Author: newsdesk

  • Apple set to release new iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and more

    Apple set to release new iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and more

    Apple is set to make significant announcements this week, as confirmed by a reliable source familiar with the matter, shared with MacRumors.

    While the specific products remain undisclosed, speculations hint at new iPads, Macs, and accessories. Notably, Beats Solo 4 headphones are also on Apple’s agenda.

    According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the tech giant plans to unveil new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and MacBook Air models, accompanied by fresh Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories.

    Gurman suggests that Apple will forgo a traditional event, opting to announce these innovations on its website through a series of online videos and marketing campaigns, expected in March or April.

    Anticipated releases include two iPad Pro models featuring the M3 chip, OLED displays, a thinner build, a landscape-oriented front camera, a redesigned rear camera bump, and the possibility of MagSafe wireless charging. Additionally, two new iPad Air models with the M2 chip, including a 12.9-inch variant, are expected. 

    A revamped Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro with a larger trackpad and other design enhancements is in the pipeline, along with new MacBook Air models sporting the M3 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 support.

    Further potential announcements encompass a new colour option for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, new colour choices for iPhone cases, and Apple Watch bands. 

    While rumours circulate about a new Apple TV and a screen-equipped HomePod in early 2024, their readiness remains uncertain.

    Speculations about a fourth-generation iPhone SE are also afoot, with a rumoured release timeframe of 2025.

  • Shehbaz Sharif elected as 24th prime minister of Pakistan

    Shehbaz Sharif elected as 24th prime minister of Pakistan

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif has been elected the 24th prime minister of Pakistan on Sunday.

    “Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has been elected prime minister with 201 votes. [While] Omar Ayub obtained 92 votes,” announced Speaker Ayaz Sadiq during the session of the national assembly.

    The speaker then invited Shehbaz, the only politician to be elected as the PM for the second consecutive time, to sit in the prime minister’s seat and asked him to address the house.

    As soon as the result was announced, SIC lawmakers started causing a commotion and chanted slogans to disrupt Shehbaz’s speech after a victory that was expected as he enjoyed the support of seven other parties apart from the PML-N.

    The PM-elect has the support of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) and National Party (NP).

  • Juggun Kazim all praise for ASP Sheharbano; kisses her hand

    Juggun Kazim all praise for ASP Sheharbano; kisses her hand

    ASP Sheharbano Naqvi recently appeared in a morning show on Pakistan Television Network where the program host Juggun Kazim appreciated her for her courage and kissed her hand.

    Naqvi is being feted continuously since she personally saved a woman from a charged mob in Ichra Bazar, Lahore, at risk to her own safety.

    Juggan’s gesture has been getting a lot of reactions. Some think it was a bit too much while other think that the step was taken so that it could go viral.

    Sheharbano is making waves for all the right reasons, all across national and international media. Juggun also posted a picture with the ASP and captioned it, “I met my hero today.” In the live show she said that because of Naqvi, she now feels safe in the country, adding that in the future her daughter will feel secure too.

    During the course of the interview, the ASP lightheartedly explained the kind of upbringing she has had and what really happened that day. She said that she got to know about the call through her assistant about a religious offence. She emphasized that she immediately stood up to leave. “My mother is so used to me being on duty all the time that she said, have tea first,” Sheharbano related, to which she rolled her eyes like “seriously”.

    Naqvi also recorded a session for Juggun’s YouTube Channel where she was again showered with praise but was asked about her future aspirations and the clauses that are helpful in women’s protection.

    In the clip, she admitted to a desire to become a published writer in the future.

    “Seek help. If you are stuck in a mob, do not argue and just make a call on 15,” she said while explaining that a similar incident had happened in the same market weeks before the Ichra Mob case and that woman out of fear changed her clothes. This provoked these people to force this woman. “Given the strong woman she was, she refused to change her clothes and this lead to that mob gathering around her.”

    Speaking to the women of the country, Naqvi emphasised that, “If someone coerces you, for your dressing, views or the person you are with, then please call 15 or seek help from women police officers in the nearby police station.”

  • Celebrities light up Anant Ambani’s Pre-Wedding Bash

    Celebrities light up Anant Ambani’s Pre-Wedding Bash

    The fancy world of Bollywood mixed smoothly with the talent of sports stars at billionaire Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding party, making it a night to remember. Among the special guests were cricket stars like MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, along with the lively Dwayne Bravo and up-and-coming cricketer Tim David from the Mumbai Indians team.

    MS Dhoni, known for his cool style on and off the cricket field, brought extra charm to the party with his laid-back attitude.

    But it was Dwayne Bravo who really caught everyone’s attention with his lively energy and strong personality. The West Indian cricketer, famous for his bold character, not only attended the party but also had a fun moment with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Bravo’s social media post with SRK quickly became popular online.

    The party had a mix of sportsmanship and fun as guests like badminton ace Saina Nehwal and cricket all-rounder Sam Curran joined in.
    Anant Ambani’s pre-wedding bash showed the power of celebrity friendships and the magic that happens when different worlds come together. With cricket legends, Bollywood stars, and sports fans all in one place, the event truly captured the spirit of friendship and celebration.

  • Gold price increases by Rs3,500 per tola

    Gold price increases by Rs3,500 per tola

    In a notable turn of events, gold prices in Pakistan witnessed a substantial surge on Saturday, aligning with the upward momentum in the international market.

    The yellow metal reached a notable price point of Rs220,300 per tola, marking an impressive gain of Rs3,500 within the span of a single day.

    According to the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), 10-gramme gold now commands a selling price of Rs188,872, reflecting an increase of Rs3,001.

    This surge follows a noteworthy uptick on Friday when gold prices in Pakistan rose by Rs1,100 per tola.

    The international gold market also experienced a surge, with the Saturday rate set at $2,103 per ounce, indicating a $36 increase.

    The APGJSA reported a $20 premium on the international gold rate, emphasising the global dynamics influencing the precious metal markets.

    Simultaneously, silver rates in Pakistan witnessed an increase of Rs30 per tola, settling at Rs2,600.

    These fluctuations in precious metal prices underline the intricate interplay between local and global market forces, capturing the attention of investors and industry stakeholders alike.

  • ‘My life’: Mahira Khan’s loving message to brother Hissan

    ‘My life’: Mahira Khan’s loving message to brother Hissan

    Mahira Khan, a well-known actress from Pakistan, has starred in popular dramas like “Humsafar,” “Shehr-e-Zaat,” “Sadqay Tumhare,” and “Hum Kahan Ke Sachay They.” She’s also appeared in movies like “The Legend of Maula Jatt” and “Raees.” Recently, her brother Hissan Khan shared a childhood photo of them together on his Instagram story. In the picture, they looked really happy.
    Mahira and Hissan’s relationship reminds us how important family is, especially in tough times. Their story shows the strength that comes from having someone you love by your side.

    In a world where things can be uncertain, Mahira’s message is a reminder of the love and connection that family brings. It’s a beautiful celebration of the special bond between siblings.

  • Indian photographer shot dead after camera battery ran out at birthday party

    Indian photographer shot dead after camera battery ran out at birthday party

    A photographer in Bihar, India, has been allegedly shot dead by the hosts of a birthday party after his camera battery got drained.

    Sushil Sahni was killed at the party of the daughter of the suspect, who was reportedly dissatisfied with the photographer’s service when his camera’s battery ran out.

    Sushil had returned to his house to charge his battery but the alleged murderer upon not finding him in the party contacted him and forcefully asked him to come back to the party after charging the battery.

    Upon Sushil’s return, a scuffle broke out between the two, and in a fit of rage, the party owner put a pistol in Sushil’s mouth and fired. The suspect then took the victim to the gate of the hospital and fled the spot, reports Indian media.

    The suspect has reportedly been involved in the illegal liquor business and the police is making attempts to find him.

  • PSL 9: Match between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars has been called off due to rain

    The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars has been called off due to rain and wet outfield. Both sides will share one point each.

    The match between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi has been delayed due to rain and bad weather in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Faizan Lakhani has reported for Geo.

    The match toss between Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandars has been postponed due to intermittent rain. After the rain stopped, the covers were being removed from the outfield and the ground staff is busy preparing the field.

    If it does not rain, then an attempt will be made to organize a short match between Lahore and Peshawar. The teams were supposed to reach the stadium at 12pm earlier, but due to bad weather, the arrival of the teams at the stadium was delayed.

    A scheduled match between Islamabad United and Quetta Gladiators will take place in the evening, but rain is predicted in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in the evening as well.

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cabinet will be finalised after Imran Khan’s approval

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cabinet will be finalised after Imran Khan’s approval

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) cabinet will be finalised after the approval of sentenced founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, Geo has reported, quoting newly-elected chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Saturday.

    “I will meet the PTI founder over [matters pertaining to the formation of the] KP cabinet on Monday (March 4),” Gandapur said.

    Geo sources claimed that there are 15 members on the list of prospective cabinet members that will be shown to founder PTI, including the names of Mushtaq Ghani, Khaleeq ur Rehman, and Aqib Ullah Khan. 

    The development comes days after newly-elected members of the provincial legislature were sworn in by now-former speaker Mushtaq Ghani in a ruckus-hit inaugural assembly session.

    A day earlier, Ali Amin Gandapur, after being elected chief minister, demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja in his victory speech in the provincial assembly.

  • Over Rs6.4 billion allocated for Ramzan subsidies: Essential items to be available at reduced rates

    Over Rs6.4 billion allocated for Ramzan subsidies: Essential items to be available at reduced rates

    The government has earmarked Rs6.484 billion to provide essential food items at subsidised rates through the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) during the holy month of Ramzan.

    A substantial portion of the allocation, Rs3.474 billion, will go towards subsidising flour, followed by Rs1.610 billion for sugar and Rs1.4 billion for ghee.

    Additionally, subsidies of Rs25 million for channa daal, Rs12 million for masoor daal, Rs37.50 million for white gramme, and Rs62.5 million for basmati rice are planned. Further, Rs20 million and Rs62.5 million are allocated for Sehlla rice and broken rice, respectively.

    The implementation of the Ramzan relief package is set to commence on March 4th.

    Further breakdown reveals Rs200 million for cooking oil, Rs20 million for washed moong daal, Rs6.25 million for washed maash daal, Rs100 million for chakki baisen, Rs50 million for dates, Rs22.50 million for carbonated drinks (1,500 ml), Rs30 million for squash and syrup (800 ml), Rs150 million for black tea, Rs15 million for UHT milk, and Rs50 million for spices.

    Moreover, an allocation of Rs145 million is designated for an awareness campaign through electronic and print media regarding the Ramzan Package, set to kick off on March 4th, 2024.

    The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has greenlit the Ministry of Industries and Production’s proposal for a Rs7.492 billion Ramzan Relief Package. This package aims to provide 19 essential items at subsidised rates through the USC.

    In response to IMF restrictions on untargeted subsidies, the government has opted to provide subsidies exclusively to beneficiaries registered under the PMT-40 of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for the fiscal year 2023–24.