Current Final

Category: Lifestyle

  • Facebook introduces ‘care’ emoji to express support amid COVID-19 crisis

    Facebook introduces ‘care’ emoji to express support amid COVID-19 crisis

    Facebook has launched a new ‘care emoji’ for its 2.6 billion users to express empathy during coronavirus crisis.

    The new ‘care emoji’ is intended to show care and solidarity when commenting on a status update, message, photo or video during the pandemic. The emoji is a smiley face, hugging a heart for the basic Facebook service, while in Messenger app it appears as a pulsating, purplish heart.

    “Even apart, we are in this together,” read Facebook’s official message.

    To insert a reaction, users hold down the Like button on mobile apps or hover over the Like button on the desktop version of the site to see the reaction-emoji options.

    Facebook is also working to connect people to provide accurate information from health experts and keeping misinformation away about the COVID-19 from spreading on their related apps.

    “We’ve now directed over 2 billion people to resources from the WHO and other health authorities through our COVID-19 Information Center and pop-ups on Facebook and Instagram with over 350 million people clicking through to learn more,” read the company’s website.

    Facebook is also planning to share some additional steps to fight COVID-19 related misinformation and make sure people have the correct and credible information they need to stay safe.

  • Syed Babar Ali becomes the second Pakistani to be inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences

    Syed Babar Ali, a household name in Pakistan and the founding Pro-Chancellor of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has been elected as a member of the prestigious American Academy of Art and Sciences. He joins an esteemed cohort of over 270 innovators and leaders from across different sectors, disciplines, and geographies.

    According to a press release by LUMS, Babar Ali has been acknowledged in the category of ‘Business, Corporate, and Philanthropic Leadership’ for his numerous contributions towards education, advancing public good and promoting social equity in Pakistan. He was also recognised for his efforts for establishing LUMS as a premier business institution of Pakistan.

    Read more – LUMS is back to being LUMS

    Ali is the second Pakistani to receive the honour. The first Pakistani to be elected was Nobel Prize-winning physicist, Dr Abdus Salam who was elected in 1971.

    Speaking about his induction, Ali said, “I feel deeply humbled to be a part of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, which is dedicated to advancing the public good and strengthening the global community. It is a great honour.”

    Founded in 1780, the Academy is one of the world’s most respected honourary societies, known for its exceptionally accomplished members and celebration of excellence. It is dedicated to honouring excellence and leadership, working across disciplines and divides, and advancing the common good. It was founded during the American Revolution by John Adams, John Hancock, James Bowdoin, and other Founding Fathers of the United States.

    Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of LUMS, Dr Arshad Ahmad, congratulated Babar Ali and called him “a national treasure who personifies humility, integrity and generosity.”

    “He will remain a role model for generations to come,” he added.

    Babar Ali joins 250 Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, including the likes of Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela who have become part of the Academy’s 240-year history.

  • Mother sends son to buy groceries, he returns with bride

    Mother sends son to buy groceries, he returns with bride

    The police in India’s Sahibabad was stunned when a woman came to the police station complaining that she had sent her son to buy groceries but he returned with a wife instead.

    “I had sent my son to do the grocery shopping today, but when he returned, he came back with his wife. I am not ready to accept this marriage,” said the mother.

    Meanwhile, the 26-year-old groom, Guddu, said: “I got married to Savita two months ago at an Arya Samaj Mandir in Haridwar.”

    “However, we could not get the marriage certificate at that time due to lack of witnesses. I had decided to visit Haridwar again for my marriage certificate but could not do so as the lockdown was imposed,” he added.

    Read More: Groom takes bride on motorbike amid lockdown

    “After returning from Haridwar, Savita stayed at a rented house in Delhi. However, today I decided to bring her to my mother’s house as she was told to leave the rented accommodation due to lockdown,” said Guddu.

    Giving a solution to the family dispute, the Sahibabad Police have asked Savita’s house owner in Delhi to let the couple stay there during the lockdown period.

  • Reporter goes on air without any pants

    Reporter goes on air without any pants

    ABC News reporter Will Reeve went on air wearing a suit coat and no pants, not realising everyone could see his legs.

    Reeve appeared Tuesday on a show Good Morning America to talk about pharmacies using drones to deliver prescriptions to patients.

    Reeve, who was working from home not only as a reporter but also as a cameraman, was positioned so in front of the camera that it was quite clear he was dressed in a suit jacket but no pants.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRLoKM1zlQw&feature=emb_title

    The incident went viral on social media, following which Reeve tweeted: “I have ARRIVED. In the most hilariously mortifying way possible.”

    In response to a tweet asking him to put on some pants, Reeve assured everyone he’d been wearing shorts.

    The reporter also joked that he won’t be hired as a camera operator “any time soon”.

    The reporter further shared his thoughts on the incident.

  • Islamabad reopens hiking trails under strict SOPs

    Trails and parks in Islamabad that had been shut down to control the spread of COVID-19 have now been opened up for the public but with strict SOPs in place.

    According to a notification issued by the district administration of the city, hiking trails are to be reopened for the public under social distancing rules. Sports grounds will remain closed.

    https://twitter.com/ICTA_GoP/status/1254769478866362370?s=20

    Read More: Fact Check: Did a leopard really attack a pet dog in Islamabad?

    According to the order, residents can hike while strictly following the rules of social distancing. A six feet distance has to be maintained between people at all times.
    Residents are happy over the decision and said everyone could protect themselves from the virus if social distancing is practised in daily life.

    The notification held the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation and the environment directorate responsible for ensuring government SOPs are followed.

  • After media, Tariq Jamil apologises to nation for controversial remarks against women

    After media, Tariq Jamil apologises to nation for controversial remarks against women

    After media, renowned preacher Maulana Tariq Jamil has also apologised to the nation for his controversial remarks on women, which had drawn mixed reactions over both mainstream and social media.

    During Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s Ehsaas Telethon to raise funds for government’s coronavirus relief programme on April 23, Jamil, who was invited to deliver a prayer, had said that the COVID-19 pandemic was caused partly because of the “immodesty” of women.

    He had also called out media houses both in Pakistan and around the globe for “spreading lies”.

    The comments sparked outrage on social media with leading human rights activists, as well as some of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ministers, demanding Jamil to tender an apology for his “callous” and “demeaning” remarks.

    “My aim was to point out that we are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons, or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us,” Jamil clarified in a series of tweets early Tuesday morning.

    The cleric also said that his “goal was to remind us all to focus on the spiritual and away from our desires and the materialistic”.

    “I am the first to admit as I have taught over the years, that there is no excuse for making any hurtful comments about anyone or making anyone feel uncomfortable.”

    The apology has been very well received by a majority of netizens.

    “Thank you for the clarification. Really appreciate it. You have many followers and this will send a clear message to those who seek to misinterpret your words to target women,” wrote Federal Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari while retweeting Jamil’s apology.

  • With no social gatherings, flower vendors suffer the brunt of lockdown

    The lockdown imposed by the Punjab government to control the spread of coronavirus has caused inconvenience to many citizens especially daily wage workers and vendors.

    Among those affected by the lockdown are flower vendors, who are facing the same problems as everything is shut down and no events are happening in the province. At this time, what we can do is order some flowers to help them earn their living. And they are selling these at cheaper rates.

    This guy Danish is in contact with three to four different vendors and is helping them to sell their flowers They do not deliver. They have roses, glass and statice.

    Florist Safder

    You can contact the florist at 0333-4120804.

    You can buy:

    Glads for Rs 25

    Statice Rs 100 per dozen

    Aster cluster for Rs 100

    Roses for Rs 100 per dozen

    They also deliver at home. Delivery charges vary according to the area.

  • VIDEO: Himalayan lynx attacks Markhor in Chitral

    With a decrease in human activity all over the world, animals, some which have rarely been seen before, are coming out of their hiding places and exploring their surroundings without an interference.

    Recently, WWF-Pakistan released a never seen before footage of the Himalayan lynx, captured on the steep rocky cliffs of Chitral Valley, Pakistan. According to officials, this is the first time that the nocturnal hunter and highly elusive animal has been filmed in the area.

    The video which is intense and chilling shows the cat observe and successfully hunt her prey.

    “While filming a group of markhor grazing in the Tooshi-Shasha Wildlife Conservancy recently, our field production team and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department spotted this lynx crouching in a camouflaged position behind a rock, about to begin a hunt,” shared the animal protection organisation. “What followed was a dramatic scene few have ever witnessed – a lynx stalking and successfully killing a yearling markhor.”

    Watch the full video here:

    According to WWF, “the Himalayan lynx is one of the most elusive and powerful cats living in these mountains, rivaled only by the famous snow leopard. As an apex predator, the lynx plays an essential role in maintaining the balance and health of this complex mountain ecosystem.”

    The lynx is considered to be rare species and is known to be present in Chitral and other northern areas of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan, although its exact distribution and range are not known.

    Earlier, a brown bear was also spotted in Laspur Valley in Chitral by the locals.

  • Seven things you didn’t know about Sana Bucha

    Renowned journalist Sana Bucha is a household name in the Pakistan media industry. She has been a constant on our TV screens and has always maintained a very active social media profile. Sana recently joined The Current for a live and interactive session in which she revealed some interesting tidbits about her life and also shared some meaningful advice.

    Here are seven things you did not know about Sana Bucha:

    1. Sana is starting her YouTube channel very soon

    Responding to several users who asked Sana when she will starting her YouTube Channel, Sana said that her technological skills are very poor which is why she hasn’t set up a YouTube channel as yet. However, she announced on The Current that due to popular demand, she will definitely now take the step towards that and start working on setting one up soon.

    2. Reading the Quran gives her peace

    When asked how she manages to deal with all the negativity and trolling, Sana said that she reads the Quran to feel peace and positivity.

    3. Sana fasts regularly

    Sana revealed that apart from fasting in Ramzan, she fasts regularly because it helps her spiritually as well as physically.

    4. Her favourite anchors are Mansoor Ali Khan and Kashif Abbasi

    5. Sana started yoga for back strengthening

    If you ever go through Sana’s Instagram account, it is full of pictures of her practising yoga. Sana said that she started yoga to strengthen her back but now yoga has become a regular part of her life. She has also promised to send us a yoga video exclusively for The Current viewers!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-sI–eAp6M/

    6. Sana’s best friend is her father

    When a user asked Sana who her best friend is, Sana said that it’s her father. Awww, isn’t that sweet?

    7. Sana loves perfumes

    Responding to a question about what gift she loves receiving, Sana said that she loves perfumes and good smells.

    Other than that, when a user asked to say two words for Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sana replied, “Textbook Narcissist”.

  • PM Imran launches ‘Yaran-e-Watan’ for overseas health professionals

    PM Imran launches ‘Yaran-e-Watan’ for overseas health professionals

    The federal government has launched ‘Yaran-e-Watan’ to allow overseas Pakistani health professionals to support the country’s efforts to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.

    Taking to Twitter on Saturday, PM Imran said that Pakistani health professionals are on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19 across the world and they want to help the government to combat COVID19 in Pakistan.

    “We have launched YaranWatan initiative for our overseas health professionals who can now register to volunteer their services,” he wrote.

    Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said, the initiative has been launched in collaboration with the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development with support from the Pakistani diaspora health organisations.

    He said the platform will help utilise the full potential of the diaspora community, including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, administrators, health economists, public health professionals and other professionals, in developing Pakistan’s health sector.

    Meanwhile Tania Aidrus also encouraged doctors, both local and overseas, to offer their services to the country.