In a significant advancement toward meeting International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions, Pakistan has mandated the electronic monitoring of sugar mills using video analytics. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued a notification making this surveillance compulsory. The FBR stated that sugar mills will not be allowed to move their production without this monitoring in place. Mills are now required to install modern GPU systems and other monitoring equipment before the upcoming crushing season begins. In a parallel move to enhance transparency, the FBR has also implemented a track-and-trace system for the cement industry. Effective November 1st, all cement…
Author: Web Desk
KARACHI: Pakistan’s vital textile industry is facing a severe crisis as a massive import deal for 500,000 cotton bales from Afghanistan is in jeopardy following the failure of negotiations with the Afghan Taliban. The situation is so dire that Pakistani textile mills have begun cancelling these contracts. This comes at the worst possible time, as Pakistan’s domestic cotton crop has been heavily damaged by recent rains and floods. Furthermore, reports of some cotton ginners mixing waste into the cotton have compromised the quality of the local supply. Ehsan-ul-Haq, Chairman of the Cotton Ginners Forum, stated that textile mills are now…
ISLAMABAD: The Sindh government has taken a significant U-turn on implementing new agricultural income tax rates of up to 45%, deferring the IMF-agreed hike for one year. The Governor of Sindh has issued an ordinance to restore the old, maximum tax rate of 15%. The official reason provided by the Sindh government is that the new rates could not be implemented starting January 1, 2025. This decision closely follows a similar move by the Punjab government, which suspended the new rates last month. As a result of this U-turn, the agriculture sector—which constitutes nearly a quarter of the national economy—will…
Cashews, famous for their delicious taste and distinctive kidney shape, have long been considered a nutritional powerhouse. But the question remains: what effect does consuming them in abundance have on the body? According to a report by the health website ‘Healthline,’ regular and moderate consumption of cashews can be highly beneficial for heart health, metabolism, and effective weight management. A Nutritional Treasure: The USDA states that just one ounce (28 grams) of cashews contains 157 calories, 5 grams of protein (comparable to cooked meat), 12 grams of fat, and a rich supply of essential minerals like copper, magnesium, zinc, iron,…
In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers have discovered that the tiny blood vessels in the human eye can provide critical clues not just about vision, but also about heart health and the body’s biological aging process. The research, conducted by scientists at Canada’s McMaster University and published in the journal Science Advances, suggests the eye offers a non-invasive window into the body’s circulatory system. According to the study’s lead author, Dr. Marie Pigeyre, the changes observed in the eye’s retina reflect the health of small blood vessels elsewhere in the body. The study, which analyzed data from over 74,000 individuals,…
New research has uncovered the serious health risks associated with a common aspect of modern life: exposure to excessive light at night. Experts are warning that for middle-aged individuals, this routine disruption can significantly increase the risk of life-threatening conditions, particularly stroke and heart failure. Studies have proven that the presence of light during the night profoundly impacts sleep quality, which in turn has a devastating effect on cardiovascular and brain health. The primary reasons for this link include: Sleep Disruption: Excessive light interferes with the body’s natural sleep cycle. A lack of deep, restorative sleep is a direct…
Psychologists have sounded a serious alarm against the rapidly growing trend of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots for personal advice and emotional support. They warn this behavior is making people “socially isolated, mentally weak, and emotionally imbalanced.” According to reports, individuals who rely on AI for guidance are not only experiencing increased rates of depression and anxiety, but their real-world decision-making abilities are also being compromised. Renowned psychologist Professor Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Afridi stated that these chatbot interactions lack true “empathy” and “sincerity.” He warned that when people discuss their problems with machines instead of family or friends, they receive…
A major UK study has revealed that low sugar consumption during pregnancy and early childhood may significantly reduce the risk of serious heart diseases in adulthood. These compelling findings emerged from an analysis of the health records of over 63,000 British adults. The participants were born during the post-World War II era, a time when sugar was strictly rationed in the UK. According to the research, during the 1950s, pregnant women were permitted less than 40 grams of sugar per day, and children under the age of two were given no added sugar at all. When researchers examined the long-term…
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Traffic in Karachi, Pir Muhammad Shah, has warned citizens about a new financial scam, clarifying that text messages (SMS) being sent to residents in the name of e-challans are completely fake. The DIG Traffic stressed that the police are not currently sending any challans via SMS. He appealed to the public to remain vigilant against these fraudulent messages and to avoid clicking on any unknown links to prevent financial loss. This important warning comes just as Karachi’s new e-challan system has been formally implemented and is actively working. In the first 6 hours…
A man has tragically died after a fire broke out in the bushes located behind the University of Karachi. According to officials, the deceased person has been identified as Muhammad Rafiq, who was severely burned by the blaze. A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 stated that fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene upon receiving the report. The fire was intense, and 12 fire tenders struggled to control it. Fire brigade officials also mentioned that the fire spread quickly and engulfed nearby temporary (kucha) houses. After significant efforts, the fire was brought under control. A cooling process is currently…
