Clover Pakistan Limited has entered Pakistan’s electric vehicle charging market after signing an exclusive distribution agreement with CITA-UK. The listed company announced the deal in a notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Wednesday. Under the agreement, Clover Pakistan will serve as CITA-UK’s exclusive distributor and stockist in Pakistan. It will supply the company’s EV chargers, accessories and related equipment across the country. “We are pleased to inform you that Clover Pakistan Limited has successfully negotiated and signed an agreement with CITA-UK,” the company said in its notice. Clover added: “This strategic partnership aligns with the company’s commitment to expanding its business footprint and entering high-growth green energy and sustainable technology sectors in Pakistan.” The disclosure did not reveal the agreement’s financial value, expected sales targets or a timetable for the product rollout. It also did not identify installation partners or the cities where the chargers will first become available. CITA-UK’s Charging Portfolio CITA-UK is a globally recognised supplier specialising in smart EV charging solutions and infrastructure. Its products serve homes, workplaces, retail sites, fleets, depots and public transport operators. The company’s official product portfolio includes 7.4kW, 11kW and 22kW wall-mounted AC chargers. It also offers dual 22kW pedestal units and DC fast chargers ranging from 60kW to 360kW. CITA-UK says its chargers support major electric vehicle models and widely used charging standards. Its software portfolio includes an EV application and a Charging Point Management System. These platforms allow customers to monitor charging sessions, schedule charging and track energy consumption. Businesses and fleet operators can also manage several charging points from a central system. The exclusive stockist arrangement could help Clover maintain local inventory instead of relying only on individual imports. However, Clover has not disclosed pricing, warranty terms or after-sales arrangements for Pakistani buyers. Clover Pakistan trades on the PSX under the symbol CLOV and operates as a subsidiary of Fossil Energy Private Limited. The company shifted its main business from food products to petroleum products in 2025. It now sells, trades and markets petroleum products, oil, gas, hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, asphalt and related substances. Pakistan Pushes EV Infrastructure The deal comes as Pakistan seeks private investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The New Energy Vehicle Policy 2025-30 includes plans for 40 new charging stations along motorways. The policy also supports battery-swapping systems and vehicle-to-grid schemes. It calls for the integration of EV charging points into new building codes. Reuters reported in May that Pakistan aims to increase electric vehicles to 30 percent of vehicle sales by 2030. The government has also pledged $400 million for more than 3,000 public charging points. Charging access remains a major constraint for electric car adoption. However, new local assembly projects and growing rooftop solar use are improving the commercial outlook for EVs. Clover’s agreement gives the listed company a foothold in this developing infrastructure market. Its commercial impact will depend on prices, installation support and the pace of Pakistan’s charging network expansion.
Pakistanis to Face Rs15 per Kg Hike in Ghee and Cooking Oil Prices
Pakistan imported a record 3.482 million tonnes of palm oil in FY26. The shipments cost $3.785 billion and added pressure to the country’s food import bill. In FY25, Pakistan imported 3.214 million tonnes worth $3.4 billion, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data. The volume rose by 8.36 percent, while the dollar cost increased by 11.54 percent during FY26. The published figures put the average import price at $1,078 per tonne, compared with $1,056 in FY25. Read More: From Loralai to London: Pakistani Olive Oil Wins Gold Medal Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association Chairman Sheikh Umer Rehan linked the increase to population growth and rising demand for ghee and cooking oil. He also cited reduced availability of domestic oilseed crops, including cottonseed. Rehan said edible oil consumption had increased from four million tonnes five years ago to 4.8 million tonnes. “Despite this growth, no edible oil policy has been made since independence,” he complained. The Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 estimates domestic edible oil production at only 0.55 million tonnes. Local output meets around 10 percent of national requirements. This leaves Pakistan heavily dependent on imported edible oil and oilseeds. Tax Shift Raises Industry Concerns Rehan said the Federal Board of Revenue was pressuring manufacturers to pay general sales tax on retail prices. Previously, manufacturers paid GST on the ex-mill price. “Instead of creating a business-friendly environment and reducing the cost of doing business, the FBR is creating complications for taxpayers,” he said. The FY27 budget expanded the Third Schedule of the Sales Tax Act. It added vegetable and animal fats and oils sold in retail packing. The measure places ghee and cooking oil under a Maximum Retail Price-based sales tax mechanism. The industry previously paid the tax on the ex-mill price. Rehan warned that the mechanism would increase the industry’s tax burden and raise consumer prices. He said ghee and cooking oil could become Rs10 to Rs15 more expensive per kilogram. The PVMA had earlier urged the government to reduce taxes on the edible oil and ghee sector. It argued that tax relief would ease pressure on consumers already struggling with elevated food costs. Consumers Already Paying More Sensitive Price Index data show that five litres of cooking oil now cost between Rs2,975 and Rs3,110 nationally. A year earlier, the same pack sold for Rs2,800 to Rs3,000. The average price of a 2.5kg ghee pack has increased to between Rs1,500 and Rs1,565. It previously ranged from Rs1,425 to Rs1,485. Meanwhile, one kilogram of ghee now costs Rs590 to Rs610, compared with Rs550 to Rs580 last year. The record palm oil bill came as Pakistan’s total merchandise imports reached $69.761 billion in FY26, an increase of 8.14 percent. PBS listed palm oil among the leading imports in June, when shipments were valued at Rs67.155 billion.
World Cup Business Up for Sale as FIFA Targets $4.2 Billion
FIFA plans to create a semi-private subsidiary for the commercial operations of the World Cup and other competitions. The governing body said Tuesday that FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, could carry an initial valuation of $20 billion. FIFA would retain control while selling minority, non-controlling interests of up to 20% to long-term investors. Read More: FIFA Names Best XI as Major Spain Omissions Spark Debate The sale could raise $4.2 billion. FIFA said it would keep “exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, match calendar, and all regulatory and sporting decisions.” Infantino and Investor Questions Fuel Backlash FIFA responded after The Times revealed the plan through two sources familiar with the discussions. The newspaper reported that Gianni Infantino could become FFE commissioner after his expected next term ends in 2031. It said the role might allow the 56-year-old FIFA president to earn tens of millions of pounds. FIFA did not confirm that claim. However, FIFA said Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Eternal would likely lead the investor group. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. FIFA is also working with JPMorgan, which tried to finance the failed European Super League. UEFA reacted sharply. “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously,” it said. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.” Read More: FIFA Reveals Stunning Numbers Behind World Cup 2026 The Times quoted a senior football figure calling the proposal “potentially much worse than the European Super League.” Another source warned of “unacceptable” conflicts of interest involving FIFA and Infantino. FIFA Promises More Than $10 Billion for Development FIFA said each of its 211 member associations could access up to $20 million in one-off development capital. The voluntary offer would come through the FIFA Fast Forward Programme, not individual equity stakes in FFE. The money could support stadiums, coaching, national teams, women’s football and grassroots programmes. FIFA estimates total development funding could exceed $10 billion over four years. The plan still needs majority support from member associations and approval from the FIFA Council. FIFA said outside investors would have no operational role and all net benefits would return to football. The proposal follows the first 48-team World Cup across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Before the tournament, FIFA forecast more than $8 billion in 2026 revenue. It now expects the 2023 to 2026 cycle to exceed $15 billion. Read More: Spain Rewrites Football History by Winning Both Men and Women FIFA Titles Infantino has also discussed a possible 64-team World Cup in 2030. Critics fear private capital could pressure FIFA to expand competitions or stage them more often. Infantino previously backed a $25 billion investment plan for an expanded Club World Cup and global Nations League. European resistance derailed it in 2018. FIFA later expanded the Club World Cup from seven to 32 teams in 2025. The 2001 collapse of marketing partner ISL reportedly cost FIFA between $30 million and $115 million. FIFA remains a Swiss-based non-profit association with favourable tax treatment.
Pakistan Set Unwanted Away Test Record After West Indies Loss
Pakistan suffered an unwanted Test record after losing their eighth consecutive match away from home, their longest overseas losing streak. West Indies defeated Pakistan by 90 runs in the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. The victory gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Pakistan needed 211 runs but collapsed for 120 in their second innings. The latest defeat extended a damaging run that began against Australia in December 2023. Pakistan Batting Collapses in 211-Run Chase West Indies scored 311 in their first innings before dismissing Pakistan for 282. That gave the hosts a narrow lead of 29 runs. Pakistan’s bowlers then dismissed West Indies for 181. Mohammad Abbas led the attack with 5/22, while Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets each. However, Pakistan’s batting unit failed again when the team needed a disciplined chase. Read More: Which Teams Will Play Cricket at LA28? ICC Reveals the Full Plan Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais scored three runs each. Salman Ali Agha fell without scoring, while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 11. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 58 from 107 deliveries. He struck nine boundaries and shared a 49-run final-wicket partnership with Abbas, who made 23. Jayden Seales dismantled Pakistan with figures of 5/20. Kemar Roach and Justin Greaves took two wickets each, while Shamar Joseph claimed the remaining wicket. Eight Straight Away Test Defeats Pakistan’s losing run started with a 3-0 whitewash in Australia. They lost by 360 runs in Perth, 79 runs in Melbourne and eight wickets in Sydney. South Africa then beat Pakistan by two wickets in Centurion and 10 wickets in Cape Town. The decline continued in Bangladesh in May 2026. Pakistan lost by 104 runs in Dhaka before suffering a 78-run defeat in Sylhet. Read More: Babar Azam Named Captain of PSL 11 Team of the Tournament The 90-run loss in Trinidad became their eighth consecutive away Test defeat. Pakistan last won a Test outside the country in July 2023. The record has highlighted Pakistan’s continuing struggle to adjust to overseas conditions. It has also increased pressure on the batting line-up before upcoming Tests in the Caribbean and England. Masood Injury Adds to Pakistan’s Problems Former captain Shan Masood scored 109 in the first innings but fractured his finger during the match. The injury forced him to bat at number eight during the chase. “Yes, Shan Masood’s injury affected us because, unfortunately, his finger is fractured, so we definitely missed him,” captain Babar said after the defeat. Despite Masood’s injury, Pakistan had opportunities to control the Test. The visitors reached 244/3 in their first innings before losing seven wickets for 38 runs. Pakistan must now avoid a series defeat when the second Test begins at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on August 2.
“I’m Not a Size Zero”: Kubra Khan Responds to Body-Shamers
Pakistani actor Kubra Khan has spoken about the body-shaming she faced after appearing opposite Shuja Asad in the drama Doctor Bahu. During a recent interview, Kubra said Pakistan’s entertainment industry often values appearance more than acting ability. She argued that rigid beauty standards prevent many talented performers from receiving fair recognition. Kubra Khan Challenges Industry Beauty Standards “The problem in our industry and culture is that there is a mould, which is so small that everyone can’t fit into it, and unfortunately, I am one of those people who can’t,” she said. According to Kubra, society often expects actresses to remain fair, thin and tall. These expectations create an unrealistic image that many women cannot or do not want to follow. “I’m not a size zero. There is this perception that, in order to be seen as beautiful, a girl has to be thin, tall, and have nice hair. If you do not fit into that mould, you are not good enough,” she said. Criticism intensified after viewers saw her pairing with Shuja Asad. Some social media users claimed that she looked older and bigger than her co-star. Kubra eventually stopped defending herself against such comments. “I’ve been through that for a while, and I stopped justifying it. At the end of the day, it is your opinion,” she said. Although the criticism hurt her, she chose not to argue with online users. “Naturally, I’ve been affected by it quite a lot, but I decided not to respond because that would be like talking to a wall.” She also criticised people who joined online trends built around mocking her appearance. “I would see pictures and videos of people not just being rude but hopping on the trend of others belittling or bullying,” she said. Health Matters More Than Size Zero Instead of chasing unrealistic standards, Kubra now focuses on health and personal well-being. “I need to know that I am healthy. I am not saying that I do not want to be fit or look after myself. Of course, I do. I would want to be a size eight, but not a size zero. I do not want to fit into that mould. I just want to be the best version of myself,” she said. Her message, she added, centres on self-improvement rather than forced conformity. Read More: Mohammed Ahmed Exposes Rise of AI-Written Pakistani Dramas “I want to advocate that being healthy is important, but being the best version of yourself is just as important.” Kubra said her body naturally changed as she grew older. “Earlier in my career, I would fit into that mould. At the end of the day, I am human, and I will grow. I will change. There will be different seasons in my life, and that’s okay,” she said. Doctor Bahu Highlights Women’s Career Struggles Kubra also compared entertainment standards in Pakistan with those in Western industries. “The problem in the East is that the way you look can hinder your talent. However, if your talent is your voice, your appearance should not matter,” she said. “When you look at the West, your appearance is irrelevant. If you are acting well and serving the purpose of the character, that’s great.” Male performers also face visual expectations, she said, while referring to her husband, actor Gohar Rasheed. “If you do not have that same face, beard, or filmy look, then you do not fit the image of a hero,” she said. Turning to Doctor Bahu, Kubra said the drama explores pressure on women to leave their professions after marriage. “Being a doctor is not a joke. Your training starts from childhood. If, at one stage in your life, someone tells you that all of your life’s work is gone because you are to become a daughter-in-law, how would that feel?” she said. Expressing sympathy for women facing such pressure, she added, “Honestly, my heart goes out to everyone who goes through that, and a lot of people do.”
The Unseen Cost of Cooling: How ACs Affect Urban Temperatures
As heatwaves grow stronger, air conditioners are becoming essential in many cities. They protect people from dangerous heat and help homes, hospitals and offices remain functional. However, the rapid growth of air conditioning creates a serious urban problem. An AC cools the air inside a room but releases heat outdoors. When thousands of units operate together, they can make streets and neighbourhoods even hotter. The effect becomes more serious in crowded cities with limited trees and poor ventilation. Read More: UK Orders Air Conditioner Removal as Europe Swelters. But Why? This cooling paradox is increasingly relevant for Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan. Where Does the Heat Go? An air conditioner does not eliminate heat. It removes heat from a room and transfers it outside. The outdoor unit releases both indoor heat and heat produced by the compressor. Therefore, the total heat released can exceed the heat removed from the room. One household unit has a small impact. However, thousands of units operating together can change local temperatures. Apartment buildings, offices, markets and shopping centres often run cooling systems at the same time. Their outdoor units continuously release hot air into streets and narrow spaces. AC Waste Heat Can Warm Neighbourhoods Research led by Arizona State University found that AC waste heat increased nighttime temperatures in some locations. The rise exceeded 1 degree Celsius in certain urban areas. Lead researcher Francisco Salamanca warned that this could create a feedback loop. Hotter streets increase cooling demand. More cooling then releases additional heat outdoors. A separate study of office districts in Tokyo reached similar conclusions. It estimated that AC waste heat could raise local temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. The impact may be stronger in dense business districts. Large buildings often use powerful cooling systems for several hours each day. Why Nighttime Heat Is More Dangerous The warming effect can become more noticeable after sunset. During the day, hot air mixes through a larger part of the atmosphere. At night, the air near the ground becomes more stable. As a result, heat from buildings and AC systems can remain trapped near streets. This prevents neighbourhoods from cooling properly. Hot nights are especially dangerous because the human body needs cooler conditions to recover. Continuous heat can increase health risks for older people, children and outdoor workers. ACs Are Not the Only Cause Air conditioners are not the main cause of urban warming. Concrete buildings, asphalt roads, traffic and shrinking green spaces remain major factors. Dense construction can also block natural airflow. These conditions create the urban heat island effect. Built-up areas absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night. Research on Karachi has linked urban expansion and land-use changes with rising heat hotspots. Paved surfaces and concrete structures prevent many areas from cooling after sunset. AC waste heat adds another layer to this existing problem. Growing Electricity Demand The environmental impact of air conditioning extends beyond outdoor heat. The International Energy Agency says space cooling is the fastest-growing source of energy demand in buildings. Cooling demand is expected to grow rapidly in developing countries. Population growth, urbanisation and rising temperatures will drive much of this increase. Read More: Solar Boom Today, Waste Crisis Tomorrow? The Hidden Challenge of Solar Panels Greater AC use also places pressure on electricity grids. During heatwaves, demand often reaches its highest level. This can lead to power cuts, higher electricity costs and greater dependence on backup generators. Impact on Climate Change The climate impact depends partly on how electricity is produced. When power comes from coal, oil or gas, greater AC use creates more greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions contribute to global warming. Refrigerant gases can also damage the climate if they leak. Some refrigerants have a much stronger warming effect than carbon dioxide. The UN Environment Programme has warned that global cooling demand could more than triple by 2050. Under current trends, cooling-related emissions could also rise sharply. This would make global climate targets harder to achieve. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen has said the world cannot simply air-condition its way out of the heat crisis. Cooling Remains Essential Experts do not suggest abandoning air conditioners. Cooling can save lives during severe heatwaves. It is especially important for hospitals, schools and vulnerable households. The practical goal is to reduce unnecessary use. Buildings should remain cooler before mechanical cooling becomes necessary. A passive-first approach can reduce both indoor heat and electricity demand. Reflective and Insulated Roofs Roofs absorb a large amount of solar heat. Dark roofs can become extremely hot during summer. They then transfer much of that heat into rooms below. Light-coloured or reflective roof coatings can reduce heat absorption. Roof insulation can also slow the movement of heat indoors. In suitable buildings, roof gardens may provide extra protection. However, the structure must support the additional weight. Water availability and maintenance costs must also be considered. Shade Windows From Outside Windows allow direct sunlight to enter homes and offices. External shades, awnings and covered balconies can block sunlight before it reaches the glass. This is usually more effective than indoor curtains. Read More: Air Pollution May Be Damaging Your Kidneys Without Warning Trees can also shade windows and walls. However, they should be planted carefully to protect buildings and underground services. Reflective glass can help in some buildings. However, it may push heat towards nearby streets or structures. Improve Natural Ventilation Good ventilation can reduce indoor heat during cooler hours. Windows on opposite sides of a room can create cross-ventilation. High openings can also allow rising hot air to escape. People can open windows during cooler mornings and evenings. They should close them when the outdoor air becomes hotter. Ventilation works best when buildings are designed around local wind patterns. Dense and poorly planned construction often blocks these natural air paths. Use Ceiling Fans With ACs Ceiling fans use far less electricity than air conditioners. Fans do not lower the actual room temperature. However, moving air helps the body feel cooler. The US
AI Has Ruined the Internet’s Cutest Animal Videos
Artificial intelligence is changing how people react to one of the internet’s oldest pleasures: cute animal videos. A BBC report says viewers increasingly pause before enjoying clips of clever cats, dancing dogs or unlikely animal friendships. Many now inspect movements, lighting and comments to decide whether the moment ever happened. Cats have long shaped online culture. I Can Has Cheezburger popularised memes, while Keyboard Cat became an early YouTube sensation. Grumpy Cat later turned viral fame into a commercial model. Authenticity Becomes Part of the Joy Jessica Maddox, a University of Georgia media studies professor, said reality gives these clips their emotional value. She wrote The Internet Is for Cats, a study of animal images and digital culture. “Part of the joy of cute animal videos is, ‘Oh my god, look at this adorable thing that has actually happened,’” Maddox said. “AI completely removes that from the equation.” She said the clips create connection because viewers know another person witnessed and shared the moment. Unlabelled AI videos can instead feel like traps designed to manufacture emotion and engagement. “The joy feels manufactured. It can be hollow in a way that’s almost fraudulent,” Maddox said. She warned that repeated exposure could make audiences more cynical. Fakes Move Beyond Harmless Entertainment The concern extends beyond kittens and puppies. During Hurricane Helene in 2024, fabricated disaster images circulated beside genuine photographs. After sharing one image, Republican National Committee member Amy Kremer wrote: “Y’all, I don’t know where this photo came from and honestly, it doesn’t matter. It is seared into my mind forever.” Her response showed how emotionally powerful fake material can remain after people learn it is artificial. AI entertainment has also attracted huge audiences. Fruit Love Island, a parody featuring romantic and argumentative talking fruit, averaged more than 10 million views per episode. Platforms Face Pressure to Restore Trust Meta applies “AI info” labels when its systems detect recognised AI signals or creators disclose synthetic content. YouTube requires disclosure for realistic scenes that never occurred. TikTok also uses creator labels and automatic detection tools for AI-generated posts. However, labels do not solve every problem. AI accounts can produce videos faster than people filming real animals, creating tougher competition for human creators. Maddox said harmless synthetic animals could increase tolerance for fake political footage, invented crimes and racist caricatures. Real creators may also lose attention and income as automated accounts flood feeds. The BBC report outlined two possible futures. Audiences may reject synthetic clips and reward authentic creators, forcing platforms to reduce low-quality AI material. Alternatively, AI videos may become satisfying enough to dominate feeds. For many viewers, the damage has already begun. One fan told the BBC: “It just feels like there’s no safe place for anything real anymore. I can’t trust anything.”
New Spider-Man Movie Gives BMW iX3 and 5 Series Key Roles
BMW has secured a major role in Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day, placing its electric iX3 and 5 Series Sedan directly into the storyline. The movie will open exclusively in cinemas on July 31, 2026. Destin Daniel Cretton directed the film. Its cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffalo. Sony’s synopsis follows an adult Peter Parker who fights crime full-time in a world that no longer remembers him. Mounting pressure triggers a dangerous transformation while a mysterious threat puts New York and his loved ones at risk. BMW Links Neue Klasse Era With Spider-Man The electric iX3 is the first production model on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform. BMW paired it with the 5 Series Sedan for scenes that make both vehicles part of the plot. The appearances showcase the BMW Panoramic Display, driver-assistance technology, panoramic glass roof and Sport Mode driving dynamics. BMW aims to introduce its next electric era to Spider-Man’s global audience. Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management, said: “The launch of the Neue Klasse and Spider-Man™: Brand New Day could not be more fitting. Both stand for a bold new beginning and the confidence to shape what comes next. We are proud to accompany this new Spider-Man™ chapter with the BMW iX3, our first model of the Neue Klasse.” BMW said the official trailer became the first movie trailer to surpass one billion views in four days. The milestone gives the carmaker major exposure as it promotes its Neue Klasse vehicles. Color-Changing iX3 Leads Global Campaign BMW also created the one-off iX3 Flow Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Sony and Marvel. Full-color E Ink Prism panels cover its exterior and produce graphics inspired by Spider-Man’s colors, movement and energy. The moving bodywork turns the vehicle into a comic-inspired visual feature. BMW unveiled it at the film’s July 27 premiere and will display it at BMW Welt in Munich until September. Customers in participating markets can access a special Spider-Man animation from July 27 through August 10. Starting an eligible BMW brings up a banner on its central Control Display. Drivers can tap the banner to launch a full-screen animation with music and a synchronized ambient-lighting show. BMW will make the feature available in more than 70 countries. Eligible cars require suitable equipment and a production date after July 2020. They must run BMW Operating System 7, 8, 8.5, 9 or Operating System X. BMW’s wider campaign includes a teaser called The Big Screen. It follows a father and son beside a charging iX3 before Spider-Man lands on the bonnet and swings away. The partnership shows how BMW uses entertainment to present new vehicle technology beyond traditional showrooms. It also links the brand’s electric future with a globally recognised superhero franchise.
Made a Mistake in Your WhatsApp Status? You Can Now Fix It
WhatsApp has started rolling out an editing option that lets Android users correct captions on status updates after posting them. The feature appears in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.30.1. Only some beta testers have access, but the rollout should expand over the coming weeks. Some users on the stable Android app may also receive it during the gradual rollout. WhatsApp has not announced a date for a worldwide release. No More Deleting and Reposting Until now, users who noticed a typo or incorrect detail had to delete the entire status and upload it again. The process could remove an update people had already viewed and force another upload. The new tool lets them change only the caption while keeping the photo or video status in place. WhatsApp Status supports text, photos, videos and GIFs, and updates disappear after 24 hours, according to the company’s Help Center. Users can reach the tool in two ways. From the status list, they can open the menu beside a shared update and select “Edit caption.” WhatsApp has placed the action beside its other status management controls. The second route appears inside the posted status. A small pencil icon sits next to the caption. Tapping it opens the editing screen, where users can correct an error or update information without leaving the status view. Users Get a 15-Minute Window WhatsApp gives users 15 minutes from the time of posting to edit a status caption. After that period, the option disappears and users can no longer change the caption. The limit matches WhatsApp’s existing message-editing window. The company’s official Help Center states that users can edit a sent message for up to 15 minutes. However, status caption edits work differently from edited chat messages. WhatsApp adds an “edited” label to changed messages, but it does not show that label on a modified status caption. Viewers will simply see the latest version when they open the status. Even people who viewed it earlier will not receive any visible indication that the caption changed. Gradual Android Rollout Continues WABetaInfo first reported the tool while WhatsApp was developing it in beta version 2.26.22.5. WhatsApp later refined the interface and released it to a limited group through version 2.26.30.1. The feature should help people and businesses using Status for announcements, product details, photos or videos. A typing mistake will no longer require them to remove and recreate the entire post, provided they catch it within 15 minutes. WhatsApp distributes new features in stages, so installing the latest beta does not guarantee immediate access. Eligible users should check the menu on their posted status or look for the pencil icon beside the caption. The rollout makes Status easier to manage. For now, WhatsApp has not confirmed when all Android users, or users on other platforms, will receive caption editing.
Your Period App Could Be Sharing Data With Tech Giants
A Mozilla Foundation investigation has exposed major differences in how popular period trackers protect sensitive reproductive health information. Researchers tested Flo, Clue, Stardust, Spot On, Period Calendar and Euki using network analysis and hands-on reviews. Scores ranged from 10 out of 10 for Euki to two for Stardust. Mozilla said the findings carry greater importance after federal abortion protections ended in the United States in 2022. Stardust Shared Detailed Health Information Stardust tells users, “Your data is private. Period.” However, Mozilla found that the app sent detailed health information to RudderStack, a provider not named in its privacy policy. The data included pregnancy status, birth control, moods, alcohol use and symptoms such as stomach cramps and tender breasts. Stardust said RudderStack acts only as a “technical pipeline” and receives no names or contact details. “Additionally, RudderStack is contractually prohibited from selling or using it for its own purposes,” a Stardust spokesperson said. Mozilla found a separate problem involving Planned Parenthood’s Spot On. The app’s core tracking features did not share health data. However, its provider search and Roo chatbot opened Planned Parenthood webpages where outside tracking began. Those pages shared care searches with AB Tasty, including queries for HIV testing and gender-affirming care. “Someone could probably fix this in an afternoon,” Mozilla researcher Shoshana Wodinsky said. Advertising Trackers Still See App Use Period Calendar did not transmit logged cycle details during Mozilla’s tests. However, it sent device identifiers and technical information to Google, InMobi and advertising systems without a clear off switch. Stardust shared similar usage data with Meta and AppsFlyer, although phone settings could reduce some tracking. Spot On’s linked webpages also activated services from Google, Microsoft, TikTok and Pinterest. Read More: Who Heals the Healers? Nearly 60% of Doctors Face Burnout in Pakistan “Data collected from a period tracking app can be part of a whole tapestry woven from many different threads of surveillance,” said privacy advocate Sara Geoghegan. “That can be very revealing.” Such information may show advertisers, data companies or authorities that someone uses a reproductive health app, even without revealing exact symptoms. Euki Earns Top Privacy Rating Mozilla described Euki’s default setup as “squeaky clean.” The app stores health information on the user’s device, requires no account and offers PIN, automatic deletion and decoy-screen features. Flo and Clue also performed relatively well. Mozilla found no evidence that either shared health information with advertising partners. Both store extensive records on company servers, but users can disable several advertising and analytics connections. Flo also provides an Anonymous Mode that separates identifying details from health data. Clue gives users separate controls for research, analytics, advertising and personalisation. Read More: Health Priorities This Year: Mental Health Takes the Spotlight Flo’s past remains relevant. In 2021, the US Federal Trade Commission finalised a settlement over allegations that it shared sensitive information with Facebook, Google and other firms despite earlier privacy promises. Mozilla advised users to check data storage, third-party access, privacy controls and a company’s track record before choosing a period tracker.
