Author: newsdesk

  • Bystanders watch and film woman get raped on footpath in India

    Bystanders watch and film woman get raped on footpath in India

    A video showing a woman rag picker being raped in Ujjain city of India, has surfaced online. A bystander filmed and posted the video online, clearly depicting that no one helped the victim.

    The incident happened on the afternoon of September 4 in the Koyla Phatak area, one of the busiest intersections in the city, as per India Today.

    The victim was allegedly lured by the suspect under the pretext of marriage. He got her intoxicated, took her to a roadside shelter and raped her.

    Some people who were passing by shot videos of the incident instead of stopping the crime, reported Indian media.

    The accused has been identified as Lokesh, who fled the scene after threatening the victim, but the video helped the police to locate her and later arrest him.

    Indian media reported that the local police has also arrested an auto-rickshaw driver who filmed the incident and he has been identified as Mohammad Salim. The police also found the video in his phone. However, the information is being collected about all those who shared the video and further circulated it.

    The incident sparked a political row in the country as the opposition blamed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the “deteriorating law and order” in the holy state, pointing out that the crime took place in Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s constituency.

    However, the local BJP leadership argued that the Congress party was politicising the incident.

    Journalist and human rights activist Rana Ayuub shared the news with the caption, “Your daily dose of trigger in this country.”

    Indians are already protesting the rape and murder of Doctor Moumita Debanath, 31, a postgraduate trainee at a local Kolkata hospital, who was raped and murdered on the night of August 8. Her bruised body was found inside the seminar hall of the hospital.

  • Italian Jannik Sinner wins the US Open Men’s title

    World number one Jannik Sinner of Italy defeated America’s Taylor Fritz to win the US Open title, his second Grand Slam trophy this year.

    He won his first major title at the Australian Open in January.

    Jannik faced a ban for testing positive for banned substances twice in March this year. He became the first player since Guillermo Vilas in 1977 to win his first two Grand Slam titles in the same season.

    He is also the first Italian to win the singles title, naming the victory after his ailing aunt.

  • Should you expect the iPhone 16 Pro Max price to reach PKR 1 million?

    Should you expect the iPhone 16 Pro Max price to reach PKR 1 million?

    The Cupertino-based tech giant, Apple, is expected to unveil its best flagship ever made today. The company announced the launch event for the iPhone 16 series over a week ago, and the launch day is finally here. 

    Considering leaks from multiple insiders and reliable sources, the exciting features of the iPhone 16 series will be the larger display, the new capture button, and AI integration. 

    Apple has maintained the same screen size since November 2020, when it introduced the iPhone 12. 

    Not only will the Pro models get bigger screens, but the base model, the iPhone 16 is also expected to feature a bigger screen than the iPhone 15. 

    Moreover, the new capture button, as per the latest reports, is also likely to be seen in all iPhone models, including the standard iPhone 16 variant. 

    The launch event will take place today, and it will be streamed on Apple’s official website and YouTube channel at 10 PM (Pakistan time). 

    Even though it will be a super-expensive smartphone, especially for Pakistan, there is a lot of talk and anticipation for the iPhone 16 in Pakistan. 

    It is worth mentioning that last year when the iPhone 15 Pro Max was introduced, it was priced as high as Rs900,000 and was sold in the black market during the initial days.

    As of now, the top model of the iPhone 15 Pro Max is still selling for as high as Rs700,000 (including PTA approval charges).

    Considering this price, we can expect the iPhone 16 Pro Max to be priced as high as Rs1 million including PTA tax, as there is no official Apple store in Pakistan, and those who import it are likely to sell it at their ‘own’ price. 

    At this point, it is unknown and not officially announced what the price of the iPhone 16 will be. 

    Speaking to a mobile seller in Singapore Plaza, Rawalpindi, it was revealed that once iPhone 16 models are imported by shop owners in Pakistan, interested customers who want to get it earlier or right after launch will not hesitate to pay as much as Rs1 million.

    He said they already have ‘many’ customers from twin cities who have asked to pre-book their iPhone 16 Pro Max and are willing to pay this price if they get it in the first week of launch.

  • Moeen Ali announces retirement from international cricket

    Moeen Ali announces retirement from international cricket

    England cricketer Moeen Ali has announced his retirement from international cricket.

    He has already retired from Test cricket and announced retirement from all formats.

    Earlier, he was not considered for the white ball series against Australia.

    Moeen Ali announced his retirement in an interview with a British magazine.

    “I am 37 and have not been selected for the series against Australia. Although I have played a lot of cricket for England, I have been told that it is time for the new generation,” he said.

    “I feel it’s the right time. I’ve done my part. Even though I’m retiring, I don’t feel I’m not very good,” he added.

    Ali represented England in 68 Tests, 138 ODIs, and 92 T20 matches.

  • Athlete loses gold medal for waving a religious flag at Paralympics

    Athlete loses gold medal for waving a religious flag at Paralympics

    Iranian javelin thrower Sadegh Beit Sayah lost his gold medal in the Paralympics after raising a religious flag.

    After winning the medal, Iranian javelin thrower Sadegh Beit Sayah was seen celebrating with a flag that was of religious nature

    The flag he was holding was not a country’s flag but what is being called, “a flag of religious nature”, which came under improper conduct. It is unclear what religion and flag Sayah was holding.

    According to media reports, the Iranian athlete won the gold medal with a new Paralympic record of 47.64 meters, but he was stripped of the medal for waving an religious flag.

    India’s Navdeep Singh, who won the silver medal, was awarded the gold medal.

    23-year-old Singh, a para-athlete from Haryana, had a javelin throw of 47.32.

    The Paralympic Legal Committee says that Sadegh has been disqualified from the event for inappropriate behaviour and display of the flag.

  • ‘Give her a prime time show in Pakistan’: divided reactions on Israeli opinion column about Khan supporting Israel

    ‘Give her a prime time show in Pakistan’: divided reactions on Israeli opinion column about Khan supporting Israel

    In an article published in a leading Israeli newspaper, Times of Israel, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was declared as the most suitable person to boost ties between Israel and Pakistan.

    The blog was written by Ayunur Bashirova, an Israeli columnist and was published by the Times of Israel. She credited four aspects being instrumental in the normalisation of ties between the two countries: Imran Khan’s public stance, the influence of the Goldsmith family and other elites, the potential for mediation, and lastly a rapidly changing Middle East.

    The article cited Khan’s foreign policy during his tenure as Prime Minister and emphasised his personal relations with influential pro-Israel figures, including his former in-laws, the Goldsmith family.

    It also pointed out that Imran Khan’s connection to his ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith, and her family, particularly his brother-in-law Zac Goldsmith, plays a significant role in shaping his perspective on Israel.

    Zac Goldsmith, a prominent figure in pro-Israel and Jewish circles, is said to have influenced Imran Khan’s views on the matter, making him more open to reconsidering Pakistan’s stance towards Israel.

    The blog also claimed there were informal messages conveyed to Israel through the Goldsmith family, stressing a potential of normalising ties between the two countries.

    “There have been reports suggesting that Imran Khan sent messages to Israeli officials through the Goldsmith family, signaling a potential willingness to consider normalizing relations between Pakistan and Israel and his willingness to moderate the religious discourse in Pakistan,” the writer argued while suggesting, “If these reports are accurate, they suggest a level of flexibility in Khan’s approach to Israel that goes beyond the traditional Pakistani stance.”

    Notably, aligned with the larger Pakistan’s foreign policy stance, Imran Khan has always stated support for the Palestinian cause but the article suggested that Israel should make sure that the former prime minister is free again. “Israel and its allies must do whatever they can to insure that Imran Khan is free again to participate in Pakistani politics and be the voice that channels moderation,” Aynur concluded.

    Reactions poured in, as many criticised the columnist for producing a shallow analysis. Journalist Mansoor Ali Khan lambasted the writer and the Pakistani audience for getting so much attention from the PML-N fanbase and local media. “She should be given a prime-time show on TV,” he remarked sarcastically.

    A netizen by the name of Riaz Zia-ul-Haq criticised Pakistani TV channels for giving a random blog so much attention as he posted, “A random blogger on Times of Israel writes something rubbish based on anonymous reports and TV channels are being forced to go gaga.”

    On the other hand, a user named Ayesha Ijaz Khan, who is a lawyer and columnist, also criticised Khan for not uttering a word in support of Palestine since he is in jail, implying his connection with Goldsmiths.

  • Pakistan identifies major oil and gas deposits in waters, exploration plans underway

    Pakistan identifies major oil and gas deposits in waters, exploration plans underway

    Pakistan has made a major petroleum and gas discovery within its territorial waters. This finding is expected to improve the country’s economic future.

    A senior security official with direct knowledge of the discovery confirmed that a survey had verified the presence of oil and gas reserves.

    According to Dawn, the survey has determined the location of the deposits, and the relevant departments have been notified.

    The discovery is now being seen as a crucial part of Pakistan’s efforts to build its ‘blue water economy’. Proposals for further exploration and bidding are reportedly under review, with high hopes that exploration may begin soon.

    Still, the official has warned that extracting oil may require years of work due to the technical challenges involved. Beyond oil and gas, the potential for mining other valuable minerals from the ocean could also provide additional economic opportunities.

    Some experts project that these reserves might be the fourth-largest in the world. While the discovery is promising, former Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) member Muhammad Arif urged caution.

    He noted that the true potential of the reserves will be revealed after drilling work begins. If gas reserves are found in large quantities, they might replace costly LNG imports, while oil could reduce the country’s dependence on imported fuel, further easing the import burden.

    According to details, an initial investment of around $5 billion is required for exploration to begin. If the reserves are sufficient, more funds will be needed to build wells. Full-scale production may take up to five years to materialise.

  • Why Shameen Khan believes it’s important to be ‘crazy in love’

    Why Shameen Khan believes it’s important to be ‘crazy in love’

     
    Actress and model Shameen Khan recently talked about love on Showtime with Ramiz Raja

    The host Hina Niazi asked, “How many times have you fallen in love?”

    “I’ve fallen in love many times, but one thing I’m sure of is that it was always genuine. I know that quantity does not matter at this time, as many times as I have, when I felt I was falling in love, I truly fell in love whenever. How many times? I don’t know. Whenever it happens, it is true and from the heart,” she said.
     
    “I don’t think I should hide it, I tell it in my family too, and I am very expressive.

    “I think love is such a feeling that it is necessary for you to be crazy in it,” Shameen Khan added.

    Shameen also offered advice for relationship, saying, “If you realise that a person is not going to walk with you for long, then just part ways and have the courage to do so.”

    Shameen last starred in the ‘Chaal’ drama was aired on Geo Entertainment, written by Nadia Ahmed and directed by Furqan Adam.

  • ‘I was an atheist, but I learned about Islam’: Honey Singh

    ‘I was an atheist, but I learned about Islam’: Honey Singh

    Bollywood’s famous rapper, Honey Singh, has revealed learning about Islamic teachings.

    “Most of the information about me on the internet is false, but I deliberately did not correct it because I was waiting for the right time,” he said while discussing his personal life during a recent interview with Indian media.

    “My story is very interesting. I used to play tabla at home. When my father admitted me to a school in Indian Punjab, I played tabla there as well. At the age of 12, I forgot the tabla and my religion and became an atheist. I learned about Hinduism from my spiritual guru and Sikhism from my upbringing at home. But after becoming an atheist, I decided not to believe in religion, yet kept learning about it,” he added.

    “I shifted to Mohali in 2007. At that time, I was neither famous nor had any work—I was just a music producer. But during that time, I got an opportunity to learn about Islam from scholars and mystics. Despite learning about Islam, I still considered myself an atheist.”

    “I took information about Islam from these scholars. When I used to sit with these religious figures, there was a different atmosphere. I was just an ordinary boy who asked tough questions to the scholars, but they always gave me answers to every question,” he said.

    He then revealed that after gaining fame in 2011, “Instead of being grateful to the Almighty, I got involved with demonic forces. After that, both my life and mind deteriorated. In 2018, following an illness, I left atheism and became a believer.”

  • Salman Khan confirms rib fractures during filming

    Salman Khan confirms rib fractures during filming

    Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has confirmed that he broke two ribs during a shoot for his new film ‘Sikandar.’

    He, however, remains busy with the film’s production despite the injury.

    Rumours circulated that he would not host Big Boss 18, but Salman clarified that he has started filming for the upcoming season.

    Indian media also reported that Salman Khan arrived on the Big Boss’ set two days ago to shoot the promo video with a rib fracture, which has since gone viral.

    In the video, Salman is seen stepping out of a car in a black three-piece suit and heading to the set. He was seen in pain during the shoot due to injury.

    Salman Khan is recovering from rib fractures and has also resumed filming ‘Sikandar’ in Mumbai.