Commuters at London Waterloo faced severe travel disruption after a major signalling fault caused widespread delays and cancellations during peak morning hours. South Western Railway services were particularly affected, with trains suspended between major routes and platforms overcrowded. Passengers were advised to work from home or delay their journeys as engineers worked to resolve the issue. The disruption extended beyond London, impacting routes to Woking, Guildford, and Basingstoke. Authorities apologized for the inconvenience and confirmed that efforts were underway to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. Delays are expected to continue into the afternoon.
A major signalling failure at London Waterloo caused peak-hour travel chaos, with widespread train delays and cancellations. South Western Railway routes were most affected, impacting thousands of commuters. Passengers were advised to avoid travel as engineers worked to restore service. Disruptions are likely to continue into the afternoon. London travel disruption, Waterloo station delays, UK train cancellations
Alaska Airlines temporarily grounded all flights nationwide on July 17 due to a major IT systems outage, causing widespread delays and disruptions. The issue began around 4 a.m. PT and lasted several hours before systems were restored and operations resumed. The airline confirmed the outage was not related to a cyberattack.
Over 140 Alaska and Horizon flights were canceled, and more than 220 were delayed, impacting passengers across multiple airports. Travelers were advised to check their flight status and arrive early, as delays were expected to continue. The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience and is working to accommodate affected passengers.
Officials confirmed that the outage originated internally and not from external interference. By late morning, Alaska Airlines lifted the ground stop and began restoring normal flight schedules. The airline is continuing to assess the full impact and has promised further updates.
A major IT outage forced Alaska Airlines to ground all flights across the U.S., delaying and canceling hundreds. Operations resumed hours later, and the issue was confirmed not to be a cyberattack. Passengers faced travel disruptions and were urged to stay updated. Alaska Airlines, flight delays, IT system outage
Eric Bana, the star of Untamed, opened up about the gripping finale of Season 2 and what it means for his character’s journey. The psychological thriller, which has gained strong viewership globally, wrapped its latest season on a note of ambiguity—leaving fans both satisfied and curious.
Bana, who portrays the complex and brooding detective Tom Monroe, revealed that he enjoyed diving deeper into his character’s fractured psyche this season. The finale, according to him, was purposefully left open-ended to reflect the emotional toll the storyline took on Tom.
While no official renewal has been confirmed, Bana mentioned ongoing conversations with Netflix about the series’ future. He hinted that there’s more story to explore if the platform gives the green light. “There’s definitely unfinished business,” he said, suggesting that a third season could delve even further into Tom’s unraveling.
Despite the uncertainty, Bana expressed pride in the show’s success and praised the creative team for maintaining narrative depth. Whether or not Untamed returns, he believes the current finale stands strong on its own.
Eric Bana reflects on the intense Season 2 finale of Untamed, praising the depth of his character and teasing possible continuation talks with Netflix. Though the ending was ambiguous, Bana says it was intentional, leaving the door open for a potential Season 3 if renewed.
Untamed Netflix series, Eric Bana interview, Season 2 finale
Former Australian pacer Brett Lee expressed disappointment over the cancelled India vs Pakistan match at the World Championship of Legends. He shared that efforts were made to make the match happen, but Indian players withdrew following recent tensions. Lee emphasized his love for both countries and urged unity and respect through sports.
Brett Lee voiced support for peaceful ties after India pulled out of a high-profile Legends match against Pakistan. He said he loves both nations and regretted the lost opportunity for cricket diplomacy. The cancellation followed rising political sensitivities, with hopes still alive for future collaboration on the field.
India-Pakistan cricket, match cancellation, Brett Lee
The Roshan Digital Account (RDA) experienced a notable decline in inflows during June 2025, totaling $141 million, which marks a 9 percent drop from May’s $155 million. This continues a downward trend that started in April. Despite the dip, cumulative RDA inflows have now reached $7.69 billion since its inception in September 2020.
The total number of accounts opened under the RDA initiative has surpassed 703,000. While June saw a lower monthly performance, the overall trajectory remains positive. Analysts believe external economic factors and currency fluctuations might be influencing recent trends. Still, the RDA remains a key pillar in attracting remittances and investments from overseas Pakistanis.
Roshan Digital Account inflows dropped by 9% in June 2025, falling to $141 million from $155 million in May. Despite this, the total cumulative inflows have reached $7.69 billion since the launch in 2020. Over 703,000 accounts have been opened, reflecting strong diaspora interest overall. RDA inflows, Pakistani economy, overseas remittances
Pakistan’s power generation recorded a modest year-on-year increase of 2.1% in June 2025, reaching 14,421 GWh compared to 14,122 GWh in June 2024. Despite this rise, the cost of power generation experienced a 6.3% decline, averaging Rs. 7.73 per unit, compared to Rs. 8.26 per unit in the same period last year.
Hydel sources remained the largest contributor, generating 4,866 GWh (33.7% share), followed by nuclear at 2,407 GWh (16.7%) and coal at 2,288 GWh (15.9%). LNG-based generation stood at 1,731 GWh (12%), while local gas contributed 1,099 GWh (7.6%). Import from Iran accounted for 49 GWh. Renewables such as wind and bagasse made up smaller portions at 505 GWh and 153 GWh, respectively.
Overall, the power generation mix showed stable reliance on hydel and nuclear, while costs dropped due to improved generation efficiencies and reduced dependence on more expensive fuels.
Pakistan’s power generation grew slightly by 2.1% in June 2025 with a notable 6.3% reduction in production cost. Hydel, nuclear, and coal remained key contributors, while LNG and gas followed. The energy mix continued shifting toward cost-efficient sources. power generation, energy cost reduction, hydel and nuclear energy
The White House is preparing to unveil its first comprehensive crypto policy report on July 22, a move expected to shape the future of digital assets in the U.S. The report will lay out clear regulatory guidance for cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and blockchain technology, marking a pivotal moment for the industry.
Officials suggest the policy will aim to address financial stability risks, consumer protection, and the role of digital assets in economic innovation. The report is also expected to touch on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and propose frameworks for fostering responsible innovation.
Industry stakeholders are closely watching, as the report could influence future legislation and regulatory action. It may also drive global conversations around crypto standards and digital finance. The administration’s effort signals a more structured approach to a rapidly evolving space, with emphasis on security, transparency, and innovation.
The White House is set to release its first major crypto policy report on July 22, outlining frameworks for digital asset regulation, innovation, and consumer protection. The report will address stablecoins, blockchain use, and CBDCs, aiming to guide future U.S. legislation and signal stronger federal involvement in crypto governance.
cryptocurrency regulation, digital assets policy, White House crypto report
vivo has officially introduced its most powerful foldable phone yet — the vivo X Fold5. Combining performance, elegance, and practicality, this foldable flagship brings significant improvements in battery life, camera technology, and portability, making it one of the top contenders in the foldable smartphone market.
Lightweight Yet Durable Design
Weighing only 217g, the vivo X Fold5 is the brand’s lightest foldable device ever. Despite its slim form, it offers exceptional durability with an innovative kinematic hinge designed to withstand over 600,000 folds. The device is also built to endure tough conditions, including dust, water, and extreme cold — showcasing robust engineering in a sleek body.
Immersive Display Experience
The vivo X Fold5 features two premium AMOLED displays. The outer screen measures 6.53 inches, while the inner display unfolds to a massive 8.03 inches, both offering a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and a peak brightness of up to 4500 nits. These ZEISS-certified Master Color displays ensure an ultra-clear, vibrant viewing experience, even in harsh lighting.
Professional-Grade ZEISS Camera System
This foldable phone comes with a triple rear camera setup co-developed with ZEISS. It includes a 50MP main sensor, a telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom, and a 120° ultra-wide lens. The camera system is powered by advanced AI features that enhance low-light photography, zoom clarity, and natural color reproduction.
Massive Battery with Fast Charging
One of the major highlights of the vivo X Fold5 is its enormous 6000mAh BlueVolt battery, which provides long-lasting usage on a single charge. It supports 80W wired fast charging and 40W wireless charging, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum productivity.
Flagship-Level Performance
Under the hood, the vivo X Fold5 runs on the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB UFS 4.1 storage, delivering smooth performance and rapid multitasking capabilities. The device runs on OriginOS 5, based on Android 15, optimized for foldable interactions.
Advanced AI Productivity Features
Designed for professionals and power users, the vivo X Fold5 includes several intelligent tools:
Origin Workbench for split-screen multitasking with up to five apps
DocMaster to read and convert documents easily
Smart Call Assistant and AI Transcript Assist for real-time meeting summaries, transcriptions, and translations
AI Magic Move for seamless drag-and-drop editing within apps
These tools make it easier to work, communicate, and create on the go.
Global Launch and Availability
The vivo X Fold5 is now available globally, with premium specs and features aimed at professionals, content creators, and tech-savvy users. It is available in a configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, with sales commencing in multiple markets by the end of July.
The vivo X Fold5 offers a complete package — a lightweight foldable design, immersive displays, professional ZEISS camera setup, large battery, and AI-powered productivity. It sets a new benchmark in the foldable segment, standing out as a practical yet premium choice for users who demand the best of innovation and elegance in one device.
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The Vivo X Fold 5 and Samsung Z Fold 7 are the newest contenders in the foldable phone market. Launched just days apart in July 2025, both devices offer next-gen features and premium experiences. This comparison breaks down their performance, design, display, camera, battery, software, and overall value to help you decide which foldable phone is right for you.
Performance Comparison
The Samsung Z Fold 7 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, built on a cutting-edge 3 nm process. This makes it faster and more power-efficient compared to the Vivo X Fold 5, which runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Users seeking ultra-smooth multitasking, gaming, and heavy app use will benefit more from the Z Fold 7’s advanced processing power.
Design and Build
When folded, the Vivo X Fold 5 measures 9.2 mm in thickness, while the Samsung Z Fold 7 is slightly slimmer at 8.9 mm. Both phones weigh around 215–217 g, making them similar in portability. Samsung’s upgraded hinge mechanism and sleeker profile offer a more refined feel, whereas Vivo provides a more solid, durable construction. Both devices offer premium materials and water resistance ratings, but Samsung edges ahead with its ultra-thin design and lightweight frame.
Display Experience
The Vivo X Fold 5 features a 6.53-inch outer and 8.03-inch inner AMOLED display, both supporting 120 Hz refresh rates and peak brightness up to 4500 nits. In comparison, the Samsung Z Fold 7 offers a 6.5-inch external and 8-inch internal display with similar refresh rates and vivid color performance. While both displays deliver stunning visuals, the Vivo’s slightly larger internal screen may appeal to users who prioritize immersive viewing.
Camera Features
In the camera department, the Vivo X Fold 5 sports a triple 50 MP rear setup including main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses, plus dual 20 MP front cameras. On the other hand, the Samsung Z Fold 7 boasts a powerful 200 MP main sensor, paired with a 12 MP ultra-wide, 10 MP telephoto, and dual 10 MP front cameras. Samsung focuses on high-resolution photography, while Vivo offers balance and versatility across all lenses.
Battery and Charging
The Vivo X Fold 5 houses a large 6000 mAh battery with 80 W wired and 40 W wireless charging. This massive capacity ensures long-lasting use and fast top-ups. Meanwhile, the Samsung Z Fold 7 comes with a 4400 mAh battery supporting 25 W wired and 15 W wireless charging. For users who prioritize battery endurance and faster charging, Vivo clearly takes the lead.
Memory and Storage Options
Samsung provides more flexibility with options including 12 GB RAM + 256/512 GB or 16 GB RAM + 1 TB storage. In contrast, the Vivo X Fold 5 offers 12 GB or 16 GB RAM paired with 512 GB storage. While both deliver flagship-tier memory configurations, Samsung’s 1 TB option will attract power users needing maximum storage.
Software and AI Features
The Vivo X Fold 5 runs Android 15 with OriginOS 5, featuring AI capabilities like Magic Move, Erase, and Image Expander. The Samsung Z Fold 7 ships with Android 16 and One UI 8, supporting up to seven years of OS updates. Samsung’s Galaxy AI features include Generative Edit, Photo Assist, Drawing Assist, and Writing Assist, giving users a more future-ready and AI-driven experience.
Price and Value
The Vivo X Fold 5 is priced more affordably, making it attractive to users wanting high-end features without a top-tier price tag. On the other hand, the Samsung Z Fold 7 comes at a premium but delivers unmatched software longevity, better camera quality, and slightly more polished hardware. The final choice depends on your budget and the features you value most.
Choose the Samsung Z Fold 7 if you’re looking for the best foldable phone in terms of power, design, and future-proof software updates. However, the Vivo X Fold 5 is a strong competitor offering superior battery life, competitive cameras, and flagship features at a lower price point. Both phones push the boundaries of foldable tech, and you can’t go wrong with either depending on your priorities.
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The Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) has initiated an investigation into the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) failure to trace Pakistanis who obtained UAE Golden Visas over the past five years. Despite multiple data-sharing opportunities and over 19,000 visas issued, FBR reportedly took no effective action to identify potential tax evaders. The probe aims to determine whether FBR’s inaction led to tax losses or negligence in handling international information exchange agreements.
FTO is investigating FBR’s inaction in tracing over 19,000 Pakistanis with UAE Golden Visas. The five-year lapse raises concerns of missed tax recovery opportunities and poor use of international data sharing. The inquiry will assess systemic failures in enforcement and accountability. FBR negligence, UAE Golden Visas, tax evasion investigation
