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27/06/2024

Over the past half-decade, NVIDIA has experienced a staggering ascent, elevating the fortunes of its employees as the company's stock surged by about 3,000%.

For instance, someone who started at NVIDIA five years ago as a mid-level product manager with an annual $77K stock grant would now see that grant valued at approximately $10.6 million.

Similarly, a senior software engineer with a $102K annual stock grant could now hold stock worth around $14.8 million.

Even a junior marketer with a $31K annual stock grant would find their initial grant now valued at about $4.5 million.

NVIDIA's success underscores the profound impact of stock options on employee wealth in a thriving tech enterprise.

09/05/2024

Police in India have opened a case against senior leaders of the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a social media post that opposition leaders say "demonises Muslims".

The animated video depicts senior Congress party leaders granting benefits to Muslims at the expense of marginalised castes and tribespeople.

Hours after the police case opened, the Election Commission asked X (formerly Twitter) to remove the video.

04/04/2024

The White House has called off a Ramadan iftar gathering following the decision of numerous Muslim Americans to decline the invitation in protest of President Joe Biden’s backing of Israel’s actions in Ga*za, as per two sources familiar with the situation.
The insiders, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the cancellation occurred on Tuesday after members of the Muslim community cautioned leaders against attending the White House event.

Edward Ahmed Mitchell, deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), also stated that the event was scrapped due to a significant number of individuals choosing not to participate, including those who had initially accepted the invitation.

“The American Muslim community made it clear early on that it would be unacceptable for us to dine with the same White House that is supporting the Israeli government’s actions against the Palestinian people in Ga*za,” Mitchell informed.

Earlier reports from CNN and NPR on Monday had suggested that the White House was planning a small community iftar. However, on Tuesday, the White House announced a change in plans, opting instead to host a meal exclusively for Muslim government staffers and arranging a separate meeting with a select few Muslim American community representatives.

04/04/2024

The Department of Social and Voluntary Services under the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque reported that during the initial 15 days of Ramadan, 28 organizations and 3,355 volunteers collectively dedicated 358,071 hours to serving the Prophet's Mosque.

Tasks undertaken included providing guidance, crowd management, distribution of meals and Zamzam water bottles, as well as addressing worshippers' queries in multiple languages.

03/04/2024

The longstanding football rivalry featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi entered a new chapter when Ronaldo secured the title of the most followed individual on Instagram, Surpassing Messi's 502 million followers with a remarkable 627 million, the Portuguese football legend marked a pivotal moment in social media history.

Ronaldo, the 39-year-old leader of Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, and Messi, the 36-year-old captain of Inter Miami, have utilized their Instagram platforms to offer fans a close-up view of their lives, both on and off the field.

Instagram has evolved into a competitive arena for celebrities vying for influence, and Ronaldo's rise to the pinnacle reflects his widespread appeal globally.

His Instagram profile, featuring a blend of professional milestones, personal anecdotes, and endorsements, has captured the attention of millions worldwide.

While Messi holds the second position, his content celebrating his illustrious career, family life, and non-football moments still wields substantial influence. The presence of these athletes on social media highlights the platform's significance in shaping the connection between athletes and fans in the modern digital era.

03/04/2024

After the meeting between national cricketer Shahid Afridi and PCB Chairman Mohsin Khan in Kakul, it seems that tensions are thawing.

Shahid Afridi, who was dismissed as Pakistan's T20 captain after just one series, was not pleased with his dismissal style and lack of communication from the board.

Relations worsened further when PCB issued a statement on its website apparently offering full support to current captain Babar Azam, saying that leading Pakistan is an honor.

According to Cricket Info, although Afridi still feels that his concerns have not been addressed properly, the player is ready to move forward and leave this matter behind. PCB also acknowledged that there was a mistake from the board's side.

01/04/2024

In a recent update, federal health authorities have informed the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) that medical graduates who have received training abroad may face restrictions on practicing in Pakistan if their alma maters are not recognized by the accreditation bodies of the host countries within a specified timeframe.

Federal Health Secretary Iftikhar Shallwani mentioned that a significant number of Pakistani students enrolled in medical colleges and institutions abroad lack recognition from the accreditation bodies of those countries.

A deadline is being imposed for these institutions to obtain accreditation from their host countries. After this deadline, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) will not recognize their medical degrees.

Secretary Shallwani communicated these concerns to WFME President Ricardo León-Bórquez, who has assured full support to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) in addressing this issue.

01/04/2024

The federal government announced a Rs9.66 per litre increase in the price of petrol for the next fortnight, citing a surge in international crude prices.

Conversely, the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has been reduced by Rs3.32 per litre. These adjustments will take effect from April 1, as stated by the Finance Division.

According to the statement released, the hike in petrol prices reflects the recent uptick in international market rates, while HSD prices have seen a slight decline.

The government reiterated its policy of aligning domestic prices with fluctuations in the global market, emphasizing its commitment to passing on these variations to consumers. This move marks another reduction in the consumer price of HSD, following a downward revision in mid-March 2024.

31/03/2024

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is currently embroiled in a debate over the decision to replace Shaheen Afridi as the T20 captain of the national team.

The selection committee members have voiced varying concerns regarding the change in leadership, failing to reach a consensus on a singular reason for the decision.

This ongoing controversy has reportedly unsettled Afridi himself, with discussions surrounding the captaincy dominating conversations among players participating in the fitness camp at Kakul.

Meanwhile, the selection committee has initiated communication with Afridi regarding the matter, further highlighting the turbulence surrounding the team's leadership dynamics.

31/03/2024

Star batsman Babar Azam has been reinstated as the captain of Pakistan's white-ball cricket team ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand on home turf. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced via X (formerly Twitter) that Babar Azam has been appointed as the captain for both ODI and T20I formats, following a unanimous recommendation from the PCB's selection committee.

Babar Azam, aged 29, reportedly requested the PCB to consider him for the captaincy across all three formats. This request came after Babar was removed from the captaincy in all formats following the conclusion of the ICC World Cup 2023.

The decision to replace Shaheen Afridi as the captain for the shorter format was made after Pakistan faced a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series against New Zealand under his leadership. In the Test format, Pakistan played only one series under Shan Masood's captaincy against Australia in December 2023, resulting in a 3-0 loss.

Babar Azam has previously led Pakistan in five international tournaments, including the T20 World Cup 2021 and 2022, Asia Cup 2022 and 2023, and the World Cup 2023, albeit without securing any ICC or Asia Cup titles under his leadership.

31/03/2024

Over five million Muslims converge on Mecca to partake in the Umrah pilgrimage during the final ten days of Ramadan, known as the last Ashra.

This significant influx underscores the spiritual significance of the journey to Islam's holiest site.

30/03/2024

Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has introduced its inaugural electric vehicle (EV) and has initiated the order-taking process.

During the launch event, Lei Jun, the chief executive of the technology giant, announced that the standard SU7 model would be priced at 215,900 yuan ($29,872; £23,663), while the Max version would carry a price tag of 299,900 yuan.

The company reported receiving over 50,000 orders within the first 27 minutes of sales.

Xiaomi's foray into the electric car market coincides with a global slowdown in sales growth, leading to intensified competition and a price war.

This strategic move positions the technology giant in direct competition with EV rivals such as Tesla and BYD. Notably, Tesla's Model 3 starts at a price of 245,900 yuan in China.

Mr. Lei also highlighted that the SU7, drawing comparisons with Porsche's Taycan and Panamera models, boasts a minimum range of 700km (435 miles), surpassing the Tesla Model 3's range of 567km.

Xiaomi anticipates that the SU7's shared operating system with its smartphones, laptops, and other devices will appeal to its existing customer base.

According to research firm Counterpoint, Xiaomi holds the third-largest market share worldwide in smartphone sales, accounting for approximately 12%.

Production of the SU7 will take place at a facility in Beijing operated by a subsidiary of state-owned car manufacturer BAIC Group, with a production capacity of up to 200,000 vehicles annually.

30/03/2024

The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center was the scene of an impressive display of skill and elegance as the Pakistani-owned horse, "AJ Sajwa," secured the silver medal in the highly competitive Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship.

Under the ownership of Muhammad Mujahid, this magnificent mare mesmerized both judges and spectators with her exceptional performance, amassing an impressive score of 92.75 points in the Class 5 category.

In a tightly contested battle among older mares aged seven to nine years, AJ Sajwa exhibited unmatched grace and composure, narrowly missing the top position by a slim margin. The competition saw AJ Barakah closely following with 92.67 points, while Da Little Princess claimed a commendable third place with 92.58 points.

The championship, which kicked off with a grand opening featuring over 109 female Arabian foals, fillies, and mares, attracted participation from 102 distinguished horse studs across 14 categories.

29/03/2024

A newly discovered alternative to solar panels is poised to make them potentially obsolete, offering a remarkable 70% reduction in costs while simultaneously increasing energy production.

This breakthrough stems from collaborative efforts by scientists from the University of Surrey, the University of Cambridge, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xidian University, and Zhengzhou University.

They have developed a novel dual-sided solar panel utilizing carbon nanotubes to significantly reduce production expenses. These nanotubes are incorporated into both the front and back panels within the electrodes.

Termed "nanotubes" due to their extremely minute size, measuring just 2.2 nanometers in diameter, when 45,000 of them are integrated to create a solar panel, it becomes as thin as a sheet of paper.

Despite their tiny dimensions, these nanotubes can generate 36 milliwatts of electricity per square meter, equivalent to approximately 360 watts per square meter. In contrast, conventional solar panels typically yield around 200 watts per square meter. This indicates that these innovative dual-sided solar panels not only offer cost savings but also deliver higher energy output.

29/03/2024

28/03/2024

The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is making arrangements to accommodate around 90,000 worshippers and fasting individuals daily on the roof of the iconic sanctuary in Medina during Ramadan.

Covering an area of approximately 67,000 square meters, the roof of the mosque offers a serene space for worship, accessible via 24 staircases positioned near mosque entrances. To facilitate smooth movement before and after prayers, six escalators have been installed to alleviate congestion during peak hours.

The preparations are being carried out by the General Authority’s staff in collaboration with charitable and volunteer organizations.

These preparations include cleaning and sterilizing the mosque’s surface, fumigation, laying out 5,000 prayer rugs, and arranging designated areas for iftar.

Moreover, meals, Zamzam water, and over 20,000 Qurans are being distributed to support fasting individuals and worshippers.

Guidance and direction services are also being offered, with iftar preparations beginning at the Maghrib call to prayer, ensuring that the rooftop is fully prepared for worshippers before iftar and subsequent Isha and Taraweeh prayers.

27/03/2024

Jordan dominated Pakistan with a stunning 7-0 victory in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Round 2 Qualifier held at the Amman International Stadium on Wednesday.

The standout performer was Jordanian sensation Musa Al-Taamari, who scored a hat trick. Al-Taamari's remarkable goals came in the 15th, 62nd, and 79th minutes, exposing the vulnerabilities in the Pakistani defense.

Adding to Pakistan's troubles, Yazan Al-Naimat calmly converted a penalty in the 28th minute, extending Jordan's lead. Saed Al-Rosan contributed to the scoring spree in the 52nd minute, followed by precise finishes from Ali Olwan in the 75th minute and Mohammad Abu Zryaq in the 83rd minute.

While the first half suggested a competitive match, Pakistan faced challenges due to the absence of key defenders Mohammad Fazal and Abdullah Iqbal. Fazal's hamstring injury and Iqbal's suspension, due to accumulated yellow cards, weakened Pakistan's defensive line significantly.

27/03/2024

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27/03/2024

In a historic change, Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from Portugal's match against Sweden, marking the first instance in 17 years that another player wore the No 7 jersey.

Ronaldo's unexpected absence created an opportunity for Bruma to showcase his skills, and he seized it by scoring a goal just 11 minutes after coming in as a replacement for Leao.

The 29-year-old player scored twice, contributing to a final score of 4-0 in Portugal's favor against Sweden, thus ending his four-month international scoring drought that dated back to October 2018.

Despite Ronaldo's absence, Portugal demonstrated their dominance against Sweden, clinching a 5-2 victory in their first match of the year. This victory not only highlights Portugal's resilience in the face of transitioning from their old star but also showcases their strength and advantage over their opponent.

Senior players, including Ronaldo, were part of the 23-man roster selected by RTM but were rested along with others during the first match.

Cristiano Ronaldo opted to spend time with his family in Saudi Arabia during his break. He is expected to return to the field on Tuesday for Portugal's friendly match against Slovenia.

As Portugal moves forward, Ronaldo's absence signals a transition for the national team. While the iconic striker remains committed as ever, he has indicated his dedication to the national soccer team until the next European Championship in 2024.

27/03/2024

Pakistan's expenditure on tea imports surged to over $436 million in the initial 8 months of the current fiscal year, marking a 10.13% increase from the previous year.

According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), 180,509 metric tonnes of tea valued at $436.677 million were imported, showing a significant rise in monthly consumption as well.

However, edible oil imports, including soyabean and palm, witnessed declines of 48.10% and 32.47%, respectively. Meanwhile, the country experienced a notable growth of 54.05% in food exports, reaching $4.969 billion, while food imports decreased by 18.33% compared to the same period last year.

21/03/2024

On Tuesday, Pakistan's football team made passionate appeals to their supporters, urging them to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Jordan at the Jinnah Stadium on Thursday. The players emphasized the importance of home support for their performance.

Under the guidance of English coach Stephen Constantine, the national team has been training at the Jinnah Stadium for the past three days in preparation for the match, scheduled to kick off at 2 pm, despite being played during Ramadan.

Plans to install floodlights at the stadium ahead of the game, allowing it to be played at night after fasting hours, fell through. Nevertheless, the players are urging fans to turn up for the Group 'G' game against Asian Cup finalists Jordan.

Defender Rao Umar Hayat, in a video message, acknowledged the challenges of attending matches during Ramadan but expressed hope for a large turnout. He appealed to fans to come and show their support.

15/03/2024

Meta's owned mobile application Instagram surpassed TikTok to become the most downloaded worldwide in 2023. Instagram witnessed a 20% increase in downloads compared to the previous year, reaching 768 million, while TikTok experienced only a 4% change in downloads, totaling 733 million.

This shift in positions reflects the growing pressure TikTok faces from US regulators over national security concerns, with some members of Congress expressing worries about its potential threat to US security.

Abraham Yousef, Senior Insights Manager at Sensor Tower, attributed Instagram's popularity to its combination of the Reels feature and traditional social media functions. Instagram introduced Reels in 2020, emulating TikTok's style to attract Gen Z audiences.
The rivalry between Instagram and TikTok intensified in 2021 and 2022, culminating in Instagram surpassing TikTok as the top social media platform in 2023.

14/03/2024

"Q Family" humanoid robots developed by the research team of the Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, recently made their public debut in Beijing.
Which one do you like?
Led by Qiao Hong, an academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences and director of the state key laboratory of multimodal artificial intelligence systems, the research team built a "big factory" for the design and assembly of the humanoid robots.
Several prototypes of "Q Family" humanoid robots have obtained preliminary technical verification.
Facing the needs of adaptive outdoor complex terrain and resistance to unknown interference, "Big Factory" has built a bionic high-dynamic robot Q1 that can realize accurate tracking and balance control of robot's whole body posture through AI empowered design, and a multi-terrain adaptive robot Q2 that can realize adaptive and stable movement of various complex terrain indoors and outside.
And high-burst motion robot Q3, which can realize the robust control of mass robots and the adaptability of different environments, and through the serialization and modular software training system of "big factory", it can empower humanoid robots with sense-cognitive-decision-control intelligence for outdoor scene applications such as farm operations and field patrols.
In order to further explore the scientific research needs of human movement characteristics and precise operation mechanism, based on the muscle nonlinear characteristics, muscle distribution characteristics and motor cortex-cerebellar-spinal cord loop control mechanism of the human musculoskeletal system, a humanoid robot Q4 which can achieve high flexibility and high precision movement is constructed. It lays a foundation for the further construction of a new generation of humanoid robots which simulates human mechanisms and overtakes humans in performance.
Facing the intelligent needs of humanoid robots to complete multiple types of tasks in indoor scenes, "Big Factory" integrates the Zidong

13/03/2024

Canadian professional wrestler Sami Zayn received widespread acclaim as he secured a prominent spot in the prestigious wrestling event, WrestleMania.

Zayn, following a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, captured the hearts of millions of fans during the holy month of Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide.

The highly anticipated match, featuring six formidable contenders competing for a coveted slot, delivered blockbuster entertainment for fans in Texas. Sami Zayn emerged victorious after facing off against Chad Gable, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bronson Reed, Ricochet, and JD McDonagh, showcasing his resilience and prowess in the ring.

Securing his place in the main event solely through his performance, Zayn triumphed over five opponents. Despite the challenge, Zayn remained committed to the battle while fasting as a Muslim.

WWE star commentator Michael Cole noted Zayn's Muslim faith, highlighting that he was unable to eat or drink throughout the day. Cole pondered whether fasting would impact Zayn's performance in such a high-stakes match.

13/03/2024

According to the company's filing to the exchange, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) saw its losses widen to PKR 9.3 billion in the first half of 2023, a stark increase from PKR 1.9 billion reported during the same period last year.

During the initial six months of the year, the company faced a gross loss of PKR 2,197 million, a significant downturn from the gross profit of PKR 2,061 million recorded in the previous year. Furthermore, the company experienced a notable increase in finance costs, rising by 35.5 percent to PKR 3,011 million.

Moreover, additional charges incurred by the company amounted to PKR 6,257 million, reflecting a 17.5 percent uptick from the corresponding figure of PKR 5,321 million in the previous year.

Primarily engaged in the transmission and distribution of natural gas in Sindh and Baluchistan, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited is also involved in various gas-related activities such as the manufacturing and sale of gas meters and the ex*****on of construction contracts for pipeline installations.

12/03/2024

The KIA EV9 has earned the prestigious title of supreme winner car for 2024 from the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY), a distinguished panel consisting of 75 women journalists from 52 countries, including Pakistan.

This announcement, fittingly made on International Women’s Day, shines a spotlight on women's presence in the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry. Marta Garcia, the executive president of WWCOTY, lauds the KIA EV9 as "an electric vehicle capable of meeting consumers' needs worldwide."

The KIA EV9 boasts impressive features across various categories. Its spacious interior accommodates three rows of seating, featuring comfortable captain seats, and offers ample cargo space with 20 cubic feet in the boot, expandable with foldable rear seats.

Technologically advanced, the EV9 includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a host of ADAS features such as Blind-Spot Monitoring, Automated Emergency Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Visually striking, the SUV sports a bold fascia, a sleek continuous character line, and distinctive T-shaped taillights, giving it a sporty appeal.

Under the hood, the EV9 packs a powerful punch with a 99.8kWh Lithium-ion battery delivering 379HP and 690 N-m torque, providing an impressive range of 435 km.

09/03/2024

Bitcoin experienced a momentary surge to a record high, surpassing $70,000 in a volatile trading session, as cryptocurrency frenzy continues to captivate investors.

The surge was fueled by increased demand for new U.S. spot exchange-traded crypto products and expectations of a global interest rate decline. Reaching as high as $70,105 before a swift drop, it currently trades at $68,317.72.

Recent weeks have witnessed substantial inflows into ETFs, with support from an Ethereum blockchain upgrade and an upcoming bitcoin "halving" event in April. Despite optimism, skeptics caution about the speculative nature of these assets, citing Bitcoin's recent 10% dip below $60,000.

08/03/2024

Italy has started providing visa services from Lahore, a historic city in Pakistan. Similar services will soon be available in other big cities too. This was announced by Augusto Palmeiri, First Secretary of the Italian Embassy, while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

Palmeiri said Lahore is special to him as it was the first city he visited for official work. He stressed the importance of strengthening ties between Italy and Pakistan, especially in business. Opening visa services in Lahore is a sign of welcoming visitors and business collaborations, according to Palmeiri. He aims to boost trade between the two countries to $5 billion.

To enhance trade ties, Palmeiri mentioned plans to encourage entrepreneurs to participate in fairs and exhibitions in Italy. He invited businessmen to attend these events for networking opportunities. Palmeiri also discussed the importance of political cooperation through agreements to facilitate growth, mentioning a recent meeting with the Board of Investment.

LCCI President Kashif Anwar appreciated the steps taken by the Italian embassy. He sees the launch of visa services as a great initiative to boost trade between Pakistan and Italy. Anwar emphasized that Italy is an important trading partner for Pakistan, ranking eighth among the top exporting destinations.

06/03/2024

Huge Amount of Money Mark Zuckerberg Lost After Facebook and Instagram Went Down

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05/03/2024

Facebook & Instagram Restores Globally After Outage