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**ISLAMABAD:** On Saturday, Pakistan deferred approval for the $6.7 billion Mainline-I (ML-I) project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Instead, the government sanctioned two other Chinese-funded schemes: building a new airport in Gwadar and completing a missing road link, both involving multibillion-dollar investments. The decisions were made during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. ECNEC, which approves projects costing over Rs7.5 billion, approved 19 projects, including some brought forward due to cost revisions. Deferred Approval of ML-I Project ECNEC did not clear the re-modified PC-I for the ML-I upgrade and advised Pakistan Railways to consider preparing smaller projects and packages for financing and implementation. The coalition government had previously cleared the “unviable” $6.7 billion ML-I project before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China...

**ISLAMABAD:** Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced the government’s decision to abolish the concept of 'non-filers'. Addressing the media in Islamabad, the finance minister acknowledged that the salaried class is particularly experiencing financial strain from new taxes. He pledged to offer relief to salaried individuals once any financial respite becomes feasible. The minister emphasized the government’s efforts to eliminate the 'non-filers' category, expressing confidence that ongoing initiatives will make the categorization obsolete. Highlighting key economic improvements, he stated that the country’s foreign exchange reserves have risen to $9 billion, and inflation has reduced from 38% to 12%. Aurangzeb revealed that the repatriation of dividends to international companies, which is crucial for attracting foreign direct investment, is complete. Additionally, the World Bank has approved $1 billion for the Dasu project, and the International Finance Corporat...

The Punjab Government has declared that all schools across the province will now observe two weekly holidays. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced that Saturday will join Sunday as a day off for schools, providing much-needed relief to teachers. The decision aims to support the teachers' community, recognizing their essential role in nation-building. Minister Hayat emphasized, "Teachers are serving the nation, and it is our duty to take care of them." In light of this new policy, the school hours from Monday to Friday will be extended. This adjustment ensures that students' education remains unaffected by the additional holiday. The government has taken measures to balance the welfare of teachers with the educational needs of students. Previously, all government schools and the majority of private schools in Punjab observed only one weekly holiday, remaining closed on Sundays. The new schedule, which will come into effect after the summer vacation, ...

The future of energy lies in the sun. With the growing awareness of climate change and the urgent need to reduce carbon footprints, solar energy has emerged as a viable and sustainable solution. However, making solar energy accessible to everyone is a challenge that requires collective effort. In this blog post, we explore the importance of solar energy, the barriers to its accessibility, and the steps we can take to ensure that everyone can harness the power of the sun.  The Importance of Solar Energy Solar energy is one of the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy sources available. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, making it a crucial player in combating climate change. The sun provides more energy in one hour than the entire world consumes in a year. By tapping into this immense resource, we can significantly reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and move towards a more sustainable future.  Barrier...

 Early Life and Background Born on May 5, 1818, in Trier, Prussia (modern-day Germany), Karl Marx became the third of nine children in a middle-class family. His parents, Heinrich and Henrietta Marx, were of Jewish descent but converted to Lutheran Christianity. Heinrich Marx was a successful lawyer, and his family's affluence afforded Karl a privileged upbringing, filled with intellectual stimulation and opportunity. From a young age, Marx exhibited a voracious appetite for learning. He attended the University of Bonn in 1835 to study law, following his father’s wishes. However, his time there was marked by more than just academics. Marx's rebellious nature led him into trouble, including a duel and imprisonment for drunken behavior. Seeking a more serious environment, his father transferred him to the University of Berlin.  Intellectual Awakening in Berlin In Berlin, Marx's academic focus shifted dramatically. He became deeply engaged in philosophy, particularly drawn to ...

Vinod Dsouza The global financial landscape is on the brink of a monumental shift as the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—prepare to launch a gold-backed currency at the upcoming 2024 BRICS Summit. This initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on the U.S. dollar and promoting economic stability, has the potential to reshape international trade and finance.  The Genesis of a New Currency The idea of a gold-backed currency has been in discussions for several years within the BRICS coalition. The group, representing some of the world's fastest-growing economies, has long sought to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global trade. By backing their new currency with gold, BRICS aims to ensure stability and build confidence among international investors and trading partners. The move is seen as a response to the volatility and unpredictability associated with fiat currencies, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. Gold, historically viewed as...

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Thursday that Pakistan plans to draft a resolution in response to the recent resolution passed by the US House of Representatives concerning Pakistani elections. Speaking during a session of the National Assembly chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Dar addressed the concerns raised by the US resolution, which called for impartial investigations into allegations of irregularities and interference in Pakistan's general elections held on February 8. Dar emphasized that the Foreign Office had responded effectively to the US House resolution, asserting Pakistan's intent to present its own resolution. "The draft is ready, and we have taken notice of the US resolution and will surely respond," Dar said. He highlighted that the government's actions are aimed at ensuring transparency and integrity in the electoral process, and the forthcoming resolution will reflect Pakistan's stance on the matter. The...