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  • Sindh govt allocates Rs10 billion for buying 500 hybrid buses

    Sindh govt allocates Rs10 billion for buying 500 hybrid buses

    The Sindh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, has taken a significant step towards enhancing the public transportation system by allocating a substantial amount of Rs10 billion in the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. This allocation is specifically aimed at procuring 500 hybrid buses, which are known for their superior environmental performance and fuel efficiency.

    In addition to the allocation for hybrid buses, the provincial Transport Department has been granted a total of Rs13.4 billion. Within this allocation, Rs6.1 billion has been earmarked for the development of the ‘Intra-District Peoples’ Bus Service,’ which will greatly benefit commuters within the province. Furthermore, Rs2 billion has been dedicated to the maintenance of transport infrastructure, ensuring the sustainability and longevity of the transportation network.

    Recognising the importance of expanding the reach of public transportation, the PPP-led government has also allocated Rs600 million for the establishment of new routes. This investment will provide greater accessibility and convenience to the residents of Sindh.

    Moreover, keeping in mind the needs of the employees at the Sindh secretariat, the government plans to initiate three new routes from the following year, with a budget provision of Rs6 million. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving the transportation options available to its citizens and creating a conducive work environment for the public servants.

    During the budget session in the Sindh Assembly, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also serves as the Finance Minister, presented the overall budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. The total outlay of the budget for the province is estimated at an impressive Rs2244 billion, reflecting the government’s dedication to promoting growth and development across various sectors.

    The decision to procure hybrid buses stands out as a commendable choice by the Sindh government. Hybrid buses offer numerous advantages over conventional buses, particularly in terms of environmental impact and cost savings. By utilising both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, hybrid buses significantly reduce harmful emissions, making them more environmentally friendly.

    Additionally, their fuel efficiency leads to lower operational costs, saving valuable resources in the long run. These hybrid buses will not only provide a reliable and comfortable mode of transportation but also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the residents of Sindh.

    Overall, the budget allocation for the procurement of hybrid buses showcases the Sindh government’s commitment to modernising public transportation and promoting sustainable practices. It is a positive step towards enhancing the quality of life for the people of Sindh and reducing the carbon footprint of the province.

  • Indian model crushed to death by falling iron pillar at fashion show

    Indian model crushed to death by falling iron pillar at fashion show

    Indian model Vanshika Chopra was crushed to death by an iron pillar while walking down the fashion runway in Noida on Sunday.

    According to NDTV, the iron pillar, which was erected for lightning purposes, fell on stage during the show, killing the model instantly. Another man, Bobby Raj, was also gravely injured at the scene and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

    The police informed the media that the organisers of the show, along with four other people, have been arrested. He added that the deceased’s brother has filed a complaint against the management of the studio.

    “Vanshika’s death has been informed to her family members. The body has been sent for postmortem. In this regard, the police have arrested the fashion show organiser and 4 people involved in the lighting work,” said Mohan Awasthi, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Police, Noida.

  • Here are some tips to remember as Cyclone Biparjoy reaches Karachi

    Here are some tips to remember as Cyclone Biparjoy reaches Karachi

    Authorities in Karachi are on high alert as Geo reported today that residents of Defence Housing Authority have been warned to take precautionary measures after Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea moves closer to the coast.

    Residents are being advised to keep their basements and windows shut and call DHA helpline 1092 in case of any emergency.

    A a list of requirements in case of emergency has also been shared on their Twitter account.

    As authorities prepare for the worse, citizens of Karachi on Twitter are sending each other advise in order to help prepare in case the worst situation happens. Twitter user Sabah Bano Malik began this trend when she asked her followers what things to keep in mind as the cyclone approaches the city:

    “As someone whose never experienced a cyclone what do I do,” she wrote.

    Whether it is having a prepared kit or stocking up, Karachi citizens came forward with the best tips:

    https://twitter.com/whereizmydeath/status/1667939730250686464?s=20
  • ‘No need to panic’: PM Shehbaz hopes Pakistan and IMF will sign deal this month

    ‘No need to panic’: PM Shehbaz hopes Pakistan and IMF will sign deal this month

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated on Sunday that Pakistan has successfully fulfilled all the prerequisites set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to revive the halted bailout program. He expressed confidence that no obstacles remain in finalising a staff-level agreement between the nation and the IMF, emphasising that Pakistan is committed to resolving its financial challenges.

    During the inauguration of the Sabzazar Sports Complex in Lahore, Prime Minister Shehbaz hinted at a contingency plan, stating, “If there are further delays in reaching an agreement with the IMF, I will address the situation.” He urged the public not to panic, assuring them that Pakistan will be safeguarded by the divine will of Allah. He expressed hope that the government and the IMF will achieve a staff-level agreement within the current month.

    Highlighting the significance of political stability, the Prime Minister emphasised its crucial role in ensuring economic stability. He pledged to bring about economic prosperity in the country under the leadership of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.

    In strong criticism of the former ruling party, Prime Minister Shehbaz held deposed Prime Minister Imran Khan responsible for the events of May 9 and vowed to bring all those involved in the violent protests and attacks on civil and military installations to justice.

  • ‘No issue, lelo tissue’ : Irfan Pathan is fed up of Pakistani trolling

    ‘No issue, lelo tissue’ : Irfan Pathan is fed up of Pakistani trolling

    Former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan has expressed anger at being trolled by Pakistani fans on Twitter.

    Pathan, who regularly trolls Pakistani fans himself, became the target of trolling after India’s humiliating 209-run loss against Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2023 at the Oval Stadium, London.

    It has been a decade since India last succeeded in winning an ICC event.

    https://twitter.com/babarazamking_/status/1667894586050596864?s=20

    Pathan expressed his displeasure towards the Pakistan fans who flooded his social media timeline with celebrations of arch-rival India’s defeat.

    The former pacer recalled his previous ‘GRACE’ tweet during last year’s ICC T20 World Cup and confidently asserted that his assessment of Pakistan fans was entirely accurate.

    “Suddenly, all the padosi [neighbours] are entering my timeline with happiness cos team India lost the WTC FINAL. I was so right abt them..,” Pathan wrote.

    Last year, after Pakistan successfully qualified for the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 by defeating New Zealand, Pathan strongly criticized their fans for their lack of “grace.”

  • ‘Country will take off after Nawaz Sharif returns’: Maryam Nawaz

    ‘Country will take off after Nawaz Sharif returns’: Maryam Nawaz

    Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President, Maryam Nawaz, criticised Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan on Sunday, accusing him of being the mastermind of the May 9 riots.

    Addressing a public rally in Shujabad, she further said that Imran is now begging for forgiveness.

    Calling the events of May 9- when PTI supporters clashed with law enforcement agencies- “painful”, Maryam Nawaz observed that it was good that the enemy of the country has been recognized. “The chapter of temptation and mischief is closed. Now the journey of development will begin,” she said.

    She also said that hands that build the country do not vandalize the country, rather they vandalize the vandals, promising that the country will take off after her father, former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, returns to Pakistan.

    Maryam Nawaz was also given a gold tiara and a traditional chadar at the workers convention.

  • Australia crowned World Test Champions after thrashing India by 209 runs

    Australia crowned World Test Champions after thrashing India by 209 runs

    Australia thrashed India in the World Test Championship (WTC) in England, galloping to victory with a huge margin of 209 runs to bag the WTC mace.

    On day four at the Oval, the Indian team was unable to chase down the target of 444 runs, scoring only 243 runs, losing seven wickets on only 77 runs.
    Virat Kohli remains on top from the Indian side, scored 49 runs. Ajinkya Rahane scored 46 and captain Rohit Sharma managed to ass 43 runs to the total.

    For Australia, Nathan Lyon took four catches in the second innings while Scott Boland took 3 wickets, Mitchell Starc took two and Pat Cummins dismissed one.

    Australia had scored 469 runs in the first innings while the second innings was declared at 270 runs for 8 wickets after the Indian team was out by scoring 296 runs in the first innings.

  • ‘Security forces raiding our houses in the middle of the night’: Imran Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has criticised the government for grave human rights violations in the country, which according to Khan, we only used to hear in Indian occupied Kashmir.

    “Whenever our Holy Prophet (PBUH) would go for battle, there were strict instructions that women, children and elders were not to be harmed. Today, our own security forces are raiding our houses in the middle of the night, breaking doors, vandalising the house and robbing it,” wrote the former pm in a tweet.

    “Women are abused, harassed and threatened and if the person is not there then their boys, fathers and even servants are picked up and jailed. My sisters driver and cook Rahim were picked up when the police couldn’t find her son. Both were jailed where they were packed like sardines.”

    Rahim suffered breathing problems and since his release he has been on the ventilator fighting for his life. Clearly those who are responsible for this reign of terror feel they are above law. We used to hear about such grave violations of human rights in Indian occupied Kashmir but never imagined this would be happening here. While this policy might have temporarily spread fear amongst the people, it’s only a matter of time before this seething hatred comes out in the open.

    Earlier, in an interview with a local media news publication, Imran said, “A semi-martial law is already in place in the country” and “everything is happening on the wishes of those in power”. He passed the remarks while talking about the use of the Army Act against civilians.

  • First-ever discounted Russian crude oil cargo arrives in Karachi

    First-ever discounted Russian crude oil cargo arrives in Karachi

    Under a newly established agreement between Islamabad and Moscow, the inaugural shipment of discounted Russian crude oil arrived in Karachi on Sunday, marking the beginning of enhanced trade relations between the two nations.

    Departing from Russia over a month ago, the oil cargo reached Pakistan via Oman. Officials announced that the unloading process would commence on Monday, with the oil undergoing processing at the Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL).

    During its lengthy voyage, the 100,000 metric ton oil shipment was divided into two parts in Oman due to the Karachi port’s limited capacity to accommodate larger vessels. Subsequently, two smaller ships, each carrying 50,000 metric tons of oil, embarked on their journey to Karachi.

    Upon the cargo’s arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his enthusiasm on Twitter, describing Sunday as a “transformative day” and affirming the fulfillment of his commitment to the nation.

    He expressed the belief that these developments would contribute incrementally to prosperity, economic growth, energy security, and affordability. The Prime Minister further recognised and commended all those involved in this national endeavor who helped turn the promise of Russian oil imports into reality.

    Sources indicate that this Russian oil shipment will not be subject to the existing domestic oil pricing mechanism in the country. Consequently, the PRL will assume the benefits or losses associated with the Russian oil. Additionally, the sources stated that this shipment serves as a test case to evaluate the quality of the crude oil and the ratio of refined products. A report will be submitted to the federal government to inform future decisions regarding long-term commercial oil agreements.

    Pakistan had secured its order for the initial cargo of Russian crude oil at a discounted rate of up to $18 per barrel. Following the Platts crude oil prices, Islamabad applied a discount ranging from $16 to $18 per barrel, according to insider information.

  • Apple may launch a cheaper version of Vision Pro next year

    Apple may launch a cheaper version of Vision Pro next year

    Apple made a grand announcement at WWDC this week, unveiling their revolutionary Vision Pro spatial computer. With a hefty price tag of $3,500, this cutting-edge device won’t hit the shelves until early 2024. However, Apple isn’t stopping there; they’re actively developing a more affordable version of this futuristic product.

    According to Mark Gurman, Apple has set its sights on releasing an affordable AR/VR spatial computer by the end of 2024. As expected, Apple is simultaneously working on an upgraded version of the Vision Pro, promising an even faster processor for mind-boggling performance.

    Now that the Vision Pro name is out in the open, speculation runs wild about the potential name for its cheaper counterpart. Gurman suggests “Apple Vision” or perhaps “Apple Vision One.” But the burning question remains: how will Apple manage to slash the price? Gurman’s got a few intriguing ideas up his sleeve.

    In the initial Vision Pro model, the costliest components are the M2 and R1 chips, the remarkable 4K micro-LED displays, and the advanced camera and sensor hardware. To trim costs, Apple might opt for lower-quality screens, a slightly less powerful processor, and a reduced number of cameras and sensors. Additionally, the spatial audio speakers within the headset could be omitted, with users encouraged to rely on their trusty AirPods Pro for an immersive audio experience.

    But that’s not all. Apple could also simplify the headband design, insist on AirPods for spatial audio instead of including speakers within the Vision Pro strap, switch to a physical adjustment mechanism for IPD (the distance between eye pupils), and even eliminate features like the 3D camera. When combined with refined production methods, economies of scale, and a more cost-effective frame, one can imagine Apple knocking off a significant chunk from the price tag.

    Yet, Gurman astutely points out that there are certain aspects where Apple won’t compromise. The external EyeSight screen, responsible for showcasing the wearer’s eyes, along with the essential eye- and hand-tracking system, are intrinsic to the Apple Vision experience—akin to how a touchscreen is inseparable from an iPhone. So, it’s highly likely that these captivating features will be retained in the more affordable model, ensuring a mesmerizing and immersive journey for users.