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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected a decline in Pakistan’s inflation this year, attributing it to falling food and commodity prices, even as regional economies brace for the impact of rising global trade tensions. In its latest report on the economies of developing Asia and the Pacific, the ADB maintained its inflation forecast for Pakistan for fiscal year 2025-26 at 5.8 per cent, while projecting economic growth at 3 per cent. The Manila-based lender noted that easing prices of essential goods were expected to provide some relief to consumers, despite persistent structural challenges in the economy. At a broader…

Apple has rolled out the fourth developer beta of its forthcoming iOS 26 update, introducing subtle refinements to its Liquid Glass interface and reintroducing AI-powered notification summaries for news — a feature previously paused due to concerns over misinformation. The beta release precedes the expected launch of the iOS 26 public beta later this week. Developer betas are typically aimed at giving app developers early access to upcoming software in order to ensure compatibility before the wider public release, expected in the coming months. Among the most notable features in iOS 26 beta 4 is the return of Apple’s AI-driven…

More than 100 aid organisations warned on Wednesday that “mass starvation” was spreading in Gaza ahead of the US top envoy’s visit to Europe for talks on a possible ceasefire and an aid corridor. Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where more than two million people face severe shortages of food and other essentials after 21 months of conflict. The UN said on Tuesday that Israeli forces had killed more than 1,000 Palestinians trying to get food aid since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation started operations in late May…

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory as monsoon rains are forecast to continue across most parts of the country until July 25, warning of heightened risks of flooding, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in northern regions.  Moisture from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, coupled with the influence of low-pressure systems developing in surrounding regions, is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall across the country in the coming days. Image shows weather system forecast for July 23. — NDMA According to the NDMA, there is a significant danger of landslides…

HONG KONG: India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24 this year, its embassy in China said on Wednesday, the first time in five years.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday warned of a possible renewed military campaign against Iran, citing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes. According to a statement released by his office, Katz made the remarks during a high-level situational assessment attended by top Israeli defence and intelligence officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Tamir Yadai, and senior representatives from the Mossad and Shin Bet. The meeting, described as multi-scenario in scope, focused on Israel’s regional security posture, particularly the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Katz reiterated the importance…

US President Donald Trump has announced what he described as a “massive” trade deal with Japan, which includes slashing tariffs on Japanese automobile exports and boosting US access to key sectors such as agriculture and energy. In a statement shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the deal — which he called “perhaps the largest Deal ever made” — would see Japan invest $550 billion into the United States under a new economic arrangement. He claimed the US would receive 90 per cent of the profits from the Japanese investment. “We just completed a massive Deal with…

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Tuesday announced its decision to challenge all recent convictions related to the May 9 riots, calling them legally flawed and politically motivated. The announcement came shortly after the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore handed down 10-year sentences to several PTI leaders, including former Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and ex-minister Mian Mahmoodur Rashid, in the Sherpao Bridge (Pul) vandalism case. The court acquitted six accused, including former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, citing lack of evidence. However, nine others, among them prominent party figures Ijaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Khalid Qayyum, Riaz…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review and enhance security arrangements for Chinese nationals residing and working in Pakistan, especially in the wake of recent security concerns. The meeting, attended by federal and provincial security officials, focused on implementing special protection measures and improving the overall security framework for Chinese citizens across the country. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the prime minister on the comprehensive security strategy currently in place across the country. He said that all provinces and the federal government are working in close coordination to ensure maximum safety for Chinese workers, particularly…

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday delivered its verdict in the high-profile Sherpao Bridge arson and siege case linked to the May 9 violence, acquitting senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi and several others. The verdict was announced by the ATC judge at Kot Lakhpat Jail amid tight security arrangements. , Other key party figures have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms. According to court officials, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Hamza Azeem, and six other accused were acquitted of all charges due to lack of evidence. The court found that the prosecution failed to establish their direct involvement in…