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  • UN expert accuses Israel of several acts of genocide in Gaza

    UN expert accuses Israel of several acts of genocide in Gaza

    A UN rights expert on Monday said there were “reasonable grounds” to determine that Israel has committed several acts of “genocide” in its war in Gaza, also warning of “ethnic cleansing”.

    Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the rights situation in the Palestinian territories, said there were clear indications that Israel had violated three of the five acts listed under the UN Genocide Convention.

    “The overwhelming nature and scale of Israel’s assault on Gaza and the destructive conditions of life it has inflicted reveal an intent to physically destroy Palestinians as a group,” she said in a report, which was immediately rejected by Israel as an “obscene inversion of reality”.

    Albanese, an independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council but who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, said she had found “reasonable grounds to believe that the threshold indicating the commission of… acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza has been met”.

    The report, entitled “Anatomy of a Genocide”, listed those acts as: “killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to the group’s members; and deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part”.

    Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva said the country “utterly rejects the report”, describing it as “simply an extension of a campaign seeking to undermine the very establishment of the Jewish State”.

    “Israel’s war is against Hamas, not against Palestinian civilians,” it said in a statement, slamming Albanese’s “outrageous accusations”.

    Israel has long been harshly critical of Albanese and her mandate, which the United States on Monday called “biased against Israel.”

    Washington is “aware” of Albanese’s report but has “no reason to believe Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza,” a US official told AFP.

    Last month Israel slapped a visa ban on her after she made comments denying that Hamas’s October 7 attack, which sparked the war in Gaza, was anti-Semitic.

    Israel’s relentless bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza has since killed more than 32,300 people, mainly women and children, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

    South Africa has already filed a complaint against Israel before the International Court of Justice, alleging its assault on Gaza amounts to a violation of the genocide convention.

    The court has yet to rule on the underlying issue, but earlier this year ordered Israel to do everything it could to prevent genocidal acts during its campaign and also to allow in humanitarian aid.

    In Albanese’s report, which she is due to present to the Human Rights Council on Tuesday, she maintained that Israel’s “genocidal acts” followed “statements of genocidal intent”.

    Statements by some senior Israeli officials spelling out an intent to forcibly displace Palestinians and replace them with Israeli settlers, she said, indicated that “evacuation orders and safe zones have been used as genocidal tools to achieve ethnic cleansing”.

    The report also found that Israel was treating all Palestinians and their infrastructure “as ‘terrorist’ or ‘terrorist-supporting’, thus transforming everything and everyone into either a target or collateral damage”.

    “In this way, no Palestinian in Gaza is safe by definition,” it said.

    “This has had devastating, intentional effects, costing the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians.”

    The report also stressed that Israel’s mistreatment of the Palestinians had not begun on October 7.

    “Israel’s genocide on the Palestinians in Gaza is an escalatory stage of a longstanding settler colonial process of erasure,” it said.

  • Video of emotional fan falling at Virat Kohli’s feet goes viral

    Video of emotional fan falling at Virat Kohli’s feet goes viral

    A video shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings yesterday has gone viral. An emotional fan of Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli can be seen entering the ground and falling at his idol’s feet.

    The fan managed to catch up to Kohli while the cricketer was batting on the pit, fell at his feet and touched them before hugging Virat.

    The incident stunned fans in the stadium, while security personnel followed the man and removed him from the venue.

    Fans inside the stadium applauded the fan despite the breach in security protocols.

    However social media fans have criticized the fan, keeping in mind the safety of the players and demanded strict action.

    This is not the first such an incident happened with Indian players, Kohli has faced several such incidents in the past as well.

  • SIFC approves construction of largest IT park in federal capital

    SIFC approves construction of largest IT park in federal capital

    The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has approved the establishment of Pakistan’s largest IT park in the G-10 sector of the federal capital, covering an expansive area of 3.3 acres.

    This development follows the decision by the Capital Development Authority Board earlier this month to undertake the construction of the IT park in Islamabad.

    According to APP, negotiations are currently underway with key stakeholders, such as the Pakistan Software Export Board and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, to ensure the successful execution of the IT Park project.

    Operating under a public-private partnership framework, the project aims to become a hub of technological advancement, offering a wide range of facilities aimed at nurturing creativity and entrepreneurship.

    The IT Park will feature a state-of-the-art research centre, a well-stocked library, software houses, conference rooms, dedicated workspaces for freelancers and startups, and an exhibition area for showcasing cutting-edge IT products.

    Approximately 6,000 freelancers are expected to benefit from access to these top-notch facilities, empowering them to make significant contributions to Pakistan’s economic landscape through the provision of e-services.

    The construction of this IT hub will be financed through collaboration with private IT companies, which will also lease office spaces within the premises.

  • In a first, UN Security Council demands “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, US abstains

    In a first, UN Security Council demands “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, US abstains

    The UN Security Council for the first time on Monday demanded a ceasefire in Gaza, with the United States, Israel’s ally which has vetoed previous bids, abstaining.


    The resolution, which demands an “immediate ceasefire” for the ongoing holy month of Ramzan that leads to a “lasting” truce, went through, with all other 14 Security Council members voting “yes”.


    France demands a “permanent ceasefire”, urging work on a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.


    “This crisis is not over. Our council will have to remain mobilized and immediately get back to work. After Ramadan, which ends in two weeks, it will have to establish a permanent ceasefire,” said France’s UN representative, Nicolas de Riviere.


    What does abstention for the US means?


    The US abstention from a vote on a UN Security Council resolution demanding a Gaza ceasefire does not signal a change in Washington’s policy, the White House said Monday.


    It does not represent a “shift in our policy,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists, saying the US backs a ceasefire but abstained because the resolution did not condemn Hamas.

    The United States said that a ceasefire voted for Monday by the United Nations can “only” be implemented once Hamas begins releasing hostages it still holds.


    “A ceasefire can begin immediately with the release of the first hostage,” Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, said after the United States, which vetoed previous drafts, abstained in the UN Security Council vote. “This is the only path to securing a ceasefire.”


    Israel’s response to US abstention


    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office that the US abstention on a UN Security Council Gaza ceasefire call hurt Israel’s fight against Hamas and the effort to release hostages.


    “It gives Hamas hope that international pressure will allow them to accept a ceasefire without the release of our abductees,” Netanyahu said, cancelling the departure of a delegation set to leave for consultations in Washington.

  • Gold price in Pakistan remains unchanged on first trading day of the week

    Gold price in Pakistan remains unchanged on first trading day of the week

    On the first trading day of the week, gold prices in Pakistan maintained stability while witnessing a slight uptick in the global market.

    According to data provided by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the local market reported no change in the price of gold per tola, standing firm at Rs228,200.

    Similarly, the rate for 10 grammes of gold remained unchanged at Rs195,645.

    This follows a notable decline in gold prices observed in the previous session, where rates plummeted by Rs4,200 per tola.

    However, on Monday, the international market witnessed a modest increase in gold prices. With a premium of $20, the global rate of gold rose by $2, settling at $2,187 per ounce, as reported by APGJSA.

    Meanwhile, silver rates in the domestic market remained stable at Rs2,580 per tola, showing no significant fluctuations.

    The consistent performance of precious metals in Pakistan reflects a steadiness in the market amid global economic dynamics.

    The stability in gold prices locally, coupled with the marginal gain in the international market, underscores the cautious sentiment prevailing among investors amidst evolving geopolitical and economic factors.

  • Two out of five Yemeni children out of school: aid group

    Two out of five Yemeni children out of school: aid group

    Dubai: Nearly a decade into Yemen’s brutal war, some 4.5 million of its children are not attending school, the charity Save the Children said Monday.

    The figure underlines how precarious daily life remains in the Arabian Peninsula’s poorest country, despite relative calm since an April 2022 ceasefire.

    “Two in five children, or 4.5 million, are out of school, with displaced children twice as likely to drop out than their peers,” the group said in a report.

    “One third of families surveyed in Yemen have at least one child who has dropped out of school in the past two years despite the UN-brokered truce,” it added.

    The conflict in Yemen began when Iran-backed Houthi rebels seized the capital Sanaa in September 2014, prompting Saudi Arabia to lead a coalition to prop up the internationally recognized government months later.

    Economic insecurity amid the war has plunged two thirds of Yemen’s 33 million inhabitants below the poverty line, the charity said, while also displacing about 4.5 million people.

    “Displaced children are twice as vulnerable to school dropouts,” Save the Children said.

    “Nine years into this forgotten conflict, we are confronting an education emergency like never before,” said Mohammed Manna, Save the Children’s interim country director in Yemen.

    “Our latest findings must be a wake-up call and we must act now to protect these children and their future.”

    The report said 14 percent of families interviewed by the aid group pointed to insecurity as the reason behind their children dropping out.

    But a larger majority — some 44 percent — pointed to economic reasons, in particular the need to support family incomes. Some 20 percent said they were unable to afford regular school costs.

    “The impact of the education crisis on Yemen’s children and their future is profound,” the charity said.

    “Without immediate intervention, an entire generation risks being left behind.”

  • Women arrested for stealing Uzma Kardar’s jewellery accuse police of beating, stripping them

    Women arrested for stealing Uzma Kardar’s jewellery accuse police of beating, stripping them

    Four women, detained for allegedly stealing jewellery belonging to PML-N’s Member of Punjab Assembly Uzma Kardar, have accused police of physical torture and stripping them in the presence of the MPA during the investigation process.


    The jewellery theft case was registered at the Model Town police station. However, the suspects, who are employees of a private housing society club have denied the allegations.


    The MPA suspected that two instructors and two club employees were involved in the theft. It was stated in the FIR that after attending the assembly session, she had gone to the club for swimming. She put the jewellery in her purse, which was kept in the club’s locker. Upon her return, she found out that jewellery worth Rs4-5 lakh had been stolen.


    SP Model Town told The News that four female employees of the club were detained after registration of the theft case. They were released after Uzma Kardar’s husband was taken into confidence on the matter. He said the club management also vouched for them and declared them innocent. He said the matter was still under investigation with the help of club’s surveillance cameras and management’s statements.

    MPA Uzma Kardar has called it “completely fabricated lies just to cover up systematic theft”. She emphasised that the women were investigated in front of her and were not detained for the night.

  • Singapore makes Israeli embassy delete ‘insensitive’ Palestinian post

    Singapore makes Israeli embassy delete ‘insensitive’ Palestinian post

    Singapore made the Israeli embassy in the city-state take down an “insensitive” social media post about the Palestinians over the weekend after warning it could inflame tensions, the interior minister said Monday.

    The Israeli genocide in Gaza and deepening humanitarian crisis in the besieged strip since October 7 have divided opinion across the world.

    The post reportedly said Israel was mentioned 43 times in the Koran but Palestine — the name Palestinians give to what they hope will become their independent, sovereign state — was not, according to local media.

    Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam said he asked Singapore’s foreign ministry to tell the Israeli embassy to remove the post made on Sunday after learning about it, which the mission immediately did.

    “That post on the Israeli embassy social media page is completely unacceptable. I was very upset when I was told about it,” Shanmugam told reporters, according to a transcript.

    “It is insensitive and inappropriate. It carries the risk of undermining our safety, security and harmony in Singapore.”

    Shanmugam said the post had been taken down.

    “Posts like these can… inflame tensions, and can put the Jewish community here at risk. The anger from the post can potentially spill over into the physical realm,” he added.

    The Israeli embassy was not immediately available for comment.

    Singapore has condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel but has also said that Israel’s military response “has now gone too far”.

    The health ministry in the Gaza Strip on Sunday put the total death toll in the territory at 32,226, most of them women and children.

  • Indian director Anurag Kashyap will charge money for meeting people

    Indian director Anurag Kashyap will charge money for meeting people

    Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has criticized those in showbiz who waste his time.

    Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “Don’t waste my time.”

    The filmmaker expressed frustration in a lengthy statement. “I wasted a lot of time trying to help newcomers and mostly ended up with mediocre s*. So, now onwards, I don’t want to waste my time meeting random people who think they are creative geniuses.”
    To everyone’s shock, Anurag went on to state his rates for newbies in the field interested in meeting with him. He said, “So I will now have rates. If someone wants to meet me for 10-15 minutes, I will charge 1 lac, for half an hour, 2 lacs, and for 1 hour, 5 lacs. That’s the rate.”

    He also said, “I am tired of wasting time meeting people. If you really think you can afford it, call me or stay the f*** away. And all paid in advance,” he capped the note. In the post’s caption, the Bombay Talkies director wrote, “And I mean it: Don’t text or DM or call me. Pay and you will get time. I am not a charity, and I am tired of people looking for shortcuts.”

  • Dr Mehboob suspended from GC University after harassment allegations

    Dr Mehboob suspended from GC University after harassment allegations

    Dr Mehboob Ahmed, Assistant Professor of the English Department in Government College University, Lahore, has been suspended till an inquiry into the allegations of harassment against him are completed.

    In a notification issued by the Vice Chancellor of Government College University, it has been said that till the investigation of the incident, Assistant Professor Dr. Mehboob will only be able to come to the college in connection with his case. “The Vice Chancellor has directed Dr Mehboob is suspended till the outcome of the probe is unveiled. He is directed to visit the campus only when he is officially invited to attend the proceedings of the probe,” the notification stated.

    All the staff of the university, including the faculty and the director of the English department, have been barred from issuing any statement about the incident.

    Vice Chancellor GCU says that they are worried about the incident that happened in the English department on March 19 and that the harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstance.


    In a video that emerged on March 20 shows the professor being beaten up by a former student in front of university staff and some students. Consequently, many students took to social media complaining to have witnessed the perverse attitude and demanding an investigation into the matter.

    Read more: Is GCU’s administration backing alleged harassers?