In a move aimed at aligning import duties with prevailing global market prices, the Directorate General of Customs Valuation Karachi has revised customs values for 62 categories of used branded mobile phones, introducing a new valuation framework for commercial imports into Pakistan. The revised rates were notified through Valuation Ruling No. 2035 of 2026, issued on January 19, 2026, and will apply to the import of used mobile phones without packaging or accessories. The updated valuation covers major international brands including Apple, Samsung, Google (Pixel series), and OnePlus. Customs officials said the revision was necessary as the previous valuation ruling had remained in force for more than 18 months and no longer reflected international price trends. During this period, several new smartphone models were launched globally, while older devices depreciated sharply as they approached the end of their product life cycles. According to Customs, the updated values were introduced after authorities observed wide discrepancies between declared import prices and actual international market rates. Under the new ruling, duties and taxes will be calculated strictly on the fixed customs values, irrespective of the physical condition, cosmetic grading, or usage level of the imported phones. Importers will also be required to declare the activation period of used devices. As per the revised framework, phones must have been activated at least six months prior to export to Pakistan, a condition aimed at discouraging the import of near-new or improperly declared devices. The valuation ruling provides model-specific customs values for a wide range of popular smartphones. Under the new schedule, a used iPhone 15 Pro Max has been valued at $460, while a used iPhone 13 Pro is priced at $225. Among Android devices, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has been fixed at $255, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at $260. Customs officials said the revised benchmarks were finalised following extensive consultations with stakeholders, a detailed analysis of 90 days of import data, and comprehensive market surveys to ensure accuracy and fairness. Authorities believe the updated valuation system will help curb under-invoicing, enhance revenue collection, and improve transparency in the commercial import of used mobile phones, a segment that has long posed valuation and compliance challenges for Customs.
Balochistan govt, NBP launch subsidized electric scooter scheme for students, women
The Government of Balochistan and the National Bank of Pakistan on Wednesday launched a subsidized electric scooter scheme, aimed at improving mobility for students, working women, and the general public while promoting environmentally friendly transportation across the province. Under the initiative, electric scooters will be provided on easy, subsidized installments, making clean and affordable transport more accessible to a wide segment of society. The programme is part of the provincial government’s broader push to ease daily commuting challenges and encourage sustainable urban mobility. A formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed during a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta. The event was attended by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, Provincial Minister Mir Sadiq Umrani, senior provincial officials, and top representatives of the National Bank of Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bugti described the scheme as a major step toward ensuring safe, affordable, and dignified commuting options, particularly for students and working women. He said the initiative would help reduce daily transportation hardships while offering a reliable alternative to conventional fuel-based vehicles. The chief minister noted that the promotion of electric scooters would also contribute to lower transportation costs and reduced environmental impact, aligning with the government’s goal of supporting eco-friendly and sustainable mobility solutions. Highlighting the provincial government’s focus on public welfare, Bugti said initiatives such as this directly improve the quality of life for citizens and play a key role in empowering women and young people. He added that expanding access to affordable transport was essential for enabling education, employment, and economic participation. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive development, the chief minister said the Balochistan government would continue introducing projects that deliver practical benefits, support long-term economic growth, and promote social progress across the province. Officials said further details regarding eligibility criteria, installment plans, and application procedures for the electric scooter scheme would be announced separately.
World’s biggest nuclear plant resumes operations in Japan after 13-year shutdown
Japan on Wednesday restarted the world’s largest nuclear power plant for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, a move that has reignited public anxiety and protests despite government assurances over safety. The restart of a reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear facility marks a significant milestone in Tokyo’s push to revive atomic energy after more than a decade of shutdowns following the country’s worst nuclear accident. The plant was brought back online at 7:02 pm local time, a spokesperson for Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) confirmed. Located in Niigata prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is the largest nuclear power complex in the world by potential generating capacity, although only one of its seven reactors has been restarted. The move follows approval by the regional governor last month, but public opinion in the area remains deeply divided. A survey conducted in September showed that around 60 per cent of residents oppose the restart, while just 37 per cent support it. On Tuesday, dozens of protesters — many of them elderly — gathered outside the plant in freezing conditions, voicing concerns over safety and evacuation plans. “It’s Tokyo’s electricity that is produced here, so why should the people of this region be put at risk?” said 73-year-old resident Yumiko Abe. “That makes no sense.” TEPCO said it would proceed cautiously, stressing that safety checks would continue even after the restart. The company pledged to “carefully verify the integrity of each facility and respond to any issues in an appropriate and transparent manner.” The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility was shut down in 2011 after a massive earthquake and tsunami triggered meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, prompting Japan to suspend all nuclear reactors nationwide. Since then, only 14 reactors — mostly in western and southern Japan — have resumed operations under stringent safety regulations, with 13 currently running. Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is the first TEPCO-operated nuclear plant to restart since the Fukushima disaster. The utility also manages the crippled Fukushima Daiichi site, which remains under decommissioning — a process expected to take several decades. Opposition groups argue that serious risks remain. Residents point to the plant’s location near an active seismic fault line and recall a powerful earthquake that struck the area in 2007. Earlier this month, seven anti-nuclear groups submitted a petition signed by nearly 40,000 people to TEPCO and Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority, warning that evacuation during a major emergency would be nearly impossible. “I don’t think evacuation can realistically happen if something goes wrong,” said Chie Takakuwa, a 79-year-old resident of nearby Kariwa. Another protester, 81-year-old Keisuke Abe, said restarting the plant was “absolutely unacceptable” while Fukushima’s crisis remains unresolved. Although the facility has been upgraded with a 15-metre-high tsunami wall, elevated emergency power systems and other safeguards, critics remain wary. TEPCO has faced repeated criticism in recent years over safety lapses and data-handling issues, including a recent alarm failure during testing at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa site. Japan’s renewed embrace of nuclear energy is driven by broader policy goals. Resource-poor Japan is seeking to cut its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, meet rising electricity demand — including from artificial intelligence technologies — and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has publicly backed the expansion of nuclear power. In 2023, nearly 70 per cent of Japan’s electricity came from coal, gas and oil. Under a government-approved energy plan, that share is expected to fall to 30–40 per cent over the next 15 years, while nuclear power is projected to account for around 20 per cent of the country’s energy mix by 2040, up from about 8.5 per cent in fiscal year 2023–24.
From Domestic Legends to PSL Debut: Sialkot Stallionz Announced
Sialkot officially returned to the Pakistan Super League map on Wednesday as franchise owner Kamil Khan unveiled the name and logo of the league’s newest team, confirming it will compete as “Sialkot Stallionz.” The announcement ends weeks of speculation following the acquisition of the franchise and signals a major expansion phase for the Pakistan Super League ahead of its 11th edition. Taking to X, Khan formally introduced the team to fans, writing: “You guessed it. You waited. Now, I am proud to officially introduce SIALKOT STALLIONZ.” He also expressed enthusiasm about joining the league, calling it an exciting step in the PSL’s journey. You guessed it. You waited. Now, I am proud to officially introduce “SIALKOT STALLIONZ” @PSLStallionz Excited to be part of the Pakistan Super League journey 🏏You can also follow us on Instagram “SialkotStallionzPSL” @thePSLt20 @TheRealPCB @MajeedHamz84164 #PSL #HBLPSL pic.twitter.com/zX9qNiuhh9— kamil khan (@13kamilkhan) January 21, 2026 The Sialkot franchise was purchased by OZ Developers for a record Rs1.85 billion during the auction held on January 8, making it one of the most significant franchise deals in PSL history. Since the sale, industry observers and fans had widely anticipated that the team would revive the iconic Stallions identity — a prediction that now stands confirmed. PSL 11 is scheduled to begin on March 26, 2026, with Faisalabad added as an additional venue for the upcoming season. The inclusion of another host city marks Faisalabad’s return to top-tier cricket and reflects the league’s continued efforts to broaden its national footprint. The new franchise draws its identity from the legendary domestic side Sialkot Stallions, a name that holds a revered place in Pakistan’s cricketing history. Between 2005 and 2012, the Stallions dominated the National T20 Cup, winning six titles and registering a world-record 25-match unbeaten streak, making them the most successful team in Pakistan’s domestic T20 era. Memories with Sialkot Stallionz More than just a winning side, the Stallions were a phenomenon. The team featured players who defined an era of Pakistani cricket, including Shoaib Malik, who led the side with calm authority, Imran Nazir, whose explosive batting thrilled crowds, Haris Sohail’s consistency, and Shakeel Ansar’s versatility behind the stumps. Their bowling unit was equally formidable. Mohammad Asif, Abdur Rehman, Bilawal Bhatti, and Hasan Ali formed a lethal combination that repeatedly dismantled opposition line-ups and cemented the Stallions’ reputation as an almost unbeatable force. The Stallions’ legacy, however, extends beyond trophies and statistics. For years after the team’s domestic run ended, Sialkot fans continued to keep the spirit alive, with chants of “Stallions forever!” echoing across social media and stadiums — a testament to the deep emotional bond between the team and its supporters. The announcement also comes shortly after the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed a major structural change for PSL 11, introducing a player auction system for the first time in the league’s history. Under the new framework, franchises will be allowed to retain a maximum of four players — limited to one per category — replacing the previous draft model that permitted up to eight retentions along with additional options. As Sialkot Stallionz prepare for their debut season, the franchise carries not only the weight of expectations but also one of the most celebrated legacies in Pakistan’s cricketing past — now set to be reborn on the PSL stage.
Inside the Point of No Return: The Terrifying Truth About Black Holes
On a clear night, it feels harmless to look up and wonder: what if you fell into a black hole? Hollywood often turns it into a portal. Physics tells a stranger and darker story. Start with the basics. A black hole is a region where gravity grows so intense that “nothing, not even light, can escape” once it crosses the event horizon—the boundary scientists call the “point of no return.” If you fell toward a black hole, you would not instantly vanish. First, you would notice your view distort. Light from stars and hot gas would bend into warped rings and arcs. NASA simulations show how an accretion disk and “photon rings” can multiply and smear as spacetime twists closer to the horizon. Then comes the body horror—tidal forces. Gravity pulls harder on the part of you closer to the black hole than the part farther away. NASA explains that this difference increases as you approach the event horizon, stretching you into a long, thin shape called spaghettification. As NASA puts it: “Infalling objects stretch out like noodles, a process astrophysicists call spaghettification.” But the ending depends on the black hole’s size. A stellar-mass black hole has a small event horizon and brutal tidal forces. You likely get torn apart before reaching the horizon. A supermassive black hole can be “gentler” at the horizon because its radius is huge. NASA’s visualization uses a Milky Way–style black hole with 4.3 million times the Sun’s mass, and it notes a key rule of thumb: “If you have the choice, you want to fall into a supermassive black hole,” because smaller ones can rip you apart sooner. We know these giants are real, not just theory. The Event Horizon Telescope’s first black hole image targeted M87*, whose mass is about 6.5 billion Suns, seen as a glowing ring around a dark center. The same global effort later imaged Sagittarius A* at the center of our Milky Way—more than 26,000 light-years away and roughly 4 million Suns in mass. Now for the strangest part: time. Near a black hole, gravity warps spacetime so strongly that time runs differently. NASA describes time dilation near black holes: clocks closer to the black hole tick more slowly than clocks far away. In NASA’s simulation, the falling camera reaches the event horizon in about three hours of its own time, yet a distant observer would see it slow and appear to freeze just shy of crossing. Inside the horizon, physics turns uncertain. NASA explains that once you cross, you and the spacetime you ride in rush inward toward a singularity, “where the laws of physics as we know them cease to operate.” Even black holes don’t last forever at least in theory. Stephen Hawking proposed in 1974 that black holes can slowly lose energy through Hawking radiation, gradually evaporating over immense timescales. So, what happens if you fall into a black hole? You would see the universe bend into impossible shapes. Gravity would stretch you. Time would behave like a trick. And beyond the horizon, nature keeps its deepest secrets at least for now.
Meet Veronika: The Cow That Just Changed What We Know About Animal Intelligence
Cows may be far more intelligent than they are usually given credit for. New research published in Current Biology has documented what scientists describe as the first recorded case of tool use by a cow, challenging long-standing assumptions about bovine cognition. The study centres on Veronika, a Swiss brown cow living in a mountain village in the Austrian countryside. Researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna observed Veronika over several years and found that she repeatedly used objects such as sticks, rakes, and brooms to scratch parts of her body—behaviour that meets scientific criteria for intentional and consistent tool use. The findings were also reported by the BBC. According to the researchers, Veronika did not simply rub against objects at random. Instead, she demonstrated purposeful selection and control, choosing different parts of the same tool depending on her physical needs. When scratching tougher areas such as her back, she used the bristle end of a broom. For more sensitive areas, including her underbelly, she switched to the smoother handle, indicating an ability to adjust behaviour based on bodily sensation. Scientists noted that this type of multi-purpose tool use is rare in the animal kingdom and had never before been formally documented in cattle. This is despite more than 10,000 years of close coexistence between humans and cows, during which such behaviour had gone unnoticed. Comparable examples of tool use are more commonly associated with animals such as chimpanzees, which use sticks to extract insects and stones to crack open nuts. The research team said Veronika’s actions suggest a level of physical self-awareness, problem-solving ability, and behavioural flexibility that challenges the traditional view of cows as cognitively simple farm animals. They argued that cattle may possess latent cognitive capacities that only emerge under certain environmental conditions. Veronika’s owner, organic farmer Witgar Wiegele, welcomed the findings and said he hoped they would encourage people to rethink how animals are perceived and treated. He described biodiversity as “the key to survive on this planet,” adding that animals often reveal unexpected abilities when given space and opportunity. The authors of the study concluded that cattle cognition may be far more complex than previously assumed. They suggested that other cows might also be capable of similar tool-using behaviour if raised in environments that allow exploration, learning, and individual expression.
OpenAI Introduces Age Prediction to Limit Sensitive Content on ChatGPT
OpenAI is introducing a new safety system in ChatGPT that aims to identify underage users—not by asking them to self-report their age, but by predicting it through behaviour. According to TechCrunch, the company has deployed an “age prediction” feature that analyzes how an account is used to determine whether it likely belongs to someone under the age of 18. Accounts flagged as belonging to minors will automatically be placed under stricter safety controls to limit access to sensitive content. The system relies on what OpenAI describes as “behavioural and account-level signals.” These include factors such as the user’s stated age (if provided), how long the account has existed, usage patterns, and even the times of day the account is most active. If an account is identified as likely belonging to a minor, ChatGPT will automatically shift that user into a more restricted experience, applying additional safeguards around topics such as sex, violence, and other material deemed inappropriate for younger users. Why OpenAI Is Moving Now The rollout comes amid growing global pressure on technology companies to strengthen online protections for children and teenagers, especially as generative AI tools become increasingly embedded in classrooms, households, and everyday digital life. In a separate report, Reuters said OpenAI is deploying the age prediction system worldwide as part of broader plans to introduce an “adult mode” for verified users in early 2026. According to Reuters, users who are incorrectly flagged as under 18 will be able to restore full access by verifying their identity through a selfie-based check using Persona, a third-party identity verification service. OpenAI has been signaling this shift for months. In earlier policy updates, the company outlined a long-term strategy to tailor ChatGPT’s experience based on age, defaulting to stricter protections whenever a user’s age cannot be confidently determined. A Wider Industry Shift Toward Algorithmic Age Checks OpenAI’s move reflects a broader trend across the tech industry, where platforms are increasingly turning to algorithmic age estimation instead of relying on easily bypassed age checkboxes. Social media companies, in particular, have expanded similar systems in regions with tougher online safety regulations. The Guardian recently reported that TikTok has strengthened its age-verification efforts across the European Union by analysing profile information, posted content, and behavioural signals to detect younger users. For ChatGPT, the change marks an important shift in how consumer AI products manage safety. Rather than static settings, protections are increasingly being built into real-time, adaptive systems designed to respond to who is using the tool—and what they may be vulnerable to seeing.
From Breakfast Cereals to Ready Meals: WHO Prepares Guidance on Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are everywhere in modern diets, from packaged snacks and sugary drinks to instant noodles and ready meals. They are not simply “processed” in the everyday sense. Under the widely used NOVA system, UPFs are industrial formulations built from refined ingredients plus additives designed to boost taste, texture, and shelf-life. So what counts as ultra-processed? NOVA’s architects say the quickest test is the ingredients list. “A practical way to identify an ultra-processed product is to check to see if its list of ingredients contains” items rarely used in home kitchens (like hydrogenated oils or hydrolysed proteins) or “classes of additives designed to make the final product palatable” (like flavours, colours, emulsifiers, sweeteners, thickeners). The debate is now big enough that the World Health Organization is preparing global guidance. In a May 15, 2025 notice, WHO said it is “planning much needed global guidance on the consumption of ultra-processed foods” to complement its nutrition guidance for countries. WHO has since assembled a guideline development group and notes that “consumption of such highly processed or ‘ultra-processed’ foods has been associated with a myriad of negative health effects.” Why the urgency? The evidence base keeps expanding. A major 2024 BMJ umbrella review pooled findings from 45 meta-analyses covering 9,888,373 participants. It found direct associations between UPF exposure and 32 (71%) health parameters, spanning mortality, cancer, mental health, cardiometabolic disease, and more. Another signal comes from mortality research. A 2025 paper in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported a linear dose-response: each 10% increase in the share of calories from UPFs was associated with an RR of 1.03 for all-cause mortality (about a 3% rise in risk). Researchers stress these are mostly observational links, not proof of cause. Still, they align with concerns that UPFs often deliver more salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, while displacing fibre-rich whole foods. How to spot UPFs fast (shopping in 10 seconds) Long ingredient list with many unfamiliar terms Cosmetic additives (flavour enhancers, colours, emulsifiers, sweeteners) Hyper-convenient format (ready-to-eat/heat; shelf-stable for long periods) “Food-like” texture (puffs, bars, reconstituted meats, sweetened drinks)
Sitara Peroxide Names Muhammad Bin Imran as Chairman, Imran Ghafoor as CEO
Sitara Peroxide Limited (SPL) has announced major changes to its leadership, appointing a new chairman and chief executive officer as part of a fresh three-year management cycle. The chemical manufacturer disclosed the development in a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Wednesday. According to the notice, Muhammad Bin Imran has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a term of three years. The appointment marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and steer its strategic direction. In addition, Imran Ghafoor has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sitara Peroxide Limited, also for a three-year term. Company information available on the website of Sitara Peroxide Limited shows that Ghafoor brings more than 15 years of entrepreneurial and business leadership experience to the role. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Punjab and has completed multiple professional courses in industrial management, finance, marketing, leadership, and strategy from Boston University and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Beyond his association with the Sitara Group of Industries, Ghafoor has also worked closely with several prominent national and international business bodies. These include the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), and the All Pakistan Chemical Exporters Association (APCEA), reflecting his broad exposure across Pakistan’s industrial and export sectors. Sitara Peroxide Limited was incorporated in Pakistan as a public limited company under the Companies Ordinance, 1984. The company’s core business involves the manufacturing and sale of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a widely used industrial chemical, along with Sitara Safe, its disinfectant product line. The leadership appointments come at a time when the company is seeking to stabilize operations and strengthen its market position amid challenging conditions in Pakistan’s chemical and industrial sectors.
WhatsApp Brings Voice & Video Group Calls to Web
WhatsApp Web is finally getting a long-awaited upgrade that will make online communication smoother and more complete. The Meta-owned messaging platform is developing group voice and video calling for its web client, a feature users have been asking for years. The update will also bring call links and scheduled calls, narrowing the gap between WhatsApp’s mobile and web experiences. Currently, WhatsApp Web only supports basic messaging and one-on-one calls. Soon, users will start and join group calls directly from a browser without switching to the mobile or desktop apps. This change matters a lot for people working from shared computers or in environments where installing apps is restricted. According to reports from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is actively testing this feature in beta and refining it before public release. The company aims to make the web experience closer to the mobile app, where group calling is already possible. Here’s how the upgrade will change things: Group voice and video calls: Users can call multiple people at once from WhatsApp Web. This could start with smaller groups, supporting possibly 8 to 16 participants initially, before expanding to up to 32 people, matching the mobile app. Call links: You will be able to generate a shareable link for voice or video calls right from the chat. This makes it easier to invite participants without manually adding each person. Scheduled calls: The web client may let users schedule calls in advance, complete with notifications and reminders. This suite of features could make WhatsApp Web much more powerful for both personal and professional use. People who rely on the browser version during work hours will now have a fully integrated calling experience without juggling devices. WhatsApp’s core calling features are already strong on mobile. The platform offers end-to-end encrypted voice and video calls, and supports up to 32 people in group calls on phones and tablets. The web calling rollout does not yet have an official release date. Reports suggest that WhatsApp is refining stability and call quality before a broader launch. Once complete, the feature could arrive in WhatsApp Web early in 2026. This upgrade will mark a major step in WhatsApp’s strategy to unify its services across platforms and make communication easier for billions of users worldwide.
