Pakistan cricket team skipper Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan went back into university life as the batting duo joined the prestigious Harvard Business School’s executive education programme on the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS), becoming the first two cricketers to join the prestigious school.
Babar Azam on Monday night shared a picture on his Twitter account, reminding every student of hostel life, where everyone is tense and worried and studying hard just one night before an exam.
Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan are the number two and three ranked batsman in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings. Twitter reacted hilariously when the superstars shared a picture of them studying in a room.
Babar is the one who is befikra will read and give exams but Rizwan is the one who'll read and continuesly praying too for both of them so they both clear this exam 😭😂🤌🫶 pic.twitter.com/vsuTwuM4qY
It is a proud moment for Pakistan as the two stars become the first ever cricketers to take part in this business course. In the press release issued by the management company of the two players, -Saya Corporation- it is said that the program taught at Harvard Business School in Boston will continue from May 31 to June 3. After which both will hold meetings with various communities in America till June 13.
Details of Harvard Business Programme
Programme details have been shared on the school’s website, where they have stated that the programme in which Babar and Rizwan are placed is called the Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS). It is structured with new modules and techniques on how to develop new business, why some startups becomes successful and why some fail.
It states that the need for digital technology is most felt in the entertainment industry today and the course discusses the latest approaches in this regard.
This course will teach you how to make the best decisions, how to take advantage of market fluctuations and how to achieve long-lasting profits.
Course fees stated on the website is $10,500 but it is not clear yet who is paying the fee of the two star players.
The coming-of-age film ‘Ye Jawaani Hai Deewani’ was released on screens 10 years ago. The cult classic became a momunental part of the changing Bollywood industry. The film revolves around four friends, and shifts between their time as young graduates to ten years later when they become adults Ranbir Kapoor starred as the energetic and lively Kabir, who always dreamed of a career in journalism and flying around the world, while Deepika Padukone played the studious and quiet Naina, who has a secret crush on Kabir but fears telling him so.
To mark the occasion, fans from around the world, especially the cast and crew, celebrated by sharing hilarious anecdotes and heart warming messages for fans.
Director Ayan Mukerjee shared a video clip of memorable moments, and also sent out a heartfelt message for fans who had supported the film since its release:
“YJHD – My second child, a piece of my heart and soul – 10 years old today! ❤️
I think after all these years, I can confidently say that… Making this movie was one of the greatest joys of my life! And what we achieved with it – with all its perfections and imperfections – is a source of great eternal pride for me!
Strangely, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani fully from beginning to end, since the day it released … (Always pushing towards the next milestone, and not looking back enough…!)
But when I’m older and wiser – I think I will watch the movie atleast once a year – because a big part of who I was and how I looked at life – is forever captured in this movie !
In the recent months, I have often had people recognise me and come up to me… and I’m thinking they will say something about Brahmāstra, and then they started talking about YJHD !
So, putting out a whole lot of gratitude for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani… and all the many people who connected deeply with the movie over the years ! ❤️
Also sharing a Director’s Note I had written at the time, in my story which someone special from my team shared with me a few days ago… and it brought back all kinds of memories for me !”
He even shared the director’s note on his Instagram stories where he had described the film as:
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a cocktail of all these encounters and obsessions… It is a story of the exhilarating and terrifying journey of four characters as they navigate through their youth; from their carefree laughter as they set off on a holiday together in their colleges days, until their bittersweet tears as they watch the first of their bunch get married. It is an effort to somehow capture the spirit of their lives, wrestle with it and give it to our audience in a bottle. So that it might make them feel happy and joyful and sad and nostalgic. And like the characters in the film, it might make them seek for what it is, in all of the above, that truly gives our lives meaning.”
Mukerjee also posted never before seen pictures with Padukone and Kapoor:
Actors like Padukone, and Kalki Kanmani celebrated the anniversary of the film with the ‘Bajirao Mastani’ actress taking to Instagram to share the trailer of the film with the caption: ‘A piece of my heart’
While Kanmani, who played the outgoing and rough Aditi, recalled her experience by writing about how memorable working with the cast was:
“How we’ve all grown and learnt since then and yet some things I can’t imagine any different, like @deepikapadukone will always be teaching us a dance step we can’t follow, @adityaroykapur will always be our big Lebowski, Ranbir will always play a prank that makes us squeal and @ayan_mukerji will always ask us uncomfortably personal questions that lead to the best conversations loved the memories we collected here, happy 10 years guys “
Fans on social media have celebrated the occasion by sharing their favorite scenes from the film:
happy 10 years to yjhd and deepika padukone as naina talwar. her most quintessential bollywood heroine moment. a role etched out in the hearts of a whole generation, to whom so many girls relate to. iconic, impactful and unparalleled 💞#10YearsOfYJHDhttps://t.co/PwkTNixeMT
Fans of the film even shared some of their favorite dialogues, like the scene between Naina and Kabir when she tells him to learn to take life as it is rather than keep chasing the next best thing.
10 years of yjhd ♡ A movie that I love a lil more every time I rewatch <3
In a strong rebuke to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), State Minister for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha criticised the international lender for what she called “intervening” in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Speaking on Wednesday, the state minister asserted that Pakistan’s actions were within the boundaries of the law, dismissing the statement made by IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan, Nathan Porter, as “extraordinary.”
While the IMF typically refrains from commenting on domestic politics, Porter had expressed the hope that Pakistan would find a peaceful way forward in line with the Constitution and the rule of law. The state minister expressed her dissatisfaction with the IMF’s involvement in Pakistan’s political situation, emphasising that the delay in reaching a staff-level agreement was detrimental to both Pakistan and the Fund.
Dr Pasha confirmed reports that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reached out to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. In their conversation, the prime minister assured the IMF chief that Pakistan would fulfill all its obligations.
On May 27, Prime Minister Shehbaz had contacted Georgieva, requesting her assistance in revitalising the stalled $6.5 billion facility. It is believed that the prime minister urged her intervention to facilitate the completion of the pending ninth review, which would unlock $1.1 billion in financing for the cash-strapped nation.
Negotiations between the coalition government and the IMF have been ongoing since November to revive Pakistan’s bailout program, with the financing gap being a major hurdle. Approximately $2.7 billion remains to be disbursed from the $6.5 billion program, which is set to expire next month.
Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s contingency plan if it fails to convince the IMF before the program’s expiry on June 30, the state minister stated that while there is always a “Plan B,” the Ministry of Finance’s priority is to revive the IMF program.
With the federal budget announcement scheduled for June 9, both sides are hopeful of reaching a staff-level agreement before then. The successful conclusion of the agreement would provide a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s economy and help address its financial challenges.
As the negotiations continue, the Pakistani government remains committed to meeting its obligations and finding a way forward to revive the IMF program, while asserting its sovereignty and independence in internal affairs.
Only a year after ‘Kanna Yaari’ burst on our screens, there’s no stopping Eva B. The Lyari based rapper is setting milestones with her performance at the Grammy’s ‘Global Spin’ show with her song ‘Sunrise in Lyari’.
The Global Spin is a platform where international artists are highlighted. Her track is described as ‘an infectious rap song about her roots in Karachi.” She had also exclusively written the song for the platform.
Sharing the achievement on her Instagram page, the ‘Rozi’ rapper called this achievement a ‘testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence.”
“In this moment, I’m overwhelmed with a mix of awe, gratitude, and a burning desire to represent my roots. Being a Pakistani woman to hit the Grammy GlobalSpin stage is a testament to the power of dreams and the relentless pursuit of excellence. “
Eva B had won hearts across Pakistan with her upbeat hit ‘Rozi’ which she sang for the ‘Ms Marvel’ soundtrack and later featured alongside with actress Sonya Hussyn for ‘Khoon Hai Karachi Ka’ for the crime thriller film ‘Daadal’
The medical reports of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan with National Accountability Bureau (NAB) do not hint at alcohol and cocaine use, Ansar Abbasi has reported for The News.
The source quoted by the reporter claimed to have reviewed the medical records, and said that Imran Khan’s health was normal.
He said that Imran’s blood and urine samples were taken while he was in NAB’s custody.
“The medical reports as available with NAB do not endorse what the health minister alleged,” the news report quoted a source.
Imran Khan on Tuesday sent a Rs10 Billion defamation notice to Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel for sharing details about an alleged medical test conducted during his arrest, stating that the PTI chief had faked his fracture and that he is mentally unstable.
Imran Khan asked the minister through the legal notice to, “retract his statements in the same mode and manner in which he made them in the first place”.
The private medical reports of the tests that the government is said to have conducted on PTI leader Imran Khan earlier this month while he was under arrest were made public on Friday.
The reports stated that Imran Khan’s mental stability was under question and that while no leg fractures were found, there was evidence of alcohol and an illicit substance in his urine.
At the Pakistan Energy Conference 2023, Minister of State for Petroleum, Musadik Malik, reassured the nation that the arrival of cheap oil from Russia would eventually lead to a decline in fuel prices. However, he cautioned that an immediate decrease should not be expected until a continuous supply of oil from Moscow is established.
Minister Malik said that the import of Russian oil was not merely a promise or rhetoric. He confirmed that ships carrying the much-anticipated oil had already reached Oman and would commence supply to Pakistan within a week. While acknowledging that a single shipment would not significantly impact fuel costs, Malik expressed confidence that once a persistent supply was established, the price of fuel would gradually decrease.
The government’s ambitious objective is to fulfill one-third of Pakistan’s crude oil requirements with affordable oil sources, including imports from Russia. The aim is to address the chronic energy shortages that Pakistan, the world’s fifth most populous country, has been grappling with. Currently, Pakistan imports 84 per cent of its petroleum products, primarily from Gulf Arab allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The import of cheap Russian oil represents one of Pakistan’s strategies to alleviate its energy crisis, as global efforts are underway to restrict Russia’s oil exports due to its invasion of Ukraine. During a visit to the United States earlier this month, Minister Malik confirmed that Pakistan had placed its first order for Russian oil, which is expected to arrive within a month. Upon evaluating the impact of this initial shipment, Pakistan will decide on the extent of future imports.
When asked about the possibility of pursuing more Russian imports, Malik responded that Pakistan would prioritise cheaper energy sources to meet its energy requirements. The minister further emphasised that the government’s objective was to ensure a sustainable and affordable supply of low-cost energy, highlighting accessibility, sustainability, and affordability as the key pillars of this vision.
In addition to the import of Russian oil, Malik mentioned the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project as another avenue to address the country’s energy needs. The government has conveyed to Iran its intention to access energy through the pipeline while remaining responsible and avoiding potential sanctions. Talks are underway with both sanctioning countries and Iran to find a creative solution to this matter.
With Pakistan eagerly awaiting the arrival of cheap Russian oil, the government remains committed to securing a sustainable and affordable energy supply to meet the needs of its citizens. The gradual decline in fuel prices is expected to provide much-needed relief to the nation, addressing its chronic energy shortages and boosting economic growth in the process.
The Asia Cup controversy is showing no sign of ending, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not want to end the stalemate with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
BCCI has rejected the proposal of a hybrid model proposed by PCB, with Indian officials rejecting the offer to play in Dubai. The Indian government’s rigid influence did not let Asian Cricket Council (ACC) solve the dispute amicably.
As of PCB’s proposed hybrid model, which suggested that the first four matches will be played in Pakistan and the rest of the tournament moves to a neutral venue, Pakistan demanded that India first accepts it, then Board officials will decide which country will host the rest of the matches.
Revenue concerns are the first priority of Pakistan, with Dubai being the favorite choice.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have expressed concerns over weather conditions in Dubai. Sri Lanka is up in line for hosting Asia Cup 2023.
Media speculation suggests that they secretly shook hands with BCCI and hinted to ACC that the weather is also suitable there.
As time passes, Pakistan is losing its grip on hosting Asia Cup 2023 with Asian teams looking to favour India. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi has said that if the hosting rights will be stolen from the country, then Pakistan will also not play World Cup 2023 in India.
Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday heard a plea filed by Najam Saqib, son of former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, against a special committee formed by the National Assembly speaker to probe into audio clips allegedly featuring his voice.
During the hearing Babar Sattar asked the federal government, “Who records these audios?”, while suspending the summon notice issued to Najam by the special committee.
“There is no relevant ministry in this matter, but we will do so,” Khosa said.
“We only challenged that the speaker and the assembly do not have the authority to look into private matters. The petition does not challenge the matter which is pending in the Supreme Court,” said Latif Khosa, on behalf of the petitioner.
“The audio leak is an alleged conversation between two private individuals that Parliament has no right to see,” he added.
Sattar further said, “You have also been a governor. Tell me, who records these audios?”
“Let the parties answer first, then everything will be clear,” Latif responded.
On May 2, the National Assembly passed a motion demanding formation of a special parliamentary committee to investigate the audios, while on May 3, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf constituted the committee.
SpaceX, the renowned aerospace company led by Elon Musk, has introduced a groundbreaking service called Starlink Mobility. This innovative offering allows customers to access SpaceX’s space-based Starlink internet service from almost anywhere on the planet, even while in motion.
Starlink Mobility harnesses a receiver with an expansive field of view and enhanced GPS capabilities, connecting users to SpaceX’s vast constellation of over 4,000 low-Earth orbit satellites. Elon Musk took to Twitter, stating that this service functions “almost everywhere on Earth,” including remote areas like the middle of oceans and deserts.
The initial beneficiaries of Starlink Mobility are a fleet of school buses in Arizona. By utilizing this service, students can now stay connected and complete their homework while commuting to and from school, revolutionizing their learning experience.
SpaceX emphasized that Starlink Mobility is particularly well-suited for mobile businesses and various public sector use cases, such as trucking, buses, shuttles, and emergency response services. By subscribing to Starlink Mobility, users gain network priority during peak hours, ensuring uninterrupted internet connectivity. This priority access holds significant value for emergency responders, as it helps them maintain vital connections when it matters most.
SpaceX’s website asserts, “Starlink Mobility provides 100 percent coverage in your country and every country where Starlink service is available across the globe.” Moreover, the service extends its reach to the vast majority of the Earth’s oceans and seas, offering connectivity even in maritime environments.
To access Starlink Mobility, customers need to invest $250 per month, along with a one-time hardware fee of $2,500. The Starlink satellite dish, an advanced iteration of SpaceX’s standard hardware, is designed to be permanently installed on vehicles, offering impressive download speeds of up to 220 Mbps.
SpaceX achieved the milestone of global coverage for its Starlink internet network last year, marking four years since the launch of its first satellite batch. However, certain countries like China and Iran have prohibited Starlink from operating within their borders, hindering their citizens’ access to this cutting-edge technology.
Looking to the future, SpaceX aims to launch a satellite-to-cellphone service that would eliminate the need for additional hardware to connect to its internet constellation. Nevertheless, concerns have been raised by existing wireless service providers. AT&T in the US, for example, has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject SpaceX and T-Mobile’s proposal, citing potential interference with their terrestrial services.
Testing of the satellite-to-cell service is slated to commence later this year, and its outcome will likely shape the landscape of global internet connectivity. SpaceX continues to push boundaries, innovating in the realm of space technology and revolutionizing the way people connect and access the internet worldwide.
Punjab Inspector General (IG) Dr Usman Anwar held a joint press conference with SSP Dr Anoush Chaudhry on Tuesday, to dismiss allegations of mistreatment of women in jails.
He said that people should have trust in their institutions, adding that there are more than 150 cameras inside Kot Lak Pat jail.
Dr Anoush said that women were being provided facilities as per rules. She said that she had met with the detained women herself and inquired about any issues they were facing.
The IG also said that old pictures and videos were being posted to propagate a false narrative.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan, in a televised address to the nation on Sunday, claimed that he had received reports that women belonging to his party are being harassed in jails.
He requested the judiciary to take suo motu action against the arrests.
