Author: Maryam Khichi
Since August 1977, the “Wow!” signal, detected by Ohio State University’s Big Ear radio telescope, has intrigued scientists, sparking theories of potential alien contact. The powerful, long-duration signal, originating from the constellation Sagittarius, led many to speculate it might be a deliberate broadcast by extraterrestrial beings using advanced technology. However, the signal’s exact source remained elusive, and it was never detected again. Now, researchers from the University of Puerto Rico suggest a new explanation. According to their study, the “Wow!” signal was likely the first recorded instance of maser-like emission of the hydrogen line, a unique astrophysical event rather than…
Zong, Pakistan’s leading telecom operator, has launched an extensive network expansion in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), introducing high-speed 4G services across more than 15 cities. This marks the largest-ever network expansion in the region, with seamless coverage now live in key cities like Gilgit, Hunza, and Skardu, and further rollouts planned. This initiative reflects Zong’s commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality 4G connectivity across Pakistan. The expansion is set to boost digitalization, enhance livelihoods, and accelerate data connectivity throughout the broader Gilgit Baltistan region. As part of this effort, 59 new 4G sites are being rolled out, ensuring residents in cities like…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that a comprehensive five-year economic revival plan would soon be unveiled, with its broad framework established after months of discussions with key stakeholders. The prime minister introduced the ‘Home-Grown Economic Program,’ focusing on revitalizing Pakistan’s economy by targeting crucial sectors such as agriculture, information technology, and other underdeveloped areas. “Our program has been under discussion for some time, and I will announce it very soon,” said the prime minister at the launch of the Buna-Raast connectivity project. He emphasized that the plan, shaped by extensive consultations, would be finalized within the next week…
Under the education-friendly vision of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, record scholarships are being provided to support the higher education of police employees’ children. Following IG Punjab’s directives, significant efforts have been made to prioritize the educational welfare of the police force’s children, with a substantial allocation of Rs. 1 billion for this initiative in the current year. Dr. Anwar highlighted that 1,445 students pursuing BS Honors degrees have been awarded scholarships totaling over Rs. 82.2 million to cover their tuition fees. These scholarships have been distributed to students enrolled in various BS Honors programs across…
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to Nowshera has officially been inaugurated, providing passengers with an economical and comfortable travel option from Peshawar to the area. The service was launched by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Excise and Taxation, Khaleequr Rehman, during a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and relevant officials. During the inauguration, Minister Rehman highlighted the government’s commitment to improving public transportation by extending the BRT service from Peshawar to Pabbi and Nowshera. He emphasized that this expansion is a significant step towards alleviating the travel difficulties faced by the residents of Pabbi and Nowshera. The new service will…
Pakistan’s vice-captain in red-ball cricket, Saud Shakeel, made history on Day 1 of the first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh by surpassing the record of the legendary Javed Miandad. The left-handed batter reached 1,000 Test runs in just 20 innings, breaking Miandad’s previous record, which took 23 innings to achieve. Shakeel also equaled a 65-year-old record set by former batter Saeed Ahmed, becoming the joint-fastest Pakistani to reach this milestone in Test cricket. Saeed Ahmed initially set the record in 1959 during a Test match against Australia in Karachi. Since making his Test debut for Pakistan against England in December…
The 4th World Military Games are underway in Caracas, Venezuela, from August 16 to August 23, overseen by the International Military Sports Council. This year, 142 countries, including Pakistan, Russia, China, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Iran, are competing. Pakistan’s team participated in various events, notably in shooting and track and field. On August 20, Chief Warrant Officer Mueed Baloch of the Pakistan Air Force achieved a significant milestone by winning a gold medal in the 400-meter race, bringing immense pride to the nation. Additionally, Sepoy Muhammad Akhtar of the Pakistan Army earned a bronze medal in the 5000-meter race. This…
Pakistan Army’s Major Sania Safdar, serving with the United Nations Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), has made history as the first peacekeeper from the mission to receive the 2023 ‘Certificate of Recognition’ for her advocacy of gender equality. The prestigious award, issued by the UN Department for Peace Operations in New York, was presented to her by Colin Stewart, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cyprus. Maj Safdar expressed her gratitude, stating, “Receiving this certificate as the first peacekeeper from UNFICYP is deeply meaningful to me and significant for our mission in Cyprus. It serves as a testament…
Google is introducing a new AI-powered feature for Android phones designed to enhance security by locking users out if a theft is detected. This feature, known as “theft detection lock,” will soon be available for devices running Android 10 or later, according to Forbes. Mishaal Rahman, an expert on operating system developments, shared on X that the theft detection lock is now being rolled out to select users who joined the beta program in Brazil. This feature utilizes data from a phone’s accelerometer and gyroscope to detect common theft-related movements and automatically locks the device if it senses that the…
The “Plant for Pakistan” campaign, in collaboration with the Military Land and Cantonment Board and the Punjab Forest Department, is set to launch a major tree planting initiative in Murree on August 24, 2024. This campaign is part of the broader Green Pakistan program. The initiative will cover the entire Murree tehsil, with the Pakistan Army helicopters playing a crucial role in seed dispersal throughout the region. Green Youth Ambassadors from Lawrence College will also be actively involved in the planting efforts. Organizers have called on the public, including youth, minorities, and tourists, to join the campaign. The initiative seeks…