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On this day…

Good morning and welcome to The Blue Express! As we step into another day, let's take a moment to reflect on some of the significant historical events that occurred on July 6th:

• 1535: Sir Thomas More was executed for his refusal to accept King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England.

• 1785: The United States officially adopted the dollar as its unit of currency.

• 1885: Louis Pasteur successfully tested his rabies vaccine.

• 1957: Althea Gibson became the first African American to win a Wimbledon singles title.

Open Market Forex Rates

Data is provided by Link Exchange

Todays Gold and Silver prices

Gold Prices (per Tola):

• 24 Karat: PKR 244,300

• 22 Karat: PKR 224,200

• 21 Karat: PKR 214,150

• 18 Karat: PKR 183,225

Silver Prices (per Tola):

• Silver: PKR 2,550

  *These prices are consistent across major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi with minor variations

Data is provided by Waseem Jewellers

WORLD

Major Political Shift in the UK

• Labour Party Victory: The United Kingdom's opposition Labour Party has won a decisive victory in the general election, securing a significant majority in Parliament.

• End of Conservative Rule: This result ends a 14-year period of Conservative Party leadership.

• Rishi Sunak Concedes: Outgoing Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat early on Friday morning and resigned as leader of the Conservative Party.

• Keir Starmer as Prime Minister: Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has been declared the next prime minister.

• Starmer's Victory Speech: In his victory speech on the steps of 10 Downing Street, Starmer emphasized the need for a substantial reset and a rediscovery of national identity, promising to prioritize the country over party interests. Starmer promises to “Rebuild Britain.”
  

Modi to Visit Russia: Key Talks with Putin Amid Ukraine War

• Modi's First Trip to Russia Since Ukraine War: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Russia on 8 and 9 July to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin, marking his first trip to the country since the Ukraine war began.

• Agenda for Discussions: Modi and Putin will discuss the development of Russian-Indian relations and address international and regional issues of mutual interest. The summit will review the entire range of multifaceted relations between the two countries.

• Strengthening Trade Ties: Delhi remains a key trading partner for Moscow, particularly in weapons and defense. The partnership has grown more significant since the invasion of Ukraine, with India and China becoming major buyers of Russian oil following western sanctions.

• Navigating Complex Relationships: While maintaining strong ties with Russia, Modi's closer relationship with the US and Russia's ties with China have tested the Indo-Russian partnership. Modi's leadership emphasizes peaceful settlement and diversified defense procurements amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Hamas Sends New Proposals to End Gaza Conflict

• Hamas' New Proposals: Hamas announced it has sent new “ideas” to Qatari mediators to end Israel’s nearly nine-month-long invasion of Gaza.

• Israel's Response: Israel confirmed it is “evaluating” Hamas’ comments on a potential deal to free its prisoners in Gaza and will reply accordingly.

• International Pressure for Ceasefire: Both sides are under increased international pressure to agree on a ceasefire as the death toll rises and conditions worsen for Gazans.

• Israel's Stance on Hostilities: Israel maintains that hostilities cannot cease until Hamas releases all its prisoners.

PAKISTAN

Govt announces public holiday on 1st Muharram

• Public Holiday Announcement: The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has announced a public holiday for the new Islamic year, pending the sighting of the moon.

• Moon Sighting Committee: The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene on July 6 to observe the moon, determining the official start of the new Islamic year.

• Verification Process: Zonal committees across the region will also meet to verify the moon sighting to ensure accuracy in declaring the beginning of Muharram.

• Security Measures: In anticipation of Muharram, both federal and provincial governments have implemented special security measures to maintain law and order during the month.

• Community Awareness: Residents are urged to stay informed through official channels regarding announcements related to the moon sighting and holiday arrangements.

NEPRA Approves Significant Increase in Power Tariff

• Massive Tariff Hike: NEPRA has approved a substantial increase in the power tariff, raising rates by Rs 3.32 per unit. This decision, following federal cabinet approval, aims to offset rising fuel costs impacting electricity generation.

• Impact on Consumers: The hike comes amidst already soaring inflation, placing additional financial strain on households and businesses across Pakistan.

• Government Response: The adjustment is part of efforts to address a PKR 403 billion loss in the power sector, attributed to operational inefficiencies and low recovery rates from distribution companies.

• Future Outlook: The tariff hike, effective July 1, 2024, is projected to generate significant revenue for electricity distribution companies, supporting fiscal stability and potential IMF bailout requirements.

Sindh Excise & Taxation Department Initiatives: Premium Number Plates and Enhanced Services

• 675Million PKR was generated from 40 premium number plates: Number ‘1’ fetches highest amount of Rs100m, followed by Rs53m for number ‘5’.

  Number ‘1’ fetched Rs100m, ‘786’ fetched Rs26.5m, ‘7’ fetched Rs46m, number ‘5’ fetched Rs53m, number ‘8’ fetched Rs41m, number ‘9’ earned Rs40m

• New Office for Premium Number Plates: Sindh Excise & Taxation department to establish a dedicated office in Karachi following successful auction, chaired by Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.

• Expansion of Services: Plans underway to offer vehicle registration and number plate services in South District, including evening hours, enhancing convenience for residents.

Muharram Moon Sighting in Pakistan: Updates and Weather Challenges

• Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Meeting: Scheduled to meet in Quetta on Saturday to sight the crescent of Muharramul Haram 1446 Hijri, chaired by Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad.

• Weather Conditions: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts partly cloudy to cloudy weather across most parts of the country, potentially affecting moon sighting efforts.

• Astronomical Prediction: According to PMD's statement, the new moon of Muharram is expected to be born on July 6 at 03:57 PST, with astronomical calculations indicating no visibility on the evening of July 6 (29th Zilhij 1445 AH).

• Zonal and District Meetings: Concurrent meetings of zonal and district bodies of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will also take place at their respective headquarters, coordinating the moon sighting efforts.

Punjab Government Faces Backlash Over Paid Celebrity Endorsements

The Punjab Government recently came under scrutiny for allegedly paying hefty sums ranging from 5 to 30 lakh PKR to celebrities, influencers, and content creators. These payments were reportedly made to promote Chief Minister Punjab Mariyum Nawaz's 100-day performance. Critics argue that such expenditures raise questions about the government's actual performance, suggesting that genuine achievements wouldn't require paid publicity.

Social media has been abuzz with criticism, with some influencers facing backlash for their involvement. Reports indicate that some creators have deleted promotional posts, while others have disabled comments amidst public outcry. Digital Marvel Ad agency is reportedly managing this campaign on behalf of the Punjab Government, with sources revealing payments such as 2.5 million PKR to Junaid Akram and 1.5 million PKR to Sanam Saeed.

Disclaimer: The Blue Express is not responsible for this news; information gathered from sources.

BUSINESS

NayaPay partners with Alipay+ for direct China payments

• Strategic Integration with Alipay+: NayaPay, Pakistan's leading fintech platform, has integrated with Alipay+, allowing NayaPay users to make payments at Alipay+'s extensive network of 80 million merchants in China. This marks the first direct payment channel between China and Pakistan.

• Enhancing International Travel Experience: Ant Group, alongside global payment partners, has launched the International Consumer Friendly Zones initiative in China. This program aims to improve mobile payment accessibility for international travellers in key tourist and commercial cities, enhancing convenience and driving local business.

• Expansion of Payment Options: Travellers using Alipay+ can now link major international bank cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and others to their Alipay app, enabling access to local Alipay services without needing a local bank account or phone number.

• Collaborative Milestone: Commenting on the partnership, NayaPay CEO Danish A. Lakhani highlighted this as a groundbreaking development in bilateral commerce, supported by collaborative efforts between Ant Group, NUCC, and NayaPay, under the auspices of the People's Bank of China and the State Bank of Pakistan.

This integration not only facilitates easier transactions for travellers but also strengthens financial ties between China and Pakistan, fostering new opportunities for economic cooperation.

Petrol Pump Strike Update: Mixed Responses Across Pakistan

• Partial Strike: Petrol pumps across Pakistan observed a partial strike on Friday due to disagreements among petroleum dealers regarding the 0.5% turnover tax imposed in the federal budget 2024-25.

• Mixed Responses: While some areas like Karachi experienced significant closures, Lahore and Lodhran saw mixed responses with some pumps operating normally despite the strike call.

• Government Assurance: Authorities assured the public of sufficient petroleum product availability nationwide, with measures in place to monitor and manage the situation during the strike.

TECHNOLOGY

Chinese Researchers Develop Brain-on-a-Chip for Robots

• Breakthrough Technology: Chinese researchers develop brain-on-a-chip system, MetaBOC, integrating electrode chips with cultured brain tissue for autonomous robot control.

• Intelligent Interaction: Brain organoids autonomously navigate tasks like obstacle avoidance and grasping, paving the way for advanced brain-computer interfaces.

• Revolutionizing Research: MetaBOC marks a shift towards hybrid intelligence, bridging biological brains with artificial systems for unprecedented capabilities.

• Scientific Impact: Published in 'Brain' journal, the study from Tianjin University and Southern University of Science and Technology promises revolutionary advancements in brain-like computing.

Robot in South Korea 'ends its own life' amid excessive workload concerns

• Tragic Incident: Recently, a robot employed by South Korea's Gumi City Council tragically fell down a flight of stairs, resulting in serious damage. This incident has brought to light the vulnerabilities and risks associated with integrating robots into civic duties.

• Workload Concerns: Witnesses reported seeing the robot exhibiting unusual behavior, such as circling in place, just before the accident. This behavior suggests possible stress or malfunction due to its workload, which included tasks like daily document deliveries and providing city information.

• Ethical Implications: The incident has sparked widespread discussions regarding the ethical implications of employing robots in roles traditionally held by humans. It raises questions about the responsibilities towards these machines, including their mental and physical well-being in high-pressure environments.

• Immediate Response: In response to the incident, Gumi City Council has opted not to replace the robot officer immediately. This decision reflects a cautious approach, focusing on investigating the incident thoroughly and reconsidering the future deployment of robotic assistants in similar capacities.

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Exclusive Report by The Blue Express on Pakistan's 2024-25 Budget

Economic Targets:

• Pakistan aims for a 3.6% economic growth and projects a fiscal deficit of 6.9% of GDP.

Expenditures:

• Total spending is estimated at 18.9 trillion Pakistani rupees.

• Debt servicing is expected to be 9.8 trillion rupees.

• Defence expenditure is set at 2.1 trillion rupees.

• Pension payments are projected at 1 trillion rupees.

• Total subsidies are estimated at 1.4 trillion rupees.

Revenue Targets:

• The government targets a total tax revenue of 13 trillion rupees.

• Non-tax revenue target is set at 3.5 trillion rupees.

• Privatization efforts aim to secure 30 billion rupees.

Tax Reforms:

• Individuals earning up to Rs600,000 annually are exempt from income tax.

• Adjustments in income tax slabs impact those earning between Rs600,000 and above Rs4.1 million annually.

HEALTH

Update on H5N1 Bird Flu Outbreak and Moderna's Vaccine Development

• Current Outbreak Update: Summarize the spread of H5N1 bird flu among dairy cow herds across the US, highlighting the states affected and the minimal human cases reported.

• Moderna's Vaccine Initiative: Discuss the US government's $176 million investment in Moderna to develop an mRNA-based vaccine against bird flu, leveraging technology similar to their successful COVID-19 vaccine.

• Public Health Concerns and Responses: Address concerns from experts regarding testing adequacy, transparency in outbreak reporting, and the potential for virus mutation affecting human health. Highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance and preparedness efforts.

Mind-Blowing insights

The Cool Science Behind Staying Warm in an Igloo

Ah, the majestic igloo—a snow palace fit for an Arctic adventure! But wait, how does this icy abode keep you toasty when it’s freezing outside? Let’s dig into the frosty physics of the igloo's warmth magic.

Snow Blocks to the Rescue: First things first, gather up those compact snow blocks. Packed snow is a fantastic insulator—it traps tiny pockets of air within its crystalline structure. These air pockets act like nature’s own bubble wrap, slowing down the escape of heat from inside the igloo.

Curves Are Key: Ever noticed how igloos are curved? That’s not just for looks! The dome shape isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s clever engineering. The curved walls distribute pressure evenly, making the structure strong enough to withstand blustery winds. Plus, curves help to reduce surface area, minimizing heat loss—kind of like snuggling under a cozy blanket.

Heat Recycling: Inside the igloo, your body heat becomes your best friend. As you hunker down for the night, your body radiates warmth, which gets absorbed by the snow walls. The snow then releases this stored heat back into the igloo, keeping temperatures just right for a snug sleep.

The Door Dilemma: Ah, the door—a small but crucial detail. It’s not just an entrance; it’s a heat gatekeeper. By making the entrance slightly lower than the rest of the igloo, cold air is less likely to rush in and steal your warmth. It’s like having a bouncer for chilly drafts!

Team Effort: Inuit wisdom teaches us that building an igloo isn’t a solo mission. It’s a community effort where everyone chips in, much like a warm group hug. Working together ensures the igloo is sturdy and well-insulated, ready to weather the Arctic chill.

So, next time you find yourself in an igloo, remember—it’s not just a snow hut; it’s a masterpiece of thermal engineering! Stay warm, adventurers!

SPORTS

England Returns to Pakistan for Test Series!

• Upcoming Test Series: England is set to tour Pakistan once again for a thrilling three-match Test series in October 2024. Matches will take place in Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, promising intense cricket action.

• World Test Championship Contention: These matches are crucial as they contribute to the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings, adding stakes and excitement for both teams.

• Memorable Cricket Moments: Fans can reminisce about England's last visit in December 2022, where they clinched a memorable 3-0 series victory. Expectations are high for another round of competitive cricket and memorable performances.

Pakistan face defeat in Asian Team Snooker Championship final

Thailand defeat Pakistan 3-0 with scores of 61-4, 75-53 and 90-26 in Asian Team Snooker Championship final.

What else is happening?

• The parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue is buying Neiman Marcus for $2.65 billion.

• Delta airlines switched to an only-pasta menu for roughly 75 international flights on Wednesday after reports of “spoiled food” forced a plane on its way to Amsterdam to divert to New York.

• A 16th-century masterpiece artwork that had been found at a bus stop sold for $22 million at auction.

• The Welsh government pledged to pass a law that would make lying in politics illegal.

• Karachi faces fuel shortage amid strike of petroleum dealers

• Former Pakistan prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi formed a new political party named Awaam Pakistan after parting ways with the ruling PML-N due to political differences. Joined by former finance minister Miftah Ismail, the new party aims to change the current system, with a formal launch expected soon. The party's organizing committee includes notable former political leaders, and its slogan is 'badlien gaen nizam' (we will change the system).

• The Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) achieved a record revenue collection of over Rs239 billion in FY 2023-24, marking a 20% increase from the previous year's Rs200.1 billion. This includes Rs223.4 billion from Punjab sales tax on services (up 17%), Rs10.2 billion from Punjab Workers Welfare Fund (92% growth), and Rs5.5 billion from Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess (55% increase). June 2024 alone saw a 16% growth with Rs32.7 billion collected compared to Rs28.2 billion in June last year