China’s population decline for the first time in 60 years sounds the alarm of demographic crisis
China’s population fell last year for the first time in 60 years. This is a historic turning point that is expected to mark the beginning of a long period of population decline that will severely impact the Chinese economy and the world.The country’s National Bureau of Statistics reported that about 850,000 of her population of 1,417.5 million will decline in 2022. This is her first decline since 1961, the last year of China’s Great Famine. “China’s demographic and economic outlook is much darker than expected. China will have to adjust its social, economic, defense and foreign policies,” said demographer Yi Fuxian”.He added that the country’s shrinking labor force and lower manufacturing output, will exacerbate high prices and high inflation in the United States and Europe. “Economic growth will have to rely more on productivity growth,” added Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management.Kang Yi( Director of the National Bureau of Statistics) dismissed concerns about the declining population and told reporters that “total labor supply is still outstripping demand.” China’s fertility rate was just 6.77 per 1,000 people last year, and in 2021 it will be 7.52, the lowest on record. The number of Chinese women of childbearing age, defined by the government as ages 25 to 35, has dropped by about 4 million, Kang said.China’s highest death rate since 1974 during the Cultural Revolution was 7.37 deaths per 1,000, compared to her 7.18 death rate in 2021.Longer term, UN experts expect China’s population to fall by 109 million by 2050. That’s more than three times he’s down from his previous forecast for 2019. That leaves domestic demographers to lament that China will get older before it gets richer, and the economy will slow as revenues fall and public debt rises against the backdrop of rising health and welfare costs.
Pakistan’s First Deaf-Mute Writer Kashaf Alvi Named ‘Global Shaper’
Achieving global recognition is an amazing achievement for both the winner and the country one represents. The brilliant 19-year-old is a socialite and technology visionary Born “Kashaf” inspired many because of his remarkable achievements, especially in the fields of literature and technology.After being certified by Microsoft, he is now the author of a book titled “Pride Of Pakistan”.He has also written many columns in famous newspapers,magazines and written for short films. From creating mobile applications to improve quality of life for disable people,he works on various other social projects.Kashaf is a role model for many. His efforts have had incredible results for his future and the image of his country. A prime example of this is his recent selection as a Global Shaper. “The Global Shaper” is an initiative of the World Economic network. It’s a bright and inspiring forum of young people. Communities work together to address national and international challenges. Members are selected based on outstanding achievements like Kashaf’s contribution to the disabled community in Pakistan. With members in 150 countries, the Global Shapers Community leads the movement to bring about positive change. Kashaf Alvi is now part of the change the world expects in his youth. The deaf influencer will act as a Global Shaper for his hub in Islamabad,providing support and a voice to the deaf community in all his initiatives. A prominent figure among young people, Kashaf Alvi is proudly leading this global transformation and making Pakistan proud.
Pakistan’s internet speed is faster than other Asian countries according to PTA
According to PTA documents, Pakistan’s mobile broadband average speed is the second highest in the region. According to this study, Pakistan’s average mobile broadband download speed is 20.84 Mbps, which is higher than other countries in the region.For example, the average mobile broadband downloading speed in India is 19.57 Mbps while in Bangladesh,it is 16.33 Mbps. With an average mobile broadband downloading speed of 20.90 Mbps, so Sri Lanka leads South Asia. Nepal’s average downloading speed is 20.60 Mbps, slightly slower than Pakistan. Currently 3G and 4G cellular signals reach 78% and 75% of Pakistan’s population respectively. According to the agency, the price of 1 GB of data in Pakistan has been further reduced to 0.58% of gross national income per capita,below the recommendations of the United Nations Broadband Commission.The PTA has set targets for broadband penetration of 51% by June 2022 and 55% by June 2023 in performance agreements with the Prime Minister’s Office, according to the document. In July 2022 the agency succeeded in achieving his 55% broadband penetration rate.
Russian delegation to visit Pakistan tomorrow to discuss oil trade and gas pipeline projects
With bilateral talks underway between Pakistan and Russia, a Kremlin delegation will visit South Asian country on January 17 to discuss oil, LNG trade and billion-dollar gas deals and pipeline projects.Islamabad is set to host a Russian delegation tomorrow and will discuss much-vaunted Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline (PSGP) project according to media reports. Last month, Pakistan’s Minister of State “Musadiq Malik” announced that “Moscow had agreed to ship crude oil, gasoline and diesel to cash-strapped countries at discounted prices”. Islamabad and the Kremlin will exchange views on cooperation in electricity, hydropower, renewable energy sources, and oil and gas exploration. It was reported that a delegation of 80 people will visit Pakistan for three days for bilateral consultations under the Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) Forum. Detailed discussions are also planned to increase trade and investment, especially in the agriculture, energy, education, IT and financial sectors.
Apple CEO Tim Cook calls for 40% pay cut from his salary
Apple CEO Tim Cook has taken a voluntary 40% pay cut for 2023. It’s an unusual move “in response to shareholder ,” according to the company’s annual proxy statement.The decision set Cook’s compensation target from his $84 million in 2022 to his $49 million.Apple declined to comment further on the Washington Post’s decision. However, the proxy statement acknowledges the decision that “balanced shareholder feedback, a desire to continue to provide meaningful performance and retention incentives, and Mr. Cook’s support for the change in compensation.” . Salary cuts by executives are unusual, but CEO salaries have become a growing source of public frustration amid a growing debate about income inequality. Executive salaries have increased 1,460% since 1978, according to an Economic Policy Institute analysis. The CEO will be paid 399 times more than a typical employee in 2021. This is the best ever.
Shah Rukh Khan’s “Pathaan” projected on Burj Khalifa today
SRK is currently in the Middle East for International League T20 and he witnessed the launch of his Pathaan trailer on the iconic Burj Khalifa. Nelson D’Souza, Vice President of International Distribution, said,”Pathaan” is one of the most anticipated films of our time and when it comes to bringing a film like this to life, we strive to do the best possible. It is worth showing to the audience in this way.He said “SRK has an unparalleled fan base in UAE and we believe this act lived up to today’s “pathaan hype” ,so I want to thanks to the overwhelming love pouring in from fans across the world”.The movie which also stars Deepika Padukone,John Abraham,Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana,is set to hit theaters on January 25, 2023. The creators recently released the official trailer of the film which received a massive response from fans. The two-and-a-half-minute trailer features Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika as spy agents up against a powerful foe played by John Abraham, who is planning a major attack in India.
Best passports in the world 2023 and Countries where Pakistani can get a visa
“Henley Global”, a leading London-based firm that provides services related to residence and citizenship in countries around the world, has released a report on passports around the world.) If a country`s passport does not require a visa anywhere, the passport is given a score of ‘one’. According to the Henley Passport Index, the best passports in the world are:1.Japan (passport holders of this country can travel to 193 countries without a visa)2.Germany3.Spain (190 countries)4.Finland5.Italy6.Luxembourg (189 countries)7.Austria8.Denmark9.Netherlands10.Sweden (188 countries)11.France12.Ireland13.Portugal14.United Kingdom (187 countries)15.Belgium16.New Zealand17.Norway18.Switzerland19.USA20.Czech Republic (186 countries)21.Australia22.Canada23.Greece24.Malta (185 countries)25.Hungary26.Poland (184 countries)27.Lithuania28.Slovakia (183 countries29.Singapore30.South Korea (192 countries Pakisatani passport holders can benefit from ‘Visa on Arrival’ facility in 32 countries such as:. “Maldives,Haiti,Dominica,Cambodia,Trinidad and Tobago,Burundi,Senegal,Micronesia,Tanzania,Uganda,Niue,Samoa,Montserrat,Cook Island,Nepal,Rwanda,Timor-leste,Comoro Island,Qatar,Madagascar,Vanuatu,Tuvalu,Palau Islands,Sierra Leone,Mozambique,Somalia,Togo,Seychelles,Cape Verde Island,Mauritania,Guinea-Bissau,St.vincent & Grenadines”. Pakistani passport holders can get a visa on arrival in the 32 countries listed above, but there are a few conditions that need to be met. For example, Pakistanis wishing to visit the “Maldives” for tourism purposes should follow certain rules like; Passport must be valid for at least another month,A return ticket must be available within the 30 days or while traveling to another country. Accommodation must have a booking confirmation from the hotel or resort or proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses in the Maldives (minimum USD 150 per day in cash or bank statement). Apart from that, “Qatar” is also included in the list of Middle Eastern countries where Pakistani citizens can obtain a visa on arrival.The passports have a validity of at least 6 months.You need a polio card and a return ticketHave proof of Qatar residency or hotel booking confirmationYour debit/credit card must have sufficient funds for accommodation and meals in Qatar.If you wish to obtain a visa from one of the 32 countries mentioned above, you should check the required documents and conditions on the website of that country’s embassy prior to travel,otherwise you may be rejected.
PSL 8 Opening Ceremony may shift from Multan to Karachi
The Pakistan Super League 2023 or PSL 8 opening ceremony will now take place in Karachi instead of Multan as previously reported. The new management of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to move the opening ceremony of PSL 8 from the Multan Cricket Stadium to the Karachi National Bank Cricket Arena (NBCA), according to details.Karachi will host the opening ceremony and first match of the Pakistan Super League 2023 or PSL 8 at the National Bank Cricket Arena, while Multan will host only round robin matches at the Multan Cricket Stadium. However, the final schedule for PSL 8 is yet to be announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which also confirms the venue for the opening ceremony of PSL 2023.Last week, it was reported that Multan would host the first opening ceremony of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Meanwhile, the first stage matches of the tournament will be played between Karachi and Multan before heading to Lahore and Rawalpindi. According to some reports, PCB’s new management plans to add Quetta as his fifth venue for his PSL 8 tournament, with PCB management working closely with local administration to open the Bugti Stadium. However, there is no confirmation of this report.The PSL 8 opening ceremony and matches will take place on his February 13th, and the tournament is scheduled to end on his March 19th, 2023.
Ice Hockey Championship in Skardu’s snowfalling
The scenic snow-capped mountains of Skardu froze in the snowfall and blowing cold winds welcomed the colorful event of the Ice Hockey Championship 2023 in Skardu to promote and plan winter sports tourism in the country. An official from Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) told that the championship attended by a large number of locals, tourists and adventure seekers.“The championship is an annual event of the Skardu Winter Festival and many teams participate to entertain people through this healthy game. We also set up a stall to sell,” he added.The winter festival welcomes local and international tourists each year to come to Gilgit-Baltistan to enjoy the championships and other activities during the festival, he added.
Pakistani young Stunners to perform at Wireless Music festival in Abu Dhabi for the first time
New Years adds new events to our calendar and upcoming events have certainly caught our attention. “Wireless” is considered Europe’s biggest celebration of pop culture and is coming to the Middle East for the first time in March. Young Stunners will perform with Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert and Ali Gatie at Abu Dhabi’s “Wireless Music Festival”. The event, announced through “Ticketmaster” on Monday and it will take place on March 11 2023 at ‘Etihad Park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi’ . Indian rappers “Divine and King” are also performing. Other artists are yet to be announced. From Pakistan the Young Stunners” Tarha Yunus and Tarha Anjum” will participate.It is a famous music festival because it has hosted by great Artist such as “Jay-Z”, “Kanye West”, “Rihanna”, “Justin Timberlake” and “Stormzy”. Anyone who wanna enjoy live music can buy Tickets online from Friday 13 January to onwards with General Admission starting at AED295 (PKR 18,245) and Golden Circle starting at AED795 (PKR 49,170).