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  • India interested in Israel’s LORA missile system: reports

    India interested in Israel’s LORA missile system: reports

    India plans to acquire and locally produce Long Range Artillery (LORA) ballistic missiles developed by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), it has emerged.

    According to Israeli media reports, Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has signed with Israeli Defence Director General Amir Baram a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen defence collaboration between the two countries.

    India’s interest in Israel’s LORA was reinforced by the usage of the Rampage missile in recent military encounters with Pakistan, reports said. While Rampage, with a range near 250 kilometres and deployed from aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30 and MiG-29, is highly accurate, its shorter range exposes launch aircraft to advanced air-defence systems.

    LORA, developed by IAI’s MLM division, reportedly extends operational reach to about 400 kilometres, allowing strikes on enemy sites while keeping aircraft outside the threat envelope.

    The missile weighs 1,600 kilograms, flies at supersonic speeds, and uses satellite navigation protected against disruption. One of its outstanding features is that it is “fire and forget”, meaning that once it has been launched at the target, there is no need to guide it.

    It can carry various warheads for deployment against soft targets or against bunkers.

    India, which is the largest buyer of Israel’s defence industries according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), accounted for roughly 34% of Israel’s defence exports from 2020 to 2024.

    Reports said India is also interested in the “Ice Breaker” cruise missile, which is designed for attacks at ranges of about 300 km against land and sea targets. The missile is effective in all weather conditions, can function well in environments saturated with electronic warfare, and has infrared (IIR)-based navigation and missile guidance capabilities, which, through AI, can acquire and identify targets.

  • Hakeem wins ‘Sustainable & Inclusive Payments Excellence’ Award at APAC Payments Excellence Awards 2025

    Hakeem wins ‘Sustainable & Inclusive Payments Excellence’ Award at APAC Payments Excellence Awards 2025


    Walee Financial Services is proud to announce that its flagship Islamic digital nano-financing platform, Hakeem, has been awarded the Sustainable & Inclusive Payments Excellence Award at the APAC Payments Excellence Awards 2025, hosted by the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA) in Hong Kong.

    The EPAA Awards are among the most prestigious recognitions in the Asia-Pacific payments industry, celebrating organizations that are driving inclusion, innovation, and sustainability in the digital finance ecosystem.

    Recognized Among Global Leaders

    In the Sustainable & Inclusive Payments Innovation category, Hakeem was recognized alongside global institutions including Mastercard, RCBC, and PayNet, marking a proud moment for Pakistan’s fintech sector. Other categories featured world-leading names such as Standard Chartered, HSBC, Thunes, and Commonwealth Bank, underscoring the Awards’ stature as a benchmark for global excellence.

    This milestone follows Hakeem’s international recognition as Emerging FinTech of the Year at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2024, presented by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, further solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in ethical digital finance.

    Championing Faith-Aligned Inclusion

    At its core, Hakeem was built to make finance fair, faith-driven, and accessible for all. It stands as Pakistan’s first fully Shariah-certified Islamic digital nano-finance platform, designed to meet the financial needs of underserved communities who often remain excluded from conventional banking systems.

    Using a 100% digital model, Hakeem enables users to complete e-KYC, undergo AI-driven credit scoring, and access ethical nano-financing in minutes, no paperwork, no physical branches, and no collateral required. This model ensures accessibility across Pakistan’s rural and urban segments alike, especially for women and low-income earners.

    “Financial inclusion is not just about access to funds, it’s about restoring dignity and creating opportunity where it was denied,” said Khushba Hayat, Partner, Business Development at Walee Financial Services. “At Hakeem, every transaction tells a human story, of a woman restarting her business, a labourer bridging a tough month, or a teacher paying her parent’s medical bills. This award validates our belief that ethical finance can be both inclusive and scalable.”

    A Vision Rooted in Empathy

    Reflecting on this recognition, Noshad Minhas, CEO of Walee Financial Services, shared:

    “I have spent over two decades working in banks and financial institutions. And what I saw was that finance was built for a select few, the same people in the same circles. The vast majority were neglected, left out, or made to feel that banking wasn’t for them.

    At Hakeem, we wanted to change that. To build a solution that is truly equal, where everyone has access, not just the privileged. By using advanced technology, we are making finance simple, safe, and accessible, a system where no one feels intimidated by big banks or formal suits, but instead feels served, respected, and empowered, all from the comfort of their home. This is why Hakeem exists: to make ethical finance a reality for every community.”

    Looking Ahead

    With full Shariah certification achieved, Hakeem is now preparing to expand its suite of ethical financial solutions, including MSME financing, remittance-linked financing, women-focused financial products, and Takaful (Islamic insurance) distribution. These upcoming innovations are designed to empower individuals, strengthen small enterprises, and enable long-term, faith-aligned financial inclusion across Pakistan.

    About Walee Financial Services

    Walee Financial Services is dedicated to designing financial products that drive inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Hakeem, its Islamic nano-financing product, stands at the heart of this mission, offering rapid, ethical financial solutions to those often left out of traditional banking systems.

    About the APAC Payments Excellence Awards

    Hosted by the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA), the APAC Payments Excellence Awards recognize organizations that are revolutionizing the payments landscape. With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and inclusion, the awards honor achievements that are shaping the future of payments across the region.

  • ‘Obesity Ban’; Trump restricts visas for overweight people

    ‘Obesity Ban’; Trump restricts visas for overweight people

    The US State Department has issued new guidelines that recommend that migrant visas should not be issue for overweight people. 

    The guidelines include obesity as part of a list of medical conditions that could result in the refusal of visas. The rest of the list includes cardiovascular conditions, respiratory diseases, cancers, diabetes, metabolic diseases, neurological diseases and mental-health conditions. 

    Officials have been told to evaluate visa candidates on their ability to pay for lifelong care without the interjection of government funds. 

    The directive applies only to immigrant visas. Those on short term visas or non-immigrant visas, are exempt from the guidelines, a state department official has confirmed to media outlets. 


    The latest restrictions are part of large-scale changes that the US has put in place since Donald Trump became President. The administration has cracked down on H1B visas in particular, imposing a $100,000 fee on skilled workers, a move that particularly affected India. The fee will only be applicable on new visa applications, restricting the number of workers that can come into America to work. 

    H1B visas require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. 

    Trump tried to change the H1B visa in his previous term, however he was stalled by courts and legal challenges. He has repeatedly called the visas “very bad” and “unfair” for American workers. 

    Trump’s State Department has also introduced a new type of card, called the Gold Card, authorising fast-track visas for those who seek to make a ‘significabt financial gift’. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik has confirmed that the new scheme is being rolled out with 80,000 gold-cards ready for issuance. Trump said of the policy, “The main thing is, we are going to have great people coming in, and they are going to be paying.”

  • All 20 troops killed in C-130 crash: Turkish defence ministry

    All 20 troops killed in C-130 crash: Turkish defence ministry

    Turkish defence ministry has confirmed deaths of 20 soldiers as its C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed in Georgia on Tuesday.

    The C-130 Hercules is a cargo, troop and equipment carrier aircraft. It is described as a four-engine, turboprop military transport aircraft that can make use of unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings.

    Its versatile airframe has enabled it to be used for other purposes as well, including as a gunship and for airborne assault and reconnaissance operations. It is now viewed as one of the main tactical airlifters for many militaries.

    According to Reuters, the military plane had taken off from Azerbaijan for Turkey, crashing in the Sighnaghu municipality of Georgia’s Kakheti district.

    Ankara has not yet provided a reason for its deadliest military incident since 2020 but said that Turkish and Georgian authorities are inspecting the site.

    Initial footage from the scene showed chunks of twisted metal strewn across a grassy knoll while unverified footage on social media showed the plane breaking apart mid-air, corckscrewing towards the ground in a blaze.

    The leaders of Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as the NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, have all conveyed condolences. Tom Barrack, the United States (US) Ambassador to Turkey, has also expressed his country’s solidarity with Turkey after the crash.

    Earlier, Turkish Defence Minster Yasar Guler spoke to his Georgian and Azerbaijani counterparts, as well as Azerbaijan’s chief of staff, to discuss search and rescue operations.

    US firm Lockheed Martin, which makes the C-130 that is widely used by air forces around the world, expressed its condolences and said it was committed to helping Turkey in any way during the investigation.

  • ‘People expect us to perform every single time, we’re not robots,’ says Haris Rauf

    ‘People expect us to perform every single time, we’re not robots,’ says Haris Rauf

    Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf hit back at critics after his match-winning spell against Sri Lanka, saying that players are human and cannot be expected to perform perfectly in every game.

    Speaking at the post-match press conference after Pakistan’s narrow 6-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI at Rawalpindi, Haris said bowling in cold conditions was a real challenge. “It’s not easy to bowl in such weather,” he said. “But I always try to give my hundred percent for Pakistan. Winning for the team is what matters the most.”

    The right-arm pacer also opened up about the pressure of expectations. “People forget ten good matches after one bad performance,” he said. “They expect us to perform every single time. People think players are robots, but we’re not machines, we make mistakes too. What’s important is that we keep believing in ourselves.”

    Haris finished with figures of 4 for 49 and played a key role in defending Pakistan’s total. “If I get the chance to play Test cricket, I’ll definitely be ready,” he added.

    Pakistan produced a complete team performance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. 

    Salman Ali Agha smashed 105 to power Pakistan to 299 for 5 after a shaky start. His 138-run stand with Hussain Talat, who scored 62, turned the game around after early trouble. Mohammad Nawaz’s quick 36 helped Pakistan finish strongly.

    Hasaranga impressed with the ball, taking 3 for 54.

    In reply, Sri Lanka fought hard but fell just short, ending on 293 for 9 in their 50 overs. 

    Wanindu Hasaranga led the chase with a 59-run knock, while Sadeera Samarawickrama 39, Kamindu Mendis 38, and Charith Asalanka 32 added valuable runs.

    Haris Rauf’s fiery spell made the difference as he picked four key wickets, supported by Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf with two each. 

    Mohammad Nawaz claimed one wicket. 

    Pakistan will now look to seal the series in the second ODI as their bowlers and middle order continue to show strong form.

  • ‘Such hatred,’ Celebrities speak out against Islamabad suicide attack

    ‘Such hatred,’ Celebrities speak out against Islamabad suicide attack

    Pakistan’s celebrities spoke out in solidarity with the country after a suicide attack outside Islamabad’s district courts on Tuesday, killing 12 and injuring 36. It was the first major attack in the capital in nearly three years. 

     

    Actress Maya Ali took to Instagram to express her despair saying that so many lives were lost for no good reason, pleading to God to help make the madness stop. 

     

    Singer Farhan Saeed took to X to express his solidarity with Pakistan, adding that ‘our enemies’ do not like that Pakistan is prospering.

     

    Actor Adnan Siddiqui posted on his Instagram stories, saying that there is ‘no place in this world for such hatred.’ 

     

    The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the blast. 

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, the man tried to enter the court but was not given access, the bomber’s route was traced using AI and vowed that “whoever did this will bear the consequences.”

  • After terror spike, defence minister warns of strikes inside Afghanistan again

    After terror spike, defence minister warns of strikes inside Afghanistan again

    With a sudden spike in terror incidents in Pakistan –a suicide bombing in Islamabad and the attempted siege of a Cadet College in South Waziristan – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country could once again carry out strikes inside Afghanistan.

    Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’, the defence minister said that cross-border action inside Afghanistan “could not be ruled out” following the two attacks, and rejected the Afghan Taliban’s condemnation over the same.

    He said that such expressions of regret could not be taken as proof of sincerity as those attacking Pakistan were being sheltered by the Afghan Taliban regime.

    On the involvement of India-backed terrorists and the Afghan Taliban proxy Fitna al-Khawarij, Asif warned both New Delhi and Kabul against any misadventure, saying Pakistan would “pay back in the same coin”.

    “Pakistan will never initiate any military adventure,” he said but warned that the country would not let any act of aggression go unanswered.

    “We will respond forcefully,” Asif said.

    It may be noted that the attacks come days after talks between Islamabad and Kabul ended in deadlock. The negotiations had started following cross-border action over Afghan regime’s refusal to keep their soil from being used for terror in Pakistan.

    Earlier in the day, Asif also said that Pakistan was in a state of war and Tuesday’s bombing in Islamabad was “a message from Kabul”, to which Pakistan has full strength to respond.


     
    “We are in a state of war. Anyone who thinks that the Pakistan Army is fighting this war in the Afghan-Pakistan border region and the remote areas of Balochistan should take today’s suicide attack at the Islamabad district courts as a wake-up call,” he wrote in a post on X.


     
    The defence minister said it was a war for all of Pakistan, in which the army is giving sacrifices every day and making the people feel secure. “In this environment, it would be futile to hold out greater hope for successful negotiations with Kabul.”


     
    “The rulers of Kabul can stop terrorism in Pakistan, but bringing this war all the way to Islamabad is a message from Kabul, to which — praise be to Allah — Pakistan has the full strength to respond,” he added.

  • Dharmendra discharged from hospital one day after Indian media declares him dead

    Dharmendra discharged from hospital one day after Indian media declares him dead

    Bollywood legend Dharmendra has been discharged from hospital early on Wednesday morning, with media reports saying that he will continue recovery at home.

    Confusion about the action star’s health took a dizzying turn on Monday night, once again fueled by Indian media outlets.

    The actor was “stable and recovering”, his daughter said on Tuesday morning, after almost every Indian media outlet declared him dead on Monday night and early Tuesday morning. 

    The popular actor, known in the 70s and 80s as Bollywood’s ‘He-Man’, was admitted to the famous Breach Candy Hospital on November 10 after he complained of breathing issues while at home. 

    As news spread of the legendary star’s illness, his famous children started visiting one by one. Footage captured by paparazzi outside the hospital showed Dharmendra’s eldest son, the action star Sunny Deol, leaving from hospital looking visibly emotional. Some news outlets were quick to report that the 89-year-old had been put on a ventilator or had died, but Sunny’s team then put out a statement saying, “Dharamji is still in the hospital. Doctors have not advised him to go home. His condition is improving. He is being monitored and is not on a ventilator.”

    Later in the night, A-listers of the Indian film industry, including superstars Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, visited Dharmendra in hospital. His younger son, Bobby Deol, his wife Hema Malini and his daughter Esha Deol also visited the actor in hospital. Bobby Deol’s wife was also seen arriving at Breach Candy to visit her famous father-in-law. 

    As fans prayed for Dharmendra, news outlets again jumped the gun late at night, saying that he had died. Early on the morning of November 11, Esha Deol took to Instagram to confirm that her father was recovering. In a blistering attack on media, she wrote: “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable and recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy. Thank you for the prayers for Papa’s speedy recovery.” 

    Dharmendra was born in what is now the Indian side of Punjab in 1935. The actor has a career that spanned over six decades, and included streaks of hits including his most famous role, smash hit Sholay’s Veeru. He has remained active in the industry even late in his career, last appearing on screen in 2024 in the film Teri Baaton Main Aisa Uljha Jiya. His film Ikkis is set to release next year. 

    Dharmendra is still one of the most popular stars in Bollywood, despite being almost 90-years-old. He is also an active social media user, regularly interacting with fans and posting photos on Instagram. This year his Twitter account has mostly been dormant, with the last post showing an old poster of him and his wife Hema Malini in costume for a film poster from the 70s.

  • Govinda rushed to hospital after collapsing at home

    Govinda rushed to hospital after collapsing at home

    Bollywood actor Govinda has been rushed to CritiCare Hospital in Mumbai’s Juhu area late Monday night after he suddenly collapsed at home.

    According to media reports, the 61-year-old star lost consciousness after experiencing severe stress that led to health complications. 

    Family members immediately called a doctor for advice and gave him medication, but his condition did not improve. Around 1 am, Govinda was shifted to the hospital, where doctors conducted several tests and are now waiting for the reports.

    His close friend and legal advisor Bandal confirmed the news, saying, “He had some health issues and was feeling unwell. The doctor advised rest, but when things didn’t settle down, we had to take him to the hospital. He’s now under observation.”

    Fans of the veteran actor, famous for his unmatched comic timing and dance moves, have filled social media with get-well messages, hoping for a quick recovery.

    This isn’t Govinda’s first health scare. In October last year, he accidentally shot himself in the leg when his licensed pistol misfired. He was hospitalized, while doctors successfully removed the bullet after a one-hour surgery.

    Interestingly, Govinda’s hospitalization comes just a day after widespread rumours about Bollywood legend Dharmendra’s death flooded social media. 

    The 89-year-old actor was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on November 10 after facing breathing issues, and several news outlets wrongly reported that he had passed away.

    His daughter, Esha Deol, later slammed the false reports, confirming that her father is “stable and recovering.” 

    She urged fans and the media to avoid spreading misinformation, saying, “The media seems to be in overdrive and spreading false news. My father is stable and recovering. We request everyone to give our family privacy.”

    As the industry reels from back-to-back health scares involving two of its most beloved stars, fans across India are praying for their speedy recovery.

  • Prince William makes surprising appearance on dance competition

    Prince William makes surprising appearance on dance competition

    Prince William, the future King of England, made a surprising appearance on the reality competition show Dancing With The Stars, delighting audiences with a special wish for one of the contestants. 

    The older son of King Charles showed up on a video call to support the son of another famous father. Robert Irwin, the son of late legendary nature enthusiast Steve Irwin, is competing on the show along with his partner Whitney Carson. Robert was supposed to join the Royal in Rio De Janeiro in Brazil for the Earthshot Prize ceremony, however, he could not go as his stint on Dancing With The Stars continues.

     The Prince of Wales, 43, popped up on screen to the surprise of Irwin and to the delight of fans. Laughingly referring to Robert Irwin as Tinkle Toes, William went on to say that he missed the conservationist. “You guys have got a serious chance of winning,” the heir to the British throne told the pair before wishing them luck. He also told Robert, “I need you down here.” 

    The exchange left Whitney Carson shocked. After hanging up she told a camera, “I can’t believe he said my name.” 

    Robert Irwin, 21, is an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, a global environmental award founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation. The organisation finds and funds efforts to resolve the world’s greatest conservation and environmental challenges. 

    This is not the Prince’s first public appearance to support Irwin. In June this year, he sent a voice note to a British radio show which was talking to Irwin. “I know you have got the fantastic Robert Irwin on your show,” he said in the voice note, adding that the young conservationist was a “brilliant” ambassador for the Earthshot Prize. 

    Irwin has become a surprise contender for the top spot on the famous dancing competition, a fan favourite who was not supposed to last past the first round but is now well on his way to the end. After William’s call, Robert and Whitney danced the fox trot to ‘Footprints in the Sand’ by Leona Lewis. The young naturalist then dedicated his performance to his late father Steve Irwin. 

    The senior Irwin became one of the most famous conservationists in the world in the early 2000s. He was an Australian zookeeper, environmentalist and wildlife educator. Popularly known as ‘The Crocodile Hunter’s, Steve became known for risky endeavours during filming, handling unruly crocs, venomous snakes and deadly creatures with a smile and a laugh. He died unexpectedly in 2006, at the peak of his career, when during a dive in Queensland, a sting ray injury pierced his heart, killing him in a few short moments while he filmed an underwater documentary.