ahsan iqbal highlights
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Ahsan Iqbal highlights importance of Artificial In…

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Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to bring extraordinary changes across the world. He emphasized that Pakistan must prepare its youth for the future by providing them with modern education, digital skills, and technological resources, including laptops, to compete in the rapidly changing global environment.

Addressing a ceremony at Islamia Degree College Narowal, Ahsan Iqbal said that equipping young people with digital skills has become an urgent necessity in today’s era. He stressed that technology is transforming economies, industries, and workplaces around the world, and nations that fail to adapt to these changes may fall behind in global competition.

The federal minister highlighted that science and technology will play a decisive role in shaping the future economy. According to him, investment in scientific research, innovation, and technological development is essential for securing a prosperous future for the country. He stated that countries that focus on research and technological advancement are better positioned to achieve economic growth and development.

Ahsan Iqbal said that the modern world is moving rapidly towards digital transformation, where artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies are changing the way people work and communicate. He emphasized that Pakistan’s youth represent a valuable resource, and providing them with the right skills and opportunities can help them contribute significantly to national progress.

He further stated that the government is committed to supporting young people by improving access to quality education, digital training programs, and technological facilities. He mentioned that initiatives such as providing laptops and promoting skill development programs are aimed at helping students gain knowledge and abilities required in the modern job market.

The minister explained that digital skills are no longer limited to the technology sector but have become important in almost every field, including business, education, communication, healthcare, and industry. He encouraged students to learn new technologies and develop skills that can increase their employment opportunities and enable them to participate in the digital economy.

Ahsan Iqbal also highlighted the importance of scientific research and innovation in achieving sustainable development. He said that investment in universities, research institutions, and technology-based projects can help Pakistan create solutions for future challenges and strengthen its position internationally.

He stated that nations that successfully integrate technology into their education systems and economic structures will be the ones that succeed in the global arena. According to him, technological awareness and digital readiness are essential for young generations to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

The minister urged students to focus on acquiring knowledge, improving their technical abilities, and using technology positively for personal and national development. He said that the youth must be prepared to meet future challenges and benefit from opportunities created by advancements in science and technology.

Concluding his remarks, Ahsan Iqbal reiterated that artificial intelligence and digital transformation will shape the future of the world. He emphasized that Pakistan’s progress depends on empowering its young population with modern education, research opportunities, and digital skills. By investing in technology and human resources, the country can build a stronger economy and compete effectively at the international level.

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    US awards Raytheon $22.9 billion deal to expand To…

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    WASHINGTON: The US military has awarded Raytheon, a unit of RTX, a massive $22.9 billion contract to significantly increase production of Tomahawk cruise missiles as Washington moves to replenish stocks of advanced weapons. The Pentagon’s decision comes after the United States supplied substantial quantities of military equipment to its allies while also using large amounts of precision-guided munitions during the conflict with Iran. The heavy use of weapons has raised concerns over the country’s remaining inventories, particularly air-defence systems and precision-strike capabilities. Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said the agreement would help the defence industry rapidly expand ammunition production and ensure that American forces maintain sufficient combat capabilities. The contract represents one of the largest recent investments in Tomahawk production and underscores Washington’s effort to strengthen its weapons reserves amid growing global security challenges. Moreover,  The United States has approved the sale of advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon ground-based launchers to Germany, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and significantly enhancing NATO’s military capabilities in Europe. According to international media reports, the announcement followed high-level discussions held during the NATO summit, where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described meetings with US officials as more productive than expected. He confirmed that Germany had reached an agreement with Washington to purchase the long-range missile system and eventually deploy it on German territory. The decision is widely seen as a strategic move to close a key gap in Germany’s long-range strike capabilities at a time of growing security concerns across Europe. Speaking after the summit, the German chancellor said the acquisition would strengthen the country’s defense posture while complementing broader European efforts to modernize military infrastructure and improve collective deterrence against emerging threats. Reports indicate that the US government signed a Letter of Intent earlier this week, assuring Berlin that formal approval for the sale of the Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launchers is expected to be finalized in August. German officials, however, declined to reveal how many missiles or launchers the country intends to purchase, citing national security and operational sensitivity. Defense sources said details regarding the size of the deal remain classified. The Tomahawk is one of the world’s most advanced long-range cruise missiles, capable of striking targets with exceptional precision hundreds of kilometers away. The missile has been extensively used by the US military in multiple operations and is valued for its ability to engage strategic targets while minimizing collateral damage. The Typhon launcher is a mobile ground-based missile system designed to fire multiple types of long-range precision weapons, providing greater operational flexibility and rapid deployment capabilities. Defense analysts believe the agreement reflects NATO’s broader strategy to reinforce its eastern flank and improve Europe’s long-range strike capacity amid an increasingly complex security environment. The move is also expected to deepen defense cooperation between Washington and Berlin while accelerating Germany’s military modernization program. Although officials have not disclosed a delivery timeline, the proposed acquisition is already being viewed as one of Germany’s most significant defense procurement decisions in recent years. Analysts say the deployment of Tomahawk missiles on German soil could reshape Europe’s strategic military balance, strengthen NATO’s deterrence posture and send a strong signal of allied unity as the alliance continues adapting to evolving geopolitical challenges.

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    Jeff Bezos throws weight behind $2.6B AI startup fixing the chip material crunch

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    Jeff Bezos has placed his bet on CuspAI, an artificial intelligence startup working to discover and design advanced materials for the next generation of computer chips. The investment aims squarely at the material shortage behind the ongoing chip crisis that has rattled the tech industry over the past several months. This is not  CuspAI’s first big funding win. Back in July, the company closed a $450 million Series B round, pushing its valuation to $2.6 billion. That round pulled in heavyweight backers, including Bezos Expeditions, AMD Ventures, Nvidia, and Meta. CuspAI was founded in 2024 with a much narrower focus. Originally, the company built AI tools to identify and test materials for water purification and carbon capture projects. Since then, its mission has grown considerably. By expanding into AI infrastructure and chip materials, the startup now positions itself as a possible fix during a period of serious supply chain strain. One of CuspAI’s key advantages lies in finding substitutes. The company’s AI can search for alternative materials that mimic the properties of scarce elements like tantalum, gallium, and iridium. These elements are becoming harder to source as demand climbs, particularly with the explosion of AI infrastructure worldwide. The International Energy Agency has already flagged concerns that data centre demand for gallium could outpace supply within the next few years. Adding to the pressure, rising geopolitical tension between the US and China over rare earth minerals continues to complicate global supply chains. Analysts have pointed to this rift as a growing risk factor for tech manufacturers everywhere. Beyond securing fresh funding, CuspAI has also launched something bigger: the AI Materials Foundry. This initiative brings together more than 45 major industry players under one coalition, including tech giants like Nvidia, Samsung, Meta, and Hyundai Motor Group. The goal is to pool resources and expertise as the industry races to solve its materials bottleneck. With Bezos now backing the effort directly, CuspAI’s profile in the AI and semiconductor space is only expected to grow. As chip shortages continue to challenge manufacturers worldwide, the company’s approach of using AI to hunt for alternative materials could prove critical in keeping production on track.

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    Islamabad district courts begin summer break

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    The summer vacation in Islamabad’s district and sessions courts began on Saturday and will continue until August 31, according to the official schedule issued by the judicial authorities. The district judiciary announced that regular court proceedings will remain suspended during the vacation period. However, essential judicial work will continue through designated duty judges to ensure that urgent legal matters are addressed without delay. The Sessions Judges of both the East and West divisions issued separate duty rosters for the summer break. Under the schedule, one additional sessions judge and one judicial magistrate will remain on duty in each division throughout the vacation period. The duty judges will hear urgent cases requiring immediate judicial intervention. These include matters related to physical remand, judicial remand, bail applications and other emergency cases that cannot be postponed until the courts reopen after the holidays. The arrangement has been made to ensure that litigants continue to have access to the courts for urgent legal relief despite the suspension of regular proceedings. Judicial officials said the vacation roster has been prepared to maintain the smooth functioning of the district judiciary while allowing judges and court staff to observe the annual summer recess. The district and sessions courts are expected to resume their normal schedule after the summer vacation concludes on August 31. Until then, only cases of an urgent nature will be taken up by the designated duty judges in both the East and West judicial divisions of Islamabad.

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    Six planets to grace the sky before sunrise today

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    Karachi: Skywatchers will have an opportunity to witness a rare planetary gathering before sunrise today, as six planets are expected to appear across the eastern horizon. According to experts from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune will be positioned in the morning sky during the pre-dawn hours. The planetary display is expected to be visible approximately 45 to 60 minutes before sunrise, with observers advised to look towards the eastern horizon for the best chance of spotting the celestial bodies. Experts said Mars, Saturn and Jupiter should be visible to the naked eye under suitable weather and viewing conditions. However, Mercury will appear very close to the horizon, making it comparatively more difficult to observe, particularly if there are buildings, trees or haze obstructing the view. The remaining two planets, Uranus and Neptune, are much fainter and will require a telescope or binoculars for observation. Astronomy experts have clarified that although the planets may appear to form a line or group from Earth, they are not actually arranged in a straight line in outer space. The apparent alignment is the result of the viewing angle from Earth and the planets’ positions along their respective orbits around the Sun. For those hoping to observe the phenomenon, experts recommend choosing a location with a clear view of the eastern horizon and minimal light pollution. Early morning skies with clear weather will provide better viewing conditions.

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    20,000 flee as fast-moving wildfire engulfs British Columbia

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    VANCOUVER: More than 20,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in British Columbia as a fast-moving wildfire tore through communities around Okanagan Lake, prompting provincial authorities to declare a state of emergency. The Bald Range wildfire exploded in size within hours, driven by hot, dry and windy conditions, sending residents scrambling for safety and creating an increasingly dangerous situation for firefighters and emergency crews. The blaze had expanded to roughly 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres) by Saturday, according to Reuters. Premier David Eby announced the state of emergency on Saturday as more than 100 wildfires were burning across the province. The emergency declaration gives authorities additional powers to restrict travel, coordinate resources and secure accommodation for people displaced by the fires. Thousands ordered to evacuate The communities of Summerland and Peachland were among those heavily affected. Summerland, home to around 12,000 people, was placed under an evacuation order, while thousands more residents in surrounding areas were also told to leave. Officials have warned that conditions remain extremely dangerous, with rapidly changing winds and intense flames making it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage. A number of homes and other properties have already been destroyed, although authorities have yet to determine the total number of structures lost because some affected areas remain inaccessible. The wildfire has also disrupted essential services. Power outages have been reported, while Summerland issued a boil-water advisory after untreated water entered part of the system. Highway 97, an important transportation route through the region, was also closed as the fire threatened nearby communities. Residents rescued by helicopter The rapidly spreading flames left some residents trapped after escape routes became unsafe. Emergency crews used helicopters to reach people who could no longer evacuate by road, while search-and-rescue teams continued checking areas behind the fire lines for anyone who may have been left behind. The intensity of the fire has created exceptionally dangerous conditions. Officials said the blaze generated its own weather, including lightning, making firefighting operations even more challenging. Authorities are also investigating a possible wildfire-related death near Summerland. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said hazardous conditions were making it difficult to confirm details immediately. Why the situation is so severe British Columbia entered the 2026 wildfire season with significant concerns about drought and unusually warm conditions. The BC Wildfire Service had warned earlier this summer that much of the province could experience elevated wildfire activity because of persistent drought, below-average snowpack and warmer-than-normal temperatures. The Okanagan was among the areas facing above-average drought conditions. The District of Peachland had already raised its local fire danger rating to extreme in July, warning that dry forests and grasslands could allow any new fire to spread rapidly. A growing national wildfire crisis The emergency in British Columbia is part of a wider wildfire crisis affecting Canada this summer. Thousands of firefighters are battling blazes across multiple provinces, while smoke from major fires has repeatedly affected air quality and visibility. For residents forced from their homes, the immediate priority remains safety as emergency crews work to contain the Bald Range fire. With flames moving quickly and weather conditions remaining difficult, officials continue to urge residents in threatened areas to follow evacuation orders and avoid returning until authorities declare it safe. For British Columbia, the latest disaster is another stark reminder of how quickly a wildfire can transform from a remote blaze into a community-wide emergency.

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    Daanish schools enrol only 40,000 in 15 years: Edu…

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