Latest news with #Kardar
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SOEs: experts raise alarm over ‘economic drain'
ISLAMABAD: Former Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Shahid Kardar, Wednesday, raised alarm over the economic drain and stressed the need for privatisation. He said that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are causing Rs1 trillion in losses annually to the national kitty. Speaking at an event titled, 'Numbers and Beyond Budget 2025-26', Kardar said that there is a dire need to control financial losses from SOEs as such huge resources can be diverted to other sectors with having potential to put the country on the path of economic development. He said that the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and global instability have further slashed Pakistan's investment rate. Economist Dr Manzoor Ahmad, speaking on the occasion, termed the budget a unique fiscal move for its historic subsidy cuts and added that this has provided economy a breathing space and the government must continue such policies in further, so that exports of the countries could be increased. The event was chaired by Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry and co-convened by Dr Nafeesa Shah, MNA, and Sher Ali Arbab, which brought together economists, senators, and provincial representatives to deliberate on fiscal priorities. In his keynote address, Barrister Chaudhry emphasised provincial fiscal autonomy as key to national developments and said that financial discipline and management is must for the economic growth. He said that the secret to real progress lies in provinces autonomously managing their resources and provinces must adopt fiscal vigilance. Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, speaking on the occasion, announced the launch of the Benazir Hunarmand Program (BHP) by terming it a timely and strategic intervention to address Pakistan's growing employment challenges and unlock economic opportunities for underprivileged communities. Highlighting the importance of skill development, she said with a rising young population and limited employment avenues, especially for marginalised groups, Pakistan urgently needs initiatives that provide sustainable solutions. 'BHP is not just a training initiative— it is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and decent work. By equipping low-income families with market-relevant, competency-based skills, we are investing in their future and in the economic progress of the country,' she remarked. She explained that the programme aims to train BISP beneficiaries and their family members in skills aligned with both local market needs and international demand—particularly in sectors like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and information technology. A key focus of the initiative is to prepare participants for employment opportunities in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and beyond. Former Sindh Governor Zubair Umar spotlighted Karachi's paradox, saying that the metropolis was contributing 70 percent of national revenue, it ranks as the world's 4th least livable and 2nd most dangerous city as per 'The Economist'. While demanding urgent federal government intervention to remove the hurdles in resolving Karachi's problems, he said that the situation was worsening with each passing day. Mian Umer Masood, president of the Kissan Association, emotionally stressed agrarian distress and said that at present one and a half litre water bottle costs more than milk which reflects the plight of the agriculture sector. The government must address farmers' crises immediately, otherwise, the country will face serious food shortage crisis. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Microsoft's AI Coach for Gamers Is Starting Tests Next Month
Xbox players will soon be getting an optional AI-powered gaming assistant to help them with game recommendations or to improve their skills, Microsoft revealed on the Official Xbox Podcast on Thursday. Announced last year, Copilot for Gaming is powered by Microsoft's AI assistant and is meant to help players save time and better experience games. This can include lessening the headache when downloading and updating titles or giving hints as to side quests they might miss out on. Copilot for Gaming will first hit mobile in April, and those interested can sign up for early access via the Xbox Insider program. It'll initially act as a second-screen companion via the Xbox mobile app. "It has to be personalized to you the way that you like to play and it should be able to help you get further in gaming, be your companion, and help connect you with families and communities," said Fatima Kardar, Xbox corporate vice president of Gaming AI on the podcast. For Kardar, who is fairly new to gaming, Copilot helps her with game recommendations, which is handy for someone not tuned into the latest releases. Jason Ronald, vice president of next generation at Xbox, added that Copilot can recommend the types of cars to drive in a racing game that better fits his play style, for example. In a demo shown during the podcast, Copilot assisted in Overwatch 2 by recommending which heroes to pick to counter others. Kardar notes that gaming is the only form of media that can leave people stuck. This is where Copilot can help gamers get through games. At the same time, she doesn't want Copilot for Gaming to be intrusive, meaning the AI will adapt itself to be personalized for how a player likes to play. Microsoft deferred to its blog post when asked for comment. The upcoming test is happening as Microsoft continues going all-in on AI. With the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, Microsoft made a multibillion-dollar deal with OpenAI. That deal led to the development of Copilot, Microsoft's AI assistant in Windows. We've since seen AI enter all parts of Microsoft's business, from PowerPoint to Azure. However, at the same time, the video game industry has been hit with layoffs throughout the last few years, including ones at Microsoft. Concerns have been raised of AI slowly replacing software developers. Last month, Microsoft revealed Muse, an AI model for gameplay ideation. Some developers are less keen on embracing it, however, suggesting that the technology is more of a cost-cutting measure than something developers are actually asking for. Xbox was careful to say that Copilot for Gaming would leave control to the player and any AI assistance would only be additive. The podcast also detailed that Xbox Play Anywhere, a program that allows gamers to pick up their games on either console or PC, has been expanded to include 1,000 titles. For more on AI in gaming, check out how developers are using the tech or how PlayStation is creating AI-generated characters in games.
