regardless of gender.

Unknown man followed a girl on street and assaulted during day light. According to the reports, that area is Gulistan e Johar block 4, K.D.A scheme 36. Reportedly, there was no number plate on the bike.#TOKAlert #Karachi pic.twitter.com/dbibXvhGJT
— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) July 4, 2023

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Pakistan’s volleyball team awaits NOC at airport

Pakistan’s participation in the upcoming Asian Volleyball Challenge Cup 2023 has come to an unfortunate halt as the Foreign Ministry has denied the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC), leading to their withdrawal from the tournament. The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and the Chinese Taipei Volleyball Association (CTVBA) are jointly organizing the event, which was scheduled to begin on July 8.

The Pakistani team, known as the Men in Green, had been eagerly looking forward to representing their country on the international stage. They were prepared to depart for Taiwan, pending the fulfillment of necessary requirements. However, the Foreign Office in Pakistan failed to provide the crucial NOC, dashing the hopes and dreams of the national players.

Apart from the missed sporting opportunity, the consequences of this withdrawal are likely to extend to financial implications for the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF). While the exact amount of the potential fine remains undisclosed, media speculations suggest that it could reach up to Rs10 million, posing a significant setback for the federation.

In the tournament’s schedule, Pakistan had been placed in Group E alongside strong teams from Australia and Vietnam. Their campaign was supposed to kick off on July 8. The withdrawal from this event has also raised concerns about Pakistan’s participation in future competitions such as the Asian Championship in Iran and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, scheduled for August and September respectively.

Responding to these developments, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) denied reports of a ban on future participation in events. The spokesperson explained that the delay in issuing the NOC was due to the ongoing China-Taiwan conflict. The federation is actively engaged in discussions with Shaza Fatima, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs, to secure the necessary NOC. Meanwhile, the team remains at the airport, hopeful that the NOC will be issued today to salvage their participation in the tournament.

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Youngsters Use Thumbs Instead of Fingers While Scrolling to Avoid Looking Like their Grandparents, Reveals Study

A recent study has revealed that 67% of millennials and 80% of Gen Z (born between 1997-2012) use their thumbs while scrolling on smartphones. On the other hand, almost 73% of baby boomers (aged 59-77) use index fingers on smartphones.

The study further claims that these youngsters intentionally avoid using their fingers on smartphones as they think that they will look like their grandparents while doing so.

The survey was conducted by the makers of the game Candy Crush in which it was found that young people use their thumbs to tap on the screen to avoid being ridiculed in public. More than four Gen Z youngsters out of 10 accepted they felt self-conscious while browsing or playing games on their phones with index fingers in public.

More than 61% of boomers say they would continue using their index finger and would not surrender to societal pressure.

The study supported their choice and mentioned that using the index finger is quicker, easier, and more accurate as compared to thumbs. Gaming experts also believe that using an index finger can save gamers from making wrong moves or typos.

Rhiannon Jones, a renowned trend forecaster says, ‘Each generation is influenced by social and cultural content in which they grow’.

This Deceptive Optical Illusion Can Tell If You Are Too Independent or Have a Great Sixth Sense

Image: Daily Mail

A TikTok user, Mia Yilin, shared this optical illusion image in which a man and a penguin can be seen. What you notice at first glance, whether the man or penguin, can tell a lot about your personality, she claims.

Mia Yilin is a popular content creator and this image of hers has gained more than 57,000 views so far. According to Mia, this image can reveal if you are too independent or have a strong intuition based on what you see here first.

Image: The US Sun

The photo shows a man’s face with a hairstyle that portrays a penguin. Mia says that whichever character you identify first will reveal your true identity.

Mia tells that if you identify the penguin first, it means you have an independent personality and you seek freedom and autonomy. ‘You thrive when you have the space to pursue your own interests and goals,’ she said.

She further said that if you saw the man first, it means you have a good sixth sense.

‘Your intuition is off the charts and you can easily sense other people’s emotions and intentions’, she mentioned.

Pakistan Launches Groundbreaking ‘Gender Bond’ for Women Empowerment

InfraZamin Pakistan, Kashf Foundation, and Arif Habib Limited have joined forces to introduce Pakistan’s first “Gender Bond,” a fully guaranteed and AAA-rated bond worth Rs. 2.5 billion. The Gender Bond, aligned with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan’s guidelines on Gender Bond issuance, aims to enhance Kashf Foundation’s lending portfolio exclusively for women. The proceeds will be used to develop micro-infrastructure, including school construction, flood rehabilitation, and support for women-led micro businesses in rural areas.

The three-year Gender Bond, arranged by Arif Habib Capital, will raise capital from institutional investors in the capital market. It carries a 100% credit guarantee from InfraZamin and a partial guarantee for interest installments. With a credit rating of ‘AAA’ long term and ‘A1+’ by PACRA, the bond is priced at 3-month Kibor + 1.50% spread.

The Gender Bond aims to support approximately 30,000 women from low-income households, enabling them to develop micro-infrastructure and achieve financial independence. By promoting inclusivity and diversity, this landmark initiative not only empowers women but also contributes to the development of Pakistan’s bond capital markets. The bond’s guarantees provide investors with protection against credit risk, encouraging private institutional investors to participate and bolster Kashf Foundation’s balance sheet.

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Price of gold in Pakistan decreases substantially

AITO Introduces Huawei-Backed M5 SUV with Enhanced Features

On July 2, AITO, an electric vehicle manufacturer backed by Huawei, unveiled the Standard Edition M5 SUV in China. The rear-wheel drive variant is priced at Rs. 9.8 million, while the four-wheel drive model costs Rs. 10.6 million.

The M5 showcases enhancements in power, interior features, and aesthetics. The Standard Edition comes equipped with a level 2 advanced driving assistance system (ADAS), comprising 3 millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars, and 5 cameras. These enable automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, remote parking assist, and adaptive cruise control.

AITO claims that the new vehicle incorporates the Huawei DATS (Dynamic Adaptive Torque System), which effectively controls lateral and longitudinal body shaking through distributed torque.

The exterior of the latest model boasts dual-lens LED headlights, an illuminated AITO emblem at the rear, and sleek pop-out door handles on the sides. The car’s drag coefficient has been reduced from 0.32 Cd to 0.29 Cd, and it features new 20-inch double five-spoke wheels. Additionally, the reverse camera automatically cleans mud, dust, and other debris.

Inside the cabin, there is a floating center control screen and a modern instrument panel. The latest M5 is equipped with a 10.25-inch instrument panel and a 15.6-inch central control screen powered by Huawei Harmony OS 3.0. Notably, the car includes front massage seats for added comfort.

Huawei MagLinkTM enables content exchange and device linking within the vehicle. This means that a parent seated in the front row can manage the tablet being used by a child in the back.

The AITO M5 Standard Edition adopts the Huawei DriveONE ePowertrain platform. It features a single electric motor powering the rear wheels, complemented by a 1.5-liter engine acting as a range extender. The four-wheel drive model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, delivering 490 hp and 675 Nm of torque.

The rear-wheel drive variant generates 269 hp and 360 Nm of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. Its 40 kWh battery pack provides a CLTC range of 260 km. With a full fuel tank and charge, the M5 boasts an impressive cruising range of 1,455 kilometers.

Customers can expect the delivery of the new AITO M5 to commence in August 2023.

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Price of gold in Pakistan decreases substantially

After Twitter Restrictions Meta Plans to launch Threads – A Twitter-like App

Image: The Conversation

Meta Platforms have decided to launch a Twitter-like microblogging platform after Twitter CEO Elon Musk announced to restrict the number of posts a user can read on his app.

Threads is expected to be launched on Thursday and will allow users to follow the same accounts they follow on Instagram. Threads is a text-based conversation app by Instagram and users can use even the same username on both the apps.

The announcement of Thread’s launch came after Twitter limits the number of posts read by a user. Twitter has also made it mandatory to get verified in order to use TweetDeck. Both the steps have been taken to address the issue of data scraping.

Threads will be available for iPhone users however, Meta has not confirmed its presence on Google Playstore yet.

Sarfaraz Hopes Pakistan Will Win ODI World Cup 2023

Image: A Sports

Sarfaraz Ahmed, ex skipper, said that he is hopeful that Pakistan will lift up the ODI World Cup 2023 trophy. The world cup is expected to start in India this October.

Ahmed, who is also part of the Pakistan cricket team, further said that the trophy should be won by any Asian team as the tournament is happening in this region.

He said, “I hoped Pakistan would manage to win the title again”.He also said, “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose in practice matches.”

Ahmed stated that that Karachi and Sri Lanka share the same weather, which might benefit our team. He also emphasised on arranging training sessions before the world cup.

Pakistan Ranks 5th in the List of Countries With Highest IMF Borrowing; Likely to Become 4th Largest IMF Debtor Soon

Image: Pakistan Today

With the latest $3 Billion loan from the IMF (International Monetary Fund), Pakistan is on its way to becoming the fourth largest IMF borrower globally.

As mentioned in the lender’s data, in March, Pakistan was ranked fifth in the list of countries who borrowed the largest funds from the IMF. However, after the recent $3 Billion loan, Pakistan will further move up in the list and will stand at fourth position.

According to the IMF borrower list, Argentina with its $46 billion loan stands at the first position, Egypt with its $18 billion loan is at second and Ukraine with its $12.2 billion borrowing is occupying the third position.

Ecuador with its $8.2 billion loan was ranked fourth in the list and Pakistan was at fifth with $ 7.4 billion. However with the new loan granted, now Pakistan’s debt has reached $10.4 billion overtaking Ecuador’s to become the world’s fourth-largest IMF debtor.

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