Daily News Digest

Thursday, July 16, 2026 · 12 stories

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1Financepropakistani.pk

Mobile Banking Users Reach 137 Million as Digital Payments Surge

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad announced that the number of mobile banking app users has reached 137 million and retail digital transactions have nearly doubled over the past year, reflecting Pakistan's rapid shift towards a digital economy. The launch of the HBL, UnionPay International, and PayPak co-branded debit cards is seen as another milestone in Pakistan's journey towards a more inclusive, secure, and cashless payments ecosystem. The number of active merchants accepting digital payments also increased from around 500,000 to over 2 million.

2Techgeeky-gadgets.com

Did Apple Finally Fix iPhone Battery Health in iOS 27?

Apple has made significant progress in addressing battery health in its iOS 27 and latest iPhone lineup. The study compared battery performance of the iPhone 15 Pro Max, 16 Pro Max and 17 Pro Max over a one-year period, focusing on advancements in battery technology, software optimization, and charging efficiency. The comparison reveals a clear trend of improvement in battery longevity. The data also highlighted a significant leap forward in battery capacity retention between the iPhone 16 and the iPhone 17 ProMax. While the 17-Pro Max offers more incremental gains, its focus has shifted towards refining existing technologies. Apple’s approach to battery health relies heavily on its software-driven charging features, which are designed to minimize wear and extend battery lifespan.

3Entertainmentajupress.com

Han Kang Reflects on Controversy Surrounding 5·18 Incident

Han Kang, the author who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024, recently addressed the controversy surrounding the 5·18 Gwangju Uprising incident involving the baseball team from Baejae High School. During a public forum at the 80th Avignon Festival in France, he emphasized the need to reflect on society's failure and use incidents of hate as opportunities for collective reflection. He also connected the incident to the growing problem of hate worldwide. This forum marked Han's first public Q&A with Korean media since his Nobel Prize ceremony in December. Later that evening, Han attended a reading performance of his novel 'Farewell' at the Palais des Papes.

4Businessfintechfutures.com

Former Monzo CEO Tom Blomfield joins Anthropic

Former Monzo CEO, Tom Blomfield, has joined AI research firm Anthropic as part of co-founder Tom Brown's compute team. He has taken a leave of absence from his position at Y Combinator, where he has worked since 2021. This move reflects the potential of powerful AI to improve the lives of humans.

5Worldvenezuelanews.net

US flags Brazil's preferential tariff treatment for India in Section 301 probe, but no action against New Delhi

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a 25% tariff on certain Brazilian imports under a Section 301 investigation, citing Brazil's preferential tariff arrangements with India and Mexico as one of the practices disadvantaging American exporters. The tariffs are set to take effect on July 22. The investigation found that Brazil grants tariff concessions to India andMexico that are not extended to the United States. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer argued that this preferential arrangement has led to decreased exports from Brazil, while exports from other countries have increased. The USTR's General Counsel, Jennifer Thornton, stated that Brazil's bilateral preferential trade agreements with India provide producers from those countries with lower tariff rates than those applied to US exports.

6Sportsm.dailyhunt.in

Messi inspires Argentina comeback against England

Argentina's Lionel Messi led a remarkable comeback against England, inspiring a remarkable turnaround that secured Argentina's place in a second consecutive World Cup final. England had taken the lead in the 55th minute, but Argentina responded with relentless pressure, with Enzo Fernandez equalising in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martinez scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. Despite England's defensive efforts, they were unable to withstand the late pressure from Messi and his teammates. The victory adds another remarkable achievement to Messi's legendary international career, making him only the second player after Brazil's Cafu to appear in three FIFA World Cup finals. Argentina will now face Spain in the 2026 final, marking a clash between South America and Europe's top football powerhouses.

7Entertainmentmalaysia.news.yahoo.com

Sam Neill’s Cause of Death Revealed as Rep Slams ‘Falsehoods’ About His Passing

Sam Neill, the "Jurassic Park" star, has died at the age of 78 from pneumonia, according to his representative, Philip Grenz. The rep condemned "falsehoods" about his death, stating that Neill had fought lymphoma through a new treatment called CAR-T therapy and that his family will host a private memorial at his New Zealand farm at a later date. This comes a day after Australian journalist Laura Tingle claimed that the actor's battle with cancer took a toll on him. Neill's family described his unexpected death as "sudden and unexpected" but remained cancer-free.

8Techmorningstar.com

LG Chem Enters Semiconductor Stripper Market with Mass Supply to Amkor

LG Chem has begun mass production and supply of its first semiconductor stripper to global OSAT leader Amkor Technology. The move marks LG Chem's entry into the semiconductorstripper market and accelerates its strategy to expand its semiconductor materials business. The company's customized process materials reduce photoresist and residue removal time by approximately 50%, enhancing manufacturing efficiency for advanced semiconductor packaging. AmkOr Technology is a global leader in outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT), providing semiconductor manufacturing and testing services to leading semiconductor manufacturers worldwide. The stripper has been customized and optimized for Amokor's new production line.

9Environmentground.news

From the 12th of August You Will Pay 10 Cents More for Each Can or Bottle: so You Can Recover Them

From the 12th of August, users will pay 10 cents more for each can or bottle to be recovered. This is part of a process led by the Department of Energy. The increase is partway towards increasing the use of alcohol in the marketplace. The cost of the beverage is also being investigated.

10Worlden.startmag.it

How much (and how) NATO spends on defense - Startmag

The US and European countries have been at odds over the imbalance in defense spending between the US and the other European countries (plus Canada) due to the growing gap between the two. This imbalance was caused by the growing influence of President Donald Trump, who had previously sought increased spending from the EU to increase their financial commitment and operational capabilities. Following the NATO summit in June, the definition of new military spending targets (3.5% of GDP dedicated to the "Core defence" plus 1.5%) dedicated to "Defence and security related" was introduced. The report, however, appears to have been plagued by reliability issues, with countries struggling to meet certain spending parameters. Total military spending for NATO (USA, Canada, and European nations) reaches the sum of 1,809.9 billion dollars, a doubling from the previous year. However, this increase is significantly scaled down, placing it just under 50% of the total cost of the NATO average of 2.53% and less than half of the overall NATO total. The article also notes that there are already 5 countries that exceed the 3.5%.

11Politicsallafrica.com

South Africa: Government Urges United African Response to Illegal Migration - Magwenya

The South African government has urged the United African Response to Illegal Migration, stating that it is a shared continental challenge that requires cooperation rather than confrontation. Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya refuted claims that South Africa is becoming isolated in Africa over its handling of migration and foreign policy positions. He emphasised that the government remains committed to addressing illegal migration through constitutional processes and collaboration with neighbouring countries. Magwynya also dismissed reports of diplomatic isolation, stating South Africa remains an influential voice in continental and global affairs. He also dismissed concerns that anti-immigration campaigns and misinformation could damage South Africa's reputation.

12Politicsvenezuelanews.net

"We need it": Trump announces plan to raise US military spending to $1.5 trillion next year

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to increase US military spending to $1.5 trillion next year, stating that this increase is necessary to strengthen national defence and create American jobs. Speaking at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, Trump said his administration had already made a record investment in the US military. He argued that increased defence spending would support domestic employment as the military equipment would be manufactured in the United States. The announcement comes amidst ongoing conflict with Iran, with Trump warning that the US would target Iranian power plants and bridges as part of its border strikes unless Tehran returns to the negotiating table.

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