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  • The significance behind the black cape Lionel Messi wore at the FIFA world cup ceremony

    The significance behind the black cape Lionel Messi wore at the FIFA world cup ceremony

    The most significant part of the FIFA world cup ceremony was when Messi had been invited to the stage to receive the trophy, the King of Qatar had given him a black cape to wear before he lifted up the world cup to celebrate with his team members.

    Since yesterday social media users, mostly people in the West, were mostly expressing disappointment about Messi’s pictures being ruined by a black cape and even saying that it had ruined a significant moment for the football player. Many Arab critics and journalists were quick to highlight the racism in the media coverage of the West, and its overt disregard for Eastern culture and tradition.

    https://twitter.com/tooba_tweets/status/1604839570843271168?s=20&t=BhJq5rzVxIrqyqoRk2HgWw

    As Eastern journalists and critics had shared, every time the FIFA world cup would take place in different countries, the winner would be crowned according to the traditions of the host. For instance in 2004 when the Olympics were hosted in Athens, the winners were crowned with an olive wreathe. But the negative coverage over Messi wearing the bisht is proof of how racism in the Western media will remain an unresolved issue

    The black cape that Messi had worn on the final ceremony is called the bisht and historically, it holds a lot of significance within Arabic culture. The bisht is worn by Arabian warriors after a victory. At the ceremony, when the King of Qatar had given Messi the cloak, it was giving someone the highest form of respect and signified him as the King of Football.

  • Lionel Messi’s World Cup win Instagram post crosses 45 million likes

    Lionel Messi’s World Cup win Instagram post crosses 45 million likes

    Lionel Messi finally received the World Cup trophy in what he declared to be his final game, regardless of the win.

    While the match appeared to be a straightforward victory for Argentina over a fatigued France team for much of the final, Kylian Mbappé’s extraordinary brace at the start of the final 10 minutes of regulation time transformed the game into a nail-biting thriller that has been hailed as one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time.

    Messi himself scored twice, including a goal late in extra time that appeared to finally give Argentina the victory. But Mbappé scored from a penalty spot seconds later to seal his hat-trick and trigger a penalty shoot after the game finished 3-3. Argentina ultimately won the penalty shootout 4-2 thanks to goals from Messi and Mbappé, who are also Paris St. Germain colleagues on the club level.

    He next shared pictures of himself rejoicing with the trophy along with a heartfelt Instagram post in which he congratulated his teammates, family, and Argentina’s supporters.

    Although it could be his last World Cup game, he still plans to play for Argentina. “WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!! I dreamed it so many times, I wanted it so much that I still haven’t fallen, I can’t believe it,” Messi said in Spanish.

    “Thank you very much to my family, to all who support me and also to all who believed in us. We demonstrate once again that Argentines when we fight together and united we are capable of achieving what we set out to do. The merit belongs to this group, which is above individualities, it is the strength of all fighting for the same dream that was also the dream of all Argentines… We did it!!! GO ARGENTINA!!!!! we are seeing each other very soon,” Messi wrote in his latest Instagram post.

    The latest post currently has more than 45 million likes, making it the most popular Instagram post from a sportsperson.

    A post featuring Messi also held the previous record, but it was posted by his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The picture appeared to show Ronaldo and Messi engaged in a game of chess.

  • Argentina vs France: Pakistani Twitter wins the memes trophy

    Argentina vs France: Pakistani Twitter wins the memes trophy

    Celebrations erupted all over social media last night when after a tough final, Argentina lifted the 2022 FIFA world cup. For Pakistani Twitter Argentina’s win felt personal with Lionel Messi being one of the most popular players here. The maestro won the Golden Ball trophy for best player on Sunday night .

    Pakistani social media users responded with hilarious memes regarding last night’s epic match. Have a look at the reactions:

    Other Pakistani users responded with some hilarious memes regarding last night’s epic match. Have a look at the reactions:

    https://twitter.com/itsalwaysmaryam/status/1604518625087324160?s=20&t=ycnFAtc6D-2xeAcQzpE1KA

    https://twitter.com/Lanaalkadyy/status/1604520629620948993?s=20&t=ycnFAtc6D-2xeAcQzpE1KA
    https://twitter.com/imajokin/status/1604523257964949504?s=20&t=AQPb1Yr6GwlGn3HJt1di8g
  • Loadshedding in Paris? Symbol of love Eiffel tower will go dark early every night

    Loadshedding in Paris? Symbol of love Eiffel tower will go dark early every night

    One of the best-known and most imitated monuments in the world— the Eiffel Tower— will shut down its lights earlier than usual due to the ongoing energy crisis in Europe.

    The decision was announced by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. The government’s plan includes aiming to save 10 per cent of Paris’ energy consumption during winters. Not just the famed tower but all of the city’s municipal buildings will turn off their lights starting at 10pm. However, public lighting will remain switched on in the city for the safety of its citizens.

    The earlier shutting off of the Eiffel Tower lights will begin on September 21. All lights will be switched off at 11:45pm when visiting time has ended.

    It is pertinent to mention that the tower makes up about 4 per cent of the monument’s annual energy expenses.

    Earlier, it was usually illuminated in golden hues within less than 10 minutes of nightfall and has an hourly 5-minute show of dazzling sparkles until 1am.

    Other actions in the mayor’s plan include lowering temperatures in public buildings, reducing water temperature in swimming pools, and axing hot water in administrative buildings and some public buildings.

    Europe’s energy crisis is one of the many setbacks of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. When the war broke out in Ukraine, European nations overwhelmingly supported the young country in its defense against Russian forces. But, historical reliance on Russian energy exports has left the continent reeling under rising energy costs.

  • France to provide Rs4.6 billion for the renovation of Lahore Fort

    France to provide Rs4.6 billion for the renovation of Lahore Fort

    A financing agreement worth more than Rs4.6 billion (€22 million) has been signed by the government of Pakistan and the government of France, through the French Development Agency (FDA), to provide technical and financial support for the restoration of the Lahore Fort.

    A special heritage site in Pakistan is to be protected and restored as part of the HURL (Heritage & Urban Regeneration in Lahore) project. The areas of focus will be increasing economic activity, promoting tourism, and preparing local communities for climate change.

    The walled city and fort of Lahore, which is in the middle of an 11 million-person metropolis, is made up of numerous unique structures with exceptional historical and cultural value as well as numerous compact ancient neighbourhoods.

    The fort faced numerous threats to its integrity, which led to UNESCO listing it as a World Heritage Site in Danger in 1981. The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), and the Punjab government launched a ten-year conservation initiative to develop and restore the site in 2012.

    The French government is delighted to be supporting this attempt through AFD: “France is proud to be part of the ambitious plan of the Punjab government to develop and promote the unique cultural heritage of Lahore,” said Nicolas Galey, the French ambassador to Pakistan.

    By enhancing the tourist attraction of the locations and enhancing the living conditions of the riparian populations, the restoration and development of the Lahore Fort surroundings will be a potent engine of sustainable economic development of the City.

    The HURL project will be financed over a five-year period. It is anticipated that this will strengthen the Lahore Fort’s resilience, generate more income and employment opportunities, particularly for women and the transgender community, and contribute to the restoration and improvement of the fort.

    By including the neighbourhoods surrounding the fort as a growth interface, it will also increase tourism development and strengthen the capacity of WCLA and its associates.

    The AFD is reaffirming its dedication to Lahore’s urban development by funding this project. This significant undertaking is just the beginning of the French government’s efforts to support the restoration of South Asian heritage.

  • Absar Alam asks who is the mastermind behind attacks on journalists after his attackers arrested

    Absar Alam asks who is the mastermind behind attacks on journalists after his attackers arrested

     Police have arrested the accused who shot at and injured journalist and former PEMRA Chairman Absar Alam last year, reports Umar Cheema for The News.

    Absar Alam’s attackers not only confessed to making a life attempt on him but also admitted that they were tasked to hit another journalist, Asad Ali Toor. However, the attackers changed their plans after the hype created after the attack on Absar.

    Taking to Twitter, Absar said that he is thankful that for the first time assailants who attacked journalists were arrested. However, he went on to question the details that have come to the surface after the arrest. “Who was giving information and instructions from Pakistan about me and Asad to this person from Germany?”

    “Who is the real mastermind behind the murderous attacks on journalists by criminals in Germany and France?”

    “The big test of the police, intelligence agencies, and the government has now begun,” tweeted Absar.

    In April 2021, Absar was shot in Islamabad. He was walking in the F-11 park near his home when he got shot.

    In May 2021, journalist Asad Ali Toor was attacked by three unidentified men, who broke into his apartment and tortured him.

  • Pakistan gets temporary relief of $3.68 billion from G-20 countries

    Pakistan gets temporary relief of $3.68 billion from G-20 countries

    The Ministry of Economic Affairs stated that the Government of Pakistan and the French Republic on Monday signed an agreement as part of the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI).

    The government signed a DSSI, which amounted to the suspension of loans totaling $107 million under the G20 DSSI framework, according to a statement made in this regard by the ministry, according to Profit.

    This sum, which was initially due between July and December 2021, will now be paid back over a six-year period (plus a one-year grace period) in semi-annual installments, according to the statement.

    Federal Secretary for Economic Affairs Division Mian Asad Hayaud Din and French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey signed the agreement today in Islamabad.

    Agreements for the revocation of $261 million between the government and the French Republic have already been signed.

    The ministry mentioned that the G20 DSSI has provided the fiscal space required to address the immediate health and financial demands of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a result of the support given by Pakistan’s development partners.

    According to the ministry, $3,688 million in debt has been suspended and rescheduled overall under the DSSI framework, which covers the period from May 2020 to December 2021.

    Pakistan has so far reached 93 agreements and signed them with 21 bilateral creditors for the restructuring of its liabilities under the G20 DSSI framework, totaling a delay of nearly $3,150 million.

    The above-mentioned agreements have been signed, bringing the total to $3,257 million. The G20 DSSI’s remaining agreements are currently the subject of negotiations.

  • French President Macron gets elected again

    French President Macron gets elected again

    French President Emmanuel Macron won the presidential race again and became the first French President to have won a second term in office in the two decades on Sunday.

    Macron defeated his far-right rival Marine Le Pen of National Rally party. This is her third defeat in a presidential poll.

    According to interior ministry, Macron managed to secure 58.6 per cent of votes while Le Pen received 41.1 per cent votes. The result marks the closest the far-right has ever come to taking power in France and has left the nation divided as Macron’s victory against his far-right rival was narrower than their last face-off in 2017, when the margin was 66.1 per cent to 33.9 per cent, reports Al Jazeera.

    However, while addressing the nation after his victory, Macron vowed to heal rifts in a deeply divided country.

    The 44-year-old president will now have to face the challenge of parliamentary elections in June, where keeping a majority will be critical to ensuring he can realise his ambitions.

    Le Pen hailed her result as a “brilliant victory” and vowed to keep up the fight with parliamentary elections in June.

    Final figures from Sunday’s vote are due today (Monday).

  • Bella Hadid calls out India over ‘ban hijab’ conflict

    Bella Hadid calls out India over ‘ban hijab’ conflict

    Model Bella Hadid, a vocal advocate of women’s rights and the rights of Palestinians, criticized the discrimination faced by Muslim women in India and elsewhere.

    Taking to Instagram, the supermodel shared multiple news items from several countries and wrote, “In other forms of discrimination: I urge France, India , Quebec, Belgium, and any other countries in the world who are discriminatory against Muslim women, to rethink what decisions you have made or are trying to make in the future about a body that is not yours.”

    She added, “It’s not your job to tell women what they should or shouldn’t wear, especially when it is pertaining to faith and safety.

    It’s not your job to tell women whether or not they can STUDY or PLAY SPORTS, ESPECIALLY when it is pertaining to their faith and safety. Hijabi women in France are not allowed to wear their Hijab to school, to play sports, to swim, even on their ID pictures. You can’t be a civil worker or work in hospitals with a Hijab. To get an internship, most universities will say, the only way to get one is to take off the hijab. It’s ridiculous and really shows how Islamophobic the world is without even acknowledging it. In regards to these new Bills that are either in the process of being passed , or have already.”

    Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor has also appreciated Bella Hadid’s Instagram post.

    Bella Hadid calls out India for banning hijab
  • Taliban meet Afghan women activists and journalists in Oslo

    Taliban meet Afghan women activists and journalists in Oslo

    A delegation of the Afghan Taliban, led by Foreign Minister (FM) Amir Khan Muttaqi, met women activists and journalists in Oslo, Norway.

    “It was a positive icebreaking meeting,” feminist activist Jamila Afghani told AFP.

    “They listened patiently and responded to most of our concerns. Let’s see what their actions will be, based on their words,” she added.

    Anas Haqqani, a leader of the most violent faction of the Taliban movement, is also a part of the delegation.

    Following the talks, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted: “Afghanistan is the shared home of all Afghans. They need to work together for the political, economic and security prosperity of the country.”

    Taliban representatives will meet delegations from other western nations [United States (US), France, Britain, Germany, Italy and the European Union (EU)] today (Monday) and will be certain to press their demand to unfreeze $10 billion by the US and other western countries as the country is currently facing a humanitarian crisis.

    It has been confirmed by Norwegian FM Anniken Huitfeldt that the meetings are not for legitimation or recognition of the Taliban.

    So far, the Taliban have visited Russia, Iran, Qatar, Pakistan, China and Turkmenistan.