SACRAMENTO, the United States, : Facing economic and policy headwinds, the U.S. solar industry is expected to slow down for both residential and utility-scale segments, dimming the industry’s prospects for leading the country’s power generation charge in the next two years. In its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook report, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecast early this week that solar …

CHONGQING: Southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality has set its regional gross domestic product (GDP) growth target at about 6 percent for 2024, according to the annual session of the municipal people’s congress on Sunday. The city also aims to increase added value of industries above the designated size by 7 percent, investment in fixed assets by 4 percent, and general public …

NANNING: Nearly 50 tonnes of orah mandarins from Guangxi Mingming Orchard Group were loaded onto ship at the Shenzhen Port, south China’s Guangdong Province, and were shipped to Canada on Friday. “Our orah mandarins started being exported to Canada four years ago. At first, it was mainly to supermarkets in the Chinese quarter. Now we have become the direct supplier …

TOKYO: Japan’s core consumer prices rose 3.1 pct in 2023 from the previous year, marking the fastest growth in 41 years, the government has said in a report. The core consumer price index (CPI) for the year, excluding fresh food prices because of their volatility, came in at 105.2 against the 2020 base of 100, with its pace of increase …

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, who is currently on a visit to Islamabad, inaugurated the CPEC Corner at the library of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday. Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister said that as iron brother and trusted friend, China attached special importance to Pakistan in …

DAVOS, Switzerland: The 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos unfolded this week amid hope for a stronger recovery as well as concerns over global crises and risks. Prior to its opening, news came from across the Atlantic: Former U.S. President Donald Trump won the first Republican primary in the 2024 presidential election, fueling up discussions …

ZHENGZHOU: By the end of 2023, the installed renewable energy power generation capacity in central China’s Henan Province had surpassed 67 million kilowatts, overtaking coal power for the first time, according to the latest data from the State Grid Henan Electric Power Company. Henan’s installed renewable energy power generation capacity accounted for 48.7 percent of the province’s total installed power …

Regular exercise has a profound impact on diabetes management. Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, allowing better glucose uptake by cells. It aids weight management, reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes and helping control blood sugar levels in those with the condition. Exercise enhances cardiovascular health, lowering the risk of diabetes-related complications. It also contributes to stress reduction and improved …

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza’s father has reportedly confirmed that she used her right to divorce her former husband Shoaib Malik through a ‘khula’. The Indian news agency, the PTI, quoted Sania’s father Imran Mirza as saying on Saturday that “it was a khula”, which refers to the right of a Muslim woman to unilaterally divorce her husband. Earlier, unconfirmed …

Following the resignation of Zaka Ashraf as a PCB chairman, the former Pakistan cricket team captain Moin Khan has entered the race for the chairmanship of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Sources close to the development reveal that Moin Khan has engaged in discussions with government officials, and is scheduled to visit Islamabad on Monday. It is anticipated that Moin …

Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir has sought leave till his retirement in March 2024, said sources on Saturday. In a letter to the Islamabad High Court and the Ministry of Law and Justice, Judge Muhammad Bashir has sought leave in a letter on the ground of ill health till his retirement in March, sources said. His retirement from service has …

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a report, analyzing Pakistan’s economic situation, painting a picture of mixed progress with promising improvements alongside persistent challenges. Positives: Growth on Track since July 2023: Pakistan’s economic growth rate is projected to remain steady at 2% for the current fiscal year. This stability signifies progress compared to the tumultuous economic rollercoaster the country …

In a recent turn of events, Pakistani cricketer Sarfaraz Ahmed has vehemently denied the circulating reports suggesting his farewell to Pakistan. Speaking exclusively to Samaa Digital, the former captain expressed his disbelief and dismay over the news, asserting that such reports are entirely baseless. “I can’t even think of leaving Pakistan. Confirm before running such fabricated news,” Sarfaraz Ahmed emphasised …

Supreme Court Justice Athar Minallah underscored on Saturday the significance of judicial independence, urging judges not to succumb to fear or panic in the face of criticism. Addressing a gathering of legal professionals and scholars, Justice Athar Minallah stressed that judges must remain independent, regardless of the level of criticism they face. He asserted that the judiciary should be a …

A Nishan-e-Haider Football Championship and talent hunt organized by the Pakistan Army is underway in North Waziristan. The 14-day tournament conducted by the Pakistan Army is being held in Miranshah of North Waziristan wherein 24 teams from the district, including Bannu and Lakki Marwat, are participating. The matches are being held at the Younis Khan Stadium in Miranshah and will …

In a surprising turn of events, renowned Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik has exchanged vows with popular Pakistani actor Sana Javed, adding a new chapter to his personal life. The nuptial ceremony, held on Saturday, January 20, was unveiled to the world through the athlete’s social media accounts. This union comes amidst swirling rumors surrounding Shoaib Malik’s relationship with former Indian …

XI’AN: Amidst sub-zero temperatures, tourists donning traditional Chinese attire, Hanfu, strolled through ancient-style buildings in a vibrant block, happily posing for photographers. Located in the city of Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, this block features elements of Chang’an, the old name for the city when it was the capital of China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907). This lively area provides tourists …

Google recently gave a three-month grace period before shutting down the websites created with the Google Business Profiles. After three months, in March this year, the websites made with Google Business Profiles will be shut down and the customers, visiting the website will be redirected to the business profile. This measure will be effective from March to June 10 and …

An earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale jolted Quetta and its adjoining areas in Balochistan province on Friday. According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the depth of the earthquake was 15 km and the epicenter was 45 km south-east of Harnai. People came out of their homes in panic and started reciting verses from the Holy Quran. Meanwhile, …

BEIJING: Sales of pickup trucks in China rose 10.3 percent year on year in December last year as the country’s consumption promotion policies led to stronger demand, industry data showed. A total of 48,000 pickup trucks were sold in China last month, up 5 percent compared with that of November 2023, according to the China Passenger Car Association. The country’s …

BEIJING: The three taikonauts from China’s Shenzhou-16 crewed mission made their first public appearance in Beijing on Friday, 80 days subsequent to their return from space. The Shenzhou-16 spaceship was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on May 30, 2023, carrying three crew members: Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu, and Gui Haichao. They stayed in orbit for 154 days, during …

SHANGHAI: In 2023, Shanghai’s airports received 440 million export declaration forms of cross-border e-commerce goods, almost treble that of 2022, with a total export value of more than 85 billion yuan (about 12 billion U.S. dollars), said Shanghai Customs. So far this year, airports in Shanghai have recorded a new daily high of such cross-border e-commerce export declarations, hitting around …

ZHENGZHOU: Thirteen students were killed and another one injured in a fire that took place in a school dormitory in the county of Fangcheng, Nanyang City, central China’s Henan Province, on Friday night, according to local authorities Saturday. At 11 p.m. on Friday, the local fire department received an alarm about a fire in a male dormitory of Yingcai School …

ISLAMABAD: The delegation of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan visited the Central Police Office (CPO) here and met with Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Akbar Nasir Khan. The Additional Inspector General of Police, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other senior police officers were also present on the occasion, said a press release issued on Friday. The …

GUANGZHOU: The total installed capacity of offshore wind power in south China’s Guangdong Province has exceeded 10 million kilowatts, able to generate about 30 billion kWh of electricity every year. “Such an installed capacity of offshore wind power can meet the annual electricity consumption demand of 10 million households,” said Liu Zhengfu from the Guangdong branch of China Southern Power …

New Zealand batters Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips scored unbeaten half-centuries to guide their side to a thumping seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the fourth T20 at the Hagley Oval on Friday. New Zealand extended their lead to 4-0 in the series after chasing the 159-run target in 18.1 overs. Pakistan’s captain Shaheen Afridi gave his team the early advantage …

Over 17,800 candidates, including 11,785 independents, are flexing their muscles to try their luck in National and provincial assembly seats in the upcoming general elections in 2024. According to the detailed list of candidates unveiled for the approaching general elections scheduled on February 8, 2024, a total of 5,121 candidates are in the fray for 266 National Assembly seats. Out …

The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Karachi, the largest metropolitan city of Pakistan, becomes the 2nd most polluted city in the world. According to the Air Quality Index, the air pollution in Karachi is recorded at 251 particulate meters which is very unhealthy for the Karachiites. The current air quality status serves as a critical indicator, prompting health-conscious decisions. The …

At least 18 more children die of pneumonia in Punjab during the last 24 hours due to increase in cold weather. As per health department data, 1062 cases of pneumonia were reported during the period with the majority of them being from Lahore. In January alone, 780 cases were reported in Lahore in government hospitals while 4900 pneumonia cases in …

The public sentiment in Pakistan has been robust in support of the country’s response to the recent attack by Iran, with many citizens hailed the decisive military strikes deep inside Iran. Emphasizing the necessity of the response, individuals have praised the Pakistan Army for safeguarding the nation’s integrity and contributing to peace and security. Some citizens have criticized Iran’s actions, …

SHIJIAZHUANG: More than 60,000 birds have been spotted in a nature reserve in north China’s Hebei Province, according to local authorities. During the 2023-2024 water bird monitoring operations conducted recently, the staff spotted 70 species of birds in the Hengshui Lake National Nature Reserve, said Zhang Yuguang with the reserve. The birds include some species under first-class national protection, such …

HARBIN: A wild Siberian tiger has been spotted in a forest area in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, indicating the ongoing improvement of the local ecological environment, according to forest rangers. The footprints and excrement of a suspected Siberian tiger were found by forest rangers during regular patrols at Heping forest farm under the Muling Forestry Bureau Co., Ltd., said ranger …

BEIJING: As the highly anticipated Spring Festival holiday draws near, the “ice city” of Harbin in northeast China is poised to welcome yet another surge of excitement for ice and snow adventures. The city has made a remarkable impact on the tourism market during this year’s ice and snow season, thanks to its rich resources, warm hospitality and extensive visibility …

URUMQI: Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region plans to increase its grain storage capability this year, with new facilities scheduled to be built with a total storage capacity of 500,000 tonnes. The grain output in Xinjiang reached a record high of 20 million tonnes in 2023, an increase of over 3 million tonnes from 2022. The regional food and strategic …

KABUL: Standing in queue for hours to fetch water from the well of a local mosque on the western edge of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, Rajab Rezai whispered with anger that taking potable water requires hours to wait. “There are 10 people in my family and I have to fill eight tins with water for use of drinking, cooking …

WASHINGTON: The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed a short-term spending bill that would extend government funding until March, a few hours after the bill was approved by the Senate, as funding for some federal agencies and programs is set to expire on Saturday. The lower chamber passed the measure by a vote of 314-108 amid opposition from hard-line …

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday expressed deep concern over the recent exchange of military strikes between Iran and Pakistan, which have reportedly caused casualties on both sides, said his spokesman. Guterres urged both countries to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a further escalation of tensions, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement. “The secretary-general underlines that …

The DP World ILT20 season 2, with a galaxy of star-studded teams, takes off from tomorrow January 19 (Friday). This one-month long contest consisting of six teams, is an Emirates Cricket Board’s event, and has a List A status granted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).  On Thursday, team captains and vice captains who assembled at the Dubai International Stadium …

Interesting discourse is going on in the country about the strategic role of the SIFC in the CPEC Phase-II which is indeed a healthy sign to seek more and more inflows of foreign direct investments. The prominent policy makers and key organs/departments of the country are striving hard to create bridges of trust, cooperation, and collaboration among main stakeholders in …

NAIROBI: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s tour of four African countries continues the 34-year tradition of prioritizing Africa for the first overseas visits by Chinese foreign ministers annually. The purpose of Wang’s visit is to implement follow-ups of the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue held last year in Johannesburg, South Africa. China, at the dialogue, made three proposals to support Africa’s industrialization, …