Category: World

This section brings you news reports from around the world, covering global events, politics, economy, and more. Stay informed with the latest international updates and developments.

  • Saudi Arabia raises SAR 17 million for earthquake victims in Turkiey and Syria

    Saudi Arabia raises SAR 17 million for earthquake victims in Turkiey and Syria

    Saudi Arabia has raised over SAR 17 million as donations to help earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey.

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  • Pakistani schools raising funds for Turkiye, Syria earthquake victims

    Pakistani schools raising funds for Turkiye, Syria earthquake victims

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistani schools are raising funds for earthquake victims of Turkiye and Syria, according to a statement released on Thursday.

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  • US Treasury sanctions companies involved in sales, shipment of Iranian petroleum

    US Treasury sanctions companies involved in sales, shipment of Iranian petroleum

    WASHINGTON: The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Thursday sanctioned nine entities across multiple jurisdictions that have played a critical role in the production, sale, and shipment of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petrochemicals and petroleum to buyers in Asia.

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  • CDP identifies Ericsson as leader in climate performance, reporting

    CDP identifies Ericsson as leader in climate performance, reporting

    The independent non-profit Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) identified Ericsson as leader in climate performance and reporting by being named in the annual ‘A List’ – the top ranking possible.

    The press release stated, CDP’s annual climate disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate reporting.

    READ MORE: Jazz, Ericsson collaborate to boost digital skills in Pakistan

    Based on data reported through CDP’s 2022 Climate Change questionnaire, Ericsson is one of more than 280 of companies that achieved an ‘A’ out of more than 20,000 companies scored.

    Heather Johnson, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson, said, “At Ericsson, we take our role in climate action seriously, and you can’t manage what you don’t measure.”

    He also added that, “that’s why it means so much to colleagues across the company to see our commitment to climate action recognized on the CDP A List this year. This recognition is a testament to our continuous progression toward ambitious and science-based climate targets.”

    A detailed and independent methodology is used by CDP to assess companies with scoring based on the comprehensiveness of disclosure, awareness and management of climate risks and opportunities, and demonstration of best practices associated with climate leadership such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets.

    READ MORE: Pakistan plans shifting government offices to solar power

    Johnson adds: “Today more than ever, companies have a crucial role to play in limiting climate change to 1.5°C. That’s why Ericsson will continue to join forces with our customers, suppliers, and the entire ICT ecosystem to manage our climate impacts and develop sustainable solutions that can help take effective climate action.”

    Maxfield Weiss, Executive Director, CDP Europe said: “CDP saw nearly 20,000 companies disclose environmental data this year. The CDP A List companies are showing they are ahead of the game – taking clear action to reduce emissions and to address environmental impacts throughout their value chains. This is the type of environmental transparency and action we need economy-wide to prevent ecological collapse.’’

  • ACCA conference highlights challenges faced by public sector

    ACCA conference highlights challenges faced by public sector

    A conference hosted by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) highlighted the challenges faced by public sectors and gave solutions

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  • Hyundai Robots benefitted with Pilot programs for quick deliveries

    Hyundai Robots benefitted with Pilot programs for quick deliveries

    SEOUL: Hyundai started two pilot delivery service programs using robots based on Plug & Drive (PnD).

    These robots are available at hotels and residential-commercial complex in the suburbs of Seoul.

    The delivery robot consists of a storage unit integrated on top of a PnD driving unit. Alongside the loading box used to deliver items, a connected screen displays information for customers.

    READ MORE: Price, specs of MG HS 2022 in Pakistan

    The robot contains one single wheel unit that combines intelligent steering, braking, in-wheel electric drive and suspension hardware, including a steering actuator for 360-degree, holonomic rotation. It moves with the aid of LiDAR and camera sensors. An integrated storage unit allows the robot to transport products to customers.

    The PnD-based robot can find the optimal route within the area to deliver packages to recipients. It can recognize and avoid fixed and moving objects and drive smoothly, providing a fast delivery time.

    The robot in service at the hotel uses a deep learning-based algorithm to recognize the surrounding environment and people. When the robot arrives at the room it recognizes the opening of the door, and once it perceives the recipient, it automatically opens the storage compartment for them.

    The robot can communicate appropriate screen messages and in a befitting tone of voice based on the recipient. In addition, when moving between floors, the unit can determine the number of people boarding an elevator and wait for the next elevator if the first one is crowded.

    The autonomous driving robot is also adept at avoiding obstacles and collisions, even in narrow hotel corridors, and can move between floors without human help due to electronic connectivity with the elevators, enabling it to deliver goods along an optimal route.

    To enable the service, the Group uses wireless communication to access communal front doors and elevators, an issue which was previously an obstacle to commercializing robot delivery service. The service robot can enter the apartment complex, access upper floors through the elevator control system and deliver food to the customer’s home.

    The technology enabling service robots to move autonomously indoors and outdoors and deliver food without human assistance has created a game-changing last-mile delivery innovation that is attracting significant attention from the logistics and retail industries. The company expects last-mile delivery robots to greatly increase the efficiency of the entire delivery process.

  • Xiaomi launches Watch S2, many other products with exciting features

    Xiaomi launches Watch S2, many other products with exciting features

    BEIJING: Xiaomi unveiled Xiaomi Watch S2 and many other products that contains exciting features.

    Along with Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro the other products are Xiaomi Watch S2, Xiaomi Buds 4, Xiaomi Sound Pro, Xiaomi Router 10000, and Xiaomi Mini PC.

    Xiaomi Watch S2 brings a professional-grade sports tracking experience, offering ultra-comprehensive health monitoring and convenient features on the wrist. The watch comes in a more compact 42mm size, and is available in black, silver and light gold, as well as offering various options of colors for leather or silicone straps. For the first time, Xiaomi Watch S2 supports body composition measurement, which only takes a few seconds to measure and present eight types of body health data results. Xiaomi Watch S2’s new safety tracking feature, allows the users to send geolocation and SOS messages with a quick keystroke in case of any emergency.

    Xiaomi Buds 4 offers an immersive audio experience with its powerful hardware and software capabilities. Equipped with Xiaomi’s customized graphene dual magnetic drivers and dynamic adaptive EQ compensation, the earbuds provide users a stable and consistent sound quality even while jogging.

    Xiaomi Buds 4 is LHDC 5.0 and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, bringing astonishing audio in high-definition and with low-distortion. Xiaomi Buds 4’s case features a “space capsule” design, and earbuds can be snapped back into its place for easy storage. Its ergonomically half in-dear design enables users to have a secure fit and comfortable time for prolonged wearing. Furthermore, the adaptive active noise cancelling on Xiaomi Buds 4 enables a real-time adjustment for different levels of noise cancelling by recognizing ambient unwanted noise. With the new “independent spatial audio”, Xiaomi Buds 4 has on-device computing capabilities, meaning it no longer depends on smartphones for spatial audio calculations.

    Xiaomi Sound Pro is equipped with 7 units of 55W and 360-degree omnidirectional sound, and features HARMAN AudioEFX professional tuning. The speaker is able to automatically adjust its output style among “Strong Bass”, “Balanced” and “Clean” modes by analyzing the content played when using XiaoAi Speaker app. In order to further enhance the connected smart home sound system experience

    Xiaomi Sound Pro supports multiple connection methods such as Bluetooth 5.1, Aux in, and AirPlay 2. In addition, the intercom feature supports real-time communication between multiple speakers, as well as smartphones, TVs and other devices, so you can easily talk to your family without leaving the room.

    Xiaomi Router 10000 features the highest configuration among our router offerings, and has an increased network speed by 20 per cent compared with the previous generation. The flagship tri-band router offers a wireless and wired data transfer rate of up to 10 Gigabit, ensuring sufficient bandwidth for next-generation usage such as VR games, 8K streaming media, and real-time high-definition conferences.

    It is equipped with a Qualcomm quad-core A73 processor, 12-channel signal amplifier, 2GB storage, dual 10G network port, USB 3.0 port, as well as a sophisticated heat dissipation system, Xiaomi Router 10000 enables users to easily build a 10Gbps ultra-high-speed household WAN/LAN with NAS and supports simultaneous connection of more than 1,000 devices. The NFC pairing feature allows users to connect to the high-speed internet extremely easy and accessible.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi unveils Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro

    Xiaomi Mini PC is the most compact mainstream performance desktop at only 0.444L and weighs 437g. It adopts the 12th generation Core i5-1240P processor featuring a 12-core 16-thread heterogeneous design with a maximum turbo frequency reaching 4.4GHz, while the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics (80EUs) ensures excellent performance 24-7. On the storage front, it utilizes a 16GB DDR4 and 512GB PCle 4.0SSD, and supports expandable storage of up to 32GB RAM and 4TB SSD ROM. The large 4600RPM fan and a dual heat pipe heat dissipation system ensures a stable performance of Xiaomi Mini PC.

    The device comes with Windows 11 pre-installed and supports Ubuntu, OpenWWRT, UNRAID, and EXSI operating systems. For maximum utility and connectivity, it also features a wide range of versatile ports capable of connecting to external graphics cards and hard drives when needed. With Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6 built-in support, Xiaomi Mini PC is a compact yet powerful device, covering users needs in all daily scenarios.

  • Xiaomi unveils Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro

    Xiaomi unveils Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro

    BEIJING: Xiaomi unveiled 13 Series in collaboration with Leica. The phones include Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro.

    The phone is available colors including white, black, flora green and mountain blue. It adopts a flat screen with matching flat edges for a clean and strong visual impact on the front.

    Xiaomi 13 Series is equipped with 4nm flagship processors from Qualcomm, the Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 mobile platform. The new 1+4+3 fusion CPU architecture brings 37 per cent performance improvements while reducing power consumption by 47 per cent.

    The new Adreno GPU brings 42 per cent performance improvements while reducing power consumption by 49 per cent. In typical benchmark workloads, Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 achieved almost 2x fps/watt.

    READ MORE: Price, specs of iPhone 11 in Pakistan

    Xiaomi 13 Pro also features double-curved ceramic body for uniform look that transitions smoothly especially into the camera module. It is available in four colors, Ceramic White, Ceramic Black, Flora Green (Ceramic) and Mountain Blue.

    Xiaomi 13 implements a screen-to-body ratio to 93.3 per cent with a 6.36″ full-screen AMOLED display and 1.61mm ultra-thin bezels.

    The displays of Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 13 Pro have excellent HDR capabilities, with a fullscreen brightness of up to 1,200nits and a peak brightness of up to 1,900nits for optimal viewing.

    READ MORE: Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro released with exciting features

    Xiaomi 13 is equipped with 4,500mAh silicon-oxygen anode battery, with the highest energy density under the same power. It also supports 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

    Xiaomi 13 Pro is equipped with a 4,820mAh battery and supports 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.

  • Ericsson study highlights benefits of 5G connectivity in emerging markets

    Ericsson study highlights benefits of 5G connectivity in emerging markets

    ISLAMABAD: A major new Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) commissioned study by management consulting firm Analysys Mason highlights the potential economic, consumer and environmental benefits of 5G connectivity in 15 national emerging markets.

    With regulatory and government support, all fifteen countries could benefit from GDP growth between 0.3 and 0.46 per cent through 2035, with an estimated three-to-seven-fold cost-to-benefit ratio.

    Called the Future Value of Mobile in Emerging Markets, the report examines the impact of multiple 5G spectrum deployment options to facilitate enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access (FWA) across consumer, industry, logistics, rural and public services clusters, and spanning several business case options, including verticals.

    The detailed methodology included using national government statistics and reports, Ericsson network insights and innovative mapping techniques – based on population density distribution and existing national infrastructure such as, road and rail networks, and agriculture – to create a cost-to-benefit model across the different deployment options.

    Deployment options are based on the starting assumption of having 5G baseline rollout added to existing mobile radio network sites.

    Additional options explore the extra benefits of adding Low-Band 5G spectrum coverage beyond the baseline (delivering wider geographical coverage at the lower end of 5G capabilities and suited to agriculture or logistics deployments) or Mid-Band 5G spectrum coverage – delivering smaller geographical coverage per site, but with higher capacity and speed, suitable for manufacturing, automation, industry and advanced services.

    Expanded Mid-Band 5G coverage is identified as the key success factor – with the potential to deliver about 80 percent of the economic benefits. Benefits from the Smart Industry and Smart Rural clusters account for 85-90 percent of the total economic benefits in each emerging market.

    Agriculture is a significant sector in all 15 countries – accounting for up to 10 percent of GDP in some markets.

    The report estimates that enhanced rural 5G coverage could deliver up to 1.8 percent uplift in long-term GDP from agriculture. 5G will also promote sustainable farming methods, increase efficiency and reduce agricultural waste.

    Study findings include:

    •             Baseline 5G deployment cost is estimated between USD 3-8 billion per country. An additional 20-35 percent investment is required to extend coverage

    •             Extending coverage beyond the baseline can generate significant GDP benefits from industrial adoption, especially from mid-band coverage extension

    •             Most countries are expected to generate overall economic benefits (GDP) three-to-seven times higher than the incremental cost of extending coverage

    •             Results suggest 5G mobile broadband can generate consumer surplus between USD 1-10 billion per country, with coverage extension giving 20-30 percent extra consumer surplus

    •             The social benefits enabled by 5G will be greatest from 5G-based FWA, smart factories, freight and logistics, agriculture and healthcare use cases

    •             Adopting 5G can help reduce emissions by supporting digital transformation in agriculture, freight and logistics, smart factories and construction

    The study highlights how governments, regulators and policy makers can support the 5G ecosystem to deliver the benefits.

    These include treating 5G as a national infrastructure with a 5G national strategy and roadmap; implementing 5G spectrum policies that facilitate speedier and widespread deployment, including trading off spectrum fees for deployment targets that meet connectivity policy objectives; implementing policies and procedures to make infrastructure deployment and site upgrades easier; working with communications services providers to enhance coverage in areas where commercially-led solutions are not viable; incentivizing the use and prominence of 5G in industry and manufacturing; promoting 5G in the public sector and promoting the environmental benefits of 5G solutions.

    Andrew Lloyd, Head of Government and Policy Advocacy, Ericsson, says: “This Analysys Mason Future Value of Mobile in Emerging Markets report provides a detailed breakdown, based on comprehensive research into realistic and achievable scenarios in each of the 15 countries, of the potential economic, social, environmental and national benefits of 5G in these markets. With the backing of governments, regulators and policy makers, each of these 15 countries, and their citizens, stand to benefit significantly from 5G connectivity. In addition to economic benefits, 5G can also reduce climate impact, increase social inclusion, wellbeing and tackle the digital divide in areas where fixed infrastructure availability is poor.”

    Janette Stewart, Partner, Analysys Mason, says: ”The study highlights the benefits from having the right spectrum available for 5G deployment, both for geographic coverage, for which the low-bands are very suitable, and in the 3.5GHz band where most of the high-capacity 5G deployments in other markets are already taking place.”

    The countries addressed in the report research are Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.

  • United States, Croatia sign income tax treaty

    United States, Croatia sign income tax treaty

    WASHINGTON: The United States and Croatia on Wednesday signed a comprehensive income tax treaty between the two countries, according to an official statement issued by US Department of the Treasury.

    In a ceremony held at the US Department of State today, Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez and Croatia’s Minister of Finance Dr. Marko Primorac signed the treaty.

    The new tax treaty is the first of its kind between the United States and Croatia.

    “I am honored to sign the US-Croatia income tax treaty with you today, Finance Minister Primorac,” said Under Secretary Fernandez. “We look forward to taking this monumental step towards further strengthening trade and commercial ties between the United States and Croatia.”

    “The Treasury Department is pleased to conclude this new tax treaty with Croatia.  It is the first comprehensive tax treaty that the United States has signed in over ten years and reflects our current tax treaty policies and is a milestone in the Treasury’s efforts to expand the U.S. tax treaty network. We appreciate the collaboration Croatia showed throughout the negotiations,” said Lily Batchelder, Assistant Secretary (Tax Policy).

    The new tax treaty closely follows the US Model income tax treaty.  Key aspects of the new treaty include:

    Elimination of withholding taxes on cross-border payments of dividends paid to pension funds and on payments of interest;

    Reductions in withholding taxes on cross-border payments of dividends other than those paid to a pension fund, as well as royalties;

    Modern anti-abuse provisions intended to prevent instances of non-taxation of income as well as treaty shopping;

    Robust dispute resolution mechanisms including mandatory binding arbitration; and

    Standard provisions for the exchange of information to help the revenue authorities of both nations carry out their duties as tax administrators.

    The new tax treaty will enter into force after the United States and Croatia have notified each other that they have completed their requisite domestic procedures, which in the case of the United States refers to the advice and consent to ratification by the US Senate.