|

UK government unveils £130m boost for zero-emission vehicle technology

ByJustpaste.in

The British government has announced a joint public-private investment package worth nearly £130 million to advance zero-emission vehicle technologies across the United Kingdom.

The funding model combines almost £65 million in public investment alongside matching contributions from private automotive industry partners.

Under the initiative, nearly £50 million in government grants will go directly to car manufacturers and research institutions to develop and scale clean vehicle tech. An additional £17 million has been allocated to nine projects targeting connected and automated mobility, including advanced sensors, brake-by-wire systems, and artificial intelligence simulation platforms.

Industry Minister Blair McDougall stated that the package aims to secure the future of British manufacturing, noting that the country is determined to ensure next-generation vehicles are designed and produced domestically.

The financial injection aligns with the UK’s legal mandate to end sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, ahead of a complete transition to zero-emission new vehicles by 2035.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Beijing battles torrential rain as flood threat gr…

    ByJustpaste.in

    BEIJING: Beijing was thrown into weather-alert mode on Wednesday as torrential rain linked to Typhoon Dolphin disrupted transport, closed tourist attractions and forced authorities to evacuate people from areas vulnerable to flooding and landslides. The Chinese capital suspended 250 bus routes and ordered trains on 10 subway lines to operate at reduced speeds as heavy rain turned several roads into virtual rivers. Authorities also halted sightseeing boat services and temporarily closed tourist and camping sites, according to state media. The downpour was part of a wider weather system generated by the remnants of Dolphin, the strongest typhoon to hit China this year. Although the storm weakened after making landfall, its vast moisture system continued moving inland, bringing intense rainfall to northern and central parts of the country. Beijing’s Changping district recorded 90.7 millimetres of rain in just one hour after 9am on Wednesday, highlighting the intensity of the storm. Floodwaters left vehicles stranded and disrupted traffic on major roads. Authorities moved residents from mountainous villages, low-lying communities and other locations considered vulnerable to flooding and geological disasters. More than 5,000 elderly people were also evacuated from care facilities as officials stepped up emergency preparations. Construction work across thousands of sites was suspended, while reservoirs were releasing water in advance to create additional capacity for incoming rainfall. The National Meteorological Center renewed an orange rainstorm alert, warning that heavy rain would continue across a broad area of China through Thursday morning. The latest weather emergency has revived concerns over the growing impact of extreme rainfall and flooding in China. Scientists have increasingly linked more intense weather events to climate change, while the 2026 El Niño pattern is also contributing to warmer conditions and stronger tropical systems. For Beijing residents, the immediate priority remains staying away from flooded roads, rivers and mountainous areas as authorities monitor rainfall and prepare for further disruption.

  • |

    Nasir Iqbal storms into international squash final

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Pakistan’s Nasir Iqbal advanced to the final of the PN Fleet Club Open International Squash Championship after a commanding semifinal victory, while fellow Pakistani Asim Khan bowed out of the tournament following a loss to Egypt’s Salman Khalil. Competing at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex in Karachi, Nasir Iqbal delivered a dominant display against Egypt’s Yasee El Shafey, securing a straight-games victory in just 24 minutes. He won the match 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 to book his place in the final. Earlier, Asim Khan’s campaign ended after he was defeated 3-1 by Egypt’s Salman Khalil in the other semifinal. The Egyptian progressed to the title clash with the win. The $41,000 prize-money tournament, organized by the Sindh Squash Association, will conclude with the final on Tuesday at 4:00 pm, where Nasir Iqbal will take on Salman Khalil for the championship title. Nasir’s impressive performance has kept Pakistan’s title hopes alive, with the experienced squash player producing consistent displays throughout the tournament.

  • |

    Goods transport strike threatens Pakistan’s industry

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: A nationwide strike by goods transporters has triggered growing concern among industrialists, who fear that a prolonged disruption in cargo movement could disrupt factory operations, delay export shipments and add further pressure to Pakistan’s already fragile economy. Business leaders have warned that the continued suspension of freight services could create serious bottlenecks in the supply chain, particularly for industries that rely on the regular movement of raw materials and intermediate goods. Any prolonged shortage of essential inputs could force factories to slow down production or temporarily shut operations. The industrial sector is also facing the risk of delays in the delivery of finished products to domestic markets and international buyers. Export-oriented industries, in particular, could suffer if consignments fail to reach ports or overseas customers within agreed timelines. President of the SITE Association of Industry (SAI) Abdul Rehman Fudda said the transporters’ strike had created a critical situation for the manufacturing sector, as industries could not maintain uninterrupted production without a reliable logistics network. He said factories depended on the timely arrival of raw materials and the smooth transportation of finished goods. Any disruption in freight movement, he added, could interrupt production schedules and increase costs for manufacturers. Fudda warned that the impact of the strike could extend beyond factories, affecting workers, suppliers, exporters, retailers and other businesses linked to the industrial supply chain. He pointed out that Pakistan’s export sector was already operating under significant pressure because of high production costs and other economic challenges. A disruption in transportation, he said, would further increase the difficulties faced by exporters. The SAI president cautioned that delays in export shipments could have financial as well as reputational consequences. International buyers may impose penalties, demand price reductions or seek compensation when shipments fail to arrive within agreed deadlines. According to him, exporters operate under strict delivery schedules, and even a temporary disruption in logistics can affect production planning, container bookings and shipment arrangements. Fudda stressed that the consequences of the strike should be assessed from a broader economic perspective rather than being viewed solely as a dispute between transporters and other stakeholders. He said an interruption in the movement of goods could affect the entire supply chain, from the procurement of raw materials to the manufacturing process and eventual delivery of products to customers. The industrialist further warned that repeated delays in fulfilling export orders could undermine the confidence of foreign buyers and make it more difficult for Pakistani businesses to retain existing international contracts or secure new orders. Industrialists have therefore urged the relevant authorities and representatives of goods transporters to resolve their differences at the earliest and restore the movement of cargo across the country. They maintained that an uninterrupted logistics system was essential for keeping factories operational, protecting jobs, meeting export commitments and supporting economic activity. Business leaders also called for a sustainable resolution to the issues behind the transporters’ strike so that similar disruptions could be avoided in the future. They said uncertainty in the movement of goods not only affects individual industries but can also have wider implications for investment, exports, government revenue and overall economic growth. With industries already facing a challenging business environment, manufacturers fear that a prolonged transport shutdown could further increase operational costs and compound supply-chain problems. They urged the authorities to prioritise negotiations and ensure the resumption of freight services without further delay.

  • | |

    Noor Hassan’s Pakistan exit remark sparks fury

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani actor Noor Hassan has sparked a heated discussion on social media after sharing a post about his decision to leave Pakistan. The actor, who has built a strong reputation through several popular television dramas, recently took to Instagram to share a picture along with a caption suggesting that he found greater peace after moving away from his home country. His remark quickly caught the attention of social media users, with many interpreting it as a criticism of the conditions in Pakistan. The statement has since generated a wide range of reactions, reflecting the growing debate among Pakistanis about life opportunities, security, freedom and quality of living. Some users strongly criticised Hassan for speaking negatively about Pakistan after gaining recognition and success in the country’s entertainment industry. They argued that celebrities who achieve fame locally should not publicly portray the country in a negative manner. Others, however, defended the actor and said his statement should be viewed in the context of the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens. They pointed to concerns surrounding economic pressures, limited opportunities, governance issues and what they described as a lack of basic rights. Several commenters also connected Hassan’s remarks to the broader issue of brain drain, arguing that many skilled professionals and young people consider moving abroad because they believe they can find better career prospects and living conditions elsewhere. The contrasting reactions have turned the actor’s social media post into a wider conversation about whether leaving Pakistan necessarily means rejecting one’s homeland or simply seeking a more peaceful and stable life. Noor Hassan is known for his performances in a number of well-known television projects, including Humsafar, Maat, Muqaddar, Meer Abro and Aseer Zadi. He has also received appreciation for his recent performance in the drama Noor Jahan. While some viewers continue to disagree with his remarks, others believe the discussion highlights genuine frustrations experienced by people who are considering opportunities outside Pakistan.

  • | |

    Iran says Oman deal nears completion but insists U…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iran said on Sunday that a deal with Oman establishing new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz has entered its final stages, though Tehran maintained the critical waterway will remain closed until Washington satisfies a broader set of conditions tied to the ongoing standoff between the two countries. A US official told Reuters on Friday that an agreement between Iran and Oman appeared close and could soon lead to the reopening of the strait, a passage that carried roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before Iran shut it down in response to American and Israeli military strikes earlier this year. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed on Sunday that negotiations over the strait, which sits between Iran and Oman, had reached their final stages. However, he repeated comments made a day earlier stressing that the waterway would not reopen unless additional conditions set by Tehran were met first. Iran’s Mehr news agency quoted Araqchi as saying the emerging agreement would establish the new shipping lanes to be used once the United States fulfils those conditions and the strait formally reopens. Araqchi said Iran and the United States are not currently engaged in direct talks and that Tehran has no plans to begin them as long as Washington continues to breach an interim agreement the two countries signed in June. He added that messages between the two sides are being exchanged through intermediaries rather than direct contact. Iran demands compensation and sanctions relief The United States launched air strikes against Iran in late February, saying the campaign aimed to prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons or using missiles and regional proxy forces to threaten the wider Middle East. Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire in June, but the United States reimposed a blockade on Iranian shipping in the Gulf in July, a move Iran characterised as a violation of a truce that had already shown signs of collapse. A US official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the blockade on Iranian ports would lift once a deal restoring unimpeded commercial shipping is formally announced. The official added that any American actions would remain directly tied to Iran fulfilling its own commitments under the emerging agreement, pointing to a carefully sequenced approach that both sides appear to be navigating cautiously. The arrangement under discussion appeared, according to sources who previously spoke to Reuters, to grant Tehran a degree of control over vessels entering the Gulf through the strait, an arrangement that shipping industry sources have said would be difficult to implement in practice. The precise current status of the agreement remained unclear on Sunday, and Iran’s latest statements suggested several additional factors could still complicate its finalisation. Araqchi said the strait’s reopening would depend in part on the United States providing compensation to Iran for what Tehran describes as widespread attacks on its territory and interests. Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran’s top national security body, outlined a broader list of demands, including an end to US threats against Iran, a halt to what Tehran calls aggression against its allies in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Yemen and Iraq, the lifting of the shipping blockade and broader sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian financial assets. Supreme Leader’s condition remains unclear Ultimate decision making authority in Iran rests with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since an air strike killed his father and predecessor on February 28, the first day of the joint US and Israeli air campaign against Iran. State media reported on Sunday that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Khamenei in late July, and a paramilitary leader promised that footage of the supreme leader would soon be released publicly. Khamenei was reportedly injured in the same strike that killed his father, according to earlier reporting. Separately, the United Arab Emirates said on Saturday that Iran had attacked a vessel affiliated with its state oil company. Iran did not immediately respond to the allegation. The country’s powerful Revolutionary Guards have attacked commercial vessels in the past, arguing that ships transiting the strait without coordinating their passage with Iranian authorities are not protected from such action. Houthi attacks widen regional shipping crisis Iran’s strikes on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have coincided with intensified attacks from its Yemen based allies, the Houthis, who have targeted vessels at a separate chokepoint located between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden on the opposite side of the Arabian Peninsula. The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea last month, framing the move as retaliation for what they described as a Saudi imposed siege in Yemen, an accusation the Saudi government has firmly denied. Riyadh continues to back Yemen’s internationally recognised government in the country’s ongoing conflict. The group claimed responsibility for an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery on Sunday, coming just two days after the kingdom signed a defence pact with fellow Sunni Muslim majority nations Turkey and Pakistan amid growing concern over regional instability stemming from the US and Israeli military campaign against Shiite led Iran. Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry confirmed that a fire broke out at the refinery following the attack but was later extinguished without causing any injuries, and that authorities were continuing to manage the aftermath of the incident. The ministry did not specify a cause for the blaze. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said on social media platform X that the group used a drone to strike the facility. The Houthis have targeted Aramco sites in Jazan before, a refinery that processes approximately 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily in southwestern Saudi Arabia. It remains unclear whether or to what extent Pakistan or Turkey would participate in any Saudi response to the latest attack. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the newly formed alliance between the three countries was not directed against Iran or any other nation, describing it instead as a general commitment to

  • | |

    Preity Zinta says motherhood is her greatest achievement

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood actor Preity Zinta has described becoming a mother as the most significant milestone of her life, saying family has taken priority over her successful film career during her years away from the spotlight. The actor, who was among Bollywood’s leading stars in the early 2000s, stepped away from acting after marrying in 2016 and later welcoming her children in 2021. Her last on-screen appearance was in Bhaiaji Superhit in 2018, and she is now set to return with Batwara 1947. Speaking in a recent interview, Preity said she never felt the absence of films during her break because she was focused on building her family. She explained that while she has enjoyed many career achievements, raising her children has been the most meaningful accomplishment of her life. According to the actor, motherhood brought a new perspective that became valuable while preparing for her latest role. In Batwara 1947, Preity portrays a Muslim woman living in Lahore during the Partition of India. The story follows her family after her husband, played by Sunny Deol, shelters a Hindu woman amid the violence and upheaval of 1947. The actor said her own experience of putting family first helped her relate to the emotions and decisions of her character. She noted that if family remains her top priority today, she can only imagine how much more important it would have been for people living through the uncertainty of Partition. Preity also admitted she felt nervous returning to the camera after such a long break. She recalled that director Rajkumar Santoshi scheduled one of the film’s most emotionally demanding scenes on the very first day of shooting, leaving her anxious about her performance. She praised co-star Sunny Deol for making the experience easier, describing him as a supportive, kind and encouraging colleague who helped her regain confidence during filming. After completing the challenging opening scenes, Preity said she gradually became comfortable on set and found herself settling back into acting. Batwara 1947 also marks Preity Zinta’s reunion with Sunny Deol after eight years, with the two actors sharing the screen once again following their last collaboration in Bhaiaji Superhit.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *