IT Minister Rules Out Any Delay in Starlink Launch in Pakistan:
Federal Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima clarified on Friday that there is no delay in the licensing of Starlink in Pakistan and dismissed all speculation about it. Speaking informally with media persons, she said a consultant has been appointed by the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board to formulate rules for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. There is a completion deadline set for June for completing the rule book, the minister added. Shaza said Starlink is expected to take five to six months to establish its infrastructure in Pakistan and launch in December 2025. She noted that Starlink has been cooperating with Pakistani institutions so far.
PTA Fails to Clear Over 10,000 Mobile Phones for Auction:
The auction of over 10,000 seized mobile phones has been delayed due to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) failure to whitelist these devices.These phones were confiscated at major airports including Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, and cannot be auctioned or activated without clearance from PTA’s Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).Despite multiple written requests from the Customs Department, PTA has not processed the whitelisting process.
Cryptocurrencies Outside FBR’s Tax Net:
Cryptocurrencies remain outside the tax net due to the absence of proper laws under the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to regulate the digital currency, the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah said.In an awareness session held with the business community in Islamabad, FTO Coordinator Saif-ur-Rehman said a complainant drew attention to the growing scale of crypto adoption in Pakistan, which is now the sixth-largest adopter of cryptocurrency globally.
Snapchat Users in Pakistan Locked Out as App Suffers Major Crash:
Millions of us enjoy sharing photos, videos, and messages with friends and family on Snapchat. On Sunday, however, many found themselves suddenly unable to use the popular app, sparking confusion and frustration nationwide.Reports of problems began to surface early in the day, with users in major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar experiencing difficulties. The disruption was not limited to Pakistan; users in the UK, France, and other countries also reported similar issues. According to Downdetector, a website that monitors online service outages, thousands of people worldwide were affected.
Payoneer Raises Fees for Pakistani Users by 50%:
Payoneer has announced an updated fee structure for users in Pakistan, which is already effective. These changes apply to various types of transactions, including withdrawals to bank accounts, transfers to third-party accounts, and payments made between Payoneer users. The revised rates are based on transaction size, destination, and the currencies involved.Users withdrawing money from their Payoneer balance to a bank account in a different currency, such as from USD to EUR, will now be charged a 3% fee on the total amount instead of the previous 2%, raising the charges by 50%. This same rate applies to withdrawals made in a non-local currency without conversion, for instance, USD to USD, where the receiving bank is located outside Pakistan. The minimum withdrawal fees already in place will remain unchanged.
Pakistani Hackers Target Indian Military and Veteran Websites:
Pakistani hacker groups have launched a fresh wave of cyber attacks targeting Indian military-linked websites, including portals associated with schools and veteran welfare.Indian cybersecurity agencies have detected and are actively countering attempts by groups believed to be operating from Pakistan. These include known outfits like ‘Cyber Group HOAX1337’ and ‘National Cyber Crew’, both accused of repeated breaches and defacement campaigns against Indian domains.
TikTok Faces Massive Fine for Sending European User Data to China:
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) of Ireland has fined TikTok €530 million (nearly $600 million) for failing to protect European user data from potential access by Chinese authorities and for submitting inaccurate information during the investigation.The penalty follows a formal probe into the company’s cross-border data transfers from the European Economic Area (EEA) to China. The DPC concluded that TikTok failed to implement sufficient safeguards to prevent Chinese state access and did not clarify how it protected user data from Chinese counterespionage and anti-terror laws.
Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus and Other Chinese OEMs May Ditch Android as Trump’s Trade War Escalates:
As President Donald Trump ramps up his renewed trade war with China, some of the world’s largest smartphone brands are quietly preparing for a future without Google. Major Chinese manufacturers — Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Huawei — are reportedly exploring a Google-free Android alternative, aiming to reduce reliance on US technology amid rising political tensions. During Trump’s previous term, Huawei was blacklisted, cutting it off from US software, services, and even hardware — including the Google Play Store, which crippled its global smartphone business. Now, with geopolitical risks returning, other brands fear they could be next.
Apple Reports Higher Than Expected Revenue As Services Reach All Time High Earnings:
Apple posted stronger-than-expected results for its fiscal second quarter, driven by solid iPhone sales and record-breaking revenue from Services. However, the real headline was the tech giant’s announcement of a massive $100 billion share buyback program, a clear signal of confidence amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and global market pressure.The company reported $95.4 billion in revenue, beating Wall Street’s forecast of $94.6 billion. This marks a 5% year-over-year increase, despite a tough macroeconomic environment. Earnings per share came in at $1.65, compared to analyst estimates of $1.62, and up 8% from the same quarter last year.
PTA Denies Rumors of Ban on Youtube in Pakistan:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Friday clarified that it has not issued any instructions to block or shut down YouTube or any other social media platform in Pakistan.”It has come to the attention of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that an old press release regarding the shutdown of YouTube in Pakistan—originally issued in September 2012 in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan—is being recirculated online, causing unnecessary confusion among the public,” the telecom regulator said in a statement.
Digital Pakistan or Digital Pause? Starlink Awaits a Will While the Region Finds a Way:
Pakistan has spent the past year announcing, retracting and re-announcing timelines for SpaceX’s Starlink, but the service is still stuck in regulatory limbo. In late March the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) gave Starlink only a temporary registration. Last week the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said a full license will not be issued until Starlink secures permanent registration and clears a new set of technical and security checks. For now, the world’s largest low-Earth-orbit (LEO) network can do little more than wait.
GTA 6 Launch Date is Finally Here:
After months of speculation, Rockstar Games has officially confirmed the release date for Grand Theft Auto VI. The highly anticipated title is now scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, according to a statement released on the company’s verified Twitter account and Newswire platform. The announcement was accompanied by a formal letter from Rockstar, acknowledging that the delay may come as a disappointment to fans. The developer expressed gratitude for the overwhelming interest in the game and apologized for the extended timeline.
Govt Starts Review of Recruitment Apps Used By Ministries:
The federal government has initiated a detailed exercise to compile information on IT-based applications and software currently being used by ministries and divisions for managing recruitment processes. In an official directive issued by the Establishment Division, all federal ministries, attached departments, and subordinate offices have been asked to provide data on their use of digital recruitment tools.
Govt to Finalize PakTok App Upgrades for Overseas Pakistanis Today:
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has scheduled a key meeting on May 2, 2025, at the Prime Minister’s Office to seek a comprehensive briefing on the Pak-Emigrant Management Framework (PEMF) and the PakTok mobile application. The meeting aims to streamline digital integration among key stakeholders and review the progress on Phase II of PEMF, focusing on enhanced services for overseas Pakistanis.
NADRA Develops App to Register Births, Deaths, and Marriages from Home:
The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a new mobile app that allows citizens to update life events—such as births, deaths, and marital status—without visiting government offices. The announcement was made during the second meeting of the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework Implementation Committee, which brought together representatives from federal ministries, regulatory bodies, and provincial departments.
Clair Obscur: How a passion project became 2025’s most talked-about game:
In 2020, at the height of the Covid pandemic, Guillaume Broche was like millions of others around the world. “Bored in their job and wanting to do something different.” Working for French gaming giant Ubisoft at the time, he had an idea for his own project – a role-playing game inspired by one of his childhood favourites, the classic Japanese series Final Fantasy. That would become Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 which, five years later, has become a sensation. It sold one million copies in just three days, topped Spotify viral charts with its soundtrack, and even won praise from French President Emmanuel Macron. But one of the most remarkable things about it is the story of how it was made – a tale of random Reddit messages, “massive luck” and an unusual approach to game development.
Trump says non-US movies to be hit with 100% tariffs:
US President Donald Trump says he will hit movies made in foreign countries with 100% tariffs, as he ramps up trade disputes with nations around the world. Trump said he was authorising the US Department of Commerce and Trade Representative to start the process to impose the levy because America’s movie industry was dying “a very fast death”. He blamed a “concerted effort” by other countries that offer incentives to attract filmmakers and studios, which he described as a “National Security threat”. “It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
AI app supports families navigating ADHD and autism:
A new app has been launched which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), to give carers who suspect their children are neurodivergent, “a better picture of what’s going on” whilst waiting for a diagnosis. Bristol-based company Spicy Minds’ app called Hazel gave users access to a series of tests where AI then interpreted the results and compiled personalised strategies for things such as school or holidays. Spicy Minds CEO Ben Cosh said: “Parents shouldn’t have to wait years to understand their child’s needs and get practical support.” Nicola Bennett from Almondsbury, who waited five years for her son’s autism diagnosis, said having access to the app would have been “amazing” for the family.
Trump criticised after posting AI image of himself as Pope:
US President Donald Trump has attracted criticism from some Catholics after posting an AI-generated image of himself as the Pope. The picture, which was shared by official White House social media accounts, comes as Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis, who died on 21 April, and prepare to choose the next pontiff. The New York State Catholic Conference accused Trump of mocking the faith. The post comes days after he joked to media: “I’d like to be Pope.”
Trump is not the first president to be accused of causing offence to the Catholic faith. Former US President Joe Biden, a Catholic, caused outrage a year ago when he made the sign of the cross at a pro-abortion access rally in Florida.
Long-distance romance and closure from husband’s death – your memories of Skype:
From blossoming long-distance love to helping families stay connected, for years Skype held a unique place in people’s hearts. In the days before Zoom, WhatsApp and Teams, the video call service was once one of the world’s most popular websites. It allowed people to make computer-to-computer calls free, and then became the way users could make low cost calls to landlines and mobiles to people in other parts of the world. In recent years though, Skype has been diminishing as its owner Microsoft focussed on Teams. Its services will close for good on 5 May, with the Skype for Business feature the only part to remain. Here are just some of the many people whose lives were touched by Skype since it launched in 2003.
Uber starts allowing customers to pay in cash:
Uber is now allowing passengers across most of the UK to pay in cash. Following trials, the cash payment option was this week extended to all UK cities, except London, where it is being reviewed. But individual drivers can still opt out of accepting notes and coins, partly if they are worried about safety of carrying them in their vehicles. The move came as a major report suggested shops and services might need to be forced to accept cash in the future to protect those who rely on it. On Wednesday, the Treasury Committee of MPs stopped short of recommending mandated cash acceptance now, but said its report was “a wake-up call” to government on the issue.
Ghost in the machine? How a ‘haunted’ N64 video game cartridge terrified children around the world:
A second-hand Zelda cartridge. A cryptic forum thread. A generation of frightened children. This is the story of Ben Drowned – the internet’s most infamous video game ghost. It was Christmas Eve and 10-year-old Saarthak Johri couldn’t sleep – but not because of excitement. He was shot through with fear. It was roughly a decade ago and Johri was a kid growing up in Saginaw, Michigan, in the US. He had spent the day slumped in an easy chair, staring at his phone, totally absorbed in an online urban myth. Johri knew it wasn’t real, it couldn’t be. And yet, he was powerless to get it out of his mind.
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?
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.”
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.
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’?”