Hospitals scan more patients with AI technology:
Staff at NHS hospitals in Hull said AI technology had cut MRI scan times, allowing them to see more patients. Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said the software used algorithms to help reduce background noise, helping to achieve sharper images in a shorter time. Karen Bunker, head of imaging, said: “This means we can reduce the scanning time on certain sequences, but still get the same imaging quality.”The software has been installed at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital and will also be introduced at Scunthorpe General Hospital and Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby.
Govt Launches National AI Development Project:
The federal government has initiated a national project aimed at developing artificial intelligence (AI) across the country. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has finalized preparations for the implementation of the AI initiative, while the Planning Commission has formally approved the PC-1 of the project, according to officials from the IT Ministry. Documents reveal that a total allocation of Rs. 534.6 million has been approved for the national AI project. Under the initiative, the Ministry of IT plans to establish AI hubs and training centers throughout Pakistan. Seven National Incubation Centers in major cities will also host dedicated AI centers as part of the broader strategy to expand AI infrastructure.
FBR Launches AI-Based Customs Clearance System With 98% Efficiency:
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), on orders of the Prime Minister, has launched Pakistan’s first Artificial Intelligence-based Customs Clearance and Risk Management System.The new system showed 98 percent efficiency during testing and is expected to support automated and transparent tax collection with minimal human contact.
You Can Get These Smartwatches and Earbuds for Just Rs. 833 Per Month:
Bank Alfalah has introduced a new installment plan for Zero smartwatches and earbuds, offering 0% markup for up to 6 months through its SBS (Smart Buy Scheme) for credit card holders. The offer includes a range of wearable and audio devices, with extended payment options available for up to 36 months.The installment plan covers six models across two categories: smartwatches and wireless earbuds. Prices range from Rs. 4,999 to Rs. 25,999, depending on the model. Installments for each device vary by payment duration, with 3 and 6-month tenures offered at 0% markup. Longer-term plans, including 9, 12, 18, 24, and 36-month options, carry regular markup charges.
TikTok’s US Ban Could Lead to a New App, Set to Launch in September:
Last month, US President Donald Trump announced that they finally have a buyer for TikTok in the US and that the Chinese President Xi Jinping is “probably” going to agree to it. Now, a new development comes courtesy of The Information, which reports that a deal meeting the law’s conditions is nearing finalized, one that could result in a new, separate version of the TikTok app. However, any such agreement would still need to be approved by Chinese regulators. At the same time, tensions remain unresolved between Beijing and the Trump administration, particularly over ongoing tariff disputes.
UAE Announces Golden Visa for Crypto Investors – Here’s the Truth:
Recent claims that holders of the cryptocurrency Toncoin can obtain the UAE’s prestigious Golden Visa have been firmly denied by Emirati authorities.In a joint statement issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara), officials clarified that the Golden Visa is only available to specific categories such as real estate investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding talents, scientists, top students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers. Digital currency investors are not included in these categories.
Doctors Banned From Using Mobile Phones in Punjab’s Govt Hospitals:
Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has enforced a strict ban on the use of mobile phones by doctors and nurses during working hours in all government hospitals. According to the official directive, no member of the medical staff will be allowed to use a mobile phone while on duty. Any violation of this order will result in disciplinary action under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, which may also lead to termination from service.The move is aimed at enhancing discipline and ensuring that medical professionals remain fully focused on their patients. Authorities emphasized that the primary purpose of this decision is to enhance the quality of healthcare services by eliminating distractions during duty hours.
vivo Buds: Redefining Wireless Freedom with 50-Hour Battery Life:
vivo elevates your audio experience with the launch of its all-new vivo Buds, now available in two elegant shades Cosmic Blue and Ceramic White. Crafted for modern lifestyles, these stylish earbuds combine sleek design, powerful performance, and everyday reliability all at an attractive price of PKR 8,999. Whether you’re on a long commute, immersed in a workout, or taking important calls on the go, the vivo Buds deliver powerful performance with standout features.Stay unplugged longer than ever. With up to 50 hours of combined playtime, you can enjoy music, podcasts, and calls throughout the week without worrying about frequent recharging. Ideal for travel and extended use, vivo Buds ensure your rhythm never breaks.
vivo WATCH GT Arrives in Pakistan: Where Style Meets Fitness:
vivo has officially stepped into Pakistan’s smart accessories market with the arrival of its first smartwatch, the vivo WATCH GT, now available across the country for PKR 34,999. Targeted at style-conscious consumers who value both wellness and convenience, the WATCH GT blends aesthetic design with smart fitness features, living up to its promise to “Power Your Healthy Life.”The WATCH GT makes a bold first impression with its Multi-Style Trendy Design. It sports a sharp, square-shaped 1.85-inch AMOLED display with a borderless 2.5D curved glass, set within a premium matte aluminum alloy frame. The stainless-steel rotating crown enhances usability while adding a refined touch to the overall design. At just 33g, it’s light enough for all-day wear, and with color options like Summer Black and Cloud White, along with multiple strap and watch face customizations, the WATCH GT easily adapts to any outfit or occasion.
Govt Launches Signal-Free Mobile Command Unit for Muharram Surveillance in Islamabad:
For the first time in Islamabad, a mobile control room has been established as part of security arrangements for Muharram.The facility, developed on the special instructions of Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has the capability to function without mobile signals and is equipped to coordinate surveillance using drones and modern technology.Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, along with Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, visited the central Imambargah Asna Ashari in G-6 sector to review the security plan.
Mobile Phone Service Suspension Announced in the Provincial Capital:
As part of heightened security measures during Muharram, authorities in Peshawar have decided to suspend mobile phone services on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.According to a police spokesperson, the suspension will begin after Friday prayers on the 8th of Muharram (today) and remain in effect until 10 PM on the night of Ashura (Sunday).
Mobile and Internet Services Partially Suspended in Karachi:
In light of enhanced security measures for the 8th of Muharram, mobile phone and internet services were partially suspended in several areas of Karachi on Friday, causing widespread inconvenience for residents.According to 24NewsHD TV, the service disruptions began early in the day and are expected to persist, particularly in zones marked as sensitive by law enforcement due to the ongoing Muharram processions.
Pakistan Assembled Over 12 Million Phones in First 5 Months of 2025:
Pakistan assembled 12.05 million mobile phone handsets during the first five months of 2025, while commercial imports dropped to just 0.76 million units, according to latest data released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).Of the locally assembled phones, 6.53 million were 2G handsets and 5.52 million were smartphones. By comparison, a total of 31.38 million phones were assembled in 2024, with commercial imports limited to 1.71 million units that year.
EOBI Website Displays Vulgar Content on Google:
The Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) website is displaying vulgar and explicit language in its meta description on Google search. If you Google “EOBI Pakistan,” you will be greeted with the government website’s description that includes phrases and inappropriate terms commonly found on adult websites.One user suggested that EOBI’s website was using a cracked WordPress theme, and the individuals who published the crack exploited it as a backdoor to inject SEO backlinks to their porn site searches.
Steering Committee Reviews Progress on Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy:
The second meeting of the Steering Committee on Digital Gender Inclusion, chaired by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, reviewed in detail the implementation of Pakistan’s Digital Gender Inclusion Strategy.The meeting emphasized that the Prime Minister’s Digital Vision centers on creating a gender-inclusive digital society.According to the GSMA report shared in the meeting, the gender gap in mobile internet usage in Pakistan has decreased from 38 percent to 25 percent.
Why Yango Bike is About to Become Pakistan’s Most Convenient Ride:
Everyone wants to live in a fast-paced and vibrant city that offers the best of everything, but that also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of those is moving around with ease. Your city’s crowds and infrastructure have a direct impact on your mobility, and Karachi is a prime example of that.Stepping out of the house means braving traffic jams and spending a considerable amount of time on the road. But the people of Karachi can heave a sigh of relief since Yango Pakistan has introduced a bike booking option on their ride-hailing service. Now, you can rest assured that getting to your respective locations will be quicker, more convenient, and affordable with Yango Bike.
SBP Developing Simplified Digital Payments to Boost Cashless Economy:
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) is working on simplified digital payment packages and incentives for small businesses to accelerate Pakistan’s transition to a cashless economy.The development was shared in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where it was revealed that three key committees for the Digital Payments Innovation and Adoption Committee, the Digital Public Infrastructure Committee, and the Government Payments Committee have been established to fast-track this transition.
Govt Collects Rs. 15.5 Billion Excise Tax With Islamabad City App:
The Islamabad City mobile application has enabled the Excise and Taxation Department of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to collect Rs. 15.5 billion in taxes, according to a briefing during a digital economy review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.The app, which offers 15 services, has been downloaded 1.3 million times. Officials highlighted the growing public reliance on the platform as a key success of digital governance.
Tecno Spark 40 Series Launches With 144Hz Displays Starting at Just $133:
Tecno has launched the Spark 40 series, expanding its budget lineup with three new models: the Spark 40, Spark 40 Pro, and Spark 40 Pro+. The 40 Pro+ brings an all-new MediaTek chip, while the rest have a budget lineup of specs with affordable pricing.The Spark 40 Pro and Pro+ come equipped with 6.78-inch AMOLED displays that deliver a sharp 1220p+ resolution and a smooth 144Hz refresh rate. The Pro+ model stands out with a curved screen and an under-display fingerprint sensor, giving it a more high-end appearance.
Trump calls Musk’s new political party ‘ridiculous’:
US President Donald Trump has hit out at former close ally Elon Musk over the multi-billionaire’s plan to launch a new political party. “I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party,” said Trump, speaking to reporters on Sunday before boarding Air Force One. “It’s always been a two-party system and I think starting a third party just adds to the confusion.” After teasing the idea for weeks, Musk posted on X over the weekend that he had set up the America Party to challenge the Republican and Democratic “Uniparty”. Trump and Musk were formerly close allies, with the Tesla boss leading the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which is tasked with helping to cut federal spending.
From class to orbit: Students design and launch satellite:
It all started with a question: “Can we go to space?” For Arabi Karteepan, head of physics at Croydon High School for Girls in south London, the response was naturally “yes, why not?” The students then spent a year designing and creating a CubeSat, a miniature satellite which records how sunlight comes through the Earth’s atmosphere. Now having successfully completed the flight test aboard FAAM Airborne Laboratory, it’s made their dreams of going to space one step closer.
DNA technology helps solve British man cold case:
A British man found dead in the United States more than a decade ago has finally been identified thanks to advancements in DNA technology. Michael Sidney Hill was believed to be visiting a friend in the Phoenix area of Arizona when he died in 2013 aged 75. He was said to have arrived at his friend’s home with no belongings other than the clothes he was wearing and was carrying no identification. With US authorities unable to confirm his identity, he was known only as “Maricopa County John Doe 2013” until researchers at Sheffield Hallam University and Ramapo College in New Jersey made a breakthrough using investigative genetic genealogy (IGG).
Former Mossad official details how Israel eliminated Iran’s military elite:
A former top Mossad official has told the BBC how technology and innovation played a key role for Israel in its 12-day war with Iran. In an interview with Media’s special correspondent Kasra Naji, the former deputy chief of the Israeli intelligence agency, Rami Igra, said that innovation, technology, and “very sophisticated guiding systems” played an important role in the killings of top commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In its initial attack on 13 June, Israel killed top Iranian military figures including the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, the IRGC Chief of Staff and the head of IRGC missile and aerospace divisions, as well as a number of nuclear scientists. Iran attributes this to Mossad operatives working inside the country. Igra said he was not impressed by the killings: “It doesn’t change the fact that behind that top brass, there’s a whole army and people are expendable at the end of the day”.
Sydney Jo’s viral TikTok group chat drama, and Superman hits cinemas: What’s coming up this week:
This week, there’s more drama among friends, as Sydney Jo’s viral TikTok series about a girls’ group chat returns for season 3. But that’s not all the next seven days have in store.
Superman hits the big screen, Last Pundit Standing drops on iPlayer, and it’s the Esports World Cup.
‘It’s a barrier dividing us’: How a concrete seawall split this Japanese island village:
Some locals and ecologists are troubled by the potential impacts a looming seawall could have on the biodiverse Japanese island of Amami Ôshima. So is there another way to protect its beach? Rising before dawn on an early summer day in July 2022, Hisami Take took a walk along Katoku beach in Amami Ôshima, an island nestled in the far south of Japan. Looking along the beach, she saw an animal track on the sand stretching from the ocean, then U-turning back into the water. The track, she says, likely belonged to an endangered loggerhead sea turtle that is known to come ashore to lay eggs. “This year, no eggs were found. Maybe the shiny orange construction rope is signalling the turtles to turn away.” Take, a 49-year-old Amami resident, and many other locals on the island fear that an enormous concrete seawall about to be constructed on the beach in place of the rope could make such tracks more common by blocking endangered species like the turtle from coming to the beach.
‘I’m being paid to fix issues caused by AI’:
AI is making me extra money, says Sarah Skidd, a product marketing manager who writes for tech and start-up companies. In May Ms Skidd was approached by a content agency to urgently rework website copy that had been produced via generative AI for a hospitality client. What was supposed to save money had, instead, caused a host of problems. “It was the kind of copy that you typically see in AI copy – just very basic; it wasn’t interesting,” says Ms Skidd.
“It was supposed to sell and intrigue but instead it was very vanilla.” Ms Skidd spent about 20 hours rewriting the copy, charging $100 (£74) an hour. Rather than making small changes, she “had to redo the whole thing”. Ms Skidd, who lives in Arizona, is not worried that businesses are switching to AI, like ChatGPT, rather than using copywriters like herself.
The Salvadoran beach town that became a Bitcoin testbed:
In 2019, a grassroots crypto project in El Salvador aimed to create the world’s first Bitcoin-based local economy. It inspired national policy, sparked global attention and changed the lives of young locals. Today, in the quiet surf town of El Zonte – now nicknamed “Bitcoin Beach” – travellers can experience the experiment for themselves. The road to El Zonte is easy to miss – just a small turn off a bend, down a narrow paved street framed by thick shrubs and trees. A single sign points towards la playa a kilometre away, where the beach is near-empty under the late afternoon sun, save for a local dog cooling off at the water’s edge and a couple of surfers relaxing on loungers. Of all the places for a financial revolution to take root, El Zonte seems an unlikely candidate. But this isolated fishing town on El Salvador’s Pacific coast, known for its year-round warm waters and pounding waves, is now globally recognised as Bitcoin Beach: a rare, real-world testbed for cryptocurrency adoption.
The bridge changing lives and boosting business:
One of Europe’s most iconic transport landmarks, the Öresund bridge, which connects Denmark and Sweden, is celebrating 25 years since its opening. But challenges remain despite its huge impact on business in the region. Oskar Damkjaer, 28, is standing on a platform inside the red-brick 19th century train station in Malmö. He lives in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, and commutes over the Öresund bridge to Sweden’s third largest city twice a week, folding some of his working hours into the high-speed 40-minute train journey. “People think that it’s a really big thing to commute to another country,” says the software engineer who works for Neo4j, a Swedish-founded database company. “It’s quite convenient, I would say.” Across the bridge in Copenhagen, Laurine Deschamps is sitting at her desk at Danish gaming company IO Interactive’s sleek, minimalist office.
US safety regulators contact Tesla over erratic robotaxis:
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has contacted Tesla after footage shared on social media appeared to show its newly-launched driverless cars breaking traffic laws. The firm’s long-awaited robotaxis – which boss Elon Musk says are central to Tesla’s future – were tried out on public roads for the first time in Austin, Texas, on Sunday. Videos posted online seem to show instances where the vehicles, which had a safety driver in the passenger seat, drive erratically. In a statement, the NHTSA said it was “aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information.”
Google may be forced to link to rival search platforms in the UK:
Google may have to make changes in the UK to give consumers more choice over who they use for online search services, the competition watchdog has said. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the US technology giant under a new law which means the regulator can demand changes at a firm if it is found to hold too much power in a particular market. Google accounts for more than 90% of searches in the UK and 200,000 businesses use the company’s search advertising to reach customers. Its parent company, Alphabet, said the CMA’s suggestions were “broad and unfocused” but added it would “work constructively” with the regulator.