Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Has India become the new ‘choker’ of the cricket world?

    Has India become the new ‘choker’ of the cricket world?

    After being defeated by Australia in the final of the ICC Men’s World Cup, many cricket fans are saying that India has become the new ‘choker’ of the cricket world.

    Australia defeated hot-favourites India by six wickets to lift the World Cup title for the sixth time, dismantling the till then undefeated Indian team with clinical precision.

    Before the final, India remained unbeaten in the entire tournament, winning nine matches in the group stage, and defeating New Zealand in the semi-final. However, the winning streak was wiped away as the Indian team tasted defeat in the final, a one-sided game.

    The Indian team has played 10 ICC events since winning the 2013 Champions Trophy, and despite being favorites each time, they have failed to win the tournament.

    India’s performance in the last 10 ICC events:

    Defeated in the final of the 2014 T20 World Cup

    Defeated in the 2015 World Cup semi-finals

    Defeated in the semi-finals of the 2016 T20 World Cup

    Defeated in the 2017 Champions Trophy final

    Defeated in the 2019 World Cup semi-final

    Defeated in the final of the 2021 World Test Championship

    Out in the Super 12 stage of the 2021 T20 World Cup

    Defeated in the semi-finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup

    Defeated in the ICC World Championship in 2023

    Defeated in ICC ODI World Cup 2023

    Fans are pointing towards the Indian team’s performance in the last 10 ICC events to say that South Africa is not the only choker in world cricket.

  • Australia defeat India with clinical precision to lift World Cup for sixth time

    Australia defeated unbeaten hosts India by six wickets on Sunday in the final of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, becoming the world cricket champion for the sixth time.

    The final, played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw India walk into the arena hot favourites to win. Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bowl first.

    India’s batting:

    India started aggressively against Australia, after opener Shubman Gill got out after scoring just 4 runs, but captain Rohit Sharma provided a good start to the team by batting as he did in the entire tournament. When he returned to the pavilion after scoring 47 runs off 31 balls.

    Australian bowlers dominated the Indian batsmen throughout the match and did not allow them to play freely. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul tried to make a long partnership by taking singles and doubles but then Kohli was also dismissed for 54 runs while Rahul returned to the pavilion for 66 runs.

    Surya Kumar Yadav scored 18 runs, Ravindra Jadeja scored nine runs, Mohammad Shami scored six runs, and Shreyas Iyer scored four runs. Jasprit Bumra scored one run, Kuldeep Yadav scored 10 runs and Mohammad Siraj scored nine runs.

    Thus, the Indian team got out after scoring 240 runs in the allotted overs, a total much smaller than they were expected to put up.

    Australia’s Mitchell Starc took three wickets, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins dismissed two each while Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell got one wicket each.

    Australia’s batting:

    In pursuit of India’s target, Australia did not start well, with three Australian batsmen out for a total score of 47.
    Labuschagne and Travis Head then formed a brilliant partnership and silenced the more than 100,000 Indian fans sitting in the ground in Ahmedabad. Both the batsmen batted with composure, hitting attractive shots all around the ground.

    A match-winning partnership of 192 runs between Labuschagne and Travis Head shattered India’s dreams of winning the World Cup. Travis Head scored 137 while Labuschagne played an unbeaten innings of 58 runs, Glenn Maxwell remained not out by scoring two runs.

  • Price of 10kg flour bag reaches nearly Rs1,500 

    Price of 10kg flour bag reaches nearly Rs1,500 

    The price of ‘chakki’ flour has recently experienced an increase of Rs10 to Rs12 per kilogramme in Hyderabad, the second-largest city in the province of Sindh.  

    Consequently, the price of a 10-kg sack of flour has risen from Rs1,350 to Rs1,470.  

    In an official statement, ‘chakki’ owners explained that the surge in prices is attributed to the increased cost of wheat. They clarified that the price of a 100-kg sack of wheat has escalated by Rs3,000, elevating it from Rs8,500 to Rs11,500.  

    According to their assertions, the prevailing market rate for a 100-kg sack of wheat is Rs12,000.  

    Earlier this month in Karachi, the retail price of flour was established at Rs127 per kilogramme following successful negotiations between Karachi Commissioner Salim Rajput and the flour mills association.  

    During the discussions, the association agreed to retail the flour at Rs127 and wholesale it at Rs120 per kilogramme in the city.  

    Furthermore, the wholesale market prices were set at Rs130 per kilogramme for fine flour and Rs134 per kilogramme for retail.  

    Meanwhile, there has been a noticeable increase in prices for sugar, flour, and other essential commodities at utility stores nationwide.   

    The reported prices reveal that sugar is priced at Rs155 in utility stores, compared to Rs142.54 in the open market, representing a Rs12.46 disparity.  

    Similarly, a 20-kg bag of flour is priced at Rs2,840 in utility stores, with an open market price of Rs2,706.32, reflecting a Rs133.68 difference. 

  • Federal secretaries to play key role in Customs Board as part of tax reform drive 

    The interim government is poised to establish a dedicated Customs Board as part of the ongoing reform initiative to oversee the operations of Pakistan Customs. 

    Within the framework of the tax reform programme, five federal secretaries, namely those from Finance, Industries and Production, National Food Security, Commerce, and Interior, are slated to serve as ex-officio members of the Customs Board. 

    Insiders reveal that FBR Chairman Amjad Zubair Tiwana recently apprised Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar of the FBR’s reform agenda. 

    Additionally, reports suggest that the government has decided to institute a novel position, “Member Appraisal,” within the Customs Department with the aim of segregating appraisal from operational and enforcement functions. 

    Sources further indicate that the government intends to expand the scope of the Track and Trace System to encompass additional sectors as part of the new reform framework. 

    Furthermore, as part of the reform measures, tax authorities are set to implement an electronic invoicing system in designated sectors with the objective of overseeing the entire supply chain and mitigating the risk of smuggling. 

  • Fan passes away from cardiac arrest during Taylor Swift’s concert

    Fan passes away from cardiac arrest during Taylor Swift’s concert

    Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concert in Rio, Brazil, suffered a setback when a fan passed away of cardiac arrest. Ana Clara, 23, had flown in from the centre west region to see her favourite musician perform live. According to People, she fainted before Taylor’s gig began, dying shortly after in the hospital where she was taken for treatment.

    Brazil is in the grip of intense heatwaves. On Friday, the temperature in Rio hit 39.1C. Multiple fans have revealed they were not allowed to take water bottles inside with them during the show. In several videos, Taylor was seen passing out water bottles while performing ‘All Too Well’ when fans began chanting “water, water”.

    Swift released a statement on Friday on her Instagram account, expressing grief on Ana’s passing, writing that she was devastated by the loss.

    “I can’t believe I’m writing these words but it is with a shattered heart that I sasy we lost a fan earlier tonight before my show. I can’t even tell you how devastated I am by this. There’s very little information I have other than the fact that she was so incredibly beautiful and far too young.”

    “I’m not going to be able to speak about this from stage,” Taylor continued, “because I fell overwhelmed with grief when I even try to talk about it. I want to say now I feel this loss deeply and my broken heart goes out to her friends and family. This is the last thing I ever thought would happen when we decided to bring this tour to Brazil.”

    On Saturday, the ‘Anti Hero’ singer released another statement, announcing that she was postponing her Saturday night concert in Rio due to extreme temperatures. The show has now been rescheduled for Monday.

    “I’m writing this from my dressing room in the stadium. The decision has been made to postpone tonight’s show due to the extreme temperatures in Rip. The safety and well-being on my fans, fellow performers, and crew has to and will always come first.”

  • Mohammad Yousaf appointed Head Coach of Pakistan Under-19 Cricket Team

    Mohammad Yousaf appointed Head Coach of Pakistan Under-19 Cricket Team

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former captain Muhammad Yousaf as the head coach of the Pakistan U-19 cricket team.

    Muhammad Yousaf’s first assignment will be the Under-19 Asia Cup in UAE from December 8 to 17 and the Under-19 World Cup in Sri Lanka from January 13 to February 4.

    Muhammad Yousaf has previously served as the batting coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team and National Cricket Academy.

    Muhammad Yousaf is one of the most successful batsmen in Pakistan who scored 7530 Test runs and 9720 ODI runs in his career from 1998 to 2010. He has the honor of scoring 1788 runs in one calendar year (2006) in Test cricket.

    Muhammad Yousaf said “He is grateful to Pakistan Cricket Board Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf for entrusting him with this responsibility. This responsibility is an honor for him. Looking forward to it, both these tournaments are important for the development of the players and hopefully, we will be at our best in them”.

    Mohammad Yousaf said, “He has worked with Pakistan’s senior team, so he will bring his experience to the U-19 set-up to provide them with an environment where they can grow to the international level”.

    He said “Harnessing the skills of young cricketers is vital for Pakistan cricket, so he is fully prepared to play his part in identifying future stars, improving them and preparing them for the future. Can play a role”.

  • Pakistan International Airlines announces special discount for students

    Pakistan International Airlines announces special discount for students

    In an effort to promote goodwill and support the academic pursuits of students, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has introduced an enticing offer in celebration of International Students Day. 

    The national flag carrier is now offering an exclusive 20 per cent discount, along with an impressive 80 kg luggage allowance, for students traveling on its flights to China. 

    This special promotion is part of PIA’s ongoing initiatives to attract passengers and rejuvenate its operations following significant financial challenges caused by fuel shortages.  

    It is noteworthy that the airline resumed its weekly flights to China in August, re-establishing the Islamabad-Beijing-Islamabad route. 

    Students, being a crucial demographic for air travel, can now enjoy substantial cost savings as they embark on their educational journeys or return home for holidays. 

    This offer is particularly advantageous for those traveling the Islamabad-Beijing route, with the weekly flight taking place every Sunday.  

    PIA is also considering extending students’ baggage allowance when traveling between Pakistan and China, providing an additional benefit to those taking advantage of this limited-time offer. 

    This announcement follows PIA’s recent initiatives to attract passengers, such as a 15 per cent discount on tickets for flights from Toronto to Pakistan.  

    Additionally, the airline recently reduced ticket prices for Umrah by up to Rs6,000, showcasing a concerted effort to meet diverse passenger needs and preferences. 

  • FBR restructuring: 145 offices set up to add 2 million new taxpayers

    FBR restructuring: 145 offices set up to add 2 million new taxpayers

    In a bid to streamline operations, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has set up 145 district tax offices, aiming to bring in 1.5 to 2 million new taxpayers by June 2024. 

    Highlighting the significance of revenue and the need to increase the number of tax filers, the Prime Minister also stressed these goals in recent meetings.  

    The initiative is geared towards expanding the tax base, ultimately achieving the desired tax-to-GDP ratio. 

    Heading these offices are district tax officers responsible for compelling income tax returns from non-filers and preventing lapses from existing filers.  

    This marks a pivotal step in bridging the critical tax gap and incorporating all potential taxpayers into the system. 

    The newly established offices, led by dedicated Inland Revenue Officers in BS-17/18, will leverage third-party data obtained from various departments to track information on asset investments and significant expenditures by potential taxpayers.   

    This approach aims to curtail avenues for individuals evading taxation, particularly in terms of registration and filing returns. 

    The department will invoke the recently introduced Section 114B in the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, to enforce compliance, enabling it to disconnect utility connections (such as electricity and gas) and block mobile SIMs if returns are not filed in response to issued notices. 

    A new documentation law is also in the works to mandate agencies and departments to provide data to the FBR through an automated common transmission system. 

    The Federal Board of Revenue has sought collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), and the Chairman of NADRA is ensuring assistance for the expansion of the tax base through data integration. 

    This comprehensive initiative not only strengthens the FBR’s capacity to enforce tax laws but also facilitates taxpayers by establishing dedicated offices, ultimately fostering a more efficient and effective taxation system. 

  • ‘Content creators are selling their families for influence’: Fahad Mustafa

    ‘Content creators are selling their families for influence’: Fahad Mustafa

    Actor and producer Fahad Mustafa was a guest on Shoaib Akhtar’s show where he was asked about the rise of social media influencers and content creators in Pakistan and whether he would accept them as co-actors in any drama he works in. The ‘Mayi Ri’ producer responded with a scathing remark on the lengths people from this profession are willing to go to for the sake of going viral.

    “They are selling their families for content,” asserted the actor. “Their content is making kheer in the kitchen, rubbing their mother’s feet and then going as far as visiting a graveyard…Matlab yeh kya hai, yeh kaunsa content hai?” [What is this, what kind of content is this?]

    Fahad further explained he would never want to be known for this kind of work. “I can tell both good or bad story, but I will never sell my house for the sake of views. I will never sell myself this way.”

    The ‘Mein Abdul Kadir Hoon’ actor further compared content creators to those working in the acting industry, and pointed out how such influencers would never survive in such an industry because of the extensive time it took to produce a project.

    “If you ever go on a shoot, or you’re sitting on a set here, it takes time,” shared Fahad. “There’s a process. They can’t work longer than two or eight hours. And how would they understand? They have their phone and can make something in 10 seconds.”

  • X user wins hearts by sharing story of inter-faith marriage of Palestinian parents

    X user wins hearts by sharing story of inter-faith marriage of Palestinian parents

    An X (formerly Twitter) user, Beisan, is winning hearts on social media by sharing the love story of her Palestinian parents. Beisan revealed her parents, a Muslim man and his Christian wife, have been married for over 40 years.

    In her next post, Beisan shared that inter-faith marriages were not permitted in Israel, where under the law, interfaith unions are not legally recognised. Because of this, her parents had to move to Canada in order to legalise their union.

    Twitter users were moved by Beisan’s dedication to her parents, a reminder of the enormous love Palestinian men hold for their families.

    A user shared: “In high school I went on a trip to Nippissing & the weather was colder than I packed for. When I got home & told my father he was furious that I didn’t call him to bring sweaters, it was only a 3 hour drive. It’s hard to describe the intensity of a Palestinian father’s love.”