Author: Maryam Khichi
Google for Startups has announced the launch of AI Academy, a new initiative aimed at supporting and accelerating the growth of AI startups in Pakistan and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The program will unite over 20 startups focused on developing AI technologies, creating a dynamic AI community within APAC and sparking cross-border innovation and partnerships. According to the news release, the AI Academy will foster a collaborative environment for idea exchange, expertise sharing, and resource access, accelerating the development of advanced AI solutions and positioning APAC as a global leader in AI advancements. Selected startups will benefit from: The AI…
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has addressed the shortage of drivers and conductors in schools and colleges by engaging 195 drivers and 200 conductors through third-party outsourcing. According to the Education Ministry, these personnel will be available for deployment starting from August 7. Since 2017, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) had not provided additional positions for drivers and conductors. The ministry stated, “This time we have outsourced this function to a third party through an open and competitive process, removing the Ministry and FDE from individual hiring and contracting. As a result, every vehicle for ICT…
Eight Pakistani students will participate in the regional finals of Huawei Seeds for the Future 2024 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from August 11 to 17. Building on last year’s success, Huawei’s flagship CSR program will bring together 157 students from 14 countries across the Middle East and Central Asia, according to a news release from Huawei. The 2024 regional round is supported by the Ministry of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan and the IT Education Association, along with various telecom, regulatory, and vocational training bodies from the region. Since its launch in 2008, Seeds for the Future has impacted over 18,000 students…
Pakistan’s star javelin thrower, Arshad Nadeem, has secured his place in the finals of the ongoing Paris Olympics on Tuesday. In the qualification round, Nadeem launched a remarkable throw exceeding the 84-meter minimum qualifying mark, achieving an impressive distance of 86.59 meters on his first attempt. This throw not only clinched his spot in the finals but also showcased his extraordinary talent. Athletes who make a minimum throw of 84 meters qualify for the final round, where they will compete for medals. Out of the seven athletes Pakistan sent to the Olympics, Nadeem remains the last and biggest hope for…
The Visual Arts Division of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) has announced an Art Exhibition and Competition for young students, celebrating the upcoming Independence Day. According to a PNCA official, enrolled students and recent graduates from colleges and universities are invited to participate by creating an art piece using any medium, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, or digital art. Participants aged between 20-30 years are eligible for the competition, while those above 30 years can exhibit their work but will not be eligible for the competition. The deadline for submitting photos of the artwork is August 07. Entries…
Pakistan’s export of goods and services to Afghanistan saw a 4.12% increase during the fiscal year 2023-24 compared to the previous year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The total exports to Afghanistan amounted to $544.008 million in July-June 2023-24, up from $522.271 million in the same period of 2022-23. Year-on-year, exports to Afghanistan rose by 5.53%, reaching $46.073 million in June 2024, compared to $43.657 million in June 2023. However, on a month-to-month basis, exports to Afghanistan decreased by 38.04% in June 2024, down from $74.369 million in May 2024. Overall, Pakistan’s exports to other countries increased…
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has announced a photo competition themed “Gender, Intersectionality, and Climate Change.” This competition invites photographers, architects, and social activists to share impactful visual narratives. According to a NUST official, the competition is organized in collaboration with the Gender Intersectionality and Climate Change (GICC) initiative. It aims to stimulate thoughtful discourse on the intersectionality of gender and climate resilience. Photographers passionate about addressing global issues like gender equality and climate change can participate by capturing compelling images of “Women and marginalized communities on the frontlines of Climate Change.” These photographs will be featured…
The federal government has announced the formation of an eight-member task force dedicated to implementing structural reforms in the energy sector. This initiative, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aims to address critical issues, including billions of rupees in capacity payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the revision of existing contracts. The task force, chaired by Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Laghari, with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Energy Muhammad Ali as co-chairman, is mandated to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations and an implementation plan within a month. The task force includes Lt…
The second annual matriculation examinations under the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Faisalabad will commence on August 20. According to Secretary BISE, Dr. Habib ur Rehman, roll number slips have been dispatched to all candidates at their postal addresses. If any candidate does not receive their roll number slip in time, they should contact the matric branch of the board. Candidates can also download their roll number slips from the official website at www.bise.fsd.edu.pk.
In a historic achievement, Pakistan’s Under-18 men’s volleyball team clinched the bronze medal and secured a spot in the World Cup by defeating Japan 3-0 in the third-place match at the 15th Asian Men’s U-18 Volleyball Championship in Bahrain. Led by head coach Saeed Ahmed Khan, the team displayed exceptional skills and teamwork, winning the sets 25-13, 25-21, and 25-17. “This success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the players, coaching staff, and the Pakistan Volleyball Federation,” said PVF Chairman Ch. Mohammad Yaqoob. The championship featured 16 countries, including Bahrain, Thailand, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Chinese…