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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 11th:

•  1804: Vice President Aaron Burr fatally wounded former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Hamilton died the next day.

• 1893: The first cultured pearl was obtained by Kokichi Mikimoto in Japan, revolutionizing the pearl industry.

• 1921: Former U.S. President William Howard Taft was sworn in as the 10th Chief Justice of the United States, the only person to have held both offices.

• 1979: America's first space station, Skylab, re-entered the Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated, scattering debris over the Indian Ocean and Western Australia.

• 1995: The Srebrenica Massacre began during the Bosnian War, where over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces.

Open Market Forex Rates

Data is provided by Link Exchange

Todays Gold and Silver prices

Gold Prices (per Tola):

• 24 Karat: PKR 243,300

• 22 Karat: PKR 223,018

• 21 Karat: PKR 212,883

• 18 Karat: PKR 182,471

Silver Prices (per Tola):

• Silver: PKR 3,259

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

Data is provided by Waseem Jewellers

WORLD

China Condemns India's Hydropower Plans in Disputed 'South Tibet'

• Chinese Opposition: China's Foreign Ministry condemns India's plans to accelerate hydropower projects in what it claims as 'South Tibet', opposing $1 billion investments in Arunachal Pradesh.

• Territorial Dispute: China asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is part of its territory, calling India's establishment of the state illegal and invalid.

• Indian Perspective: India considers Arunachal Pradesh an integral part of its territory and plans significant infrastructure development despite China's objections.

• Diplomatic Efforts: Recent talks between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers in Kazakhstan aimed to address border issues, signaling ongoing efforts to resolve disputes.

Brazil Implements Long-Awaited Free Trade Agreement with Palestinian Authority

• Historic Agreement: Brazil has enacted a free trade agreement with the Palestinian Authority, originally signed in 2011 under the Mercosur trade bloc, demonstrating support for Palestinian statehood.

• Brazil's Statement: Brazil's Foreign Ministry emphasized the agreement's role in fostering an economically viable Palestinian state that can coexist peacefully with its neighbors.

• Diplomatic Support: Brazil, which recognized Palestine in 2010 and hosts a Palestinian embassy in its capital, ratified the agreement to bolster Palestinian economic prospects.

• Regional Response: Uruguay has also supported the agreement, noting minimal opposition within Mercosur, despite existing trade agreements with Israel.

• Future Prospects: The Palestinian ambassador in Brasilia praised Brazil's decision as courageous and timely, expressing hopes for increased trade between Palestine and Mercosur beyond the current $32 million annually.

First F-16 Jets En Route to Ukraine Amid Strategic Shift

• Operational Deployment: Dutch and Danish leaders confirm that Ukraine will begin flying operational F-16 fighter jets this summer, marking a significant development after months of training and negotiations.

• Strategic Importance: Ukraine seeks to enhance its battlefield capabilities with approximately 85 F-16s committed to bolster its air force against Russian attacks, including glide bomb assaults from distant warplanes.

• Support and Expansion: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expresses gratitude to Denmark, the Netherlands, and the US for their practical assistance and anticipates further donations to increase the fleet to a target of 130 jets.

• Military Challenges: Concerns remain over the effectiveness of F-16s, originally designed in the 1970s, particularly regarding concealment and protection on the ground amidst stretched Ukrainian air defenses.

• Broader Defense Measures: In addition to F-16s, Nato members will supply Patriot anti-missile batteries, underscoring international efforts to support Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.

PAKISTAN

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to Visit Pakistan today

• Official Visit: Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev will visit Pakistan from July 11-12, 2024, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

• High-Level Meetings: President Aliyev will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss areas of mutual interest and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

• Agreements and MoUs: Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit, reflecting the strong cooperation between the two nations.

• Strengthening Ties: The visit underscores the robust leadership-level dialogue and the commitment of both countries to enhancing their relationship.

PM Shehbaz Sharif Advocates for Modern Seaports to Boost Foreign Exchange

• Enhancing Port Operations: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that modern and accessible seaports are vital for increasing Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, during his visit to Karachi to review port operations.

• Regional Trade Opportunities: Leaders of Central Asian States (CAS) have shown interest in using Pakistan’s ports for trade, highlighting Pakistan's strategic importance in the region.

• Infrastructure and Efficiency Improvements: The Prime Minister stressed the need to reduce customs clearance times by installing modern equipment at Port Qasim and Karachi Port and ensuring the Lyari Expressway remains open for cargo traffic 24/7.

• Comprehensive Action Plans: Directives were issued to create a regulation plan for shipping laws, reduce fees for LNG ships at Port Qasim, and for the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to develop cost-reduction strategies to enhance operational efficiency.

Industrialists Warn of Massive Shutdowns and Job Losses Amid High Energy Prices

• Urgent Appeal for Tariff Reduction: Industrialists urge the government to lower the power tariff to 9 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and the interest rate to 15% to stimulate export growth and prevent industry shutdowns.

• Comparative Disadvantage: Pakistan’s uncompetitive energy tariffs are hindering export growth and investment, as neighboring countries like India and Bangladesh offer lower energy tariffs and incentives to investors.

• Potential Industry Collapse: Prominent industrialists warn that 60%-70% of the industry could shut down due to unbearable energy prices, potentially leading to massive job losses, increased poverty, and crime.

• Economic Benefits of Tariff Reduction: Lowering the power tariff could boost exports by $6 billion, increase grid demand by over 300 megawatts, generate Rs500 billion in revenue, and reduce debt servicing by Rs240 billion.

CBD Punjab Achieves Record Rs6.9 Billion Land Transfer

• Historic Land Transfer: The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) completed a record-breaking land transfer valued at Rs6.9 billion, marking its fastest transaction to date.

• Significant Tax Contribution: Over Rs310 million in taxes were deposited into the government treasury through the Board of Revenue (BoR), making this the largest plot transfer at auction price in Punjab.

• Major Plot Details: The transfer involved a 23-kanal plot owned by the Pakistan Corporate Consortium REIT fund, representing the first plot transferred by CBD Punjab to PCC.

• Investor-Friendly Operations: CBD Punjab demonstrated its commitment to investor confidence by transferring the land within 24 hours of receiving full payment, emphasizing a seamless one-window operation for business facilitation.

Eight Lives Lost in Tragic Attacks Across Waziristan and Lakki Marwat

• Multiple Incidents of Violence: Three separate attacks in North and South Waziristan and Lakki Marwat resulted in the deaths of five security officials and three children.

• Military Engagement in North Waziristan: Captain Muhammad Osama bin Arshad, aged 24, was martyred during a firefight with militants, where security forces successfully killed two militants and continued a sanitisation operation.

• Soldiers Martyred in South Waziristan: An intense exchange of fire with militants led to the martyrdom of three soldiers: Sepoy Asadullah, Sepoy Muhammad Sufyan, and Non-Combatant Bearer Zain Ali.

• Family Attack in Lakki Marwat: Unidentified assailants attacked a police officer's vehicle, killing Head Constable Saadullah and his three nephews. The incident occurred near Kurram Bridge, sparking a police search operation for the attackers.

BUSINESS

Relief on Small Imported Cars Frustrates Local Auto Sector

• Tax Exemption on Small Imported Cars: The 2024-25 fiscal budget exempts small imported cars (below 1300cc) from the newly imposed 15% regulatory duty, which has angered local car manufacturers.

• Impact on Local Industry: Local car makers, represented by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) and the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), argue that the exemption undermines their sales and has led to significant job losses.

• Proposed Adjustments: PAMA recommends imposing a 15% regulatory duty on all imported cars, including those below 1300cc, and revising outdated tax values to reflect current market prices.

• Concerns Over Market Fairness: The influx of smaller, duty-exempt used cars is seen as unfair competition, potentially reducing the market share of locally assembled vehicles and further impacting the local auto industry.

TECHNOLOGY

WhatsApp Introduces 'Context Cards' to Combat Shady Group Invites

• New Safety Feature: WhatsApp is rolling out 'context cards' to help users determine if they want to stay in newly added groups, especially those from unknown contacts.

• Detailed Information: The context card provides essential details like who added you, when the group was created, and who the creator is, allowing users to make informed decisions about staying or leaving the group.

• Enhanced Security Suite: This update builds on WhatsApp’s existing security features, such as silencing unknown callers, chat lock, in-app privacy check-up, and control over group additions.

• Proactive User Protection: By providing more context about group invitations, WhatsApp aims to safeguard its users from online scams and unwanted interactions within group chats.

Suspicious Android Apps Targeting Pakistani Officials

• Cybersecurity Advisory Issued: The Cabinet Division has alerted about Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) targeting Pakistani officials via suspicious Android apps on the Google Play Store, designed to steal personal and financial data.

• Identified Malicious Apps: Some of the apps include ISSB App for Armed Forces, Initial Test Preparation, and Electricity Bill Checker, all developed by ITAppCoding. These apps can steal data such as media files, contact lists, and call logs.

• Safety Recommendations: Users are advised to avoid downloading apps from unknown sources, check app reviews and privacy policies, and be cautious of apps requesting personal information. Regularly reviewing app permissions and changing phones if suspicious activity is detected are also recommended.

• Enhancing Security: Keeping Google Play Protect enabled, using strong passwords, installing reputable antivirus software, and avoiding storing official data on smartphones are crucial steps to protect against data breaches and cyber threats.

What Really Slowed Down Our Internet? Discovering a Common Issue

Experiencing frustrating drops in internet speed? We at The Blue Express decided to investigate common factors that can significantly impact Wi-Fi performance based on rigorous testing of our office network.

Initially, with a single device connected to our high-speed fiber-to-the-home service, we achieved impressive download speeds averaging 590Mbps. However, when all 30 devices were reconnected, we observed an 8% decrease, bringing speeds down to 545Mbps. Even without active streaming, standby devices such as Wi-Fi cameras and smart speakers subtly consumed bandwidth.

Our tests escalated with high-demand activities like streaming 4K content simultaneously on multiple devices. This setup led to a more significant 15% drop in speeds, averaging 509Mbps. Further loading the network with various streams and downloads resulted in speeds plummeting by nearly 25% to 468Mbps.

Interestingly, online gaming had minimal impact on speeds, whereas downloading a large 18.5GB game file caused a staggering 42% decrease, dropping speeds to 339Mbps.

Identifying Bandwidth Demands

Idle devices had negligible effects, demonstrating less than a 10% decrease in speed across all tests. In contrast, streaming—whether high-resolution video content or social media browsing—showed a significant appetite for bandwidth. This activity strains networks even when no files are saved locally.

Optimizing Your Connection

To reclaim lost speed, optimizing router settings is crucial:

1. Quality of Service (QoS) settings prioritize critical devices during peak demand.

2. Band selection—using the 5GHz band for intensive tasks and 2.4GHz for low-demand devices—reduces interference and enhances speed.

3. Security measures ensure that networks are not slowed down by unauthorized users.

4. Upgrading equipment may be necessary for older routers struggling with modern demands.

Enhancing Wi-Fi Performance

Beyond router settings, consider:

• Ethernet connections for devices requiring stable, high-speed performance.

• Strategic router positioning to maximize coverage and minimize signal interference.

• Limiting connected devices to prioritize essential activities.

• Upgrading internet plans for increased bandwidth if current plans fall short.

By implementing these strategies, users can reclaim lost speed and ensure that Wi-Fi networks meet the demands of all connected devices effectively.

HEALTH

Epidemic of Underage Vaping

E-cigarettes containing nicotine are openly sold to teenagers across major cities in Pakistan. When asked about their usage, a young boy explained, "Vapes come in a wide variety of flavors and are perceived as less harmful than cigarettes, which is why many of us enjoy using them." Vapes are predominantly imported from China and Dubai, with prices starting at a minimum of 1,000 PKR, making them highly affordable for the average teenager. Many adolescents initially try vaping out of curiosity but end up becoming addicted to it over time.

To address the widespread issue of underage vaping, both locally in Pakistan and globally, comprehensive strategies are needed. Firstly, governments should enforce stricter regulations and age verification measures for the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products. Public health campaigns should educate adolescents and their parents about the dangers of nicotine addiction and the potential long-term health risks associated with vaping. Furthermore, schools can play a crucial role by integrating education about the harms of vaping into their curriculum and offering support programs for students struggling with addiction. Additionally, increasing taxes on vaping products can deter underage purchasing by making them less affordable. Lastly, international collaboration is essential to regulate the production, sale, and marketing of vaping products across borders, ensuring consistent enforcement of laws to protect youth worldwide.

Science

Double Meteor Shower to Illuminate the Night Sky on 30th July

• Double Meteor Shower Event: On July 30th, stargazers will witness a rare and dazzling event as two annual meteor showers, the Alpha Capricornids and the Delta Aquarids, peak simultaneously.

• Mesmerizing Display: The night sky will be adorned with numerous shooting stars radiating from constellations like Orion, Perseus, and Gemini, creating a stunning light show.

• Best Viewing Tips: For optimal viewing, look towards the southeast sky near the constellation Aquarius. Finding a dark spot away from city lights will enhance the experience.

• Viewing in Different Hemispheres: While the event will be most spectacular for those in the Southern Hemisphere, people in the southern latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere can also enjoy the meteor showers.

What else is happening?

• Tesla’s US electric car market share fell below 50% in Q2 for the first time, according to estimates by the research firm Cox Automotive.

• Boeing delivered 44 commercial aircraft last month, the most since its 737 Max debacle in January.

• Establishment must step back to ensure transparent elections: Imran Khan.

• 13 dead as jeep plunges into Neelum River in AJK, President Zardari expresses grief over the accident.

• No mobile phone service in Peshawar on Muharram 9 & 10 (16 & 17 July).

• Chief Minister Punjab announces 1,224 Flats for workers in Taxila, named Sunder Labour Colonies.

• Pervaiz Elahi gets relief from Lahore High Court.

• Congo Virus detected in Isakhel.

• Rs10 billion were approved for the Chief Minister Punjab's Kisan Card, along with Rs 77 billion allocated for 23 agriculture and road development schemes in Punjab. This funding, sanctioned in the fourth meeting of the financial year 2024-25, includes Rs 1.25 billion for model agriculture malls and Rs 67 billion for road projects across various districts like Murree, Gujrat, and Rawalpindi.

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized close coordination between federal and provincial governments to ensure peace during Muharram, urging institutions like NACTA to share intelligence promptly. He stressed national unity and structural reforms, including downsizing and right-sizing initiatives. Additionally, he directed efforts towards achieving ambitious export targets and highlighted projects like solarizing tubewells in Balochistan to save foreign exchange and provide cheap electricity. His recent visits to Tajikistan and Kazakhstan were also discussed during the cabinet meeting.

• Asaad al-Ghamdi, a teacher, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Saudi Arabia's Specialised Criminal Court for his peaceful social media activity, sparking condemnation from Human Rights Watch and his family. The sentence underscores the kingdom's ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression, according to reports.

• CNN announces 100 job cuts to boost digital business.

• Man caught smuggling over 100 snakes in China. Unarmed traveller was stopped by customs officers while trying to cross from Hong Kong into border city of Shenzen.

• Federal cabinet extends stay of registered Afghan refugees by 1 year.

• Volkswagen considers Brussels factory closure due to Audi`s EV demand drop.

• SPARC suggests more tax on cigarette.

• Chief Minister KPK, Ali Amin Gandapur has decides to establish an international standard cybersecurity institute in Peshawar.

• The government would levy a tax on big agriculturists on the pattern of income tax.

• 111 Million people use internet in Pakistan.

• 497 places in Lahore were found infested by dengue larvae during inspections on Tuesday.

• Rs48.1 Billion was the export value of cotton cloth in May 2024, down 3.5% compared to Rs49.9 Billion in May 2023, According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

• 31 people have been killed and wouned in a recent barrage of Russian missile attacks across Ukraine, the deadliest in months, according to local officials.

• 2 Million homes and businesses lose power as tropical storm Beryl churns across Texas promting flash-flood warnings and cancelling hundreds of flights, media reports say.

• PIA employs 304 people per plane, says the NA committee.