Author: newsdesk

  • Nick Jonas thanks Priyanka for ‘staying by his side’

    Nick Jonas has penned a thank you note for his wife Priyanka Chopra for staying by his side and helping him present at the Billboard Music Awards (BMAs). Nick recently broke his rib while shooting for an upcoming project.

    “I started this last week by taking a brutal tumble on a bike, fracturing my rib and ended it hosting the Billboard Music Awards with my incredible wife by my side who helped me every step of the way to recover and feel my best,” wrote Nick adding, “I love you Priyanka Chopra.”

    Chopra reportedly flew from London to Los Angeles to help Jonas present following his accident and give him support.

    He also shared how grateful he was for the opportunity saying: “I have watched this show since I was a kid and to be asked to host was an honour.”

    Priyanka also wrote a “husband appreciation” post for Nick. “Not even a cracked rib can stop this force of nature,” wrote Chopra.

    “So proud of you baby. With everything you do! Your work ethic, your pursuit of excellence! You inspire me everyday! Crushed it today! I love you so much!,” she added.

    Priyanka and Nick made heads turn as they posed together on the red carpet. While Chopra wore a sheer nude plunge dress with a high leg slit by Dolce & Gabbana paired with Bulgari jewelry, Jonas looked dapper in a green Fendi suit.

    The annual BMAs took place on May 23 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles with Jonas serving as host for the first time. The Weeknd swept the ceremony receiving 10 awards for his chart-topping album After Hours and single Blinding Lights.

  • Who is Bianna Golodryga?

    Who is Bianna Golodryga?

    Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s recent remarks on Israel got him under fire as CNN presenter Bianna Golodrya accused him of publicly expressing anti-Semitic remarks.

    Who is Bianna Golodrya?

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is optimze-cnn-1-1024x1024.jpg

    Born in 1978, Bianna Vitalievna Golodryga is a senior global affairs analyst at CNN. She has previously served in Yahoo! News, ABC Network, CNBC, Wall Street Journal, and CBS.

    The forty-two-year-old anchor is the second wife of Peter R Orszag who is a former Director of Management and Budget for Obama Administration. The couple have two children together.

    Born to a Jewish family from the Soviet Republic of Moldova, Golodryga’s parents migrated to Houston as political refugees with no more than $150 in their pockets.

    The anchor often boasts about attending High School for Performing Visual Arts in Houston because of the fact that the music sensation Beyoncé Knowles also graduated from there.

    After completing her undergraduate degree in Russian/European affairs from the University of Texas, Golodryga began her as a producer for CNBC in 2001. One of her notable initial projects include live coverage of the aftermath of 9/11 terrorist attacks.

    In 2015, Golodryga was chosen by Hillary Clinton to conduct her first interview as a presidential candidate. Unfortunately, Clinton’s staff confused “Bianna” with “Brianna” which ended up with the golden opportunity being allocated to fellow CNN anchor Brianna Keilar instead of Golodryga.

    As Golodryga gained fame after being listed as one of the top journalists under 30 in 2004, she also went through various controversies. She was convicted of driving-under-influence in early 2000. Police records confirm that Golodryga was given a 30-day jail sentence which was later dismissed.

    Fluent in both Russian and English, the anchor serves as a member of Council on Foreign Relations and has a net worth of roughly $3 million.

  • Christian Betzmann says he misses time spent with Zoya Nasir

    Christian Betzmann says he misses time spent with Zoya Nasir

    German vlogger Christian Betzmann has said that he miss time spent with Zoya Nasir after she broke their engagement.

    Christian shared what he said was the former couple’s “first and our last post together.”

    “This was our first and our last post together,” he began.

    “I had such an amazing time with you and will never forget these past 1.5 years. Unfortunately, we both have different views on life and want a different future.” Christian added.

    Christian further wrote: “I continue to wish you all the best in life. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us as a couple and as two individuals moving forward.”

    Christian shared another post on his Instagram stories, saying: “It’s hard to leave something behind you love so much. It can be your partner, your family, or your best friend.”

    “You can only try your best, but when the future is not aligning, you can’t keep making compromises,” he added.

    “Never lose sight of your dreams, have faith in yourself and don’t settle for less,” said Christian. “Everything is temporary, so is pain. Be optimistic instead.”

    Zoya and Christian announced their engagement on February 19 and were reportedly set to tie the knot this year. Their engagement ended after Christian had passed some insensitive comments on Pakistan and Islam.

  • ‘Shehbaz Sharif’s dinner had nothing to do with PDM’: Maryam Nawaz

    ‘Shehbaz Sharif’s dinner had nothing to do with PDM’: Maryam Nawaz

    PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday said her party president Shehbaz Sharif’s dinner had nothing to do with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Shehbaz held a dinner on Monday for Opposition leaders, including those from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Awami National Party (ANP).

    “He hosted the dinner as the leader of Opposition, as they had to devise a strategy for the budget session,” said Maryam. “Shehbaz Sharif is the Opposition leader [in National Assembly]. He hosted the dinner for parliamentarians. My presence was not needed,” she said when asked about her absence from the dinner.

    Maryam said PDM had not received any response from the PPP regarding the party’s return to the alliance. She said that when the PPP addresses PDM’s concerns, the alliance will deliberate over the matter.

    Meanwhile, PDM Secretary-General Shahid Khaqan Abbasi stated that there was no place for the PPP within the opposition alliance until it restored the trust it had broken.

    Speaking to the media in Islamabad, the PML-N leader said that  the opposition alliance was formed for a particular purpose. “If you are not committed to the movement, then there is no place for you within the PDM.”

    “The PPP can’t just rejoin the movement. They can only do so once they restore their trust in the PDM. The alliance does not have a revolving-door policy that you break its trust, leave the movement and try to come back again when you face difficulties,” added Khaqan.

    “The door is closed. The door will only open when you rebuild trust,” he said.

    Maryam Nawaz’s media talk

  • ‘How does stating facts make one anti-Semitic?’ questions Sheheryar Munawar

    ‘How does stating facts make one anti-Semitic?’ questions Sheheryar Munawar

    While Israel continues to commit atrocities against Palestine and Palestinians despite a ceasefire, many people, including Mark Ruffalo and Gigi Hadid who initially called out Israel for committing war crimes and genocide, have now steered the debate towards Antisemitism, urging people to stop harassing Jews for what Israel is doing. Furthermore, Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi was also labelled anti-Semitic by CNN journalist Bianna Golodryga after he accused Israel of having “deep pockets”.

    Read more – Celebs support SMQ after CNN reporter calls him ‘anti-Semitic’

    Following the brouhaha, Sheheryar Munawar, while sharing his thoughts on the matter, commented: “When reputable foreign media agencies quote more than 200 ‘dead’ (How? Did they one day just internally combust?) and, on the contrary, 12 Israelis ‘killed’, it proves Israel either has deep pockets or has Professor Xavier on their pay roll controlling minds.”

    “Or maybe ‘credible’ journalists choose to bring in their own personal biases when reporting on the region (which could count as what racist? No wait, there’s no word for it – it’s known as Islamophobia which in itself justifies the act by using fear as reasoning and takes blame away from the one committing it – wow),” continued the actor.

    Munawar further said: “Either way how does stating facts make one anti-Semitic? Does saying Arabs have a lot of oil money make you…umm wait, yeah no word for it…for the sake of argument, Islamophobic?”

    In a separate note, the actor explained: “There’s a difference between anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist. Just as every Muslim is not a Taliban, every Jew is not Zionist.”

    Munawar further said: “Am I or can the narrative from this side be called anti-Zionist? Yes! But we anti-Zionist because we are anti-fundamentalism, whether Muslim or Jewish.”

    Agreeing with Qureshi’s “deep pockets” remark, Sheheryar said: “But when Jewish toxic fundamentalism is backed by $3.8 billion dollars of US Military funding (sponsored by US tax payer money), then I have no qualms about calling a wolf a wolf specially when it doesn’t even have the courtesy to at least try and hide in sheep’s clothing.”

    Meanwhile, Hania Aamir called out a local media outlet for “yellow journalism” and portraying Qureshi in negative light.

    “Please choose your captions wisely. Other aspects of the interview could have been highlighted but you chose to highlight the one that portrays the only official Muslim representative who is being vocal about the genocide and calling a spade a spade in a negative light,” said Aamir, adding: “Also at a time when bringing about change on a matter of grave concern – terrorism, settler colonialism etc – is relying on social media you need to show a bit more responsibility.”

    “Yellow journalism will be called out. Goes for all other publications. Please use your words wisely and realise your responsibility,” asserted Hania.

  • Netflix drops grand teaser of ‘Money Heist’s’ final season’s first part

    Netflix drops grand teaser of ‘Money Heist’s’ final season’s first part

    The end is almost here! Netflix on Monday surprised Money Heist fans with a short date announcement teaser of the upcoming and final Part 5.

    Read more – Money Heist’s Pakistani lookalikes you won’t believe

    As per the announcement, the final fifth season of the Spanish crime drama will release in two parts. The first part will release on September 3, while the second part will stream on December 3.

    Money Heist’s creator Alex Pina, in a statement, while talking about the upcoming part said: “When we began to write Part 5 in the midst of the pandemic, we felt that we had to change what was expected from the ten-episode season and used every tool we could to create the sensation of a season finale or series finale in the first volume itself.”

    “We decided to work in an extremely aggressive genre, putting The Gang on the ropes. In volume 2, we focus more on the emotional situation of the characters. It is a journey across their sentimental map that connects us directly to their departure,” added Pina.

    Meanwhile, in a synopsis provided by Netflix, the next season will follow the gang that been shut in the Bank of Spain for over 100 hours.

    “They managed to rescue Lisbon, but their darkest moment is upon them after losing one of their own. The Professor has been captured by Sierra and, for the first time, doesn’t have an escape plan. Just when it seems like nothing else could go wrong, an enemy comes on the scene that is much more powerful than any they’ve faced: the army. The end of the greatest heist in history is approaching, and what began as a robbery will turn into a war.”

    The series, originally titled La Casa De Papel (The House Of Paper), first released on Spanish network Antena 3 in May 2017. Set in Madrid, it’s about a team of thieves who are led by a mysterious man known as The Professor. The Netflix series stars UIrsula Corbero, Alvaro Morte, Itziar Ituno, Pedro Alonso, Paco Tous, Alba Flores, Miguel Herran, Jaime Lorente, Esther Acebo, Enrique Arce, Maria Pedraza, Darko Peric and Kiti Manver among others. The show was first created as a limited series but was later recut into three Parts when Netflix bought the rights to the show.

    Meanwhile, Money Heist is one of Netflix’s most-watched original series.

  • Mark Ruffalo apologises for suggesting Israel committed ‘genocide’ in Palestine

    Mark Ruffalo apologises for suggesting Israel committed ‘genocide’ in Palestine

    American actor Mark Ruffalo, popularly known as The Hulk, has apologised for his statement which suggested that Israel is committing “genocide” in Palestine.

    “I have reflected and wanted to apologise for posts during the recent Israel/Hamas fighting that suggested Israel is committing ‘genocide’,” the actor wrote on Twitter. “It’s not accurate, it’s inflammatory, disrespectful and is being used to justify anti-Semitism here and abroad.”

    “Now is the time to avoid hyperbole,” added Ruffalo.

    The actor’s apology comes following weeks of violence on Palestinians during which Pakistani celebrities, as well as international celebrities, took to social media and came out on roads to condemn Israeli atrocities in Palestine.

    However, Mark hasn’t deleted his earlier tweets supporting Palestinians and they are still up on his account.

    Earlier in October 2020, Ruffalo had referred to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the division between the two as a “kind of apartheid” while speaking to television host Mehdi Hasan on the self-titled NBC program.

    He also accused the Israeli government of carrying out “asymmetrical warfare” against the Palestinian people, and tied in United States’ support for Israel as plainly aiding and abetting the separation and the “violence acted upon them.”

    Meanwhile, Usman Mukhtar expressed his shock over Mark’s change in stance, questioning, “What is happening?”

    Ushna Shah said: “And then there were none.”

    Ahmed Ali Butt also expressed his disappointment, saying: “Mark Ruffalo se Mark Badloo.”

    Earlier, American supermodel Gigi Hadid had called out anti-Semitic supporters of Palestine, calling them “hypocrites” for spreading hate towards the Jews.

  • Man tries to slit wife’s throat because she ‘cheated on him in dream’

    Man tries to slit wife’s throat because she ‘cheated on him in dream’

    A man in Egypt tried to kill his wife in front of her children because he saw her cheating on him in his dream.

    Residents of the area the couple lives in recently shared a disturbing video clip that showed the husband, who reportedly suffers from mental disorders, being arrested.

    Several people were seen escorting the accused, 37-year-old man to police after he tried to run away after committing the crime. He was in a state of breakdown and his clothes were stained with blood.

    Read more – Man accuses ex-wife of arranging ‘incestuous marriage’ as revenge

    An eyewitness, Mustafa Essam said when the suspect woke up, he went to his wife Amal and told her: “I knew everything … before he tried to kill her by slaughtering her by the neck with a knife,” according to Sky News Arabia.

    A security source said the accused made strange statements during the inquiry including: “While I slept .. I dreamed that my wife was cheating on me, so I decided to get rid of her.”

    Fortunately, the wife is alive and in the intensive care room in a hospital.

  • TLP ban: federal cabinet approves formation of a review committee

    TLP ban: federal cabinet approves formation of a review committee

    Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said in a press conference that a committee has been formed in line with the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). It will hear the appeal by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and send its recommendations to the cabinet.

    CPEC visas, electronic voting, Palestine issue, and economy were some of the few agendas discussed during the federal cabinet meeting.

    The use of electronic voting machines has been approved by the cabinet. Chaudhry said that members of Bar associations and press clubs told him they want to use this technology for their elections. He said the government will help them.

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1397142494803070976

    A special procedure has been approved for visas for Chinese citizens who want to invest in CPEC projects. These work visas will be valid for two years and will be issued within 48 hours. Separate immigration counters will be established for their facilitation.

    https://twitter.com/FawadPTIUpdates/status/1397150396074930176
  • Naseem Shah upset after being ruled out of PSL for COVID-19 protocol breach

    Naseem Shah upset after being ruled out of PSL for COVID-19 protocol breach

    Right-arm fast bowler Naseem Abbas Shah is upset after being ruled out of Pakistan Super League (PSL) sixth edition’s remaining matches in Abu Dhabi after he broke COVID-19 protocols.

    “I cannot express in words how I feel right now,” said Naseem in a tweet on Monday, voicing his sorrow after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to drop him from the remaining PSL matches being played in Abu Dhabi from June 5.

    “I want to play cricket as it [playing cricket] is my life.”

    In his heartfelt note on social media, the speedster said he has worked very hard as he was excited about the PSL matches.

    “I followed all instructions conveyed to us through the group,” said Naseem. “I do not know how I missed that particular message.”

    Naseem also remembered his mother who passed away in 2019 when the pacer was on a tour in Australia.

    Concluding his message with a prayer, Shah said: “Allah will make me strong. I will make a comeback.”

    As per details, Naseem, along with all those traveling onboard the chartered flights from Karachi and Lahore to the UAE, was directed to submit the negative reports of PCR tests taken not more than 48 hours prior to arrival at the hotel on May 24.

    However, the report Naseem presented was of the test that was conducted on May 18. On the recommendation of the independent Medical Advisory Panel for PSL, the pacer was dropped out from the lineup flying to Abu Dhabi.

    Director Commercial and Head of PSL6 Babar Hamid, in a statement, said: “The PCB doesn’t take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event but if we will ignore this breach, then we will potentially put at risk the entire event.”

    “We appreciate the Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols.”

    He said the board would not compromise on the COVID-19 SOPs as it was about the health of all the team members.

    “This decision will also send out a loud and clear message to all involved in the remaining matches that the PCB will not compromise on any violations and will expel the player or player support personnel irrespective of his stature and standing in the game if they are found to be flouting the prescribed protocols or regulations,” noted Hamid.

    “All participating in the tournament must understand that these protocols have been put in place for the health and safety of all involved as well for the integrity and credibility of the event and the PCB.”

    “As such, the onus is on them to ensure these are followed in its true letter and spirit and without exception,” he added.

    Earlier in March, PCB had reportedly allowed Wahab Riaz and Daren Sammy to reintegrate with the Peshawar Zalmi team without completing the three-day quarantine period after the two had allegedly breached COVID-19 protocols before the postponement of PSL6. The violation took place when the two met franchise owner Javed Afridi outside the team’s bio-security bubble.