The unofficial schedule of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has been leaked, revealing a host of thrilling matchups. With India set to host the event, the tournament is expected to begin on September 30, featuring India’s opening match against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru.
Due to the geopolitical context, Pakistan’s matches will not be played on Indian soil. Instead, Colombo will serve as the neutral venue for all of Pakistan’s games, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their fixtures.
A key highlight of the group stage is the much-awaited Pakistan vs India match, scheduled for October 5 in Colombo. The rivalry between these two cricketing powerhouses guarantees one of the most electric atmospheres in women’s cricket.
Pakistan’s tentative group stage schedule includes:
October 2: Pakistan vs Bangladesh
October 5: Pakistan vs India
October 8: Pakistan vs Australia
October 15: Pakistan vs England
October 18: Pakistan vs New Zealand
October 21: Pakistan vs South Africa
October 24: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
In addition to these fixtures, discussions are ongoing about the semi-final and final venues. Current plans suggest that the first semi-final could be held in Guwahati or Colombo, while Bengaluru is being considered for the second. The final match of the tournament is tentatively set for November 2, with either Bengaluru or Colombo likely to host.
Despite the lack of an official announcement from the ICC, the preliminary schedule has triggered considerable excitement among fans and stakeholders. The return of the India-Pakistan face-off, this time on neutral turf, adds another layer of drama and significance to the upcoming World Cup.
A team of engineers at Pennsylvania State University has unveiled the first-ever computer made from atomically thin materials, marking a bold step beyond traditional silicon-based electronics.
Rather than relying on the industry-standard silicon, the researchers constructed a CMOS logic system using two two-dimensional materials: molybdenum disulfide (used for n-type transistors) and tungsten diselenide (used for p-type). These ultra-thin semiconductors, only a few atoms thick, are known for retaining their electrical performance at nanoscale sizes.
Professor Saptarshi Das, who led the initiative, explained the motivation behind the work: “As silicon-based devices approach their physical limits, the industry must explore materials that continue to function reliably at atomic dimensions.”
The team employed metal-organic chemical vapor deposition to grow precise layers of each 2D material. After manufacturing over 1,000 of each transistor type, they managed to assemble a functioning CMOS logic circuit—a basic computer capable of performing essential logic instructions at up to 25 kilohertz.
What makes this even more significant is its energy profile. The system operates at lower voltages and consumes minimal power, making it ideal for future applications in flexible electronics, biomedical implants, and next-gen IoT devices.
While this early-stage computer lacks the speed or complexity of modern processors, it represents a critical proof of concept. “This is a foundational moment,” said Subir Ghosh, co-author and PhD researcher. “We now have a functional logic device entirely based on 2D materials—something that was theoretical just a few years ago.”
As researchers continue to explore how to scale and integrate these materials into larger systems, the age of post-silicon computing seems closer than ever.
Lahore, Pakistan, June 16, 2025 — Xiaomi and Polyphony Digital today announced a landmark partnership at Round One of the Gran Turismo World Series 2025. Under this collaboration, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra — Xiaomi EV’s top-of-the-line high-performance luxury electric vehicle — will debut in the globally acclaimed racing simulator Gran Turismo 7, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, marking the first Xiaomi model featured in the franchise.
Gran Turismo is widely recognized as one of the world’s most authentic driving simulators, with engineering parameters mirroring real-world performance. Its influence extends beyond gaming — driving innovation in vehicle dynamics and safety while uniting automotive enthusiasts globally. The inclusion of Xiaomi SU7 Ultra reflects the rise of smart high-performance EVs in the automotive industry.
In May 2025, Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi met with Xiaomi Group Founder, Chairman, and CEO Lei Jun in Beijing. During the visit, Yamauchi conducted an immersive test drive of Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and toured Xiaomi’s EV factory in Yizhuang.
Kazunori Yamauchi stated:
“We are delighted to begin this partnership with Xiaomi. The Chinese automotive industry has progressed rapidly, and Xiaomi — a newly established player in the automotive sector — has already created an exceptional vehicle, Xiaomi SU7, as a pivotal part of its comprehensive smart ecosystem, which spans smartphones and wearables to home appliances.
Beyond this, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype has shattered conventional performance benchmarks at the Nürburgring. Witnessing these achievements, I am deeply moved by Xiaomi’s courage, curiosity, passion, and relentless dedication to realizing such milestones. This spirit resonates profoundly with Gran Turismo and Polyphony Digital’s philosophy.”
Lei Jun remarked:
“We deeply resonate with Mr. Yamauchi’s visionary philosophy of building a better society through technology. This aligns perfectly with Xiaomi’s mission to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through accessible and innovative technology. Our shared values paved the way for this collaboration.”
“Gran Turismo’s worldwide reputation for uncompromising quality and experience makes us particularly honored to have Xiaomi SU7 Ultra included. We look forward to introducing more Gran Turismo players and automotive enthusiasts to the capabilities of high-performance smart EVs like ours.”
At the partnership announcement event, Yamauchi highlighted Xiaomi SU7 Ultra as astandout in the smart EV segment, noting that its competitive performance at the Nürburgring Nordschleife demonstrates Xiaomi EV’s formidable engineering capabilities.
Xiaomi — a global technology leader — completed its “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem in 2024 with the launch of its first smart EV, Xiaomi SU7. The top-of-the-line Xiaomi SU7 Ultra integrates proprietary innovations, including Xiaomi’s HyperEngine V8s (27,200 rpm; 578 PS; 635 N·m) — a self-developed tri-motor configuration system. With 1,548 PS, a top speed exceeding 350 km/h, and a maximum 0–100 km/h acceleration of 1.98 seconds, Xiaomi SU7 Ultra holds multiple track records for four-door vehicles.
Engineered with up to 21 carbon fiber components (5.5 m² coverage) for optimal weight distribution and luxury craftsmanship, its design merges dynamic performance with elegance. Xiaomi EV’s R&D team rigorously tests technologies like torque vectoring and adaptive damping at circuits including the Nürburgring Nordschleife, ensuring real-world safety and handling excellence translate to the driving experience.
To deliver world-class products that offer both outstanding performance and safety, Xiaomi EV’s R&D team conducts extended on-site development at legendary circuits including the Nürburgring. Through relentless track validation, the team iteratively refines vehicle dynamics. Technologies proven on these professional circuits are systematically adapted for production, transferring true race-derived engineering to road vehicles.
Performance testing at world-renowned racing circuits serves as the ultimate testbed for automotive brands to refine their technology and quality. Xiaomi EV firmly maintains that exceptional lap times represent more than just raw performance – they embody technological excellence, uncompromising quality, and superior safety standards.
At the event, Zhoucan Ren, Chief Test Driver, Head of Vehicle Dynamics Development at Xiaomi EV, stated: “Our team will maintain a continuous presence at the Nürburgring to relentlessly refine our products and push the boundaries of what’s possible in high-performance luxury vehicles.”
Gran Turismo 7 will integrate Xiaomi SU7 Ultra through a co-development process with Xiaomi EV, authentically replicating its luxury aesthetics and driving dynamics. This high-performance EV will debut in Gran Turismo 7, becoming available to players worldwide. Looking ahead, Xiaomi and Gran Turismo will further collaborate to develop the Xiaomi VISION GRAN TURISMO concept vehicle.
Xiaomi Corporation was founded in April 2010 and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 9, 2018 (1810.HK). Xiaomi is a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company with smartphones and smart hardware connected by an IoT platform at its core.
Embracing our vision of “Make friends with users and be the coolest company in the users’ hearts”, Xiaomi continuously pursues innovations, high-quality user experience and operational efficiency. The company relentlessly builds amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology.
Xiaomi is one of the world’s leading smartphone companies. In March 2025, the MAU reached approximately 718.8 million (including smartphones and tablets) globally. The company has also established the world’s leading consumer AIoT (AI+IoT) platform, reached approximately 943.7 million smart devices connected to its platform (excluding smartphones, laptops and tablets) as of March 31, 2025. In October 2023, Xiaomi upgraded its strategy to “Human × Car × Home” smart ecosystem, seamlessly merges personal devices, smart home products, and cars. Xiaomi always centers on humanity and is committed to providing comprehensive, better connected experiences. Xiaomi products are present in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. In August 2024, Xiaomi was included in the Fortune Global 500 list for the sixth year in a row.
Xiaomi is a constituent of the Hang Seng Index, Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, Hang Seng TECH Index and Hang Seng China 50 Index.
About Polyphony Digital and Gran Turismo
Gran Turismo™ is a video game developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Having launched in Japan first in 1997, the multi-award-winning franchise is regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulator due to true-to-life graphics, authentic physics technology and careful attention to detail. Polyphony and its famed creator Kazunori Yamauchi have revolutionized the racing game genre. https://www.gran-turismo.com/ https://www.polyphony.co.jp/
The Government of Pakistan, through its Finance Bill 2025-26, is set to introduce wide-ranging fiscal reforms focused on expanding the tax net and regulating both cash-based and digital transactions.
Among the key proposals is the revised ATM cash withdrawal limit for non-filers. According to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), non-filers will now be able to withdraw up to Rs. 75,000 per day without tax, an increase from the previous Rs. 50,000. However, any amount beyond this limit will incur a 0.8% withholding tax, up from 0.6%.
Digital Economy and E-Commerce: Under the Tax Radar
In a bold move to regulate online marketplaces, the government is also introducing taxes on digital retail activities. The proposed taxation structure includes:
2% income tax on online apparel businesses
0.5% income tax on electronics sales via digital platforms
1% tax on all other e-commerce activities
These businesses will be required to submit billing records as part of their tax returns. This step aims to enforce compliance and minimize underreporting.
International Tech Platforms Face Higher Taxation
The bill also suggests a 5% increase in advance tax on foreign digital service providers, raising it from 10% to 15%. Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Google will be impacted. Companies establishing local offices may benefit from a reduced tax rate of 5%, encouraging global tech firms to invest in Pakistan.
Additionally, banks and courier services will be authorized to act as tax collectors, and online merchants will no longer be allowed to shift tax costs to consumers.
These reforms reflect the government’s focus on bringing the digital economy into the formal sector, thereby increasing transparency in Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.
In a high-profile case that has captured public attention in Karachi, the victim of an assault incident in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area, identified as Sudheer, formally pardoned businessman Salman Farooqi during a court hearing on Thursday.
The proceedings took place at the South Judicial Magistrate’s Court. Sudheer, who was assaulted in broad daylight in an incident that went viral on social media, arrived at the court after learning of the summons from his lawyer earlier that morning.
When asked by the court if any form of pressure had influenced his decision, Sudheer replied firmly that his choice to pardon the accused was of his own volition. “I have forgiven Salman Farooqi and leave the matter to the court’s discretion,” he told the magistrate.
The court officially documented Sudheer’s statement, highlighting that he had identified the accused but had no interest in pursuing further legal action.
The original incident sparked widespread condemnation. A video of Salman Farooqi physically assaulting the young motorcyclist, allegedly in front of his sister, triggered public outrage and calls for strict legal action. The case was registered at the Gizri Police Station based on a complaint from eyewitness Muhammad Saleem, who detailed the threats and humiliation inflicted on the victim.
While the victim’s pardon typically impacts the outcome of such cases, legal observers note that the severity of the incident and the public reaction may still factor into judicial proceedings. Pakistan’s criminal code allows for the pardon of certain offences if the victim chooses not to press charges, but the decision of whether to close the case ultimately rests with the court.
The incident has become a litmus test for the judicial system’s handling of cases involving public figures and viral incidents. It also sheds light on the broader social debate around violence, accountability, and the role of the courts in upholding justice even when victims withdraw their complaints.
The Sindh government has announced that Karachi will see the launch of double-decker buses next month, a significant addition to the city’s rapidly growing public transport system.
Enhancing Public Transport Options
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon confirmed the project’s timeline and emphasized the government’s dedication to improving transportation for Karachi’s residents.
“We’ve already introduced several key initiatives, such as the Pink Bus project, which has been widely appreciated,” he shared. “Additionally, we’re working on the launch of the Pink Taxi service for women commuters.”
Details on the Fleet Expansion
The new double-decker buses are part of the larger Peoples Bus Service (PBS) upgrade. As per transport department sources, five double-decker and 34 electric buses will arrive in June, marking a significant milestone for PBS. Furthermore, the department plans to roll out another 100 buses later in the month, ensuring comprehensive citywide coverage.
Officials are hopeful that the arrival of double-decker buses will transform daily commuting for many Karachiites. These buses are expected to offer spacious seating and improved convenience, catering to the city’s growing population and easing traffic congestion.
A Step Forward for Women’s Mobility
The Pink Taxi service, also in the pipeline, underscores the Sindh government’s commitment to safe and reliable transportation for women. Minister Memon highlighted the importance of inclusive policies that prioritize the safety and comfort of female passengers.
The upcoming launch of double-decker buses is part of a broader initiative to modernize Karachi’s transport system. With these new services, the provincial government aims to address long-standing challenges faced by commuters, including overcrowding and unreliable schedules.
In light of these updates, Karachi’s residents are eagerly awaiting the new buses, which promise to offer a more comfortable and efficient way to navigate the bustling city.
Islamabad Police have successfully arrested the prime suspect in the murder of social media personality Sana Yousaf. According to official statements, the arrest was facilitated by a careful review of CCTV footage and the use of modern investigative techniques.
The suspect, who is from Punjab, was taken into custody during an overnight operation conducted by law enforcement. Sources indicate that the accused had a personal history with Sana Yousaf, a detail that investigators believe is central to understanding the motive.
Personal Grudge Behind the Crime
Initial findings suggest that the murder stemmed from a personal grudge between the victim and the accused. The police recovered the murder weapon during the suspect’s apprehension, bolstering their case and providing crucial evidence.
The Islamabad Police are actively investigating all angles of this incident to ensure that the facts are fully uncovered.
Body Transported to Upper Chitral
The tragic death of Sana Yousaf has left her followers and loved ones reeling. Her body was transported to Upper Chitral, her hometown, for final rites and burial. Community members and family gathered in her memory as authorities continued to probe the circumstances of her death.
CCTV Footage and Widened Investigation
The case, initially registered against an unidentified attacker, has seen rapid progress. Police have collected CCTV footage from the crime scene and from Safe City cameras across Islamabad. This footage is being thoroughly reviewed to track the suspect’s movements.
The police have emphasized that the investigation remains active, with a commitment to ensuring that no aspect is left unexplored.
Sana Yousaf’s murder has once again underscored the vulnerability of digital influencers and sparked discussions around personal security. Law enforcement agencies have vowed to maintain transparency and provide updates as the case unfolds.
The government of Pakistan has issued an official notification raising petrol prices by Re1 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs253.63.
No Change in Diesel Price
The notification clarifies that diesel prices remain unchanged at Rs254.64 per litre, providing some respite for key sectors such as freight and heavy transport.
Implementation from Today
The newly announced prices have come into force immediately. As a result, consumers are bracing for minor adjustments to daily commuting expenses and transport service charges.
Historical Context of Recent Fuel Pricing
This latest change follows a period of relative stability in petrol pricing. On May 16, authorities had announced no increase in petrol rates, maintaining the previous figure of Rs252.63 per litre, and cutting diesel by Rs2 per litre.
Just two weeks prior, on April 30, both petrol and diesel rates were reduced by Rs2 per litre, part of broader efforts to provide temporary consumer relief.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier signaled that while direct reductions in fuel prices might not continue, the government would reinvest benefits from global oil price declines into major development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and national infrastructure.
Broader Economic Implications
This minor petrol price increase comes at a time when global oil prices remain unpredictable. For Pakistani consumers and businesses, even small adjustments in domestic fuel rates can have knock-on effects in terms of transportation costs and inflation.
The government’s balancing act highlights the delicate interplay between external market pressures and internal fiscal management, with fuel price revisions serving as a key tool for policy adjustments.
Focused Engagements with Pakistan Navy and Federal Ministers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Karachi on Monday for a day-long official visit, engaging in strategic discussions and paying homage to the services of the Pakistan Navy, according to reports by ARY News.
He was warmly received at the airport by Federal Minister for Education Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, with several senior ministers accompanying the Prime Minister on this high-level trip. Among them were Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
Visit to Pakistan Navy Dockyard
As a major highlight of the visit, Prime Minister Sharif headed to the Pakistan Navy Dockyard, where he interacted with naval personnel. In a formal address, he expressed appreciation for the Pakistan Navy’s vigilant protection of the nation’s maritime boundaries, especially during critical operations such as “Marka-e-Haq.”
“Our Navy has remained steadfast in guarding Pakistan’s blue frontiers,” the Prime Minister said, acknowledging their discipline and service.
Emphasis on Maritime Security
The visit reflects the government’s intent to strengthen Pakistan’s maritime security framework amid growing regional challenges. It comes at a time when maritime trade routes are gaining increasing strategic importance.
Background: PM’s Recent Stance on Pahalgam Incident
Earlier in the week, the Prime Minister made headlines for his response to India’s baseless allegations regarding the Pahalgam incident. Speaking after a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu, Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to combatting terrorism and called for a neutral international investigation into the incident.
He emphasized that India had failed to provide concrete evidence and accused it of attempting to wrongly implicate Pakistan for political purposes.
There was a time when the arrival of foreign brands in Pakistan was met with genuine excitement and optimism, seen as a sign of integration into the global economy and an opportunity for local consumers and businesses alike.
Those days, however, are behind us. Today, what Pakistan needs is not just the presence of foreign players, but responsible investment – investment that creates opportunities, fosters competition on fair terms, and contributes meaningfully to local development.
We cannot afford to celebrate market entry when it comes at the cost of turning Pakistan into a dumping ground for low-cost surplus goods, with no regard for the long-term health of our economy or the livelihoods of our people.
E-commerce is one of Pakistan’s strongest bets for creating opportunity among underserved populations seeking sustainable income streams. However, make no mistake, Temu’s entry into Pakistan is not a the start of a new phase; it is a direct and alarming assault on the country’s already fragile local economy. Far from fostering meaningful competition or offering genuine consumer choice, Temu’s aggressive expansion threatens to dismantle the very foundation of Pakistan’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-based sellers, many of whom have spent years building their livelihoods with resilience and perseverance.
Temu’s competitive advantage does not stem from superior service or innovation. It operates on an uneven playing field, circumventing the regulatory frameworks, tax obligations, and consumer protection standards that local businesses are required to meet. By flooding the market with ultra-low-cost goods, often of questionable quality, while making no meaningful financial or legal commitments to Pakistan, Temu forces sellers, particularly women-led home businesses and SME shopkeepers, into an impossible race to the bottom. Each heavily discounted item Temu promotes is a direct threat to the survival of local entrepreneurship.
The warning signs are already clear internationally. American retail giant Forever 21 cited the rise of Temu and Shein as a contributing factor in its bankruptcy filings, highlighting how platforms operating outside conventional regulatory structures and exploiting labour cost differentials have made responsible retail models unsustainable. Pakistan, with its deeper structural economic vulnerabilities, cannot afford to ignore these signals.
The consequences of Temu’s model are disproportionately severe for women entrepreneurs. Across Pakistan, thousands of women have built micro-enterprises, offering clothing, crafts, and home-based services that allow them financial independence in a country where female labour force participation remains among the lowest globally. Temu’s predatory pricing practices threaten to wipe out years of patient community-building and entrepreneurial risk-taking, stripping these women not only of income but of dignity, agency, and their critical contribution to grassroots economic growth.
The damage is not confined to sellers alone. Temu’s operational approach is actively corroding consumer trust in Pakistan’s nascent e-commerce sector. Delays in delivery, misrepresented products, poor customer service, and impractical return processes are becoming the defining features of the Temu experience for Pakistani buyers. In a country where digital commerce is still in its formative stages, these experiences have consequences that ripple far beyond Temu’s own customer base. When consumers are disappointed by a Temu purchase, they often become wary of online shopping altogether, unfairly punishing local businesses that have invested heavily in building transparency, reliability, and customer care. Temu’s negligence is systematically poisoning trust across the entire digital economy.
Adding to the concern is the reality that Temu contributes nothing of value to Pakistan’s economy. It does not create local jobs, invest in infrastructure, or support community development. It does not partner meaningfully with local businesses nor seek to build supply chains rooted in the country’s economic fabric. Instead, it uses Pakistan as a dumping ground for surplus production, extracting profits while leaving behind weakened industries, rising consumer dissatisfaction, and a growing sense of economic disempowerment. The consequences are particularly devastating in rural and semi-urban areas, where small enterprises are often the only sources of employment and opportunity.
Other countries have recognised the existential threat posed by such platforms and acted accordingly. Indonesia moved decisively to restrict cross-border e-commerce platforms operating without local registration, citing the urgent need to protect domestic SMEs and market stability. Vietnam and Uzbekistan also took similar steps. Pakistan, however, remains on the sidelines, exposing its domestic economy to dismantling in real time without so much as a serious regulatory debate.
There is no ambiguity about what needs to be done. Pakistan must urgently introduce legislation requiring foreign e-commerce platforms to formally register within the country, maintain a physical presence for local accountability, and contribute fairly to the national tax system. These platforms must be held to rigorous consumer protection standards, ensuring that sellers, whether foreign or domestic, are equally accountable for product quality, delivery transparency, and customer redressal. Access to Pakistan’s consumer base must be conditioned upon clear obligations to invest back into the economy through local employment, training programs, and partnerships with domestic enterprises. Fair competition must be enforced as a fundamental principle, not treated as an optional standard only local businesses are forced to uphold.
Pakistani entrepreneurs should not be expected to compete against unregulated foreign platforms that contribute nothing while extracting profits from already struggling markets. If Pakistan fails to act, the cost will not simply be the closure of a few businesses, it will be the systematic dismantling of the country’s entrepreneurial backbone, the erosion of consumer trust, and the forfeiture of the very future that the digital economy was once poised to deliver.