Business
PM says CPEC-2 is Pakistan’s last big chance | The Express Tribune
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned ministries and divisions of strict action for causing delays in executing over $8 billion worth of CPEC 2 projects.
Chairing a recent high-level meeting, the prime minister said that although the Pakistan-China B2B Conference was a tremendous success, agreements signed must be followed up meticulously by the concerned ministries to convert them into binding joint venture contracts, ensuring that Chinese investment materialises.
PM Sharif stressed that no complacency or undue delay would be tolerated, and unlike in the past, no project should be delayed. He said China had agreed to launch the CPEC 2.0 programme, which would focus on agriculture, Special Economic Zones, investment in mines and minerals, and the upgradation of the Karakoram Highway.
The premier cautioned that while China remained Pakistan’s great friend and brother, this was the last opportunity to benefit from Chinese expertise and investment. He urged ministries to work wholeheartedly to ensure success, stressing that the government was answerable to the people and accountable for results. “History will never forgive us if we fail to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
The PM highlighted his recent visit to China, where he attended the SCO Tianjin Summit 2025 and met President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other world leaders. He commended federal ministers, secretaries, SEPC, and officials for their role in organising the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing on September 4, where MOUs worth $8.5 billion were signed.
The prime minister also pointed to recent MOUs with US-based companies in gemstones, mines, and minerals. He said these partnerships would bring technical expertise while reflecting growing Pakistan-US ties. He added Pakistan was pursuing good relations with the US without compromising its strategic partnership with China.
Business
Stats overhaul: New inflation and GDP base year series slated for February; IIP to follow in May – The Times of India
India’s key macroeconomic indicators are set for a base-year reset early next year, with the government announcing timelines for releasing new series of retail inflation, national accounts and industrial production data, PTI reported.The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) said on Monday that a new series of Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, reflecting a revised base year, will be released in February 2026, alongside updated national accounts data, while the revised Index of Industrial Production (IIP) series will be rolled out in May.According to an official statement, a new CPI series with base year 2024=100 is scheduled for release on February 12, 2026. The revised National Accounts data, with 2022-23 as the base year, will follow on February 27, 2026. The new IIP series, also using 2022-23 as the base year, is slated for release on May 28.Ahead of the data rollout, the ministry has convened a pre-release consultative workshop on the base revision of GDP, CPI and IIP on Tuesday. This follows an earlier workshop held in Mumbai on November 26.The primary objective of the consultation is to share proposed methodological and structural changes in the revised data series and seek feedback from stakeholders, the statement said.The workshop will bring together economists, subject matter experts, representatives from financial institutions and the banking sector, users of official statistics, and senior officials from central and state governments. The ministry said participation from a wide range of stakeholders is expected to enrich discussions and help users better understand the changes in the revised series.The event will be attended by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman K Bery as chief guest, along with Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran, MoSPI Secretary Saurabh Garg and Director General (Central Statistics) N K Santoshi.
Business
Dense Fog Disturbs You Too? Check Must Follow Tips For Safe Driving To Avoid Accidents
Dense fog during winter mornings and late nights often disrupts road travel, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents. With several regions witnessing thick fog conditions, traffic police and road safety experts are urging drivers to take extra precautions to ensure safe journeys.
Fog significantly reduces visibility, sometimes to just a few metres. This makes it difficult to judge the distance of vehicles, road signs, pedestrians, and turns. Accidents during fog usually occur due to overspeeding, sudden braking, or drivers following other vehicles too closely without proper visibility.
Recently, on December 20, 2025, two youths were killed and another sustained critical injuries after a speeding truck hit their motorcycle amid dense fog on the Bareilly–Pilibhit highway.
Slow Down and Maintain Distance
Experts advise drivers to slow down while driving in foggy conditions, as it allows more time to react to sudden obstacles. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead is equally important, as sudden braking can lead to rear-end collisions in low visibility.
Use Fog Lights Correctly
Using the right lights is crucial during fog. Drivers should switch on fog lights or low-beam headlights instead of high beams. High-beam lights reflect off fog particles and further reduce visibility. Fog lamps are designed to illuminate the road surface and edges, helping drivers see lane markings clearly.
Follow Road Markings and Signals
When visibility is poor, road markings become an important guide. Drivers should follow lane lines and reflective markers instead of relying solely on the vehicle ahead. Ignoring traffic signals or signs due to poor visibility can lead to serious accidents.
Sudden lane changes, sharp turns, or abrupt braking should be avoided in foggy conditions. Smooth steering and gradual braking help maintain control of the vehicle and reduce the chances of skidding or collisions.
(Also Read: How To Convert A Manual Car To Automatic? Check Total Cost And Details)
Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
Drivers are advised to stay fully alert and avoid distractions such as mobile phones or loud music. Keeping windows slightly open can help drivers hear horns or approaching vehicles better.
When to Stop Driving?
If fog becomes extremely dense and visibility drops dangerously low, experts suggest parking vehicles at a safe spot away from traffic. Hazard lights should be used only when the vehicle is parked.
With foggy conditions likely to continue in many areas, following these simple driving tips can help reduce risks and ensure safer travel on the roads.
Business
Video: Uber Clears Violent Felons to Drive
new video loaded: Uber Clears Violent Felons to Drive
By Emily Steel, Christina Shaman, Zach Caldwell, David Jouppi and Thomas Trudeau
December 22, 2025
-
Business1 week agoHitting The ‘High Notes’ In Ties: Nepal Set To Lift Ban On Indian Bills Above ₹100
-
Business1 week agoStudying Abroad Is Costly, But Not Impossible: Experts On Smarter Financial Planning
-
Business1 week agoKSE-100 index gains 876 points amid cut in policy rate | The Express Tribune
-
Sports7 days agoJets defensive lineman rips NFL officials after ejection vs Jaguars
-
Business4 days agoBP names new boss as current CEO leaves after less than two years
-
Fashion4 days agoIndonesia’s thrift surge fuels waste and textile industry woes
-
Tech1 week agoFor the First Time, AI Analyzes Language as Well as a Human Expert
-
Entertainment7 days agoPrince Harry, Meghan Markle’s 2025 Christmas card: A shift in strategy
