Category: Information Technology

Last month, the Chinese Smartphone maker OnePlus launched its first entry-level smartphone that is basically a slightly tweaked version of the Oppo A53 launched in August. The Oppo A53 was touted as the cheapest smartphone with a 90 Hz display. However, surprisingly, the company announced that the Nord N100 does not come with a higher refresh rate.

This felt rather peculiar as, since the launch of the OnePlus 7 series, the company has been all about the smoothness of its ‘fluid displays,’ featuring 90Hz and 120Hz refresh rates.

Nevertheless, it looks like the company itself was confused about the phone’s refresh rate. Recently, Android Authority purchased a Nord N100 in the UK to review it and found out that the handset actually comes with a 90Hz panel. After their report, the company retracted its previous statements about the phone shipping with a 60Hz screen and is now saying

The N100 is equipped with a 90Hz display. The actual refresh rate depends on settings, applications used, and processing limitations.

OnePlus has not probably marketed this feature for this phone due to the processing limitations. The smartphone comes with a Snapdragon 460 chipset which may not be capable of providing a smooth enough experience all the time if you go with the 90Hz setting. Still, it is weird to purposefully discount something present on a device. Especially since many OEMs like to do the exact opposite.

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The three-day talks between Pakistan and Russia regarding the 1,122 km high-pressure RLNG pipeline from Port Qasim, Karachi to Kasur, Punjab, concluded with both sides agreeing on an amendment in the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).

In a statement issued following the meeting, the project was termed as the start of a new era of strategic relationships between the two countries.

The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) of Pakistan and the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation held the first Russia-Pakistan Technical Committee meeting from 16th to 18th November 2020 in Islamabad on cooperation for the development of the North-South Gas Pipeline Project.

The project is a flagship strategic venture between the institutions of Pakistan and Russia, which shall strengthen the long-term bilateral ties between the two countries through people-to-people contact.

The Russian delegation consisted of representatives from the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Pakistan, and other Russian companies and corporations.

The Pakistani delegation included representation from the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Law and Justice Division along with Inter-State Gas Systems (Private) Limited. The talks were also attended by the Minister for Energy and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Petroleum.

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Both the sides had signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) in 2015 when Russia was to completely finance the project, but after the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) verdict by the Supreme Court, and availability of liquidity with Petroleum Division, the Inter-Governmental Agreement has been amended and the North-South Gas Pipeline Project (NSGPP) has been renamed as Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project (PSGPP) with 26 percent equity share from Russia.

“Russia has not adopted to keep 49 percent shares in equity offered by Pakistan, but decided to have its equity at 26 percent. It means Pakistan will be having 74 percent equity in the project. The pipeline project will be backed by the agreement based on the ‘take and pay’ mode with no sovereign guarantee,” an official attending the talks spoke to the media.

While giving the concluding remarks at the session, the Federal Minister for Energy, Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, lauded the Technical Committees from both sides for finalization of the protocol of the Inter-Governmental Agreement for the expeditious implementation of the North-South Gas Pipeline Project. He said that the Government of Pakistan envisages this as a first step towards the establishment of a strong bilateral relationship and strategic ties with the Russian Federation. The Minister voiced a hope that this project would benefit both countries, and such cooperation between the two countries would continue in the coming time.

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In his closing remarks, Mr. Nadeem Babar said that the North-South Gas Pipeline is ‘a stepping stone’ towards greater cooperation between Pakistan and Russia in the energy sector. The SAPM said that Pakistan is fully committed to an early realization of this key project, and looks forward to working with the Russian Federation efficiently. He shared Prime Minister Imran Khan’s desire to see the project successfully executed.

Pakistan and Russia are keenly interested to invest in the project and embark upon its timely, cost-effective, and successful implementation for the benefit of the people of Pakistan while ensuring optimum gas tariff. Both sides affirmed the maximum utilization of Russian and Pakistani materials, equipment, and resources, intending to enhance the technical and operational capacity of Pakistani companies and human resources through mutual working and training.

Both sides agreed to sign a protocol for amendment in the Inter-Governmental Agreement earlier signed in 2015 between both the governments to reflect the revised implementation structure of the project after requisite approvals from respective governments.

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The parties agreed in principle to implement the project through a special purpose company to be incorporated in Pakistan by Pakistan and Russian parties, wherein Pakistan will have the majority shareholding.

Both sides have also decided to make a Joint Venture Company (JVC), consisting of a Board of Directors with representation from both sides. The company will be named as Russia-Pakistan JVC that will operate the gas pipeline with a leading role of Pakistan.

Sui Northern and Sui Southern Gas pipeline companies from Pakistan will be assigned to lay down the gas pipeline. However, Russia will be providing the Russian-made gas pipeline and compressors, and other equipment.

The post Pakistan and Russia Move Ahead with RLNG Pipeline Project appeared first on .

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Aircraft Accident Investigation Board of Pakistan has released the inquiry report of the 2016 PIA PK-661 plane crash near Havelian, holding PIA engineers responsible for the incident.

According to the report, a ‘fractured turbine blade’ and ‘broken OSG pin’ of one of the ATR aircraft’s engine started a ‘complicated’ series of events that led to the fatal crash in December 2016.

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The turbine blade and the OSG pin of the ATR aircraft malfunctioned during the penultimate flight from Peshawar to Chitral. Notwithstanding the fractured blade and broken OSG pin, the PIA engineers allowed the plane for the flight from Chitral to Islamabad that crashed near Havelian, the report states.

After taking off for the last time, the propeller electronic control of the ATR aircraft malfunctioned due to fuel contamination in the engine oil coupled with the broken OSG pin and fractured turbine blade, reducing the speed of the propeller. This led to the failure of the engine, resulting in a fatal crash.

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Moreover, PIA engineers delayed the overhaul of the ATR aircraft despite it completing more than 10,000 flight hours.

On 7 December 2016, the PIA PK-661 ATR aircraft had crashed near Havelian, killing all 47 passengers including religious scholar Junaid Jamshed and then Deputy Commissioner (DC) Chitral Usama Warraich.

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The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has audited over thirty accounts of the federal government that are owned by divisions and ministers, exposing the weak control of the incumbent government in the handling of its public finances.

The audit revealed corruption, mismanagement, and the irregular spending of more than Rs. 213 billion of public money in the federal government accounts, a national daily reported on Thursday.

The AGP, as per constitutional requirement, has submitted a report of these irregularities to the parliament.

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According to the details of the audit, the delayed surrendering of funds alone has resulted in the non-utilization of Rs. 8.9 billion, while the unreconciled expenditures also show the same value.

The audit also revealed irregularities to the tune of Rs. 250 million in public management departments, mismanagement of approximately Rs. 750 million in the Board of Investment accounts, and Rs. 1.2 billion in the Cabinet division expenditure accounts.

The Commerce division’s accounts showed irregularities worth Rs. 122 million, while the Communications and Defence divisions’ accounts showed mismanagement of Rs. 129 million and Rs. 92 million respectively.

The AGP also found irregular expenditures north of Rs. 11 billion in institutions associated with the Establishment division.

The Sports and Culture Department of KP showed an irregular expenditure of Rs. 210 million, while the Federal Education and Professional Training accounts had an unauthorized expenditure on the procurement of Rs. 965 million.

Furthermore, the AGP report disclosed irregular spending of Rs. 188 million in the accounts of the military’s Finance division.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan’s (SECP) sum of mismanaged funds amounts to Rs. 837 million, and the National Information Technology Board (NITB) accounts were found to be irregular by Rs. 20 million.

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It was also discovered that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting accounts had mismanagement of Rs. 14.7 billion including Rs. 3.1 billion in the National Internship Program accounts. Rs. 230 million was mismanaged in the Ministry of Interior accounts and Rs. 76 million was mismanaged in the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) accounts.

The AGP announced in a statement that these amounts are irregularities and are not immediate proofs of embezzlements.

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After the launch of Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z Fold 2, rumors about a Lite version of the phone started making rounds on the internet. Considering how expensive foldable phones are at the moment, a toned-down and less expensive variant will always attract a huge consumer base. However, it looks like the idea of a Galaxy Z Fold 2 Lite has been shelved for now.

This news comes from Ross Young, founder of DSCC and frequent purveyor of foldable-related rumors. According to him, his sources are quiet about the matter, which endorses that the Smartphone has been delayed or canceled.

Nevertheless, not all hope is lost for a less expensive folding phone. The same tipster recently announced that he has been hearing whispers about a Galaxy Z Flip Lite, which would supposedly aim to be cheaper than the Z Flip.

Surprisingly, the Lite model will keep the Ultra-Thin Glass employed in the Z Flip. If the Galaxy Z Flip Lite ever does appear on the market, it will most likely come with toned-down camera specifications and internals. Experts believe that Samsung will not compromise on the design. This is exactly the opposite of what was rumored about the possible Z Fold Lite. One of the tipsters leaked that it would just go with a full plastic screen like the first Galaxy Fold in order to save on costs.

Take this information with a grain of salt since the Korean smartphone maker has not announced anything officially.

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Famous cricket statistician, Mazher Arshad, has floated the idea of a 3-match T20 series between PSL and IPL champions.

Karachi Kings won their first-ever PSL title by defeating Lahore Qalandars in National Stadium Karachi on Tuesday. Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in IPL history and won their 5th title just a few weeks ago.

The fans from both countries have been deprived of watching cricketers from either side of the border play in the two leagues. Mazher Arshad asked the fans who will come out as winners if the two champion sides go head to head.

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If there is a three-match bilateral T20 series between Karachi Kings and Mumbai Indians, who will win?

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 18, 2020

The question divided the fans as some thought that Mumbai Indians are too strong for Karachi Kings, while other believed Karachi Kings would triumph because of big-name players such as Babar Azam and Mohammad Amir.

Let’s have a look at the replies:

Mumbai Indians. Quality of overseas makes a huge difference. They have Pollard, Boult etc. But I believe that if the best 11 cricketers from Pakistan would play Mumbai, we’d win, just like Lahore Lions beat them.

— Haroon (@hazharoon) November 18, 2020

The likes of Boult, Pollard, Quinton De Kock and James Pattinson do make a strong overseas contingent for Mumbai Indians.

I'm 100% sure kk will win because of no 1 batsman king Babar Azam,best all rounder Imad Waseem and champion bowler M Amir

— waqar khalid (@waqarkh88070751) November 18, 2020

Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim can prove to be a handful for any team in the world.

Have watched Karachi Kings yesterday. Babur Azam was world class. Apart from Babur and Amir, the team is not worth competing with MI.
Any team from the IPL could easily beat Karachi Kings. Sorry Pak fans.

— DS Raajj?? (@draju_tarun) November 18, 2020

This fan believes that apart from Babar and Amir, Karachi doesn’t have any quality players.

Lahore Lions. ? pic.twitter.com/3DpcWbgp8p

— Babar Azam India FC™️?? (@BabarIndiaFC) November 18, 2020

Who knew that Babar Azam had a dedicated fan club in India? They were quick to remind of the champions league encounter between Mumbai Indians and Lahore Lions.

Mumbai Indians are pretty strong tbh so 2-1 in favour of them.

— Mani ?? (@ManiTweets14) November 18, 2020

even mi uncapped players can defeat karachi team no doubt

— sumanth joglekar (@sumanth4u053) November 18, 2020

A bit deluded?

I'm waiting for the day when Babar Azam deals with Bumrah. How can u be the best bowler if you havnt even faced the no1 batsmen. Sit down mate

— Zee (@94_zeeshan) November 18, 2020

This is a match up everyone is waiting for: Jasprit Burmah vs Babar Azam.

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As a indian I had no shy to say it's Karachi Kings ?

— IMO (@___ItsMyOpinion) November 18, 2020

Karachi Kings have fans in India.

let's be serious, this was a weak KK side. Their bowlers got a pitch ideally suited to their strengths in the final & Babar carried the batting. As for your query, MI would easily smash them.

— Ahmed (@azkhawaja1) November 18, 2020

This user believes that Karachi Kings won the final because the pitch suited them more. Well, they did play better cricket on the day.

I back KK to beat atleast once MI in 3 match series, they got Babar, Amir, Imad & not bad other bowlers also So 2-1 in favour of MI

— WAZIR?? (@156kph) November 18, 2020

Which team do you think will win the series? Let us know in the comments section.

The post Mazher Arshad Suggests a Series Between Karachi Kings and Mumbai Indians [Reactions] appeared first on .

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Pakistan’s leading cellular and digital services provider, Zong 4G, has joined hands with the bus ticket booking startup eSawari to facilitate the mutual customers. Through the partnership, Zong 4G’s customers can activate bundles and recharge their accounts through the eSawari app and website.

The partnership is in continuation of Zong 4G’s relentless efforts to bring ease to the lives of Pakistanis, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic where digital solutions are proving critical to reduce people’s exposure to the virus while curtailing its spread.

“Zong is a people-centric company that’s always on the lookout for innovative ways to facilitate Pakistanis,” said Zong 4G’s official spokesperson. “The partnership with eSawari is yet another testament to our passion for serving the masses and making their lives easier and securer amid the unprecedented health crisis that the world is currently facing. As we aim for Digital Pakistan, we will continue to explore partners with whom we share our passion for digitization and social empowerment.”

“With the post-Covid digital ecosystems emerging and evolving fast, we at eSawari.pk are determined for enhanced user experience and value addition for our customer base,” said Hassnain Sarwar, CEO of eSawari.pk. “We are excited to partner with Zong 4G and consider this a stepping stone for more collaborations with the company as both organizations aspire to bring value-added products and services to their users.”

eSawari.pk is working in the travel & tourism industry, aiming to digitize the whole ecosystem through a mix of technological innovation and a customer-centric approach. The startup’s focus is to bring predictability, convenience, and an enhanced travel experience to the users through its integrated technology platform.

Zong 4G is Pakistan’s technology frontrunner working tirelessly to further boost the digital ecosystem that has developed in the country. As the leader of digital innovation in Pakistan, Zong 4G is the first operator to test 5G and successfully connect South Asia’s first 5G video call.

Besides many other accolades, the company was ranked as the best of all Pakistani telcos in OpenSignal’s recent Mobile Network Experience Report.

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Following a rapid rise in coronavirus cases, the government of Punjab has announced a smart lockdown in various parts of six major cities. A notification in this regard was issued late on Wednesday.

Various COVID-19 hotspots in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Bhakkar, and other cities have been placed under the lock to curb the spread of the virus.

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Multiple areas in Lahore have been secured, including Valencia Town, Paragon City, Johar Town, and DHA.

In Multan, Jalilabad, Gulgasht Colony, Garden Town, Khan Village Housing Society, and other areas have been placed under the smart lockdown.

Similarly, Bahawalpur’s Hashmi Garden, Model Town, Satellite Town, and New Sadiq Colony, among other areas, have been sealed.

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Public spots including schools, mosques, markets, shopping centers, and parks will remain closed in these areas. However, essential services and facilities like pharmacies, daily commodities and medical emergencies will still be available for public access.

The second wave of the novel coronavirus is rampant in the country as 2,547 news infections and 18 new fatalities were reported during the last twenty-four hours. Of these, 658 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths have been reported in the Punjab where the coronavirus caseload stands at 112,284.

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