Author: newsdesk

  • What is causing extreme heat in Karachi?

    What is causing extreme heat in Karachi?

    As Karachi grapples with an intense heat wave, meteorological analyst Jawad Memon has devised a reason for the spike in temperatures, attributing the heat to humid winds and moisture from the Arabian Sea.

    Geo reports that Memon has said that instead of experiencing rain during the monsoon in Karachi, temperatures are higher than normal. The sea surface temperature of the Arabian Sea has been above normal for the past few months, absorbing more heat into the atmosphere.

    The meteorological analyst has stated that humid winds are also blowing into the city from the northeast. Due to the moist winds and moisture from the Arabian Sea, temperatures exceed 55 degrees Celsius.

    The abnormally high pressure near Iran prevents the monsoon winds from reaching Karachi, Thatta, and Badin. High pressure is expected to persist for one to two days before likely decreasing.

    The analyst also notes that light to moderate rain is expected in Karachi from July 19 to 21. After July 22, sea breezes are expected to return to normal, with a significant monsoon spell expected in Karachi in August.

  • UAE Princess Shaikha Mahra divorces husband in Instagram post

    UAE Princess Shaikha Mahra divorces husband in Instagram post

    Princess Shaikha Mahra of Dubai announced her divorce from Sheikh Mana on Instagram. The couple had a daughter just two months ago.
    Shaikha Mahra (Princess) posted a picture with the caption, “Dear Husband, As you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I Divorce You. Take care. Your ex-wife.”

    Social media response to her announcement was divided; some praised her choice, others believed it should remain secret. The princess is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
     
    Sheikh Mana and Princess Shaikha Mahra tied the knot on May 28, 2023. The princess has unfollowed her ex-husband on Instagram and deleted some of their shared photos.

  • Khan not getting out of prison soon, coalition govt may last only 18 months: Fitch report

    Khan not getting out of prison soon, coalition govt may last only 18 months: Fitch report

    Update

    The Defence Minister of Pakistan has stated that there is a danger of constitutional meltdown in the country and agreed with the recent Fitch report about the collapse of the current government in 18 months. He said, “People are ready to join the technocratic government now.”

    Previous

    BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, has forecast an unstable economic-political situation in Pakistan with its prediction that Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is unlikely to get out of prison soon.

    “We expect that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government will remain in power over the coming 18 months and will succeed in pushing through with International Monetary Fund (IMF) mandated fiscal reforms,” predicted BMI, in its Pakistan Country Risk Report for the fourth quarter of the calendar year 2024.

    Interestingly, the Fitch Solutions company also predicted that “in the unlikely event that the government is replaced, the most likely alternative is a technocratic administration rather than fresh elections.”

    Regarding the country’s economic situation, it stated that negative events or factors affecting future growth are more likely than positive ones.

    “Given that 40% of Pakistanis work in agriculture, another flood or drought would pose a significant risk to the economy. The country’s fragile political situation could also derail the recovery,” the risk evaluator said.

  • Suryakumar Yadav likely to become Indian T20 team captain

    Suryakumar Yadav likely to become Indian T20 team captain

    The Indian Cricket Board has decided to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the captain of the T20 team in place of vice-captain Hardik Pandya for the Sri Lanka tour.

    Surya will take over from former captain Rohit Sharma, who has retired from T20 internationals.

    Hardik was Rohit’s deputy in the T20 World Cup and is a more experienced captain, leading India in three ODIs and 16 T20Is and leading Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Suryakumar has captained Mumbai Indians in IPL and also led India in the T20 series against Australia last November.

  • IMF predicts modest 3.5% growth for Pakistan amid global economic uncertainty

    IMF predicts modest 3.5% growth for Pakistan amid global economic uncertainty

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecasted a 3.5 per cent growth rate for Pakistan’s economy in the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), slightly below the government’s target of 3.6 per cent.

    This comes after Pakistan’s economy grew by 2.4 per cent in the fiscal year 2023-24, missing the government’s target of 3.5 per cent.

    Pakistan’s economic challenges are compounded by chronic mismanagement, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflationary pressures from supply chain disruptions, and severe flooding in 2022.

    The IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) update warns of modest global growth over the next two years, influenced by cooling activity in the US, stabilization in Europe, and stronger consumption and exports from China, but significant risks remain.

    Globally, the IMF has maintained its 2024 growth forecast at 3.2 per cent and slightly increased its 2025 forecast to 3.3 per cent. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has expressed concern over these tepid growth rates. The US growth forecast for 2024 has been revised down to 2.6 per cent, reflecting slower consumption, while the 2025 forecast remains at 1.9 per cent due to a cooling labor market and moderated spending.

    The IMF has raised China’s 2024 growth forecast to 5.0 per cent, reflecting a rebound in private consumption and strong exports, but recent data showing lower-than-expected GDP growth poses a downside risk.

    The IMF also highlighted persistent risks to inflation due to high services prices and wage growth in labor-intensive sectors, alongside potential trade and geopolitical tensions that could exacerbate price pressures. Additionally, the IMF warned of the impact of economic policy shifts from upcoming elections, which could lead to increased protectionism and fiscal irresponsibility.

    The IMF advised policymakers to restore price stability, gradually ease monetary policy, rebuild fiscal buffers, and implement policies to promote trade and productivity growth.

  • Amjad Sabri’s son reveals shocking encounter with robbers in India 

    Amjad Sabri’s son reveals shocking encounter with robbers in India 

      Amjad Sabri’s son reveals shocking encounter with robbers in India 
    Amjad Sabri, the famous qawwali singer known for his beautiful voice and soulful melodies, left a lasting impact on the world of music. 

    Recently, Majid Amjad Sabri appeared as a guest on the Nadir Ali podcast, where he discussed his late father’s memories.
    The host asked, “Alright, tell me, I remember an incident about Late Amjad Sabri Sahib in India where he was kidnapped by dacoits. How did the dacoits become friends with him, and how was he eventually released under protection?”  

    Majid replied, “During a program organized by Amjad Sabri in the Indian city of Jhansi, where the area was known for dacoits, attendees at the event did not allow his father to leave after the program concluded. They insisted on additional performances, resulting in a delay of three hours. This caused their return journey to become significantly delayed into the night.

    “Due to the flight scheduled back to Lahore that night, my father had to depart on the same evening. During their return journey, they stopped at a tea stall where they heard the phrase fill up your bags, which was already playing on the radio, his grandfather’s famous qawwali, ‘Bhar Do Jholi’.”  
    On June 22, 2016, Ramazan 16, in Karachi, unknown persons opened fire on Amjad Sabri. He was shot in the head and died as a result of the attack.

  • One lakh KP families to get free solar from govt

    One lakh KP families to get free solar from govt

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to provide free solar systems to one lakh families across the province.

    Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has instructed officials to provide solar systems to impoverished families experiencing load shedding in the province. Under this initiative, each eligible family in Pakhtunkhwa will receive a 2 KV solar system.

    These include solar panels, inverters, wiring equipment, bulbs, and fans.

  • This YouTube Shorts feature will take your videos to the next-level

    This YouTube Shorts feature will take your videos to the next-level

    YouTube has announced a new feature for users who create short videos, part of several new features for vloggers who post short videos like TikTok.

    These features will be available to users immediately, while the availability of other features will be ensured in a few weeks.

    The new feature is similar to TikTok’s text-to-speech video narration, which will feature voice-over based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

    In YouTube shorts, you can select any voice from the four currently provided by clicking on the Advice button at the top left corner of the screen.

    Another new feature YouTube has introduced is auto-generated captions. You can also change caption styles using different fonts and colours. Similarly, a new set of Minecraft effects is also part of the video service.

  • Electricity bill shock: Usman Peerzada reacts to high charges

    Electricity bill shock: Usman Peerzada reacts to high charges

    Actor Usman Peerzada, a respected figure in the world of arts, is shocked by the electricity bill he has received.

    Rising electricity bills and increasing taxes have made life difficult for many people in Pakistan. Even those who are financially stable are struggling to cope with growing costs.

    This summer, Usman Peerzada expressed his shock over an exceptionally high electricity bill. Despite using only one air conditioner for his entire family, the bill was still very high. He mentioned that even with alternative technologies, the government is imposing taxes on them as well. Peerzada warned that he might disconnect his house from the grid if the situation does not improve.

    “I received such a high bill that I don’t know what will happen in the future. I feel like I might have to get my electricity disconnected. And then I think about those who don’t have as many resources; what must they be going through? The heat is so intense that we can’t live without electricity,” he remarked.
    Here is what he had to say:

  • Iqra Kanwal, Areeb hit back at Dr. Affan Qaiser

    Iqra Kanwal, Areeb hit back at Dr. Affan Qaiser

     YouTuber Iqra Kanwal, along with her sisters, runs the online channel “Sistrology Group’, where they share vlogs about their daily lives and adventures.

    However, another YouTuber, Dr. Affan Qaiser has repeatedly targeted Sistrology, and after Iqra Kanwal’s marriage, he criticized a video she shared, calling her bridal look inappropriate in his podcast.

      Areeb, without naming Affan, addressed how his wife was targeted for having wet hair in a vlog.  

    Areeb said, “Such people should think about what they are saying. It was harmless content, and do family members of these people not shower?”She went on to say, “Some people use our names to get views, but my advice to them is to focus on creating positive content and working hard. That’s the way to succeed.” Areeb and Iqra tied the knot in December 2023.