Author: newsdesk

  • Woman in India dies as husband attempts delivery at home

    Woman in India dies as husband attempts delivery at home

    A 27-year-old woman in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri died while giving birth at home after her husband attempted to carry out the delivery himself using a technique he saw on YouTube.

    Nadu lost an excessive amount of blood as the husband failed to cut the umbilical cord properly, fainting from blood loss.

    Her husband took her to the Primary Health Center (PHC), however, she was declared dead. According to India Today, a medical officer at the hospital, Rathika, filed a complaint with the police. The police filed a case under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

  • Pakistan clinches thrilling victory against Afghanistan in 2nd ODI by one wicket

    Pakistan clinches thrilling victory against Afghanistan in 2nd ODI by one wicket

    In an intense match on Thursday in Hambantota, Pakistan narrowly defeated Afghanistan by one wicket, securing their series victory after a dominant performance in the first ODI.

    Naseem Shah, known for leading Pakistan to success in the Asia Cup 2022, once again played a pivotal role, guiding his team to victory in the final over when they needed 11 runs off 6 balls.

    During the chase of 301 runs, Pakistan faced setbacks with the early loss of Fakhar Zaman, but Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam’s partnership of 118 runs steadied the innings.

    After Babar’s dismissal, Pakistan’s victory seemed uncertain, but Shadab Khan’s 48 off 35 balls brought them back into the game. A dramatic final over included Shadab’s mankading and Naseem Shah’s heroics, ultimately leading Pakistan to triumph.

    In Afghanistan’s innings, Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s outstanding 151-run knock propelled his team to post 300-5, with a 227-run partnership alongside Ibrahim Zadran. Despite Gurbaz’s impressive display, Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah secured crucial wickets.

    The match highlighted Afghanistan’s batting prowess, but Pakistan’s resilience and Naseem Shah’s performance stood out, sealing a thrilling victory.

  • Average 12 children sexually abused daily, new report says

    Average 12 children sexually abused daily, new report says

    Sahil, a non-profit organization working for the rights of children in Pakistan, has published a new report, “Six Months Cruel Numbers 2023”, revealing cases of sexual violence reported in the first half of 2023.

    A total of 2,227 children have been subjected to sexual violence from January to June this year alone. This means that on an average, 12 kids have suffered sexual violence every day in these months.

    The source for Sahil’s data are media reports; the actual number of cases might be higher considering all cases are not documented.
    1,207 of the cases are of girls — more than half, 54 percent. While 1,020 of the cases are of boys. In the same period in 2022, the number of girls encountering abuse was the same as 2023, while cases involving boys have risen.

    Age bracket:

    The most vulnerable to abuse are in the age group of 6-15 years, in which more boys than girls were victimised. This age bracket makes up 47 percent of the total cases recorded — 593 boys and 457 girls.

    Types of cases:

    Cases of abduction are still the most prevalent with 44 per cent, 13 per cent cases of sodomy, 10 per cent of cases of rape and nine per cent of cases of missing children were reported.

    53 cases of pornography have also been reported that are being tracked by the Federal Investigation Agency on the dark web. As per the report, 72 per cent of victims were boys and 28 per cent of victims were girls

    Abusers:

    2,531 abusers have been involved in child abuse in the first six months of 2023. In most cases, they were acquainted or related to the victims or their families.

    The abusers were acquaintances in 912 cases, strangers in 498 cases, and both in 215 cases.

    Location:

    According to the report, between January and June, the crime was committed at the “abuser’s place because the abusers trap innocent children and take them to their places”.

    However, in most cases, the place of abuse remained unknown with 31 per cent committed in the streets, 11 per cent at victims’ place, four per cent in fields, and two percent at places of worship.

    45 per cent cases were reported from rural areas and 55 per cent from urban areas.

    As per provincial breakdown, the highest number of cases, 74 per cent, were reported from Punjab, followed by 14 per cent from Sindh, seven per cent from Islamabad, three per cent from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two per cent from Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

    88 per cent of all the cases were registered with police while 25 cases were either not filed or police refused to register them.

    Violence against children:

    Sahil also reveal that a total number of 963 cases of accident and/or violence were allegedly reported against the children among who 760 died: 268 drowned, 148 murdered, 144 accidents and 61 children committed suicide.

    Highest number reported were from Sindh with 483 cases followed by Punjab in second place with 233 cases.

  • Who ‘run the world’? Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are fuelling the US economy

    This is definitely an un-cruel Summer

    The US economy can thank Taylor Swift and Beyonce for the extra leg up. According to CNBC, Swift’s critically acclaimed Era’s tour is set to make more than $1 billion, making it the highest grossing tour of all time. While Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance’ tour, according to CBS, could rack up more than $2 billion from concert shows.

    The anticipation of the tours, as well as the two pop icons, has also reportedly boosted local tourism within America, with brands and small business stores churning out creative ways to captivate fans, greatly boosting their income. According to the New York Times, a survey by the Federal Reserve shows hotel revenues have risen in the Philadelphia region, where Swift has booked stadiums for her tour, and Sweden has already said Beyonce’s tour is to thank for to help recover from inflation.

    Moreover, AirBnB reported that the most popular tourist destinations during the Fourth of July weekend was not Greece or Italy, but Ohio city, where Taylor was hosting a concert.

    Small business owners told The New York Times that their earnings tripled in income since the tours began, as Swifties and the Bey Hive flock to athetize their looks ahead of concerts. Shade Hotel in California spoke to the publication about hosting a Taylor Swift-pre party where guests could wear costumes, sip on the ‘Lavender Haze’ cocktail- boosting their earnings.

    Similarly, the bead industry has also witnessed a revival after a lyric from Taylor’s song ‘Midnights’ album went viral. ‘So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and embrace it’, the lyrics said. Fans began showing up to concerts wearing friendship bracelets, and viral videos on social media show fans exchanging bracelets with each other, with the likes of Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban joining in.

    Speaking to Seattle Times, a staff member of Maple Leaf’s Beadworld said that since the Era’s tour began, they’ve attracted more clients than they can handle.

    “We were full all day,” Sands said. “Definitely busier than normal.”

    Nail technicians and hair salons can thank the Bey Hive for the tripling their income. Raven Voorhees told The New York Times she spent the entire summer working with clients attending Beyonce’s concerts, requesting colors alligned with the themes of the Renaissance tour.

    “It’s boosting business,” Ms. Voorhees said. “We’re talking about someone who’s paying about $60 max for her service to now $150 because she’s doing a new set, she’s getting the works, all of the nail art and then, even after that, having to come back and having to do it again.”

    It turns out even public transit services can thank Beyonce and Taylor Swift for never going out of style. In Los Angeles buses stayed open late for concert-goers, thanking Swift for the boost.

    “We’re enchanted that Taylor Swift fans have given a big boost to public transit across the United States this year — and we’re looking forward to spending our midnights with many of you very soon,” the city’s metro system punned on its website.

  • Local singer sings request to PM Kakar, gets his wish

    Local singer sings request to PM Kakar, gets his wish

    Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has ordered the restoration of the Panjra bridge in the Bolan area of Balochistan, on the poetic appeal of local singer Gul Meer Jamali.

    The bridge was swept away in July 2022 as biblical floods swept across Pakistan.

    “Orders have been issued to the institutions concerned for the reconstruction of Panjara Bridge,” the interim PM wrote on his official X handle on Friday.

    Kakar ordered the restoration of the bridge after listening to the song sung by local singer Gul Meer Jamali.

    The song went viral on social media, with the singer appealing to the PM to restore the bridge and “fulfil his responsibility towards Balochistan”.

    The Panara Bridge was used to pass the Bolan River on the Quetta-Sukkur Highway.

  • Economists predict ‘Barbenheimer,’ Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé will inject billions into US economy

    Economists predict ‘Barbenheimer,’ Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé will inject billions into US economy

    Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and the “Barbenheimer” fever are making a substantial positive impact on the United States economy. According to Bloomberg Economics, the tours of these mega stars and the success of their blockbuster films are projected to contribute a significant sum of $8.5 billion (S$11.5 billion) to the US economy in the third quarter.

    The concerts alone, with nearly 50 shows scheduled, could boost the US gross domestic product (GDP) by $5.4 billion. Additionally, the films “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” are anticipated to result in approximately $3.1 billion in consumer spending and export revenue from international ticket sales.

    This combined effect is expected to lead to a 0.7 per cent increase in annualized real personal consumption expenditures and a 0.5 per cent rise in GDP during the July-through-September period. Economists Anna Wong and Eliza Winger have revised their growth forecasts for this period, attributing the adjustment in part to these notable gains. This economic outlook further reinforces the ongoing strengthening of the American economy, which has been evident in recent months.

    The current economic landscape shows signs of easing inflation and a stable labor market, which are propelling consumer spending. This positive scenario is causing some economists to postpone their predictions of an impending recession, while others are reconsidering their projections altogether.

    Nonetheless, the analysts at Bloomberg argue that the benefits generated by the movies and tours are temporary in nature. They highlight the absence of Beyoncé and Swift performances in the US during the last quarter of the year and describe the Barbenheimer event as a rare occurrence. Moreover, the US economy remains vulnerable to a drop in demand, and challenges persist in the housing market due to low supply and rising mortgage rates.

    The Bloomberg economists emphasise that a significant portion of the current economic vigor is linked to short-term factors. In their assessment, These factors create a facade of robust consumption, when in reality, it is losing momentum. Importantly, their evaluation only accounts for ticket sales for “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” up until Wednesday, and they do not include the net-export effects of the four concerts Swift is performing in Mexico City this week.

  • Imran Khan reveals why he stepped away from making films after ‘Break Kay Baad’

    Imran Khan reveals why he stepped away from making films after ‘Break Kay Baad’

    If you were a teenager on during the 2000’s, chances are you were swept up in the wave of adoration for Imran Khan. Nope, not THAT one, but the one who made us swoon with his charm and wit with films like ‘Jaane Tu Jaane Na’ and ‘I Hate Luv Stories’. But then he suddenly announced his retirement and completely stepped away from films, leaving love struck girlies heartbroken and without a fictional character to moon about.

    Now, Imran is dropping hints that he was definitely sure that this wasn’t the last the world had seen of him. When a fan commented under Zeenat Amin’s film, begging the actor to make a comeback, Imran shocked everyone by commenting that he was absolutely ready.

    Now, Imran has shared pictures from his old films on his Instagram account, like he shared a couple of pictures of his 2012 film ‘Break Kay Baad’ where he starred along side Deepika Padukone. He wrote in the caption that despite the negative reviews, the film held a special place in his heart because of how much he enjoyed making it.

    “In the summer of 2010, I went to Mauritius to shoot Break ke Baad. We swam every day, ate a lot of seafood, sampled Mauritian rum (potent), and made some friends for life. It was a blast. Apparently, in between all the revelries, we managed to make a film as well. This one always had a special place in my heart, because of how much I enjoyed making it. I can’t show you many of the behind the scenes photographs, as it may compromise the modesty of certain individuals… but here’s a glimpse.”

    In the Instagram stories, Imran shared the reason why he was reminiscing about his old films on Instagram, writing that it was to help him reshape the connection he had with his career, and to address how he left the industry because of the over whelming negative response to ‘Break Kay Baad’.

    “If you’re wondering why I’m looking at the past so much…it’s because I’m reshaping my relationship with my films. To be clear, I’m not blaming anyone for anything; all opinions are valid, and not everyone will like the same things…that’s normal. Unfortunately, at the same time, I was only able to look at things from a negative mindset.”

    The actor went on to share that despite having so much fun filming ‘Break Kay Baad’ the only thing he remembered the most was the overwhelming negative reviews the film received.

    The actor, who is the nephew of Bollywood veteran star Aamir Khan, said the negative feedback had brought him down, but the support of the fans-who begged him to come back on the main screen- helped him regain his faith back in his career.

    “And that is where,” the actor wrote. “I realize my mistake; I paid so much heed to the voices that hurt… and I never valued the voices that loved. What a fool. I won’t make that mistake again.”

    “Thank you all for helping me change my perspective,” and thank you Imran for pushing past the hate, and coming to show everyone what a true rom-com film looks like.

  • Lahore police to interrogate Imran Khan in 6 more cases

    Lahore police to interrogate Imran Khan in 6 more cases

    An anti-terrorism court (ATC) has granted permission to police to interrogate imprisoned former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan in six more cases after the addition of new sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) in FIRs. The FIRs are related to offences of abetting mutiny in the armed forces and waging war against Pakistan.

    Separate applications were filed by the investigating officers in all six cases, stating that interrogating Imran Khan after the addition of offences under sections 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or abetting waging of war against Pakistan), 131 (abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty) and 146 (rioting) in the FIRs is needed.

    Other offences under sections 120, 120-A, 120-B, 121-A, 505, 153, 153-A, 153-B and 107 of PPC were also added to the cases, including the attacks on Askari Tower, Shadman police station, and torching of PML-N offices in Model Town.

    Ejaz Ahmad Buttar, the ATC judge, said in his observations: “Request of the Investigating Officer being apt is accepted under the law.”

    The judge has previously allowed Lahore police to interrogate and arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the Jinnah House attack case.

  • ECP assures PTI, JUI-F of conducting timely elections

    ECP assures PTI, JUI-F of conducting timely elections

    According to a report in Geo News, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) assured delegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) of conducting general elections as early as possible.

    ECP’s assurances came after consultations with the representatives of PTI and JUI-F.

    The discussions were part of ECP’s deliberations with major political parties on electoral matters such as delimitations, conducting the polls, and other related issues.

    According to ECP’s Media Wing, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja stressed that transparency in the upcoming general elections is necessary.

    Members of the election commission, the secretary and senior officials were present in the meeting. The PTI delegation joined the meeting at 2 pm, however, JUI-F attended the meeting at 3 pm to discuss election roadmaps.

    PTI delegation stressed the need to conduct the election within 90 days, as per the constitution. The PTI delegation also demanded equal political opportunities for the party.

  • Equal pay, new contracts, and room for improvement; what is happening in women’s cricket around the world?

    Equal pay, new contracts, and room for improvement; what is happening in women’s cricket around the world?

    Pakistan

    It is the first time that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given domestic contracts to 74 women cricketers. The period of the contracts is 11 months. 43 players are classified as emerging cricketers while 16 Under-19 cricketers. Thirteen of the players contracted have played international cricket. Among the many are Javeria Khan, Kainat Imtiaz, Anam Amin, Iram Javed and Gull Feroza who previously had central contracts.

    These cricketers will be paid the same monthly retainer. However, match and appearance fees, and travel and accommodation costs, will vary. ESPNcricinfo writes that “while the salaries are relatively modest, the fact that these contracts have been awarded at all will count as progress of some kind in Pakistan. In addition, the players will be offered a share in any prize money won”.

    A PCB press release stated that domestic contracts have been given to “individuals who have displayed remarkable performances across various cricketing platforms, including domestic cricket tournaments, emerging tournaments, U-19 domestic tournament, and the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup,”.

    “I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 74 women cricketers who have earned these contracts through their sheer talent and dedication,” PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf said. “Today marks a significant and joyous occasion for the Pakistan Cricket Board as we take a historic step towards uplifting women’s cricket in our nation.

    “This initiative isn’t just about signing contracts, it’s about investing in the dreams and aspirations of these extraordinary athletes. Our women cricketers have consistently showcased exceptional skills and dedication on the field, and it is high time we provide them with the platform they deserve.”

    West Indies

    In a recent conversation on Ladies Who Switch podcast, former West Indies cricket player Deandra Dottin alluded to the country’s cricket board, emphasizing the need to prioritize the players’ “respect and resources”. She has warned that negligence can have serious repercussions for Caribbean cricket.

    Dottin reflected on the issues she encountered during her time as a cricketer. She highlighted the negligence towards the needs of the players, “both in terms of resources and respect”, reports Sports Max. Dottin emphasized that the player will not be able to perform without required attention and a supportive space:

    “To be honest, there’s been a lot going on in the camp and so much I’ve been through, so many things that needed to be sorted out, and the players not getting the respect and basically the attention because there are things that needed to be done in order for players to actually perform to the best of their ability,” she said.

    Dottin announced her retirement from international cricket a year ago, claiming that the team environment was one of the reasons for her decision. She had a distinguished career of 14 years that includes the 2016 T20 World Cup title and the first century in Women’s T20 Internationals.

    Now, Dottin is among male and female cricketers working on franchise tournaments worldwide. She is associated with teams such as Manchester Originals, Adelaide Strikers, Trinbago Knight Riders, and Barmy Army.

    She believes that these leagues have more support to offer in comparison to the West Indies setup.

    “You will see a player come into West Indies Cricket and then you actually see they disappear… it’s basically like you’re getting what you want out of me and then you just throw me aside,” Dottin said.

    South Africa

    After New Zealand and India, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announces an equal international-match fee for their men and women’s players. This news came the same day as the announcement of a six-team professional domestic system for women.

    The past 18 months for the team were a great success as they reached the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in 2022 and then made it through to the final while hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this year.

    It was the first time a senior South African team reached the World Cup final. Prominent individuals from the fraternity congregated in Tshwane on Tuesday to make the two celebratory announcements.

    Teams in South African domestic competition can now contract up to 11 players instead of 6. They will also have full-time coaches and support staff.

    “We are thrilled to unveil the Professional Women’s Cricket League, an initiative that celebrates the remarkable achievements of our national women’s cricket team and paves the way for an even brighter future,” said Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki.
    “Professionalising the women’s domestic structure has been met with enthusiasm from fans, players, and sponsors alike.”