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Pakistan Considers Importing Cheaper Oil and Gas From Iran to Ease Energy Costs
OGDCL Begins Oil Production From Newly Discovered Bobi Deep-1 Well in Sindh
Maize Prices Drop Nearly 20% Across Punjab as Demand Weakens and New Crop Boosts Supply
Rare June Snowfall at Babusar Top Attracts Thousands of Tourists
Chinese Exchange Praises SECP Reforms, Signals Stronger Investment Interest in Pakistan

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Pakistan Considers Importing Cheaper Oil and Gas From Iran to Ease Energy Costs

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OGDCL Begins Oil Production From Newly Discovered Bobi Deep-1 Well in Sindh

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Maize Prices Drop Nearly 20% Across Punjab as Demand Weakens and New Crop Boosts Supply

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Chinese Exchange Praises SECP Reforms, Signals Stronger Investment Interest in Pakistan

Twitter to Remove Accounts That Are Inactive for Several Years

The Economic Times

The social media platform, Twitter Inc has announced that it will remove all accounts that have been inactive for several years.

Elon Musk, CEO Twitter, tweeted on Monday,

Musk also added that users may see a drop in follower count due to removal of inactive accounts.

According to the company policy, users must log in once a month to escape prolonged inactivity and permanent removal from the platform.

Last month Twitter removed Blue Tick from the profiles of various celebrities, politicians and journalists as they did not subscribe for Twitter Blue.

LinkedIn Cuts 700 Jobs Amid Global Economic Crisis

Image: CNA

LinkedIn, the Microsoft Corp owned social media network aimed at helping professionals, said on Monday that it is firing its 716 employees as demand wavers.

The social media app also announced to shut down its job app focused on China.

LinkedIn with over 20,000 employees onboard showed revenue throughout the last year. However, like other IT companies in the industry, it is now laying off employees due to the current global economic Crisis.

In the last 6 months, over 270,000 IT jobs have been cut globally, as quoted by Layoffs.fyi.

LinkedIn’s revenue is linked with ads and subscriptions to sales and recruiting professionals.

LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky said, “With the market and customer demand fluctuating more, and to serve emerging and growth markets more effectively, we are expanding the use of vendors.”

About the Chinese app, LinkedIn said that InCareers will be phased out by Aug. 9. The company also added, “Despite our initial progress, InCareer faced fierce competition and a challenging macroeconomic climate, which ultimately led us to the decision of discontinuing the service.“

Latest WhatsApp Scam: Callers Using International Numbers to Access People’s Information

Image: CNBC

The popular messaging app is being used by spammers and scammers to deceive people lately. The latest menace involves calling users form international numbers and leaving them puzzled.

Most of these calls are originating from Kenya, Malaysia, and Vietnam, according to their ISD codes.

These scammers are exploiting WhatsApp’s Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to avoid international call charges.

The reason why these calls are being made is currently unknown. However, many attempts have been made to access user’s personal deta and money. It is important to be careful while attending such calls and not share any personal details with these callers.

Two People Die from Congo Virus in Karachi and Quetta; Health Authorities Alerted

Daily Times

Two people have died from Congo virus on Sunday. The victims belonged to Karachi and Quetta. The victim from Quetta was a 20-year-old Afghan woman who was also pregnant, according to the doctors. Upon showing the symptoms of the virus, 20-year-old Gul NAZ was admitted to the Quetta’s Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital. She had bleeding form nose and mouth and her lab tests confirmed the report. Dr. Zubair form the hospital confirmed the news of her death on Sunday. Dr. Zubair also said

“In the past four months, four people have died of Congo virus.”

A 28 year old man also died from Congo virus in Karachi, Sindh health department confirmed on Sunday.

The victim was a resident of Liaquatabad and used to send meat.

“Initially, he developed a headache and fever on April 30, which intensified two days later. He was taken to a private hospital where he remained under treatment for a day.”

He further said, “On May 4, the patient’s condition deteriorated and he was admitted to Ziauddin Hospital in North Nazimabad. He passed away a day later.”

Petrol can be Rs 100 per liter in Pakistan, here is how

Pakistan Expects Significant Petrol Price Reduction with Arrival of Russian Oil

Khawaja Asif Mehmood, the Information Secretary of Pakistan Petroleum, has revealed that the arrival of Russian oil is likely to result in a potential decrease of Rs. 100 per liter in petrol prices across the country.

Speaking to the media, Mehmood expressed that given the decline in international oil prices, petrol should have been more affordable in Pakistan as well. However, under the agreement with Russia, Pakistan will procure oil at a discounted rate compared to the prevailing market price.

Mehmood further informed that the Russian oil shipment is scheduled to reach Pakistan during the third week of May, with the initial batch serving as a trial. Currently, Pakistan possesses two refineries capable of processing the incoming oil, while additional work is required on other refineries to facilitate the process.

In related news, the first shipment of crude oil is expected to arrive in Pakistan by the end of May or the beginning of June. As part of this shipment, Pakistan will benefit from a discount of up to $18 per barrel.

This development brings hope to the Pakistani public who have been grappling with the burden of inflation, providing a promising outlook for the future.

Wheat Import from Russia Could Lower Flour Prices in Pakistan

The Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Millers Association (South Zone), Chaudhry Amir Abdullah, stated that if wheat is imported from Russia, the prices of flour will decrease to Rs. 110 per kg in Karachi and throughout the country. This is significantly lower compared to the current prices of Rs. 150 and above per kg.

During a briefing with journalists affiliated with the Council of Economic and Energy Journalists (CEEJ), Chaudhry Amir Abdullah emphasized that the cost of Russian wheat imports amounts to approximately Rs. 9,500 per ton, which is considerably lower than the local wheat prices in Karachi ranging from Rs. 12,500 to 14,500 per ton.

He further highlighted that the quality of Russian wheat is superior to what is typically imported from Ukraine. This higher quality wheat opens up opportunities for exporting flour to countries like Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

The shortage of wheat supplies in the southern region, particularly in Karachi, has led to escalating wheat prices. Chaudhry Amir Abdullah warned that the prices in Karachi may reach up to Rs. 200 per kg if the situation persists. He attributed the flour crisis to provincial policies implemented by the Sindh government, which hindered millers from purchasing grain from growers in upper Sindh.

According to Amir Abdullah, 30 out of 93 flour mills in Karachi have halted their flour production due to the unavailability of wheat. He criticized the government for failing to fulfill its commitment of providing 5 million bags of wheat and only supplying 525,000 bags (10.5%) by mid-March. He specifically mentioned that the wheat shortage is only observed in Karachi.

The chairman accused the government of establishing checkpoints between upper Sindh and Karachi, where officials allegedly accept bribes to allow wheat-carrying trucks to pass. He also claimed that over 200,000 sacks of wheat, which had deteriorated and were declared unfit for human consumption, were forcibly handed over to mill owners from the government’s warehouses located in Malir.

As a result of these grievances, the Pakistan Flour Millers Association announced a strike, refusing to supply flour to retailers until their demands are met. Their demands include the resumption of wheat supplies and measures to prevent officials from accepting bribes from millers.

Cash Reward of Rs 1 Million for National Hero Arshad Nadeem by Zalmi Foundation & Javed Afridi

National Hero Arshad Nadeem by Zalmi Foundation

Following his historic gold medal win for Pakistan in Javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games, Arshad Nadeem was announced as the recipient of a token of appreciation of RS 1M by our Chairman, Javed Afridi.

Today, we were pleased to welcome Arshad Nadeem to the Zalmi Headquarters to present him with the well-deserved cheque by the Director of Cricketing Affairs Peshawar Zalmi, Muhammad Akram.

Zalmi takes pride in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our national heroes and encourages the youth from all walks of life to strive for excellence and make our country proud.

Pakistanis! Traveling to China is now easier than before

Pakistanis! Traveling to China is now easier than before

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced a 30% reduction in fare for its Islamabad-Beijing route, which will benefit passengers traveling between Pakistan and China. The national carrier currently operates a weekly passenger flight for this route on Sundays.

This reduction in fare will significantly benefit Pakistani and Chinese citizens traveling for education, business, jobs, or to visit family. It is noteworthy that Pakistan and China are co-hosting ‘The Year of Tourism’ in 2023 to promote cultural and people-to-people connections.

Earlier this year, PIA also reduced fares for students traveling to China by 27%. Moreover, the national airline reduced prices for economy and executive economy classes on domestic flights by 20% during Eid-ul-Fitr.

The move by PIA is expected to strengthen the relationship between Pakistan and China and promote tourism and business opportunities between the two countries. It also highlights PIA’s commitment to providing affordable travel options for its customers.

In addition, PIA has reported a profit of over Rs. 60 million in the first quarter (January-March) of 2023, as per the Parliamentary Secretary for Railways Kiran Imran Dar. This reflects the national airline’s efforts to improve its services and offer better travel options for its customers.

Canada Reduces Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time for Pakistani Applicants

Canada Reduces Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time for Pakistani Applicants

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, has announced a significant reduction in the processing time for temporary resident visas (TRVs) for Pakistani applicants. According to Fraser, the processing time for a complete TRV application from Pakistan has been reduced from 802 days to only 60 days, with a further decrease to 30 days expected soon.

Fraser also revealed that the backlog for Pakistani TRV applications has been reduced from 55,000 to only 15,000, and the Canadian government is planning to establish a new processing center in Islamabad to expand processing and interview capacity in the Indo-Pacific region.

The move is expected to boost trade relations between Canada and Pakistan, particularly for Pakistan’s newly proposed industries like apparel and footwear. In a meeting with Pakistan’s Commerce Minister, Syed Naveed Qamar, last month, Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Leslie Scanlon, had expressed the Canadian government’s commitment to speeding up the visa process for Pakistani businessmen.

The move by the Canadian government is a positive development for Pakistani travelers and businesspeople looking to visit or invest in Canada, and it is hoped that it will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

1.9 million Girls in Pakistan Become Child Brides; UNICEF Says Pakistan Needs to Curb Child Marriages

A UNICEF report states that Maldives, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are the top three countries in South Asia to reduce the number of child marriages.

Although South Asia is doing great efforts in reducing the rate of child marriages, it will still take the region another 55 years to completely eradicate this practice.

According to the report, around 18% of girls in Pakistan become child brides and this number is around 1.9 million. This suggests that one in six girl in Pakistan is married off before her 18th birthday.

The good news is that the child marriage rate in Pakistan, which is 19%) currently, is somewhat better than the neighbouring countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India and Bhutan.

A UNICEF statement read, “Girls who marry in childhood face immediate and lifelong consequences. They are less likely to remain in school, and face an increased risk of early pregnancy, in turn increasing the risk of child and maternal health complications and mortality.” It further said, “Worldwide, conflict, climate-related disasters, and the ongoing impacts of Covid-19 — especially rising poverty, income shocks, and school dropout — are helping to increase the drivers of child marriage. [It is] also making it difficult for girls to access health care, education, social services and community support that protect them from child marriage.”

Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director said, “It requires unwavering support for vulnerable girls and families. We must focus on keeping girls in school and making sure they have economic opportunities.”

WHO Experts to Decide Whether to End COVID Emergency

Image: WHO

A meeting of global health experts has been called to decide whether COVID-19 is still an emergency under the rules defined by the World Health Organization.

COVID was first declared an international emergency on Jan. 30, 2020, and since then, in every meeting held after three months the same label was attached to it.

Recently, it was seen that countries like the United States are easing the COVID restrictions in different states.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General hopes that this state of Covid emergency is likely to end this year. The team of global health experts is meeting on Thursday for the very same reason

A Dutch virologist, Marion Koopmans, on the WHO panel said, “It is possible that the emergency may end, but it is critical to communicate that COVID remains a complex public health challenge.”

A law professor, Lawrence Hosting, at Georgetown University, USA “All emergencies must come to an end.”

He further said, “I expect WHO to end the public health emergency of international concern. If WHO does not end it… [this time], then certainly the next time the emergency committee meets.”

Pakistan Bans Cambridge Textbooks Over LGBTQ Content and Map Misrepresentation

Pakistan Bans Cambridge Textbooks Over LGBTQ Content and Map Misrepresentation

Pakistan’s Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) has banned certain Cambridge textbooks for their content related to LGBTQ issues and misrepresentation of Pakistan’s map.

The banned textbooks include Sociology by Jonathan Blundell of Cambridge University Press and The History and Culture of Pakistan by Nigel Kelly of Peck Publishing Limited/Danish Publishing Private Limited, which was being taught in O-levels.

PEIRA has prohibited the printing, publishing, distribution, and teaching of these books and ordered educational institutions to submit an implementation report by May 10.

According to the Federal Secretary of Education and Vocational Training, Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, the content of these books goes against Pakistan’s socio-cultural values and did not have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Curriculum Wing.

The move is in accordance with Section Four A of the PEIRA Act, and legal action will be taken against violators.

Fraudulent ChatGPT Malware Prevalent, Says Meta Security Team

Fraudulent ChatGPT Malware Prevalent, Says Meta Security Team

In Meta’s Q1 security report, the company’s security team has acknowledged the prevalence of fraudulent malware disguised as ChatGPT. Cybercriminals have been taking advantage of the popularity of trending topics and high-engagement subjects to trick users into using counterfeit versions of AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Bing, and Bard, which have become prominent technology trends. This strategy has become more popular than crypto-related scams.

According to Meta’s security analysts, they have discovered around ten types of malware posing as AI chatbot-related tools, including ChatGPT, since March. Some of these fake tools are available as web browser extensions and toolbars, and some can be accessed via unofficial web stores. The Washington Post reported last month that these scams have also utilized Facebook ads to proliferate.

Fraudulent ChatGPT tools have even been designed with AI capabilities to make them appear like a legitimate chatbot. Meta has blocked over 1,000 unique links to these malicious versions of the software, which have been circulating on its platforms.

Meta has provided technical details on how hackers gain access to accounts, which involves seizing login sessions and retaining access, a tactic similar to the one that led to the downfall of Linus Tech Tips’s YouTube account.

To address this issue, Meta is rolling out new work accounts that support current single sign-on (SSO) credential services, which are frequently more secure and aren’t tied to a personal Facebook account. This new support process for companies whose Facebook accounts have been compromised or deactivated enables them to recover and reclaim access. Business pages are usually vulnerable to hacking because malware targets Facebook users who have access to them. By migrating to this new setup, it should be substantially harder for hackers to launch an attack.

Sindh Govt Announces 2000 Jobs in the Police Department

Sindh Govt Announces 2000 Jobs in the Police Department

The Sindh Government has announced 2000 new jobs in the Sindh Police Department across the province.

According to details, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved the appointment of 2000 Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Investigation in the police department.

In this regard, the Sindh Home Department has also written a letter to Sindh Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon regarding the recruitment of new 2,000 new police personnel.

Around 50 per cent of ASI Investigations posts would be filled through Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) while the remaining vacancies will be filled by promoting officers in the department.

These positions are open to both male and female candidates and are available in different districts of Sindh.

TikTok’s New Product Will Give Premium Content Creators 50% of Ad Revenue

Image: The Guardian

TikTok announced on Wednesday that its new product will allow advertisers to run their ads alongside posts of premium content creators and half of the revenue generated by these ads will then be given with those publishers.

The new product called “Pulse Premiere” which is going to be launched on May 4th will be initially joined by UFC, NBCUniversal, DotDash Meredith, WWE and Buzzfeed.

According to TikTok, this product is an extension of Tiktok’s Pulse Program which allows brands to place their ads alongside the content of top 4% publishers. The launch is announced by the company when brands are already taking up on cost cutting strategies due to tough economic situation. Also, the short video sharing app, owned by China’s ByteDance, is facing a lot of pressure from the US government for shut down amongst the fear that it may access the data of the users in the US.

According to Tiktok, as of March 2023 there are 150 million monthly active users in the US.

Fakhar Zaman Nominated for ICC Men’s Player of the Month award

Image: ESPNCricinfo

After performing exceptionally well in OD matches and T20I matches again New Zealand, Pakistani batsman Fakhar Zaman has been nominated for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month Award.

For this award, the ICC has selected two batters who are in complete form and a spinner. Along with Zaman, the other two players in the list are Sri Lanka’s Prabath Jayasuriya and Kiwi’s Mark Chapman.

Fakhar Zaman spread his magic in the Rawalpindi stadium for Pakistan where the team scored their second highest ODI run-chase. He scored 180 runs to beat the 337 target against the New Zealand team. Zaman hit six great sixes and 17 boundaries in the match due to which Pakistan won the match with 10 balls.

Earlier in April, the left-hander hits 117 off 114 balls and played a great role in Pakistan’s victory.

Tea and Coffee: Which is Better for Your Health?

Tea vs. Coffee: Which is Better for Your Health?
Image via Pexels

Tea and coffee are two of the most popular beverages in the world, consumed by millions of people every day. Both drinks offer a range of potential health benefits, from improved cognitive function to reduced risk of chronic diseases. However, when it comes to which drink is better for your health, there is no clear answer. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of both tea and coffee to help you make an informed decision.

Tea

Tea is a popular beverage that is brewed from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. There are several types of tea, including green, black, white, and oolong, and each type has unique health benefits.

Benefits

One of the primary benefits of tea is that it contains high levels of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Tea also contains compounds that can improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Drawbacks

While tea is generally considered a healthy beverage, it can have some drawbacks. For example, tea contains caffeine, which can cause anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness in some people. Tea also contains tannins, which can inhibit the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron.

Coffee

Coffee is a popular beverage that is brewed from roasted coffee beans. Like tea, coffee has several potential health benefits, but it also has some drawbacks.

Benefits

One of the primary benefits of coffee is that it contains caffeine, which can help improve cognitive function and increase alertness. Coffee also contains antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Some studies have also suggested that coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and liver cancer.

Drawbacks

While coffee can have some health benefits, it can also have some drawbacks. For example, excessive coffee consumption can cause anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. Coffee can also increase the risk of heart disease in some people, particularly those who have high blood pressure or who are sensitive to caffeine.

Which is Better for Your Health?

When it comes to which drink is better for your health, there is no clear winner. Both tea and coffee have potential health benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for you depends on your individual health needs and preferences.

If you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake or if you are sensitive to caffeine, tea may be a better choice for you. If you are looking for a beverage that can help improve cognitive function or increase alertness, coffee may be a better choice. It’s also important to consider the type of tea or coffee you consume, as different types can have varying health benefits and drawbacks.

Both tea and coffee can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. It’s important to pay attention to your body’s reactions and adjust your consumption accordingly. Ultimately, the best choice for your health is one that aligns with your individual health needs and preferences.

5 Side Effects of Drinking Too Much Tea You Should Know About

Tea is a widely consumed beverage around the world, loved for its unique taste and many potential health benefits. However, like any other drink or food, too much of it can have negative side effects on your health. While tea has less caffeine than coffee, it still contains caffeine, and excessive consumption of caffeine can have several adverse effects on your health. In this article, we’ll explore five side effects of drinking too much tea that you should know about.

  1. Insomnia

One of the most well-known side effects of consuming too much tea is insomnia. The caffeine present in tea stimulates the central nervous system and can make you feel more alert and awake, which can make it harder to fall asleep. Drinking tea late in the day or in the evening can cause difficulty falling asleep, resulting in a lack of sleep and fatigue the next day.

  1. Dehydration

Tea is often touted as a healthy drink that can help hydrate your body. However, drinking too much tea can have the opposite effect and cause dehydration. Tea contains tannins, which can bind to water molecules and make them less available for the body to absorb. If you drink too much tea, you may end up losing more water than you take in, leading to dehydration.

  1. Anxiety and Nervousness

Excessive consumption of tea can lead to feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Caffeine can stimulate the release of adrenaline, which can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to feelings of jitteriness and nervousness, making it hard to focus or relax.

  1. Digestive Issues

Drinking too much tea can also lead to digestive issues, such as bloating, cramping, and diarrhea. Tea contains tannins, which can irritate the lining of the digestive system and lead to inflammation. Additionally, some types of tea, such as black tea, contain high levels of caffeine, which can also have a laxative effect.

  1. Iron Deficiency

Lastly, drinking too much tea can lead to iron deficiency. Tea contains compounds called tannins that can bind to iron, preventing it from being absorbed by the body. If you regularly drink tea with meals, especially if you have an iron-deficient diet, the tannins in tea can hinder your body’s ability to absorb iron, leading to iron deficiency.

Tea can be a healthy beverage when consumed in moderation. However, drinking too much tea can lead to several negative side effects, including insomnia, dehydration, anxiety, digestive issues, and iron deficiency. To avoid these side effects, it’s recommended that you limit your tea intake and choose decaffeinated options. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s tolerance to caffeine varies, so pay attention to your body’s reactions and adjust your tea consumption accordingly.

Bumper Wheat Production: Punjab Breaks its own 75-Year Record

Image: Business Recorder

Wheat production in Punjab reached 75-year high this year with 21 million tons of wheat ready to be cultivated in the upcoming months. The average production per acre also increased from 31 and half a ton to 33 tons per acre. With this high wheat production, Punjab has broken it’s own 75-year record.

While talking to a local TV, Punjab Agricultural Director General Dr. Anjum Ali said that the main factors behind the bumper production are seed subsidy and provision of quality fertilizer.

He also added that around 30,000 students from agricultural universities of Pakistan will be facilitating the cultivation process in November 2023.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already given the credit of 27.5 million metric tons of “bumper production” to the government’s timely decisions and Kissan Package. He also said that we provided qualify fertilizer, seeds and agricultural assistance which lead to this incredibly increased wheat production.

Prime Minister has congratulated the responsible authorities for the success.

Minister Refuses to Give VIP Hajj Facilities to MPs

Image: AFP

Talha Mehmood, Religious Affairs Minister, while addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday said that there will be no VIP Hajj Facilities for the members of parliament (MPs).

Mehmood said, “The facilities that will be provided to the common Hujjaj will also be provided to the MPs. I have clearly said that no one will perform Hajj for free, neither ministers nor parliamentarians under the VIP protocol.” He added that they will have to stay in same hotels or tents like all the other hujjaj.

Mahmood also said that he has firmly delivered the message to his team that whosoever will be found engaged in stealing in Saudi Arabia, their hands will be cut off.

He added, “Zamzam water was free before and it is still free but the government of Saudi Arabia is charging money for its packaging.”He further said that, “Our official Hajj quota was 60% and private Hajj quota was 40%”, however, only 179,210 Hajj applications were received this year, out of which 72,800 applications were for the government Hajj scheme. “All of them have been accepted and the applicants are being sent for Hajj.”

He also informed the Parliament that they had to surrender the left over quota to the Saudi government.“If we don’t surrender, we will have to pay for accommodation, food, transport and other expenses of 8,000 pilgrims, ” said Mehmood.