Written By Fabian Apel Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company Johanna Hoyt Engagement Manager, McKinsey & Company Francisco Marques Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company Sebastian Reiter Partner, McKinsey & Company Patrick Schulze Partner, McKinsey & Company This article is published in collaboration with McKinsey & Company The cement industry is setting ambitious targets to reduce emissions and transition to a low-carbon future. There are a number of promising new technologies, such as carbon capture and utilization and storage (CCUS), that can help the industry decarbonize. Government support and market-based incentives are essential to accelerate the transition. The transition to a low-carbon…
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Written By Maria Carvajal Chief Professional Engagement and Public Health Officer, Colgate-Palmolive Almost 3.5 million people worldwide suffer from oral diseases. This is a troubling statistic when we consider the proven connection between oral health and overall health and wellbeing. The World Economic Forum’s newly launched Oral Health Affinity Group is bringing together leaders from across industries to help get oral health on the global health agenda; read about how to get involved. Almost 3.5 million people worldwide suffer from oral diseases, including cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease — a troubling statistic when you consider the proven connection between oral health and overall…
Written By Jessica Wanger Deputy Head, Event Editorial, World Economic Forum This article is part of: Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils Experts from across issue areas gathered this month at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils. Professor Stuart Russell, a computer scientist, told attendees that the world needs to move beyond AI “solutionism.” Some of the biggest AI challenges need to be resolved through new forms of collaboration and by asking the right questions, Russell said. From simulating molecules a million times faster than 10 years ago, to the possibility of applying artificial intelligence (AI) for…
For a good few decades, men have been obsessed with playing games as a downtime. It provides a leisurely time for them and has been for ages. From game boys, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, to online games. Most of these games are war simulations and include graphic and violent scenes. Many people have been protesting against such dangerous games as they fear their adverse reactions to youth. The question arises, is it safe for young impressionable minds to play such violent games? Relationship Between Violence And Aggression It is a tale as old as time that young boys who grew…
With the recent events and the rate of inflation, people often wonder how the economy came to be this bad and what went wrong. This is a question that requires a lot of research and attention. The Fall of Economy The world economy has been going smoothly for centuries with only a few hiccups along the way but nothing like what we are going through at the moment. The world economy is essentially run by the USA, China, and other first-world countries. The recent climate change, COVID-19, monkeypox, and wars have really messed up the economy of the whole world.…
Apple is one of the most prestigious phone brands that has built quite a fanbase and has loyal fans who are willing to spend any amount of money for it. With the recent launch of the iPhone 15, people have been upgrading their iPhones to the next one in hopes of getting a better phone. But with the rise of the iPhone issues, is it worth your money to buy a new iPhone? New iPhone Update The new iPhone 17 update was released around the same time as the iPhone 15 and it promised great things. All in all, it…
It is essential to understand that for many 9-5 might be ideal but more often than not jobs should be pursued considering the world situation and many other things. We are told very often that life is strict, and should be lived in an organized manner. Jobs are done based on financial strain and or societal pressure rather than comfort and passion. What Are 9-5 Jobs? 9-5 basically refers to working from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is a structured daily routine in an office. A person wakes up goes to the office at 9 and is free to…
The end of 2023 is slowly approaching as we enter the month of October. Have you considered making New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year? For many individuals, establishing their own business might rank as their top priority for next year. After all, being an entrepreneur is a proven and fantastic way for many to achieve success in life. Are you perhaps contemplating a similar aspiration? If so then this is the best time for you to start. Launching a business in the first half of the year is often an ideal choice. Thus for those of you who opt…
China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a news conference following his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Athens, Greece, October 27, 2021. — Reuters Published in Geo News, on Oct 09th, 2023, Wang hopes US delegation visit to help “manage existing differences more rationally”. Chuck Schumer is the latest high-level American official to go to China. Chinese FM says warfare reemerged in Middle East amid Ukraine conflict. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi hoped that Washington and Beijing could manage their differences “more rationally” to help the bilateral ties to…
Smoke rise above buildings during an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City on October 9, 2023. AFP” Published in Dawn News, on Oct 9th, 2023, AFP | Dawn.com | Reuters More than 123,000 people have been displaced in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the conflict between Palestinian fighters and Israel, the United Nations said on Monday. “Over 123,538 people, have been internally displaced in Gaza, mostly due to fear, protection concerns and the destruction of their homes,” said the UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA. More than 73,000 are sheltering in schools, OCHA said, some of which have been designated emergency shelters. Israel has launched hundreds of strikes…
Israeli tanks and military vehicles amass at the Israeli side of the Gaza border, as violence around the nearby Gaza Strip mounts following a mass-rampage by armed Palestinian infiltrators, October 9, 2023. — Reuters Published in Geo News, on Oct 09th, 2023, Reuters, AFP “We have amassed around 100,000 troops,” says Israel. More than 700 Israelis have been killed in Hamas attacks. Oil prices soar more than 4% over supply concerns. Fears of ground invasion are growing as Israel is escalating measures against the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip to a “total blockade” including a ban on admitting food and fuel. Defence…
An Israeli soldier directs a military vehicle near the southern city of Ashkelon [Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP] Published in AlJazeera, on Oct 08th, 2023, Hamas has labelled the US announcement to send warships closer to Israel as ‘aggression’ against Palestinians. The United States has said it will send multiple military ships and aircraft closer to Israel as a show of support following Saturday’s surprise attack by the Palestinian armed group Hamas. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday said Washington will also increase military aid and provide munitions to Israel. end of list Hamas has labelled the US announcement as “aggression” against Palestinians. “The announcement…
A file picture of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud (L); A Palestinian boy reacts next to a burning Israeli vehicle that freedom fighters brought to Gaza after they infiltrated areas of southern Israel, in the northern Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023. — AFP Published in The News, on Oct 08th, 2023, By Web Desk Prince Faisal held telephone conversations with counterparts in Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell to address the escalation in Israel…
People look at a replica of the Soviet Union-era AN-602, or Tsar Bomb, the most powerful nuclear bomb ever detonated, seen here on display in Moscow, Russia, in 2015 [File: Pavel Golovkin/AP Photo] Published in AlJazeera, on Oct 07th, 2023, Russia says withdrawal from ratification of nuclear weapons test ban treaty places Moscow on ‘equal footing’ with US, which has not ratified the pact. The United States said it was “disturbed” by a Russian envoy’s announcement that Moscow will reverse its ratification of a 1996 treaty that banned the testing of nuclear weapons. Russia’s envoy to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO),…
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the championship in Qatar [Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters] Published in AlJazeera, on Oct 08th, 2023, The 26-year-old Dutch star clinches his third title in a 19-lap sprint race in Qatar, with six Grands Prix to spare. Max Verstappen has crowned a season of domination by securing his third Formula One world championship in Qatar and said it was the best yet. The Red Bull driver won his first in highly controversial circumstances after a battle with Lewis Hamilton went down to the wire in 2021, the second with 15 wins in 22 races and the third on Saturday…
Published in Geo News, on Oct 07th, 2023, Pakistan on Friday reaffirmed its support to Saudi Arabia after the country announced its intention to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034. In a statement, a spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “We wish our Saudi brothers all success in this endeavour and are certain that Saudi Arabia will host a most memorable FIFA World Cup.” The spokesperson said Pakistan wished its Saudi brothers all success in this endeavour and was certain that Saudi Arabia would host a most memorable FIFA World Cup. The Kingdom announced that it would…
UAE non-oil economy strengthened in September Business activity in the UAE’s non-oil private sector expanded robustly in September as the addition of new clients, competitive pricing and sturdy underlying economic conditions increased demand. The Seasonally adjusted S&P Global purchasing managers’ index reading climbed to 56.7 in September, from 55 in August, setting it well above the neutral 50 mark that separates growth from contraction. New order growth accelerated sharply to a more than four-year high, according to the survey. The Latest reading signals a “strong and accelerated expansion” in the non-oil private sector, it said. The Index recorded its first…
Experts seek proper energy infrastructure Speakers at a conference titled “Renewing Pakistan’s Energy Vision” hosted by Pakistan-based think tank Renewables First (RF) called for a more sustainable and inclusive energy landscape in Pakistan, emphasising the need for an evidence-based, long-term approach. The Conference challenged conventional energy narratives and dispelled myths related to renewable energy. Renewables First’s Basit Ghauri underscored the urgency of adopting a data-driven and unbiased approach to expedite Pakistan’s energy transition. Experts spotlighted issues causing wind curtailment and capacity surplus in the power sector, stressing the importance of proper transmission infrastructure. Wind Expert, Fozan Waheed, noted that curtailment…
IT Ministry Plans Converting e-Rozgar Centers to Virtual Special Technology Zones: The Ministry of IT and Telecom plans to convert e-Rozgar Centers into Virtual Special Technology Zones (STZs). Sources told Media that after the establishment of 5,000 e-Rozgar centers in 2 years, they will be declared as virtual STZs. Sources said that the Special Technology Authority (STZA) is also being taken on board in this project. The e-Rozgar centers will later be converted into STZs and all the companies located here will have the same facilities as the companies and start-ups registered with the Special Technology Zones Authority. Zong 4G’s…
The wait is over; Hyundai has launched the much-anticipated Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Hyundai Nishat Motor (Private) Limited (HNMPL), the fastest-growing automotive brand in Pakistan, has launched Santa FE Hybrid, a locally assembled D-SUV hybrid vehicle on Sunday. Hyundai Santa Fe will be available nationwide in two different Variants Smart (FWD) priced at 12,990,000 and Signature (AWD) priced at 14,699,000. In recent weeks, the automotive industry of Pakistan was abuzz with an expectancy of a high-tech Product launch by HNMPL. The wait is finally over as the company has launched the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid. This highly awaited unveiling…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 21.64 22.14 2 – Week 21.69 22.19 1 – Month 21.79 22.29 3 – Month 22.09 22.34 6 – Month 22.55 22.80 9 – Month 22.51 23.01 1 – Year 22.54 23.04 Last Updated on 6th Oct 2023 Source: SBP
by Katharina Buchholz, While nations in Asia have in the past seen reports about their workaholic ways and failure to take off days from work, a 2023 release by Expedia paints a different picture of how employees in Japan and Hong Kong handle their vacation time. According to the survey carried out in early 2023, Japanese and Hongkongese have actually requested four extra days off work on average beyond the time allotted to them in 2022. This gave them a longer average real vacation time last year than workers in Germany and France. People in these countries had more days available to…
by Anna Fleck, World Mental Health Day falls on October 10 and this year its theme is Mental Health is a Universal Human Right. As Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, explains, this means: “Every individual, regardless of their location, occupation, or identity, is entitled to achieve the highest attainable level of mental well-being. This encompasses the entitlement to safeguard oneself from mental health risks, access to mental health care that is readily available, easily accessed, and of high quality, as well as the entitlement to freedom and involvement within their community.” While awareness around the topic…
by Thomas Hinton, By 2032, Lagos, Nigeria is the city predicted to have the largest share of business travel spending in the word according to a World Travel and Tourism Council study. Lagos’ share of business spending is anticipatred to make up more than half of the city’s tourism spend and is joined by fellow MEA region cities, Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia in the top four. You will find more infographics at Statista
by Martin Armstrong, As detailed in a new report from UNICEF, from 2016 to 2021 an estimated 43.1 million children were displaced from their homes due to weather-related disasters. As this chart shows, the largest number of children affected in this period were in the Philippines. Of the country’s estimated 9.3 million displaced children, an estimated 8.3 million were forced to leave their homes – on either a short-lived or protracted basis – due to storms. Globally, storms were also found to be the biggest cause of such displacement, totaling 21.2 million over the six-year period. India was estimated to be the second most-affected…
by Martin Armstrong, FIFA announced Wednesday it had agreed that the sole candidacy to host the 2030 World Cup would be the combined bid of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. In addition, in view of the centenary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930, there will also be a ceremony in the country’s capital Montevideo, as well as three opening matches being played in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. The 2030 World Cup will therefore have an unprecedented format, as it will be held in six countries and on three continents (Africa, Europe and South America). Until now, the World Cup has never…
by Katharina Buchholz, The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released its 2023 Global Innovation Index. It evaluated innovation levels across 132 economies focusing on a long list of criteria such as human capital, institutions, technology and creative output as well as market and business sophistication, among others. The 2023 index has found that while innovation is still blossoming, the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine have had their effect on the ranking as a range of economies and industries were severely effected. Switzerland topped the rankings once more this year with a score of 67.6 out of 100, the 13th time it…
Written By Stefan Ellerbeck Senior Writer, Forum Agenda The world’s food production system produces more than a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations says farming must become more sustainable in order to combat the climate crisis and feed a rapidly rising global population. Farmers around the world are using renewable energy in innovative ways to cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. These include solar panels in sheep fields, geothermal energy to grow flowers and biogas to keep birds warm. There will be 10 billion people in the world to feed by 2050, which will pose an “unprecedented challenge”,…
Written By Robert House, University of Oxford Cars that burn petrol and diesel must be replaced with renewable alternatives if the climate crisis is to be overcome. Electric vehicles (EVs) are widely viewed as the best option available. This is because EVs can be powered by renewable electricity from the grid, avoiding the need for fossil fuels. They can store and release this energy with close to 100% efficiency, whereas the internal combustion engine in most modern cars can only usefully convert about 30% of the energy from fuel. EVs can also be recharged thousands of times, offering lifetime mileages…
Written By John Lotspeich Executive Director, Trillion Trees Initiative (BirdLife, WCS, WWF) Questions have been raised recently as to how effective tree planting is for fighting climate change. The controversy is a distraction; no scientists claim trees alone can solve the climate crisis but evidence shows they have an important role to play. Our first step must be to end our reliance on fossil fuels, but restoring the world’s forests will help safeguard the future of the planet. Recent controversy around whether we should be planting trees to combat climate change is a distraction. No credible scientist or conservationist has ever claimed that…
Written By Liviana Zorzi Specialist, National Plastic Action Partnership, World Economic Forum This article is part of: Centre for Nature and Climate Plastic pollution is a critical challenge for the future of the ASEAN region, with over 31 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually in six out of ten ASEAN countries. The ASEAN region has huge potential in terms of creativity, innovation and transformative business models. Bold models of cooperation among governments, businesses and civil society can address the plastic crisis. According to United Nations estimates, plastic accounts for 80% of waste in the ocean. Litter and improperly disposed plastic…
Written By Luke Dunning, University of Sheffield; Lara Pereira, University of Sheffield, and Pauline Raimondeau, Yale University Genetically modified (GM) crops may be controversial, but similar processes happen naturally with wild plants. However, scientists have long been puzzled about how these processes happen. Our recent study may help researchers solve the mystery. People often use the “tree of life” as a metaphor to describe the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The more closely related species are, the closer together they appear in the tree. This is a bit misleading though, as reality is more complicated. Species don’t always split off along…
Written By Nasim Pour Lead, Carbon Removals and Market Innovation, World Economic Forum Leila Toplic Chief Communications and Trust Officer, Carbonfuture This article is part of: Centre for Nature and Climate Carbon removal is a strategic imperative for businesses, essential for their future and the well-being of our planet. Investment in carbon removal is critical, not only to remove emissions immediately but also to build market capacity to achieve net zero. Robust digital MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) systems enable businesses to act immediately. By 2022, emissions had increased by 5%, or 2 billion tonnes, compared to 2015. However, emissions must decrease by…
Written By Nikolaus Lang Managing Director and Senior Partner; Global Leader, Global Advantage Practice, BCG (Boston Consulting Group) This article is part of: Centre for Urban Transformation The automotive industry is fundamentally changing towards software-defined vehicles (SDVs) – unlocking societal and economic value. Over 90% of the accidents caused today by human error can be avoided through advanced autonomous driving. Additionally, the emergence of SDVs will open a significant economic value of over $650 billion by 2030. Cross-industry collaboration and strategic partnerships will be crucial to capture this value. As the automobile morphs right before our eyes – from the old…
Apple is a renowned brand and has gotten thousands of people crazy for it. With every new launch people’s passion increases for the brand. Apple has been famous for bringing the best quality product to its users. The brand is known for its dedication to its audience. From best security features to amazing user experience Apple seems to lead the race among smartphones in all the categories. This is why the brand enjoys a strong position among its customers. People seem to adore the company for its dedication and passion towards the public. With this latest launch of the iPhone…
Introduction Pakistan, an agricultural nation rich in magnificent landscapes, is geographically situated in South Asia. Since its inception, Pakistan has been vulnerable to a myriad of natural disasters in Pakistan, owing to its diverse topography, varied climatic conditions, and its location in a geologically active zone. Throughout its history, the country has been frequently hit by various natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, droughts, and landslides. These calamities have not only resulted in significant loss of life and property but also posed challenges to Pakistan’s socio-economic fabric. Natural disasters in Pakistan remain a pivotal concern for its sustainability and growth. Floods…
Cricket World Cup is considered one the biggest sports event across the globe. From years-old rivalries to intense moments and a lot of thrill, a World Cup has everything for people fond of cricket. The origin of the game goes all the way back to the historical Lords Cricket Stadium of England. Through its nail-biting encounter, the sport managed to grab the attention of people around the globe. Though this game was born in England but has been adored immensely by the People of the subcontinent. The excitement is all-time high as the nation of India is all ready to…
Cricket of India has recent ascendancy to the number one spot in all three cricket formats – Tests, T20 Internationals, and ODIs – has sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing world. While it’s undoubtedly a moment of pride for Indian cricket fans, it also carries implications for Pakistan cricket. Let’s analyze the potential impacts and measures the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should consider to navigate these changes cautiously. Impact on Pakistan Cricket Rising Competition: With India’s cricket dominance across formats, the competition becomes fiercer. This means Pakistan will face a more formidable opponent on the international stage, intensifying the rivalry between…
Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited hosted the first of its kind Webinar on the Launch of Al Baraka Group (ABG) Inter-Franchise Collaboration and portal between Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited (ABPL) and Al Baraka Bank South Africa (ABL SA). This Collaboration was a high priority deliverable for the banks new business strategy aimed at enhancing exports from Pakistan by providing interconnectivity and banking facilitation from ABG offices worldwide. The Webinar focused on connecting Exporters from Pakistan to Importers in South Africa to increase avenues of trade between the two countries. In Pakistan, a physical gathering was held at the Marriott…
Rescuers and relatives of victims set up tents in front of collapsed buildings in Derna, Libya [File: Muhammad J. Elalwany/AP Photo] Published in AlJazeera, on Sep 25th, 2023, Top prosecutor says the mayor of Derna and officials from the Water Resources Authority and Dams Management Authority are ordered arrested. Libya’s chief prosecutor has ordered the detention of eight current and former officials pending his investigation into the recent flood disaster that killed thousands, his office said. Two dams outside the city of Derna collapsed last month, sending a wall of water several metres high through the city and leaving thousands…
Published in Reuters, on Sep 24th, 2023, MANILA, Sept 24 (Reuters) – The Philippines on Sunday accused China’s coast guard of installing a “floating barrier” in a disputed area of the South China Sea, saying it prevented Filipinos from entering and fishing in the area. Manila’s coast guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources “strongly condemn” China’s installation of the barrier in part of the Scarborough Shoal, Commodore Jay Tarriela, a coast guard spokesperson, posted on the X social media platform, formerly Twitter. The barrier blocking fishermen from the shoal was depriving them of their fishing and livelihood activities,…
Published in The News, on Sep 25th, 2023, By AFP WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden is set to host leaders of Pacific island nations with an aim of countering China’s ever-growing influence, proffering goodies ranging from an American football experience to shiny new embassies. The summit of leaders from the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum will take place on Monday and Tuesday, one year after the first meeting, which was also in Washington. According to senior administration officials, Biden will announce a more assertive US stance in the region, funding for infrastructure projects and strengthened maritime cooperation, in particular to fight against illegal…
File: Israeli soldiers reposition military vehicles including self-propelled artillery during a drill in the occupied Golan Heights on July 17, 2023. [Jalaa Marey/AFP] Published in AlJazeera, on Sep 23rd, 2023, Both sides blamed each other for the violence in Chebaa Farms and the Kfar Chouba hills area. Lebanon’s army said it has fired tear gas at Israeli forces over the border in response to smoke bombs fired at its troops, though Israel has said Lebanon started the confrontation. Tensions have flared along the frontier for the past several months, with rockets fired at Israel during flare-ups of Israeli-Palestinian violence and members…
Published in Dawn, on Sep 25th, 2023, Reuters PARIS: France will pull its soldiers out of Niger following a July coup in the West African country, President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday, dealing a huge blow to French influence and counter-insurgency operations in the Sahel region. Macron said 1,500 troops would withdraw by the end of the year and that France, the former colonial power in Niger, refused to “be held hostage by the putchists”. France’s exit, which comes after weeks of pressure from the junta and popular demonstrations, is likely to exacerbate Western concerns over Russia’s expanding influence in…
Pro-Khalistan activism has been mostly peaceful, such as this protest in Canada Published in Saudi Gazette, on Sep 25th, 2023, LONDON — Given the dramatic developments in Canada, where PM Trudeau has said there is credible evidence to suggest India was involved in the killing of a Canadian Sikh, it is unsurprising that rumours now swirl around the deaths of other Sikh activists around the world, including in the UK. Avtar Singh Khanda, 35, was well known for his support of the creation of a breakaway Sikh homeland, Khalistan. He died from a sudden illness in Birmingham in June, and…
HANGZHOU: A general view as performers take part in the opening ceremony of the Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on Saturday.—AFP Published in Dawn, on Sep 24th, 2023, Agencies HANGZHOU: Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the Covid-delayed 19th Asian Games in the Eastern city of Hangzhou during a spectacular and at times raucous ceremony on Saturday, launching a two-week sporting extravaganza that boasts more athletes than the Olympics. Spectators in the city’s 80,000-capacity Hangzhou Olympic stadium, also known as “the Big Lotus”, let out a huge roar as Xi was introduced and walked in to sit…
Published in The Nation, on Sep 23rd, 2023, Anadolu Cristiano Ronaldo on Friday appeared in a video wearing traditional Saudi attire to celebrate the Kingdom’s National Day. The Saudi people are set to mark their 93rd national day on Saturday, September 23, during which military parades, a biker parade, an arms exhibition across major cities will be held, and other festivals. The Saudi Al-Nassr football club, whose Ronaldo is captaining its football team, released the video on its account on X. According to the 2-minute video, Ronaldo, Senegalese footballer Sadio Mane, and their Al-Nassr teammates appeared performing traditional dances with…
Published in Dawn, on Sep 23rd, 2023, AFP LONDON: Seven Caribbean countries will host matches at next year’s T20 World Cup, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, the ICC announced on Friday. The ICC awarded the hosting of the event, to be held in June 2024, to the West Indies and the United States in November 2021. Dominica, Guyana, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines have also been named as hosts. “The matches will again give cricket fans the unique experience of enjoying cricket in the Caribbean,” said ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice. Next year’s…
US and Bahrain sign security deal The US and Bahrain have signed a security and economic agreement, a signal of Washington’s renewed engagement with its Gulf allies and a potential blueprint for follow-on deals with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The deal, agreed by US secretary of state Antony Blinken and Bahrain’s prime minister, Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on Wednesday, would strengthen military and intelligence co-ordination, the White House said. Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, is already a non-Nato Washington ally regarded by the west as a bulwark against Iranian influence. UAE…
Tax the rich to protect the poor, IMF tells Pakistan International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has advised Pakistan to tax the wealthy and protect the poor. Speaking to a Pakistani private media channel after her meeting with Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Thursday, Georgieva said “what we are asking in our programme is that please collect more taxes from the wealthy and please protect the poor people of Pakistan”. Her comments come amid soaring inflation in Pakistan after the country secured a last-minute bailout from…
Phantom V Fold by TECNO is Reshaping Trends in the Foldable Phone Market: Not too long ago, Samsung unveiled its first foldable phone, with other brands such as OPPO, Huawei, and more following suit. However, they encountered their fair share of issues, including loose hinges, screen cracks, and dust accumulation, which gradually improved with each new edition. Now, what’s once again causing a stir in the tech world? Another foldable phone! Yes, you heard it right. TECNO, Pakistan’s premium mobile phone brand, has officially joined the foldable phone club, offering an enticing price point alongside a cutting-edge processor. Ufone 4G…
Dawlance commemorates world ozone day with pledge to protect planet Dawlance is the leading producer of refrigerators and a wide range of home appliances in Pakistan. Dawlance has changed its Refrigerant usage in air conditioners; from R410A to a much safer gas, which will also be recycled in the future, for a sustainable future. Being a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcelik – the second largest manufacturer in Europe, Dawlance believes in a sustainable growth policy: ‘Progress Today – Preserve Tomorrow’, reflecting a strong commitment to social wellbeing. As a socially responsible enterprise, Dawlance continues to invest in innovative technologies that…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 21.20 21.70 2 – Week 21.36 21.86 1 – Month 21.59 22.09 3 – Month 22.35 22.60 6 – Month 22.69 22.94 9 – Month 22.75 23.25 1 – Year 22.77 23.27 Last Updated on 22nd Sep 2023 Source: SBP
by Katharina Buchholz, Despite the push-back against fast fashion, clothing and shoes are the product category that most people around the world are price-conscious about. Clothes and shoes were named as a purchase where low prices are particularly important by more respondents than any other category in 16 out of 18 countries surveyed by Statista Consumer Insights. In China, consumer electronics, defined by the survey as smartphones, TVs and music listening equipment, inspired the most price-consciousness followed by clothing. In Japan, people are eyeing the price of food and drinks the most, followed by detergents and cleaning products. However, price-consciousness in Japan was generally low…
by Martin Armstrong, In the mid-term, nuclear power plants are considered by some experts to be the most efficient transitional solution for achieving global climate goals. Criticism is though levelled at the largely unresolved question of final storage and potential safety risks. As this infographic using data from the World Nuclear Association shows, no country is currently committing more to a nuclear future than China. The Asian superpower currently has 24 new nuclear reactors planned or being built, with one new power plant to be connected to the grid this year. The United Arab Emirates and Turkey are also planning to connect one new power plant…
by Felix Richter, Charging infrastructure plays a pivotal role in facilitating the global shift towards electric mobility. Public charging stations form the backbone of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, addressing range anxiety and ensuring convenient access to charging for EV owners who do not enjoy the luxury of a charging station in their own home or are often on the go. According to the IEA, there were 2.7 million public charging points worldwide at the end of last, more than 900,000 of which were built in 2022. And while most charging needs are still met by home charging, public charging infrastructure is…
by Martin Armstrong, As this chart shows, thanks chiefly to the €77.1 billion in pledged financial aid, European Union institutions are the largest aid donors to Ukraine. This is based on data from the IfW Kiel Ukraine Support Tracker which currently covers the period January 24, 2022 to July 31, 2023. Ukraine’s largest military aid partner since the start of the war, the United States, has committed a total of €69.5 billion in aid when also considering financial and humanitarian support. Germany, the United Kingdom and Norway have been the next most significant pledgers of aid. You will find more infographics at Statista…
by Felix Richter, When Apple unveiled its latest line of smartphones last week, the company simultaneously pulled the plug on some of its older models. Apple discontinued the iPhone 12, the iPhone 13 mini and the iPhone 14 Pro series to make way for the new models, which become available today. Even with the aforementioned models gone, Apple now has an iPhone for (almost) every wallet, starting with the budget-friendly iPhone SE from $429 and ending with the top-of-the-line 1TB iPhone 15 Pro Max for a whopping $1,599 in the United States (and significantly more in other parts of the world). For many years, Apple…
by Anna Fleck, Paris has been named the world’s top city for public transit, according to William Russell’s Global Transport Index 2023. The city’s transport network is praised not only for being affordable (with the average ticket costing just $2.29), but also for having numerous transport options. The report also cites the ten electric scooter schemes available in the city – something that has changed just this month, following a referendum among Parisians to ban rental scooters, which came into place on September 1. As the following chart shows, most of the world’s top-rated public transportation networks are in Europe. Stockholm comes in second…
by Anna Fleck, The tourism industry is slowly recovering from the pandemic after having experienced its deepest shock in history, according to a newly published UN World Tourism Organization report. Needless to say, a lot has changed in the industry since the pre-pandemic year of 2019, including which countries have been able to attract the most tourists. As the following chart shows, where France, Spain and the United States have managed to retain their places as the top three travel destinations worldwide, China and Thailand have disappeared from the roundup, so that all top ten ranks are now taken by countries in Europe and the Americas.…
Written By Eime Tobari Director, Social Value, Avison Young This article is part of: Centre for Urban Transformation Successful urban regeneration projects create social value, but confusion around the concept is a challenge that public-private partnerships face in delivering those projects. The public and private sectors often have different perspectives, drivers and measurements for social value. Understanding perspectives, defining the roles of all stakeholders and then leveraging a framework to identify the ways impact will be planned for, measured and incentivized, is a potential way forward for successful public-private partnerships. What do we call the spectrum of results in real estate…
Written By Sam Glick Partner, Health & Life Sciences, Oliver Wyman Gen Z are the most tech-savvy generation yet and are already using digital tools to manage their health and fitness. The generation born between 1997 and 2012 are also more open-minded about mental health than older generations, and are more likely to seek help. Healthcare companies that embrace Gen Z’s preferences will be better positioned to attract and retain patients in the years to come. The global healthcare industry has been very slowly evolving its business model from one centred on caring for the sick to one that fully embraces…
Written By Simon Glynn Partner and Climate & Sustainability Co-lead, Oliver Wyman Mike Peirce Executive Director of Systems Change, The Climate Group This article is part of: Centre for Nature and Climate Climate action by business has exploded, but more needs to be done to effectuate a full energy transition. Corporate climate leaders recognize that the next stage of action must be qualitatively different. A new survey reveals insights by 200 climate practitioners about how to progress on decarbonization. The step change in corporate climate action in the past few years has been extraordinary. Yet we are more than halfway…
Written By Quynh Do Nhu, Lancaster University and Mark Stevenson, Lancaster University Earlier this year, fast fashion retailer Zara released its first womenswear collection made of recycled poly-cotton textile waste. The collection is available for sale in 11 countries, helping clothing made of blended textile waste reach the mass market. The collection came about after Zara’s parent company Inditex invested in textile recycler Circ. This follows a €100 million (£87 million) deal between Inditex and Finnish textile recycler Infinited Fiber Company for 30% of its recycled output. Zara’s fast fashion rival H&M has also entered a five-year contract with Swedish…
Written By Scott Doughman Chief Business Officer, Seal Storage Technology Artificial intelligence has great potential, but it also creates risks like deepfakes, biased data and data drift. The costs of AI’s misuse are mounting, with vulnerability depending on how organizations manage their own data and internal systems. Using blockchain, decentralized cloud storage would offer a safer alternative. The world is currently undergoing an AI revolution. With this comes great opportunity — but also new challenges and concerns. Deepfakes and data integrity issues, for example, are yet to have a clear answer. The ethical and security implications are alarming as they can…
Written By Douglas Broom Senior Writer, Forum Agenda This article is part of: Sustainable Development Impact Meetings This article was first published on 16 May 2023 and was updated on 21 September 2023. Progress on the global energy transition has seen only “marginal growth” in the past three years, according to a World Economic Forum report. Fast and effective renewable energy innovation is critical to meeting climate goals. Here are five solutions that could help countries meet emissions targets. The need for renewable energy innovation has never been greater. In its 2023 report, Fostering Effective Energy Transition, the World Economic Forum says…
Written By Stéphanie Thomson Writer, Forum Agenda This article is part of:Sustainable Development Impact Meetings Industries like mining are especially complicated to decarbonize, since fossil fuels are baked into their processes. Decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries will instead call for innovation, argue leaders at the Sustainable Development Impact Meetings. The World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings are being held from 18 to 22 September in New York. Decarbonization is challenging — the greatest challenge to mankind, according to the IEA — but it’s even tougher to achieve in some sectors than others. “Hard-to-abate sectors basically have fossil fuels baked into their processes,” explains Annie…
Written By Charles Clarke Director of Insurance, International, SecurityScorecard This article is part of: Annual Meeting on Cybersecurity Cyber insurance is the fastest-growing sector in the world’s insurance markets. Cyber insurance is experiencing a rise in claims, resulting in significant losses for cyber insurers and increased premiums. To mitigate risk, organizations need to identify common security vulnerabilities, rank suppliers and partners according to risk, and collaborate with these partners to remediate known vulnerabilities. Cyber insurance is the fastest-growing sector of the world’s insurance markets, but a recent increase in ransomware attacks and business email compromises has led to a sharp uptick in claims, resulting in significant losses…
A man in traditional dress walks through the devastation in Moulay Brahim, Morocco [Simon Speakman Cordall/Al Jazeera] Published in AlJazeera, on Sep 11th, 2023, By Simon Speakman Cordall The earthquake has revealed fault lines in Morocco’s society as residents in the countryside struggle to access aid. Tiniskt, Morocco – The 6.8-magnitude earthquake that ripped through southwest Morocco has also cut through deeper social fault lines, separating the city dweller from those in the countryside and the comfortable from the desperate and poor, whose adobe houses proved no match for the tremors when they came. More than 2,800 people have died so far…
Published in The Nation, on Sep 11th, 2023, Anadolu US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that he does not “want to contain” China but accused Beijing of “changing the rules of the game.” “Really what this trip is about, it’s less about containing China. I don’t want to contain China,” said the US president after a bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Hanoi, Vietnam. “We are not looking to decouple from China.” He emphasized that Washington does not stand to “hurt China.” However, Biden said the US will “not to sell material that…
Kim and Putin are shown during their 2019 meeting in Vladivostok Published in Saudi Gazette, on Sep 11th, 2023, SINGAPORE — North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly started his journey to Vladivostok for a summit with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. The armored train that Kim uses for foreign visits appears to have departed Pyongyang, South Korean media reported citing a government official. The meeting is expected to take place as early as Tuesday local time. Russian news agency Interfax has reported earlier that Kim is expected to visit “in the coming days”. If the summit with Putin pushes…
Published in The Nation, on Sep 11th, 2023, News Desk DUBAI-When $6 billion of unfrozen Iranian funds are wired to banks in Qatar as early as next week, it will trigger a carefully choreographed sequence that will see as many as five detained U.S. dual nationals leave Iran and a similar number of Iranian prisoners held in the U.S. fly home, according to eight Iranian and other sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke to Reuters. As a first step, Iran on Aug. 10 released four U.S. citizens from Tehran’s Evin prison into house arrest, where they joined a fifth,…
‘I will remind both countries that any transfer of arms from North Korea to Russia would be in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions,’ US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller says [File: Nathan Howard/AP photo] Published in AlJazeera, on Sep 11th, 2023, By Al Jazeera Staff Biden administration says Vladimir Putin is ‘begging’ Kim Jong Un for weapons due to failures with his Ukraine invasion. Washington, DC – As Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the United States has threatened to “aggressively” enforce existing sanctions and add new ones if Pyongyang provides weapons…
US PRESIDENT Joe Biden attends a meeting with Nguyen Phu Trong, the General Secretary of Vietnam’s Communist Party, on Sunday. — Reuters Published in Dawn, on Sep 11th, 2023, AFP, HANOI: US President Joe Biden hailed closer ties with Vietnam on Sunday as the two countries struck a deal to deepen cooperation, including on semiconductors, but said he was not aiming to contain China. The “comprehensive strategic partnership” with Hanoi is part of Washington’s push to bolster its network of allies around Asia and the Pacific in the face of Beijing’s rising influence. Biden accused Beijing of seeking to bend…
Germany celebrate with the 2023 FIBA World Cup trophy in Manila, the Philippines [Lisa Marie David/Reuters] Published in AlJazeera, on Sep 10th, 2023, Germany beat two-time champions Serbia 83-77 in the final in Manila to lift the men’s basketball World Cup for the first time. Germany have won their first-ever FIBA Basketball World Cup title by beating undermanned Serbia 83-77 in a slugfest of the two European powerhouses in Manila. Germany leaned on a 22-10 surge in the third quarter on Sunday, orchestrated by brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner, to build a cushion and never let go of the lead to win…
Djokovic wins third Grand Slam title of the year [Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters] Published in AlJazeera, on Sep 10th, 2023, The Serbian beats Medvedev in straight sets to match Margaret Court’s all-time record haul of 24 Grand Slam titles. Novak Djokovic has emerged from an exhilarating and exhausting US Open final with a 24th Grand Slam title, using every ounce of his energy and some serve-and-volley guile to beat Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in a match that was more closely contested than the straight-set score indicated. On Sunday, Djokovic, a 36-year-old from Serbia, moved one major singles title…
The Saudi Pro league achieved unprecedented success in the 2023 summer transfer window, solidifying its position as a rising force in international football. Published in Saudi Gazette, on Sep 09th, 2023, RIYADH — The Saudi Pro league achieved unprecedented success in the 2023 summer transfer window, solidifying its position as a rising force in international football. FIFA, the global governing body for football, confirmed that Saudi clubs ranked second in the world in terms of spending on transfer fees, with a remarkable total of $875.4 million invested in international transfers during the mid-year window. This groundbreaking achievement highlights the league’s rapid…
Kuwait parliament allows foreign firms to operate without local sponsors Kuwait’s parliament has approved a proposal to abolish local sponsorship for foreign companies that open branches in the Gulf state. The move by parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee is seen by analysts as a step towards encouraging foreign investment and diversifying the economy, The New Arab’s Arabic-language sister service Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported. The proposal allows companies to operate directly without a local agent, including those bidding for government contracts. “[This] opens the door wide for competition and reflects positively on improving the quality of services in the state, whether…
Government mulls allowing private sector to import lng A looming dispute between Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) and Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited (PGPCL) over the utilisation of excess capacity at an LNG terminal may be resolved as Pakistan’s caretaker government pledges to implement the agreement before September 17, 2023, potentially allowing the private sector to import LNG. PM: Recovery hinges on tax reforms, curbing smuggling Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Thursday outlined the plan for tax reforms through digitisation and underscored the need to improve the tax collection for economic progress. The development came a day after the Federal Board…
vivo Shines Bright at ITCN Asia 2023: Paving the Way for Technological Innovation and Local Manufacturing in Pakistan: vivo, a leading global smartphone brand, enthusiastically participated at ITCN Asia 2023, the premier Information Technology & Telecom Show organized by Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. This event proved to be a remarkable gathering of Pakistan’s entire tech ecosystem under one roof — emphasizing the theme of local manufacturing and technological innovation in Pakistan. ITCN Asia, a three-day extravaganza, provided a comprehensive platform for showcasing solutions across various vital sectors of the economy, including Government, Cloud, Data Center, Cybersecurity, ERP, Education, Banking…
Remarkable feat of EFU General Insurance Solar Clean Energy Participation EFU General Insurance Limited is proud to announce its participation and sponsorship at International Solar Clean Energy Pakistan Conference & Exhibition. The conference serves as a platform to foster discussions, share knowledge, and showcase the latest advancements in solar energy and clean technology. The event brings together industry professionals, governmental bodies, researchers, and stakeholders with the common goal of promoting sustainable and green energy solutions. Spokesperson at EFU General Insurance said “We believe that sustainable and clean energy solutions are crucial for our nation’s future, and we are fully committed…
Kibor rate is the average interest rate at which term deposits are offered between prime banks in the Pakistani wholesale money market or interbank market. KIBOR as a benchmark, to encourage transparency and improve management of the market risk undertaken by banks. Kibor Rates In Pakistan TENOR BID OFFER 1 – Week 21.41 21.95 2 – Week 21.99 22.49 1 – Month 22.79 23.29 3 – Month 23.68 23.93 6 – Month 24.42 24.67 9 – Month 24.52 25.02 1 – Year 24.61 25.11 Last Updated on 8th Sep 2023 Source: SBP
by Anna Fleck, The average person on the planet could live 2.3 years longer if global particulate pollution levels were reduced to meet the World Health Organization guideline. This is according to research carried out by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago and published in the Air Quality Life Index 2023. In many countries, this figure is far worse. Bangladesh recorded the worst PM2.5 levels worldwide at 74 ug/m3, a stark contrast to the WHO recommendation of a maximum of 5 ug/m3. If these levels of pollution persist, resident’s lives are estimated to be cut short by an average of…
by Katharina Buchholz, Grocery delivery has long been considered the “last frontier of e-commerce” but with the aid of the coronavirus pandemic and a flurry of new online delivery services popping up in recent years, it has now become quite widespread in many developed and emerging economies. Yet, there are still major differences between countries when it comes to how the groceries usually arrive. India, where companies had been experimenting with different delivery concepts even before the pandemic and offline grocery delivery also exists, is a step ahead of the competition, with a 60 percent of respondents saying they were users of…
by Anna Fleck, The United States has been the main destination for international migrants worldwide since 1970, according to the World Migration Report 2022. In fact, the number of foreign-born people in the country has increased more than fourfold, from fewer than 12 million in 1970 to more than 50 million in 2020. The biggest groups of migrants came from Mexico (10,853,105), India (2,723,764), China (2,184,110), the Philippines (2,061,178) and El Salvador (1,410,659). As the following chart shows, Germany comes in second place in the ranking of countries with the most international migrants. It too has seen numbers skyrocket in recent years, with nearly double…
by Anna Fleck, India received $83.15 billion in international remittances in 2020, according to the World Migration Report 2022. This is the highest figure of any country worldwide, followed some way behind by China with nearly $60 billion and Mexico with roughly $43 billion. International remittances are defined as money sent from workers living abroad to their home countries. The writers of the report highlight that the World Bank’s global data on international remittances does not take into account unrecorded flows through formal or informal channels. This means the data provided is likely below the actual figures. You will find more infographics at Statista
by Katharina Buchholz, The feat of rating the world’s countries from best to worst seems megalomaniac, but the U.S. News and World Report has been successfully publishing a ranking based on these sprawling criteria since 2016. Last week, the 2023 edition was released, showing that the United States had slipped one spot to rank 5. However, looking at all eight editions of the report so far, the U.S. ranked even lower than in 2023 in between 2017 and 2021. The global dislike for then-President Donald Trump has been cited as a reason why the U.S. fared poorly between 2017 and 2020. Averaging out all scores countries have…
by Anna Fleck, Despite seeing an 11 percent fall in its number of ultra wealthy people in 2022, Asia still has more people in the group than Europe. Ultra wealthy people are defined here as those who each have a net worth in excess of $30 million. According to Altrata’s World Ultra Wealth 2023 report, Asia’s number of ultra wealthy people overtook the figure in Europe for the first time back in 2019. Analysts predict that Asia’s global share of ultra high net worth individuals will continue to grow in the coming years and could hit 29 percent by 2027, up…
All cricket fans around the world especially wait for the India-Pakistan match. As they gear up for the Asia Cup 2023, there’s an electrifying sense of anticipation surrounding the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. This tournament has taken on an even greater significance, not just as a showcase of cricketing excellence, but as a battleground for the intense rivalry between these two cricketing giants. With Pakistan recently ascending to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings, the showdown between India and Pakistan becomes a crucial pivot in determining their rankings fate and World Cup…
– Marhaba exporting superior quality natural products to over 40 countries – Marhaba set to explore new horizons Under Hakeem Muhammad Usman leadership Marhaba Laboratories (Private) Limited established in 1975, introduced Pakistan’s purest range of natural products under the umbrella brand name ‘Marhaba’, and over the years it has continuously innovated to create world-class research laboratories. Marhaba has the largest and best-equipped production facilities for health and consumer products. Marhaba is one of the fastest-growing companies providing healthy food products, herbal medicines, and natural cosmetics. Due to market confidence and acceptance at mass levels, Marhaba has become Pakistan’s No.1 natural…