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Newsdesk

Chinese firm unveils rocket-boosted concept car with extreme acceleration

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Chinese firm unveils

Chinese technology company Dreame Technology has introduced a striking concept vehicle that combines electric mobility with rocket booster propulsion, delivering extraordinary acceleration performance.

The vehicle, named Nebula Next 01 Jet Edition, was showcased in the United States and features a dual rocket booster system, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 0.9 seconds an achievement rarely seen in conventional automotive engineering.

Known primarily for manufacturing smart home appliances such as vacuum cleaners, Dreame announced its entry into the automotive sector in August 2025.

The company revealed that aerospace-grade technology has been integrated into the concept car, allowing response times as fast as 150 milliseconds.

According to the company, the propulsion system is designed to maintain a balance between high performance and safety.

The electric vehicle is equipped with an advanced all-solid-state battery capable of delivering a range of up to 550 kilometers on a single charge, offering improved energy efficiency compared to traditional lithium-based batteries.

Additionally, the car incorporates a LiDAR system with a detection range of up to 600 meters, significantly enhancing its ability to identify obstacles and reduce collision risks.

Dreame clarified that the Nebula Next 01 Jet Edition remains a concept vehicle and is not currently intended for commercial production or sale.

Prolonged power outages hit Karachi amid intense heatwave

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Prolonged power

KARACHI: Residents of Karachi continue to face severe hardship as both scheduled and unscheduled load shedding persists during the ongoing heatwave.

In several parts of the city, the duration of announced power outages has exceeded 12 hours, while many neighborhoods are also experiencing extended periods of unannounced electricity cuts, compounding public frustration.

Areas including Garden, Lyari, North Karachi, New Karachi, Malir, Korangi, and Orangi have been subjected to prolonged outages, with additional reports of load shedding from Manghopir, Surjani, Sohrab Goth, Baldia Town, and Malir.

Even traditionally exempt areas are now witnessing hours-long unscheduled outages, raising concerns over the reliability of the power supply system.

The situation has also disrupted academic preparations, as students preparing for matriculation and intermediate examinations struggle to cope with the lack of electricity amid extreme temperatures.

PM extends fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, public and goods transport

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PM extends fuel

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to extend the fuel subsidy for motorcyclists, public transport, and goods carriers for another month, ensuring continued relief for economically vulnerable segments of society.

The prime minister also directed authorities to prevent any increase in passenger fares and freight charges, aiming to shield the public from the ripple effects of rising fuel costs.

Emphasizing the importance of effective implementation, PM Shehbaz instructed officials to ensure strict monitoring of public relief measures.

He noted that the federal government, in collaboration with provincial administrations, has already delivered a multi-billion-rupee national relief package for the common man and will continue to provide support to the maximum possible extent.

He reiterated that providing relief to ordinary citizens remains the government’s top priority, adding that the public will not be left alone under any circumstances.

The prime minister also expressed hope for an early improvement in the regional situation to help stabilize petroleum prices.

It is worth noting that the prime minister had earlier announced a subsidy of Rs100 per litre on up to 20 litres of petrol per month for motorcyclists.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also confirmed that the provincial fuel subsidy for motorcycle owners will continue. He stated that beneficiaries in Sindh can keep availing the additional support provided by the provincial government.

The subsidy scheme, which was set to expire, has now been extended. Previously, the Sindh government had been providing Rs2,000 per month per motorcycle to offset the impact of rising fuel prices.

Pakistan Navy commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China

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Pakistan Navy

The Pakistan Navy marked a major milestone with the commissioning of its first Hangor-class submarine in China, in a ceremony attended by Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan, as the chief guest.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari described the commissioning of the Hangor submarine as a historic step in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization journey.

He emphasized that Pakistan possesses the full capability to defend its sovereignty, safeguard maritime interests, and protect vital economic corridors.

Speaking at the event, Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that disruptions to key sea lanes pose serious risks to global trade and energy supply.

He noted that the Hangor-class submarines will play a crucial role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of critical maritime trade routes in the Arabian Sea.

The Naval Chief also recalled that during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the earlier Hangor submarine made history by becoming the first submarine since World War II to sink a naval vessel.

He added that the new Hangor-class submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art air-independent propulsion systems, advanced sonar technologies, stealth features, and extended underwater endurance.

ISPR stated that the commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine represents a new chapter in the longstanding and deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the country’s top military leadership extended congratulations to the nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this significant milestone.

Ronaldo hits 970 career goals as Al Nassr strengthen Saudi Pro League lead

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Ronaldo hits 970

Cristiano Ronaldo has added another major milestone to his legendary career, scoring his 970th professional goal as Al Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Wednesday.

The match remained goalless until the second half, before Ronaldo broke the deadlock in the 76th minute with a decisive strike. Kingsley Coman later sealed the win with a late goal in the 90th minute.

The result keeps Al Nassr firmly at the top of the Saudi Pro League table with 79 points from 26 wins, one draw, and three defeats, extending their eight-point lead over Al Hilal.

Ronaldo was named Player of the Match and celebrated the victory on social media, posting: “YALLA!! WE ARE AL NASSR.”

The club’s remarkable form continues, with a 20-match winning streak across all competitions that began in January.

Al Nassr are now preparing to face Al Qadsiah on May 3 in the 31st league round, followed by a high-profile fixture against Gamba Osaka in Riyadh on May 16. With momentum on their side, the team remains strong favourites to maintain their title charge.

Cloudburst Chaos: 40 minutes of rain kill 10, flood streets in Bengaluru

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Cloudburst Chaos

BENGALURU: Torrential rain lasting just 40 minutes caused widespread devastation in Bengaluru, leaving at least 10 people dead in rain-related incidents and submerging large parts of the city.

According to Indian media reports, several roads were flooded, with water levels rising up to knee height in many areas, severely disrupting traffic and daily life. Power supply was also affected in multiple localities.

Authorities have warned of more severe weather ahead, forecasting heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours along with strong winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 km/h.

Reports also indicate that hailstorms were recorded in several parts of the city, with further intensification expected in the coming hours, raising concerns of additional damage and disruptions.

Mojtaba Khamenei says Gulf future lies without US presence

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Mojtaba Khamenei

TEHRAN: Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has stated that the future of the Persian Gulf will be “bright without the presence of the United States,” asserting that regional countries share a common destiny and there is no space for foreign forces in the region.

In a message released by state media and published by Islamic Republic News Agency on the occasion of National Persian Gulf Day, Khamenei said a “new chapter” is emerging in the Strait of Hormuz following what he described as the failure of US plans after two months of regional tensions.

He described the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic waterway that has historically attracted global powers, adding that the region’s future should be shaped by its own nations. Referring to recent tensions, he claimed that Iranian forces had demonstrated resilience and vigilance.

Khamenei held US military presence responsible for instability in the region, saying American bases and allied operations have contributed to insecurity in the Gulf. He also criticized Israel alongside the US, accusing them of actions that have escalated tensions.

The Iranian leader further stressed that Iran will firmly safeguard its nuclear and missile capabilities, calling them a national asset. He said the Iranian people would defend these capabilities just as they protect their territorial integrity across land, air, and sea.

He concluded that regional peace, development, and prosperity depend on cooperation among Gulf nations without external interference.

US plans new maritime alliance to restore shipping security in Strait of Hormuz

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US plans

WASHINGTON: The United States is reportedly planning to form a new international coalition aimed at restoring maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The proposed initiative, named the “Maritime Freedom Construct (MFC)”, was referenced in a diplomatic cable sent by the US State Department to American embassies on Tuesday.

The report says US diplomats have been instructed to encourage other countries to join the alliance, which would focus on information sharing, diplomatic coordination, and enforcement of sanctions.

The plan reportedly envisions joint coordination between the State Department and the US Central Command (CENTCOM), where diplomacy would be handled by the State Department, while CENTCOM would provide real-time maritime intelligence for commercial shipping and coordinate information sharing with partner forces.

A senior US official described the proposal as one of several diplomatic and policy options available to former President Donald Trump, as Washington seeks broader international involvement in managing current and future developments in the Strait of Hormuz.

The move comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, where maritime security and freedom of navigation remain key strategic concerns for global energy and trade routes.

Cambridge International Education confirms A-Level math’s paper leak

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Cambridge International

LONDON/INTERNATIONAL: Cambridge International Education has confirmed that an A-Level Mathematics examination paper was leaked prior to the scheduled exam, raising serious concerns over exam security across multiple regions.

In an official statement, the board said that A-Level Mathematics Paper 12 (9709), conducted across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan, and South Asia, was shared in violation of examination regulations before the test was held.

The organization stated that it is conducting a full and immediate investigation to determine the extent and nature of the breach, and is currently assessing the impact of the leak. Cambridge added that further updates will be issued on May 7, 2026.

The examination body emphasized that its top priority is to ensure students are not unfairly affected while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the examination system.

Students have been advised to continue preparing for upcoming papers and attend exams as scheduled.

Cambridge further noted that any decisions regarding grading and future actions will be taken by senior experts to preserve the reliability of results, ensuring universities and institutions can continue to trust them.

It also reiterated that while such incidents are rare, strict action is taken against individuals or centres involved in malpractice whenever evidence is found.

NEPRA removes licensing requirement for solar users up to 25kW

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NEPRA removes

ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has announced the removal of the licensing requirement for solar consumers with systems of 25 kilowatts and below.

According to a NEPRA spokesperson, the decision was taken after a formal letter from the Power Division on the special instructions of Power Minister Awais Leghari.

The Power Division had requested that small-scale solar users operating systems up to 25kW be exempted from obtaining a NEPRA licence.

Following the request, NEPRA issued a notification abolishing the licensing requirement for these consumers.

Earlier, NEPRA had stated that all solar users connected to the national grid with any load would be required to obtain a licence, along with a fee of Rs1,000 per kilowatt. Previously, licences were only mandatory for systems above 25kW.

With the new decision, the licensing condition for solar users up to 25kW has now been officially withdrawn, providing relief to small-scale renewable energy consumers.