google releases android
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Google releases Android 17 QPR2 beta 3 with new fe…

ByJustpaste.in

Google has released Android 17 Beta 3, also known as the QPR2 Beta 3 update, for eligible Pixel devices. The latest beta includes bug fixes as well as several new features and customization options.

One of the biggest changes is a redesigned Quick Settings editor. The feature will allow users to arrange toggles and settings according to their preferences. Users can also choose which Quick Settings tiles appear in larger formats.

Google is further expanding customization by allowing users to adjust the position of the brightness slider and media player. Additional theming options are also reportedly being prepared for the final release, including adjustable colour hues and more blur effects across different parts of the interface.

The Android 17 Beta 3 update also introduces new call-protection features designed to help users avoid social-engineering scams. Additional confirmation dialogs may appear when users dial numbers associated with call forwarding, reducing the risk of unknowingly redirecting their calls to another number.

The QPR2 Beta 3 update is currently available to eligible Pixel devices through the beta programme. While some features are already available for testing, Google is expected to introduce further improvements before the stable Android 17 release.

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    Fifty UK police chiefs urge prime minister to halt early release of PC Harper’s killers

    ByJustpaste.in

    Fifty police chiefs from across the United Kingdom have sent a joint letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, urging the government to exhaust every legal avenue to prevent the early release of the teenagers convicted in the 2019 death of PC Andrew Harper. PC Harper, a 28-year-old Thames Valley Police officer, died after being dragged behind a getaway car following a quad bike theft in Berkshire. Two of the men convicted of his manslaughter, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, were sentenced to 13 years in 2020. Under recent legislative changes to manage severe prison overcrowding, both men are due to become eligible for release in January after serving half their sentences. The intervention by police chiefs across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland supports Burnham’s recent declaration that he is confident a legal resolution can be found to halt their discharge. In Downing Street, officials reiterated that the government intends to do everything within its power to block the early release. Beyond the specific case, the letter highlights broader concerns regarding public safety, victim impact, and officer morale. The police chiefs argued that reducing sentences for individuals involved in the deaths of emergency service personnel undermines the perceived sacrifice of officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public. The police leaders called on the government to mandate explicit public protection reviews before amending release terms for offenders convicted of serious violence or causing death, while also ensuring bereaved families are formally consulted whenever significant sentencing changes are implemented.

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    Parliament should focus on Pakistan’s real c…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan is an Islamic republic whose Constitution defines not only the structure of the state but also its ideological foundation. It explicitly states that the country should create an environment in which Muslims can live their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Against this constitutional backdrop, it is surprising that the issue of women wearing the abaya—or an Islamic financial institution including the abaya in its employee dress code—has become a matter of concern for a parliamentary committee. This naturally raises an important question: Who is setting the country’s priorities, and are these truly the issues that deserve Parliament’s attention? Pakistan continues to face pressing challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, an unequal tax system, a struggling economy, and serious shortcomings in education and healthcare. These are the issues that directly affect the daily lives of millions of citizens. If a parliamentary standing committee, whose primary responsibility is financial oversight, chooses to focus instead on the dress code of Islamic banks, it is reasonable for the public to question whether legislative priorities are aligned with the country’s most urgent needs. The debate also raises questions about consistency. Critics have objected to the abaya as part of an institutional dress code, yet there is little discussion about uniforms in many government departments that follow Western styles of dress. Women serving in the police, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and several other public institutions are commonly required to wear trousers and shirts as part of their official uniforms. If clothing is to become a matter of parliamentary debate, then similar standards should apply across the board. Selective criticism can create the perception of bias. Supporters of Islamic dress codes argue that the issue extends beyond clothing itself and reflects broader concerns about cultural and religious identity. From this perspective, the concern is not simply about the abaya but about a mindset that views visible expressions of religious identity as obstacles to modernization. They question whether institutions with an Islamic identity should be expected to abandon their traditions in the name of progress. This leads to a broader debate: Who defines what it means to be modern? Does modernization necessarily require reducing the public expression of religious values or adopting Western cultural norms? For institutions operating within Pakistan’s Islamic banking framework, supporters argue that their identity is rooted not only in financial principles but also in ethical and religious values. If such institutions adopt internal policies that comply with Pakistani law and reflect constitutional and religious principles, they contend that those choices should be respected. The discussion also draws comparisons with international examples. In countries such as France, restrictions on religious clothing have generated significant criticism from human rights advocates. Supporters of religious freedom argue that Pakistan, which was established with a distinct religious and cultural identity, should carefully consider whether adopting similar approaches is consistent with its own constitutional framework and historical foundations. Ultimately, the central argument is that Parliament should devote its time and resources to addressing issues that directly affect governance, economic stability, and public welfare. Matters of personal attire, religious belief, and institutional identity, many argue, should not become subjects of unnecessary official intervention when the country faces far more pressing social and economic challenges.

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    Oil surges above $100 as Red Sea attacks stokes fe…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel for the first time since May, following Houthi attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea that have stoked fears of a wider regional conflict. Brent crude spiked more than 5% on Thursday, as the Middle East conflict teeters on the edge of an “unimaginable spread of conflict.” Until Wednesday, oil was hovering around $90 per barrel, but the strikes in the Red Sea have put energy markets on edge. West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, was up almost 5% to $90.98 per barrel. The price surge comes after Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia earlier this week, threatening the kingdom’s ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis have targeted oil tankers in the Red Sea, disrupting shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital alternative route for Saudi oil exports. The attacks have raised concerns about global oil supply disruptions, with fears of a supply crunch intensifying as the conflict escalates. In response to the attacks, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Truth Social, stating: “If they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves.” The warning underscores the growing tensions between the US and Iran, as the Houthis’ actions are seen as part of Tehran’s broader regional strategy. Gas prices have also risen steadily over the past month, with average US gas prices surging to $4.09 per gallon. The spike in energy costs is expected to have a ripple effect on global economies, with inflationary pressures already mounting in many countries. The International Energy Agency has warned that the disruption to oil supplies could exacerbate the global energy crisis, particularly if the conflict in the Red Sea continues to escalate. The Houthi attacks come amid a broader escalation of the US-Iran war, with Iran launching attacks on US allies in the Gulf region and the US conducting strikes on Iranian targets. The conflict has already disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea attacks add a new dimension to the crisis, threatening a key alternative route for oil exports. The international community has urged restraint, but the situation remains volatile, with both sides showing little willingness to de-escalate. As oil prices continue to climb, the economic impact of the conflict is being felt around the world, with consumers and businesses facing higher energy costs. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a wider conflict or whether the region will slide further into chaos, with devastating consequences for global energy markets and the world economy. The surge in oil prices serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of global energy supplies and the interconnected nature of modern economies. As the conflict continues, the world watches with concern, hoping for a de-escalation that would restore stability to energy markets and prevent further economic disruption.

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    Govt extends austerity measures to control expenditure

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal government has formally extended its existing austerity policy into the ongoing 2026-27 fiscal year as part of a continued effort to manage public spending and restrict non-essential state expenditures. Following an official decision reached by the federal cabinet to maintain spending controls across public sector institutions, the Ministry of Finance issued a detailed notification on Tuesday outlining the continuation of these operational guidelines. Under the reinforced financial regulations, the government has mandated the immediate abolition of all public sector positions across federal departments that have remained vacant for the past three years. Furthermore, the policy maintains a complete, ongoing prohibition on the creation of any new posts, while also extending strict limitations on the procurement of new machinery, official equipment, and public sector vehicles. In addition to procurement restrictions, the federal government has kept in place its ban on state-funded medical treatment abroad for officials, as well as restrictions on non-essential foreign travel funded at the government’s expense. However, the Ministry of Finance specified that certain essential service categories will remain exempt from the purchase ban. These exemptions cover ambulances, specialised mobile medical vehicles, fire-fighting engines, buses and vans intended for educational institutions, waste and garbage collection vehicles, and operational motorcycles.

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    Japan unveils first spy agency since WWII

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    Japan has launched its first centralized intelligence agency since the end of World War II. The move marks one of the country’s biggest security reforms in decades. It comes as Japan faces rising regional tensions and growing concerns over espionage, cyber threats, and global instability. The new body is called the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). It officially began operations on Friday. It replaces the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office (CIRO), which had served as Japan’s main intelligence office for years. However, experts often criticized the old system for lacking authority and coordination. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the new agency as the first step in a broader intelligence reform plan. She said today’s security environment is changing rapidly. According to her, modern conflicts now involve cyberattacks, intelligence operations, and other non-traditional forms of warfare. She stressed that Japan must strengthen its intelligence capabilities to protect national security. The National Intelligence Bureau will collect, analyze, and coordinate intelligence gathered by various government departments. These include the ministries of defense, foreign affairs, justice, and the National Police Agency. Under the new system, government agencies will be required to share information with the bureau. Officials believe this will improve cooperation and eliminate delays caused by fragmented intelligence networks. The bureau will work under the newly created National Intelligence Council. The council will be chaired by the prime minister and include senior cabinet ministers. It will oversee national intelligence policy and coordinate responses to major security threats. The agency’s responsibilities will cover a wide range of issues. These include counterterrorism, emergency response, cybersecurity, foreign espionage, and efforts to detect covert influence operations carried out by hostile states. Security analysts have long argued that Japan’s intelligence system has been weaker than those of many other developed countries. Unlike several of its close allies, Japan does not have a dedicated foreign intelligence agency that operates overseas. The country also lacks a comprehensive anti-espionage law, making it more difficult to investigate and prosecute espionage activities. Experts say these weaknesses have raised concerns among Japan’s international partners. Countries sharing sensitive intelligence expect strong security measures to prevent leaks. A weak intelligence system can reduce confidence and limit intelligence cooperation. Calls for reform are not new. In the 1980s, former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone warned that Japan had become a “paradise for spies.” He proposed stronger anti-espionage laws, but the plan faced strong public opposition and was never approved. At the time, many Japanese feared that expanding intelligence powers could revive the surveillance and repression experienced before and during World War II. Today, the security situation is very different. Japan faces increasing military and strategic challenges from China, North Korea, and Russia. The country also hosts thousands of US military personnel, making it an important strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. Officials believe foreign intelligence services are actively seeking information about Japan’s defense systems, advanced technology, and military cooperation with its allies. Growing military cooperation among China, Russia, and North Korea has also increased concerns in Tokyo. Their joint military activities and closer political ties have reinforced the belief that Japan must strengthen its national security institutions. Prime Minister Takaichi has made defense and intelligence reform a key priority since taking office. With strong support in parliament, her government is expected to push for further changes. These may include introducing an anti-espionage law and creating a dedicated foreign intelligence service similar to those operated by other major democratic nations. Despite the government’s arguments, the reforms remain controversial. Opposition lawmakers and civil rights groups warn that expanding intelligence powers could threaten privacy and individual freedoms if proper safeguards are not introduced. They argue that stronger oversight, parliamentary scrutiny, and independent monitoring will be essential to prevent misuse of power.

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    PTI rejects AJK polls, demands probe into killings

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    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday rejected the recently concluded Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, alleging that the electoral process lacked transparency and calling for an independent investigation into the killings and violence reported during the polls. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and former AJK prime minister Sardar Qayyum Niazi accused the authorities of suppressing public opinion and said the events surrounding the elections had damaged both democracy and the Kashmir cause. Niazi said the people of Kashmir had a long history of supporting Pakistan and deserved to have their voices heard through a free and fair electoral process. He alleged that peaceful protesters had faced excessive force despite demonstrating without violence. “They remained peaceful even while facing bullets and batons,” he said, adding that the government should have engaged in dialogue rather than confrontation. Questioning the decision to conduct polling in three phases, Niazi argued that AJK’s relatively small population did not justify such an arrangement. He contrasted the process with Pakistan’s nationwide elections, saying the phased schedule had raised serious questions among voters. PTI Chairman Gohar described the July 27 elections as “a fraud” and maintained that democracy could not function if citizens were prevented from expressing their views through peaceful protest. He said public grievances should be addressed through dialogue instead of force. The PTI chief also criticised major political parties, accusing them of politicising the post-election situation instead of focusing on the concerns of the people. According to Gohar, the low voter turnout reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the existing political system. He further claimed that the election results had failed to inspire public confidence and urged all stakeholders to prioritise transparency, accountability and democratic values. Calling for an impartial inquiry, PTI demanded that those responsible for the reported killings and use of force be identified and held accountable. Party leaders said an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts, ensure justice for affected families and restore public trust in democratic institutions. The party concluded by urging authorities to avoid further escalation and resolve political disputes through dialogue, warning that prolonged instability in AJK could undermine both democratic credibility and Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir issue.

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