Current Final

Category: Lifestyle

  • India’s ‘Don’t guess the age’ is the trend we want to see in Pakistan

    India’s ‘Don’t guess the age’ is the trend we want to see in Pakistan

    ‘Don’t guess the age’ is a new trend seen on Indian Twitter, and it has caught our eye. We sure want to see it in Pakistan.

    We despise the very common age-shaming in our desi culture, it is high time that we start embracing that age is just a number. It’s not creases on the face but the coolness of the spirit that matters the most.

    It all started with activist Viji Venkatesh posting an uber-cool and stylish picture of hers on X that prompted people to appreciate their own age and the coolness that comes with it.


    She captioned it, “Don’t guess the age, I’m 72 and killing it. #nofilterneeded”

    Her friends and other X users started posting pictures of themselves. Author Rana Safvi posted a picture with the caption, “Don’t guess the age, I’m 67 and trying to emulate dear Viji as far as the coolness quotient is concerned.” She also stressed it by adding #nofilterneeded

    Filmmaker and human rights activist Onir posted a picture of him smiling at an event and reiterated the point of no filter needed with the caption, “Don’t guess the age, I am 55.”

    The thread kept on expanding as an academician Latika posted a picture of hers playing basketball with the caption, “Don’t guess the age, I am 53 and some more.”

    Climate activist Natasha Ramaratham embraced the #nofilterneeded trend by posting a picture of her carrying a poster and telling the world that she is 52.

    AI product designer Subbakrishna Rao joined the trend, posted a picture of him receiving an award and smiling ear-to-ear. His caption was “53 and rocking it”.

    Sandeep Roy posted a picture of him holding the camera and quipped in the caption, “Don’t guess the age, but 56 in a few months. Mom would have sworn it was “Bao ki teo” (old bong joke)”.

    Humans grow, evolve, change and this should be considered an absolutely normal thing. While physicality isn’t in anyone’s control the spirit is very instinctual. We hope to see people embracing this in our own society.

  • Pakistan about to launch first satellite mission to moon

    Pakistan about to launch first satellite mission to moon

    Pakistan is about to send a satellite mission to the moon with help from China.

    Talking to Geo News, Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a member of the Core Committee of the Institute of Space Technology, said that Pakistan’s first satellite mission will be sent to the moon on May 3 at 12:50 pm from China’s Hainan Space Launch Site. The launch of satellite ICUBE-Q will be telecast live on the website.

    Institute of Space Technology (IST) has said that satellite ICUBE-Q has been designed and developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO.

    ICUBE-Q orbiter carries two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. Following successful qualification and testing, ICUBE-Q has now been integrated with the Chang’e6 mission. Chang’e6 is the sixth in a series of China’s lunar exploration missions.

    The launch activity will be telecast live on the IST website and social media platforms, informs The Express Tribune.

    Chang’6 will touch down on the moon’s far side to collect samples from the surface and return to Earth for research.
    The mission holds significance for Pakistan as it will also take a Pakistan CubeSat Satellite iCube-Q, developed by IST.

    CubeSats are miniature satellites typically characterised by their small size and standardised design. They are constructed in a cubic shape, consisting of modular components that adhere to specific size constraints.

    The primary purpose of cubesats is to facilitate scientific research, technology development, and educational initiatives in space exploration.

    These satellites are utilised for a wide range of missions, including Earth observations, remote sensing, atmospheric research, communications, astronomy, and technology demonstration.

    Due to their compact size and relatively low cost compared to traditional satellites, CubeSats offer opportunities for universities, research institutions, and commercial entities to participate in space missions and gather valuable data for scientific advancement.

  • AstraZeneca admits in court that vaccine had rare side effects

    AstraZeneca admits in court that vaccine had rare side effects

    AstraZeneca has admitted in court that its vaccine can cause rare side effects, including blood clots and low platelet count.


    The vaccine, which was developed with the University of Oxford, was sued over claims that it caused death and serious injury in dozens of cases.


    The lawsuit was spearheaded by Jamie Scott, whose life took a tragic turn after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021. Scott suffered a permanent brain injury, prompting legal action against this pharmaceutical giant.


    “We need an apology, fair compensation for our family and other families who have been affected. We have the truth on our side, and we are not going to give up” said Kate Scott, the wife of the victim.


    In total, 51 cases have now been lodged in Britain and victims and relatives are seeking damages worth £100 million.


    “It is admitted that the AZ vaccine can, in very rare cases, cause TTS (Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome). The causal mechanism is not known,” the company said in court documents, quotes Dawn.


    While the company has contested the claims of Scott, the court submission marks the first time it has admitted that the vaccine can cause side-effects that are characterised by blood clots and a low blood platelet count in humans.


    “Further, TTS can also occur in the absence of the AZ vaccine (or any vaccine). Causation in any individual case will be a matter for expert evidence,” the admission in court added.


    The UK government has indemnified Astra­Zeneca against any legal action but has so far refused to intervene.


    According to the Council for International Organisat­ions of Medical Sciences, “very rare” side effects are those reported in less than 1 in 10,000 cases.


    AstraZeneca vaccine was developed by the British-Swedish company in collaboration with Oxford University, and produced by the Serum Institute of India. It was widely administered in over 150 countries.


    Some studies conducted during the pandemic found the vaccine was 60 to 80 per cent effective in protecting against the covid-19.

  • ‘Mein aapki har bat sunon ga, taqreeban manon ga’, says Chairman Avicenna

    ‘Mein aapki har bat sunon ga, taqreeban manon ga’, says Chairman Avicenna

    The controversy of Avicenna Medical College where the students had levelled serious allegations against the chairman and college administration has taken a turn as the Principal cum Chairman Abdul Waheed Sheikh has agreed to the demands of the students.

    Background

    The matter of the medical college being a torture cell has been in the news ever since 2018 when The Express Tribune reported a viral video of a man destroying the cell phones of the students and the college turning into a prison for the young learners. As recently as two days ago (April 28), following the news of a student Mahnoor Nadeem allegedly committing suicide because of the strict policies of the college while it was claimed she died of a heart attack, the matter was all over social media. Netizens expressed concerns over the claims of torture, heavy fines, and verbal abuse and so it got the momentum.

    Read More: Torture, verbal abuse, heavy fines; shocking revelations about Avicenna Medical College

    Students Protest

    Yesterday (Monday) students and parents launched a protest against the torturous policies of the college and as it got media attention, chairman Sheikh came out to address the protesting students who kept on chanting, “We want Justice”.

    He assured them of compensation for the grievances of the past. He started off by saying that “I will be more sympathetic in the future”. Moreover, he said, “Mein apki har bat sunon ga, taqreeban manon ga” which can be translated as, “I will listen to you and will almost accept everything as well.” Later, while addressing the crowd, Sheikh announced that the “pink list” policy of punishing students will be terminated. Additionally, there shall be no fines in the future and the policy of issuing a leave will be in accordance with the monitoring body of UHS (University of Health Sciences). He promised the students that no action would be taken against those who are protesting.

    In a video released by students on YouTube channel Digital Diary 7127, it can be seen how the fine policy and the clause of action against the students was deliberated with the Chairman and then he finally agrees to it.

    Professor M.N Tabassum, who was allegedly fired from King Edward Medical University on allegations of sexual harassment, will not be involved in any sort of teaching and academic activities along with the discipline committee.

    The Current got a hold of the exclusive footage of the Chairman talking to the media where the reporter asks him about being known for using abusive language with female students, but he denies it altogether. When he is asked about physical torture and viral videos he said, “It used to happen in the past, probably before 2015 but it does not happen anymore.” The students behind the camera can be heard saying, “Woh mukar gaya hai” meaning “He has backtracked.”

    Response of the students

    The same student who shared the video with The Current on the condition of confidentiality explained how fellow students are reacting to it. Do you think the matter is resolved now, The Current asked. “For now, yes, but in the long run, I don’t know. Because the thing that has been going on for so long and on such big scale… it can’t be resolved just like this.”


    “According to many students we might have gotten this off our backs but we will still face the consequences,” the student expressed concern.

    She also alleged how the administration is making crores of rupees with fines and exempting them will be a huge loss for them which is highly unlikely for them to let go of.

    Social media reactions

    Netizens reacted to the video in which the Chairman is pledging to address the students’ demand. Hmad Nawaz wrote, “Concern after being exposed is always hollow.” She urged the people in authority who can even remotely help with “the cause to initiate a governmental inquiry into Avicenna Medical College’s torture story.”

    As the whole protest ended with the students praying for the dead student, Mahnoor Nadeem, Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan on Twitter asked for the end of the mistreatment of the students by the college and “hold perpetrators responsible” before moving forward.

  • Asma Jahangir Conference receives flak for expelling pro-Palestinian protestors

    Asma Jahangir Conference receives flak for expelling pro-Palestinian protestors

    Asma Jahangir Conference that was held in Lahore over the weekend was disrupted by protests of pro-Palestine students during the German Ambassador’s speech. The Ambassador was there to speak about civil rights. He was interrupted by students calling him out for his country being complicit in the genocide by Israel in the Gaza Strip. To this, the ambassador responded, ‘If you want to shout, go out!’”. The students were reportedly expelled from the event.

    The move was heavily criticised by netizens all over the internet.

    Founder of Digital Rights Foundation Nighat Dad spoke at the conference and condemned the act of expelling students as she said, “What happened yesterday should not be taken lightly, as this sets a very wrong example”.

    Ikram Ullah Maseed criticised the organizers of the conference by saying, “Shameful betrayal of Asma Jahangir’s legacy. If radical voices aren’t welcome, why hold the conference?”

    Senator Allama Raja Nasir called out the organizers of the conference for blatantly banning the voices of dissent. “Germany’s systematic suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, including the banning of prominent speakers like former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, exposes a shameful bias and undermines the very foundations of democratic discourse.”

    Journalist Arafat Mazhar who was one of the first to share the videos of the German Ambassador shutting down the protestors recently tweeted that, “Twitter has completely banned me from retweet or comments of on the video of German ambassador shouting at civil rights activist at the asma jahangir human rights conference”

    The protesting students, who belonged to Progressive Students’ Collective, released a statement calling out the German Ambassasor for speaking about human rights while the German government is supporting Israel in its aggression and genocide in Gaza.

  • Suspension of internet during general elections was restriction on freedom of expression: Report

    Suspension of internet during general elections was restriction on freedom of expression: Report

    In its latest annual report, the Freedom Network states that the shutdown of mobile networks and suspension of the internet during the February 8 general elections was a restriction on access to information and freedom of expression.

    The report further highlights that e-safety and personal data protection bills will pose a threat to Pakistan’s digital economy.

    If the bills are passed, it will oblige Google, Facebook, X and YouTube to provide Pakistani users’ data upon demand by Pakistani authorities, institutionalizing forced censorship.

    Moreover, according to the report, four journalists were killed in Pakistan in 12 months, whereas 104 incidents of harassment of journalists were reported, and more than 70 legal notices were sent to more than 200 journalists and bloggers.

  • Imam Masjid killed by unknown men in India

    Imam Masjid killed by unknown men in India

    Unknown persons entered a mosque and allegedly tortured and killed the imam in Ajmer, India.

    The 30-year-old imam of the mosque, Mohammad Mahir, was allegedly tortured and killed by three masked men, according to Indian media.

    Police say that the killing took place on Saturday morning when the Imam was present in the mosque along with a few students. The suspects allegedly entered the mosque and assaulted the imam with sticks and then fled, as per the local police.

    The imam succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The reasons for the murder have not yet been revealed. However, suspects are being identified with the help of the CCTV camera footage of the area.

    A case has been registered under Section 302 of the incident. “This is a case of senseless violence, and we are utilising all available technical and investigative resources to identify the perpetrators,” said Ajmer SP Devendra Kumar Bishnoi.

  • Property dealer shoots himself allegedly due to financial dispute in Rawalpindi

    Property dealer shoots himself allegedly due to financial dispute in Rawalpindi

    A property dealer identified as Arshad Jamal has reportedly taken his own life by shooting himself in Rawalpindi.

    The video in which he is seen committing suicide has been widely shared which brought attention to the case, and the police launched an investigation.

    The video footage shows the dealer, sitting in the office of another property dealer within a housing society, inquiring about a particular individual to an office boy. Upon receiving an unsatisfactory response regarding the person’s whereabouts, the dealer takes out a gun from his bag, places it against his temple, and presses the trigger, resulting in instant death.

    The police, under the supervision of Rawat police station SHO Muhammad Zulfiqar, gathered evidence and transferred the deceased to a medical facility, reported The Express Tribune.

    SHO Rawat confirmed that a preliminary report has been initiated based on statements from Gulfam Shehzad, the nephew of the deceased.
    According to the nephew’s statement, the deceased Arshad Jamal had contacted him before the incident, mentioning a financial dispute with another man named Sheikh Tayyab amounting to Rs300 million.

    The video is disturbing and so for obvious reasons we are just including the image from the CCTV footage.

    A preliminary report has been lodged to dig deep into this matter.

  • French couple sentenced for keeping 159 cats, seven dogs

    French couple sentenced for keeping 159 cats, seven dogs

    A French couple has been given a one-year suspended sentence for keeping dozens of animals in closed spaces in a case pertaining to animal cruelty.


    The couple occupied an 80 square meter (861 square foot) apartment with 159 cats and seven dogs, as per BBC.


    The judge ruled that the couple had not given the animals proper care. The investigation found animals living in filth, many of them malnourished, dehydrated, or parasite-infected.


    The owners are a 68-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man, both of whom were banned from owning pets. They were ordered to pay more than €150,000 (£128,000) to animal rights’ charities and civil parties.


    When police broke up a fight at the couple’s apartment last year, they found each room contained numerous animals.


    Authorities also reported animal waste everywhere in the apartment.


    Due to their poor health, some dogs and cats later passed away. In a washroom, investigators discovered the bodies of two dogs and at least two cats.


    The apartment’s owner testified in court that although the animals were “the love of her life,” she had “screwed up.”


    It appears that in 2018, she moved in with her parents’ three dogs and three cats before bringing about thirty cats from an abandoned building to her apartment. After that, the animals procreated.


    The woman claimed that she would have felt like an “abandoned person for abandoning [the animals].”


    This condition is called Noah’s syndrome. It is a psychological need to save animals even when one is unable to do so, according to a psychiatric evaluation.

    An 18-month prison sentence was what the prosecution had asked for.


    In 2014, the couple was already under investigation for residing in an 18-square-meter studio with a dog and thirteen cats.

  • Appeal against Maryam Nawaz for wearing police uniform not heard

    Appeal against Maryam Nawaz for wearing police uniform not heard

    A sessions court in Lahore has not proceeded with a request to file a case against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for wearing a police uniform.

    The hearing was adjourned till tomorrow as Additional Sessions Judge Muzaffar Nawaz was on leave.

    The court has sought a front desk report from the petitioner.

    Lawyer Waqar Shah had filed a request to register a case against Maryam Nawaz, arguing that the Chief Minister has violated the rules by wearing a police uniform.

    Lawyer Aftab Bajwa has also filed a plea against the CM for similar reasons.