Digital
Digital Pakistan Vision and Challenges
Pakistan is amongst such fortunate countries where youth Population is 60% of the Total Population. This percentage of the regular users of Digital services such as Digital payments or e-Payments, Internet Access and Professionals in Smartphone usage Provides infinite Opportunities to succeed as going digital.
It is the gigantic and innovative initiative taken by Prime Minister Pakistan to upgrade digital Banking infrastructure and easing the conditions or requirements and exhausting paperwork to avail digital services such as e-payments, online transactions and the issuance of credit cards, and their use at Online stores i.e in-store shopping, Fuel fill-up at stations, online utility Bill payments and Universities Fee Payment Gateways, but unfortunately, such easy and instant payment facility is currently available to Elite Business class and involves too much Paperwork, guarantees and regulations.
Government needs to overhaul the whole banking infrastructure and encourage businesses, retailers, Fuel Stations, PIA, Railways ticketing, superstores, schools and colleges to introduce payment gateways and banks should offer credit cards to businessmen and especially to government employees since they will use such services when they run short of funds, falling prey to illegal Interest-based lenders who squeeze them financially and socially.
The innovative digital payments will remove their financial constraints and the funds will be utilized based on a credit limit for 45 to 51 days and the bills can be paid through salaries decreasing chances for collateral damage or any default.
It would be great to boost and promote digital services paving the way for International digital bigwigs i.e. Google, PayPal, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo, Alibaba Group, Alipay, Stripe and Apple to enter Pakistani financial markets specially the PayPal, eBay and Amazon are strongly required by Freelancers and authors to get their Payments processed.
At Present, only Skrill, Payoneer and Traditional IBAN/Swift code or wire transfers are available to Pakistan which is very costly, Time consuming having inflated fees of 10% to 30% plus Bank charges of local Bank to process the amount.
On the other hand, our neighbouring country India has reaped the benefits digital world as the world’s best companies i.e. PayPal, Amazon and Google are serving the country with their innovative digital products and services.
By giving access to these Digital Payment Giants, Pakistan will open doors for Foreign Direct Investment and it will also reduce the heavily demanded Paper currency as People avoid using cash and prefer to use their credit and debit cards at online stores, in-store shopping purposes.
Even Pakistan’s governance Model may go ahead with modernizing and upgrading Reporting system, Complain Management, Receipts and Payments, Public Sector spending through an electronic dashboard that will refresh automatically if any Development related or Public sector transaction takes place. Even governance could improve if governance Model is implemented by imparting pieces of training to Staff, Officers and Officials at Federal, Provincial and District level so that proper reporting channel may be built to ease the complicated process and ensure transparency.
The Sale and Purchase of properties and estate should be digitized and automated so that revenue records may reflect the history of Property owners to do away with any claim or objection. The Ownership certificates, Heirship certificates, Birth Certificates, Domicile, PRC and all other certificates should be generated online through developing softwares, mobile applications of Android or ios devices that will reduce the process and improve the productivity of the Public sector Institutes.
The process of employees’ performance evaluation, superannuation and pension may also be automated so that the entire employment record will be available when they reach their point of promotion, superannuation or drawing pensions. The Personal IDs must be opened online through scale-wise Supervisors i.e. District Accounts Officers, Account Generals of Provinces and Accountant General of Pakistan so that trail may be available to track salary disbursements.
It is a commendable step by law and home departments to automate the Cause lists of the higher and lower judiciary but it must intimate the petitioners and respondents through SMS and email regarding their case status, date of hearing and disposing of the cases.
Furthermore, the process of voter lists should also be automated and Election Commission of Pakistan must make it available to all the citizens to register their vote when they reach at the age of 18 after getting their CNIC/Smart cards or Form B. This will enable district Election Commissioner Offices to enter the data online and consolidate the voter lists.
There should be central directorate of all the departments so that they may have coordination on digital grounds especially the FBR, AGP, Finance Ministry and Departments, Establishment division, cabinet division, NAB and Intelligence Directorates. Digital Pakistan vision will have a great impact to attract Foreign Direct Investment, strengthening of Rupee against Dollar, stabilization of the economy and discouraging paper currency that usually falls heavy upon rupee and due to substantial pressure, the rupee gets devalued and inflation jumps up.
We are too excited after Tanya Aidrus and Baqar’s statements during Digital Pakistan Vision launch and they were very confident that their sacrifices of higher paychecks for the sake of the country are highly appreciable but they will be facing resistance from the stakeholders who have been misusing the manual system for decades and it is an uphill task to compel such elements to adopt and use this digital Endeavour which will choke their corruption stream but may streamline things for the common people.
The other resistance will be from the provinces where PTI is on opposite Benches especially in Sindh and Baluchistan. It will be a big ask and the challenge that the initiated by IT and Telecom Ministry will achieve its desired objectives given the challenges of shortage of IT Skilled Staff and messed up the bureaucratic structure. The government should make the digital literacy a compulsory part in every ministry at Federal, provincial and district level by setting up IT Skill development centres to train the supervisory and office staff so that digital communication infrastructure may be implemented. There is no dearth of talent in our youth but they need support and sponsorship to do wonders.
Moreover, the Government should establish a venture capital firm to support, incubate, accelerate and fund the Startups that will ultimately develop and accelerate the mushrooming growth of big startups.
The entrepreneurship courses must be introduced with help of SMEDA, LUMS, IBA Karachi, IBA, Sukkur, SZabist, NUST, FAST, COMSATS, Virtual University and SDPI so that entrepreneurs may learn to launch their startups successfully to conquer the digital world.
The Startups such as Careem, Bikea, and Rozee.pk are some the great examples of successful Startups. Globally, the Youth after getting their education, start their businesses to create employment but in Pakistan youth after passing Graduation and Masters, start hunting for a job. That is why Pakistan has a high level of Unemployment as youth avoid entering the entrepreneurship since they lack skills, training and financial resources. Punjab IT Board has done a tremendous job by incubating, funding and accelerating startups in public sector under the Plan9 and PlanX programs but it should be followed by all the Provinces so the proper Startup culture could be developed.
Higher Education Commission, IT Boards, Technical Education, Intermediate education boards should promote digital Pakistan vision by introducing governance, payment solutions and fund the Ideas at School and college level.
It is a good sign that Online shopping Sites have experienced a mushrooming growth but mostly they accept the traditional Cash On Delivery Model (COD) which often causes losses if the customer returns the product or unavailable or Unwilling to receive the product.
Epayments ensure that product is shipped to the target buyer or customer who needs it. Though some Online shopping sites such as Popular Daraz.pk and Yayvo.com have started accepting Credit/Debit Cards issued by Pakistani Banks but still the number transactions is very low owing to hassles involved in getting credit cards from the banks.
At present, Only a few banks are issuing Credit Cards with Online Transactions and Point of Sale (POS) Transactions that include Standard Chartered Bank, unfortunately, limited to big cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Other one include Bank Al Falah which issues Credit Cards on quick processing lasting for 10 to 20 days.
Silk Bank is also the favourite bank of many customers who are interested in digital Transactions. Silk Bank offers a wide range of Credit Cards as per Income Levels of customers. UBL is also offering credit cards but it has too many conditions and terms.
Besides, these banks there other banks that are issuing credit cards such as HBL, MCB, ABL, Faisal Bank, Askari bank and JS banks. The average interest or Mark up charged 40% which is very high as compared to other countries. The government especially state Bank of Pakistan must direct the public and Private banks to lower the markup ratio and ease the conditions to avail this facility especially suited to salaried class and Businessmen.
In Big cities, credit cards are issued instantly by Commercial Banks to the salaried Employees of Government and Companies but in small cities, the untrained and local managers avoid issuing credit cards to customers since it involves risks of recovery or payment of credit Bill.
I have personally visited many banks where I maintain my bank account, but regrettably, all the managers expressed their inability or forbade to get Credit Cards since it is very costly and you cannot be issued credit cards in small cities.
Well, one will surely experience such embarrassment and inconvenience at the hands of Non-Professional Managers who are picked to only raise the deposits whereas the quality of service is compromised at the hands of such amateurs.
Therefore, Ms Tanya Aidrus head Digital Pakistan Vision and her team at Digital Pakistan Initiative will have to work out to appease the stakeholders to achieve the desired goals set as per the tenure of PTI so that Pakistanis may reap the benefits from this digital world.
To achieve this goal, the portfolio of IT and Telecom ministry must be given to a professional who should be well versed in IT and telecom preferably a Computer science or IT Graduate to pilot this project to achieve the goals in given clear framework.
There is also a big concern regarding inflated Taxes levied upon the business community which need to be reduced if they use Digital currency since Digital Currency will enable FBR to track payments and appraise the financial strength of the Individuals.
The e-Currency spectrum will help reduce the crime rate, tax evasion, hoarding of money as People will use credit cards and digital wallets such as PayPal, Ali Pay, Google pay those can easily be tracked and monitored through digital systems,
In a world where safety and security are paramount, the role of technology in enabling critical collaboration between public safety entities and enterprises cannot be overstated. Motorola Solutions, a global leader in mission-critical communication solutions, has once again been recognized for its innovative contributions. Fast Company’s prestigious list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024 includes Motorola Solutions, highlighting the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of safety and security technologies.
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Motorola Solutions: A Pioneer in Safety and Security Technologies
Motorola Solutions has a rich history of innovation dating back to its inception. With a focus on developing cutting-edge communication solutions for public safety agencies, enterprises, and other critical industries, the company has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancements. From two-way radios to advanced software solutions, Motorola Solutions has continuously evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.
Fast Company’s Recognition: A Testament to Innovation
Being named to Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies is a significant achievement for Motorola Solutions. This recognition not only acknowledges the company’s past successes but also highlights its ongoing commitment to driving innovation in the safety and security sector. By enabling critical collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises, Motorola Solutions is playing a crucial role in enhancing overall safety and security measures.
The Impact of Motorola Solutions’ Technologies
Motorola Solutions’ safety and security technologies have had a profound impact on how organizations approach critical communication and collaboration. By providing reliable and secure communication solutions, the company has helped streamline operations, improve response times, and enhance overall situational awareness. Whether it’s during emergencies, natural disasters, or day-to-day operations, Motorola Solutions’ technologies have proven to be indispensable for those tasked with ensuring public safety.
Enabling Collaboration: Bridging the Gap Between Public Safety and Enterprises
One of the key strengths of Motorola Solutions’ technologies is their ability to facilitate seamless collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises. By breaking down communication barriers and enabling real-time information sharing, these solutions empower organizations to work together more effectively during emergencies and other critical situations. This level of collaboration is essential for creating safer and more secure environments for everyone involved.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Safety and Security
As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the role of companies like Motorola Solutions in shaping the future of safety and security becomes increasingly important. By staying at the forefront of innovation and embracing emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing, Motorola Solutions is poised to continue driving positive change in the safety and security landscape. The company’s commitment to excellence and its focus on enabling critical collaboration will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of safety and security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Motorola Solutions’ inclusion in Fast Company’s list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2024 is a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of safety and security technologies. By enabling critical collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises, Motorola Solutions is not only driving innovation but also making a tangible impact on the safety and security of communities worldwide. As we look to the future, it is clear that companies like Motorola Solutions will continue to play a vital role in shaping a safer and more secure world for all.
Digital
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Unveiling the Enhanced Pixel Experience with the New Pixel Launcher Update in Response to Digital Markets Act
Introduction
In response to the Digital Markets Act, Google has released a major update for its Pixel phones, namely the Google Pixel 8 Pro, amid the ever-evolving world of technology and law. The user experience has been altered with this update, primarily concentrating on the home screen with the redesigned Pixel launcher. Let’s examine this clever new feature’s specifics and ramifications.
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Understanding the Digital Markets Act
The Digital Markets Act is a legislative initiative impacting users within the European Union. It aims to regulate large tech companies’ behaviour, including Google, to ensure fair competition and protect consumers’ interests. While currently affecting EU users, other countries like the U.S., U.K., and beyond are closely monitoring these developments for potential adoption of similar laws.
Evolution of Google Pixel Experience
Google’s Pixel phones have been known for their clean Android experience and timely updates. With each iteration, Google strives to enhance user satisfaction by introducing new features and improvements. The Pixel 8 Pro continues this tradition by refining the user interface with a focus on the home screen.
Unveiling the New Pixel Launcher
The centrepiece of this update is the Pixel launcher, which serves as the gateway to the phone’s functionalities. The new launcher offers a more intuitive and personalized experience, catering to users’ preferences and habits. From enhanced customization options to improved organization features, users can expect a seamless interaction with their device.
Key Features of the Updated Pixel Launcher
- Enhanced Personalization: Users can now customize their home screen layout, widgets, and app icons to reflect their unique style and needs.
- Smart Suggestions: The launcher intelligently predicts apps and actions based on usage patterns, streamlining daily tasks for increased efficiency.
- Improved Organization: With better categorization of apps and notifications, users can easily navigate through their digital ecosystem without clutter.
- Integration with Google Services: Seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem enhances productivity and connectivity across devices.
Implications for Users
The updated Pixel launcher not only elevates the user experience but also aligns with regulatory requirements set forth by the Digital Markets Act. By offering more control and transparency over data usage and app recommendations, Google aims to foster trust among users while complying with evolving regulatory standards.
Future Outlook
As governments worldwide observe the impact of the Digital Markets Act on tech giants like Google, discussions around similar regulations are gaining momentum. The proactive approach taken by Google in updating its Pixel phones sets a precedent for other companies to adapt to changing regulatory landscapes while prioritizing user satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the introduction of the new Pixel launcher in the Google Pixel 8 Pro marks a significant step towards enhancing user experience and complying with regulatory frameworks like the Digital Markets Act. By embracing innovation and user-centric design, Google continues to set benchmarks in the smartphone industry while navigating complex legal landscapes with agility and foresight.
By combining technological advancements with regulatory compliance, Google paves the way for a more transparent and user-friendly digital future.
Andrew Kang, co-founder of Mechanism Capital, has acquired the original Pepe NFT for an undisclosed amount in a Sotheby’s sale. The NFT was last sold for a staggering $3.5 million in October 2021. The purchase of the original Pepe NFT by Kang has created a buzz in the crypto community, with many speculating on the significance of the purchase.
Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character created by artist Matt Furie, became an internet sensation in the early 2000s. The Pepe NFT was created in 2016 as a digital representation of the character and quickly gained popularity in the crypto world. The purchase of the original Pepe NFT is significant as it is considered a piece of internet history and a symbol of the early days of NFTs.
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Key Takeaways
- Andrew Kang, co-founder of Mechanism Capital, has acquired the original Pepe NFT for an undisclosed amount in a Sotheby’s sale.
- The Pepe NFT is considered a piece of internet history and a symbol of the early days of NFTs.
- Kang’s acquisition of the original Pepe NFT has created a buzz in the crypto community.
Andrew Kang’s Acquisition
Mechanism Capital co-founder Andrew Kang recently made an undisclosed purchase of the original Pepe NFT from 3AC estate in Sotheby’s sale. The NFT was last sold for $3.5 million in October 2021.
Mechanism Capital’s Involvement
Mechanism Capital is a cryptocurrency investment firm that manages a portfolio of digital assets. Andrew Kang is one of the co-founders of the firm, and his acquisition of the original Pepe NFT demonstrates the firm’s interest in investing in the NFT market.
Sotheby’s Sale Details
The original Pepe NFT was sold by 3AC estate in Sotheby’s sale, which is a well-known auction house for fine art and other collectibles. The sale was held in October 2021, and the NFT was reportedly purchased for $3.5 million at the time.
Andrew Kang’s acquisition of the original Pepe NFT highlights the growing interest in NFTs and their potential as an investment vehicle. The purchase also demonstrates the increasing involvement of cryptocurrency investment firms in the NFT market.
Historical Context of Pepe NFT
Pepe NFT is a digital asset that gained popularity in the crypto art world due to its unique and humorous design. The character, Pepe the Frog, was created by artist Matt Furie in 2005 as part of his comic series, Boy’s Club. However, the character was later adopted by certain online communities and became associated with controversial political movements.
In recent years, Pepe NFTs have become highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. The original Pepe NFT was created by Furie in 2015 and was sold in an auction for $1,025 in 2016. Since then, the value of Pepe NFTs has skyrocketed, with some fetching millions of dollars in sales.
Previous Sale in October 2021
The Pepe NFT that Andrew Kang recently purchased was last sold for $3.5 million in October 2021. The sale was conducted by Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house that has been actively involved in the sale of NFTs. The auction was part of a larger sale by 3AC Estate, a crypto art collection managed by the venture firm, 3AC.
The sale of the Pepe NFT generated significant buzz in the crypto art community, with many speculating that it could break previous records for NFT sales. The final price of the NFT was not disclosed, but it is believed to have sold for a substantial amount.
Overall, the sale of the original Pepe NFT highlights the growing interest in crypto art and the potential for significant financial gains for collectors and investors. As the market for NFTs continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how prices and demand for these digital assets change over time.
The Significance of NFT Purchases
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have been making headlines in the art world and beyond. These digital assets use blockchain technology to verify ownership and authenticity, creating a new market for unique and collectible items. The purchase of the original Pepe NFT by Andrew Kang is just one example of the growing interest in this emerging field.
One significant aspect of NFT purchases is the potential for artists to earn more money from their work. With traditional art sales, artists often receive only a fraction of the final sale price. However, with NFTs, artists can receive a percentage of each subsequent sale, providing a new revenue stream and a way to protect their intellectual property.
Another important factor is the role of NFTs in the broader digital economy. As more transactions move online, NFTs offer a way to create scarcity and value in a digital space. This has implications for everything from gaming to social media, as creators and users seek ways to monetize their content.
Overall, the purchase of the original Pepe NFT by Andrew Kang highlights the growing interest and potential of NFTs in the art world and beyond. As the technology continues to evolve and gain traction, it will be interesting to see how it transforms the way we think about ownership, value, and creativity in the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the original Pepe NFT?
The original Pepe NFT is considered a significant piece of digital art history and is widely recognized as the first-ever rare Pepes NFT. The Pepes NFTs were created in 2016 as a parody of the popular internet meme, Pepe the Frog. The original Pepe NFT is a one-of-a-kind piece of art that has been highly sought after by collectors in the NFT community.
Who is Andrew Kang and what is his association with Mechanism Capital?
Andrew Kang is a co-founder of Mechanism Capital, a cryptocurrency investment firm. He is a well-known figure in the NFT community and has been actively involved in NFT investments and collections. Kang’s purchase of the original Pepe NFT highlights his interest in acquiring rare and significant pieces of digital art.
How does the sale of the original Pepe NFT reflect on the current NFT market trends?
The sale of the original Pepe NFT for an undisclosed sum highlights the growing demand for rare and unique NFTs. The NFT market has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with high-profile sales and auctions attracting significant attention from investors and collectors. The sale of the original Pepe NFT is a testament to the growing interest in NFTs as a viable investment opportunity.
What was the previous sale price of the original Pepe NFT, and how does it compare to the latest sale?
The original Pepe NFT was last sold for $3.5 million in October 2021. The latest sale price of the NFT has not been disclosed. However, the fact that the NFT was sold for an undisclosed sum suggests that it was likely sold for a higher price than the previous sale.
What role did Sotheby’s play in the sale of the original Pepe NFT from the 3AC estate?
Sotheby’s, the well-known auction house, facilitated the sale of the original Pepe NFT from the 3AC estate. The auction house has been actively involved in the sale of high-profile NFTs, including the sale of the world’s first NFT artwork by Beeple for $69 million in March 2021. Sotheby’s involvement in the sale of the original Pepe NFT highlights the growing interest in NFTs among traditional art collectors and investors.
Can you explain the impact of high-profile NFT sales on the digital art community?
High-profile NFT sales have had a significant impact on the digital art community, bringing increased attention and recognition to the medium. The sale of high-profile NFTs has also led to increased demand for digital art, with artists and collectors alike looking to capitalize on the growing interest in the medium. The sale of the original Pepe NFT is just one example of the impact that NFTs are having on the wider art world, as traditional art collectors and investors begin to take notice of the potential of this emerging asset class.
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