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  • Google to ban call recording apps in the next update

    Google to ban call recording apps in the next update

    From May 11, a new policy of the Google Play Store will prohibit third-party call recording applications from being downloaded.

    Modifications to the Google Play Policy mean that developers’ access to the Accessibility API will be restricted even more. This has been used as a workaround for remote call audio recording, however starting May 11, Google will no longer allow apps on the Play Store to use the Accessibility Service.

    In addition, Google clarified potential misunderstandings about the change in policy through a recent developer webcast.

    Numerous apps allow recording audio from a call without the other party knowing. As a result, this policy change only affects third-party apps on the Play Store. On some devices, several default dialer apps, such as Google Phone, Mi Dialer, and others, have a native call recording feature built-in. The update would not affect the default dialer apps on devices like Pixel and Xiaomi handsets.

    “Remote in this sense refers to call audio recording where the person on the other end is unaware that the recording is taking place,” said Moun Choi, Google content operations lead, during the special developer webinar.

    “Accessibility capability is not necessary to get access to the incoming audio stream if the app is the phone’s default dialer and also pre-loaded”. As a result, there would be no infringement. Because this is a clarification of an existing policy, the new language will take effect on May 11th for all apps”.

    Read more: Netflix loses 200,000 subscribers in Q1 2022, projects deeper losses in Q2

    In other words, you won’t lose functionality if you can record calls using your pre-installed dialer programme. Call recording may not be possible in the future if you use an app downloaded from the Google Play Store.

  • Former envoy to US Asad Majeed to brief National Security Council on ‘letter-gate’

    Former envoy to US Asad Majeed to brief National Security Council on ‘letter-gate’

    Former Pakistani ambassador to the United States Dr Asad Majeed Khan will brief the National Security Committee (NSC) members during a meeting on Friday about the diplomatic cable he gave to the PTI government last month, according to sources.

    According to sources, the Pakistani diplomat has arrived in Islamabad and will join the National Security Council meeting convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM Office to review the situation in the aftermath of “letter-gate” and other regional issues.

    According to sources, the meeting will be held today at the Prime Minister’s Office at 2:00pm. The members of the meeting will discuss the security situation in the country.

    Top civil and military leadership including federal ministers, services chiefs will attend the meeting

  • Ilhan Omar visit to Pakistan not govt-sponsored: US State Department

    Ilhan Omar visit to Pakistan not govt-sponsored: US State Department

    US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on Friday declared that Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who is currently on her maiden visit to Pakistan, was not visiting the country on US government-sponsored travel.

    The senior official made the statement during a press briefing today in response to a question from a journalist.

    “As you are well aware that Imran Khan is still blaming US for his ouster from PM’s office while he’s also asking his supporters to keep protesting outside the White House. But yesterday Congresswoman Ilhan Omar met with Mr. Khan in Islamabad. It was kind of an hour-long meeting. Close associates of Mr. Khan claimed that United States trying to clear the air with Mr. Khan. Is it true that Ilhan Omar is representing Biden government there in Islamabad,” the journalist had asked.

    “Well, as I understand it, Representative Omar is not visiting Pakistan on US government-sponsored travel, so I’d need to refer you to her office for questions on her travel,” Price replied.

    Omar, who made history as one of the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress, arrived in Islamabad earlier this week on a visit to Pakistan. The Congresswoman will stay in Pakistan till April 24.

    She met a host of important figures including President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Foreign Office officials, as well as PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

    According to official sources, the Congresswoman was also flown to the Line of Control (LoC) in the Chakothi sector, where she was briefed on the situation before and after the fresh understanding between the Pakistani and Indian armies to respect the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

    Some residents, who had been affected by Indian shelling prior to the ceasefire, had also gathered there and shared their tales of horror with the visitors.

    According to PTI’s Shireen Mazari, Omar had discussed Islamophobia and other related issues in the meeting with Khan at the PTI chairman’s Bani Gala residence.

    Politicians and social media users immediately questioned the PTI chairman about the meeting with the American legislator and reminded him of his criticism of US officials meeting opposition figures. Newly elected Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah led the charge by asking Khan if his meeting with Omar was “a conspiracy or interference”.

    Mazari, subsequently, fired back at the critics by saying that Omar was not a part of the US administration.

  • Global oil prices rise amid supply concerns

    Global oil prices rise amid supply concerns

    Oil prices increased on April 20, swamped by fears about tightening supply as the European Union (EU) considers a possible ban on Russian oil imports, which would further impede global oil commerce.

    After reaching a high of $109.80, Brent oil futures finished up $1.53 to close at $108.33 a barrel. After earlier reaching a high of $105.42, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures ended up $1.60, or 1.6 per cent, at $103.79.

    Consumers also reacted to continued disruptions in Libya, where blockades at major fields and export terminals have resulted in a loss of about 550,000 barrels per day of oil supply.

    Brent has climbed about 8 per cent in the last seven days of trading, but the advance has been calm and steady, unlike the frenzy that surrounded Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February and again in mid-March.

    Last week, US crude exports increased to more than 4 million barrels per day, slightly countering Russian crude losses caused by US and European bans.

    Read more: Pakistani rupee plunges by Rs1.05 against the US dollar

    The oil market is still constrained, with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its affiliates, led by Russia, striving to achieve output commitments and US crude inventories plunging dramatically in the week ending April 15.

  • Priyanka-Nick lock baby girl’s ‘unusual’ name, what does it mean?

    Priyanka-Nick lock baby girl’s ‘unusual’ name, what does it mean?

    Actress Priyanka Chopra and singer Nick Jonas’ baby girl has been named Malti Marie Chopra Jonas, as per the birth certificate obtained by TMZ.

    Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas Reportedly Spent “Months Renovating” Their Home to Prepare for Baby | Vanity Fair

    The hit duo had welcomed Malti Marie via surrogate on January 15 at a hospital in San Diego, California, the certificate also revealed. The couple announced her birth on January 22.

    According to TMZ, the document states that Malti was born just after 8 pm on January 15 in San Diego, California. While the couple hasn’t made any confirmation yet on the baby’s name, it seems the name could have a special meaning for the duo.

    The couple continues to honour both their traditions with their baby daughter’s name as well and hence have chosen a Sanskrit name as well as the middle name Marie is Christian.

    Malti generally means small fragrant flower or moonlight in Sanskrit.

    While speaking to close friend Lilly Singh in an interaction recently, Priyanka spoke about wanting to raise a child without putting any limitations on their dreams and aspirations.

    The Dostana diva recently praised Netflix’s Bridgerton 2 in her Instagram stories the actress penned a note about how she had to face anomaly when she entered the film industry, but now things have changed. The Citadel diva shared a still from the show and appreciated the makers.

    Her note read, “I have to say.. it’s so wonderful to see desi representation on mainstream TV. It was such an anomaly when I started. Love the show and the Sharma sisters (sic).”

    In the second season, we were introduced to the Sharma sisters which include Charithra Chandran as Edwina Sharma and Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma.

    Earlier this year the Don 2 star reacted to the ongoing Ukraine crisis, which has affected the lives of innocent residents of the European countries.

     She has called the situation ‘terrifying’ and has asked for contribution on behalf of Unicef to help them. 

    Priyanka posted a video of news coverage showing how individuals have turned subway stations into underground bunkers to stay protected during the Russia-Ukraine war.

    The Dostana actor wrote, “The situation unfolding in Ukraine is terrifying. Innocent people living in fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones, while trying to navigate the uncertainty of the immediate future. It’s difficult to comprehend how in the modern world this could escalate to such a catastrophic point, but this is a consequential moment that will reverberate around the world.”

    Asking people to reach out for help, Priyanka added, “There are innocent lives living in this war zone. They are just like you and me. Here is more info at the link in my bio about how to assist the people of Ukraine.” Priyanka was appointed as Global Unicef Goodwill Ambassador in 2016. 

     Thousands of people have fled the country as the Russian military launched a full scale invasion via land, sea and air.

  • Honda to discontinue Insight next year, confirms production of Civic and CR-V hybrid

    Honda to discontinue Insight next year, confirms production of Civic and CR-V hybrid

    The Honda Insight will be phased out of production in 2023 as the company intends to concentrate on key hybrid versions, including the upcoming CR-V and Accord hybrids. Honda will also offer a new Civic Hybrid to replace the Insight under the new plan.

    Honda Insight will be phased out in June, but the Japanese automaker has not announced when the Civic substitute will arrive, only that it will appear at some point in the future. Honda’s other hybrids, on the other hand, will not take long to arrive. The manufacturer will release the CR-V Hybrid later this year, followed by the Accord Hybrid. According to Honda, hybrids will account for 50 per cent of each model’s sales mix.

    The auto giant debuted the Civic in Europe last month, bringing the 11th-generation model to the continent. It’s unknown how comparable the Civic Hybrid in the United States will be to the global model, but it could give a sense of what to anticipate. The Civic e:HEV produces 181 horsepower (135 kilowatts) and 232 pound-feet (315 Newton-meters) of torque thanks to a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and two electric motors. It will be available in Europe this fall.

    After a five-year absence, Honda reintroduced the current-generation Insight for 2019. It came with a 1.5-liter engine and two electric motors that produced 151 horsepower (112 kW) and torque of 191 lb-ft (258 Nm). It was built on the previous-generation Civic, but it was placed slightly higher in Honda’s lineup than the famous passenger vehicle. Since 2018, Honda has sold over 70,000 third-generation Insight hybrids.

    Read more: Hyundai Pakistan launches another variant of obsolete Elantra

    Honda Insight has been there for 23 years, so it may not be gone forever from Honda’s range. The new model will most likely debut with the CR-V Hybrid later this year.

    The prevailing Honda Accord was debuted for the 2018 model year, and it is expected to receive a mid-cycle refresh that would update the complete portfolio, including the hybrid model.

  • Two teachers in Punjab suspended for misusing social media for political posts

    Two teachers in Punjab suspended for misusing social media for political posts

    The Punjab School Education Department (SED) has banned two teachers for violating an order prohibiting them from accessing social media networking platforms.

    Under section 6 of the PEEDA Act 2006, the department has suspended schoolteachers Umar Daraz of Government Girls Primary School 311/WB Tehsil Dunya Pur and Muhammad Waseem (PST) of Government Primary School Akhtarabad, Bahawalpur city, for “misusing social media for political posts.”

    The Punjab government had previously prohibited government personnel from accessing social media networking platforms and advised them to avoid participating in the ongoing smear campaign against state institutions and aligning with any political party.

    The Punjab School Education Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI) recently issued directives prohibiting government employees from using social media. These directives were sent to all divisional directors (elementary education) and chief executive officers of District Education Authorities (DEAs).

    The schoolteachers were warned that if they broke the rules, they would face severe consequences.

  • UK PM Boris Johnson begins his India tour from Modi’s home state Gujrat

    British Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson arrived in India on Thursday for his first-ever visit. He is expected to offer his help to India cut reliance on Russian oil and defense equipment, reports Reuters.

    Johnson has begun his two-day tour from Indian PM Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat. On Friday, Johnson will visit New Delhi to meet his counter partner, where the two of them will have a take on certain topics including a new defense partnership and a free trade agreement.

    Western countries have urged Delhi to speak out against the war in Ukraine. India, which imports Russian oil and is the world’s biggest buyer of its weapons, abstained in a United Nations (UN) vote condemning the invasion and has not imposed sanctions on Moscow.

    However, Indian PM Modi has expressed concern over the killing of civilians.

    Earlier this month, the United States (US) President Joe Biden told Modi that buying more oil from Russia is not in India’s interest. According to Johnson’s spokesperson, “Johnson will not lecture Modi on the matter.”

    It is pertinent to mention that the United Kingdom (UK) has been at the forefront in providing military aid and support to Ukraine. Johnson recently visited Kyiv to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

    Previously, the India trip has been twice postponed because of Covid flare-ups in each country.

  • Did Maryam Nawaz attend Imran Khan’s Twitter Space last night?

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s Twitter Space session on night between Wednesday and Thursday broke records with 165K people listening to it at one point. Right after the session, a screenshot started making rounds on social media claiming that Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz also attended the session.

    The screenshot was also shared by former Deputy National Assembly (NA) Qasim Suri.

    The news left some social media users surprised while majority questioned the authenticity of the screenshot.

    Earlier today, Fact-Check Pakistan declared the screenshot as fake. They shared the update on Twitter, saying: “Following former PM Imran Khan’s Twitter space some accounts of PTI supporters circulated a screenshot showing PML-N’s Maryam Nawaz as one of the listeners – this screenshot is doctored/fake – Ms Nawaz did not attend, a source in her staff confirmed to ⁦@PakistanCheck”.

    Before this, Maryam’s Political Secretary Zeeshan Malik, in a tweet, clarified that the screenshot was “fake”.

  • Pakistani rupee plunges by Rs1.05 against the US dollar

    Pakistani rupee plunges by Rs1.05 against the US dollar

    In today’s interbank session, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) fell by Rs1.05 versus the US dollar (USD), concluding at Rs186.97 per US Dollar, compared to Rs185.92 per USD on April 20.

    The rupee had a tumultuous market session, with an intraday high of Rs187.10 and a lowest of Rs186.25. This depreciation of PKR is attributed to the country’s expanding current account deficit and dwindling foreign exchange reserves. However, the country must pay a significant amount in the final quarter of FY22, putting additional strain on the local unit.

    Pakistan’s currency has lost Rs29.42 versus the US dollar since July 21. According to data published by Mettis Global, the rupee declined by Rs10.45 in CYTD, with the month-to-date (MTD) position showing a drop of 1.87 percent.

    PKR has shed 18.56 per cent versus the US dollar in the previous 52 weeks, with a low of 186.97 today and a peak of 152.27 on May 7, 2021.

    Furthermore, the local currency has lost 10.11 per cent versus the euro since its high on May 5, 2021. Since its high on May 7, 2021, it has declined 13.24 per cent against the pound.

    Read more: PKR continues losing streak against US dollar, sheds Rs1.48

    The PKR slid Rs2.4 against the pound sterling, completing the day at Rs244.4 per GBP, down from Rs241.97 per GBP the previous session. Similarly, the PKR lost three rupees against the euro, closing at Rs204.08 at the interbank today.