Hina Altaf recently updated her fans about her health status as she posted a few pictures on her Instagram leaving fans worried.
In a series of pictures posted on Instagram, the actress is seen posing in a red Farah Talib Aziz outfit adorned with delicate embroidery. The actress while looking poise can be seen a little frail. The actress in the Instagram caption of the post updated her fans about her health. As she mentioned that she is doing much better despite feeling weak and frail.
Fans were pouring their love and regards for the actress under her Instagram post as they were worried about the weak health of Hina Altaf. While asking what went wrong with her health.
Image source: InstagramImage source: Instagram
A few weeks ago Altaf posted a story on her account pleading her fans to pray for her health. Now that the actress is back on her feet, fans can’t wait to see regular content from her social media accounts.
One of the first things people ask when purchasing a smartphone these days is, ‘Is this PTA or Non-PTA’? The taxation on flagship smartphones has really put people into second thoughts on whether the investment is worthwhile or not. If we look at early 2021 and slightly before, the PTA tax on smartphones was not as high as it is now. The tax amount to unlock an iPhone 7+ (256GB) variant was around Rs.7,000/-. However, entering the last quarter of 2021 or first half of 2022, that tax amount increased to Rs.36,000/-.
If there was more than five times of an increase on iPhone 7+, people could only imagine what it was on the upcoming flagship phones. Now, in 2024, you will have to pay more than 3 lac in tax alone if you intend to purchase a PTA-approved iPhone 16. The phone itself is not any less, either, but stacking on the tax just puts it above the budget range.
Image Source: brecorder.com
Is the Tax Amount Justified?
Now, a person is left wondering if the purchase of a flagship smartphone really is worth the investment. However, it is not just on flagship phones that the tax is high, it can be seen specifically on phones that are imported. These include Apple, Samsung and Google Pixel phones. The products that are made and sold here, you might not see any tax on them. But, when it comes to these brands, the tax shoots sky high.
One can argue that the import tax is high because of the purchases that many people have been making, and less local purchases. However, there needs to be some incentive on local products too, if they want people to purchase locally assembled phones. Either that, or the authorities in charge can come up with some reduction on smartphone taxes, alongside some incentives for purchasing local.
Image Source: digitalrightsmonitor.pk
Adjusting The PTA Tax
Of course, the tax on local seems alright, but we do believe that there has to be some relaxation on the import PTA tax that is used to unlock the phone. Due to the high taxes, a lot of people carry around two phones, one PTA and one non-PTA. This also increases the risk of mugging.
If not a tax reduction, then there ought to be schemes in place that let these international brands establish themselves in Pakistan, diversifying the Pakistani tech market. There are quite a few ways to go about this and they ought to be explored.
Remember when the ability to send ‘view once’ messages became a thing on WhatsApp? Everyone was making use of this feature because of how interesting it was, especially because you could have quite a lot of fun with it. However, that is not the only interesting feature that WhatsApp came out with. Now, they have even released the ‘view once’ audio messages feature as well, people can send audios which can only be played once.
That said, WhatsApp has now come up with yet another feature for its users. This one lets them control what aspect of their application they wish to update and whether they wish to move forward or not. At one time, WhatsApp did not even have a dark mode, and a lot of people did not like the switch to it. Thus, if you are not ready to embrace a new update, you can now control that aspect!
Image Source: thehansindia.com
WhatsApp With New Update
In the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, users now have more control over how updates are handled. Yes, they can control whether the app automatically updates over Wi-Fi as soon as a new version is available, or let the user receive notifications to update. If a person does not immediately wish to update their WhatsApp due to losing a feature or if they are still getting used to the current version, they can hold the update.
If they choose to not update over Wi-Fi, then the application will not update unless it is prompted to. The Google PlayStore offers this feature but now it has been introduced as a standalone one in the application itself. A lot of people have not updated their WhatsApp in a while to not see the change in user interface, and this update can help them with future versions.
Image Source: allaboutcookies.org
Updating Depends On User
In the future, you might come across a WhatsApp update that you do not wish to pursue. In that case, you can just turn off automatic updates just for this application. Then, if there is an update worth pursuing after the next one, then you can allow updates and bypass the unsavory one, going direct to the newest one.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are still a good eight months away from their much-anticipated launch, the rumor mill is already buzzing with speculations and expectations. Let’s take a casual stroll through some of the exciting features and changes that are making waves as of January 2024.
Larger Displays
According to Ross Young, CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, both the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are set to sport larger displays. Measuring at 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. This size boost is expected to come with taller aspect ratios. Providing users with a more immersive visual experience. A step up from the iPhone 15 Pro models, indeed!
Rumors suggest that the iPhone 16 Pro models might flaunt more power-efficient OLED displays courtesy of Samsung. An upgrade that not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to better battery life – a win-win for users.
Source: 9to5Mac
The “Capture” Button
Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a new “Capture button” for all iPhone 16 models, dedicated to video recording. Nestled conveniently below the power button.This addition may prompt a relocation of the mmWave 5G antenna window on U.S. models.
Tech analyst Jeff Pu hints at an exciting upgrade to the camera system with a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens. This promises higher-resolution photos with impeccable detail, particularly when shooting in 0.5× mode.
Prepare for faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connectivity as the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to support Wi-Fi 7. With peak data transfer speeds expected to soar over 40 Gbps. This addition aligns with Apple’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.
A18 Pro Chip
Powered by the next-generation A18 Pro chip manufactured with TSMC’s second-generation 3nm process. The iPhone 16 Pro models promise a performance boost and improved energy efficiency.
Rumored to adopt a new thermal design, similar to recent Apple Watch models, the iPhone 16 Pro models aim for improved heat dissipation. With the battery potentially encased in a metal casing.
Source: Youtube
Equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X75 modem, the iPhone 16 Pro models promise faster and more power-efficient 5G connectivity. Supporting the “5G Advanced” standard.
Upgraded Microphone for Generative AI
Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo hints at an upgraded microphone in all iPhone 16 models, suggesting potential additions to Siri’s generative AI capabilities.
For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 16 Pro is rumored to feature a 5× optical zoom, expanding from the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s capabilities. Meanwhile, the Pro Max might go beyond 5× optical zoom with additional upgrades to its Telephoto lens.
As we eagerly await Apple’s official announcement in September, stay tuned for more updates on the iPhone 16 Pro models. The rumor mill is sure to churn out more exciting details, and our iPhone 16 Pro roundup will keep you in the loop with the latest information.
Standard Chartered to Digitise Haier Pakistan's Value Chain
Karachi, 15 January, 2024 – Standard Chartered Pakistan and Haier Pakistan have recently signed a strategic agreement to digitise Haier Pakistan’s value-chain and optimise their cashflows.
Standard Chartered will transform Haier Pakistan’s paper-based payments to a virtual account solution for their 1300 dealers; Enabling them to make real-time, round the clock payments digitally. The Bank is also providing Haier Pakistan with an API-based service for real time collection notifications which would allow them to release appliances/goods to their dealers instantly and enable their dealers to immediately obtain incentives of early payments.
Present at the signing ceremony were Shiraz Hyder, Head of Transaction Banking and Ali Haider Zaidi, Head of Global Subsidiaries from Standard Chartered Pakistan. Feng Xianfa, Chief Executive Officer, Zhang Hao, Chief Financial Officer, and Mohammad Faraz Khan, Director Finance joined the ceremony from Haier Pakistan.
Arslan Nayeem, Head of Client Coverage – Corporate Commercial and Institutional Banking (CCIB) for Standard Chartered Pakistan said, “We are committed to working closely with our clients to raise the bar on industry standards and empower them as we bank the business models of the future. As we continue to invest in our digital platforms to collaborate with clients like Haier Pakistan, providing them with smart digital solutions to solve real-time problems, we live up to our global commitment to be Here for Good.”
Mr Feng Xianfa, Chief Executive Officer of Haier Pakistan, expressed his gratitude to Standard Chartered Pakistan, for their support and for offering Haier Pakistan with an exceptionaldigital-banking platform, world-class solutions, and exceptional customer service. “With this ‘Virtual Account for Collection’ (VAC) solution coupled with Credit notification API for real time reconciliation, Haier Pakistan is now able to instantly realize their receivables. This digital receivables solution will help Haier Pakistan in optimising its financial-resources and achieve greater efficiencies.”
In a recent twist to the ongoing global health saga, Dr. Peter Daszak of the controversial non-profit organization EcoHealth Alliance revealed the discovery of a potential bat virus in Thailand during a World Health Organization (WHO) meeting on January 14, 2024. The research group under Dr. Daszak’s leadership has been previously linked to experiments in Wuhan, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the findings.
High Exposure and Real Emergence Risk
The unidentified virus was unearthed in a cave in Thailand, where local farmers have been using bat feces as fertilizer for their fields. Dr. Daszak underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “We found a lot of SARS-related coronaviruses, but one in particular we found was quite common in bats where people were commonly exposed.” He elaborated on the potential risk, emphasizing, “We consider this to be a potential zoonotic pathogen. Here we have a virus in bats, right now in a cave used by people highly exposed to bat feces. And this virus is shed in bat feces, so there is a real potential for emergence.”
Source: Smothsonian Magzine
It’s important to note that Dr. Daszak, a British-born scientist, has consistently dismissed the lab leak theory, maintaining that the coronavirus has natural origins. As the world grapples with a surge in coronavirus cases, with a 42% increase in hospitalizations across 50 countries, the emergence of a new potential zoonotic pathogen raises concerns about the ongoing battle against infectious diseases.
JN.1 Variant: A Growing Concern
This revelation comes against the backdrop of the JN.1 Covid variant, first identified in France in September, which now accounts for approximately 60% of new infections in early January. The World Health Organization has classified JN.1 as a “variant of interest,” recognizing its rapid spread while stating that it poses a “low” global public health risk.
Source: CNN
Initially part of the BA.2.86 sub-lineages, the JN.1 sub-variant was previously categorized as a variant of interest (VOI). However, WHO has emphasized that the global public health risk posed by JN.1 remains low. With the ongoing evolution of viruses and the discovery of potential threats in unexpected places like Thai caves, the need for vigilant monitoring and international cooperation in addressing emerging infectious diseases becomes more crucial than ever.
The pitch-perfect harmony within the Pakistani cricket team seems to be facing a test, as senior players are not having good terms with director Mohammad Hafeez. During the ongoing the New Zealand tour, whispers of discontent are growing louder, primarily directed at Mohammad Hafeez’s stringent approach.
The discontent finds its roots in team meetings where the long team-meetings led by Mohammad Hafeez are becoming a point of contention. Senior players, already burdened with the pressure of the game, are expressing frustration at what they perceive as waste of time, disrupting the team’s environment.
Beyond the management issues, senior players are also at loggerheads with Hafeez over the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for upcoming franchise leagues.
Source: PCB
NOCs are the golden tickets in the cricketing world, that pave the way for players to participate in lucrative T20 leagues worldwide. While the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan smoothly secured their NOCs for ILT20 by PCB, trouble brewed when some cricketers sought clearance for the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Mohammad Hafeez’s hesitancy to greenlight these requests has left several players teetering on the edge of uncertainty for their participation in the league.
While the current unrest is in its early stages, there is potential for the issues to escalate, with the final of the ILT20 coinciding with the opening match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 on February 17.
Notably, Pakistan cricket team is currently in New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, where they have lost first two T20Is.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
Azam Khan has been criticized heavily over the past week for his lacklustre performance in the T20Is against New Zealand. The 25-year-old batter is known for his explosive hitting. However, he has yet to set the stage on fire in his brief T20I career.
Azam Khan has batted in, six T20I innings and scored a meagre 19 runs at a strike rate of 76. What’s more concerning is that a player who is known for his six-hitting abilities has not hit a single six in 25 balls he faced so far.
With two failures in two games, many critics have already started questioning his potential for international cricket.
However, Pakistan’s batting coach Adam Hollioake showed confidence in Azam’s abilities after the second T20I.
“Azam Khan is a destructive batsman, I mean unfortunately tonight he came in and he really needed to go straight away and he got out. One of those things where if it works you look great if it doesn’t work you look stupid,” said Hollioake.
Azam Khan might not get the nod for the third T20I against New Zealand, with some reports indicating Haseebullah’s inclusion.
Azam Khan is likely to be dropped from the third T20I against New Zealand, Haseeb Ullah could make his debut for Pakistan. Iftikhar Ahmed will keep his place in the side [Ejaz Bakhri] 🇵🇰
Azam Khan got out again without performing. He now averages 3.8 after playing 6 innings in 7 T20Is having scored 19 runs. What an amazing talent he is. Pakistan is lucky to have him represent our national team.
Azam Khan made multiple comebacks. He goes back to domestic cricket, gives massive performances in domestic, gets picked for Pakistan but fails again in international cricket. Azam should not become a domestic bully.🤦 #NZvPAK
Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed found himself in hot waters after a fan called him ‘Chachu’ during the second T20I against New Zealand. The all-rounder got so enraged that he abused the fan and gave him a shut-up call, which went viral across social media.
The incident happened during the first innings when New Zealand batters were throwing Pakistan bowlers all around Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Iftikhar Ahmed was fielding near the boundary when he heard a Pakistani fan calling him ‘chachu’. This did not sit well with the 33-year-old player, who might be angry already due to their bowlers getting hammered.
Iftikhar Ahmed responded angrily, to which the fan said ‘We are your fans.’ However, Iftikhar abused him and asked him to shut up in Urdu ‘Khamosh reh’.
Despite the incident, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 194/8 in 20 overs on the scoreboard. Finn Allen’s brilliant knock of 75 off 41 balls played a crucial role in setting up a substantial target for Pakistan, with Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson (25) and Mitchell Santner (26) contributing with the bat.
In response, the Pakistan team bowled out at 173 as only three batters reached double figures. Iftikhar Ahmed managed only four runs from eight balls. Babar Azam (66) and Fakhar Zaman (50) were the only batters who showed some grit before Shaheen Afridi’s 22-run cameo.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
Tapmad, being the premier streaming platform in Pakistan, continues to solidify its standing in the Over-The-Top (OTT) industry by acquiring and offering the exclusive HD, Ad-Free streaming rights for highly anticipated series – New Zealand V Pakistan T20 International for its viewers in Pakistan. This strategic move solidifies Tapmad’s position as the go-to platform for sports enthusiasts, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in delivering exclusive and premium content.
Cricket enthusiasts in Pakistan are in for a treat as Tapmad, the leading OTT platform, will provide ad-free streaming for its subscribers, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Tapmad commits to providing unparalleled access to cricketing action to all sports fanatics, whether subscribed or opting for the free ads-included viewing option, ensuring that no one misses the excitement of this landmark series.
These matches, brimming with excitement, skill, and cricketing drama, mark a historic moment as they introduce Shaheen Shah Afridi as Pakistan’s captain, taking the reins from the esteemed Babar Azam. The left-arm pace sensation is set to lead the team in what promises to be a thrilling clash between two cricketing powerhouses.
As the highly anticipated New Zealand vs Pakistan series takes center stage, Tapmad ensures a seamless streaming experience for its subscribers, to an extensive array of sports events. Users can enjoy ad-free HD streaming of marquee events, including the India vs Afghanistan T20i series, EPL, and Seria A, providing a binging opportunity to be fully engrossed in the game without any interruptions.
Tapmad’s reputation for delivering the most significant sporting spectacles precedes itself, having featured mega events such as PSL, IPL, Asia Cup, and the ICC Cricket World Cup last year. The platform’s commitment to providing a comprehensive sports package is unwavering, catering to the diverse tastes of the Pakistani audience.
Beyond sports, Tapmad offers a vast world of entertainment, featuring Urdu Dubbed movies, TV shows, Live channels, Kids content, and more. With a diverse content library, the platform ensures there is something for everyone, making it a go-to destination for a digital adventure.
Binge watch your sports events, now one tap away at tapmad.com.
The respected minister, Arshad Wali Muhammad, praised Aneeqa Bashir, who cares a lot about the environment, on behalf of the Sindh Ministry of Tourism, Environment, and Climate Change in recognition of her work in preserving Pakistan’s green heritage.
They liked how she worked hard to protect Pakistan’s natural beauty and they thanked her for all the good things she’s done.
Aneeqa Bashir spearheads a campaign aimed at documenting and safeguarding centuries-old Banyan trees, designating them as essential national green heritage. Her steadfast mission focuses on preserving the nation’s green legacy and elevating environmental awareness. Platforms like Agreenerpakistan.org and projectbanyantrees.com, under her guidance, play a crucial role in fostering awareness about the importance of safeguarding our green heritage.
Aneeqa actively writes numerous articles shedding light on the profound effects of climate change and pollution in Pakistan. Her goal is to inspire the youth to become proactive caretakers of the environment. Through workshops, she enlightens Pakistan’s youth on environmental issues, empowering them to make positive contributions. A recycling network, overseen by Aneeqa, further reinforces her commitment to sustainable practices.
Aneeqa envisions the Youth Environmental Responsibility Act, drawing inspiration from successful models in Switzerland and the Philippines. The visionary bill proposes making tree planting and care a prerequisite for graduation. Under her ‘A Greener Pakistan’ initiative, Aneeqa aims to establish private-public partnerships, creating job opportunities in the climate sector for the lower-income demographic.
Aneeqa’s innovative projects include pairing heritage trees with interested users for plantation or restoration. This interaction allows users to become caretakers, ensuring the long-term health of Banyan trees and adherence to local biodiversity. Her proactive approach extends to addressing water waste management and pollution in upcoming projects, showcasing unwavering passion and determination.
Aneeqa’s impactful efforts were acknowledged by the SDGs Academy, earning her the title of a national changemaker climate hero. Key figures, including Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and former Forest Minister Taimur Talpur, have lauded her mission for a greener Pakistan.
Aneeqa Bashir stands as a beacon, guiding us towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Her journey reflects a powerful narrative of environmental stewardship, inspiring others to join the movement for a greener and healthier planet.
A progressive society is one that does not pressure people into specific roles based on gender and allows everyone to function well. This means that a male should not only be associated with outdoor chores and a female with indoor ones. It should be considered okay for a person to do both indoor and outdoor work, irrespective of their gender. That said, in a post gone viral, many desi men are highlighting the ways they do chores and home and contribute at home.
It is quite a wholesome moment to see that people do not shy away from household chores, that many consider to be tiresome. Of course, there can always be something about household chores a person does not like, but that does not meant that the chores cannot be done. In fact, so many people have stepped up to highlight all that they do around the house instead of just sitting.
Image Source: womansday.com
Desi Men Doing Chores
Some of the chores that were highlighted in the post were,
Buying groceries
Cooking food on weekends
Getting garbage out
Washing the car
Cleaning clothes in washing machine and put them to dry out.
Cleaning bathroom weekly
Change bed sheets
Making juice in the morning for loved ones
Bring in dried clothes, fold them and collect them at one place so they are easier to sort.
And many more.
Of course, a lot of these tasks are quite general ones and they should not be praised just for doing these tasks. However, it must be pointed out that it certainly shows progression from when desi men decide to sit home and expect everyone else to work. Among those people, these people are the ones who are setting good examples by contributing to their share of the house.
Image Source: huffpost.com
Equality Is Important
For many, it was refreshing to see that desi men are contributing to household chores just like anyone else. Of course, there are always those who bring a negative space to a positive one, and you can find them on wholesome posts like these too. That said, we should never discourage someone for doing something nice, kind or wholesome that the society considers otherwise.
Islamabad 12th January, 2023: Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading digital communication company, has signed a corporate partnership agreement with ASA Pakistan Limited, a leading Microfinance Bank, to provide data and voice services for their customers.
Zong Business team strives to provide each client with industry-leading tailored solutions that can enhance their business productivity and streamline their processes. This partnership was finalized with a signing ceremony conducted on 2nd November 2023 at ASA microfinance bank Pakistan ltd head office in Karachi. Mr. Farooq Raza Khan, Director Govt. & Corporate Sales & Services Zong CMPAK and CEO ASA Pakistan Mr. Saeed Uddin Khan signed the partnership on behalf of their respective organizations.
The Official Spokesperson of Zong 4G added, “Our partnership with ASA Pakistan (MFB) Limited is a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation. We are dedicated to providing our customers with customized GSM and data products that cater to their communication needs.”
Mr. Saeed Uddin Khan, CEO ASA Pakistan, emphasized the importance of telecom services for his company and discussed the benefits of Zong 4G’s services. “Zong 4G’s seamless services will help ASA Pakistan (MFB) Limited users to improve their productivity and drive business growth”.
Ministry of Finance and Karandaaz Pakistan launch NCGCL, Pakistan's first specialised Credit Guarantee Company for SMEs
ISLAMABAD, January 12, 2024: National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGCL) will be the first-ever specialised market-based SME credit guarantee facility for enhancing SMEs’ access to finance in Pakistan, said Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, the caretaker minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs, on the launch of Pakistan’s first specialised credit guarantee company for SMEs in collaboration with Karandaz.
During her keynote address, Dr Shamshad Akhtar emphasised the importance of enhanced SME credit, which at present stands at 5.2% of the total private credit in Pakistan. She underscored that with over 1.5 million SMEs and an estimated market size exceeding PKR 3.7 trillion, the NCGCL will craft products to de-risk SME financing, collaborating with financial institutions to bolster credit availability across diverse market segments. This transformative initiative aims to revolutionise SME credit accessibility across Pakistan, leveraging capital allocation for SMEs to generate higher economic growth, employment, and development impact.
Addressing the audience, Ms Jane Marriott, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, highlighted NCGCL’s core objectives: extending financial inclusion and fortifying SME credit penetration. The NCGCL’s initial capitalisation of approximately PKR 6 billion, exclusively provided by the UK Government under its Financial Inclusion Program, underscores the UK’s commitment to this cause.
Mr Waqas ul Hasan, CEO Karandaaz, shared that Karandaaz specialises in the creation of development finance instruments which push the needle for making capital available to underserved individuals and firms. NCGCL will have the ability to partner with full range of bank and non-bank financial institutions and will pursue financial inclusion agenda with well-defined development impact objectives.
Focusing on developmental goals and economic sustainability, the NCGCL anticipates nearly PKR 50 billion additional exposure in the Pakistani market. Given that SMEs create jobs, contribute to economic growth and exports, NCGCL is expected to create significant impact for the country.
Karandaaz Pakistan is committed to fostering financial access for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through diverse investment platforms, promoting technological solutions for financial inclusion. Leveraging a portfolio of debt and equity instruments, it actively supports SME finance in Pakistan.
Notable attendees at the event included representatives from the British High Commission Islamabad, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), State Bank of Pakistan and the Ministry of Finance, underscoring the collaborative commitment towards fortifying SME credit and financial inclusion.
It is quite commendable to see the some of the initiatives that are being introduced by the government to help people earn. Yes, we have another piece of news with us that is good news for freelancers all over Pakistan. According to sources, the government of Pakistan is coming up with an ingenious way to make sure that PayPal payments start to enter Pakistan. It is not easy to get a job in the current economic times and job uncertainty is higher than ever.
A lot of people live under a constant fear that they may wake up and not have a job, God Forbid. However, due to this, freelance work is increasing more and more in the country, with people learning extra skills to support their households. To cater to the increasing demand of freelance, the government has decided to introduce an initiative. Pakistan’s IT and Telecommunication Minister, Dr. Umar Saif, announced a pilot project allowing 10,000 freelancers to receive PayPal payments starting in February.
Image Source: jobstreet.com
PayPal Payments Incoming
Freelancers won’t need a PayPal account; payments will be channeled through a third party, with funds deposited directly into their accounts. This means that, while PayPal is not coming to Pakistan directly, people here can receive payments made it to it through a third party channel. The government has established E-Rozgaar centers through a public-private partnership, aiming to enhance freelancers’ productivity and boost Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
These E-Rozgaar centers are aimed to provide employment and assistance to the people who are trying to earn a living through means of attaining new tech skills. More than 250 E-Rozgaar centers are planned, with 40 centers expected to be operational by February 19, 2024. Other than that, there is also another good news with the PayPal initiative. The IT industry will implement a 50% dollar retention policy, allowing freelancers to keep half of their earnings in dollars and providing them with a debit card for domestic or international spending.
Image Source; erozgaar.pitb.gov.pk
Providing Economic Stability
To be able to receive payments through PayPal and retain half of their earnings in dollars means good things for a lot of freelancers. This way they can spend their earned capital in rupees and have savings in another currency too. The government is conducting standardized quality tests for 75,000 IT graduates, offering job opportunities through the Industry Placement Program for successful candidates.
The government is also going to give a stipend to the individuals who are part of this program. Additionally, the company that hires them will also be given cash rewards by the government. A focus on skill development includes training 16,000 individuals for international certifications in technologies like Salesforce, Cisco, Microsoft, and Oracle financials, to meet industry demands and increase IT revenue. In March, the program will be expanded to provide nationwide access to PayPal and Stripe payments for freelancers.
In the ever-evolving world of messaging apps, WhatsApp is gearing up to introduce a splash of color to its platform. The latest WhatsApp beta for iOS, version 24.1.10.70, has teased a forthcoming feature that allows users to customize their WhatsApp theme with five vibrant colors: Green, Blue, White, Pink, and Purple. While the palette might seem somewhat limited, it’s a significant step towards personalizing the messaging experience for millions of users.
Breaking Down the Colors
The anticipated feature, as reported by the insightful WABetaInfo platform, promises users a fuss-free way to revamp their WhatsApp interface. The color options include a soothing Green, a familiar Blue, a not-too-bright White (to spare your eyeballs), a playful Pink, and a regal Purple. This eclectic mix caters to different tastes and preferences, providing users with a modest yet meaningful array of choices.
Source: Phone Arena
The journey towards personalized themes began with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.21.1.70 update, which hinted at a revamped interface with new colors and icons. The initial introduction of a green tint color met with mixed reviews, prompting the developers to expand the color palette beyond the green-or-blue dilemma. Now, the upcoming update aims to offer users a broader spectrum of choices, ensuring that everyone can find a color that resonates with their style.
Accessibility Hand in Hand
According to the leaked information and screenshots, WhatsApp plans to introduce a dedicated section where users can effortlessly choose their preferred main branding color. This not only allows users to align the app with their personality but also enhances accessibility. For individuals with visual impairments or specific color preferences based on personal comfort, the ability to customize the main branding color adds a new layer of user-friendliness to the platform.
WhatsApp Personalization
There are hints that WhatsApp might eventually allow users to go beyond changing the main branding color and venture into personalizing bubble colors in conversations. This ambitious move, if implemented, would take personalization to a whole new level, allowing users to infuse their digital conversations with a touch of their unique style.
Source: All thing How
As WhatsApp continues to evolve, these upcoming features promise to make the messaging experience not only more visually appealing but also more tailored to individual preferences. The ability to paint your WhatsApp in a spectrum of colors is a small yet impactful step towards a more personalized and inclusive messaging platform. Stay tuned for updates as WhatsApp looks set to embrace a more colorful future.
In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft has edged past Apple to become the world’s most valuable public company by market value. The tech giants have been engaged in a close race, and Microsoft’s momentary victory today marks a shift in the dynamics of the market. With Apple’s share price experiencing a minor one percent dip, Microsoft seized the opportunity, achieving a market value of $2.87 trillion, a feat that has not been seen since 2018.
Microsoft’s Brief Overtakes
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has momentarily taken the lead. Similar instances occurred in 2020 and 2021, with disruptions in Apple’s supply chain affecting its stock prices while Microsoft thrived amidst a surge in remote working demands. Microsoft’s strategic support for artificial intelligence tools, particularly its backing of OpenAI, has played a pivotal role in propelling its market value over the past year. Interestingly, Apple’s equivalent offerings in the AI domain have been noticeably lacking, potentially contributing to its recent setback.
Source: Yahoo Finance
The recent November earnings report from Apple painted a picture of unmet expectations. Sales results fell short as demand for iPads and wearables failed to meet projections, and Mac revenue experienced a significant decline compared to the previous year. The market is now awaiting responses to Apple’s Vision Pro headset, although expectations are tempered due to low sales forecasts and the device’s high price point.
Earnings Report Insights
However, as the day unfolded, Apple swiftly regained its status as the most valuable company by market capitalization, closing at $2.89 trillion, slightly ahead of Microsoft’s $2.86 trillion. The back-and-forth jostling for the top spot may continue in the coming days and weeks, as the two tech giants remain closely matched in terms of value.
Source: Geekwire
The volatile nature of the market and the tech industry, in particular, highlights the ongoing competition between these industry behemoths. Investors and tech enthusiasts will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the market dynamics, eager to see how the rivalry unfolds in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance.
Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has vehemently criticized a social media page for circulating fake quotes falsely attributed to him regarding the Pakistan’s performance in the recently-concluded Test series against Australia.
The World Cup-winning player, who worked as a broadcaster for local Australian news outlet Fox Cricket, has been under the radar of Pakistan fans for his alleged criticism directed towards the Pakistan side.
The bogus quote came to the limelight after Pakistan succumbed to yet another Test series whitewash on Australian soil.
The fake quote by Adam Gilchrist stated: “Pakistan is the worst Asian team in Australian conditions. What have they won here in the last 35 years.”
Pakistan is the Worst Asian Team in Australian Conditions, What they won here in last 35 Years? India Won the Test Matches in South Africa they won the Series in Australia too: Adam Gilchrist pic.twitter.com/t5XcVjWFZM
Refuting these allegations, Gilchrist took to his social media accounts to clarify the situation. He acknowledged Pakistan’s competitiveness against the reigning World Champions and highlighted their progress.
“I never said this. Absolutely fake, made-up quotes. Pakistan were excellent at times this summer, against a World Champion Aust team and very nearly pinched a Test or two,” Gilchrist wrote on X.
I never said this. Absolutely fake, made up quotes. Pakistan were excellent at times this summer, against a World Champion Aust team and very nearly pinched a Test or two. #fakenews#ignorepic.twitter.com/DsQ9KUINIr
Despite the Test series loss against Australia, Pakistan exhibited significant improvement, with standout performances from Aamir Jamal during his debut series, claiming 18 wickets.
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Pakistan’s T20I captain, Shaheen Afridi, has recently blamed speed guns in Australia for his reduced pace during the Test series. The left-armer shed light on the team’s challenges during the Test series in Australia. Currently in New Zealand for a five-match T20I series, Pakistan faced a whitewash in Australia, losing all three Tests.
Throughout the series, injuries plagued Pakistan, leading to difficulties in assembling a first-choice bowling attack. Notable players like Abrar Ahmed and Naseem Shah were unavailable, and concerns over Afridi’s fitness emerged, prompting discussions about potential repercussions on his pace.
Shaheen Afridi was criticized throughout the series for his slower bowling speed and lack of energy. However, he refuted those claims and put the blame on speed guns.
Source: Cricinfo
In a pre-match press conference before the first T20I against New Zealand, Afridi expressed surprise at the speed gun readings in Australia. Speed guns showed him bowling in early to mid-130s, while he used to bowl in 150s before that. This prompted suggestions from Waqar Younis about Afridi potentially taking time off to avoid transitioning into a medium-pacer.
“To be honest, when we were bowling, we were watching the board [big screen] ourselves,” Afridi said. “‘Are we really this [slow]?’ We couldn’t understand. We had been bowling since the start, putting in so much effort, yet the speeds were coming up to 132-133 [kph].
“We were surprised and were thinking ‘Has it been decided [by the broadcasters] that the speed gun won’t go above this?’”
– Hafeez blamed DRS – Mickey Arthur blamed DJ – Pakistan fans blamed pitch & crowd
But here's the real gem:
Shaheen Afridi blames speed guns for his low medium pace during test series in Australia lmao 😆🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/Yxlw0aPPOh
Afridi ended the series with eight wickets from two games at an average of 41.62. Aamer Jamal, making his debut, emerged as the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan with 18 wickets from three games at 20.44.
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The exclusion of the wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Haris, from Pakistan’s squad for the New Zealand T20I series created a buzz last month, leaving fans frustrated.
Renowned for his explosive batting prowess, the 22-year-old quickly carved a niche as one of the most promising T20 batters, leaving an indelible mark in leagues worldwide. However, chief selector Wahab Riaz said that he was not dropped but rested for the New Zealand series.
Mohammad Haris has now claimed that he was left in the dark regarding the reasoning behind this decision. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his omission, Haris remains resilient and optimistic, addressing the situation during a recent media event.
Mohammad Haris in T20Is for Pakistan: 126 runs in 9 inns @ 14.00 ave and 127.27 SR ✔️
Haris says he has no idea why he was dropped or what wrong he did. But chief selector @WahabViki said in his press conference that Haris was not dropped, but he was rested. Strange 👀 #NZvsPAKpic.twitter.com/XPp5LERxIh
In response to the unexpected exclusion, Haris candidly stated, “Even I don’t know when and where I performed badly in T20Is. There are ups and downs.”
“Sometimes, players in the backup perform better than you, so they deserve a chance. It is healthy competition, and I hope to perform well in PSL and grab the opportunity.”
Haris said that he views the situation as part of the game, recognizing the healthy competition within the team. He expressed determination to use this period to analyze his performance, identify areas of improvement, and enhance his skillset.
“I am not sad about being dropped as this is part of the game. These things make you stronger. I have gotten time to analyze my mistakes and improve my skillset,” added Haris.
Mohammad Haris is part of Peshawar Zalmi and will be focused to perform in upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) to make a comeback.
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