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			<title>App to issue online learner licences</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449842/app-to-issue-online-learner-licences</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449842/app-to-issue-online-learner-licences#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Dec 23 20:14:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2449842</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Individuals can simply search for “DLIMS” on Google or input address “dlims.punjab.gov.pk”]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In a significant stride towards digital empowerment, citizens in Punjab can now acquire their new learner driving licences through the Punjab Information Technology Board&rsquo;s (PITB) innovative Driving Licence Issuance Management System (DLIMS 2.0).

The announcement came from PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf during a comprehensive review meeting held at the Arfa Software Technology Park (ASTP).

Read&nbsp;LHC directs action against SHOs if motorists found without licenses

The meeting underscored the user-friendly enhancements in the application process, making it more accessible for citizens across Punjab.

To kick-start the application, individuals can simply search for &ldquo;DLIMS&rdquo; on Google or input the address &ldquo;dlims.punjab.gov.pk&rdquo; in their browsers. Subsequently, a user-friendly form will appear, prompting applicants to provide essential information such as their name, identity card details, and other required particulars.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Traffic police introduce e-licence app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2434124/traffic-police-introduce-e-licence-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2434124/traffic-police-introduce-e-licence-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Sep 23 20:56:00 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2434124</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Drivers can download e-licence from Traffic Police Punjab website by entering their CNIC number, date of birth]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The traffic police have introduced an e-driving licence mobile application, enabling citizens to obtain their driving licences online. 

A spokesperson from City Traffic Police (CTP) announced this development on Monday. 

The process involves drivers downloading their electronic licences from the Traffic Police Punjab website by entering their computerised national identity card (CNIC) numbers and dates of birth. 

The electronic driving licence, when printed, will be deemed valid and acceptable for all traffic officers, with easy verification through its QR Code. 

The electronic driving licence includes various features, such as a coloured photograph of the driver along with the residential address and other relevant details. 

Additionally, users have the option to save a copy of their electronic licence as a PDF file for future reference and use, an official statement elaborated.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>NYT launches standalone app for audio journalism</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2417391/nyt-launches-standalone-app-for-audio-journalism</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2417391/nyt-launches-standalone-app-for-audio-journalism#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 May 23 06:58:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2417391</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[App is currently available for New York Times news subscribers on iOS]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The New York Times has finally revealed its standalone app called the NYT audio app for audio journalism.

The app was first introduced in 2021 with the aim of providing more platforms for journalists and users. The app is currently available for New York Times subscribers on iOS.

The app will have shows, dispatches, and audio articles with topics ranging from news, politics, arts, business, tech, lifestyle, and more.

Read More Netflix ad tier has nearly 5 million monthly active users

As per Stephanie Preiss, senior vice president and general manager of Audio, &ldquo;Audio journalism has the power to bring stories to life, and our app now allows our audience to take The Times with them &mdash; on dog walks, while commuting &mdash; in moments when reading isn&rsquo;t an option. Offering New York Times Audio to news subscribers is just one way we&rsquo;re adding more value to a Times subscription, in more moments throughout their day.&rdquo;

The app will have all New York Times podcasts, including The Daily, The Ezra Klein Show, Hard Fork, Modern Love, and The Run-Up. It will also have exclusive content such as The Headlines, Shorts, The Daily Playlist, Reporter Reads, The Magazine Stand and more.]]>
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			<title>App in development for info on holy sites</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2381262/app-in-development-for-info-on-holy-sites</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2381262/app-in-development-for-info-on-holy-sites#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 22 19:21:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2381262</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Once launched, it will guide visitors to Sikh and Hindu places of worship]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) announced a mobile app to provide information about Temples and Gurdwaras across the country and provide guidance on their location. 

Domestic and foreign tourists will be able to reach and learn about the holy places of Sikhs and Hindus with the help of this app. 

The supervisory body for religious sites of Sikhs and Hindus in Pakistan, the ETPB took another important step in promoting religious tourism in the country. 

Speaking to The Express Tribune, ETPB Chairman Habibur Rehman Gilani said this app will have information about all historical and ancient temples in Pakistan, shared in the form of photos and written information. 

This app will also provide guidance regarding any important historical and religious places within one to two kilometers of any site. 

A digital map will be available in the app.

Additionally, tour operators will also be able to provide information on accommodation, food and transportation facilities near these sites through the app.

Gilani said that the use of digital platforms to attract and guide tourists is essential and that in the second phase, 3D images and videos of the holy sites will also be shared in this mobile app. 

For this purpose, the Board is currently seeking funding and a company that can develop these features.

The chairman reiterated that the aim of these initiatives is to promote religious tourism in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>World Cup players to get FIFA data analysis app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2378372/world-cup-players-to-get-fifa-data-analysis-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2378372/world-cup-players-to-get-fifa-data-analysis-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 22 08:52:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[REUTERS]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2378372</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[FIFA said that players will be able to browse their performance data on purpose-built app developed by governing body]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[When the World Cup kicks off in Qatar on Nov. 20 fans can expect a flurry of stats and match footage on social media and FIFA is hoping that includes data and content from a new player app.

FIFA said on Friday that all players at the finals will be able to browse their performance data on a purpose-built app developed by the governing body which allow footballers of all 32 teams access to analysis and information.

The app has been created after feedback from players, through the players union FIFPRO, and the data will be synched with video of the action to allow quick assessment of key moments.

While such data and metrics are widely available to players with the top clubs and national sides, who employ teams of analysts, the app will ensure squads with fewer resources also have access.

The app will make use of input from FIFA&#39;s performance analysts, tracking data and physical performance metrics such as distance covered, sprints and positional heat maps.

Players will also be provided with photographs from the matches which they can share on social media along with stats and data.

&quot;This player-centric development is based on direct feedback from the players and is another great example of how FIFA is using technology to the best of its potential by improving the football experience for the key actors on the pitch,&quot; said Johannes Holzmueller, FIFA Director of Football Technology &amp; Innovation.

Simon Colosimo, FIFPRO Deputy General Secretary, said players had asked for better access to their performance data.

&quot;The FIFA Player App is a positive outcome that will activate personal data rights and provide a new resource for players at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar,&quot; he said.]]>
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			<title>App launched for survey of damaged houses</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2376561/app-launched-for-survey-of-damaged-houses</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2376561/app-launched-for-survey-of-damaged-houses#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 22 20:27:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Balochistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2376561</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The survey of flood affected houses will be started from September 15]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[To ensure transparent relief compensation to the flood affectees, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has launched a mobile application for survey of damaged houses in the flood-hit districts.

In this regard, a high-level meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Dr Shahzad Khan Bangash was held here on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by additional chief secretary, relevant administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, representatives of Pak Army and NDMA and other concerned officials.

The meeting was apprised that mobile app for survey of affected houses has been prepared by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board for which master training is being imparted to concerned officials.

It was further revealed that the survey of flood affected houses will be started from September 15. After the completion of the survey, compensation will be paid through Bank of Khyber (BoK).

As per Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) preliminary damage assessment report, a total of 91,456 houses have been damaged in the flood-hit districts.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Stanford students build app that changes accents</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2334775/stanford-students-build-app-that-changes-accents</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2334775/stanford-students-build-app-that-changes-accents#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 21 11:15:11 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2334775</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sanas is an app that helps translate accents in real-time, ensuring conversations are comprehensive and easy]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Founded by Serebryakov, Andr&eacute;s P&eacute;rez Soderi, and Shawn Zhang, the app came to life last year and was called Sanas, which changes the accent of people in real-time. BBC reports that the name was given so it can be pronounced easily in different languages, in an effort to highlight their &quot;global mission and wish to bring people closer together.&quot;

The three founders are from Russia, China, and Venezuela, and have struggled with accent difficulties. Serebryakov said, &quot;We all come from international backgrounds. We&#39;ve seen firsthand how people treat you differently just because of the way you speak.&quot;

Zhang&#39;s mother still feels embarrassed speaking to a cashier in a store who has her son speak for her. He said. &quot;That&#39;s one reason I joined Max and Andr&eacute;s in building this company, trying to help out those people who think their voices aren&#39;t being heard as much as their accents.&quot;

Serebryakov believes that companies today are trying to erase accents, even though accents and identities are closely linked together. &quot;We allow people to not have to change the way they speak to hold a position, to hold a job. Identity and accents are critical. They&#39;re intertwined. You never want someone to change their accent just to satisfy someone, &quot; he says.

Sanas can convert English to and from, American, Australian, British, Filipino, Indian and Spanish accents. They easily add a new accent into the system by training a neural network with audio recordings, given by professional actors and other kinds of data, and processing it over several weeks.

P&eacute;rez says that &quot;the accent changes, but intonation is maintained. We&#39;re continuing to work on how to make the outcome as natural and as emotive and exciting as possible.&quot;

Earlier this year, their company earned investment of $5.5 million for their future plans with this app. The app is still isn&#39;t available in Play Store yet and neither shows up on phones. The founders say that they have been working with large call centres and outsourcing their, slowly rolling it out to individual users to refine the technology and ensure security.

Sanas has big plans in helping doctor-patient communication, helping people learn languages, improving dubbing in films, and helping voice assistants at home recognize commands in different accents.]]>
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			<title>Police app to centralise child abuse monitoring</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2308543/police-app-to-centralise-child-abuse-monitoring</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2308543/police-app-to-centralise-child-abuse-monitoring#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Jul 21 20:16:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Shahzad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2308543</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[App will automatically update child abuse complaints]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[After failing to achieve any substantial progress on Amber Alert System by the federal government, the Punjab Police decided to launch its own app to monitor incidents of missing, disappeared or abducted children.

The issue of child abuse in Pakistan was highlighted globally after the Zainab rape-cum-murder case. The government had decided to launch Zainab Alert, a local version of Amber Alert, a coordinated, centralised system to disseminate information about missing children and their recovery.

Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Act 2019 was also passed by the government. Under the bill, a body Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Agency (ZARRA) was to be established on the pattern of Amber Alert to inform public and enforcement agencies and recover a missing child through one window operations.

Even after the Zainab murder case, a large number of children had gone missing but the ZARRA is yet to be launched and the police decided to fill the gap through its own app.

The decision has been taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) Inam Ghani at his office on Friday.

The meeting was attended by Additional IG Operations Sahibzada Shehzad Sultan, DIG IT Waqas Nazir, DIG R&amp;D Shahid Javed, DIG Crimes and Investigation Punjab, Ahmad Nawaz Cheema along with other officers. The IGP said child disappearance or abduction complaints should be automatically updated in the app through Pukaar 15 calls at the police station and service centres.

He also said a digital app for close monitoring of missing, abducted or abused children across the province should be developed. In the app, missing or abducted child requests received from all sources including 15 calls, police stations and service centres will automatically be updated.

It will help ensure effective mutual coordination for the safe return of children of their parents without delay.

He further said in view of child protection, the new app should be developed as soon as possible and be made available to the general public on Google Play Store so that parents and heirs of missing children could register themselves on the app and easily reach the police with a single click.

He further said supervisory officers should focus on immediate action and co-operation for the safe return of a child on the report of missing or abducted on the app as the delay in police action in cases of missing, abducted, tortured and abused children is not tolerated at any cost.

He said co-operation and close liaison of the police across Punjab was key for the safe recovery of missing, sexually abused and abducted children, therefore, the supervisory officers in the above-mentioned cases especially should take benefit from modern forensic science and information technology so that the process of bringing the accused involved in these crimes to justice could be expedited.

The IG Punjab while further sharing the features and functions of the app said through the new app, the report of missing, disappeared or abducted children in any district of the province will be sent to all the police stations and field formations of Punjab at the same time which will help in taking immediate steps for the safe return of these children.

IGP added that if a missing child from Lahore or any other district goes to another district or is abducted, the local police will not only be alerted but also mobilised for the recovery of the children as well as bringing those responsible to book. While speaking to The Express Tribune, Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Chairperson Sarah said protection of children was a collective responsibility and all departments concerned must work together in liaison.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2021.]]>
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			<title>Indian ad receives flak for promoting violence against men</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2275431/indian-ad-receives-flak-for-promoting-violence-against-men</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2275431/indian-ad-receives-flak-for-promoting-violence-against-men#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Dec 20 10:24:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[TV]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2275431</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Featuring Sanjana Sanghi, the ad shows the actor slapping her boyfriend eight times]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[An ad featuring Sanjana Sanghi is earning flak for &ldquo;promoting violence against men,&rdquo; leaving Pooja Bedi &lsquo;absolutely horrified&#39;, reported the Hindustan Times.

The ad features Sanjana along with another actor as the two play a couple trying to figure out which film to watch on a streaming app. Sanjana slaps the man eight times before he finally tells her to stop. She then tells him that they will watch the eighth film on the list.

&ldquo;Are you going this crazy while picking what to watch? We have a solution for your confusion!&rdquo; it goes on to say, following which it promotes the app. It instantly sparked furor, and a critical reaction from fellow actor Pooja Bedi.

Pooja took to Twitter to mention how she was &lsquo;absolutely horrified&rsquo; with the ad. &ldquo;Absolutely horrified by watching this ad, domestic violence against men is NOT acceptable. What if a man was slapping a woman in this ad? This should never have gotten clearance from the advertising board! #Menhaverights,&rdquo; she wrote.

Others also echoed Pooja&rsquo;s sentiments. &ldquo;I just spotted this and it&rsquo;s absolutely disgusting. Who are these people who can like think this? This team where one can share this idea and get internal approvals to pitch to their client and the client who approves it? The companies involved in their teams &ndash; who are these people,&rdquo; read a tweet. &ldquo;Strengthening and empowering women does not mean this crap. It&rsquo;s equal opportunity, respect and love for both,&rdquo; read another.




Absolutely HORRIFIED 2 watch this advt. Domestic violence against men is NOT acceptable. What if a man was slapping a woman in this advt? This should NEVER CLEAR an advertising board! #men have rights! #domesticviolence@sharmarekha @smritiirani @DeepikaBhardwaj @amitdeshmra https://t.co/9yph7VMuAw
&mdash; Pooja Bedi (@poojabeditweets) December 9, 2020




A few Twitter users also tagged The Advertising Standards Council of India, asking them to take the ad down. &ldquo;Thank you for tagging us, we are already processing the complaint against this advertisement,&rdquo; ASCI replied to one complaint.

Sanjana made her film debut this year with Dil Bechara. It also marked late actor Sushant Singh Rajput&rsquo;s final, posthumous release.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Blind man, 'born to run,' completes solo 5K with trial app to guide him</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2272988/blind-man-born-to-run-completes-solo-5k-with-trial-app-to-guide-him</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2272988/blind-man-born-to-run-completes-solo-5k-with-trial-app-to-guide-him#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 20 07:10:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2272988</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Marathon enthusiast used an app that detects the runner’s position and gives audio guidance through an earpiece]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A blind man completed a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) run in New York&rsquo;s Central Park without a guide dog or human help this week. His navigation aid? Artificial intelligence through headphones plugged into a smartphone.

&ldquo;The safest thing for a blind man is to sit still. I ain&rsquo;t sitting still,&rdquo; said Thomas Panek, 50, who lost his vision in his early 20s due to a genetic condition and runs Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a guide dog school.

Three countries that spend the most on research and development

The marathon enthusiast got tired of having to follow slower runners as a guide. So he decided a year ago to find a way to run solo.

He turned to Google to find a way for a phone to &ldquo;tell me where to go,&rdquo; said Panek, who believes &ldquo;humans are born to run.&rdquo;

He worked with the Alphabet unit to create a research program. A smartphone camera picks up a painted &lsquo;guideline&rsquo; on a running track. An app detects the runner&rsquo;s position and gives audio guidance through an earpiece.

US military is buying location data from popular Muslim apps

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s like teaching a kid how to learn where the line is,&rdquo; said Google researcher Xuan Yang.

Pandemic-related social distancing gave a boost to the research to circumvent human and canine helpers.

&ldquo;To be able to be here, it&rsquo;s real emotional,&rdquo; Panek said after his test of the app on a chilly fall afternoon, in an event sponsored by Google and the New York Road Runners Club on Thursday.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a real feeling of not only freedom and independence, but also, you know, you get that sense that you&rsquo;re just like anybody else.&rdquo;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Lock&amp;Stock app for students launches in Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2270228/lockstock-app-for-students-launches-in-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2270228/lockstock-app-for-students-launches-in-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 20 08:01:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2270228</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[An app that encourages the digital well-being of students by incentivizing them to keep off their smartphones]]>
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				<![CDATA[Lock&amp;Stock, a free mobile application that encourages the digital well-being of students by incentivizing them to keep off their smartphones has launched ground operations in Pakistan.

The app rewards students with a &lsquo;key&rsquo; every minute they lock their smartphones and use those keys to avail discounts food, leisure, and retail brands, secure scholarships, or apply for jobs and internships to organisation.

Since its inception in the UAE back in 2017, over 50,000 students have spent a combined 558 years offline.

&ldquo;Digital addiction among students is on the rise with especially 16-18-year-olds spending hundreds of hours glued to their smartphones. Our brand purpose is to improve the lives of students and we aim to fight digital addiction among students from around the world&rdquo;, said Craig Fernandes, CoFounder, and CEO of Lock&amp;Stock.

Facebook is launching a free cloud gaming service

Fernander, who got the idea of the app while in an Economics lecture during his time at the University of Iowa, back in early 2017.

The main goal is to track the amount of time students spend away from their devices and to block social media notifications so that students can redirect their attention to doing something more productive.

To keep students engaged in the whole process they compete among one another on a leaderboard and top-performing users are given a weekly prize.

The application also allows students to add their friends to a custom leaderboard to compete against each other.

&ldquo;It&#39;s been an incredible journey thus far, starting out has a humble startup with a mission to combat phone addiction in the classroom to become the largest education marketplace in the UAE. We launch our operations in Pakistan on the 15th of September - that&#39;s just a week before our 3 year anniversary!&rdquo; said Mustafa Ahmed, CTO of Lock&amp;Stock and a proud Pakistani national.

Internet group condemns lack of transparency in formulation of Pakistan&#39;s digital policy

The tech-startup launched a scholarship platform built into the application allowing students to access a network of over 400 universities from around the world.

These universities provide students with fee waivers and bursaries in exchange for students keeping away from their digital devices.

In 2019 alone, Lock&amp;Stock students secured over half a million dollars in various scholarships and fee waivers through the application. This year, students have secured over a million dollars in scholarships for their September enrollments.

Lock&amp;Stock is available to download for free from the Google Play Store and App Store.]]>
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			<title>Chinese firm to reallocate resources if Pakistan unblocks TikTok</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2268770/chinese-firm-to-reallocate-resources-if-pakistan-unblocks-tiktok</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2268770/chinese-firm-to-reallocate-resources-if-pakistan-unblocks-tiktok#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 17 Oct 20 11:58:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2268770</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Unfortunate that Pakistan’s vibrant online community is still unable to showcase their talent, regrets company]]>
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				<![CDATA[TikTok, a viral Chinese video-sharing social networking service, has regretted that its services remain suspended in Pakistan more than a week after the Pakistani regulator blocked it over &ldquo;indecent content&rdquo;.

&ldquo;TikTok&rsquo;s mission is to inspire creativity and joy, and that&#39;s just what we&#39;ve done in Pakistan. We&#39;ve built a community whose creativity and passion has brought joy to households across Pakistan and opened vital economic opportunities to incredibly talented creators,&rdquo; ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok, said in a statement on Saturday.

&ldquo;This is why we&#39;re sad that our users and creators in Pakistan are still unable to access TikTok, more than one week after our services were blocked by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA),&rdquo; it added.

&quot;Over the past year, we&#39;ve made concerted efforts to address questions from the government of Pakistan around our content moderation process, including significantly increasing the capacity of our local language content moderation team.&quot;

The popular platform allows users to created short music, lip-sync, dance, comedy and talent videos of 3 to 15 seconds, and short looping videos of 3 to 60 seconds.

&ldquo;After TikTok was blocked in Pakistan, we continued to engage with the PTA to demonstrate our commitment to comply with local laws and further enhance our content moderation capacity,&rdquo; ByteDance further said.

&ldquo;Though the PTA acknowledged and appreciated these efforts, our services remain blocked in the country and we have received no communication from PTA.&rdquo;

We continue to hope that our productive dialogue with the PTA can bring assurance of the government&#39;s commitment to a stable, enabling environment whereby we can explore investing further in the market, including in the inspiring talent we&rsquo;ve seen thrive on TikTok.

&ldquo;If the government of Pakistan decides to reopen access to our services in the future, we can assess our allocation of resources to this market,&rdquo; the company said.

ByteDance regretted that it&#39;s unfortunate that Pakistan&rsquo;s vibrant online community is still unable to showcase their talent and creativity to our hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

&ldquo;We look forward to being able to reconnect with the energetic and talented youth of Pakistan and play our role in the success story of Pakistan.&quot;]]>
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			<title>IHC issues notices to PTA, federal government over ban on Tik Tok</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2268448/ihc-issues-notices-to-pta-federal-government-over-ban-on-tik-tok</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2268448/ihc-issues-notices-to-pta-federal-government-over-ban-on-tik-tok#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Oct 20 05:18:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saqib Bashir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2268448</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Court adjourns hearing till next Friday]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), federal government and Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MOITT) over the ban on social media application Tik Tok.

The court summoned a senior officer from the PTA to appear before the court and explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against PTA officials for not complying with the court&#39;s earlier order, directing PTA to frame rules for exercising its powers under PECA 2016.

&quot;Has PTA framed rules under Article 37 of PECA 2016?&quot; the court inquired.

&quot;The rules have not been outlined yet. The court has given 90 days to the PTA,&quot; the counsel of the petitioner said.

&quot;The PTA violated two court decisions by banning Tik Tok,&quot; Advocate Usama Khawar, counsel for the petitioner said.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah asked what Tik Tok is, to which the counsel responded that it is a video sharing application on social media.

The counsel stated that earlier, PTA had banned Players Unidentified Battleground (PUBG) which was declared null and void by the same court.

The court ordered PTA not to engage in such illegal activities.

&quot;Hasn&#39;t India banned Tik Tok?&quot; CJ Minallah questioned. The petitioner replied that the ban was imposed in the United States (US) but the decision is still pending.

The court inquired if the ban was due to security reasons. &quot;In this way the entire internet will have to be shut down,&quot; Chief Justice Minallah remarked, adding that it is not like a crime has been committed on the motorway and the entire motorway should be closed because of it.

The IHC also appointed President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Shehzada Zulfiqar, Vice Chairman Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) Abid Saqi, Journalist Mazhar Abbas and Javed Jabbar as amici to assist the court on banning of online platforms and implications for freedom of expression and speech and right to access information under Article 19 and 19A of the Constitution and alleged misuse of PECA.

In addition, they will also consider how freedom of expression and access to information can be curtailed by PTA on vague criteria of immoral and decent content.

The court adjourned the hearing till next Friday.

{{pdf}}]]>
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			<title>Women Protection Cell app to be launched</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2267277/women-protection-cell-app-to-be-launched</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2267277/women-protection-cell-app-to-be-launched#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 20 20:48:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2267277</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Aims to identify, penalise persons and groups involved in crimes against women and children]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh Police plans to launch a mobile application for the provincial Women Protection Cell (WPC), with the aim to curb crimes against women and children.

The decision was taken during a departmental meeting on Tuesday held on the matter of human rights violations in the province, and the WPC.

The purpose of introducing the mobile application at a provincial level is to identify and penalise persons and groups involved in crimes against women and children, it was said at the meeting.

A web portal for similar purposes is also being introduced for the WPC. The meeting was told that preparation for the portal is complete and staff training will begin next week, after which the portal will be launched as a pilot project.

Senior officers of the provincial police force, including the headquarters DIG, investigation DIG, operations admin DIG, Karachi AIG, Central Police Office information technology director, SP Suhai Aziz, and AIGs, DIGs, district SSPs of Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Mirpurkhas, and other relevant officials attended the meeting, chaired by Sindh IGP Mushtaq Ahmed Mahar.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Sindh police prepares app to verify domestic workers details in Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2259818/sindh-police-prepares-app-to-verify-domestic-workers-details-in-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2259818/sindh-police-prepares-app-to-verify-domestic-workers-details-in-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 20 19:23:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Karachi]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Application can also be used to verify details of a prospective tenant]]>
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				<![CDATA[The police has undertaken the task of preparing application for verifying the particulars of domestic servants in Karachi.


According to the police, the objective of the application is to protect citizens from &quot;dubious elements&quot; and preventing them from hiring persons with criminal backgrounds.

The initiative has been taken following the emergence of multiple reports of the involvement of domestic servants in crimes, particularly in posh areas of the metropolis.

Speaking on the matter, South District SSP Sheeraz Nazeer said they would collect the data of domestic servants during the first phase of preparing the launch. Further explaining the functionality of the application, he said citizens would be able to upload the data of a prospective domestic servant using the application and in case the latter had a criminal record, a red tick would appear on the screen.

He expressed hoped that the initiative would result in &quot;the crime graph going down,&quot; adding that in the past, several incidents of domestic servants&#39; involvement in criminal activities had been reported.

The application can also be used for verifying the details of a prospective tenant, the SSP said. 

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Google turns Android phones into earthquake sensors</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2259184/google-turns-android-phones-into-earthquake-sensors</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2259184/google-turns-android-phones-into-earthquake-sensors#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 20 11:12:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2259184</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Google’s alerting feature can give billions of users precious seconds of warning of a tremor nearby]]>
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				<![CDATA[Alphabet&rsquo;s Google&rsquo;s Android phones on Tuesday started detecting earthquakes around the world to provide data that could eventually give billions of users precious seconds of warning of a tremor nearby, with an alerting feature first rolling out in California.

Japan, Mexico, and California already use land-based sensors to generate warnings, aiming to cut injuries and property damage by giving people further away from the epicenter of an earthquake second to protect themselves before the shaking starts.

If Google&rsquo;s approaches for detecting and alerting prove effective, warnings would reach more people, including for the first time Indonesia and other developing countries with few traditional sensors.

Seismology experts consulted by Google said turning smartphones into mini-seismographs marked a major advancement, despite the inevitably of erroneous alerts from a work in progress, and the reliance on a private company&rsquo;s algorithms for public safety. More than 2.5 billion devices, including some tablets, run Google&rsquo;s Android operating system.

Twitter wants to buy TikTok

&ldquo;We are on a path to delivering earthquake alerts wherever there are smartphones,&rdquo; said Richard Allen, director of the University of California Berkeley&rsquo;s seismological lab and visiting faculty at Google over the last year.

Google&rsquo;s program emerged from a week-long session 4-1/2 years ago to test whether the accelerometers in phones could detect car crashes, earthquakes and tornadoes, said principal software engineer Marc Stogaitis.

Accelerometers - sensors that measure direction and force of motion - are mainly used to determine whether a user is holding a phone in landscape or portrait mode.

The company studied historical accelerometer readings during earthquakes and found they could give some users up to a minute of notice.

Android phones can currently separate earthquakes from vibrations caused by thunder or the device dropping only when the device is charging, stationary, and have user permission to share data with Google.

If phones detect an earthquake, they send their city-level location to Google, which can triangulate the epicenter and estimate the magnitude with as few as several hundred reports, said Stogaitis.

The system will not work in regions including China where Google&rsquo;s Play Services software is blocked.

Google expects to issue its first alerts based on accelerometer readings next year. It also plans to feed alerts for free to businesses that want to automatically shut off elevators, gas lines, and other systems before the shaking starts.

To test its alerting abilities, Google is drawing in California from traditional government seismograph readings to alert Android users about earthquakes, similar to notifications about kidnappings or flooding.

&#39;Killer robots&#39; now a grave threat to mankind

People expected to experience strong shaking would hear a loud dinging and see full-screen advisement to drop, cover and hold on, Stogaitis said.

Those further away would get a smaller notification designed not to stir them from their sleep, while people too close to be warned will get information about post-quake safety, such as checking gas valves.

Alerts will trigger earthquakes magnitude 4.5 or greater, and no app download is necessary.

MyShake, an app launched by Allen&rsquo;s Berkeley lab last year to provide Californians warnings and let them report damage, has drawn 1 million downloads.

Stogaitis also said Google has not discussed its plans with Apple, whose competitor to Android comprises half the market in countries including the United States.

Apple was not immediately available for comment.]]>
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			<title>Pizza restaurant launches Spain's first virtual waiter app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257921/pizza-restaurant-launches-spains-first-virtual-waiter-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2257921/pizza-restaurant-launches-spains-first-virtual-waiter-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 20 07:52:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2257921</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Customers at Funky Pizza can browse the menu, order and pay via the “Funky Pay” app on their phones]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A restaurant on Spain&rsquo;s northeastern Mediterranean coast is pioneering a dining experience that allows customers to avoid most face-to-face contact with staff and minimise the risk of coronavirus contagion.

Customers at Funky Pizza, in Palafrugell on the Costa Brava popular with tourists, can browse the menu, order and pay via the &ldquo;Funky Pay&rdquo; app on their phones - the first time a purpose-designed app has been integrated into a restaurant&rsquo;s ordering system in Spain.

A waiter does bring the order to the table.

&ldquo;Through this system we have tried to keep physical distance with our clients, which is what people are looking for during COVID,&rdquo; said restaurant owner Carlos Manich.

Staff manage the orders from screens behind the bar.

The restaurant has had to adapt to social distancing rules by becoming table service only and reminding customers on entry they must wear face masks at all times when not at their tables.

&ldquo;The application is very user-friendly ... and you can also track your order and see when it is in the kitchen or when it will be arriving,&rdquo; said Claudia Medina, 26, eating at the restaurant.

But some customers disagreed. &ldquo;I think we lose the feeling with the waiter, for example when you order you can&rsquo;t ask about different preferences or quantities,&rdquo; said customer Javier Comas, 26.]]>
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			<title>Twitter user shows why we need TikTok in Pakistan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2253607/twitter-user-shows-why-we-need-tiktok-in-pakistan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2253607/twitter-user-shows-why-we-need-tiktok-in-pakistan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jul 20 12:50:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2253607</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[He shared videos of all TikTokers who have proven that if used correctly, the app can make you big]]>
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				<![CDATA[Taking to the microblogging webiste, a Pakistani Twitter user shared a number of reasons why TikTok isn&#39;t as bad as everyone deems it to be. He started off by&nbsp;highlighting several deserving individuals&nbsp;who gained fame and&nbsp;following through the app&nbsp;owing to their undeniable talent that had not been revealed before.&nbsp;

By doing so, the user shed light on&nbsp;how, over the time, TikTok has become&nbsp;a space for make-up artists, rappers, mimicks, After Effect and VFX artists, singers, dopplegangers, comedians and most importantly the common man. Within the thread he wrote, &quot;For me, TikTok&nbsp;has great potential as a medium of getting your message across to a larger, grassroot audience. We are living in the information age. Information is power and&nbsp;it precedes change. It depends on those with influence to use this power to spread positive messages.&quot;

The thread comes after the long preceding debates on whether the app should be banned in Pakistan after it was baned in India due to the country&#39;s declining relationship with China.&nbsp;

The user started off by saying, &#39;For quite sometime I&nbsp;subscribed to the belief that content produced on TikTok is very substandard/cringe. However, few months into using the app and I&#39;ve been amazed by how it&#39;s carving a space for and giving a platform to people&nbsp;from different sections of society to express themselves. A thread:&quot;




for quite sometime i&#39;d subscribed to the belief that content produced on tiktok is v substandard/cringe. However, few months into using the app i&#39;ve been amazed by how it&#39;s carving space for &amp; giving a platform to ppl from diff sections of society to express themselves.
A thread:
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020




The thread featured a 3D make-up artist whose adaptation of&nbsp;Money Heist&#39;s&nbsp;look garnered her a viewing of 1.6 million&nbsp;and100K likes. It then featured a rapper who started off as a nobody but was now pulling an average viewing of 500K and could be seen jamming with Amanat Ali in the shared video.&nbsp;




A space for make-up artists.
This video alone pulled a viewing of 1.6 million people &amp; translated to about 100K likes. This is amazing outreach. pic.twitter.com/vjK4PrUJnd
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020







a space for rappers and music artists. this boy started as a nobody rapper on tiktok and now his videos pull an avg viewing of 500K. Here he is seen jamming with amanat ali. pic.twitter.com/pUeWd9HkK5
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020




The user also shared a&nbsp;mimicry artist&#39;s video who was also&nbsp;farmer from a rural district. His videos had now crossed 1 million views on the app according to the user. And for a VFX artist who had fortunately landed on the app, the user wrote, &quot;It is a platform for after effect &amp; vfx artists. This guy from rural punjab is a big fan of The Avengers. His video edits pull an average viewing of 250K and&nbsp;has over 2 million likes. Another example of how tiktok is enabling talented individuals to come forward despite their backgrounds.&quot;




a space for mimicry artists. a farmer from a rural area who now has over 1 million likes on his videos. pic.twitter.com/sinEhQKINQ
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020







a platform for after effect &amp; vfx artists. this guy from rural punjab is a big fan of the avengers. his video edits pull an avg viewing of 250K &amp; has over 2 mil likes. Another example of how tiktok is enabling talented individuals to come forward despite their disadv backgrounds pic.twitter.com/O1WA7hdjop
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020




He then shared another video of a brilliant singer&nbsp;who sells &#39;baraf golas&#39; for a living and another who was gaining a following for being an Imran Hashmi doppleganger.&nbsp;




the app has honestly made me realize how we have a goldmine of talent just left undiscovered.
for example this man who sells &quot;baraf golas&quot; and has such a mesmerizing voice. pic.twitter.com/NtFTpsL1np
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020




He then added videos of hilarious TikTokers with a unique sense of humour, along with those who used the app to make politically relavant but humorous content. The user wrote, &quot;Beyond all else, I believe the greatest impact it&#39;s had is that it has opened a space for the common man for political critique. it has truly democratised opinion sharing. This deserves a whole other thread (and&nbsp;I&#39;m hoping to write something&nbsp;on this very soon) but here are some examples).&quot;




but beyond all this i believe the greatest impact its had is that it has opened space for the common man for political critique. it has truly democratized opinion sharing. This deserves a whole other thread (&amp; im hoping to write sth on this v soon) but here are some example pic.twitter.com/9RtDrCSubn
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020







the nature of political dissent is so grassroot and has such amazing outreach, its unprecedented in the history of information sharing. For example this video fetched close to 10 million views and 500K likes in 2 weeks. pic.twitter.com/7LWYHa6cjy
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020




In the end he just shared his favourite TikTok, in case his point wasn&#39;t already clear enough.&nbsp;




I&#39;ll end this thread with my favorite tiktok https://t.co/Ug5UkbTW2s
&mdash; Qasim Farooq (@MangoLassC) July 5, 2020




Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Sushant Singh Rajput’s family launches nepotism app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2253141/sushant-srs-family-launches-nepotism-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2253141/sushant-srs-family-launches-nepotism-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 20 10:54:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2253141</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nepometer rates Alia Bhatt’s ‘Sadak 2’ as 98% nepotistic]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The debate over nepotism in Bollywood has been on fire ever since the June 14 demise of&nbsp;Sushant Singh Rajput. Many have suggested that it might have caused grave damage to his career and so, mental health, eventually leading him to suicide. And now, members of his family have launched an app called &lsquo;Nepometer&rsquo; to honour his memory.

As the name suggests, Nepometer is designed to tell how many family members v independent artistes are supporting a film, reported&nbsp;The Indian Express. For example, the people behind the app measured Mahesh Bhatt&rsquo;s upcoming drama&nbsp;Sadak 2&nbsp;on the app and found its rating to be 98% nepotistic.

They wrote in a social media post that the film was rated on the basis of five categories &ndash; producer, lead artistes, supporting artistes, director and writer. In this case, four out the five categories were occupied by people who belong to film families. The post further reads, &ldquo;When #nepometer is high, it&rsquo;s time to #boycottbollywood&rdquo;

In one of the early posts on the Nepometer account on Instagram, the Rajput family also said that they hope the truth will come out. The post also talked about exposing the dark side of Bollywood and how independent artistes are abused and exploited in the Hindi film industry.

The app developers further demanded that to support the initiative, the audience should not be watching films that do not support independent artistes. It also acknowledged that &ldquo;many independent films just don&rsquo;t make the cut of publicity to catch our eyes.&rdquo;

They declared that they made the app to encourage the growth of &ldquo;independent films, music and artists.&rdquo; A post read, &ldquo;The goal of Nepometer is to provide you a percentage of how nepotistic or independent upcoming films are and send you a notification to watch more independent films. If the nepometer is high, then it&rsquo;s time to &lsquo;Boycott Bollywood nepotism&rsquo;.&rdquo;

The post ended with the request. &ldquo;Please share and forward to your family and friends so that we can take some concrete action to fight this suppression and killing of talent of the commoners like us. #InMemoryOfSushant&rdquo;

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.]]>
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			<title>Reporting harassment a click away</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2235038/reporting-harassment-click-away</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2235038/reporting-harassment-click-away#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 20 10:09:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahzeb Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2235038</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[App offers platform for victims to register complaints without getting exposed]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With incidents of violence against women and harassment showing no signs of abating in the province, a digital portal - backed by the provincial government - has been launched which allows women to report such incidents to the authorities without exposing themselves.

Available as a website and a smartphone application, this portal can be accessed in eight different languages, including Urdu, English, Pashto, Chinese and Arabic.

The portal was developed by ‘Zamunga Jawandoon’, which is part of the Women Protection Wing (WPW).

WPW Chairperson Wafa Wazir told The Express Tribune that women, children and people who are transgender can register reports of violence through the app.

The complaints registered on the app will be reviewed by staff working at the agency who will then contact the complainant and forward it to the relevant authorities all within an hour of registering the complaint.

Wazir said that the wing has a special team which can contact legal experts, psychological experts, police and even the federal investigation agency (FIA) - for registering cybercrime.

“All institutions are informed once the complaint has been registered,” she said.

Earlier, the WPW chairman said women faced a lot of problems in filing their complaints, especially during the lockdown - imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>K-P launches mobile app to register abuse against women, children, transgender persons</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2233779/k-p-launches-mobile-app-register-abuse-women-children-transgender-persons</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2233779/k-p-launches-mobile-app-register-abuse-women-children-transgender-persons#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 20 08:59:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahzeb Khan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2233779</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Staff working at the agency will contact the complainant, forward it to concerned authorities within an hour]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Khyber-Pakthunkhwa (K-P) has launched a website and mobile application allowing abuse against women, children and transgender persons to be reported.

This is the first-ever application launched in the province and is available in eight different languages, including Urdu, English, Pashto, Chinese and Arabic.

The website and mobile application developed by private organisation Zomung Joundon is part of Women Protection Wing, which aims to empower women.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Women Protection Wing Chairperson Wafa Wazir said women, children and transgender persons can register reports of abuse via the app. The staff working at the agency will contact the complainant and forward it to the concerned authorities within an hour.

The wing has a special team for contacting legal experts, psychological experts, police and the federal investigation agency (FIA). All institutions are informed once the complaint has been registered.

The chairperson maintained that earlier, women faced difficulty in registering their complaints due to the lockdown following the increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country.

She said the application will provide a platform to register complaints while keeping their identities confidential.

  

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Indian TikToker banned for glorifying acid attacks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2225462/indian-tiktoker-banned-glorifying-acid-attacks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2225462/indian-tiktoker-banned-glorifying-acid-attacks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 May 20 09:23:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gossip]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2225462</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The app's rating has fallen from 4.6 to 2 stars on Google Play Store in the last week]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Social media app TikTok recently came under fire after a prominent influencer Faizal Siddiqui released a video that glorified acid attacks. Calls to ban the app with Twitter trends such as #TikTokExposed and #BanTikTok erupting.

Additionally, the app's rating on Google Play store also dropped to 2 stars from 4.6 last week. TikTok has subsequently removed Siddiqui's account and banned after following the video in question and the subsequent backlash.  The ban was enforced “due to multiple community guidelines violations”. According to TikTok the content had violated several community guidelines, reported Hindustan Times.

“Keeping people on TikTok safe is a top priority and we make it clear in our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines that clearly outlines what is not acceptable on our platform. As per the policy, we do not allow content that risks safety of others, promotes physical harm or glorifies violence against women,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.

In the clip, Siddiqui throw's a liquid on the girl's face as revenge for betrayal. The girl is then seen with a grotesque make-up implying that her face has been disfigured due to an acid attack.

Before throwing the liquid onto the girl’s face, he mouths the dialogue: “Tumhe usne chhorr diya jiske liye tumne mujhe chhorra tha (The guy you left me for, has left you)?”

Acid attack victim Laxmi Aggarwal on whom the film Chhapaak is based lashed out at the video,“We are working day and night to stop the acid attacks, violence against women. This cringe activity is not called influencing but promoting crime. Such persons are a curse to our society. So it is important to ban such videos and accounts from the social media," she wrote on social media.

Bollywood figures raised their voice against the video. “What on earth is wrong with people? This is depraved. How can you allow this kind of content on your platform TikTok," filmmaker and actor Pooja Bhatt wrote on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/PoojaB1972/status/1262349954938318848

Swara Bhaskar critcised TikTok for allowing content of such nature in the first place.  “Hey TikTok why and how are you allowing this kind of content -which is so obviously celebrating and promoting aggression and violence against women, and perpetuating false misogynistic stereotypes -to be published ; viewed freely on your platform??? Shame,” she wrote on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/ReallySwara/status/1262474691618287619

Siddiqui who had over 13 million followers on TikTok responded to the controversy on his Instagram. "My intention was never to hurt anyone in any capacity. As a social media influencer, I realize my responsibility and apologize to anyone who was offended by the video," he wrote in a post.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below. 

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>App to help citizens report birth online</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2212817/app-help-citizens-report-birth-online</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2212817/app-help-citizens-report-birth-online#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 May 20 05:01:24 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2212817</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Through the app, citizens will be able to report births and deaths]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department (LG&amp;CD) is in the process of introducing a mobile as well as a desktop application, to enable citizens of Punjab to obtain e-birth and death certificate.

Through the app, citizens will be able to report, initially births and deaths, and later in stages other Municipal issues from the comfort of home.

The mobile application named as Baldiya Online has been designed in collaboration with Punjab Information and Technology Board (PITB).

The app will be as simple and easy as possible by adding selectable options.

Initially, the option of birth and death report has been added only.

LG&amp;CD envisages empowering citizens to an utmost possible extent through this application because digitalisation of maximum affairs of Municipal service is our intimate goal.

After reporting birth or death online via app, citizens can also attain a copy of the certificate for their convenience.

This app will also facilitate people in scheduling their visit to the headquarters or field office of their respective local government.

The Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said: “We are working on digitising our affairs in an integrated manner so that public service delivery of modern kind be ensured in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3rd, 2020.]]>
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			<title>PML-N condoles death of former APP official due to Covid-19</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2208136/pml-n-condoles-death-former-app-official-due-covid-19</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2208136/pml-n-condoles-death-former-app-official-due-covid-19#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 20 09:33:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khalid Mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2208136</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Aurangzeb stresses that the federal government should immediately take steps to protect journalists]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday expressed her condolences over the death of former president of Associated Press of Pakistan’s (APP) Employees Union Zafar Rashid Bhatti due to coronavirus.

“He was a seasoned journalist and a sympathetic trade unionist,” she said. “His work for journalism and journalists would be remembered. May Allah [God] grant him peace and his family patience.”

The PML-N spokesperson said that the federal government should immediately take steps to protect the journalists. “The presence of coronavirus in various media houses is a matter of great concern,” she added.

She said it is unfortunate that journalists, like doctors, had not been provided safety kits by the government as of yet.

“Journalists are contracting the coronavirus whereas the government is just being a spectator,” she said.

Three journalists test positive for COVID-19

Aurangzeb stressed that precautionary measures should be taken immediately to ensure the safety of the media workers before more cases emerge.

On April 26, two journalists in Muzaffarabad had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Late last month, three Pakistani journalists had tested positive for the deadly virus. All of them are based in Lahore.

Meanwhile, the head of a newspaper union claimed three more reporters (two in Punjab and one in Karachi) have also been infected.

He lamented the lack of safety kits for beat reporters.

While staffers in digital newsrooms have been asked to work from home, TV reporters have to be out in the field to update the masses hence, are at a greater risk of contracting the virus.]]>
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			<title>Was Saba Qamar's phone hacked through the Houseparty app?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2194107/saba-qamars-phone-hacked-houseparty-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2194107/saba-qamars-phone-hacked-houseparty-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 20 09:01:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category><category><![CDATA[Gossip]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2194107</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Her manager warned people about the app after receiving a mysterious call from her number]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Saba Qamar's lockdown may have just gotten even more stressful.

The actor's manager, Meshal Cheema, took to Instagram to share that Saba might have been hacked - Meshal received calls from Saba's number with an unknown male on the line, all the while Saba had her phone with her.

According to Meshal's testimony on her Instagram story, she "got almost 10 calls from Saba's number asking me if I am Mishi and the person was an anonymous young man."

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-keKs3Jo-O/

She went on to explain that the man said that he had found the phone at a park Saba jogs at, and upon inquiring how he accessed the phone, he implied that he found it unlocked. "I asked him who and where he is, to which he kept asking if this is Saba's number and when I got mad, he cut the phone," she wrote.

That's not all, Meshal relayed that she proceeded to call Saba who told her she is home. "She was shocked that how is someone using her number to call."



Meshal then added that they suspected foul play through the video chatting app Houseparty that has been gaining popularity during the lockdown - scores of people are using it to stay in touch with friends.

The app has come under scrutiny more than once on Twitter as well, with people claiming that they have been hacked through it.

https://twitter.com/ScarredNtScared/status/1244697291220553731

https://twitter.com/Ghanasfinestx/status/1244728502416539648

https://twitter.com/hayleyemmasteed/status/1245083612808204289

However, there is no concrete proof of such a hack actually originating from Houseparty.

As of right now, things are under control at Saba's end, as confirmed by Meshal in her post. "We have made sure that all accounts are secure now, but just in case, if something goes wrong, we are informing every one of you ahead of time that this has happened," she said.

Here's hoping the actor's details stay safe!

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below]]>
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			<title>Pakistan's Corona App expected to be launched within a week</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2179878/pakistans-corona-app-expected-launched-within-week</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2179878/pakistans-corona-app-expected-launched-within-week#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 20 01:52:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[rizwan.shehzad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2179878</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI govt tasks National Information Technology Board to develop app]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has decided to develop a mobile application – Corona App – to deal with coronavirus outbreak with the help of technology.

Once the mobile application is launched, people in the capital would be able to check whether they may possibly have coronavirus. By launching the app, the ministry of IT and telecommunication hopes to quash some of the fears among people who think they are being infected.

“Corona App is expected to be launched within a week or 10 days,” Federal Secretary for Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui told The Express Tribune.

“The government is fighting a war against the coronavirus and our ministry is playing its part in it by developing the app,” the secretary said.

Siddiqui said that he has given a go ahead and technical teams have been working on the application, adding that he has already suggested the use of e-office and e-mail as much as possible to promote social distancing and contain the spread of virus.

The ministry has tasked the National Information Technology Board (NITB) to develop the app, which will have location based services to detect coronavirus patient through radius alert. The NITB had earlier developed several such projects, including digitisation of Kamyab Jawan for Youth Betterment, Board of Investment visa portal, Durust Daam, Mera Bacha Alert, Automation and Monitorization portal for Ehsaas Programme.

Siddiqui said that public awareness videos, chatbot for public and activity alarm for giving reminder for washing hands, using sanitizer will be made available in application.

City Islamabad App – another name of the Corona app – will be used to monitor complain against those medical stores where there are shortage of masks or any sort of preventive medicine regarding coronavirus.

“Strict action will be taken through district administration once complaint received through the app,” he said.

The officials at the ministry of IT and telecommunication said that the app will not only be “good for people” wondering if they have coronavirus, but also for healthcare staff, as it would allow them to stay up to date on the health of a number of people from a distance. This way, they said, they can respond better to the demand for healthcare in the city.

The officials revealed that the app will also be used to report social gathering as well as to book corona patient appointment in advance before patient enters in designated hospitals. It is envisaged that this would help hospitals to make arrangements in advance. The officials also said that banners related to coronavirus will be displayed on all government websites.

Meanwhile, the NITB Pakistan CEO, Shabahat Ali Shah, announced on Thursday that the government has officially launched coronavirus information platform, which will be updated daily.]]>
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			<title>FGEHA launches online complaint portal</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2160393/fgeha-launches-online-complaint-portal</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2160393/fgeha-launches-online-complaint-portal#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Feb 20 03:59:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2160393</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[People can download the app, avoid standing in long queues to complain]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) has launched a mobile application for timely redressal of grievances of complaints regarding sewerage, streetlights, garbage collection and illegal land grabbing at its housing projects in sectors G-13 and G14 of the federal capital.

FGEHA Director-General Waseem Hayat Bajwa will monitor the complaints himself on FGEHA Resident Complaint Portal, officials said.

People living in the authority’s housing projects should download the app and start registering their complaints in a hassle free manner, they said about the app which was launched by DG Bajwa.

People will be saved from standing in long queues to file a complaint about water, sewerage, sanitation and other such civic issues, they said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>Sindh to create app for online registration, transfer of property</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2152898/sindh-create-app-online-registration-transfer-property</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2152898/sindh-create-app-online-registration-transfer-property#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Feb 20 03:17:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2152898</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Syed Murad Ali Shah directs time for registration and transfer be reduced to six days]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed Board of Revenue, Sindh to reduce the time for registration and transfer of property from 149 days to six days by allowing investors to apply online.

Presiding over a high-level meeting of Ease of Doing Business Reforms Council, he said, "I am fed up with sub-registrar offices so either correct them or pack them up, I will hand over the registration work to private sector."

The chief minister especially invited heads of 10 different government agencies, including K-Electric, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, among others, so they could give their input to improve the business environment.

"I have to bring a lot of investment in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Mirpurkhas and Thatta regions," he said, adding that he was willing to take drastic measures to facilitate investors.

Senior member Board of Revenue (SMBR) admitted that registration of property and its transfer take from 149 days to six months, therefore an online application was needed where people would be able to apply for registration and the system would automatically generate transfer or registration.

At this, the chief minister directed him to reduce the processing time from six months to six days, adding that he was going to launch the online application by the end of February.

Shah directed the SMBR to outsource the board's call centre, which has failed to redress public complaints. "We need an efficient system and manpower, otherwise ask them to pack up," he directed SMBR.

Also speaking on the occasion, investment secretary gave a detailed briefing on issues such as red-tapism, lethargy and inefficiency of the government system.

The chief minister announced that the SMBR would launch an online application and appoint two sub-registrars on special duty who would deal with and expedite the registration, transfer and mutation cases, which lingered on by the concerned sub-registrar for more than three days. It was also decided that e-stamping system would be launched at the earliest by amending the law in the assembly.

Shah said that over 200 multinational companies were working in Karachi and he wanted to provide them more facilities so that businesses could thrive further.

The chief minister also directed the chief secretary to personally monitor the simplification of trade licences. "These licences must be issued within 15 days."

It was decided to convert low-risk trade licences into notification without any fees. "It must be consolidated so that one licence could operate across Sindh," said the chief minister. He further directed online application, renewal and payment of licence fee totally automated.

The meeting agreed that the council would meet every month so that all the outstanding issues could be resolved at the highest forum.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2020.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>‘Skilled workers to get Rs300m loans’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2151681/skilled-workers-get-rs300m-loans</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2151681/skilled-workers-get-rs300m-loans#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 20 04:21:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2151681</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A mobile application ‘Dastkar’ has also been launched to make the process of obtaining loans transparent]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Provincial Minister of Commerce and Industries Mian Aslam Iqbal has said that loans of Rs300 million will be distributed among skilled workers across the province and a mobile application ‘Dastkar’ has been launched to make the process transparent.

He expressed these views during the inauguration ceremony of the scheme at Alhamra Hall. He said that under this scheme, on behalf of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation, loans on easy terms would be given to skilled workers for the revival of the cottage industry.

Through this app, the applicant will be informed about the process of obtaining a loan and repayment process.

While addressing the ceremony, the provincial minister said that the Punjab government had launched the loan scheme for the revival of the cottage industry in 36 districts of the province.

“This scheme will be a milestone in poverty alleviation and will be an important step towards the country's economic development and prosperity,” said the minister. He further said that the government would market and promote the finished products on a website.

He maintained that under this scheme, the grace period for repaying the loans was four months for women and three months for other applicants.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2020.]]>
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			</item><item>
			<title>Govt collects Rs500m in first 100 days of e-Pay app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2138122/govt-collects-rs500m-first-100-days-e-pay-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2138122/govt-collects-rs500m-first-100-days-e-pay-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jan 20 04:29:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2138122</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Various payment channels being integrated in system to increase payment options for citizens]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Punjab government has collected over Rs500 million in just 100 days through the e-Pay mobile application, the first ever government payment aggregator.

Presiding over a progress review meeting of the e-payment initiative of the provincial government on Wednesday, Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Chairman Azfar Manzoor highlighted that the project has enhanced ease of doing business through citizen facilitation. “The project has helped the government to enhance the collection of multiple levies across Punjab.” He said the project was launched on October 4, last year, as a collaborative endeavour between the PITB and Punjab Finance department to provide the general public an efficient and stress-free method of paying all taxes and payments to the government using ICT tools, without going through the existing cumbersome process.

The e-Pay application has been rolled and now various new payment channels including debit and credit card, mobile wallets and direct debit from the account, are being integrated with the system to increase payment options to facilitate maximum number of citizens, he maintained.

He disclosed that it is also being planned to incorporate government-to-public (G2P) and government-to-business (G2B) payment through this platform. It will help in broadening the project following the addition of tax and non-tax receipts, utility bills payments, online admission fee deposits of schools and colleges, driving license fees, e-challan, character certificate, domicile, commercial vehicles’ fitness certificate fee and agriculture income tax, he elaborated.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2020.]]>
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			<title>The government introduces an app for drug prevention</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2131388/government-introduces-app-drug-prevention</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2131388/government-introduces-app-drug-prevention#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Jan 20 10:02:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2131388</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The purpose of the &quot;Zindagi&quot;  app is to create a drug-free society]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Imran Khan recently launched ‘Digital Pakistan’, a government’s initiative aimed at introducing the latest technology for public welfare.

PM Imran launches ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative

The "Zindagi" app has been introduced by the government in an effort to halt drug penetration in society.

The federal government has introduced an app to curb drug trafficking in the country and to make people aware of it, named 'life', Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the "Zindagi" app today.

How this tech buff’s leap of faith announced Karachi on the digital landscape

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the purpose of the "Zindagi" app is to create a drug-free society; the mobile app will contain information on the dangers of drug use.]]>
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			<title>WhatsApp rolls out fingerprint lock feature for Android users</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2093320/whatsapp-rolls-fingerprint-lock-feature-android-users</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2093320/whatsapp-rolls-fingerprint-lock-feature-android-users#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Nov 19 10:24:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2093320</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Following the addition of the biometric security feature to the iOS version earlier this year]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[WhatsApp has finally announced that the app can be now locked with a  fingerprint following the addition of the biometric security feature to the iOS version earlier this year.

“Today we’re introducing similar authentication, allowing you to unlock the app with your fingerprint, on supported Android phones,” states the WhatsApp blog post.

WhatsApp to launch digital payments service in India

The availability of this feature means you will now need to unlock your phone with the fingerprint scan which makes the app more secure. The catch is that the update is not available in all regions yet but once it does arrive, users will be able to enable the feature by going to the privacy settings menu.

There are options to let the app unlocked for various different times which start at one minute and up to 30 minutes.

Facebook,Whatsapp, Instagram suffer global outage

WABetaInfo reported the feature as it appeared on the beta version back in August while it was released for iOS along with a Face ID as well, Android was lacking this feature.

This story originally appeared on The Verge.]]>
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			<image>
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			<title>K-P launches Rescue 1122 integration mobile app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2084502/mahmood-inaugurates-rescue-1122-integration-mobile-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2084502/mahmood-inaugurates-rescue-1122-integration-mobile-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 19 04:19:53 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category><category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2084502</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[CM Mahmood Khan suggests service could be extended beyond Peshawar]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Nearly a month after it had been disclosed, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Monday formally inaugurated the integration of Rescue 1122 Services in the mobile application for ride-hailing service Careem.

Mahmood inaugurated the app at the Chief Minister House in Peshawar by pressing the touchscreen of the device. The mobile app of the private ride-sharing service provider which will enable over 50,000 users of the company in Peshawar to call emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigades.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Mahmood stated that the initiative will further improve the outreach of Rescue 1122 services in Peshawar and that they may be extended to the rest of the province, enabling the government to save precious lives through the tech-enabled solution.

Rescue 1122 saves 1.09 million lives in 2018

He added that all existing Rescue 1122 ambulances and fire brigades can be accessed in the application by selecting the separate emergency services, Customer Car Type (CCT).

“Rescue 1122 services on the mobile app is the first initiative of its kind in the country which will provide citizens with access to emergency services using the simple mobile application. We are working digitalization of services which is not only time-efficient but will also provide cheap services to citizens at their doorsteps,” Mahmood said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22nd, 2019.]]>
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			<title>How Catalan protest tactics are inspired by Hong Kong</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2083694/catalan-protest-tactics-inspired-hong-kong</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2083694/catalan-protest-tactics-inspired-hong-kong#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 20 Oct 19 11:14:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2083694</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[From blocking airports to using encrypted messaging apps]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[From blocking airports to using encrypted messaging apps, Catalan separatists demonstrating against the jailing of nine of their leaders are openly copying tactics devised by pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong.

Shortly after Spain's Supreme Court on Monday sentenced nine Catalan leaders to prison terms of up to 13 years over their role in a failed 2017 independence bid, 240,000 users of Russian-designed messaging app Telegram received a message urging them to head to Barcelona's El Prat airport, Spain's second busiest.

Catalan leaders demand talks with Madrid as thousands protest again

The goal according to the message - sent by a new anonymous separatist organisation called Democratic Tsunami - was to "paralyse" the airport, just as demonstrators did in Hong Kong in September.

[caption id="attachment_2083698" align="alignnone" width="625"] Demonstrators used luggage trolleys to block escalators at the airport. PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

The app made it possible for protestors to download a boarding pass for an afternoon flight so they could get through airport security checks.

While few protestors managed to enter the terminal, some 10,000 people gathered outside, preventing airline crew from getting to work and forcing the cancellation over 100 flights.

In Hong Kong, activists bought plane tickets to enter the terminal.

Democratic Tsunami ended one of its messages with the hash-tag #BeWater, the slogan for a protest strategy born in Hong Kong based on speed and unpredictability.

The slogan, based on a catchphrase used by Hong Kong's late kung fu legend Bruce Lee, circulates on Twitter in Catalan.

Demonstrators "sometimes" use laser pointers against police in Barcelona, a popular tactic in Hong Kong where millions have since June taken to the streets to push for democracy and police accountability in the former British colony, even though it is "very uncommon here," a spokesperson for Catalonia's regional police force, the Mossos d'Esquadra, told AFP.

[caption id="attachment_2083701" align="alignnone" width="625"] Laser pointers have been used to dazzle police in the Catalan protests -- a tactic copied from Hong Kong. PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Many Catalan protestors cite the demonstrations in Hong Kong as a source of inspiration.

"Now people must be in the streets, all revolts start there, look at Hong Kong," Victoria Santos, 62, told AFP on Wednesday at a protest in Barcelona.

"Hong Kong gave the example of how to give global attention to a local conflict," Jordi Barbeta, a columnist with daily Catalan newspaper El Nacional wrote in an opinion piece last month.

The use of Russian-designed messaging app Telegram by Catalan separatists was "directly" copied from the Hong Kong protests, said a member of Catalan separatist group "Picnic for the Republic" which blocked access to Barcelona's iconic Sagrada Familia basilica on Friday. He spoke on the condition that he not be named.

In September Catalonia's biggest grassroots separatist group, the Catalan National Assembly (ANC), invited its members to a conference called "The use of new technologies in non-violent struggle: the example of Hong Kong".

Online messaging services like Telegram "guarantee the reliability and the confidence of users," ANC national secretary Jordi Vilanova told AFP.

Sometimes Catalan separatist simply use the same fliers handed out in Hong Kong.

An info-graphic explaining what positions to adopt to protect yourself from police water cannons shared on social media by Catalans separatists still had instructions written in Chinese.

[caption id="attachment_2083702" align="alignnone" width="625"] Protests are being organised via the 'Democratic Tsunami' website, which in one of its messages used the Hong Kong slogan #BeWater. PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

Fliers distributed on Thursday by the radical separatist group CDR reproduced an info-graphic made by Hong Kong activists that outlines how to protest yourself from tear gas and other police tools.

A Catalan separatist group set up in August even started using yellow hardhats just as protestors do in Hong Kong and called itself "Cascos grocs" in Catalan or "Yellow hats".

Hong Kong singer and pro-democracy activists Denise Ho Wan-See, cartoonist Badiucao and Berline-based Chinese artist and free speech advocate Ai WeiWei have all backed the Catalan protests on social media.

Protests and strike stoke jitters over Catalan economy

"There is sympathy between these minorities which do not have enough political space to express themselves" but "that does not mean that we are going to have a common strategy," said Vilanova of the ANC.

China's government-run English-language newspaper China Daily on Tuesday warned "separatism will not be tolerated in any country" along with the hash-tag #HongKong and a video showing clashes between protestors and police at Barcelona airport.]]>
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				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2083694-catalanprotestsdrawinspirationfronhongkong-1571569825/2083694-catalanprotestsdrawinspirationfronhongkong-1571569825.png" class="featured_image"/>
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			<title>Albanian teens develop app for domestic violence victims</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2075644/albanian-teens-develop-app-domestic-violence-victims</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2075644/albanian-teens-develop-app-domestic-violence-victims#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 19 08:24:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2075644</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The app is designed to help victims of domestic violence access support]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Three Albanian 16-year-old girls have developed an app to help victims of domestic violence access support, hoping to tackle a huge problem in Albania, where one in two women suffered abuse last year, according to a survey.

They will launch their app, known as GjejZâ, (Find your Voice), on Friday, after winning an international technology competition for girls in the United States.

“Violence against women is a huge issue in Albania and it also affects us as teenage girls because we see the early stages of this even in our peers, in our friends,” said Jonada Shukarasi, one of the developers.

One in two women suffers violence in Albania, said Iris Luarasi, the head of a national hotline for abused women, citing a 2018 survey, and 4,000 cases were reported in 2018.

A new report by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) found almost 9 in 10 women consider violence against women to be common in Albania, and that 97% of victims of intimate in-house violence never report it to the police.

‘Mohafiz’ app launched for missing children in Punjab

Known as the D3c0ders, the girls - Arla Hoxha, Dea Rrozhani and Jonada Shukarasi - learned how to code and create applications four years ago through an outreach program run by the US Embassy in Tirana.

News of their award in the Technovation Challenge competition has stoked national pride in Albania, an ex-communist country that is now a NATO member endeavoring to join the European Union.

The girls have received widespread coverage and congratulations from senior government officials.

This year’s competition required participants to build an app that tackled social problems, so the girls decided to focus on gender-based violence. They worked with psychologists, deputy interior minister, and women’s issues experts.

“Find your Voice” has become not only our motto but the message we want to convey to all Albanian women,” said Rrozhani.

“GjejZâ helps women fight gender-based violence in three easy steps by identifying the problem, empowering the user and enabling them to take action,” she said.

Users answer a series of questions that help them identify if they are victims of domestic violence, and the app offers them testimonies from women who have escaped abuse and encouragement to report it.

The scope of the app is huge - it provides breathing exercises to help women, connects them to state officials in every town who can help them secure restraining orders and access benefits. It also advises on employment opportunities and shelters.

Application launched to help stop vehicle theft

Women can download the app, and get in touch with the police and support groups by phone or instant messaging. Mobile phone ownership is high in Albania - a population of 2.8 million uses 4.63 million mobile phones.

Tara Chklovski, founder and chief executive of Technovation, said the judges felt the girls had “addressed the difficult topic of abuse bravely and thoughtfully from the research to product development”.

Romina Kuko, Albania’s deputy interior minister, regretted the number of attacks remained high, but added Albania was fighting domestic violence with full force.

“I will be happy to see the application up and running,” she said.]]>
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			<title>Easing collections: Punjab to launch ePay mobile app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2071809/easing-collections-punjab-launch-epay-mobile-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2071809/easing-collections-punjab-launch-epay-mobile-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 Oct 19 04:48:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2071809</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[To facilitate the public and improve country’s revenue collection]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Punjab government is set to launch ePay, a mobile application, on Friday for all business-to-government (B2G) and public-to-government (P2G) payments in order to facilitate the public and improve country’s revenue collection through easy payment solution.

The application has been jointly developed by the Punjab Finance Department and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), said Provincial Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht while chairing a meeting on Thursday.

The application would allow citizens of Punjab to pay taxes using three different electronic payment channels namely internet/mobile banking, ATM and through over the counter (OTC) banking transaction. The application will also allow citizens of Punjab to generate a 17 digit unique PSID number that can be used to pay the necessary taxes. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2019.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.]]>
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			<title>Court bars ITP from using e-ticketing app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2056851/court-bars-itp-using-e-ticketing-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2056851/court-bars-itp-using-e-ticketing-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 15 Sep 19 04:25:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[​ Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2056851</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Developer says vendor got their application copied from another firm]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A wrong U turn in business deal has landed Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) and two banks in court.

A complainant has claimed that the capital police have been issuing e-tickets from an application acquired illegally. Though, a senior officer of the force told The Express Tribune that ITP was a buyer any wrongdoing was responsibility of the vendor.

Following the complaint, court has barred ITP from using e-ticketing mobile application.

Islamabad West Civil Judge Imran Sikandri issued a stay order on the petition of an Information Technology firm, Cell Vas which claimed that ITP along with two banks were using their source code in e-ticketing application.

Traffic awareness drive launched

The court has sought clarification from opposing parties at the next hearing on September 17.

According to the complaint, a manager of branchless banking department of a private bank, approached Cell Vas for developing an e-ticketing mobile application for ITP and the parties reached an agreement in Rs5 million.

The IT firms developed the application and handed over related documents to the private bank. The bank and ITP organised a launching ceremony next day without paying amount to Cell Vas after which the firm refused to give operating rights to parties.

The manager, however, contacted another IT company, handed over the source code to them, which developed a copied similar e-ticketing application.

The current application was prepared such that the private bank was receiving 10-15 per cent charges on total amount of every ticket from citizens.

Further, Cell Vas filed a petition in a civil court in Islamabad through Barrister Raja Jibran after which the Islamabad Civil Judge Sikandari issued a stay order and barred ITP and both banks from further using the application.

In this regard, ITP SSP Farrukh Rasheed told The Express Tribune that ITP was not related to any private bank and had made an agreement with a government bank.

IHC directs govt

Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the government to appoint Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) in accordance with the given rules.

IHC Chief Justice Ather Minallah issued a written verdict in a case pertaining to lapse of tenure of current PARC chairman.

The applicant, Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry, had informed the court in his petition that the president of the country had issued a notification May 15 appointing Ayub Chaudhry as Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) while l period of his appointment had already lapsed on August 11.

ITP curbs one-wheeling

The court said that the federal government would be at liberty to make an interim arrangement as such that ‘day to day working of council does not suffer’ while the arrangements should be strictly in accordance with the provisions of PARC Act 1981.

The Deputy Attorney General (DAG) told the court that they had forwarded a summary to the President of Pakistan with recommendations regarding appointment of eligible person to the post of Chairman PARC. He also requested the court for adjourning the case for a week in order to file a written report which the court accepted.

The next hearing would be conducted on September 19.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2019.]]>
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			<title>Facebook acknowledges flaw in Messenger Kids app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2044672/facebook-acknowledges-flaw-messenger-kids-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2044672/facebook-acknowledges-flaw-messenger-kids-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 19 05:49:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2044672</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Weeks after two US senators raised privacy concerns about the application]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Facebook acknowledged a flaw in its Messenger Kids app, weeks after two US senators raised privacy concerns about the application, and said that it spoke to the US Federal Trade Commission about the matter.

“We are in regular contact with the FTC on many issues and products, including Messenger Kids,” Facebook Vice President Kevin Martin wrote in a letter to two Democrats, which is seen by Reuters. He described the flaw as a “technical error”.

The letter dated August 27 was sent to Democratic Senators Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

Facebook tightens rules for political ads ahead of US elections

“Based on our review, we have determined that the technical error you have inquired above arose in October 2018. The fix we implemented is designed to prevent the issue from happening again,” Facebook said in the letter.

The senators said on Wednesday they were disappointed by Facebook’s approach on the matter.

“We are particularly disappointed that Facebook did not commit to undertaking a comprehensive review of Messenger Kids to identify additional bugs or privacy issues,” Markey and Blumenthal said in response to Facebook’s letter.

Facebook starting nominations 'soon' for content oversight panel

The senators had written to Facebook on August 6 questioning whether there was a “worrying pattern” of poor privacy protection for children using the Messenger Kids app and sought transparency.

The senators were “disturbed” to learn that the application allowed thousands of children to join group chats in which not all members of the group were approved by their parents, they said in the letter to Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg.

In July, Facebook agreed to pay a record $5 billion fine to resolve an FTC probe into its privacy practices and will boost safeguards on user data.

FTC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside regular business hours.]]>
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			<title>CDA retrieves plot from illegal occupants</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2028993/cda-retrieves-plot-illegal-occupants</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2028993/cda-retrieves-plot-illegal-occupants#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Aug 19 05:36:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2028993</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[29 illegally constructed rooms, six boundary walls and eight washrooms were demolished]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Capital Development Authority (CDA) while conducting an anti-encroachment operation on Monday retrieved a plot of Orchard Scheme Murree Road from illegal occupants.

During the operation Enforcement Directorate of the Authority was assisted by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, Islamabad Police and other concerned formations, a press release said.

CDA charge sheets law officers for mishandling case

Plot no.32 of the Orchard Scheme had been under illegal occupation for a long time. In order to vacate illegal possession massive action was carried out by the authority. During the operation 29 illegally constructed rooms, six boundary walls, eight washrooms and other constructions in the said plot were demolished.

After vacating the plot from illegal occupants, possession of plot was handed over to Estate Management-II Directorate.  

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2019.]]>
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				    <img src="https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/2028993-isl_road_repair_extension_online-1565069669/2028993-isl_road_repair_extension_online-1565069669.jpg" class="featured_image"/>
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			<title>Russian lawmakers propose making local software mandatory on smartphones</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2018488/russian-lawmakers-propose-making-local-software-mandatory-smartphones</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2018488/russian-lawmakers-propose-making-local-software-mandatory-smartphones#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jul 19 05:08:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2018488</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[If passed, it would come into force in July 2020]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Russian lawmakers want to make it a legal requirement for all smartphones, computers and smart TV sets sold in Russia to come pre-installed with certain Russian software in a bid to support domestic software producers, according to a draft bill.

The bill, tabled at the lower house of parliament on Thursday, would allow authorities to draw up a list of mandatory, locally-made software. If passed, it would come into force in July 2020.

Huawei’s laptop launch cancelled after US ban

Russia’s cell-phone market is dominated by Apple, Samsung and Huawei products.

The bill also proposes fining companies that sell devices without pre-installed Russian software from 50,000 to 200,000 rubles ($790-3,170) starting from January 2021.

Huawei delays global launch of foldable phone

The proposal will only become law if it is backed in three votes by the lower house of parliament and then approved by the upper house and President Vladimir Putin.

The Federal Anti-Monopoly Service and communications ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Russia has introduced tougher internet laws in the last five years, requiring search engines to delete some search results, messaging services to share encryption keys with security services and social networks to store user data on servers in the country.]]>
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			<title>DeepNude app to 'undress' women shut down after furor</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2002878/deepnude-app-undress-women-shut-furor</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2002878/deepnude-app-undress-women-shut-furor#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 29 Jun 19 10:20:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2002878</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The application allowed users to virtually &quot;undress&quot; women using artificial intelligence]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[&nbsp;

The creators of an application allowing users to virtually "undress" women using artificial intelligence have shut it down after a social media uproar over its potential for abuse.

The creators of "DeepNude" said the software was launched several months ago for "entertainment" and that they "greatly underestimated" demand for the app.

"We never thought it would be viral and (that) we would not be able to control the traffic," the DeepNude creators, who listed their location as Estonia, said on Twitter.

Samsung’s new AI technology can create a video of anyone with a single picture

"Despite the safety measures adopted (watermarks), if 500,000 people use it, the probability that people will misuse it is too high. We don't want to make money this way."

Articles in The Washington Post, Vice and other media showed how the app could be used to take a photo of a clothed woman and transform that into a nude image, sparking outrage and renewed debate over nonconsensual pornography.

"This is a horrifically destructive invention and we hope to see you soon suffer consequences for your actions," tweeted the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, a group that seeks protection against non-consensual and "revenge" porn.

Mary Anne Franks, a law professor and president of the CCRI, tweeted later, "It's good that it's been shut down, but this reasoning makes no sense. The app's INTENDED USE was to indulge the predatory and grotesque sexual fantasies of pathetic men."

'Deepfakes' pose conundrum for Facebook, Zuckerberg says

DeepNude offered a free version of the application as well as a paid version, and was the latest in a trend of "deepfake" technology that can be used to deceive or manipulate.

Although the app was shut down, critics expressed concern that some versions of the software remained available and would be abused.

"The #Deepnude app is out there now and will be used, despite the creator taking it off the market. If only there were a way to disable all the versions out there," CCRI tweeted.]]>
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			<title>After moon sighting website, Fawad Chaudhry launches 'The Ruet' app</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1984095/moon-sighting-website-fawad-chaudhry-launches-ruet-app</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1984095/moon-sighting-website-fawad-chaudhry-launches-ruet-app#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 31 May 19 06:37:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1984095</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Last week, Chaudhry said in his opinion Pakistan can do away with the traditional moon sighting methods]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[After the launch of Pakistan’s first moonsighting website, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry, announced on Thursday that a mobile app was launched to help understand the different cycles of the moon.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: FILE[/caption]

The launch comes just a few days before Eidul Fitr.

Pakistan's first moon sighting website launched; Eid on June 5
Called, ‘The Ruet’, the app is only available on the Google Play Store as of yet.
Please download https://t.co/1PGTvVLynC on your phone to see Moon #PakMoonsighting.pk

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) May 30, 2019
Some of the main features of ‘The Ruet’ include:
• Real-time information about current age, phases of the moon and Islamic Hijri calendar.
• Setting location manually to any coordinates in Pakistan.
• New moon details by Islamic months.
• Positions of the moon, sun and all major planets on the interactive sky simulation.

Last week, Chaudhry said in his opinion Pakistan can do away with the traditional moon sighting methods used by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to end the moon sighting controversy on all important Islamic festivals, Express News reported.

Recently, the National Assembly was informed that an amount of Rs3.06 million was spent on the sighting of the moon for Muharram, Ramazan, Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha in 2018.

“We have launched pakmoonsighting.pk website and Eidul Fitr will fall on June 5 this year … we have formulated the lunar calendar for five years which will be presented before the federal cabinet on Tuesday for final approval,” said the minister.

Moon sighting controversy: Ministry seeks CII’s input on new lunar calendar
A five-member committee was formed by the minister earlier this month which included members from the ministry Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) and Pakistan Meteorological Department to formulate the Hijri calendar.]]>
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			<title>Uber brings electric bike service JUMP to London</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1979501/uber-brings-electric-bike-service-jump-london</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1979501/uber-brings-electric-bike-service-jump-london#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 19 05:01:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1979501</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[As it makes 350 bikes available to rent]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Taxi app Uber will pilot its electric bicycle service, JUMP, in London from Friday as it makes 350 bikes available to rent in a part of Britain’s capital city, a key global market for the firm.

Uber, which floated earlier this month, has been expanding into new areas as it tries to broaden its business offering.

Uber nears investment deal for self-driving car unit

Electric JUMP bikes are already available around the world including in the United States and Canada and other European capitals including Berlin and Paris.

Users will be able to unlock a bike through the firm’s app for 1 pound ($1.27), with the first five minutes of a ride free of charge followed by 12 pence per minute cost thereafter.

Uber launches electric bikes, scooters in Paris

Scooter and bicycle services, car clubs and taxi apps are among the offerings vying to meet the challenge of travel in urban areas where regulators around the world and politicians are trying to cut congestion and improve air quality.]]>
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			<title>Slack expects to raise about $197 million in direct listing</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1976739/slack-expects-raise-197-million-direct-listing</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1976739/slack-expects-raise-197-million-direct-listing#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 19 04:39:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1976739</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[It is the latest tech company looking to go public this year]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Slack, the owner of the workplace instant messaging app, said on Monday it expects to raise $196.5 million in the direct listing of its class A common shares on the New York Stock Exchange.

Slack bans users who have visited Iran, North Korea

Slack is the latest tech company looking to go public this year, following the market debuts of Uber, Lyft, Pinterest, and Zoom Video Communications.

The company has registered about 117 million of its Class A shares, which is an estimate for the number of shares that will be needed when the stock begins to trade.

Slack has opted for direct listing instead of an Initial Public Offering (IPO), which has been the traditional route to the public markets for companies like Google parent Alphabet and Facebook.

Email rival Slack says it has 10 million daily active users

Slack, which said in April it was looking to raise up to $100 million, also changed its ticker symbol to “WORK” from “SK”.]]>
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			<title>You can now book a Careem without internet</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1975048/can-now-book-careem-without-internet</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1975048/can-now-book-careem-without-internet#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 19 10:19:06 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1975048</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Careem On-Call is available for bike only]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[People often face internet issues that cause difficulty in booking a Careem. To come around this problem, the company has announced the launch of Careem On-Call which allows users to book a car via phone call or SMS for as low as Rs 25.

Careem partners with ministry to facilitate overseas Pakistani captains

“Careem On-Call is a big step towards inclusive growth which aims to bring people with limited access to internet or smartphone, into providing easy mobility. We will be creating thousands of pickup points across Pakistan where people will be able to book a ride with a simple SMS or a call,” said Asad Haider Khan, General Manager South, Careem.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: CAREEM[/caption]

In the first phase of the launch, Careem On-Call is available for bike only and is serving in 10 locations in Karachi including; Amma Tower, Civic Centre, Cantt Station, Shaheen Complex, Karachi University Maskan Gate, Water Pump, Teen Talwar, Nipa Chowrangi, Millenium Mall and Jinnah Hospital while the ride-hailing giant plans on expanding throughout the city eventually. Each location has a unique code that is only for that specific area.

Ride-hailing giants data sharing policies irks users

Through Careem On-Call, customers will book their rides by either calling 8990 or sending an SMS on the same number which will then direct them to type or say their unique location. Once the location is confirmed, they will receive a message within a minute and the captain will then be on their way. In case of a cancellation, the users can call or SMS on 8990 and cancel their ride with ease.]]>
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			<title>Tired of chatty Uber driver? Uber to roll out 'quiet preferred' rides soon</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1975002/tired-chatty-uber-driver-uber-roll-quiet-preferred-rides-soon</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1975002/tired-chatty-uber-driver-uber-roll-quiet-preferred-rides-soon#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 19 07:18:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1975002</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[This preference will only be available in the Uber Black rides which are almost two to three times more expensive]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Are you tired of chatty Uber drivers? Are you carrying heavy luggage and need help putting it in the trunk? Uber is rolling out an upgrade for its premium riders.

Uber Black will allow riders to ask for a silent driver, the one who won’t talk a lot and just leave you to your thoughts.

The catch though is that this kind of preference will only be available in the Uber Black rides which are almost two to three times more expensive. Uber Black consists of luxury cars such as the BMW 5 Series or Cadillac Escalade.

Uber agrees to buy electric cycle-sharing startup

Once you have selected the car, under preference, you should be able to see a tab that reads conversation where you get to select either ‘quiet preferred’ or ‘happy to chat’ or ‘no preference.’

Having chosen ‘quiet preferred’ you will not have to engage in any conversation with your driver for the duration of the trip. You will also have access to “premium phone support with live agents” in case you feel the need to tell the company that your wish of not having to talk is not being catered to.

With this one, users will also get to use other features that will be enabled such as the one where you can request help with your luggage from the driver. You can also choose the temperature of the car before getting in it.

Sindh govt gives Careem, Uber a week to get registered

But the one that is gaining the most amount of applause is the one that allows premium riders to choose an ‘extended pickup period’ which is for those times when you are not ready to be picked up and do not want to be charged either. With this one feature, you will have five extra minutes on your hand before the charging begins and the driver can’t cancel it for 15 minutes whereas, in the other Uber cars, the driver can cancel it after two minutes and the rider is charged with a cancellation fee.

The new features in Uber Black launched for some riders on Wednesday in 35 cities in the US and Canada while Uber also plans to extend these to more cities soon.

The story originally appeared on CNBC.]]>
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			<title>Mobile app promises to detect child's ear infections without doctor visit</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1974202/mobile-app-promises-detect-childs-ear-infections-without-doctor-visit</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1974202/mobile-app-promises-detect-childs-ear-infections-without-doctor-visit#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 May 19 05:53:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1974202</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The app plays a sound akin to a bird chirp into a child's ear canal via a simple funnel the parents put together]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A team at the University of Washington has invented a smartphone app that, when used with a paper funnel, is able to detect ear infections in children, helping parents decide whether a trip to the doctor is warranted.

The app, which was described in the journal Science Transnational Medicine on Wednesday, plays a sound akin to a bird chirp into a child's ear canal via a simple funnel the parents put together.

It plays for 1.2 seconds and then uses the phone's mic to listen in: if fluids or pus have accumulated behind the eardrum, in the middle ear, the sound pattern of the returned echo will indicate an infection.

This smartphone app keeps your diabetes in check

"The way to think about it is almost like a wine glass," said Shyam Gollakota, head of the lab that developed the project.

"And if you tap on the wine glass, you're going to get a different sound depending on the level of liquid in the wine glass."

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="625"] PHOTO: AFP[/caption]

It had a success rate of 85 per cent when tested on around a hundred cases, and, according to Gollakota, is more accurate than a visual inspection by a doctor.

If an infection is detected, parents will need to go to a doctor anyway for confirmation and to get a prescription.

Mosquito app launched

Gollakota likened its utility to that of a thermometer, which helps people decide whether a visit to a doctor is appropriate.

The ear infection app is just one of several ideas being developed by the lab at the intersection of mobile technology and health.

The goal is to resolve some of the biggest health issues that people face today at lower costs.

Gollakota's team has also built another application to detect sleep apnea and another that warns the relatives or friends of a person taking opioids if they appear to be overdosing.

He hopes to obtain regulatory approval for the ear infection app by the end of the year and have it available in the market by early 2020.]]>
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			<title>Uber drivers are contractors, not employees, US labour agency says</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1973403/uber-drivers-contractors-not-employees-us-labour-agency-says</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1973403/uber-drivers-contractors-not-employees-us-labour-agency-says#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 19 06:03:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1973403</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[In a pending case against the company and could prevent drivers from joining a union]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Drivers for ride-hailing company Uber are independent contractors and not employees, the general counsel of a US labour agency has concluded, in an advisory memo that is likely to carry significant weight in a pending case against the company and could prevent drivers from joining a union.

The recommendation by the office of general counsel Peter Robb, who was appointed to the National Labour Relations Board by President Donald Trump, was made in a memo dated April 16 and released on Tuesday.

The general counsel said in the memo that Uber drivers set their hours, own their cars and are free to work for the company’s competitors so they cannot be considered employees under federal labour law.

Ride-hailing giants data sharing policies irks users

A ruling on the case is to be made by an NLRB regional director. Advisory memos from the general counsel’s office are generally upheld in rulings. Any decision could be appealed to the NLRB’s five-member board, which is also led by Trump appointees but is independent of the general counsel.

The memo will not affect scores of lawsuits claiming Uber drivers should be treated as employees under federal and state wage laws.

San Francisco based Uber in a statement said it is “focused on improving the quality and security of independent work while preserving the flexibility drivers and couriers tell us they value.”

Uber shares were up 6.4 per cent at $39.46 in late trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

The memo signaled a sharp turn for the general counsel’s office, which acts as a prosecutor in NLRB cases, and during the administration of Democratic President Barack Obama maintained that many gig-economy workers are misclassified as independent contractors.

Under the National Labour Relations Act, independent contractors cannot join unions and do not have legal protection when they complain about working conditions.

Uber, its top rival Lyft, and many other “gig economy” companies have faced dozens of lawsuits accusing them of misclassifying workers as independent contractors under federal and state wage laws.

Employees are significantly more costly because they are entitled to the minimum wage, overtime pay and reimbursements for work-related expenses under those laws.

Uber agrees to buy electric cycle-sharing startup

Uber, in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission last week, said it would pay up to $170 million to settle tens of thousands of arbitration cases across the country with drivers who claim they were misclassified. Uber denied any wrongdoing.

The company has also agreed to pay an additional $20 million to end long-running lawsuits by thousands of drivers in California and Massachusetts.

The US Department of Labour in a memo released last month said an unidentified “gig economy” company’s workers were not its employees under federal wage law because it did not control their work.

The company, which appeared from the memo to provide house cleaning services, had a similar relationship with its workers as Uber does with drivers.]]>
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			<title>K-Electric launches mobile app to improve user experience</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1960565/k-electric-launches-mobile-app-improve-user-experience</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1960565/k-electric-launches-mobile-app-improve-user-experience#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 27 Apr 19 11:12:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Tech Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1960565</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The app allows access to various services including billing details and live power status]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[With a rise in the use of smartphones in Pakistan, K-Electric has launched a mobile app for its consumers to have better customer service.

Facebook paid teens to track smartphone use

The app allows access to various services including billing details with history, duplication of bill downloads, live power status, ability to report power theft and lodging complaints after they sign up using their account number on the bill. Consumers will also be able to locate and make their way to the nearest customer centre if the problems persist.

China-Pakistan technology transfer centre established at NUST

“The launch of the app fits right in with KE’s use of technology and innovation in its customer-centric approach. We already offer a wide range of avenues to address consumer requests ranging from 30 customer care centres spread across its network, as well as one of the largest call centres state of the art consumer experience platform,” said a KE spokesperson.

KE Live is available on both Android and iOS devices.]]>
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			<title>Don't like surprises? AI predicts who survives 'Game of Thrones'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1949293/dont-like-surprises-ai-predicts-who-survives-game-of-thrones</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1949293/dont-like-surprises-ai-predicts-who-survives-game-of-thrones#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Apr 19 14:56:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1949293</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The application scours the web for information about each of the characters]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[If you are a “Game of Thrones” fan and appreciate the element of surprise, stop reading now.

Students at the Technical University of Munich have developed an application to predict which character has the best chance to claim the coveted Iron Throne in the HBO hit medieval fantasy series about warring families.

World's first AI female news anchor unveiled in China

They have taught the application to scour the web for information about each of the characters, which is then processed by artificial intelligence algorithms to assess their survival chances.

“We scraped the results from different Wiki pages and Wiki-like pages about the books and TV show and we took out data like gender and age of the characters,” said student Christian Dallago. “We put all this together to train the algorithm to tell us when this character is going to die.”

There is a good chance the application will get it right.

Microsoft aims to make artificial intelligence mainstream

Back in 2016, an algorithm created by computer science students at the same university in the southern German city shortly before the start of Season 6 accurately predicted that Jon Snow would resurrect.

If you’re still reading, clearly you’re not a fan of plot twists and turns.

So here you go: AI says that Daenerys Targaryen has the best chance of survival in the final season, which starts on Sunday.]]>
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