The Supreme Court dismissed the government’s plea to allow military courts to announce verdicts, citing constitutional concerns. It also rejected ex-CJP Jawwad S Khawaja’s request to postpone hearings on civilians’ military trials. The seven-member bench, discussing the 26th Constitutional Amendment, emphasized safeguarding judicial authority. A Rs. 20,000 fine was imposed on the petitioner.
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
Tobacco use remains a significant challenge to public health in Pakistan, with over 25 million smokers. Despite various tobacco control measures, smoking rates remain high. Pakistan can benefit by adopting Sweden’s approach to tobacco harm reduction (THR), which has been highly effective. Sweden is recognized globally for its successful tobacco harm reduction strategies, which include the widespread use of safer alternatives such as snus, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes. These alternatives, combined with traditional tobacco control measures, have led to a dramatic decrease in smoking rates in Sweden, with only 5.6% of adults smoking, the lowest in the EU. This success…
Physical inactivity is becoming a growing concern, especially for individuals who cannot access gyms or fitness facilities. Sedentary lifestyles, affordability issues, and limited resources make it challenging for different age groups, particularly adolescents and older adults, to stay active. Akshay Verma, Co-Founder of FITPASS, emphasized the importance of a digital approach for younger individuals. He stated that fitness for teens is often connected to recreational activities, socializing, and quick results. Since they are tech-savvy and active on social media, integrating fitness apps with these platforms can enhance engagement. Offering rewards, community challenges, and virtual group workouts can make fitness more…
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a major milestone on Friday as the KSE-100 Index crossed the 90,000-point mark for the first time. By 3:55 pm, the index stood at 90,156.34, up by 1,210.36 points or 1.36%. Its intra-day peak was 90,593.61. The surge was driven by strong investor interest in sectors like automobile assemblers, commercial banks, fertilizers, and oil and gas exploration companies. Major stocks such as OGDC, PPL, and NBP led the charge, boosting market confidence.
As of December 8, 2024, the value of Bitcoin (BTC) stands at $99,367.85 in US dollars. Bitcoin’s price, like most cryptocurrencies, is highly volatile, influenced by various factors such as market demand, investor sentiment, and global economic trends. This fluctuation is closely monitored by investors and enthusiasts who make trading decisions based on these shifts in value.
As of December 8, 2024, the price of Bitcoin (BTC) in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) is recorded at Rs 27,630,979.31 per Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s value tends to fluctuate frequently, influenced by factors such as market demand, investor sentiment, regulatory changes, and broader economic trends. Cryptocurrency enthusiasts and investors closely watch these shifts, as Bitcoin continues to be a key player in global financial markets. However, it is essential to note that Bitcoin’s price remains volatile and can change rapidly. For updated rates or investment advice, it is always recommended to consult with financial experts or check with reliable exchanges. The value of…
ISLAMABAD: On December 7, 2024, the price of 24-karat gold in Pakistan dropped by Rs300, reaching Rs274,400 per tola. This represents a slight decline from the previous day’s price of Rs274,700, according to the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association. Similarly, the price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold decreased by Rs257, now priced at Rs235,254, down from Rs235,511. Additionally, 22-karat gold saw a reduction, with 10 grams now priced at Rs215,650, from Rs215,885. On the other hand, silver prices remained steady, with per tola silver maintaining a price of Rs3,400, and 10-gram silver being traded at Rs2,914.95. In the global…
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume direct flights to European cities starting in January 2025. This decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) lifting the ban that had been in place since 2020 due to concerns about safety regulations following a tragic crash. The first flight will depart from Islamabad to Paris, with plans to expand the service to other European cities. The resumption comes after PIA’s improvements in pilot licensing and safety compliance, which had previously cost the airline significant revenue loss.
Google Pixel 9a design and specifications have been leaked ahead of its expected launch. This new device, the successor to the Pixel 8a, is creating excitement among tech enthusiasts. The leaked images show a sleek rear panel, which now sports a new logo instead of the typical “G” logo. The rear camera module has been streamlined, eliminating the protruding border seen in previous models. The front design resembles the Pixel 8a, with a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. The phone will feature a 48MP Sony IMX787 sensor and a 13MP ultrawide camera.
Google is set to revolutionize its search engine by incorporating advanced AI technologies by 2025. CEO Sundar Pichai shared these plans at the DealBook Summit, highlighting the introduction of features like faster, smarter, and more intuitive searches. The updates will include AI-generated summaries and improved video search through Google Lens. Google also aims to upgrade its Gemini AI model, which already powers many tools used by over a billion people. In response to competition from Microsoft and OpenAI, Pichai emphasized the superior capabilities of Google’s AI technologies, including BERT and MUM. Additionally, discussions about fair use and compensating content creators…
