Get ready to pay more: Smartphone prices set to jump in 2026
ISLAMABAD: The prices of smartphones may go up for consumers who are planning to buy new devices in 2026 since the analysts have cautioned that the next year is likely to be one of the most expensive ones for buying new gadgets. A study by Counterpoint, a market research agency,
New Zealand increases visa fees in Pakistan and 25 other countries
AUCKLAND: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced that from 1 January 2026, service fees at New Zealand Visa Application Centres (VACs) will be increased in 26 countries, including Pakistan. The officials declared that the major reason for the increment is the rise in operational costs and inflation. However, the actual visa
From classrooms to careers: New Technical, Agriculture groups proposed at Matric level
ISLAMABAD: The government is considering a proposal to introduce two new academic groups including Technical and Agriculture at the matriculation level across the country. The Inter Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) has called a consultative meeting on December 23 in Islamabad to review the proposal. The meeting will examine subject groupings
Steve Smith ruled out 20 minutes before third Ashes Test
ADELAIDE: Steve Smith was ruled out due to an inner ear issue only twenty minutes before the toss, thus Australia received a major blow before the third Ashes Test. Cricket Australia announced that Smith did not pass the very late fitness test as he had discomfort in his ear. Therefore,
Love in the digital age: Japanese woman marries AI partner in unique ceremony
TOKYO: A 32-year-old Japanese woman named Yuzina Nog has caught the public eye by marrying an AI partner which she herself had created. The marriage has caused a lot of hype and made people from different fields including technology, emotional bond, and personal relationships to mingle together. As reported by
Putin threatens to seize Ukrainian territories by force if peace talks fail
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened that if his negotiations don’t yield results, he will order his troops to take over the Ukrainian territories. Addressing the annual meeting of the Russian Ministry of Defense, Putin indicated that he refuses to give up the demand that Ukraine must hand over
Armed forces pay tribute to Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed on his martyrdom anniversary
RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces
FPSC simplifies CSS 2026 exams for candidates
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has announced a major change in the CSS 2026 examinations for the benefit of candidates and to make the exam process less complicated. According to media reports, newly introduced regulations envisage compulsory subjects being tested by one paper per day. In contrast, the
Fans disappointed as Babar Azam scores just 9 in Sydney Sixers’ loss
SYDNEY: Once again, Babar Azam, has not been able to deliver a BBL win for his side by himself as the Sydney Sixers, who are his team, went down to the Adelaide Strikers in a thrilling last-over finish by just a small margin. He was caught short mid-wicket off a
Atta Tarar alleges Faiz Hameed played a political role after retirement
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has claimed that ex-intelligence official Faiz Hameed, after his retirement, was acting as a political adviser to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan, although he was not allowed to take part in political activities. During an interview with a private news channel,
