Author: newsdesk

  • Vivo to launch its first flip phone with Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, Sony cameras

    Vivo to launch its first flip phone with Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1, Sony cameras

    Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo is working on its first flip phone with a foldable screen, called the Vivo X Flip. The device has appeared in the Google Play Supported Devices List database, indicating that its release date is imminent. The listing shows that the phone, with model number V2256A, will be sold under the name Vivo X Flip.

    The Vivo X Flip has also been spotted on Geekbench, 3C certification, and IMEI database listings, revealing some of its specifications. The device will be equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset, 12 GB of RAM, and will run on Android 13 OS. The 3C certification suggests that it may support 44W fast charging.

    According to earlier reports, the Vivo X Flip will come with a 6.8-inch foldable AMOLED display that offers a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The large external display on the back of the device supports a resolution of 682 pixels. The phone will run on OriginOS 3-based Android 13.

    The Vivo X Flip will be powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, come with 12 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and up to 512 GB of UFS 3.1 storage. It will feature a 4,400mAh battery with 44W fast charging support, and a side-facing fingerprint scanner for added security.

    The device will also have a dual-camera setup with a 50-megapixel Sony IMX866 primary camera and a 12-megapixel Sony IMX663 ultra-wide camera. Additionally, it is expected to be equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera. With these features, the Vivo X Flip is set to make a splash in the market as a high-end, foldable flip phone.

  • ‘I was tired of the politics [in Bollywood]’: Priyanka Chopra reveals reason why she moved to Hollywood

    Priyanka Chopra made headlines when she chose to leave Bollywood and start a career in Hollywood with the series ‘Quantico’. The star went on to act in prominent films such as ‘A Kid Like Jake’ and ‘Baywatch’.

    Talking on the podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Chopra opened up about the reason that compelled her to leave Bollywood, revealing that the ongoing politics and feuds of the industry had worn her out:

    “I was being pushed into a corner in the industry (Bollywood). I had people not casting me, I had beef with people, I am not good at playing that game so I kind of was tired of the politics and I said I needed a break,” said the ‘Love Again’ actress. “This music thing gave me an opportunity to go into another part of the world, not crave for the movies I didn’t want to get but I would require to schmooze certain clubs and cliques of people. It would require groveling and I had worked a long time by then that I didn’t feel like I wanted to do it.”

    Chopra had started a music career in Hollywood by releasing ‘In My City’ feat Will.I.Am in 2012, and later “Exotic’ in 2013, but decided to shift from music to acting.

    “You have late nights, and early mornings, you’re travelling to a different city every day and you do it for three months,” she told People. “That’s why my music career lasted two seconds…I was not meant to do that. This rock star life is… I admire it tremendously. It’s definitely not for the weak-hearted.”

  • Pakistan awaits financial support confirmation from Saudi Arabia and UAE to sign IMF agreement

    Pakistan awaits financial support confirmation from Saudi Arabia and UAE to sign IMF agreement

    The signing of the staff-level agreement (SLA) between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is dependent on confirmation of financial support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Once support confirmation is received from KSA and UAE, the SLA will be signed with the IMF.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar reportedly informed diplomats in Islamabad at an Iftar dinner on Sunday that the issues with the IMF will be settled soon. However, it has been 46 days since the IMF and Pakistan concluded review talks in Islamabad on February 9, and the staff-level agreement is yet to be secured.

    There have also been dissenting views within the Finance Ministry on the issue of cross-fuel subsidy. While some bureaucrats from the ministry have opposed the scheme, the government went public with it, which has caused concern.

    Officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity told The News, that such schemes would jeopardize the revival of the IMF program, and it remains to be seen how the ministry will satisfy the global lender on the subsidy. The status of the 10th and 11th reviews, which were due on February 3 and May 3, respectively, is also unknown at this time, even if the IMF program is revived.

    The situation highlights the importance of financial support from KSA and UAE to Pakistan, as well as the potential impact of domestic policy decisions on the country’s relationship with the IMF. Despite Finance Minister Dar’s assurances, it is unclear when the SLA will be signed, and how the subsidy issue will be resolved.

    As the reviews remain in question, the situation underscores the need for Pakistan to address economic challenges and seek support from its allies to maintain its financial stability.

  • Desi Twitter is revealing which film couples emulate the tragedy of the ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ couple.

    Every one knows about the popular film ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ and the famous moment in the film when Waymond says to Evelyn “In another life, I would have liked doing laundry and taxes with you.” Yes, we all remember how much we sobbed.

    But the tragedy of Waymond and Evelyn not getting together in another life is something desi users are all too familiar with, because we can recall tragic dramas that made us wail for days. The main couple who could have had it all, end up never getting together.

    So did Twitter users find an example of the Pakistani drama that is their Evelyn and Waymond? Turns out there are plenty.

    One user quoted that it was Jamaal and Heer from ‘Qurbaan’ who should have been together but tragedy drove them apart.

    Fawad Khan’s forgotten but beloved telefilm “Behaad” made an entrance where he plays Jamaal, a man who falls in love with a single mother, who is played by the iconic Nadia Jamil, but soon begins facing difficulties from her family.

    Even Jamil herself approved this tweet!

    Did Bollywood also have its own taste of tragic couples who will still make us wail to this day. Turns out it’s way more worse than we thought.

    God this list is just getting worse

    Mera kaleja le lo

    He literally forgot his memories except for the name of his lover oh God

    Happy crying everyone

  • Suzuki Swift experiences price increase of over Rs1.8 million since March 2022

    Suzuki Swift experiences price increase of over Rs1.8 million since March 2022

    In a little under a year, the price of cars in Pakistan has risen dramatically. Car companies across the country have announced successive price hikes since last year. Even the most affordable models, such as the Suzuki Alto, have become prohibitively expensive, with prices that the average salaried worker can scarcely afford.

    These price hikes can be attributed to a number of factors, including the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar and an increase in the cost of production. Unfortunately, this has resulted in even basic car models becoming unaffordable luxuries for many people in Pakistan.

    For instance, consider the Suzuki Swift – one of the country’s most popular cars. In March 2022, the base model of the Swift, known as the Suzuki Swift GL with manual transmission, was priced at Rs2,499,000. By March 2023, the same car jumped to Rs4,052,000 – an increase of Rs1,553,000.

    Those looking for a more advanced version of the Swift are in for an even bigger shock. The mid-variant, the Suzuki Swift GL CVT with automatic transmission, was priced at Rs2,699,000 just a year ago. Today, that same model will set you back an astounding Rs4,355,000 – an increase of Rs1,656,000.

    Furthermore, the top-of-the-line model, the Suzuki Swift GLX, has seen a significant price increase. One year ago, the GLX variant was priced at Rs2,899,000. Today, it costs an incredible Rs4,725,000 – a difference of Rs1,826,000.

    Overall, the sharp rise in car prices in Pakistan has made car ownership an unattainable dream for many people. It remains to be seen whether anything will be done to alleviate the financial burden of car ownership in the country.

    To provide a clear comparison, here is a table showcasing the prices of the three variants of the Suzuki Swift from March 2022 to March 2023:

    Model March 2022 Price March 2023 Price Difference
    Swift GL Manual Rs2,499,000 Rs4,052,000 Rs1,553,000
    Swift GL CVT Rs2,699,000 Rs4,355,000 Rs1,656,000
    Swift GLX Rs2,899,000 Rs4,725,000 Rs1,826,000

  • Can ECP change election date set by President Alvi? Supreme Court will resume hearing tomorrow

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) on Monday heard a plea by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against the Election Commission’s decision to delay Punjab elections till October 8 after which the apex court issued notices to the commission and to the governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    The five-member larger bench — headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Akhtar, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail — heard the case.

    The apex court also sought guarantees from the government and PTI for remaining peaceful for free, fair, and transparent elections. 

    PTI’s lawyer Ali Zafar pointed out that the Ministry of Interior and Defence refused to provide security personnel.

    Zafar said that the Constitution does not allow the postponement of elections on the basis of the administration’s non-cooperation.

    “What guarantee is there that the situation will be better in October?” he questioned.

    The hearing was adjourned till 11:30am tomorrow (Tuesday).

    Earlier, ECP delayed Punjab elections and change the date from April 30 to October 8 after which the commission came under fire from the former ruling party.

    President Arif Alvi set April 30 as the date of the election in Punjab.

    Following the ECP’s announcement, KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali also urged the electoral body to also hold the general elections on the same date (October 8) as the Punjab polls given the growing security threats from terror groups operating from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border regions.

    No live coverage of rallies in Islamabad

    The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on Monday restricted live coverage of rallies and public gatherings across the federal capital on March 27, hours before PTI chairman Imran Khan was expected to appear before the Islamabad High Court.

    It observed that satellite television channels run live footages/images of violent mobs, attacking on police and law enforcement agencies.

  • Citizens launch fruit boycott campaign to protest against skyrocketing prices

    Citizens launch fruit boycott campaign to protest against skyrocketing prices

    Residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have launched the “Fruit Boycott Campaign” due to the increasing prices of fruits throughout the country. The campaign, initiated through social media by concerned citizens, appealed to the public to protest against the inflated prices of fruits.

    Citizens alleged that the inflation of fruits was due to the government officials’ failure to control profiteers and hoarders, and accused officials of having an underhand deal with them to loot the public.

    The campaign aimed at boycotting the purchase of fruits for two days initially, but citizens from all cities participated actively in making the campaign successful.

    According to The News, the campaign was successful, with a significant number of people participating and refusing to buy fruits for four days.

    However, the district administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi did not intervene in the situation, despite citizens submitting several complaints about the price hike.

    Sources claimed that profiteers and hoarders had hoarded all kinds of fruits to reap extra profits.

  • Nation will understand the value of Babar-Rizwan after this series says Shadab Khan

    Nation will understand the value of Babar-Rizwan after this series says Shadab Khan

    Afghanistan thrashes Pakistan and leading the three match series by 2-0 by defeating Pakistan in the second T20 at Sharjah cricket ground. Rashid khan led Afghanistan cricket team exposed the young Pakistan cricket team’s weaknesses.

    Shahdab Khan the substitute captain for Afghan series while talking to media in post-match press conference says “Nation will now give more respect and honor yo our legends after this series.

    Whenever Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan not performing or even when they are performing the sword of strike rate is hanging on their head now when they are not with us in the team we have all seen the importance of Babar and Rizwan.”

    Shadab khan more said that nation and media was forcing to take youngster in the team who have just perform in one PSL edition and some ex-players forcing management to give rest to the senior players like Babar and Rizwan now they will know the value of our legends.

  • Yashma Gill debunks the ‘gold digger stereotype’, encourages women to be financially independent

    Yashma Gill debunks the ‘gold digger stereotype’, encourages women to be financially independent

    Yashma Gill was a guest on the Nadir Ali podcast, a clip of which has gone viral, where she passionately spoke out against the misogynist stereotype that women are gold-diggers.

    Ali said that in our society today, a man’s ugliness is considered his empty pocket:

    “Regardless of whether he is good-looking or not, he looks awful without having money. He is told to go and earn money.”

    Gill corrected this statement by pointing out that that many women in successful, happy marriages are earning more than their husbands so this stereotype that women are only in love with money isn’t true:

    “I will not give any names, but around us there are a lot of examples where a woman is more successful than her husband, and they had love marriages…Regardless of these people belonging to my field or not..I don’t like the stigma attached to women that we are gold diggers.”

    Ali brought up a sexist stereotype about women gaining financial independence and abandoning men:

    “When a man earns, he hands over everything he has to the woman. Whereas when a woman begins earning she decides to abandon her man.”

    Gill counteracted this statement by pointing out that financial independence only helps women become more confident within themselves, and doesn’t translate into not wanting a companion anymore.

    “People are confusing this with when a woman becomes financially independent, she is no longer helpless,” stressed the ‘Pyaar Kay Sadqay’ actor. “She can stand up for herself. She can remind her parents that she is no longer a burden on them so doesn’t need to be married off. She can even provide for her children…So I think that independence for women and girls can give them strength and power, not the fact that they don’t need a man. Everyone needs companionship.”

    Gill then gave the example of Hazrat Adam (S.A.W) and Hazrat Havva (S.A.W), to prove that every human being was meant to have a companion:

    “Take the example of Hazrat Adam (S.A.W) and Hazrat Havva (S.A.W), this is a natural thing that evcryone needs companionship. But there must be compatibility, respect and a lot of other things.”

    Listen to her complete interview here:

    Gill shared the viral clip on her Instagram stories to address the misunderstanding that might rise in case audience is assuming that Ali was being sexist, to which the actor had written that the host was respectful and well mannered:

    “So just to clear the air, the respectable host only meant to ask my opinion on what is a common misconception in society. Nowhere did he agree with it himself or said that it is something that he believes in. It was just one of the many things that he discussed with me – “discussed” not imposed, argued or debated. Therefore let’s not get him wrong and frame him in ways he doesn’t deserve because he was nothing but extremely kind and respectful towards me that I was honestly in awe of his nature. A true gentleman.”

  • Punjab govt imposes ‘complete ban’ on departmental iftar parties due to economic situation

    Punjab govt imposes ‘complete ban’ on departmental iftar parties due to economic situation

    The Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) of Punjab has recently released a notification that prohibits government departments from organising Iftar parties.

    According to The News, the reason behind this move is the economic crisis faced by the country, and therefore, the government has advised against giving expensive gifts to departmental delegations during Ramzan. The notification, however, exempts diplomats and foreign guests from these bans.

    The notification highlights the significance of simplicity during the holy month and emphasizes the government’s commitment to celebrate it simply. It is essential to recognise Pakistan’s current economic circumstances and avoid hosting costly Iftar celebrations that might put a strain on the country’s financial resources.

    As a result, all government offices have been advised to follow these guidelines and avoid preparing lavish presents for local delegates. The administration acknowledges the importance of observing Ramzan in a more simple and conscientious manner that is consistent with the country’s economic position.

    This move by the Punjab government demonstrates a responsible and prudent approach towards managing the country’s resources during these challenging times. By promoting modest celebrations during Ramzan, the government aims to set an example for citizens and encourage them to prioritise their spending wisely.

    Furthermore, exempting foreign guests and diplomats from the ban ensures that Pakistan’s image remains positive while still taking necessary measures to address economic challenges.