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  • AR Rahman apologised to me: Badshah

    AR Rahman apologised to me: Badshah

    Bollywood’s famous rapper Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, AKA Badshah, has claimed that AR Rahman had apologised to him for not liking the remix of his song ‘Huma Huma’.

    Badshah is one of the few singers who has produced remixes of past superhit classic songs, for which he often faced criticism.

    Recently, Badshah said, “I know how to present ‘Huma Huma’ in Badshah’s style so that the spirit of the original song is not hurt and the song is also presented in a new style. When I did ‘Huma Huma’, I faced a lot of criticism; Rahman sahib was also very unhappy.”

    He added that, “Later, AR Rahman called me and said that he was sorry that it took him a while to understand that this is a good song. When AR Rahman reacted like this, there was nothing bigger and more important for me because I did not expect it.”

    AR Rahman is the original composer of the song who expressed dissatisfaction with the remix after it was released.

    The song ‘Huma Huma’ from the film Bombay, released in 1995, received a lot of recognition. At that time, this song was a superhit and was later remixed for the movie ‘OK Jaanu’, released in 2017.

    Badshah has also presented many other hit remix songs, including ‘Gore Gore Mukhade Pe Kaala Chashma’ and ‘Tamma Tamma’.

    Earlier, Bollywood maestro A. R. Rahman and Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, have announced their decision to separate after 29 years of marriage. 

    Rahman shared an emotional note with his fans on November 19, thanking them for respecting their privacy during this difficult time. 

    In his post on X (formerly Twitter), A. R. Rahman expressed the pain of the separation, saying, “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”

    A. R. Rahman and Saira Banu tied the knot on March 12, 1995, and have three children together. 

    On November 19, Saira Banu’s lawyer, Vanda Shah, released a public statement conforming the separation.  

    The statement read: “After many years of marriage, Mrs Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr AR Rahman. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship”

     “Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time. Mrs Saira emphasised that she has taken this decision out of pain and agony. Mrs Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life”, the further statement read.

  • Lahore Qalandars announces squad for Global Super League

    Lahore Qalandars announces squad for Global Super League

    Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Lahore Qalandars has announced its squad for the T20 Global Super League.

    As per the details, Pakistani all-rounder Faheem Ashraf has become a part of Qalandars’ squad whereas some players, namely Salman Mirza, Muhammad Faizan, and Tayyab Abbas, from Qalandars’ Player Development Program have also been included.

    South African spinner Tabriz Shamsi and West Indies’ Carlos Brathwaite are among the foreign players on the squad, while former England cricketer Darren Gough will take charge as Qalandars’ head coach for the first time.

    Arif Yaqoob, Muhammad Akhlaq, Mirza Tahir Baig, Adam Rossington, Luke Wells and Tom Able have also been included.

    Qalandars’ coaching staff includes head coach Gough, batting coach Amjad Ali as manager and bowling coach Kashif Raza as performance manager.

    The 2024 Global T20 Super League is set to be an exciting international cricket tournament, featuring five top teams from around the world. The tournament will be held at the Providence Stadium in Guyana from November 26 to December 7, 2024.

    Teams Participating:

    1. Guyana Amazon Warriors (West Indies)

    2. Hampshire Hawks (England)

    3. Lahore Qalandars (Pakistan)

    4. Rangpur Riders (Bangladesh)

    5. Victoria (Australia)

    Tournament Format:

    • Round-Robin Stage: Each team will play one match against every other team, resulting in a total of 10 matches.

    • Final Match: The top two teams based on the points table will advance to the final match.

    Prize Money:

    The total prize money for the competition is US$1 million.

    Key Players to Watch:

    • Guyana Amazon Warriors: Imran Tahir (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd

    • Hampshire Hawks: Chris Wood (C), Liam Dawson, James Fuller

    • Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Afridi (C), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf

    • Rangpur Riders: Nurul Hasan (C, WK), Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar

    • Victoria: Corey Anderson (C), David Moody, Joe Clarke (WK)

    The Global T20 Super League promises to be a thrilling showcase of T20 cricket, bringing together some of the best talents from different cricketing nations.

  • Watch: Pakistani journalist schools India’s Arnab Goswami on Champion Trophy issue

    Watch: Pakistani journalist schools India’s Arnab Goswami on Champion Trophy issue

    A video of controversial Indian anchor Arnab Goswami with Pakistani journalist Hafiz Imran is going viral amid the ongoing issue of the Champion Trophy 2025.

    An Indian journalist invited Pakistani journalist Hafiz Imran to his programme on Republic TV to discuss the matter of the Champions Trophy. Goswami claimed, “We [India] are the bosses of cricket. You should understand that you do not have enough money to control India. If the Indian Prime Minister says that we will not fund Pakistani cricket, then the entire cricket of Pakistan will be destroyed. This is the truth that you will have to accept. You are trying to fight us, but you cannot.”

    Hafiz Imran responded to the Indian anchor, saying, “You are not the boss. You have no choice but to look at us. It is a big misunderstanding among you people that India funds the International Cricket Council (ICC). If India funds the ICC, does it come from India versus India? It is not like that. Rather, this revenue comes from India playing with Pakistan, England, Australia, Bangladesh, and other countries.”


    He added, “If you are so proud of your market, then you should create a separate world and separate yourself from the rest of the world. Say that we will only play cricket among ourselves. India A will play with Maharashtra; we will play with UP; we will play with Mumbai and Delhi.”

    Indian journalists kept interrupting Hafiz Imran’s answer, but the Pakistani journalist continued with his response and said, “You asked the question, then listen to the answer, which is the truth. When you are playing cricket with the world, all the cricket boards are business partners; everyone plays cricket and earns money, and your industry is running because of us.”

    When the Pakistani journalist was repeatedly interrupted by the Indian journalist, he said, “If you don’t like the answer, I have a solution for that too. The Indian media tells the public the wrong thing: that we fund [ICC]; this is not funding but a business partnership, and everyone takes their share. You go to a businessman and ask him if you can earn money if you are playing alone, but the problem is that you don’t want to hear the truth.”

    The Indian media is propagating that the Champions Trophy will be played under a hybrid model at the behest of the Indian Cricket Board and that India’s matches will be held in Dubai. The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, however, has made it clear to the ICC and India that the Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan and that no hybrid model is acceptable.

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written a letter to the ICC and has also sought written reasons for India’s refusal to come to Pakistan.

  • ‘I was called a liar over claims of Bollywood offers,’ says Imran Abbas

    ‘I was called a liar over claims of Bollywood offers,’ says Imran Abbas

    Actor Imran Abbas has expressed disappointment over being labelled a liar for sharing that he was offered roles in multiple Bollywood films. He stated that he faced criticism despite never lying about the offers.

    Abbas stated in a recent interview, “People called me a liar when I revealed I was considered for the Heera Mandi web series.” 

    Sanjay Leela Bhansali, however, later confirmed that he had thought about casting Imran Abbas and other Pakistani artists.

    Imran Abbas disclosed during interviews on various national TV channels that he had received offers for multiple Bollywood films, which he couldn’t accept. He was, nonetheless, accused of lying, criticised, and mocked.

    He claimed that the Pakistani public and journalists believed certain Indian journalists – who are banned in India for spreading lies – over him.

    Without naming anyone, he said his statements about Bollywood offers were dismissed as lies under the influence of Indian journalists.

    Imran Abbas emphasised that he has been in the entertainment industry for 20 years and has worked in several Indian films. He questioned, “Why would I lie about such matters on TV?”

    He further explained, “Filmmakers like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rajkumar Hirani are well-known figures, and I would never lie using their names.”

    He clarified, “I have always stated that I was offered several Bollywood projects but never claimed I rejected them.”

    Imran Abbas also expressed that he genuinely wanted to work in the films he was offered but could not because of circumstances, not because he turned them down.

    “I was offered not only the Heera Mandi web seriess but also Aashiqui 2. But, at the time, I was working on another project under Akshay Kumar’s production, which prevented me from taking up the role due to contractual obligations,” he said.

    Similarly, Sanjay Leela Bhansali offered him a role in the 2010 film Guzaarish, but unfortunately, he could not accept it.

    Imran Abbas also disclosed, “I was offered a role in Aamir Khan’s blockbuster film PK. I was considered for the role of Sarfaraz, played by Sushant Singh Rajput. However, I couldn’t work on that film either.”

    He expressed regret that even people in villages dismissed his claims as lies and refused to believe him, which saddened and disappointed him deeply.

  • Ahad Raza Mir opens up about upcoming projects, future plans

    Ahad Raza Mir opens up about upcoming projects, future plans

    Ahad Raza Mir opens up about upcoming projects, future plans

    Ahad Raza Mir, the heartthrob of Pakistani drama, is back with not one but two exciting projects that promise to leave fans hooked.

    The Yakeen Ka Safar actor opened up about upcoming projects in an interview with Gloss Etc by Maliha Rehman.

    In Meem Se Mohabbat, Ahad Raza Mir will star opposite Dananeer Mobeen, marking their first on-screen pairing.

    “It’s lighthearted with a little bit of a heavy undertone. It’s the kind of story I’ve been looking for because it’s multi-dimensional… has its moments of depth. Not to say that lighthearted work doesn’t have depth, but this has something worth exploring, and that’s why I signed up. It’s written by Farhat Ishtiaq, and I have trouble saying no to her scripts. Her storytelling is phenomenal. Every time I read or hear one of her stories, I get hooked.”

    Speaking about his much anticipated Netflix project Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, the Ehd-e Wafa actor reflected on the timing and significance of the series. 

    “I think I’m waiting for ’Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo’. I’m hopeful and all, but everything has its time, you know? It had to happen at this time, and that’s when it did. I think there are reasons for that. There must be a reason behind it in the cosmos. That’s kind of how I’ve been living life anyway now. I think there’s no point in worrying as long as we, as human beings, think that way… like there’s a greater plan for everything. That’s the way I look at it. I’m just happy it’s coming.”

    Ahad Raza Mir’s future plans also include branching out beyond his established relationship with Hum TV to explore new opportunities with other channels. 

    He’s excited to see how working with different networks will change his experience as an actor.

    “I am moving on to other channels as well and I’m excited for that… just to kind of see what the difference is, and obviously, I think every channel also has their own mandate of the kind of content that they want to do. So I’m excited to see myself in that position.”

  • Banks rush to lend ahead of private loan deadline

    Banks rush to lend ahead of private loan deadline

    The government has decided to finally increase lending levels amid the threat of an additional tax of 15 per cent looming over banks due to low private lending. Banks were able to sidestep these additional taxes last year by negotiating with the government; however, Islamabad refused to budge this year.

    This led to banks taking the matter up with Islamabad High Court (IHC), which granted them a temporary moratorium on the additional tax payments. The reason why banks are facing an ‘additional’ tax being levied on their earnings is due to their low Advance-to-Deposit Ratio (ADR) figures.

    For reference, ADR refers to the percentage of a bank’s deposits that are being lent out to satisfy non-government sector needs – such as those of businesses, individuals, and other private entities.

    Since the ruling of the IHC in their favour, banks have increased their ADR to avoid any further run-ins with the law. However, they have still not surpassed the legal threshold level of 50 per cent, shying away from the legal ratio by six per cent. The economy is likely to see increased lending to non-government sectors now, as banks will have to face the additional tax if the ADR requirement is not met by the end of 2024.

    At first glance, this spells great news for businesses as they will now be able to expand the scope of their operations using loans from banks. However, this might not end up being the case as Pakistani banks have traditionally favoured risk-free investments in government securities.

    If banks continue to exhibit this behaviour of lending to businesses that are considered safer investments, credit might get extended to companies that work with the government. As such, the aforementioned benefits to businesses could be reaped by those linked to the government via contracts.

    Since working with the government might signal to banks that businesses possess a safe stream of income, banks may feel more comfortable lending to them. As such, these businesses will be able to grow operations and secure more government contracts.

    The companies most frequently contracted by the government are primarily construction companies. As such, banks could see a disproportionate flow of credit towards construction companies. However, even though loans might be preferential, it does not mean that growth may not be seen.

    This is because if the construction sector witnesses growth, it will also propel more than 42 other ancillary sectors, such as steel, cables and cement, to name a few.

    It will be interesting to note how the lending patterns of banks have changed with the legal system breathing down their necks. Will satisfying ADR requirements boost business growth? Only time will tell.

  • 38 individuals dead in Kurram gun attack

    38 individuals dead in Kurram gun attack

    38 people, including three women, were killed in an attack when assaulters opened fire on a passenger bus in the Ochat area of the Kurram district on Thursday.

    The attacker targeted the convoy, which was travelling from Parachinar to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s capital, Peshawar, as per the police officials.

    Ahmady Shama Station House Officer (SHO) Kaleem Shah confirmed to Dawn that 38 people were killed, including three women, and 11 were injured.

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    Interior Minister, while speaking to media outside Islamabad High Court (IHC), stated, “This past week has been difficult and upsetting; now 38 people have been martyred in Kurram.”

    President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the dead.

    “Attacking innocent passengers is a cowardly and inhumane act,” Pakistan Peoples Party media cell quoted President Zardari, adding that those responsible for the incident must be punished, and he directed that timely medical aid be provided to the injured.

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    The Kurram attack has been seen as the most lethal attack of the decade in Pakistan’s history, according to reports.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also condemned the attack and directed the Chief Secretary, provincial law minister and the area’s Member National Assembly and Member Provincial Assembly MPA to visit the Kurram district immediately.

    “The provincial government, police and all relevant institutions are making serious efforts to improve the law and order situation in the area,” he said.

    Kurram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud told AFP that “Two separate convoys of members of the Shia community … were targeted by the terrorists in the Kurram district.”

    “Both convoys consisted of around 40 vehicles travelling under police escort,” DC Mehsud added.

    Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack, saying, “The enemies of the peace of the country attacked the convoy of innocent citizens which is tantamount to brutality. All attempts of anti-national elements to destroy the peace of the beloved country will be thwarted.”

    Earlier, around 24 people were killed and 46 injured on November 9 in a bomb blast at Quetta Railway Station.

    The banned and militant outfit Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) had claimed responsibility for the explosion.

    In another attack on November 1, nine people, including five school-going children, were killed, and 29 were injured in a blast near girl’s schools in Mastung, a Balochistan district.

  • Internet, mobile services to be ‘partially suspended’ ahead of PTI protest

    Internet, mobile services to be ‘partially suspended’ ahead of PTI protest

    The federal government has announced the partial suspension of internet and mobile services in Islamabad and other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in light of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24.

    Maryam Nawaz from Geo News reports that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will activate a firewall for mobile internet service from November 22, and the internet services will be suspended from November 23.

    The report also quotes sources that have claimed that internet and mobile services might be suspended at certain locations at any time.

    The shutdown will result in users being unable to download audio and videos from social media apps.

    The interior ministry has asked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, which is administered by the PTI, to ensure that the province does not utilise state machinery to facilitate the protest.

    “[…] in the wake of protest by PTI, it is requested that it may kindly be ensured that Government of KPK does not utili[s]e state machinery, equipment, officials or finances for political protest by the political party,” read the ministry’s letter.

    The Punjab government has also made known that the PTI protesters will be dealt with iron-handedly, while Information Minister Azma Bokhari asserted that the demonstrators will be handled the “same as terrorists.”

    The Islamabad administration announced on Monday the imposition of Section 144 in the federal capital for the coming two months to avoid any lapse in law and order.

    A ban, moreover, has been placed on all processions, rallies, demonstrations and gatherings having five or more than five people, as per the notification issued by Additional District Magistrate Usman Ashraf.

    Additional security has also been requisitioned by Punjab and Islamabad police. For this, over 10,700 police personnel from across Punjab have been put on standby equipped with tear gas, rubber bullets, and anti-riot gear.

    Islamabad administration alone has requisitioned 8,000 additional personnel from Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir.

    Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) are already deployed in the capital, which is likely sealed off with shipping containers by Friday (November 22).

  • Pakistani AI robot in hijab upsets Faryal Mehmood

    Pakistani AI robot in hijab upsets Faryal Mehmood


     Actress Faryal Mehmood, who is known for speaking her mind, seems to be upset over Pakistan’s new AI robot that wears a hijab.

    Taking to Instagram to share her thoughts, Wakhri actress posted a news piece featuring the robot and wrote, “Okay but the hijab on the [expletive] robot?”


    Here is the story shared of Faryal Mehmood on her Instagram.

     


    The robot has been created by Abul Hassan Isphani, head of the AI Department at Happy Palace School.

    “The purpose of creating this [robot] was that I have been in the education field for the past 13 years. One common problem that all teachers face is that sometimes the answer doesn’t come to mind when put on the spot,” said Isphani, who has been an academician for over 13 years, while sharing the rationale behind creating the robot.


    Other than the need for it to wear a hijab, the robot has also been receiving mixed reactions over its functionality.

    Here are the comments:


    Artificial intelligence has become a global trendy hot topic, thanks to platforms like ChatGPT, an innovative AI tool that has been able to make talking to machines feel natural and interactive, therefore rewriting the way people see and use AI.


    ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is highly valued for its ability to provide responses in a human-like manner. Whether it’s answering questions, producing an essay, creating a story, or helping complete technical tasks, ChatGPT has demonstrated the enormous scope of AI in various areas. The ease with which access to it can be gained through laptops and mobile devices has encouraged individuals, students, and businesses to pursue AI for learning, productivity, and creative projects.

    One key reason for the AI popularity boom is the simplification of complex task tasks that use tools like ChatGPT to save precious time and effort in such mundane activities as composing emails, brainstorming ideas, or even researching.
    Its role in supporting professionals, writers, and developer further establishes AI as a reliable workplace companion.
    AI platforms have also triggered interest and excitement about the future, as ChatGPT introduced millions to the concept of generative AI: machines that create content based on user inputs.


    This approach to AI opens doors for innovations, education, entertainment, and technology, although there are greater challenges in the rise of AI, such as the potential ethical implications and impacts on jobs, tools like ChatGPT could still showcase the prospect for revolutionizing industries and making technology more approachable.

     

  • Australia to impose $30m fine on social media platforms for ignoring under-16 ban

    Australia to impose $30m fine on social media platforms for ignoring under-16 ban

    Social media companies could be fined more than US$30 million if they fail to keep children off their platforms under new laws tabled before Australia’s parliament Thursday.

    The legislation would force social media firms to take steps to prevent those under 16 years of age from accessing platforms such as X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

    Failing to do so would mean fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million).

     
     

    Australia is among the vanguard of nations trying to clean up social media, and the proposed age limit would be among the world’s strictest measures aimed at children.

    Details about how social media companies are expected to enforce the ban remain unclear.

    The proposed laws would also include robust privacy provisions that require tech platforms to delete any age-verification information collected.

    Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said Thursday that social media companies had a responsibility for the “safety and mental health” of Australians.

    “The legislation places the onus on social media platforms, not parents or children, to ensure protections are in place,” she said.

    Some companies will be granted exemptions from the ban, such as YouTube, which teenagers may need to use for school work or other reasons.

    Rowland said that messaging services — such as WhatsApp — and online gaming would also be exempt.

    Once celebrated as a means of staying connected and informed, social media platforms have been tarnished by cyberbullying, the spread of illegal content, and election-meddling claims.

    If the proposed law passes, tech platforms would be given a one-year grace period to figure out how to implement and enforce the ban.

    Social media companies have said they will adhere to new legislation but have cautioned the government against acting too quickly and without adequate consultation.

    Analysts have also expressed doubt it would be technically feasible to enforce a strict age ban.

    Katie Maskiell from UNICEF Australia said Thursday the proposed legislation would not be a “solve-all” for protecting children and much more needed to be done.

    She added the laws risked pushing young people onto “covert and unregulated online spaces”.

    Several other countries have been tightening children’s access to social media platforms.

    Spain passed a law in June banning social media access to under-16s.

    And in the US state of Florida, children under 14 will be banned from opening social media accounts under a new law due to come into force in January.

    In both cases, the age verification method has yet to be determined.