Current Final

Author: News Desk

  • Sonam Kapoor speaks out for Palestine, other prominent Bollywood celebrities silent

    Sonam Kapoor speaks out for Palestine, other prominent Bollywood celebrities silent

    Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor is one of the few Indian celebrities to condemn the bombardment of Palestine by Israeli army. The actress shared two post on her Instagram stories, as reported by Indian publication CNN News 18. One was a picture with the caption: “Half of the people in Gaza are children.”

    The other one was a quote from a New York Times article written by Nicholas Kristof which condemned the one-sided apathy towards Palestinian children.

    Most Twitter users lauded the ‘Aisha’ actress for taking a firm stand when Bollywood celebrities, including prominent Muslim actors, refused to speak out publicly against Israel’s atrocities towards Gaza.

    Among the few Bollywood celebrities who have addressed the conflict, Shah Rukh Khan’s 2014 tweet was going viral on social media where he condemned the murder of Palestinian children.

    Actress Swara Bhasker also condemned the brutal attack on Palestinian civilians by Israeli terrorists, and released a statement on her Instagram stories calling out the hypocrisy of those who were “shocked” by the violence of the Hamas.

    “If you have not felt shock and horror at Israel’s unending atrocities on Palestinians, the forcible occupation of Palestinian homes, the forced evictions, the bigotry and violence of settler Israelis, the murder of Palestinian children and teenagers, the decades long blockade and bombing of Gaza and civilians in Gaza, including bombing of schools and hospitals (not to mention the apartheid and occupation), then I’m afraid your shock and horror at Hamas’ attacks on Israel seem a bit hypocritical.”

  • ‘Reading Namaz in front of Indians’; Rizwan targeted by same lawyer who harassed Zainab Abbas

    ‘Reading Namaz in front of Indians’; Rizwan targeted by same lawyer who harassed Zainab Abbas

    Indian lawyer, Vineet Jindal, who had previously filed a case against sports presenter Zainab Abbas, resulting in her leaving India under security threats, has now turned his proverbial guns on Pakistani cricketer Muhammad Rizwan.  

    Jindal has written a complaint against Rizwan to Greg Barclay, the head of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for offering prayers on the field.  

    He goes on to write that the act of Namaz raises “questions about the spirit of the match and ideology”, since it was said in a “field amid many Indians.” 

    He also writes that Rizwan offering prayers among Indians is “symbolic” of the “intentional depiction of his religion.” 

    Users on social media are in a state of shock with some suggesting that ‘it seems to shock Jindal that Rizwan is, indeed, a Muslim’.  

    https://twitter.com/salmank11727912/status/1713418526650974243?s=48&t=rOeCbdRYErknX-iusAjnIQ

    Jindal continues to criticise Rizwan for dedicating his win to the people of Gaza, saying that dedication was against the ideology of India. His criticism seems unwarranted since the ICC, when responding to a similar comment by an Indian journalist said that Rizwan’s tweet about Gaza was his right since posting his opinion on social media did not fall under the rules of the game. 

    Netizens are also worried that Jindal seems to assume that Rizwan is Indian and not Pakistani. Why else would he have to follow Indian ideology?  

    He ends his complaint by asking ICC to take action against Rizwan. 

  • Petrol price in Pakistan slashed by Rs40 to Rs283.38 per litre

    Petrol price in Pakistan slashed by Rs40 to Rs283.38 per litre

    In a move to ease the burden on masses dealing with high inflation, the caretaker government has decided to lower the cost of petrol by Rs40 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs15 for the next two weeks. 

    The new per litre rates are set at Rs283.38 for petrol and Rs303.18 for diesel. 

    This change comes as a response to fluctuations in international fuel prices and an improved exchange rate, leading the government to adjust consumer prices for petroleum products. 

    For the second time in a row, the interim government is taking steps to lower petroleum prices, following three consecutive bi-weekly increases.

    In the previous adjustment, petrol saw a reduction of Rs8 per litre, while high-speed diesel decreased by Rs11 per litre.

    Between August 15 and September 15, the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel had surged by Rs58.43 and Rs55.83 per litre, reaching historic highs at retail of Rs331-333 per litre.

    Earlier this week, it was anticipated that the prices of HSD and petrol would dip below Rs300 per litre in the upcoming review, thanks to a significant decline in global oil rates and the strengthening of the rupee.

  • World Cup 2023: Afghanistan defeat defending champion England in huge upset

    Afghanistan has defeated defending champions England on Sunday in a thrilling match of the cricket World Cup 2023, pulling off a huge upset with a margin of 69 runs.

    England captain Jos Butler won the toss, inviting Afghanistan to bat first.

    The start of Afghanistan’s innings against England was excellent, with a partnership of 114 runs between opener Rehmanullah Garbaz and Ibrahim Zadran for the first wicket, but then Ibrahim was sent to the pavilion by English bowler Adil Rashid for 28 runs.

    After scoring three runs, new batsman Rahmat Shah also fell prey to Adil Rashid while Rahmanullah Garbaz was also run out after scoring 80 runs, and Azmatullah Umarzai was dismissed by Livingstone for 19 runs. However, Ikram Ali supported the team by playing an innings of 58 runs, Rashid Khan scored 23 runs and Mujeebur Rahman scored 28 runs.

    Thus, the entire Afghanistan team was bowled out for 284 runs in 49.5 overs. Adil Rashid took three wickets and Mark Wood took two wickets.

    Chasing the target of 285 runs, England’s batting suffered from difficulties from the beginning, with a continuous fall of wickets. The English batsmen appeared frozen, except for Harry Brook, none of the batsmen could resist the Afghan bowlers.

    Read More: ‘Today’s match looked like a BCCI event, not ICC’: Mickey Arthur

    England’s first wicket fell for three when Bearstowe was dismissed for two, then Joe Root for 11 and David Mullan for 32. Apart from this, captain Jos Buttler scored nine runs, Livingston and Sam Curran scored 10, 10, and Chris Woakes scored nine runs. On one side, the wickets of the English team kept falling, while on the other side, Harry Brook scored a half-century and gave the team hope of victory. He was also dismissed for 66 runs.

    Adil Rashid scored 20 runs, Mark Wood scored 18 runs and Topley scored 15 runs. The Afghan bowlers controlled the entire English team in 40.3 overs, thus Afghanistan defeated the defending champion England by 69 runs in the World Cup.

    Mujeebur Rahman and Rashid Khan took three and three wickets respectively while Mohammad Nabi dismissed two players.

  • 70% of people in Gaza without health services: what do we know about day nine

    70% of people in Gaza without health services: what do we know about day nine

    More than 400 Palestinians killed in Israeli raids in one day

    Wafa news has reported that Israeli bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 400 Palestinians and 1,500 have been wounded in the past 24 hours.

    China on Israel

    During a call with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi deemed Israel’s operation in Gaza as “beyond the scope of self-defence” and alluded to the Israeli government to “cease its collective punishment of” Palestinians.

    “All parties should not take any action to escalate the situation and should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible.”, he added.

    Gaza death toll climbs to 2,329

    According to the health ministry, at least 2,329 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza as the result of Israeli attacks whereas 9,714 have been wounded.

    On the contrary, 1,300 people have been killed in the Hamas attack on Israel.

    126 Israeli captives

    According to the Israeli army, 126 people have been taken captive by Hamas since October 7 attacks, whereas at least 279 soldiers have died.

    Israeli military at Gaza border

    As per Al-Jazeera’s investigation, the Israeli army has been “struggling to deal with infiltrations by fighters from Gaza” since October 7 attacks by Qassam Brigades.

    Nonetheless, Israel continues to attack Gaza and intercept rockets.

    Israel’s military is also setting themselves along the border as hundreds of tanks and heavy military equipment are proceeding with operational positions, indicating severe operations in the coming days.

    Israeli soldiers harassing Palestinians in Jerusalem Old City

    Palestinians in Jerusalem’s Old City are now under intensified harassment at the hands of the Israelis.

    Al Jazeera spoke to Palestinians who said that they are now facing “new interrogation tactics at its entry points, including phone searches, increased use of physical force and vulgar insults”.

    Additionally, as per Wafa news, 50 Palestinians have been arrested by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.

    No access to health services for 70% of people in Gaza

    Palestinian Ministry of Health spokesperson, Ashraf al-Qudra, reported that 70 percent of residents in the besieged Gaza Strip are without health services after the UNRWA evacuated its centres.

    Water crisis in Gaza

    As per the United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians, water has become a “matter of life and death” in the Gaza Strip as Israel has blocked water supply.

    UNRWA has stated that more than two million people are at risk.

    “It has become a matter of life and death. It is a must: Fuel needs to be delivered now into Gaza to make water available for two million people,” said UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini.

    Additionally, it has been a week since no humanitarian supplies have been allowed into Gaza.

    Credits: Al-Jazeera

  • Saudi Aramco considers investing in Shell’s $200 million Pakistani assets

    Saudi Aramco considers investing in Shell’s $200 million Pakistani assets

    Saudi Aramco is actively contemplating the possibility of acquiring Shell’s holdings in Pakistan, marking a potential historic foray into the South Asian nation, according to Bloomberg.

    The Saudi oil company is evaluating Shell’s assets in the region, notably Shell Pakistan Ltd., a Karachi-listed entity with a market value of $123 million. The collective value of Shell’s Pakistani assets is estimated to hover around $200 million, according to insiders.

    Shell boasts a rich legacy of over seven decades in Pakistan, with a network of more than 600 fuel stations. The company has not only been a prominent fuel supplier but has also been engaged in the lubricant business.

    It’s crucial to note that this expression of interest from Saudi Aramco doesn’t guarantee an outright acquisition. Other potential suitors might emerge on the horizon.

    Responding to inquiries, a Shell representative acknowledged strong interest from both local and international buyers but refrained from divulging specific details. The representative emphasised that any sale would follow a structured sales process, including the execution of binding agreements and the requisite regulatory approvals.

    In a significant announcement made in June, Shell disclosed its intention to exit the Pakistani market, with plans to divest its 77.4 per cent stake in Shell Pakistan and its 26 per cent ownership in Pak-Arab Pipeline Co., a state-supported cross-country pipeline network. This strategic move aligns with Shell’s broader divestment strategy, led by CEO Wael Sawan, aimed at enhancing shareholder returns by shedding underperforming assets.

    Shell’s withdrawal represents a challenge for Pakistan, which is grappling with economic instability, exemplified by a depreciating currency over the past year. Pakistan has witnessed the departure of several multinational corporations in recent years, including fuel retailer Puma Energy in 2021 and the shutdown of trucking startup Trella in April.

    Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has expressed a commitment to bolster its involvement and investments in Pakistan. The Saudi Fund for Development is exploring the possibility of increasing its deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan from $3 billion to $5 billion, as well as a plan to elevate Saudi investments in Pakistan to $10 billion.

    Furthermore, Aramco has entered into discussions with the Pakistani government regarding a substantial $10 billion refinery project, as confirmed by the country’s energy minister, Muhammad Ali, earlier this month. These developments reflect the growing engagement and economic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

  • Instagram users say no views when people post pro Palestine content

    Instagram users say no views when people post pro Palestine content

    As the civilian death toll from Israel’s bombing of Gaza continues to rise Instagram users have complained that they are not getting views on pro Palestine content.

    While more than a 1000 Palestinians are dead, including more than 600 children, others are struggling to survive through Israel’s embargo on food, water, electricity, and other basic services.

    Israel’s atrocities in Gaza have resulted in people around the world raising their voice on social media and sharing footage.

    This also includes Pakistani influencers and Instagram users with a significant amount of following.

    They are now highlighting that the viewership on their Instagram stories has starkly decreased every since they started sharing pro-Palestinian content.

    This has not happened for the first time.

    Instagram (i.e. Meta) is known to deliberately restrict the outreach of content that is in support of Palestine or merely stating facts that put Israel in a bad light.

    Quds News Network, the largest Palestinian news outlet, has said that Meta has suspended it’s page on Israel’s complaint.

  • Gold price surges by Rs4,900 in a single day, reaches Rs202,000 per tola 

    Gold price surges by Rs4,900 in a single day, reaches Rs202,000 per tola 

    The price of gold in Pakistan has experienced a significant surge following an increase in the global market.  

    According to the All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA), the cost of 24-carat gold has risen by Rs4,900, reaching Rs202,000 per tola.  

    Meanwhile, the price of 10-gramme gold has also seen a substantial increase, going up by Rs4,201 to settle at Rs173,182. 

    In the international market, the price of gold saw a notable uptick, with a $46 increase, bringing it to $1,938 per ounce.  

    Concurrently, the US dollar (USD) weakened by Rs5.07 against the Pakistani rupee in the interbank market over the course of this week’s trading. In interbank trading, the USD declined from Rs282.69 to Rs277.62 this week. 

    Furthermore, the American currency witnessed a decrease of Rs4.50 in the open market at the end of the week, closing at Rs277, down from Rs281.50. 

  • AI helps researchers decode 2000-year-old text buried by volcano

    AI helps researchers decode 2000-year-old text buried by volcano

    Researchers, led by Professor Brent Seales at the University of Kentucky, have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to decode a single word from an ancient Herculaneum scroll nearly 2,000 years old. 

    These scrolls, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, were thought to be lost to history. 

    Their remarkable discovery was made possible with support from Silicon Valley investors, who have offered cash rewards for anyone able to extract legible text from these ancient manuscripts. 

    Stephen Parsons, a researcher on the project, emphasised the significance of their achievement, calling it the “first recovered text from one of these rolled-up, intact scrolls.” Since the project’s inception, they have been steadily uncovering more letters and words from these ancient scrolls. 

    In what they’ve termed the “Vesuvius challenge,” Professor Seales and his team made thousands of 3D X-ray images of two scrolls publicly available. They also introduced an AI system trained to decipher the characters within the scrolls. 

    The scrolls are believed to be the work of Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, a prominent Roman statesman. Two individuals, Luke Farritor in Nebraska and Youssef Nader in Berlin, independently decoded the same ancient Greek word in one of the scrolls: “πορφύρας,” which means “purple.” 

    Dr. Federica Nicolardi, a papyrologist at the University of Naples Federico II, reported that three lines of the scroll, containing up to 10 letters, are now readable, with the promise of more to come. A recent section has unveiled at least four columns of text. 

    Professor Seales noted that this word provides a tantalising glimpse into an unopened ancient book, evoking ideas of royalty, wealth, and irony.  

    The full context remains a mystery, and it is unclear what the scroll discusses, but Professor Seales is optimistic that it will soon be revealed. 

    While the texts analysed so far are in ancient Greek, there is an expectation that some may be in Latin. The discovery of potentially unexplored sections of the library could yield even greater treasures, including new plays, poems, and lost historical texts. 

    For Professor Seales, this achievement represents a significant step into uncharted territory, akin to landing on the moon, and he and his team are eager to continue exploring these remarkable artefacts. 

  • ‘Today’s match looked like a BCCI event, not ICC’: Mickey Arthur

    ‘Today’s match looked like a BCCI event, not ICC’: Mickey Arthur

    Pakistan cricket team director Mickey Arthur has said after his team’s defeat by India, “Today’s match was not an International Cricket Council (ICC) event but looked like a home event of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). I didn’t hear “Dil Dil Pakistan” coming through the microphones too often tonight.”

    The coach was referring to an anthem, sang by Vital Signs, that Pakistani fans sing at all their team matches.

    While addressing a press conference after the match, Mickey Arthur said” We did not play well today, getting out for 155 to 191 is not fair, it was a big match, we could have done better on this wicket”.

    He said “India bowled well, we could have counter-pressured but today we could not play according to the Pakistan way”. He said the team goes into the field to win every match.”Past records are only played in the media. Its a long World Cup, we win two out of three matches,” adding that the team will focus on the next match with patience.

    He was hopeful to play the final with this team, trying to give confidence to Shadab and Nawaz.

    It should be noted that in the biggest match of the ICC Cricket World Cup, India easily defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets.