PPP MPs take govt to task on slow internet speed PPP legislators came hard on government over slow speed of internet and also the closure of social media platform X Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja tables digital Pakistan bill in the National Assembly on December 16, 2024. — Screengrab via National Assembly of Pakistan/YouTube ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja told the National Assembly that national secaurity was the top priority and they have to strengthen the cyber security to prevent cyber-attacks, data leakage and digital strikes from hostile elements and states. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); “The cybersecurity of citizens, entities and institutions becomes of paramount significance and in addition, it is of utmost importance to protect the data of its citizens, entities, as well as blocking websites having objectionable and offensive material under the laws of Pakistan,” she said in response to concern of legislators over the slow speed of internet and closure of social media platform ‘X’ during the Question-Hour in the National Assembly on Wednesday. Shaza stated that the government strives to take all possible steps to safeguard cyberspace as well as protect against objectionable and offensive material, as has been done by previous governments in line with obligations of the government as per restrictions imposed under Article 19. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) legislators came hard on the government over the slow speed of internet and also the closure of social media platform X. PPP’s Shazia Marri said it was funny that the Digital Nation Bill was brought at such an internet speed, and the firewalls have become deaf to the listeners. Marri said the situation of the government’s measures was ridiculous, the internet was shut down in the country and they were bringing the Digital Pakistan Bill. “We are not against social media but against its misuse. For what those who do not misuse social media are being punished,” she questioned. Abdul Qadir Patel said that he had never seen such destruction of the internet, neither X was running, nor voice notes were opening and no pictures were being uploaded, adding that business and children’s education were being damaged. Responding to the questions, the minister said X was closed due to security concerns on the advice of Interior Ministry. She said that there was no question of restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of speech, X was used by around 2 percent of people in Pakistan. Shaza said if the government was interested in restricting the freedom of speech, it would have banned Facebook and TikTok, which were most popular and used in Pakistan. Shaza, however, acknowledged some challenges to users’ experience because of the internet congestion and limited spectrum availability. The minister said average internet speed had improved by 28 percent, while usage of mobile phones surged to 24 percent. She added that IT exports in November this year increased by 25 percent. She further said that Pakistan’s internet runs at 274 megahertz, which provides limited accessibility and the government is trying to enhance spectrum density to the level of top 10 regional countries. She added that four more under-sea cables would be laid down in the next two years to improve internet connectivity and speed. Efforts were also being made to enhance investment in the telecom sector, she said. In a reply to legislator Zahra Waood Fatemi concerning the closure of social media platform X, Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that in pursuance of the Ministry of Interior direction dated 17th February 2024, PTA has blocked access to X under Rule (57) of the Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online content (procedure, Oversight, Safeguard) Rules, 2021. She stated that the communication plan/updates on this ban are being handled by the Interior Ministry. She told the National Assembly that the auction of 5G spectrum would be held in April 2025. In reply to a question from Shakir Bashir Awan, the minister told the House that Pakistan’s IT & IT-enabled Services (ITeS) sector was making a significant contribution to exports and foreign exchange earnings. She stated that remittances inflow from telecommunications, computer and information services surged to the highest-ever exports of $3.223 billion by the ICT (information and communication technology) industry in the fiscal year 2023-24. She further stated that a trade surplus of $2.827 billion, the highest in all services (87.71 percent of total ICT export remittances) was achieved by the IT & ITeS industry during FY2023-24, an increase of 22.31 percent as compared to a trade surplus of $2.297 billion during the last year (FY2022-23). “This is particularly noteworthy as the Pakistan services sector had a trade deficit of $2.313 billion during FY2023-24 indicating a higher import of services compared to exports,” she said. The minister stated that ICT sector exports of $3.223 billion were the highest among all services (41.29 percent of the total export of services) with ‘Other Business Services’ trailing at $1.55 billion.Tesla’s sales of electric cars have stalled. But Wall Street investors don’t seem to be worried. The company’s share price has risen 90% since early November as investors have taken an optimistic view of the company’s progress in autonomous driving and bet that its CEO, Elon Musk, will use his new influence in Washington to Tesla’s benefit. The increase in the value of Musk’s 13% stake in Tesla has cemented his status as the richest person on the planet. After spending more than $250 million to support Donald Trump, he has become so close to the president-elect that some people have begun referring to him as “co-president.” Still, stagnant sales at Tesla do not bode well for the company or for overall sales of electric vehicles, which are seen as an essential tool against climate change. While carmakers like General Motors and Hyundai are offering a growing selection of electric vehicles, Tesla still accounts for almost half of all electric car sales in the United States and sets the tone for technology. Related Story: Musk Is Largely Silent on Tesla Sales Musk has been vocal about many topics on X, the social platform he owns. He regularly discusses government spending he believes is wasteful, immigrants he blames for crime and his conviction that “woke mind virus is one of the biggest threats to the existence of humanity.” But he is largely silent about plans to revive Tesla’s sales, providing few details about a new budget-priced car that may sell for as little as $25,000. The company has promised to begin selling a more affordable vehicle by mid-2025 to bring electric driving within reach of the middle class. Tesla and Musk did not respond to requests for comment. Some analysts wonder whether he has lost interest in cars as he juggles numerous other activities. They include X; SpaceX, the federal government’s main rocket contractor; and his role as co-head of a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, which will advise Trump on slashing federal spending. Musk has not shown the same level of dedication to carmaking that he did in 2018 when Tesla was struggling to mass-produce the Model 3 and he slept at the factory, said Kenneth Boyer, a professor of business at Ohio State University. “He was all in,” said Boyer, whose recent book, “The Electric Vehicle Revolution: Five Visionaries Leading the Charge,” includes a chapter on Musk. “The question now is, what is Elon committed to, or is he spread too thin?” Related Story: Tesla to Release Sales Figures Tesla is about to release its sales figures for the last three months of 2024. Data and estimates available so far indicate that its sales have fallen in all of its major markets. In the United States, Tesla sales will be down around 6% in 2024, a bigger decline than any carmaker except the troubled Stellantis, according to estimates by Cox Automotive. Tesla will end the year with 633,000 cars sold in the United States, Cox expects, giving it a 4% share of the total car market. Sales of Teslas may have spiked toward the end of the year as buyers rushed to take advantage of federal tax credits, worth up to $7,500, that Trump and Republicans in Congress may repeal or slash. In the European Union, Tesla sales through November fell 15% from a year earlier, to 211,000 cars, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. Tesla sales also slipped in China, the world’s largest car market. It was inevitable that Tesla, a pioneer in battery-powered cars, would lose market share as other carmakers introduced more such models. Until a few years ago, Tesla had the market largely to itself. Now, it faces stiff competition from the likes of BYD in China, Volkswagen and BMW in Europe, and GM, Ford Motor Co. and others in the United States. But Tesla’s situation appears to be more concerning. Its sales are falling even as the overall market for electric vehicles grows, rising 25% through November globally, according to Rho Motion, a research firm. Related Story: Investors Hope for a Cheaper Tesla Model Some investors hope that a new, cheaper Tesla could supercharge sales. The least expensive Tesla, the Model 3 sedan, starts at $42,500 in the United States before government incentives. A $25,000 Tesla would make electric cars accessible to many more buyers. The average sales price for electric vehicles currently on the market is more than twice that. “The idea of Tesla being able to open up the market to a wider range of buyers with an even more affordable option than the Model 3 — that is what has investors most excited,” said Ben Rose, president of Battle Road Research, who expects Tesla shares to outperform the broader stock market. But Rose acknowledged, “This seems to be the product that Elon Musk is least excited about.” Tesla has not displayed a prototype or revealed much information about a lower-cost vehicle’s price or performance. That contrasts with the company’s Cybertruck, a futuristic pickup that Tesla unveiled in 2019, four years before it went on sale. Aside from the Cybertruck, which starts at $80,000, Tesla has not introduced a completely new vehicle since the Model Y SUV in 2020. (Tesla did begin selling an updated version of the Model 3 this year.) Early indications are that the angular, stainless steel Cybertruck does not have broad enough appeal or a low enough price to revive the company’s overall sales. Tesla sold 28,000 Cybertrucks through September, according to Cox, making it the best-selling electric pickup in the United States. But the company sells only a tenth as many Cybertrucks as it does the Model Y, Tesla’s most popular vehicle. Car shoppers are yearning for less expensive electric vehicles. Used Model 3s priced around $25,000 are among the fastest-selling vehicles on CarGurus.com, said Kevin Roberts, director of economic and market intelligence at the online sales site. “When the price comes down, the interest is there,” he said. — This article originally appeared in . By Jack Ewing/Loren Elliott c. 2024 The New York Times Company

Mullins (3), Tierney-Martin, Boyle (2), Cordero Carty (2), Naughton (2) Stavile, Fusco Da Re The Italian visitors were first on the scoreboard with a try from Bautista Stavile Bravin try before Connacht seized control. Chay Mullins went over twice on his Connacht debut and Dylan Tierney-Martin added a third try to help the Irish side to a 17-5 lead at the break. Tries from Paul Boyle, Mullins and Santiago Cordero stretched Connacht's advantage in the second half. Alessandro Fusco touched down for Zebre's second try before Boyle completed his double late in the game. Connacht had the wind at their backs in the first half but Zebre were rewarded for their early pressure as Stavile Bravin went over at the corner on six minutes. The conditions were tough for kickers - Giovanni Montemauri missed the conversion and a penalty. Mullins also touched down in the corner for his opener and added a converted try six minutes later. Tierney-Martin went over from a lineout maul before Zebre's Rusiate Nasove was yellow-carded before the interval. Boyle, who was notching up his 100th Connacht appearance, sealed the bonus point by going over from a scrum. Mullins brought up his hat-trick and Cordero also touched down before Fusco took Zebre into double figures. Boyle completed the try-scoring on a night when Jack Carty and Sean Naughton each kicked two conversions for the hosts. Jennings; Mullins, Hawkshaw, Forde, Cordero; Carty, Blade; Duggan, Tierney-Martin, Aungier; Murray, Dowling; Murphy, Hurley-Langton, Boyle. De Buitlear, Lasisi, Barrett, O'Connor, McCormack, Devine, Naughton, Ralston. Montemauri; Bozzoni, Drago, Lucchin, Gesi; Da Re, Dominguez; Buonfiglio, Bigi (capt), Hasa; Canali, Krumov; Milano, Stavile Bravin, Ferrari. Ribaldi, Rizzoli, Nocera, Nasove, Andreani, Fusco, Bianchi, Gregory.World number one Luke Humphries retained his Players Championship Finals title with an 11-7 victory over teenager Luke Littler in Minehead. Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”

Littler threatened to overturn an early deficit but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. World number one Luke Humphries retained his Players Championship Finals title with an 11-7 victory over teenager Luke Littler in Minehead. Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”

Las Vegas Grand Prix Puts Luxury on Overdrive and Delivers High-Octane Hospitality

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--dez 18, 2024-- A GC Aesthetics® (GCA), uma empresa privada de tecnologia médica que fornece soluções estéticas e de reconstrução para os mercados globais de saúde, tem o orgulho de anunciar o início de um importante estudo clínico multicêntrico e prospectivo na Europa para avaliar e confirmar a segurança, a eficácia e a satisfação das pacientes com o inovador implante mamário redondo opaco e liso PERLETM. Este comunicado de imprensa inclui multimédia. Veja o comunicado completo aqui: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218802886/pt/ GC Aesthetics' Perle Breast Implant feature a proprietary surface technology (BioQTM) and GCA’s industry-leading gel technology (EmunomicTM Breast Tissue Dynamic Gel). (Photo: Business Wire) Esse amplo estudo reúne os principais cirurgiões do NHS e de clínicas particulares do Reino Unido, como também de consultórios particulares de toda a Europa, garantindo um conjunto sólido e diversificado de dados que aborda indicações cosméticas e reconstrutivas. “Gerando evidências clínicas de alta qualidade, nosso objetivo é fornecer informações incomparáveis sobre o desempenho e os benefícios para os pacientes do implante PERLETM, estabelecendo um novo padrão para a tecnologia de implantes mamários e o cuidado com os pacientes”, disse Chris Brotherston, chefe de Garantia da Qualidade / Assuntos Regulatórios e Assuntos Clínicos da GC Aesthetics. O PERLETM é uma linha altamente inovadora de implantes mamários lisos e opacos que apresenta uma tecnologia de superfície proprietária (BioQTM), a tecnologia de gel líder do setor da GCA (EmunomicTM Breast Tissue Dynamic Gel), além de uma versão aprimorada dos recursos de segurança que sustentam o excelente histórico de segurança de longo prazo da GCA. “O PERLETM é um implante único e inovador, e dados de longo prazo sobre segurança e eficácia ajudarão pacientes e clínicos a tomar decisões informadas com confiança. O estudo PERLETM envolve uma coleta sólida e extensa de dados com um grande tamanho amostral”, comentou a Sra. Nabila Nasir, cirurgiã consultora de mama e oncoplástica MBBS, BSc, FRCS. Compromisso estratégico com a inovação e soluções baseadas em evidências “Este estudo demonstra a abordagem da GCA para crescimento sustentável e criação de valor por meio de inovação clinicamente validada. Os resultados não apenas fortalecerão nosso portfólio de produtos, mas também reforçarão a reputação da GCA por entregar soluções de alta qualidade, seguras e centradas no paciente. Ao investir em pesquisa clínica rigorosa e de longo prazo, a GCA continua se posicionando como um parceiro confiável para prestadores de cuidados de saúde e mulheres ao redor do mundo”, concluiu Carlos Reis Pinto, CEO da GC Aesthetics. Como parte do foco estratégico da GCA em inovação e avanços clínicos baseados em evidências, esse estudo destaca o compromisso de atender às necessidades em evolução de pacientes e cirurgiões em todas as partes do mundo. O texto no idioma original deste anúncio é a versão oficial autorizada. As traduções são fornecidas apenas como uma facilidade e devem se referir ao texto no idioma original, que é a única versão do texto que tem efeito legal. Ver a versão original em businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218802886/pt/ CONTACT: Fara Naomi Macias Diretora de Marketing - GCA faramacias@gcaesthetics.com press@gcaesthetics.com KEYWORD: EUROPE IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM INDUSTRY KEYWORD: WOMEN SURGERY HEALTH MEDICAL DEVICES HEALTH TECHNOLOGY CONSUMER CLINICAL TRIALS OTHER HEALTH SOURCE: GC Aesthetics Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/18/2024 05:54 PM/DISC: 12/18/2024 05:54 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241218802886/pt( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Smart Lighting Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 19, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! The smart lighting market size seems to be accelerating at a rapid pace. It is projected to grow from $15.55 billion in 2023 to $18.37 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 18.1%. Such growth during the historical period can be ascribed to factors such as an increase in voice assistant devices, robust economic expansion in emerging markets, low-interest rates, increase in internet penetration, and high investments. What is the expected market size of the global Smart Lightning Market? The smart lighting market size is poised to experience exponential growth in the coming years. It is forecasted to reach $38.55 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 20.4%. The acceleration in growth during the forecast period can be attributed to rising investments in energy-efficient infrastructure, the evolution of smart cities, favorable government initiatives, and the broadening scope of the internet of things IoT. For a glimpse into this promising market, click on the link to access our sample report: What are the crucial factors driving the expansion of the Smart Lightning Market? Government support in developed and developing economies is a major driver of the smart lighting market. The growing uptake of smart lighting in emerging markets is further supported by the rise in disposable incomes, regulatory advocacy for using energy-efficient lights, and the amalgamation of advanced technologies. A smart lighting system assures significant cost savings and lower energy consumption. For example, in December 2021, according to a report released by the Government of India, Ministry of Power, projects worth $4.12 billion Rs. 30,904 crore were approved under the Integrated Power Development Scheme IPDS, enhancing the demand for smart lights and thus propelling the smart lighting market. Here is the complete overview of the Smart Lighting Market: Who are the key players influencing the growth of the Smart Lighting Market? Prominent companies operating in the smart lighting market include Schneider Electric SA, Cisco Systems Inc., Honeywell Inc., Signify Holding, Eaton, Legrand S.A, Acuity Brands Inc., Wipro, Zumtobel Group AG, OSRAM GmbH, among others. These players are increasingly focusing on manufacturing Wi-Fi enabled LED bulbs, adopting LiFi technology for high-speed two-way wireless workplace communications, and investing in Human-Centric Lighting HCL for optimizing building efficiency for resident protection and safety. What are the emerging trends in the Smart Lighting Market? The adoption of Li-Fi Light Fidelity network is a significant trend in the smart lighting market. Li-Fi is a wireless optical networking technology that employs light-emitting diodes LEDs for data transmission. The Li-Fi bulbs, equipped with a small chip, modulate the light used for data transmission, enabling data transfers at speeds up to 224 gigabits per second. How is the Smart Lighting Market segmented? The smart lighting market segmentation is as follows: 1 By Product: Smart Bulbs, Fixtures, Lighting Controls 2 By Light Source: LED, HID, Other Light Sources 3 By Communication Technology: Wired, Wireless 4 By Application: Commercial, Government, Residential, Other Applications What is the regional outlook of the Smart Lighting Market? North America was the largest region in the smart lighting market in 2023, followed by Western Europe. The report covers multiple regions including Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa. Browse Through More Similar Reports By The Business Research Company: Electric Lighting Equipment Global Market Report 2024 Smart Home Devices Global Market Report 2024 Automotive Light Emitting Diode (LED) Bulbs Global Market Report 2024 About The Business Research Company Learn More About The Business Research Company. With over 15000+ reports from 27 industries covering 60+ geographies, The Business Research Company has built a reputation for offering comprehensive, data-rich research and insights. Armed with 1,500,000 datasets, the optimistic contribution of in-depth secondary research, and unique insights from industry leaders, you can get the information you need to stay ahead in the game. Contact us at: The Business Research Company: Americas +1 3156230293 Asia +44 2071930708 Europe +44 2071930708 Email us at ... 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