Latest news with #FDE
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Rs1tr PSDP marked by political priorities
The computers along with latest printers and scanners to be provided to public sector girls schools working under FDE. PHOTO: FILE Marred by political considerations and fiscal constraints, the coalition government has proposed a Rs1 trillion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for FY2025-26 – a significant cut from last year's original Rs1.4 trillion allocation. The reduced PSDP reflects the government's prioritization of infrastructure projects, particularly roads, often aligned with coalition allies' interests. In contrast, funding for education, health, space, and atomic energy programmes has been scaled back. The previous year's PSDP was trimmed mid-year to accommodate power subsidies and meeting IMF programme targets. For 2025-26, allocations for Sindh-specific schemes and parliamentarians' discretionary projects have increased, indicating a tilt toward politically strategic spending. The PSDP 2025-26 book shows the government's political priorities to appease allies and spend more on roads. It approved reduced budgets for Pakistan's space and atomic energy programmes, health and education but increased allocations for Sindh-specific projects and the parliamentarians' schemes. Major allocations have been proposed for the discretionary spending on the schemes recommended by the parliamentarians, Sindh-specific infrastructure projects and an enhanced allocation for the National Highway Authority. The allocations for water, power and railways have been drastically reduced to create fiscal space for the politically oriented projects. As against this year's Rs25 billion budget for discretionary spending on the parliamentarians schemes, the allocation has been proposed at Rs70 billion in the new budget, showing an increase of 172% in the middle of the tight fiscal space. The defence ministry's development budget has also been increased by 114% to Rs11.6 billion for the new fiscal year. For the provinces, special areas allocations have been proposed to be increased from Rs227 billion to over Rs253 billion due to coalition party-related spending compulsions. Within this, the allocation for the provincial projects has been proposed to be increased from Rs83 billion to Rs106 billion. The 28% increase in the provincial projects' allocations has been mainly given to address the concerns of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), said a cabinet minister on condition of anonymity. Pakistan had committed to the IMF that the federal government would not allocate funds for provincial nature schemes. However, such a huge allocation is in breach of that commitment and the National Fiscal Pact. The Higher Education Commission's budget is drastically reduced to Rs39.4 billion, a reduction of Rs21.5 billion or 35%. The cut has been made to create room for spending on infrastructure projects. The health ministry's budget is cut to Rs14.3 billion – a reduction of Rs10 billion. Suparco's budget has been reduced from Rs24.2 billion to just Rs5.4 billon — a cut of 77% compared to the last year. The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission's budget is reduced from Rs25 billion to Rs781 million, a reduction of 96%. A Finance Ministry official said that these entities had self-generated resources and did not need major allocations from the budget. Currently, 1,071 development projects with a total cost of Rs13.4 trillion are under implementation. These projects require an additional Rs10.2 trillion for their completion, and the planning ministry estimates it would take more than a decade to finish them all. The government has also proposed Rs16.2 billion for the information technology ministry, which is lowered by 32% over this year's allocation. The planning ministry stated that the PSDP 2025-26 has been formulated under a resource-constrained environment, marked by fiscal discipline, yet guided by an unwavering focus on development priorities. It added that drawing from the lessons of the ongoing PSDP 2024-25 and recommendations from various institutional reviews, including those under the IMF's Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA) framework, a thorough review has been undertaken to prune the sick and non-performing projects in order to focus on priority projects that contribute to national development, economic growth and Uraan Pakistan framework. In the new budget, the government has planned to complete or initiate work on some mega and core national projects. These projects include N25 Quetta-Karachi, which is being funded by increasing petroleum levy by Rs8 per litre. Other priority projects include Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway M-6, Dasu Hydro Power Project, including evacuation, Diamer Basha Dam projects, Mohmand Dam, K-IV and Water Augmentation projects of Karachi, Supply of power to Allama Iqbal Industrial City, Karachi and Islamabad IT Parks. The government has also included the World Bank-funded Pakistan Raises Revenue project in its priority list, which is considered a failed project. The planning ministry stated that among other priority projects are reconstruction of houses and schools damaged in Sindh in floods, Post-flood 2022 Reconstruction Programme in Balochistan, Thar Coal Rail Connectivity, Cancer Hospital in Islamabad, Prime Minister's National Programme for Control of Hepatitis 'C' and Diabetes. The document showed that the government has reduced the allocation for the water projects from Rs185 billion to Rs133.5 billion — a cut of Rs52 billion compared to last year. It also slashed the railway ministry allocation from Rs35 billion to Rs22.5 billion — a reduction of 37%. The power sector development budget allocation is reduced from Rs105 billion to Rs90 billion — a reduction of 28%. However, the NHA's budget is increased from Rs161 billion to Rs227 billion — a jump of Rs66 billion or 41%. The NHA budget has been increased to fund major infrastructure projects. Among the priority road schemes are widening and improvement of N-5 (Phase-I), Mashkhel Panjgur Road and East Bay Expressway Phase-II in Gwadar. Strategic advancements in space science are also prioritised through the Pakistan Manned Space Mission and the Pakistan Lunar Exploration Rover, according to the Planning Ministry.
The Advertiser
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added
The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added
The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from Ford Authority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 2025 Ford Explorer with Ford Digital Experience Credit: CarExpert 'Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one,' said Mr Field. 'For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150.' FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. Supplied Credit: CarExpert MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
7NEWS
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added
The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from Ford Authority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux -rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one,' said Mr Field. 'For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150.' FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020.
Express Tribune
28-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Capital set to introduce educational reforms
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) have signed three separate agreements to introduce educational reforms, vocational training, and environmental protection in the federal capital to equip students with the skills required to meet the demands of the 21st century. The initiatives were launched in the presence of CDA Chairman, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and Federal Secretary for Education and Vocational Training, Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani. As part of the first agreement, the CDA Model School will be upgraded to a state-of-the-art educational institution. The school will feature modern facilities, including an IT park, robotics lab, AI room, and Google classroom. The physical infrastructure will be improved with new classrooms, libraries, sports facilities, and a dispensary. A cultural room will also be established to promote cultural education. A second agreement focuses on providing vocational training to young individuals aged 18-45 from communities near the Margalla Hills National Park. Under this programme, skills training in areas such as sewing, electrical work, plumbing, and IT will be offered through E-Rozgar laboratories. The CDA will play an active role in providing job opportunities to programme participants. The third agreement involves a large-scale tree plantation campaign in educational institutions under the Islamabad Urban Forest Initiative. The authority will provide plants, necessary tools, and technical expertise, while the FDE will oversee implementation and maintenance. A unique reward system has also been introduced, where students participating in the tree plantation campaign will receive additional educational credits and certificates in recognition of their environmental services. Randhawa stressed the importance of these initiatives in bringing about positive change, stating that this partnership reflects their commitment to building a modern, skilled, and green Islamabad. He said that investing in the educational infrastructure will lay the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable capital city. The vocational programmes will equip youth with employable skills, while environmental initiatives will foster a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Federal Secretary for Education Mohiuddin Ahmed Wani talked about the importance of cooperation between the two institutions, noting that the MoUs reflect a vision for a modern and comprehensive educational system. The initiatives aim to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, including climate change.
