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Author: News Desk

  • Vinicius Junior wins FIFA Player of the Year award

    Vinicius Junior wins FIFA Player of the Year award

    Brazil and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has won the 2024 FIFA World Player of the Year award.

    Captains, coaches, journalists and fans from around the world voted for the best footballer of 2024 and the best moments in football.

    Argentina and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas Award for the best goal. The awards ceremony was held in Doha.

    Spain’s Aitana Bonamati was awarded the Women’s Footballer of the Year award, while America’s Eliza Naihar was awarded the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.

    Brazil’s Marta won the Marta Award for the best women’s goal, named after her.

    This year, FIFA introduced the Marta Award for the best goal in women’s football, with Marta receiving the award for her goal against Jamaica.

    Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez was named the best goalkeeper of the year, while Brazil’s Thiago Maia clinched the Fair Play Award.

  • Parents in the house can save marriages: Muneeb Butt’s recipe for avoiding divorce

    Parents in the house can save marriages: Muneeb Butt’s recipe for avoiding divorce

    People often say that living in a joint family comes with many challenges. While this is a common belief among younger individuals, many still prefer the joint family lifestyle.


    Actor  Muneeb Butt recently spoke about the benefits of living in a joint family system during a guest appearance on Gup Shab.

    “I, my brother, and my father do not consider it appropriate to live in our own separate houses because when marriages take place, there are many problems in the beginning.”


    He explained, “In such a situation, if the parents or someone older is in the house, they can reconcile between the husband and wife, and whatever small problems there are, they are easily resolved. But if the husband and wife live alone in the house and any problem arises, who will reconcile between them?”


    He added, “Now that I have come to Lahore, I have no worries because I know that if there is any problem with my wife or children at home, my father and brother are there to take care of it. So I think there is more benefit to living in the joint family system.”


    Muneeb Butt emphasized, “I think that if the whole family lives together in separate portions, where everyone has a separate kitchen, then there is no problem.”

    He shared details about his own house, stating that their are three portions. He lives on the ground floor, his brother lives in the middle, and his parents live at the top. “Even though we live in one house, everyone has a separate system. So thank God that there has been no problem so far,” he pointed out.

  • Taliban have taken control of my constituency: Sher Afzal Marwat

    Taliban have taken control of my constituency: Sher Afzal Marwat

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Khan Marwat on Tuesday dismissed claims that terrorist organisation Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were not present in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, where his party holds power.

    Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, the lawmaker said, “I cannot return to my constituency because the Taliban have taken control there, and many other districts share the same problem.”

    He also highlighted that the province is engulfed in unrest, and inflation is increasing.

    Recalling the claims of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif that PTI should make the first move for negotiation, Marwat emphasised that political parties must rest aside their egos.

    PTI leader called on Rana Sanaullah to share the government’s official stance on holding dialogue with PTI, adding that all stakeholders must sit together and find a solution to the polarised situation in the country.

    On December 6, imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, in a message on X (formerly Twitter) had said that he had formed a five-member negotiation committee comprising Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Sahibzada Hamid Raza, lawyer Salman Akram Raja and former NA Speaker Asad Qaiser.

    The founder of Pakistan’s biggest opposition party had also announced that if two demands, including the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 and November 26 events and the release of the political prisoner, remain unmet, the “civil disobedience movement” will follow.

    On the floor of NA, Rana Sanaullah noted that six weeks ago, PM Shehbaz Sharif went straight to the opposition members and shook hands with them, adding that Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government was ready to hold negotiations with the opposition on every matter. However, lawmaker Omer Ayub Khan responded using harsh words.

    Sanaullah also stressed that the parliamentary democratic system cannot work until the opposition leader and leader of the house don’t sit and have a dialogue.

    “For the first time, a pleasant breeze came from the opposition […] but talks cannot be held at gunpoint,” Khawaja Asif responded to Marwat on the same floor.

    The minister reiterated that the repeated attacks on Islamabad and calls for civil disobedience movement will not pave the way for negotiations. 

    “The nation is suffering losses in our political war,” he said, stressing the need for “a change that would create a good environment.”

    Khawaja Asif recalled the Parachinar incident by saying that, as per the constitution, it was the responsibility of the provincial government to solve the disputes between the two clans in the Kurram district, adding that the KP government prioritised last month’s protest march towards the federal capital instead of solving the Kurram land dispute.

  • ‘Don’t spread hate’: Kapil Sharma breaks silence on racism allegations after Atlee show

    ‘Don’t spread hate’: Kapil Sharma breaks silence on racism allegations after Atlee show

    Famous comedian Kapil Sharma is no stranger to controversy, but his recent comment about South Indian filmmaker Atlee Kumar have sparked an intense online debate. Did he cross the line, or was it all just a misunderstanding?


     The incident occurred during a segment of The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show, where Atlee and the cast of his upcoming film Baby John appeared as guests. 

    A clip from the show went viral, with viewers accusing Kapil of making racist comments. In the clip, Kapil asked Atlee, “You became such a big producer and director at such a young age. Has there ever been a time when you met a star for the first time, and they didn’t recognize you, asking, ‘Where is Atlee?’”

    Kapil Sharma’s comment sparked an unexpected response from Atlee, who addressed the issue with grace. 

    “I am thankful to AR Murugadoss sir because he believed in my script, not in how I looked or whether I was capable. He loved my narration. The world should learn to judge by heart, not appearances,” Atlee said. 


    A user name Surajit on X (formerly Twitter) posted the clip from the segment and wrote, “Kapil Sharma subtly insults Atlee’s looks? Atlee responds like a boss: Don’t judge by appearance, judge by the heart.”

    In response to the backlash, Kapil took to social media to clarify his position.  


    He posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), asking, “Dear sir, can you pls explain me where n when I talked about looks in this video ? pls don’t spread hate on social media thank you. (guys watch n decide by yourself, don’t follow any body’s tweet like a sheep)”
    Kapil’s reaction caused more debate. Some people defended him, saying he didn’t mean to hurt anyone, while others thought the joke was insensitive. The controversy continues as people wait for Atlee’s response. 

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    Earlier, Indian cricketer and cast member of The Kapil Sharma Show, Navjot Singh Sidhu, has made a unique condition for rejoining The Great Indian Kapil Show that now streams on Netflix.

    In the episode of the show that aired on the digital streaming platform last Saturday, Sidhu appeared as a guest along with former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh.

    While the show has now been shifted from TV as a new Netflix production, Sidhu’s return came after five years since he last appeared alongside other cast members and host Kapil Sharma on the hit comedy show.

    “This day will be the most wonderful and memorable day of my life,” he said at the end of the episode, expressing his desire to return to the show.

    “I want things to be like before when all of us were together like a beautiful bouquet. I hope we can come together again, but this time with Archana Singh as well,” Sidhu said, adding that he would come back on the condition that Archana continued to be a part of the show.

  • ‘Is my career over?’: Mahira Khan looks back at aftermath of viral photos with Ranbir Kapoor

    ‘Is my career over?’: Mahira Khan looks back at aftermath of viral photos with Ranbir Kapoor

    Renowned actress Mahira Khan has finally addressed the impact of the viral photos that showed her smoking with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor in 2017.

    The actress was spotted smoking with Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor in New York, leading to severe scrutiny over her outfit, smoking, and rumored relationship with Kapoor. However, she kept silent even as the controversy raged about her. 

    Now, she has revealed that the viral pictures made her think her career had ended, and she would never be able to work again.

    In a recent interview with BBC, she opened up on the emotional impact of the viral photos. Mahira Khan recalled reading an article that described her rise to fame in Pakistan and speculated about her downfall after the photos went viral.

    “I remember reading it and thinking, ‘Is my career over?’” she said.

    “I wouldn’t get out of bed, I was crying daily, it affected my professional and personal life. Lots happened on my side,” she said.

    However, Mahira Khan overcame the challenge without letting criticism further affect her personal and professional life. She says she remained silent knowing that speaking out at that time would not help.

    Ranbir Kapoor and Mahira Khan first met at an event in Dubai, as rumors of a relationship between the two began circulating. However, neither actor confirmed the rumors and the speculation died down.

  • Rohit Sharma will step down as captain, reveals former Indian cricketer

    Rohit Sharma will step down as captain, reveals former Indian cricketer

    Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar has predicted that Rohit Sharma will step down as captain if he does not perform well in the upcoming Test matches.

    “If Rohit Sharma flops in Melbourne and Sydney, he will resign and will not wait for the selectors’ decision. He will definitely play the last two Test matches, but if Rohit Sharma does not score runs in the last two matches, I think he will step down as captain,” Gavaskar predicted. 

    He speculated that Rohit will not become a burden on the team. “He is a cricketer who cares a lot about the team.”

    Rohit Sharma has scored only 152 runs in the last 13 Test innings at an average of 11.83, for which he is facing a lot of criticism.

    Sharma is currently under criticism due to his recent form and leadership decisions, particularly following India’s losses against New Zealand and Australia.

  • Winter vacations to begin all across Pakistan

    Winter vacations to begin all across Pakistan

    Temperatures are dropping, and it is the time of the year when winter vacations begin all across Pakistan. 


    Traditionally, school-going children from mountainous regions get prolonged holidays, while children from the plains get a brief break for the last ten days of the last month of the year. 


    For 2024, some changes have been made to the schedule. 


    Punjab


    In Punjab, vacations will last 20 days, unlike previous years. Secretary of Schools Punjab, Khalid Nazir Wattoo, revealed in a statement that winter vacations in Punjab will begin on December 20 and will last until January 10.

    The change is in response to shifting weather patterns, smog, and climate change, which have prompted the Punjab government to redesign its policies for the coming season.

    “However the school will reopen from 13th January due to weekly offs of Saturday and Sunday on January 11 and 12”, the Secretary of School Education stated in the official notification.


    Sindh


    Sindh School Education Department announced that all the public and private schools and colleges across Sindh will remain closed for winter vacations from December 22, 2024 (Sunday) to December 31, 2024 Tuesday.

     
    Schools and colleges are expected to reopen on January 1, 2025 (Wednesday).


    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa


    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in an official statement, announced the schedule for winter vacations in schools across the various regions of the province.


    The schedule says that schools in the plain areas of KP will observe winter vacations from December 22 to 31, 2024.


    However, the schools in the mountainous regions will remain closed for an extended period of time from December 22 to February 28, 2025, because of harsh weather conditions.


    Balochistan


    Balochistan government has also announced winter vacations for educational institutions across the province, which also varies for schools in cold and warm regions.


    Schools in cold regions will remain closed from December 16 to February 28 and will reopen on March 1, 2025. 


    Meanwhile, in the warmer regions, the vacations will begin on January 1 and conclude on January 10.


    Keeping the harsh conditions in check, Bolan Medical College (BMC) in Quetta has also declared winter vacations in an official announcement. The college will remain closed for teaching purposes from December 16 until February 28, 2025.

    However, the teaching and administrative staff is required to ensure their presence. 

  • Ashwin says goodbye to international cricket

    Ashwin says goodbye to international cricket

    India’s star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has announced that he is retiring from international cricket after the third Test match against Australia on Wednesday.

    Ashwin represented India in 106 Test matches, taking 537 wickets in his Test career.

    He has also represented India in 116 ODIs and 65 T20 matches.

    Ashwin said, “I would like to thank everyone who has been with me on this journey of cricket, this was my last day as a cricketer in all formats. I enjoyed it a lot during my career and have many memorable memories. This is a very emotional moment for me.”

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has paid tribute and congratulated Ashwin on his retirement.

  • PCB reveals category renewals list for PSL 10

    PCB reveals category renewals list for PSL 10

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the category renewals list for players set to feature in the 10th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    Islamabad United

    Platinum

    • Imad Wasim (Retained)
    • Naseem Shah (Retained)
    • Shadab Khan (Retained)

    Diamond

    • Azam Khan
    • Salman Ali Agha

    Gold

    • Faheem Ashraf
    • Haider Ali
    • Qasim Akram
    • Rumman Raees

    Silver

    • Shahab Khan

    Emerging

    • Hunain Shah
    • Shamyl Hussain
    • Ubaid Shah

    Karachi Kings

    Platinum

    • Hasan Ali (Promoted)

    Diamond

    • Mohammad Nawaz
    • Shan Masood
    • Shoaib Malik

    Gold

    • Arafat Minhas
    • Anwar Ali Khan
    • Mir Hamza
    • Zahid Mahmood
    • Irfan Khan Niazi

    Silver

    • Mohammad Amir Khan
    • Muhammad Akhlaq

    Emerging

    • Saad Baig
    • Sirajuddin

    Lahore Qalandars

    Platinum

    • Fakhar Zaman (Retained)
    • Haris Rauf (Retained)
    • Shaheen Shah Afridi (Retained)

    Diamond

    • Abdullah Shafique

    Gold

    • Sahibzada Farhan
    • Zaman Khan
    • Mirza Tahir Baig
    • Kamran Ghulam
    • Jahandad Khan

    Silver

    • Ahsan Hafeez Bhatti
    • Muhammad Imran Jnr
    • Salman Fayyaz
    • Syed Faridoun Mahmood

    Emerging

    • Tayyab Abbas

    Multan Sultans

    Platinum

    • Usama Mir (Promoted)
    • Iftikhar Ahmed (Retained)
    • Mohammad Rizwan (Retained)

    Diamond

    • Mohammad Abbas Afridi
    • Khushdil Shah
    • Mohammad Ali
    • Usman Khan

    Gold

    • Ihsanullah
    • Tayyab Tahir
    • Shahnawaz Dahani
    • Faisal Akram

    Silver

    • Ali Majid
    • Yasir Khan

    Emerging

    • Aftab Ibrahim
    • Muhammad Shahzad

    Peshawar Zalmi

    Platinum

    • Saim Ayub (Promoted)
    • Babar Azam (Retained)

    Diamond

    • Aamir Jamal
    • Mohammad Haris

    Gold

    • Arshad Iqbal
    • Asif Ali
    • Haseebullah
    • Hussain Talat
    • Khurram Shahzad
    • Salman Irshad
    • Sufyan Moqim

    Silver

    • Arif Yaqoob
    • Mehran Mumtaz
    • Umair Afridi

    Emerging

    • Aimal Khan
    • Ali Raza
    • Mohammad Zeeshan

    Quetta Gladiators

    Platinum

    • Mohammad Amir (Promoted)

    Diamond

    • Abrar Ahmed
    • Sarfaraz Ahmed
    • Saud Shakeel
    • Mohammad Hasnain

    Gold

    • Mohammad Wasim Jnr
    • Usman Qadir
    • Omair Bin Yousuf
    • Sohail Khan
    • Umar Amin

    Silver

    • Sajjad Ali Jnr
    • Usman Tariq
    • Bismillah Khan
    • Khawaja Mohammad Nafay

    Emerging

    • Adil Naz

    New/Promoted Players

    Platinum

    • Hasan Ali – Karachi Kings (Promoted from Diamond)
    • Mohammad Amir – Quetta Gladiators (Promoted from Diamond)
    • Saim Ayub – Peshawar Zalmi (Promoted from Diamond)
    • Usama Mir – Multan Sultans (Promoted from Diamond)
  • Pakistan crush South Africa by three wickets in first ODI

    Pakistan crush South Africa by three wickets in first ODI

    Pakistan Tuesday night defeated South Africa by three wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series.

    As per the details, the first ODI was played at Boland Park where South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first, setting a target of 240 runs for Pakistan.

    South Africa managed to post a total of 239/9 in their 50 overs. The innings started strong with Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton putting together a 70-run opening partnership. However, the dismissal of de Zorzi triggered a collapse, and South Africa found themselves at 88/4. Captain Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the innings with a crucial 73-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Klaasen played a vital role, scoring 86 off 97 balls. The tail-enders chipped in with some valuable runs, but the final total was still below par.

    Salman Agha was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 4 wickets for just 24 runs, putting the South African batting lineup under pressure. Abrar Ahmed also made significant contributions, picking up 2 wickets for 32 runs. Their efforts were crucial in restricting South Africa to a manageable total.

    In response, Pakistan chased down the target, finishing at 242/7 in 49.3 overs. The chase was led by Saim Ayub, who played a brilliant knock of 109 runs off 119 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. Salman Agha also played a crucial role with the bat, scoring 82 runs off 90 balls.