Pakistan is all set to revolutionize its digital landscape through 5g

In a groundbreaking move towards technological advancement, Pakistan is set to revolutionize its digital landscape through the much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction.

The auction, expected to enhance internet speeds by a staggering 20 times, is poised to bring about transformative changes in connectivity, employment, and economic growth.

The 5G trial in Pakistan has already showcased remarkable results, with download speeds reaching a remarkable 1.685 Gigabytes Per Second.

This monumental leap is predicted to catapult Pakistan from its current standing of 90th out of 120 countries in the Internet Index 2021 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, into a new era of enhanced connectivity.

Employment opportunities

Beyond the speed enhancements, the 5G spectrum auction is expected to open doors to a multitude of employment opportunities.

The government's collaboration with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has paved the way for the auction, with an initial bid set at $1 billion. This initiative is anticipated not only to boost the country's economic standing but also to catalyze advancements in technology.

Economic stimulus through 5G networks

The economic implications of the 5G spectrum auction are profound. The introduction of 5G networks is poised to significantly contribute to key sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture.

According to a report by Ericsson, the potential increase in mobile broadband subscribers per country could range from 1 to 10 billion dollars, showcasing the immense economic potential of this technological leap.

Farmers stand to benefit significantly from the increased connectivity, as the 5G networks will enable them to monitor and control their crops and livestock remotely. This innovation promises to enhance efficiency and productivity in the agricultural sector, contributing to the overall economic upliftment.

The financial gains from the 5G spectrum auction are projected to be substantial, with the government expected to earn billions of dollars. This infusion of funds is anticipated to play a pivotal role in bolstering the country's economy and supporting future technological initiatives.

North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles into West Sea

North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles into the West Sea on Friday, Seoul’s military said, continuing a fresh streak of weapons testing as Kim Jong Un’s regime ramps up “war preparations”.

Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military had “detected at around 11am (0200 GMT) the firing of multiple unidentified cruise missiles” into the sea off the country’s west coast.

The South Korean military has “stepped up surveillance in close coordination with the United States”, the JCS said in the statement.

The military is “closely monitoring for signs of additional activity” by the North Korean army, it said, adding they were “closely analysing” the launch.

The Friday launch comes three days after the nuclear-armed North conducted what it said was a test-fire of a strategic cruise missile.

On Sunday, Kim also oversaw the launch of two Pulhwasal-3-31s, a new type of strategic cruise missile, purportedly from a North Korean submarine.

Pyongyang has also claimed this month to have tested an “underwater nuclear weapon system” and a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile.

Unlike their ballistic counterparts, the testing of cruise missiles is not banned under current UN sanctions on Pyongyang.

Cruise missiles tend to be jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude than more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept.

Analysts have warned that North Korea could be testing cruise missiles ahead of sending them to Russia for use in Ukraine, with Washington and Seoul claiming Kim has shipped weapons to Moscow as part of a possible illicit deal, banned by rafts of UN sanctions.

The latest launch follows Kim Jong Un inspecting warships at a naval shipyard as he looks to bolster his maritime forces as part of “war preparations”, state media said on Friday.

In recent weeks, Kim has declared South Korea his country’s “principal enemy”, jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over “even 0.001 mm” of territorial infringement.

“The strengthening of the naval force presents itself as the most important issue in reliably defending the maritime sovereignty of the country and stepping up the war preparations at present,” Kim said at the Nampho Dockyard, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

A nuclear-powered submarine was on Kim’s strategic weapons wish list set out at a key party congress in 2021, along with a hypersonic warhead, spy satellites and solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles.

During his visit to the dockyard, Kim was briefed on various warships under construction as well as preparations for a “new huge plan” assigned by the ruling party.

No details of the plan were provided.

Kim “expressed expectation that the workers of the dockyard would successfully build on the world level the major warships,” KCNA said.

North Korea last year launched what it called its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine”, which Seoul’s military at the time said did not look to be operational.

Analysts said the vessel appeared to be modified from an existing diesel-electric submarine originally designed in the 1950s, and have posed questions about its limitations and vulnerabilities as a platform.

The US stations about 30,000 troops in the South to help it fend off military threats from Pyongyang.

‘Potentially hazardous’ football pitch-sized asteroid hurtling towards Earth

Asteroid 2008 OS7, which measures about 890 feet in diameter, will pass our planet at a distance of 1,770,000 miles at 2.41pm (GMT) on Friday afternoon.

However, there is no risk of collision.

Nasa describes potentially hazardous asteroids as those that are more than about 460 feet (140 metres) in size with orbits that bring them as close as within 4.6 million miles (7.5 million kilometres) of Earth’s orbit around the Sun.

Dr Minjae Kim, Research Fellow, Department of Physics, University of Warwick, said: “2008 OS7, a very small asteroid whose orbit intersects with that of Earth, has been classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA).

He added: “We don’t need to worry about it too much as this asteroid will not enter Earth’s atmosphere, while this will still approach close to the Earth.

“There are more than millions of asteroids in our solar system, of which approximately 2,350 asteroids have been classified as PHAs.

“The next significant approach to Earth by a PHA will be the 99942 Apophis on April 14 2029.” Asteroid 2008 OS7 completes an orbit around the sun every 962 days (2.63 Earth years).

Dr Kim continued: “Unfortunately, asteroids are generally too faint to have been detected by the current techniques and surveys, so it’s very hard to see by our naked eyes.

“The only asteroids at all visible to the naked eye so far are Pallas and Vesta, having diameters of about 500 km.”

Four other asteroids will make near-Earth passes between now and Friday, ranging in size from that of a plane to a house.

Gold price per tola increases Rs800 in Pakistan

On Thursday, the gold market in Pakistan experienced a rise, leading to an up tick in gold prices. The cost of 24-karat gold saw a rise of Rs800, reaching Rs216,300 per tola.

Gold dealers noted a corresponding increase in the rate of 10 grams of 24-karat gold, with a jump of Rs686, now being traded at Rs185,442.

Additionally, the price of 10 grams of 22-karat gold witnessed a decrease, reaching Rs169,989.

These fluctuations in gold rates are closely linked to changes in the value of the US Dollar, highlighting the intricate relationship between currency values and gold prices.

This connection underscores the impact of global economic factors on local gold markets.

In contrast, the price of 24-karat silver remained stable at Rs2,600.

On the international front, the global gold price also experienced a slight increase, climbing by $5 to settle at $2,060 per ounce.

It is important to note that gold rates in Pakistan can undergo significant changes throughout the day, influenced by trends in the global market.

The provided gold rates are sourced from reliable outlets, primarily located in Karachi and Multan.

For the latest and most accurate information on gold prices, individuals are encouraged to consult local gold merchants and jewellers.

Google inks major new offshore wind deal

Technology giant Google has signed its largest ever power purchase agreement (PPA) with offshore wind projects off the coast of the Netherlands as part of efforts to green its power supply and hit climate targets, it said on Thursday.

According to international media, renewable power project developers are increasingly tying their electricity output to long-term PPAs to provide revenue security, while corporate buyers are keen to lock in supply and ensure they meet targets for sourcing clean power.

Under its largest offshore wind PPA to date, Google has agreed to take 478 megawatts (MW) of power from two new wind farms developed by Crosswind & Ecowende Consortia, joint ventures between energy companies Shell and Dutch utility Eneco.

It also announced smaller renewable PPAs in Italy, Poland and Belgium but did not disclose any financial details of the deals.

"Our ambition to operate on carbon-free energy around the clock by 2030 requires clean energy solutions in every grid where we operate," said Matt Brittin, President of Google in EMEA

Many companies with similar goals currently work on an annual basis, matching PPAs or purchases of renewable energy certificates with their yearly electricity use.

Google, however, is seeking to match each hour of electricity used with an hour of clean power production, something proponents of the method say better reflects companies' actual energy use.

Shoaib Malik to rejoin BPL on Tamim Iqbal's request

Shoaib Malik will rejoin the Fortune Barishal squad on February 2, after leaving the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) last week due to commitments in Dubai.

Former Pakistan captain will be available for the team's last game of the Sylhet leg, against Khulna Tigers on February 3.

As per reports, Malik is joining the side again at the request of Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal. He also talked to Tamim about his batting number since he played at No.6 in earlier matches. The 41-year-old will now bat at No.4 for Barishal.

Remember, multiple news outlets reported that Malik left BPL as he was involved in match-fixing while citing three no-balls he bowled in a single over of a BPL match recently.

But the franchise confirmed that there is no truth to rumours about the all-rounder's involvement in match-fixing.

Fortune Barisal’s owner Mizanur Rahaman confirmed in a video message that Malik left BPL due to personal reasons.

"The news about Malik's involvement in match-fixing is fake," said Rahaman.

"Malik is a good cricketer and his performance for our side was really impressive," he added.

He was set to return on January 27 but extended his trip to February 5 due to personal reasons. Barisal also confirmed that they will acquire Malik's services if he is needed in the future.

Over match-fixing allegations, Malik also provided additional details about the matter through his official X, Twitter, account.

“I had a thorough discussion with our captain, Tamim Iqbal, and we mutually planned the way forward. I had to leave Bangladesh for a pre-committed media engagement in Dubai,” said Malik.

“I want to emphasise the importance of exercising caution when it comes to rumours, especially those circulating recently. I want to make it clear that I strongly refute these baseless rumours. It's crucial for everyone to verify information before believing and spreading it. Falsehoods can harm reputations and create unnecessary confusion. Let's prioritise accuracy and rely on credible sources to ensure a clear understanding of the facts. Thank you for your understanding and diligence," he added.

Death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza Strip nears 27,000

The number of casualties resulting from the bombing of various districts of the Gaza Strip by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is approaching 27,000 with almost 66,000 wounded.

"The number of those killed as a result of Israel’s aggression since October of last year has risen to 26,900, and 65,949 people have suffered wounds," the ministry said in a statement posted on its Telegram channel. According to the ministry, "at least 150 people have been killed in the enclave and 313 have been wounded alone in the past 24 hours." Some corpses are still under the rubble, and medical workers are not able to reach them yet.

Tensions flared up again in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, when militants from the Gaza Strip-based radical Palestinian movement Hamas staged a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 240 hostages, including women, children and the elderly.

Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. In response, Israel declared a total blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million Palestinians, and has been delivering air strikes on Gaza as well as some parts of Lebanon and Syria. Clashes are also underway in the West Bank.

On December 1, the Israeli army accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire that had been in effect since November 24 and announced that it would resume fighting in Gaza. Palestinian officials blamed the US for the renewed Israeli aggression.