LearnOBots Launches One of the World’s Largest STEAM Education Programs in Pakistan:
LearnOBots, the pioneer and largest STEAM-based education company for schools in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Institute of Space Technology (IST) and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, has launched of one of the largest Global Rollout of Integrated STEAM across Pakistan’s public school system.This national initiative will empower more than 22,000 students in over 150 government schools with 21st-century skills—including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, and hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) education.Guided by the forward-thinking leadership of Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, former Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the program goes beyond traditional classroom instruction to embed creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking into the fabric of Pakistan’s public education system.
Flying Cars, Robots, and an EV Revolution: China Steals the Show at World’s Biggest Auto Expo:
The Shanghai Auto Show, the world’s largest automobile exhibition, opened this week with a powerful message: China is leading the global electric vehicle race.As trade tensions grow and new tariffs disrupt international auto strategies, nearly 1,000 exhibitors gathered in Shanghai to showcase what the future of transportation looks like — and it includes humanoid robots and flying cars. BYD, now the top global EV seller after overtaking Tesla, stole the spotlight by unveiling five new Ocean series models, a luxury SUV from its Yangwang sub-brand, and a futuristic sports car under Denza. The company continues to post strong sales and rising revenue, strengthening its dominance in both domestic and international markets.
LESCO’s New Mobile App Will Let You Submit Meter Readings Yourself:
Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) is soon going to launch a mobile app that will let you submit your electricity meter readings yourself. The app is called ‘Apna Meter, Apni Reading’, and it was announced by the LESCO CEO Ramzan Butt while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. There are no details or screenshots of the app available as of yet, but we will get to hear more once it is officially launched. In his address, the CEO emphasized the growing consensus that the nation’s survival hinges directly on the viability of its power sector. He noted that addressing fundamental directional issues in the power industry would naturally resolve related challenges.
PTA and FIA Raid 4 Mobile Shops in Gilgit Against IMEI Cloning and Tampering:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and local police, conducted targeted raids on four mobile repair shops in the NLI Market, Gilgit City, involved in IMEI tampering and cloning.During the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated two laptops and two CPUs from the shops. The FIA has initiated a formal inquiry and taken the confiscated equipment for forensic analysis. The findings will determine chances for legal proceedings.These raids are part of PTA’s continued commitment to combat illegal practices affecting mobile network integrity. The crackdown is aimed at deterring the unlawful manipulation of IMEI numbers and safeguarding consumer interests in Gilgit City.
USF’s Internet Connectivity Projects Have Served 37.1 Million Citizens, Deployed 4400 Telecom Sites, and More:
The Universal Service Fund (USF) NG OFC projects have served 37.1 million people, deployed 4,400 telecom sites, and laid down 17,200 km of fiber optic capable across Pakistan over 161 projects, revealed IT and Telecom Minister Shahza Fatima. Fatima made this address as the chief guest at the Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation event organized by USF in collaboration with Jazz in connection with International Girls in ICT Day 2025 in Islamabad.She added that Pakistan’s underserved communities are getting connected through USF’s NG OFC projects. By connecting remote areas to the digital world, USF has empowered women, startups, freelancers, and social media influencers to tap into new opportunities, driving economic growth and innovation.
WhatsApp Rolls Out New Advanced Chat Privacy Feature:
WhatsApp has officially introduced a new privacy-focused feature called Advanced Chat Privacy. This update gives users more control over their messages in both private and group chats. Initially leaked earlier this month, the feature is now live and offers restrictions that aim to limit how messages and media are used or shared outside of the app.When enabled, Advanced Chat Privacy blocks others in the conversation from exporting the chat, stops automatic downloading of media to their devices, and prevents your messages from being used in AI-powered features within WhatsApp. While it doesn’t stop screenshots—something WhatsApp hasn’t addressed—it does offer a set of limitations that help protect the content of sensitive conversations.
Vivo T4 Debuts with Enormous Battery, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, and AMOLED Display:
Vivo has officially launched the T4 smartphone, offering a high-capacity battery, mid-range processing power, and a large AMOLED display, targeting users looking for extended battery life and general-purpose performance. The Vivo T4 is equipped with a 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display that delivers FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a local peak brightness of 5,000 nits. The device measures 7.89mm in thickness and weighs 199 grams. It is also IP65-rated for dust and water resistance and complies with MIL-STD-810H standards for extra durability.
Federal Cabinet to Approve Creation of 6 Provincial Cybersecurity Response Teams:
The CERT Council has recommended the establishment of six provincial-level Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.The summary has been sent to the federal cabinet for approval, and, according to IT Ministry sources, the federal government will notify these CERTs once approval is granted.Provincial governments have already designated specific departments to assume CERT responsibilities. Punjab has nominated the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), while Sindh has selected its Science Department. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has chosen the KP IT Board, which will work alongside the already functioning KP Computer Emergency Response Center (CERC).
Microsoft to Build $544 Million Hyperscale Data Center in the UAE:
Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (du) has signed a 2 billion dirhams ($544.54 million) agreement with Microsoft to build and operate a hyperscale data center in the UAE. The announcement was made during Dubai AI Week. The new data center will be constructed and operated by du, with Microsoft confirmed as the anchor tenant. The facility’s capacity will be delivered in phases, allowing for flexible scaling based on demand. This will support Microsoft’s cloud and AI offerings across the region, including services through its Azure platform.
Google has illegal advertising monopoly, judge rules:
A US judge has ruled tech giant Google has a monopoly in online advertising technology. The US Department of Justice, along with 17 US states, sued Google, arguing the tech giant was illegally dominating the technology which determines which adverts should be placed online and where. This is the second antitrust case Google has lost in a year, after it was ruled the company also had a monopoly on online search. Google said it would appeal against the decision.
Instagram Launches Edits Video Editor – A Free CapCut Rival:
Instagram has officially launched Edits, a standalone video editing app that’s now available for free on both iOS and Android. Designed to attract content creators looking for more advanced tools than Instagram’s native options, Edits arrives with a full suite of editing features, performance insights, and content planning tools.The app lets users manage projects, jot down creative notes, and monitor how their videos perform. But what sets Edits apart are the more sophisticated editing capabilities, features like AI-generated animations from still images, green screen effects, and automatic subject cutouts that go far beyond what Instagram’s in-app editor offers.
Bitcoin Rises Above $94,000 As US-China Tensions Ease– Rally to Continue?:
Bitcoin climbed above $94,000 on Wednesday, reaching a new monthly high as investors responded to easing tensions between the US and China while gold retreated back to The recovery reflected renewed interest in risk assets amid shifting global macroeconomic signals. The flagship cryptocurrency rose 6.6 percent at the time of press to $94,420, supported by optimism over trade talks and indications that Trump may not pursue aggressive changes in tariff rules against China. This reassessment helped lift sentiment across markets, pushing equities, commodities, and digital assets higher.
PTA Announces Strict Rules to Prevent Extra Charges by Telecom Operators:
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has finalized the draft of new tariff regulations aimed at curbing hidden charges and ensuring transparency in mobile service pricing. The regulations were developed following detailed internal and external consultations with stakeholders, and are currently in the final approval stage, to be officially notified soon. The new regulatory framework introduces significant reforms to protect consumer interests and prevent unexpected billing. Measures include mandatory prior notification to users before any change in tariffs and a ban on automatic renewal of packages, bundles, and offers without customer consent. These steps are intended to minimize bill shocks and enhance user control over telecom spending.
Who will win the race to develop a humanoid robot?:
It’s a bright spring morning in Hanover, Germany, and I’m on my way to meet a robot. I have been invited to see the G1, a humanoid robot built by Chinese firm, Unitree, at the Hannover Messe, one of the world’s largest industrial trade shows. Standing at about 4’3″ (130cm), G1 is smaller and more affordable than other humanoid robots on the market, and has such a highly fluid range of motion and dexterity that videos of it performing dance numbers and martial arts have gone viral. Today the G1 is being controlled remotely by Pedro Zheng, the Unitree sales manager. He explains that customers must program each G1 for autonomous functions. Passers-by stop and actively try to engage with the G1, which cannot be said for a lot of the other machines being shown off in the cavernous conference room.
China has halted rare earth exports, can Australia step up?:
Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to invest A$1.2bn (£580m) in a strategic reserve for critical minerals if he wins next month’s election, as trade tensions escalate. The announcement came after China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements, essential to the production of advanced technologies – including electric vehicles, fighter jets, and robots. China’s controls apply to all countries but were widely seen as retaliation to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Albanese said Australia would prioritise minerals that are key to its security, and that of its partners, including rare earths. But could his plan challenge China’s dominance?
Trump to meet Atlantic editor who was added to secret Signal chat:
President Donald Trump will meet with The Atlantic magazine editor-in-chief who was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat with administration officials discussing air strikes against the Houthi group in Yemen. Trump said on social media Thursday that he would be meeting Jeffrey Goldberg, and two of Mr Goldberg’s colleagues, Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer, later in the day. “I am doing this interview out of curiosity, and as a competition with myself, just to see if it’s possible for The Atlantic to be ‘truthful,” Trump wrote. Trump claimed the journalists were “not exactly pro-Trump writers” and questioned whether they were “capable of writing a fair story on ‘TRUMP’?”
Bereaved parents demand tech firms ‘protect children’:
A group of British parents who believe social media played a part in the death of their children have travelled to the US to demand better online safety protections for children. Four families flew to New York City to protest with hundreds of others from the US and Canada outside the offices of Meta – owner of Facebook and Instagram. “All we’re asking for is can you please help us protect our children,” said Mark Kenevan, father of Isaac who died aged 13 from taking part in a social media challenge. Their visit comes as media regulator Ofcom announced that websites will be legally required to block children’s access to harmful content from July to continue operating in the UK.
Harry and Meghan call for stronger social media protections for children:
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are calling for stronger protections for children from the dangers of social media, saying “enough is not being done”. Prince Harry and Meghan unveiled a memorial in New York City which is dedicated to the memory of children whose families believe harmful material online contributed to their deaths. “We want to make sure that things are changed so that… no more kids are lost to social media,” Prince Harry told The Media in New York. “Life is better off social media,” he added, saying that he was “grateful” that his children were still too young to be online.
What the Online Safety Act is – and how to keep children safe online:
Tech firms will have to do more to protect young people from harmful content under new safety measures announced by the media regulator. Ofcom’s own research found that 59% of 13 to 17-year olds surveyed had seen “potentially harmful content” online in the previous month. As part of implementing the Online Safety Act, the regulator has finalised a series of child safety rules which will come into force for social media, search and gaming apps and websites on 25 July 2025. Ofgem says the rules will prevent young people from encountering the most harmful content relating to suicide, self-harm, eating disorders and pornography. They are also designed to protect children from misogynistic, violent, hateful or abusive material, online bullying and dangerous challenges.
Where EV batteries go to die – and be reborn:
Batteries for electric vehicles are notoriously difficult to recycle, but growing demand for the rare metals they contain is leading to innovative new ways of retrieving them from used power cells. I am standing in a lab where batteries go to be reborn. But first, they must be shredded.
What arrives here is a dark powder called “black mass” – a substance derived from pulverising batteries almost to oblivion. Each particle is less than a millimetre across. Staff working for Altilium, a recycling firm in the south-west of England, are now tasked with extracting crucial materials from this pitch black disorder. The powder contains some plastic and steel from the battery which must be separated out, but there are also sought-after materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt and graphite. These are the prized ingredients with which the lab workers here can make a new battery.
Is YouTube making Hollywood irrelevant?:
I recently saw a statistic that surprised me: in February of 2025, Americans used their television sets to watch YouTube more than anything else. More than Disney. More than HBO. Even more than Netflix. I often think of YouTube as a service for young people – specifically, young people using their phones. But that’s all changing. A recent report by research firm Moffett Nathanson projects that by the end of this year, YouTube’s revenue will eclipse that of the entire Walt Disney Company (movies, theme parks and all). That report put it bluntly, dubbing YouTube the “king of all media”. But what does it mean for the rest of the entertainment industry when YouTube is more popular than anything else and YouTube stars seem just as likely to receive big Hollywood deals as A-list actors? I spoke about all of this with Lucas Shaw, a reporter and editor for Bloomberg and the author of the Screentime newsletter.
The record-breaking tunnel being built from Denmark to Germany:
A record-breaking tunnel is being built under the Baltic Sea between Denmark and Germany, which will slash travel times and improve Scandinavia’s links with the rest of Europe. Running for 18km (11 miles), the Fehmarnbelt will be the world’s longest pre-fabricated road and rail tunnel. It’s also a remarkable feat of engineering, that will see segments of the tunnel placed on top of the seafloor, and then joined together. The project’s main construction site is located at the northern entrance to the tunnel, on the coast of Lolland island in the south east of Denmark. The facility spans more than 500 hectares (1,235 acres), and includes a harbour and a factory that is manufacturing the tunnel sections, which are called “elements”.
The hidden world beneath the shadows of YouTube’s algorithm:
There’s a secret side of YouTube, just beyond the guiding hand of the algorithm – and it’s nothing like what you know. The vast majority of YouTube’s estimated 14.8 billion videos have almost never been seen. Until now. On 23 April 2005, YouTube posted its first video; 19 awkward seconds of the platform’s co-founder describing elephants at the zoo. But 20 years later, YouTube has moved from its amateur roots to such a behemoth that the company says it’s the new Hollywood. YouTube is the world’s number one TV streaming service, where users clock billions of hours of watching every day. Leading YouTubers regularly outperform big-name studios. For comparison, an estimated 823 million cinema tickets were sold across all of the US and Canada in 2024. Meanwhile, MrBeast’s most successful video alone racked up 762 million views, about one watch for every 10 people on earth.
Smartwatch app accurately tracks drinking habits:
A smartwatch app which records people’s alcohol consumption could provide a more accurate picture of drinking habits for researchers. The University of Bristol trialled the AlcoWatch on 32 participants from the city’s Children of the 90s health study over 12 weeks. They were prompted five times a day to record any alcoholic drinks they had, where they were consumed and whether it was in a social situation. Dr Andy Skinner said: “Smartwatch-based methods for data capture could help researchers explore a much wider range of health-related behaviours, and develop new interventions to help with important issues like problematic drinking.”
US issues warning over new Zambian cyber-security law:
The US embassy in Zambia has warned its citizens to be wary of a new “intrusive” cyber-security law introduced in the southern African country. The embassy issued an alert telling Americans “in or planning to visit Zambia of a new law that requires the interception and surveillance of all electronic communications in the country”. This includes calls, emails, texts and streamed content “in-country to assess if they include any transmission of ‘critical information,’ a term the law defines so broadly that it could apply to almost any activity”, the embassy says. Zambia’s government said the law was needed to tackle online fraud and child pornography, as well as the spread of disinformation.
Discord’s face scanning age checks ‘start of a bigger shift’:
Discord is testing face scanning to verify some users’ ages in the UK and Australia. The social platform, which says it has over 200 million monthly users around the world, was initially used by gamers but now has communities on a wide range of topics including pornography. The UK’s online safety laws mean platforms with adult content will need to have “robust” age verification in place by July.
And social media expert Matt Navarra told the BBC “this isn’t a one-off – it’s the start of a bigger shift”. “Regulators want real proof, and facial recognition might be the fastest route there,” he said.