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  • Qarz e Jaan: Unraveling secrets, shattered love, and family feuds

    Qarz e Jaan: Unraveling secrets, shattered love, and family feuds

    Love stories in dramas are like biryani—you think you’ve seen every kind, but then one comes along with just the right spice to keep you hooked.


    Qarz e Jaan is moving fast. Whether we’re interested in Ammar’s story or Burhan and Nashwa’s, one thing’s for sure, Asim and Bisma have captured our attention!


    The drama should be applauded for showing a mature love story. Pakistani dramas usually focus on young love stories, but this one is different. Bisma and Asim’s story is refreshing. The talented cast, including Tazeen Hussain and Faisal Rehman, entertain us with heartfelt performances.


    The first meeting between Nashwa and Asim was adorable. Nashwa’s excitement and Faisal Rehman’s acting with Yumna Zaidi were perfect. Another interesting moment was when Bee Jaan meets Nashwa at the mall and asks her to pick an outfit, not knowing who she is. These small moments keep the story balanced between intensity and light-heartedness. 


    While Ammar and Bakhtiyar were missing from the episode, Nashwa’s grandmother added some drama. She seems to have her struggles, denying Bisma pleasures. Does she have a backstory of her own?


    Asim and Bisma’s meeting was much-awaited. Bisma, as expected, held on to her emotions. It was interesting to see Asim holding her responsible for past decisions, and Bisma blaming him for her marriage to Behzad. The father-son duo of Burhan and Asim have Bisma confused. Did Asim marry? Where is his wife? These questions are troubling her.


    Both Asim and Bisma are holding on to their memories. Bisma keeps it deep inside, while Asim is more open.


    What happens next between Asim and Bisma? Was there a conspiracy to keep them apart? How will the family react to their feelings for each other? With Ammar’s case reopened, the family divide will get deeper.


    Qarz e Jaan is turning out to be quite an intriguing watch.

  • Crime rate surges in LA after raging fires

    Crime rate surges in LA after raging fires

    A slew of crimes has surged in Los Angeles, California, in the wake of last week’s devastating fires that ravaged the city. 

    Criminals are taking advantage of the darkness and emergency imposed in many neighbourhoods. American media reports suggest that more than 25 people have been arrested, including one impersonating a firefighter, for crimes in Los Angeles County.
    The number of detentions from severely affected areas Eaton and Palisades are 25 and four, respectively.


    A man dressed as a firefighter was also caught looting a house in the Malibu area of LA. 
    Recalling the problems faced by the police, a local police officer said, “He was dressed like a fireman, and he was not. He just got caught burglarizing a home,” while adding, “Those are issues that our frontline deputies and police officers are dealing with.”


    On the other hand, police officials also reported to have arrested a homeless man who was caught by onlookers “throwing a flame” in the fire.


    The “flamethrower” was caught by residents in the area while he was torching old Christmas trees and debris on fire soon after the wildfire began.


    However, the media reports say that he is an illegal immigrant from Mexico who is likely to be protected by California’s sanctuary city status. The Los Angeles Police Department also said that there was not enough evidence to support the charge of flamethrowing.


    Notably, other detentions over the weekend were for violating curfew, which was set from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in specific areas ravaged by the fires.


    California Governor Gavin Newsom warned the burglars in a statement, “Those who would seek to take advantage of evacuated communities, let me be clear: looting will not be tolerated.”


    US media outlets reported yesterday that private fire fighting crew members charge thousands of dollars, therefore jail inmates from around California have been deployed to put out the fire in Eaton and Palisades. These prisoners only make around 27 dollars for a 24-hour shift compared to the base salary of $3,700 to $4,600 a month for the private crews.


    A total of 950 inmates are volunteering for the program. 


    Their work includes staying close to crews working to put out fires while wearing distinct orange uniforms. Instead of using hoses or water, they use “hand tools to aid in fire suppression” along with supporting other emergency workers in the area. 


    In return for this service, two days are docked off their sentence for each day they work with fire fighting crews.


    24 people have been consumed by the huge fires that started on January 7. Moreover, 16 people are missing, and more than 100,000 people have been forced to evacuate.

  • PSL hits back at Ahmed Shehzad over allegations of ‘using’ his name

    PSL hits back at Ahmed Shehzad over allegations of ‘using’ his name

    The management of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has reacted to Pakistani batter Ahmed Shehzad’s viral video wherein he accused the league of “using his name without consent”.

    Reports quoted PSL officials as saying that any local player who participated in domestic cricket was automatically eligible for the league, and a part of the PSL. Since Shehzad represented WAPDA last year, his name was included in the list of players for PSL 10 this year, they said.

    The officials added that they could not take into account a player’s retirement announced in a social media video unless they were officially informed as well, adding that Shehzad, in this regard, had not notified the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in writing.

    Earlier, PSL had added Shehzad’s name to the list of local players for season 10 of the tournament, prompting him to criticise the PCB and PSL on Samaa Digital’s programme “Zor Ka Jor”.

    Shehzad had accused the league of using his name to promote the PSL despite his retirement announced during the season 9 of the tournament last year.

  • Potential fuel price hike: Economic challenges ahead for Pakistan

    Potential fuel price hike: Economic challenges ahead for Pakistan

    Estimates for the fuel prices for the next fortnight are in, and both business owners and consumers may be disappointed by the announcement once again. The prices of petrol, kerosene, and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) are all estimated to increase by approximately five to six rupees per litre, according to Dawn.

    Sources reveal that the ex-depot price of petrol is expected to rise by five to six rupees. HSD and kerosene might see more conservative rises in prices of just two and three rupees per litre, respectively.

    These are estimations, and the actual revision of prices will be carried out on January 15.

    Expectations surrounding the surge in fuel prices can safely be attributed to the higher prices of fuel in the international market. The reasoning behind the rise in fuel prices is that United States President-elect Donald Trump threatened to slap sanctions on Russian oil and energy exports.

    According to Statista, Russia is the third largest producer of oil worldwide. The Russian oil industry alone accounts for over 12 percent of global crude oil production. With Donald Trump seemingly on course to strangle Russia’s oil exports, net importers of petroleum, such as Pakistan, are projected to face large financial losses.

    Historically, the economy has witnessed a large balance of trade deficits because of the large volume of petroleum products on the import bill. Experts predict that the rise in international crude oil prices will negatively impact Pakistan’s trade balance.

    Since Donald Trump’s threat, the market summary revealed that Brent prices had gone up by one to two dollars per barrel. The only silver lining is that import premiums have not been changed, and the exchange rate remains stable.

    If Islamabad had decided to tack on to the already extortionately high 76 rupees per litre petroleum levy, consumers would suffer even more. Furthermore, had the rupee faced depreciation, it would have been financially challenging for consumers to afford the new petrol prices.

    However, experts predict that the expected price hike will significantly hurt businesses, and a prime example is the transport sector. HSD is a primary input in business operations, and with HSD prices rising, profit margins are expected to grow slimmer.

    The hike in petrol prices is also expected to erode the purchasing power of regular consumers as an overwhelming majority of the population consumes petrol. The worst part is that Brent prices have gone up by approximately six percent in the past five days, with experts predicting that the upward trend will continue.

  • Which Bollywood actor is eating only boiled food to stay fit?

    Which Bollywood actor is eating only boiled food to stay fit?

    Some people binge-watch their favourite shows, while others binge-boil their food—welcome to the world of extreme diets and unexpected flavour discoveries.

    Indian actor Gurmeet Chaudhary has revealed that he has been following a strict diet for over a year and is eating only boiled food that has no taste.

    Speaking on the YouTube channel of laughter queen Bharti Singh and her husband Harsh Limbachiya, Gurmeet shared details about his strict diet plan with his fans.

    “I have given up foods like sugar, roti, rice, and bread,” he said, adding, “As a foodie, it is very difficult, but it is necessary to prepare yourself according to the character.”

    He also claimed to eat only “boiled foods like boiled fish, chicken, and vegetables, which initially seemed tasteless,” but admitted, “ with time, the same foods started to taste good.”

    In this regard, nutritionists state that the continuous consumption of boiled food has both positive and negative effects.

    According to Veena Wei, Chief Clinical Dietitian, this method reduces body fat, improves digestion, and helps with weight loss, but it can deplete water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins B and C.

    It is important to plan your diet and include a variety of cooked foods to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

    On the other hand, raw vegetables, which are not boiled, are more beneficial because they retain all the micronutrients and fibre that are lost during boiling.

  • India creates visa hurdles for Pakistan-origin British pacer

    India creates visa hurdles for Pakistan-origin British pacer

    England’s upcoming white-ball tour of India has hit a snag as a report reveals that pacer Saqib Mahmood, who is a British-Pakistani, has not yet received a visa. 

    According to the Daily Mail, Saqib Mahmood was supposed to leave for a fast-bowling camp in the UAE last Thursday. However, it is still unclear whether he will be able to join the tour, as his passport is still with the Indian embassy.

    Saqib has been waiting for a decision for the past few days. It remains uncertain if he will be allowed to travel with the rest of the England squad this Friday.

    Meanwhile, his teammates Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Mark Wood are currently training in Abu Dhabi with fast-bowling coach James Anderson. Freezing temperatures in the UK have effectively barred Saqib from practicing outdoors.

    During England’s recent white-ball tour of the West Indies in November, Mahmood stood out by taking the most power-play wickets for England in the series, grabbing nine wickets in three matches and earning the Player of the Series award.

    Despite applying well in advance, the ECB faced difficulties in obtaining a visa for Saqib Mahmood due to his Pakistani heritage. In 2019, he was unable to travel to India as part of the England Lions squad for the same reason.

    England is scheduled to play a series of five T20s and three ODIs in India, with the first match set for January 22 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

    Last year, Lancashire had to tour India without Saqib due to similar visa issues. 

    Another player, Shoaib Bashir, also faced problems in January 2024 because of his Pakistani background, having to return to London during England’s Test series against India to get his visa.

  • Hina Bayat says her show inspired Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate

    Hina Bayat says her show inspired Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate

    Actress Hina Bayat, recently appearing as a guest on After Hours, shared insights about her talk show Geo Hina Ke Sath and its, what she claims, influence on Aamir Khan’s show Satyamev Jayate.

    “You had a beautiful and strong show, and later, a similar show was made in India, which Aamir Khan also copied a little,” remembered the host, Ushna Shah, who then asked, “Can you tell me more about it? What were the similarities?”

    Hina Bayat recalled that when the show was first aired, “issues like psychological problems were still not discussed openly. There were many topics that were considered taboo.”

    “My goal was always to address these issues—not to expose people, but to help others understand that these are real people with real problems. If one person’s issue is discussed, it might benefit 10 others,” she added.

    The Jannat Say Agay actress explained that the initial concept for her show, Uljhan Suljhan, was focused on specific issues but later evolved into Geo Hina Ke Sath.

    “My tagline was always, ‘In life, we don’t just want to survive; we want to live.’ To live, you have to do many things,” Hina Bayat added.

    Hina Bayat then noticed that Aamir Khan was hosting a similar show.

    “When we saw it, everyone said, ‘This is our set; this is our content.’ At that time, we didn’t watch shows from India, and they didn’t watch ours. I wouldn’t say they copied, but they were definitely inspired by it,” Hina Bayat claims.

  • Pakistan-Azerbaijan trade could spell great news for the agricultural sector

    Pakistan-Azerbaijan trade could spell great news for the agricultural sector

    Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov, announced in his speech at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Azerbaijan’s intentions to establish a trade centre in Lahore. In 2023-24, bilateral trade stood at an abysmally low six million dollars, according to Business Recorder.

    However, the LCCI President expressed the need to strengthen joint efforts to boost the ‘trade volume between both countries to at least one billion dollars’ in the next few years. Currently, Pakistan exports rice, fabrics, fruits, and water pumps to Central Asian countries, but there is great potential to increase the assortment of goods that Pakistan exports to Azerbaijan.

    The establishment of the trade centre spells great news for businesses, especially in agriculture. Tobacco farmers are especially projected to benefit from increased trade with Azerbaijan because the country happens to be a net importer of tobacco.

    According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the central Asian country imports $37.4 million in raw tobacco, making it the 49th largest importer in the world. Azerbaijan’s tobacco import bill alone is 523 percent larger than the existing value of the trade volume that currently flows between the two countries.

    Pakistani farmers are in luck, as they have a surplus of tobacco. The excess tobacco in the market was a consequence of tobacco purchasing companies reducing their demand by 2.5 million kg. This left many plantation owners to find independent buyers themselves, which seemed impossible until now.

    Tobacco farmers could export their surpluses to Azerbaijan, as the landlocked country currently imports tobacco from far-flung areas such as Brazil. According to Cargo Router, the time it takes for cargo to travel from Brazil to Azerbaijan is a staggering 48 days, whereas, from Pakistan, the time is cut down to just 7.5 days.

    The reduction in transit times also translates into a drop in freight charges as the freight rate index is significantly lower for Azerbaijan from Pakistan, as opposed to Brazil.

    Another sector expected to benefit immensely is sugar cane farmers and millers. This possibility stems from a whopping $159 million in sugar per annum imports by Azerbaijan. With Minister of Commerce Jam Kemal Khan ramping up efforts to boost sugar exports, experts are speculating that it is only a matter of time before Pakistani sugar is being consumed in Baku’s cafés.

    Aside from the trade centre potentially boosting Pakistan’s exports, analysts are suggesting that the agricultural sector might also benefit from the import of Azerbaijan’s fertilisers since it is a net exporter of the commodity.

    While the establishment of the trade centre will certainly create an environment conducive to trade activities, many doubt the LCCI’s claim that it can boost trade with Azerbaijan to one billion dollars in the next few years.

  • Joaquim Valente: All About Gisele Bündchen’s Boyfriend

    Joaquim Valente: All About Gisele Bündchen’s Boyfriend

    Joaquim Valente is a businessman and a jiu-jitsu instructor. He has developed a niche in the business world. However, he’s been hitting the news lately for his romantic involvement with Gisele Bündchen. Recently, the news of Gisele Bündchen’s pregnancy has spread. The couple is expecting their first child together. This will be one of the most significant steps that Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente are about to make. Their relationship has a consistent romantic aspect. We’ve got you covered if you want to learn about Joaquim Valente and his relationship with Gisele Bündchen. Let’s start our topic of discussion with a profile summary of the jiu-jitsu instructor!

    Profile Summary of Joaquim Valent

    Name

    Joaquim Valent

    Date of Birth

    November 7, 1989

    Birthplace

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Age

    35 Years

    Zodiac Sign

    Scorpio

    Gender

    Male

    Nationality

    Brazilian

    Religion

    Christianity

    Sexuality

    Straight

    Marital Status

    Unmarried

    Height

    5 feet 11 inches

    Weight

    72 kg

    Education

    Gracie Academy 

    University

    Barry University

    Profession

    Entrepreneur, Jiu-Jitsu instructor

    Net Worth

    $5 million

    Early Life & Education

    Joaquim Valente was raised in the rich culture of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While still young, he became enthralled by martial arts, specifically Jiu-Jitsu. His father’s passion for Jiu-Jitsu was a significant motivator. Joaquin and his siblings Pedro Gui and Joanna started learning Jiu-Jitsu from their father when words were still unfamiliar to them. All of his childhood exposure to martial arts encouraged Joaquim to pursue a career as a Jiu-Jitsu tutor.

    Joaquim prefers to remain private about his relationships and personal life rather than give insights about his work. He completed his schooling in Rio de Janeiro, which was his hometown. He is a martial arts enthusiast. At an early age, his love of Jiu-Jitsu was turned into Jiu-Jitsum. It remained a key part of his life in the future. Joaquim Valente went to Barry University after migrating to the United States and graduated in 201 with a degree in Criminology. Joaquim spent a lot of time training with Grandmaster Helios during his initial weekly visits.

    With the blessing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie, he became a jiu-jitsu instructor. He was one of only 27 instructors worldwide. It was first and foremost sufficient that he graduated.

    He Met Gisele at the Academy Through Her Son

    A friend informed Gisele about the martial arts school and the Valente brothers. So she decided to visit the school herself, but later, she always admitted that it was her son. Then, a preteen she wanted “to guide a little” introduced her to Joaquim instead. 

    In an interview, Gisele stated that jiu-jitsu practice was never interesting. She began, “First off, I wasn’t considering it for myself.” However, after talking to Joaquim during her son’s first class, Gisele started to feel that there was more to it than self-defense. 

    She expressed interest in the jiu-jitsu philosophy. It corresponds almost literally to what I think of and actively look for, providing a clear avenue for development and becoming my best self.

    The Couple Have Been Together Since 2023

    He and Gisele have been dating since 2023. The couple has made it clear to several sources that they have been seeing each other since June 2023. According to a source in February 2024, “They are in no rush to get into a romantic relationship.” The source added, “They were quite good friends at the onset, and Gisele preferred to keep things to herself as they were still trying to get to know one another.” Another source commented on Gisele’s personality, “They come from similar backgrounds. They both immigrated to the US at a tender age. Gisele’s in a great space. Gisele seems to have found her perfect match in Joaquim.” 

    They’re Expecting First Child Together

    Joaquim Valente and Gisele will be welcoming their first child this year. The couple announced the pregnancy in October 2024. They look forward to starting their family and working together to make their home comfortable and serene. The upcoming baby will be Gisele’s third. With her ex-husband Brady, Gisele has a son named Benjamin and a daughter named Vivian.

    Read Also: Fahad Mustafa: A Look at His Career & Personal Life

    Valente Launched a Cookbook with Gisele

    On Wednesday, March 27, Joaquim Valente joined Bündchen for the official launch of their new cookbook, Nourish. It marked their first official public outing as a couple. In pictures shared on Entertainment Tonight, Valente engages with the crowd at The Hub in Miami Beach. In contrast, Bündchen is seen at the podium discussing the new book and some of her personal experiences.

    One fan asked what she eats to feel good again after a hard day or a breakup. Her answer: ice cream. Later, she thanked Joaquim Valente and the Valente Brothers for teaching her about “food spacing and combining.”

    Joaquim Valente Net Worth

    Per The SportsRush, Joaquim is valued at about $5 million. His business is his primary source of income. As one of the three Valente Brothers, he earns money through brand promotions, endorsements, and sponsorships.

    Final Words

    Joaquin Valente’s career, professional life, and association with Gisele Bündchen support his dedication and motivation in training. Although his relationship with the supermodel Gisele Bündchen brought him to the limelight, he remained devoted to the trade. In this blog, we discussed all the details of his biography and affairs with Gisele Bündchen.

    Best wishes to the couple as they prepare to have their first child.

  • BCCI bans cricketers’ wives on international tours to end India’s losing streak

    BCCI bans cricketers’ wives on international tours to end India’s losing streak

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come up with a new plan to help their team avoid continuous losses.

    Indian media has reported that after a surprising whitewash against New Zealand in a home Test series and a 1-3 defeat to Australia, the BCCI has issued new guidelines for the players.

    During a review meeting with BCCI officials, captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, it was decided that players’ wives will not be allowed to stay with them for the entire duration of international tours.

    The BCCI is planning to reintroduce the pre-COVID rule, where players’ wives and families could not accompany them for the full tour. For tournaments or series lasting more than 45 days, wives can stay for only 14 days, and for shorter tours, the stay will be limited to just seven days.

    Players like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul had their families with them during the Australia tour. The Indian Board believes that having family present throughout the tour is affecting the players’ performance.

    The report also mentions that all players will now be required to travel together on the team bus. 

    In recent years, many players preferred to travel alone, but this will no longer be allowed. To ensure team unity, every player, no matter how senior, must travel with the team.