Author name: Web Desk

In a coordinated push to safeguard users from shadowy digital predators, Apple and Google have dispatched a fresh wave of cyber threat notifications to millions worldwide this week including Pakistanis. The alerts, targeting individuals potentially in the crosshairs of state-sponsored hackers, underscore the escalating battle against sophisticated surveillance operations. Apple (AAPL.O) and Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Google, tech behemoths at the forefront of digital security, revealed the initiative as part of their ongoing commitment to user protection. “We believe you may be a target of a mercenary spyware attack,” reads a typical Apple message, urging iPhone and iPad owners to enable Lockdown Mode for enhanced defenses. Google’s parallel warnings focus on Android users, flagging risks from “government-backed actors” exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities. This latest round extends to users in Pakistan and beyond, highlighting the borderless nature of cyber espionage. Experts attribute the surge to geopolitical tensions, with nation-states like those in the Middle East and Asia deploying Pegasus-like tools to monitor journalists, activists, and dissidents. “These notifications aren’t just alerts—they’re lifelines,” said cybersecurity analyst Dr. Lena Torres. While Apple and Google withhold specifics to avoid tipping off attackers, the move has prompted calls for stronger international regulations. As threats evolve, users are advised to update devices promptly and scrutinize suspicious links. In an era of invisible wars, Big Tech’s proactive stance offers a rare beacon of transparency.

CAIRO: Pakistan emerged as one of the standout exhibitors at Egypt’s EDEX 2025, the region’s premier defence expo, showcasing a new generation of low-cost, battle-proven drone and counter-drone systems that drew heavy footfall from African and Middle Eastern delegations. At the Pakistan Pavilion, state-owned Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) and private firms prominently displayed the Shahpar-II MALE UAV, Burraq armed drone, and the newly unveiled loitering munitions lineup. Most attention, however, centred on Pakistan’s electromagnetic rifle systems and AI-enabled counter-drone jammers, technologies proven effective against Houthi and TTP drone attacks along Pakistan’s western borders. Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) also signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) on the sidelines of EDEX 2025.The agreement aims to enhance defence-industrial cooperation, expand technology exchange, and explore joint development opportunities across advanced systems.This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Pakistan–Egypt defence ties and boosting regional collaboration in high-tech capabilities. Senior Pakistani officials told reporters that “multiple African states” – including delegations from Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Sudan – held closed-door talks for potential licensed production and direct procurement of Pakistani kamikaze drones and electronic warfare suites. Industry sources said Pakistan is positioning itself as the budget-friendly alternative to Chinese and Turkish systems, offering full technology transfer and prices 30-40% lower.With Egypt pushing to become a regional defence manufacturing hub, Pakistani exhibitors also explored co-production opportunities under Cairo’s offset policy.

When global analysts discuss Africa’s economic future, the narrative often revolves around mega-infrastructure, mineral wealth, or rapid mobile-tech adoption. But a new force is steadily transforming the continent’s economic landscape, social enterprises. These mission-driven businesses are bridging gaps where traditional markets and governments fall short. From delivering essential services and creating dignified jobs to building climate resilience, social enterprises are emerging as a core pillar of Africa’s inclusive growth story. And now, for the first time, Africa has a clear roadmap to scale this impact. A Turning Point: Africa’s First 10-Year Strategy for Social and Solidarity Economy: In early 2025, African Union Heads of State adopted the continent’s first-ever 10-Year Strategy on the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). This landmark framework recognizes social enterprises, cooperatives, and community-based organizations as central to building resilient, people-centered economies. This comes at a crucial moment: • Global aid is declining• The youth population is surging• Climate shocks are intensifying Africa needs new economic actors and the social enterprise sector is stepping up. The Most Comprehensive Snapshot Yet: New Report Maps 2.18 Million Social Enterprises: A new flagship study, The State of Social Enterprise: Unlocking Inclusive Growth, Jobs and Development in Africa, provides the clearest view yet of Africa’s social enterprise ecosystem. Developed by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, World Economic Forum, African Union Commission, Africa Forward, Motsepe Foundation, SAP, and Genesis Analytics, the report surveyed 1,980 enterprises across five major economies: Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Key Findings (SEO-rich, highly shareable data): • 2.18 million social enterprises operate across Africa• They generate $96 billion in annual revdata, 3.2% of Africa’s GDP• They support 12 million jobs• 55% are led by women far higher than the region’s commercial sector• 1 in 3 is led by founders under 35 These findings were unveiled during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa (2025), highlighting global recognition of Africa’s rapidly expanding impact economy. Real Enterprises, Real Impact: How Social Businesses Are Reshaping Communities: Babban Gona transforms rural livelihoods by offering smallholder farmers credit, training, inputs, and guaranteed crop offtake. • Over 744,000 indirect jobs created• Farmers earn twice the national income average• Nearly 1 million people benefit from increased livelihood security This hybrid social enterprise manufactures modular wheelchairs and reinvests revenue into community-based clinical training. • 21,000+ clients receive assistive devices annually• 347,000+ people reached through training and advocacy• Serves as technical adviser to WHO, USAID, and CHAI Sanergy delivers affordable sanitation while converting waste into regenerative agriculture inputs. • Daily access for 300,000+ residents• Network of 8,000 entrepreneurs• Supplies sustainable fertilizer to 10,000+ farmers• Independently assessed 19× social return on investment Despite Success, Social Enterprises Face Major Barriers: The report reveals three persistent challenges: Five Action Priorities to Scale Africa’s Impact Economy: To unlock the full potential of Africa’s social enterprises, the report proposes five strategic priorities: The Takeaway: Social Enterprises Could Define Africa’s Next Economic Chapter: Africa’s social enterprises are not fringe players, they are a major economic engine delivering jobs, revenue, and community-level impact. The numbers speak loudly:• 2.18 million enterprises• $96 billion in revenue• 12 million jobsBut the real story lies in the transformation of lives: farmers gaining stability, young innovators building digital futures, patients receiving life-changing care. With evidence in hand and a continental strategy in place, Africa now stands at a pivotal moment. Whether social enterprises remain marginal, or become central drivers of inclusive, sustainable growth, will depend on action from governments, investors, corporates, and development partners.The momentum is here. The opportunity is historic.Africa’s next economic chapter may very well be written by its social enterprises.

In a troubling reversal of decades of progress, a new Gates Foundation report warns that global mortality rates for children under five are expected to rise for the first time in the 21st century. The study highlights a sharp reduction in international development aid as the primary factor putting millions of young lives at risk. First Increase in Under-5 Deaths in Over Two Decades: After years of consistent improvements driven by healthcare investments, vaccines, and widespread social development, under-5 mortality had fallen dramatically from 88 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to roughly 36 per 1,000 in recent years. But this positive trajectory is now under threat. According to the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers Report, the figure is expected to rise to 37 per 1,000 live births in 2024. Last year, an estimated 4.6 million children died before turning five. This year, that number is projected to increase by over 200,000 additional deaths. Aid Cuts Could Lead to 12 Million Additional Child Deaths by 2045: Researchers say the alarming trend is closely linked to a significant decline in global health funding. Development assistance for health has fallen from $49 billion to $36 billion a drop of more than 25% in just one year. If these cuts continue, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimates that 12 million more children under five could die by 2045. Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, called the situation “tragic,” stressing that 25 years of global health gains now stand at risk. Low-Income Countries Hit the Hardest: The funding gap disproportionately impacts low-income countries across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where health systems heavily depend on external aid. Diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, and complications from premature births remain leading causes of child mortality despite being largely preventable. Senior Director at IHME, emphasized that when aid declines, “low-income countries have the least ability to absorb the shock.” Past Funding Cuts Still Creating Ripple Effects: Analysts also point to earlier disruptions, including the dismantling of parts of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Trump administration. A separate study published in The Lancet predicts USAID reductions alone could lead to 14 million additional deaths over the next five years. UN Goals Now Out of Reach: The United Nations had set a goal to reduce under-5 mortality to 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030. The new projections suggest the world will remain stalled around 36 per 1,000, moving further off track from global health targets. Gates Foundation Calls for Urgent Action: Bill Gates warned that the world could become a generation that “had access to the most advanced science in human history but couldn’t secure funding to save lives.” The report emphasizes that smart spending and scalable innovation, such as single-dose vaccines, precision data tools, and lower-cost interventions are crucial to reversing current trends. “Immunization remains the best buy in global health,” the report states, noting that every $1 invested in vaccines generates $54 in economic returns for countries. A Critical Crossroads for Global Health: With nearly 13,000 children under five dying every day, researchers say the world is at a pivotal moment. They stress that many deaths are preventable and financial commitment must match scientific advancement to safeguard the next generation.