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  • Trump’s 100 percent China tariff hits crypto, global finance

    Trump’s 100 percent China tariff hits crypto, global finance

    President Donald Trump reignited the U.S.-China trade war by imposing 100 percent tariffs on all Chinese exports and tightening controls on key U.S. software. 

    The announcement sent global markets and cryptocurrencies into a sharp decline.

    Bitcoin tumbled more than 8 percent on Friday, October 11, falling to $104,782 as global markets reacted to renewed U.S.-China trade tensions after President Donald Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs and export restrictions, according to media reports.

    Beijing has tightened its export controls on rare earth minerals, materials that are essential to technology, defense, and electric vehicle manufacturing. In response, Trump said, “I thought it was very, very bad. For every element they monopolize, we have two. But we have to respond.” He also announced additional port fees on U.S. ships that will begin on October 14, 2025.

    Markets immediately turned volatile. Bitcoin slumped 8.4 percent, Ethereum lost 5.8 percent to trade at $3,637, and the S&P 500 dropped more than 2 percent, recording its biggest one-day fall since April. The Nasdaq sank 3.56 percent to close at 22,204.43. Semiconductor stocks also plunged, with the PHLX Semiconductor Index down 6.3 percent, while gold and U.S. Treasuries rose as investors sought safe havens.

    Cryptocurrencies and tech stocks faced the hardest hits. Nvidia, Tesla, Amazon, and AMD all lost over two percent in after-hours trading. Qualcomm dropped 7.3 percent amid reports of a new antitrust investigation in China. U.S.-listed Chinese tech giants, including Alibaba, JD.com, and PDD Holdings, fell between 5.3 percent and 8.5 percent. 

    The sell-off erased hundreds of billions of dollars in market capitalization and reignited fears that the new tariffs and export controls could disrupt global supply chains, especially in the technology and semiconductor sectors.

    Bitcoin’s sharp decline left investors anxious as the world’s largest cryptocurrency now trades nearly 20 percent below its September highs. Analysts told Reuters that the pullback reflects a shift toward a broader “risk-off” sentiment in global markets as investors brace for prolonged geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

    Attention now turns to the White House, Beijing, and the upcoming U.S. corporate earnings season, which begins Tuesday, October 14, with major banks set to report.

  • Furious Indians berate Afghan Taliban for excluding women from press conference

    Furious Indians berate Afghan Taliban for excluding women from press conference

    Afghanistan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was on a four-day long visit to India earlier in the week, seeking to discuss bilateral trade, security issues and humanitarian aid with his counterpart. 

    The trip, being projected as a major milestone by both the Afghan and Indian governments, turned sour when no female journalists were allowed to a press conference that Muttaqi addressed. 

    While the government denied that it had barred women from the presser, condemnation flew in fast and furious from politicians, activists and journalists. Most of the criticism directed derision at the Taliban’s bans on women’s participation in public life. 

    Rahul Gandhi, head of the Indian National Congress (INC), addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet that minced no words. 

    His sister, Priyanka Vohra, also addressed Modi while calling the act an “insult” to the women of the country. 

    A former executive editor of a major media group called her male colleagues “spineless” for not walking out on the Afghan minister. 

    One account called the Taliban “deeply misogynistic”. 


    Another journalist continued in the same vein, heaping derision upon the Indian government and the Taliban.

     One X user termed the move “pukeworthy”. 


    Veteran journalist Suhasini Haidar pointed out that no women were present at the official meeting between the two foreign ministers. 

  • Samar Jafri’s star is on the rise and Spotify is paying attention

    Samar Jafri’s star is on the rise and Spotify is paying attention

    Spotify has named Samar Jafri as its RADAR Pakistan artist for the fourth quarter of 2025, highlighting his rapid ascent in Pakistan’s dynamic music scene.

    Known for his soulful voice and emotionally resonant lyrics, Jafri has quickly become a standout figure among a new wave of Pakistani artists. His tracks Main Rahun and Guzaarishein, both released earlier this year, have collectively amassed over 23.3 million streams on Spotify, with Main Rahun alone surpassing 14 million plays.

    Jafri’s music is not only making waves locally but is also gaining international traction. In the past month, significant listenership has come from countries including Bangladesh, the US, the UK, Canada, and the UAE. According to Spotify, more than 50% of his listeners are aged between 18 and 24, a sign of his strong connection with a younger generation seeking authenticity and emotional depth in music.

    Reacting to the announcement, Jafri shared: “This feels like the beginning of something I’ve been dreaming about for years. It’s surreal.”

    He added, “This journey has been all about patience and persistence. Being able to tell my story on this platform is definitely one of the highlights of my year.”

    With over six years of experience writing and producing music, Jafri has steadily built a following for his heartfelt songwriting and minimalist production style. His sound blends modern pop sensibilities with lyrical depth, earning him a loyal fanbase among young, introspective listeners.

    The artist is also popular for his roles in Pakistani dramas like Mayi Ri and Hum Dono. He also received accolades for his performance in the film Baligh Afraad (2024).

    Meanwhile, his selection as a RADAR artist places him among a growing number of Pakistani musicians gaining global visibility through digital platforms and this recognition is reshaping Pakistan’s independent music industry.

  • Pakistan finalises squad for first Test against South Africa

    Pakistan finalises squad for first Test against South Africa

    Pakistan is set to begin their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign under the captaincy of Shan Masood with a two-match Test series against defending champions South Africa.

    The first Test begins on Sunday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where Pakistan plans to field a balanced lineup with seven batters, two fast bowlers and two spinners.

    According to media reports, right-arm spinner Sajid Khan will miss the match due to viral fever, and left-arm spinner Asif Afridi will replace him in the playing XI. 38-year-old Asif has claimed 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. He will partner with experienced left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who has claimed 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75.

    Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi will make his Test comeback after a year. The left-arm pacer, who has 116 wickets in 31 Tests, will share the new ball with Hasan Ali. Hasan has 80 wickets from 24 Tests and last featured in the format against Australia in Sydney in January 2024.

    Imam Ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique will open the innings for Pakistan, followed by captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.

    Pakistan playing XI for first Test vs South Africa:
    Imam Ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Asif Afridi

  • Saba Qamar wishes Rushna Khan on her birthday, praises her role in Case No. 9

    Saba Qamar wishes Rushna Khan on her birthday, praises her role in Case No. 9

    Pakistan’s most talented actress Saba Qamar took to Instagram to wish her co-star Rushna Khan a heartfelt happy birthday, expressing deep gratitude for her kindness and praising her performance in the drama Case No. 9.

    Sharing a sweet message on her Instagram Stories, Saba wrote: “Happy Birthday to a girl with a heart of pure gold! You’ve been such a blessing in my life, especially during the shoot of Case No. 9 in Karachi, when I wasn’t feeling well. You took care of me like a sister, brought yakhni and homemade food every day, and made sure I was okay. I’ll never forget that kindness.”

    Qamar was hospitalized in early August 2025 after experiencing severe chest pain while on set, which led to her being admitted to the ICU. She underwent emergency procedures including an angiography and was released in good health after her condition stabilized. Doctors advised her to rest for several weeks, attributing her condition to stress and fatigue.

    She later posted a picture from the hospital and updated her fans about her health, saying that she was completely fine and fit to be back on set.

    The birthday post read: “You’re truly amazing in Case No. 9, and I know this is just the start of a beautiful journey ahead. Sending you all my love, prayers, and best wishes on your special day. Love you! @rushnakhann.”

    Rushna Khan is a rising Pakistani actress and model who has recently begun gaining recognition for her compelling performances on television. In Case No. 9, she plays a pivotal supporting role alongside Saba Qamar. Her character is intricately linked to the emotional arc of the story, as she plays the wife of Faysal Quraishi’s character Kamran, offering both empathy and strength as the drama explores themes of justice, trauma, and personal redemption.

    Case No. 9 is a psychological crime-thriller currently airing on Geo TV. The series revolves around a rape case, delving deep into societal issues and complex moral dilemmas. Saba Qamar plays the lead role as Sehar. While the drama is written by seasoned host and journalist Shahzeb Khanzada.

    The drama continues to draw attention for its bold storytelling and powerful performances. While many viewers are in awe, some critics argue that its storyline is too daring for television.

  • 19-year-old Indian student commits suicide after ‘harassment’ by volleyball coach

    19-year-old Indian student commits suicide after ‘harassment’ by volleyball coach

    A 19-year-old college student took her own life in Hyderabad, Telangana, after alleged harassment by her volleyball coach, Indian media reported.

    The incident took place in the Lalaguda area where the student, identified as Maulika, ended her life. She was a second-year college student and a member of her college volleyball team.

    Maulika’s father told police that the team’s coach, Ambaji, had been harassing his daughter for a long time and was pressuring her to enter into an inappropriate relationship.

    He said that when his daughter refused, the coach began mentally torturing her and humiliating her in front of others.

    According to her father, the constant harassment caused Maulika severe emotional distress, and she had become withdrawn in recent days.

    Unable to bear the pressure, she took her life. Police have registered a case and launched a search for the absconding coach.

    This is not the first such case in India. Female athletes from kabaddi and other national teams have previously filed similar complaints against their coaches.

  • Arshad Nadeem’s coach hits back at Athletics Federation over World Championship performance

    Arshad Nadeem’s coach hits back at Athletics Federation over World Championship performance

    Olympic gold medallist Arshad Nadeem’s coach Salman Iqbal Butt has submitted his response to the Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), strongly defending his tenure and criticising the federation’s lack of support for the star athlete’s training.

    AFP sought an explanation from Butt following Nadeem’s disappointing tenth-place finish at the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

    In his comprehensive reply, Butt reminded the AFP of his track record, stating the federation appointed him as coach and mentor for Arshad Nadeem in 2021. He highlighted Nadeem’s subsequent string of victories, including the historic gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Butt noted Nadeem’s success from 2022 to 2025, which includes four gold medals and one silver, arguing that one cannot expect any athlete to maintain peak form consistently.

    The coach affirmed his commitment to his role, saying he will continue coaching as long as Arshad Nadeem desires him to do so. He also stated that he and Nadeem never refused to share any training details with the AFP.

    However, Butt also expressed disappointment, claiming that the AFP had disengaged from all of Arshad’s activities over the past year. He revealed that a personal friend funded Nadeem’s training, including two trips to South Africa for training sessions.

    Butt condemned the mockery he faced after the World Championship and Olympic victories, stating television programs referred to him as merely a “coordinator.” He contrasted this with the immediate shift in attitude following Nadeem’s single poor performance, where he suddenly became the ‘coach’ held solely accountable.

    Addressing the performance in Tokyo directly, Butt detailed Nadeem’s preparation for the 2025 season, which started on December 10, with continuous consultation with renowned coach Terseus Liebenberg. He noted that Dr. Ali Sher Bajwa, an expert in sports injuries, frequently checked on Nadeem, visiting Pakistan three times, while Dr. Asad Abbas managed his full diet plan.

    Butt disclosed that Nadeem suffered an injury on July 4, requiring surgery in England. The athlete then underwent a three-week rehabilitation program in London.

    Upon arriving in Tokyo on September 8, the coach explained, the hot and humid weather, coupled with a hard javelin runway track, made Nadeem uncomfortable and aggravated the pain in his leg. He stated that despite Dr. Bajwa’s efforts to keep him fit, a calf muscle strain prevented Nadeem from achieving his best score in the final.

    Concluding his reply, Butt emphasised that just as success receives collective credit, responsibility for failure must also fall upon all stakeholders.

    AFP had sought a detailed explanation from coach Salman Iqbal Butt following Olympian Arshad Nadeem’s disappointing performance at the recent World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he finished 10th in the javelin throw final.

    The federation issued a show cause notice to Butt, requiring him to submit a written report by October 5. The AFP instructed the coach to clarify 10 distinct matters within his report, directly addressing the fallout from the World Championship. 

    Arshad Nadeem, the reigning Olympic Champion with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters in Paris 2024, struggled in the final with a best throw of 82.75 meters, resulting in his elimination after the fourth round.

  • Teefi Butt killed in encounter a day after extradition from Dubai

    Teefi Butt killed in encounter a day after extradition from Dubai

    Khawaja Tareef Gulshan, also known as Teefi Butt, the prime suspect in the Ameer Balaj murder case, has been killed in an alleged encounter with the Crime Control Department (CCD) in Punjab early Saturday morning, a day after being extradited from Dubai, media reports have stated.

    According to a statement issued by the CCD, Teefi Butt, a proclaimed offender wanted in FIR No. 1163/24 registered at Chuhang Police Station, Lahore, landed at Karachi’s Quaid-e-Azam International Airport on October 10. The CCD team took his custody from the airport around 3:15 pm and departed for Lahore by road.

    When the CCD team reached near Sanjarpur, District Rahim Yar Khan, in the early hours of October 11, a group of armed assailants intercepted their vehicle and opened fire. During the exchange, one CCD officer sustained serious bullet injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital. The attackers managed to free Teefi Butt from police custody and fled the scene.

    At around 5 am, CCD officials spotted two suspicious vehicles in Kot Sabzal, Rahim Yar Khan. Another intense gun battle broke out, lasting nearly 20 to 25 minutes. One person was found seriously injured at the scene and later died while being taken to a local hospital. He was identified as Khawaja Tareef Butt alias Teefi Butt. Another police officer was also injured in the shootout and moved to a hospital for treatment.

    CCD officials confirmed that multiple teams from the department and local police have launched operations to trace and arrest the assailants involved in the attack that resulted in Teefi Butt’s death and injuries to two police personnel.

    Teefi Butt, along with Khawaja Aqeel alias Gogi Butt and others, had been nominated in the murder case of Ameer Balaj, who was shot dead near Thokar Niaz Beg, Lahore, on February 19, 2024. After the killing, Teefi Butt fled abroad and was later declared a proclaimed offender. Punjab Police had sought approval from the Interior Ministry for his extradition, after which Interpol issued red warrants for his arrest.

    He was brought back to Karachi late Thursday night via a private airline and later transferred to Lahore, where he was handed over to the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) probing the murder case.

    Earlier, the CCD had requested custody of the suspect, but Lahore’s investigation police reportedly declined to transfer the case.

  • Makers of Biryani wanted me to look like Maryam Nawaz, Hina Rabbani Khar: Sarwat Gilani

    Makers of Biryani wanted me to look like Maryam Nawaz, Hina Rabbani Khar: Sarwat Gilani

    Pakistani actress Sarwat Gilani has revealed that the makers of the drama Biryani envisioned her character to resemble prominent political figures Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif and former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

    In a podcast with Something Haute, Sarwat shared behind-the-scenes insights into her character Gul’s styling and the creative choices that shaped the show.

    According to Gilani, the drama’s makers initially presented her with two reference images, one of Maryam and another of Hina as inspiration for Gul’s look. While she appreciated Khar’s grace and poise, calling her “a stylish and well-spoken politician”, she humorously rejected the idea of wearing heavy fabrics in the sweltering heat.

    “Maryam just comes out of her AC car, does meetings and goes back,” she quipped. “I couldn’t wear silk in June-July with sweat patches and stuff.”

    Eventually, she asked the team to visit her home and explore her personal wardrobe. “Luckily, they all liked it,” she said, confirming that most of what she wore on-screen came from her own closet but her appearance in the drama was mostly inspired by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.

    The actress also opened up about her return to television after seven years and the unexpected success of the show.

    Reflecting on her return to television after a seven-year hiatus, Gilani said she didn’t expect Biryani to become as popular as it has. “I think that wasn’t our intention. Our intention was to talk about some things in our society, especially cousin marriages and early marriages. We didn’t plan for it to become a hit but it did so well.”

    Biryani is a socially-driven drama that explores themes of forced marriages, women’s agency and complex family dynamics. Sarwat Gilani’s nuanced performance as Gul has been widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, marking a strong return to television for her.

  • Top 10 Game-Changing Instagram Tools Every Creator Needs

    Top 10 Game-Changing Instagram Tools Every Creator Needs

    SocialWick is the tool that is the most recommended one a creator should use at first when it comes to the process of increasing your presence on Instagram. Recognized as a reliable, genuine and multifunctional service, SocialWick has established itself as the platform of choice among the influencers, businessmen and a regular person who simply wants to talk with friends in real-time with a high level of safety and speed. In comparison to other websites that use bots or shortcuts, SocialWick provides real followers, likes and views that will make creators gain credibility in the long run.

    We are going to discuss the top ten game changer Instagram tools that every creator must possess in this article but first of all we have SocialWick as the most reliable option since it comes first and then other powerful alternatives that can equally boost your Instagram strategy.

     

    1. SocialWick – The Ultimate Instagram Growth Partner

    SocialWick is the most preferred Instagram tool because of its all-in-one features and the established reputation. It has features such as followers, likes, comments, and views and is suited to creators who are interested in steady growth without risking their accounts. Its fast delivery, low prices and natural interaction have also been acclaimed to be the reason why SocialWick can easily be distinguished in a highly competitive market.

    Artists are fond of SocialWick as:

    • It offers practical, real followers.
    • Interaction is harmless and within the regulations of Instagram.
    • It is not only in support of Instagram.
    • Its customer care is trustworthy and sensitive.

    SocialWick is the most reliable choice to establish a robust online presence whether you are starting out or going up as an influencer.

     

    2. Hootsuite – Social Media Scheduling Made Simple

    Instagram can be very demanding to handle manually particularly when a creator has several tasks to complete. Hootsuite simplifies it by enabling you to publish and schedule, track performance and analyze the engagement at a single dashboard. This tool is a savior to creators who do not have to be attached to their phones but would like to remain consistent.

    Key advantages include:

    • Post and story scheduling.

    • In-depth analytics to learn about the audience behavior.

    • Not only integration with Instagram but also with a variety of platforms.

    Hootsuite suits the needs of creators who attach importance to time-efficiency and strategy-based content planning.

     

    3. Canva – Create Stunning Visual Content

    Instagram is a visual channel and Canva is the most appropriate tool that a creator would use to create an eye catching content without the need to pay another designer. The drag-and-drop interface of Canva helps to quickly make posts, stories, and reels that are aligned with your brand.

    What creators are fond of Canva:

    • Templates To use.

    • Simple brand color and font customisation.

    • Icons, graphics and stock images.

    Novices to expert influencers, Canva can make creators shine with professional-looking images.

     

    4. Later – Plan and Preview Your Feed

    Another amazing Instagram tool is later that assists creators to plan their content. Among its outstanding qualities is the option to use a visual planner, which enables a user to have a preview of how the post will appear on his or her grid in the Instagram platform prior to posting.

    Why creators choose Later:

    • Drag and drop scheduling feature.

    • Instagram Scheduling of Stories.

    • Suggestions to hashtag boosting.

    Later maintains your profile to be cohesive, which is key to the establishment of a powerful brand identity.

     

    5. Buffer – Streamlined Social Media Management

    Buffer is a potent option to creators who are interested in the no frills approach to managing their Instagram accounts. It is easy, neat, and ideal in posting schedules, monitoring performances and reaching out to followers in one location.

    Highlights of Buffer:

    • Simple scheduling applications.

    • Group project features Group collaboration features.

    • Stable analytics to quantify growth.

    Simple and efficiency-loving creators will find Buffer a nice addition to their arsenal.

     

    6. InShot – Edit Videos Like a Pro

    Instagram is being dominated by video content and InShot provides creators an advantage, with simple video editing capabilities. It could be clips, adding music, and smooth transitions, so InShot can assist the creators to make pro reels and stories that people are eager to follow.

    Attributes that features creators like:

    • User-friendly video editing.

    • Effects, filters and text.

    • Easy to edit on mobile.

    InShot is an indispensable tool to the influencers who specialize in Instagram reels.

     

    7. Iconosquare – Analytics That Matter

    Instagram success requires using data in decision-making and the preferred tool to help creators is Iconosquare. It gives profound understanding of engagement and follower development and content performance, enabling creators to refine their tactics.

    Key benefits:

    • Advanced analytics reports.

    • Controversies.

    • Posting-time optimization tools.

    Wordsmiths seeking to grow their careers use Iconosquare to implement their growth plan.

     

    8. Linktree – Simplify Your Bio Links

    Instagram lets you post only one link in your profile, which frequently is insufficient. Linktree addresses this by allowing you to design a custom landing page with several links to clicks, therefore it is less cumbersome to guide the followers to a website, a shop, or other social sites.

    Why creators love Linktree:

    • Easy installation and configuration.

    • Effectiveness is measured by tracks clicking.

    • Very useful in advertising various projects.

    It is an indispensable asset to those that desire to maximize the traffic of their Instagram account.

     

    9. Unfold – Beautiful Instagram Stories

    Instagram stories are some of the most captivating tools and Unfold is a tool that assist creators to create beautiful story layouts. Unfold is easy with beautiful templates, fonts and effects to ensure that your stories capture your attention and maintain the interest of your followers.

    Key features:

    • Minimal design templates in style.

    • Simple user-friendly interface to simple creation.

    • Ideal among the creators who appreciate aesthetics.

    In the case of storytelling and branding, Unfold is a preferred option.

     

    10. Hashtagify – Smarter Hashtag Research

    Instagram requires hashtags to be seen and Hashtagify assists creators to find the most useful ones. It has popularities and real-time analytical functionality that provides your posts to a larger audience.

    Why it’s useful:

    • Hashtags and trending songs.

    • Gives information about hashtag performance.

    • Helps maximizes its discoverability.

    Hashtagify is a tool that can prove invaluable to creators that wish to reach out.

     

    Conclusion: The Best Tool for Instagram Creators

    Although each of these tools can assist creators with upgrading their Instagram game, the best of all recommended is SocialWick. It is unparalleled due to its ability to provide real followers, likes, and views quickly, safely and reliably. You can have real lasting results regardless of whether you are just starting or are already building a strong following; SocialWick helps you get the rewards of your efforts.


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