Category: Lifestyle

The lifestyle of millennials is underreported in our mainstream media. The Current’s lifestyle news covers social events and issues that are unique.

  • Exclusive: Anchor Muhammad Junaid talks to The Current about finishing the Boston and London Marathon 2023

    Exclusive: Anchor Muhammad Junaid talks to The Current about finishing the Boston and London Marathon 2023

    Anchor Muhammad Junaid made the country proud when he became the first ever Pakistani journalist to participate in the Boston Marathon and the London Marathon, a feat he completed in a week.

    In the Boston Marathon, held on April 17 in Eastern Massachusetts, Junaid completed the run in 3 hours, 36 min and 38 seconds. He participated along side other Pakistani-Americans like Salman Khan, Hamid Butt, Prem Kumar, Aamad Butt and Shariq Samad. Dr Salman & Hamid Butt are Abbott 6 Start Finishers.

    Whereas in the London Marathon, which Junaid finished in 3 hours, 21 minutes and 38 seconds, he ran alongside others Pakistani or Pakistani origin marathons runners. Sadiq Shah, Faisal Shafi, Semeena Khan, Danish Raza, Prem Kumar, Farrukh Sadiq, Dr Jehanzeb Mughal, Danish Elahe, Imran Aleem & Ammar Mumtaz were also among them.

    Saqid Shah, a Quetta born and currently a Karachi resident made history at the London Marathon by completing the race in 2 hours, 55 minutes and 20 seconds, becoming the fastest Pakistani runner in London Marathon. He appeared on the Geo News show ‘Geo Pakistan’, along with Muhammad Junaid.

    The Current reached out to Junaid to chat about his recent accomplishments, and how running become one of his favorite hobbies, and the Geo News anchor gave us some interesting insights.

    Q. You mentioned in your bio that you previously participated in the Boston Marathon. Is running your passion?

    Junaid: I started more organised and focused running a few years ago and ran marathons in Karachi and Istanbul. Women and men of the running community realised that the number of Pakistanis in International marathons is very limited and we decided to train to run them. Every marathon has its own value but running Boston marathon can be any runner’s biggest dream. I collaborated with Pakistani Americans & partnered with South Asian Circle of Hopkinton through Hopkinton Board in Massachusetts to run Boston Marathon and open paths for more South Asians in future. It’s an achievement for South Asians in USA and Pakistanis here.

    Q. Winning this race seems like an impossible task, so how did you train for this marathon? Especially considering that you’re a Karachi food lover.

    Junaid: The goal is to finish the marathon in a good time, preferably faster than your previous time, for any marathon runner 70 KM per week is considered a standard mileage. Per week can vary for everyone, but yes you have got be careful with food. Protein is most important in that because it helps make and repair cells, which are critical for growth and development. So yes chicken, yogurt, milk, eggs, cheese, seafood, nut butters and then good carbs like wholegrain items, sweet potato, brown rice, and lots and lots of water, in my experience anyone involved in sports should avoid carbonated drinks because of the amount of processed sugar in them.

    Q. You met politicians like MP Zarah Sultana who congratulated you for your prestigious win! How did that feel?

    Junaid: For the Boston Marathon, Pakistani-American Shahid Ahmed Khan, who is currently a member of US President Joe Biden’s prestigious President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts (PACA), Irfan Nasrullah, and the President of South Asian Circle Ruta Upalekar and her team’s role was significant in helping me prepare for the marathon. From Pakistan, it was nearly impossible without support of Geo News. London Marathon was a collaboration for me with the Pakistani-British Journalist Saima Mohsin to raise funds for Scope, a UK charity working mainly for people with disabilities and facing cost of living crises. In that collaboration, we met British Pakistani MPs Naz Shah and Zarah Sultana, who are an inspiration for many and they assured us of their support to work in order to send more Pakistanis of all genders in world sports specially London Marathon.

    Q. These initiatives are wonderful but sadly such things have not taken place in Pakistan. Should Pakistani politicians also start setting up running marathons, now that petrol prices are soaring and we’re looking for cheaper ways to travel?

    Junaid: Pakistan does not have any international standard running events so far but Shoaib Nizami and other partners are working to organise Pakistan’s first internationally recognised marathon, Karachi Marathon, this year, which can help people here to get first hand experience of running an official marathon.

    Junaid revealed that currently he is gearing up along side other Pakistani marathon runners to participate in the upcoming Berlin Marathon being held on September 24, where 50 runners from Pakistan are expected to participate.

    Besides the fact that Pakistanis are underrepresented at these races, the number of women runners is even less but the running community is trying to change that. Last year, at London Marathon, Kaukab Sarwar and Hira Diwan ran in the race for TCF with the help of a friend of Pakistan, Mike Nithavrianakis. It is expected that a bigger number of women will be participating in Berlin Marathon this year. Hira Diwan, who is a British Pakistani, has run four world major marathons including New York & Chicago.

  • Traffic police crackdown: More than 5,000 underage drivers in Lahore face strict action

    Traffic police crackdown: More than 5,000 underage drivers in Lahore face strict action

    City Traffic Police have recently cracked down on underage drivers, taking strict action to address the issue. On a particular holiday, the traffic police apprehended over 5,000 underage drivers, while also taking the initiative to educate the parents of more than 22,000 children who were found driving without proper authorisation.

    Chief Traffic Officer (CTO), Mustansar Feroze, spoke regarding the matter and announced that, starting from the upcoming weekend, all motorcycles and vehicles involved in such violations would be impounded and kept at police stations. According to The News, the CTO earnestly appealed to parents, urging them not to provide motorcycles, cars, or rickshaws to their young children. He highlighted that on holidays, it has become common to witness young children recklessly roaming the streets with these vehicles.

    CTO Mustansar Feroze emphasised that accidents are frequently caused by young drivers. Consequently, any underage drivers caught in possession of a car, motorcycle, or rickshaw will have their vehicle impounded and stored at the local police station. He called upon parents to play a proactive role in discouraging young drivers from engaging in such activities.

    Furthermore, the CTO stated that parents would be held responsible in the event of accidents involving underage drivers. He strongly emphasised that no young driver should be seen operating a vehicle of any kind, be it a car, motorcycle, or rickshaw. The City Traffic Police are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all citizens on the roads and will continue their efforts to address this critical issue.

  • Snapchat star creates virtual girlfriend AI chatbot to ‘cure loneliness’

    Snapchat star creates virtual girlfriend AI chatbot to ‘cure loneliness’

    Caryn Marjorie, a Snapchat influencer with 1.8 million subscribers, has launched an AI-powered, voice-based chatbot called CarynAI. The chatbot, described as a “virtual girlfriend,” allows Marjorie’s followers to have private and personalised conversations with an AI version of the influencer.

    The bot, designed by Forever Voices, an AI company, and developed using OpenAI’s GPT4 software, has generated $71,610 in revenue after one week of beta testing with over 1,000 users paying $1 per minute to use it. Marjorie hopes that CarynAI will “cure loneliness” and even features cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to rebuild physical and emotional confidence that has been taken away by the pandemic.

    However, CarynAI has sparked discourse around the ethics of companion chatbots, as it is not supposed to engage in sexually explicit interactions, but Marjorie stated that it had gone “rogue” and that her team is working around the clock to prevent this from happening again.

    Moreover, Irina Raicu, the director of internet ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, expressed concern that CarynAI’s claims to potentially “cure loneliness” are not backed up by sufficient psychological or sociological research, and the chatbot adds “a second layer of unreality” to parasocial relationships between influencers and fans.

    Despite the backlash and even death threats, Marjorie is proud of her team’s work, with CarynAI being the first step in the right direction to cure loneliness. However, Raicu emphasised that influencers should be aware of the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance on artificial intelligence products, and Meyer, CEO of Forever Voices, said that his company takes ethics seriously and is looking to hire a chief ethics officer. On Friday, Marjorie tweeted that “if you are rude to CarynAI, it will dump you.”

  • Social media calls out Indian filmmaker for accusing Imran Khan of ‘Illegally’ using Faiz’s poem

    Indian Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri came under social media fire after stating that Imran Khan has “illegally” used ‘‘Hum Dekhenge” song in a video for his instagram handle.

    The song was recently used in the Indian movie, The Kashmir Files.

    Vivek Agnihotri shared a clip of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Instagram post. In the video “Hum Dekhenge” is playing in the background.

    The Filmmaker, in his tweet wrote, “See the power of Indic cinema. The official account of @ImranKhanPTI is using the official song of #TheKashmirFiles illegally in his official video on Instagram.” This incident exposes the double standards of Pakistan when it comes to intellectual property and copyright infringement.”

    Social media was quick to point out that the song is actually Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed’s poem, which is not exclusive to ‘Kashmir Flies’.

    Have a look at the tweets:

    https://twitter.com/SamiyaLatief/status/1656949680931246081

  • Pakistan travel disruption: Over 60 domestic and international flights cancelled

    Pakistan travel disruption: Over 60 domestic and international flights cancelled

    More than 60 domestic and international flights from various airlines have been cancelled due to the unstable situation in Pakistan, with many other flights being uncertain about their arrival and departure.

    The cancellations have affected flights to major cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, where the number of passengers has decreased.

    According to the airport schedule, more than 60 domestic and foreign flights from various airlines have been cancelled, including flights from Karachi to Jeddah, Madinah, Muscat, Dubai, Riyadh, Baghdad, and Baku. The arrival and departure schedule of Karachi Airport provides a comprehensive list of the affected flights, including those cancelled between Karachi and Islamabad, Lahore, Turbat, and Peshawar.

    To ensure that their travel plans are not disrupted, passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates on flight status.

    According to Minute Mirror, the following flights have been canceled according to the arrival and departure schedule of Karachi Airport:

    1. Karachi to Jeddah: ER 811 and ER 812
    2. Karachi to Medina: PK 743
    3. Salam Air flight to Muscat: OV 292
    4. Emirates Air flights to Dubai: EK 605 and 604, EK 609 and 608
    5. Karachi to Muscat: WY 323 and 324
    6. Karachi to Riyadh: PK 729
    7. Flight to Baghdad: IF 331 and IF 332
    8. PIA flight from Baku to Karachi: K 154

    The following flights have been canceled between Karachi and Islamabad:

    1. PK369
    2. PF121
    3. PF122
    4. 9P670
    5. 9P871
    6. PA200
    7. PF127
    8. ER502

    The following flights have been canceled between Lahore and Islamabad:

    1. PK302
    2. PK303
    3. 9P840
    4. 9P841
    5. PF141
    6. ER520
    7. PA406
    8. PK306
    9. PF147

    The following flights have been canceled between Karachi and Turbat:

    1. PK501

    The following flights have been canceled between Karachi and Peshawar:

    1. PK350
    2. PK351
  • How to apply online for studying abroad without spending agent fees

    How to apply online for studying abroad without spending agent fees

    If you’re looking to apply for studying abroad without any agent fees, follow these steps:

    Steps to follow for studying abroad

    Research:

    Start by researching different universities and courses in the country you want to study in. Look for universities that offer scholarships or have affordable tuition fees for international students.

    Choose a University:

    Select a few universities that align with your academic goals and preferences. Consider factors like program quality, reputation, location, cost of living, and scholarship opportunities.

    Check University Websites:

    Visit the official websites of the selected universities and explore their admission sections. Look for information about the application process, required documents, deadlines, and any specific requirements for international students.

    Fulfill Admission Requirements:

    Ensure that you meet the admission requirements for your chosen university and program. This may include submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or TOEFL), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

    Apply Online:

    Most universities provide an online application system. Create an account on the university’s admission portal and fill out the application form. Provide accurate and detailed information about your academic background, personal details, and any other required information.

    Write a Statement of Purpose:

    Draft a compelling statement of purpose (SOP) that explains your motivation for studying abroad, your academic and career goals, and how the chosen program aligns with them. Highlight your strengths and unique qualities that make you a suitable candidate.

    Obtain Recommendation Letters:

    Reach out to your professors, mentors, or employers who can write strong recommendation letters for you. Provide them with the necessary information about the university, program, and your achievements, so they can write personalized letters highlighting your skills and abilities.

    Financial Planning:

    Research scholarships, grants, or financial aid options available for international students. Many universities and external organizations offer scholarships based on merit, need, or specific criteria. Additionally, consider your personal finances and develop a plan to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and any other costs.

    Submit Application and Documents:

    Complete the online application form and upload all required documents, including your academic transcripts, test scores, SOP, and recommendation letters. Ensure that all documents are properly attested or certified, if required.

    Pay Application Fees:

    Some universities charge an application fee. Check the payment methods accepted by the university and submit the application fee online.

    Track Application Status:

    After submitting your application, keep track of its status through the university’s admission portal or online system. Check for any additional documents or steps required.

    Visa Application:

    Once you receive an acceptance letter from a university, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. Research the visa requirements of the country you’ll be studying in and gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of admission, financial statements, and a valid passport.

    Prepare for Interviews (if required):

    Some universities may require an interview as part of the application process. Prepare for interviews by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses.

    Follow Up:

    Maintain regular communication with the university’s admission office to ensure that your application is complete and to address any inquiries or additional requirements.

    Remember, while you can apply directly to universities, it’s always a good idea to seek guidance from educational consultants or study abroad forums to gather insights and advice from students who have gone through the application process.

  • Innocent lives lost: Israeli bombing claims the life of four-year-old Palestinian boy

    Innocent lives lost: Israeli bombing claims the life of four-year-old Palestinian boy

    Tamim Daoud, a Palestinian boy who was about to turn five years old in June, was asleep at home in al-Remal, a neighbourhood in the centre of the Gaza Strip, on Monday night when he was awoken by the sound of Israeli bombs.

    The bombing caused a residential building near Tamim’s home to be targeted, resulting in shattered windows and destruction in the neighbourhood.

    Tamim became frightened and began to weep heavily, suffering from a panic attack that caused him to gasp for air. Although he eventually returned to sleep, he suffered from another panic attack about five hours later, which prompted his father to rush him to the hospital.

    Tamim’s heartbeat was very faint, and despite medical treatment in the intensive care unit, he died at dawn.

    As of Thursday afternoon, the latest round of Israeli attacks on Gaza had killed 28 Palestinians and five Islamic Jihad (IJ) commanders, with at least five children among the dead.

  • Man makes replica of $100,000 Hermes bag for his girlfriend in just $400

    Man makes replica of $100,000 Hermes bag for his girlfriend in just $400

    A video posted on TikTok, featuring a man making a replica of a Hermes Birkin bag for his girlfriend has gone viral.

    Alexander Sway, a realtor from Washington, decided to make the famous bag himself after realising he couldn’t afford the real one to gift to his girlfriend on their anniversary.

    The two videos, titled Handmaking A Birkin For My Girlfriend, have been viewed more than 36 million times. Sway, 32, says he used templates he found online and leather from a local store.

    “My girlfriend always jokes that she wants a luxury bag from Hermes as an anniversary gift,” he said in the first video. “When I looked online at the price of a Birkin, I couldn’t believe it. $100,000 for a bag is crazy, but what was even crazier was instead of paying, I decided to surprise her and make my own.”

    Saying that he thought making the bag was “going to be pretty simple”, Sway spent 60 hours putting together the gift using blueprints he found online.

    He bought the materials from a local leather store, spending $60 on a sheet of black-dyed crocodile leather after admitting he “was not able to find leather that luxury companies use”, and $360 on tools.

    “I thought it was going to be as simple as cutting shapes out and assembling pieces, but right off the bat I made some rookie mistakes and wasted a bunch of good leather,” Sway said. “I finally understand why luxury companies charge so much for these handbags.”

    Sway said the hardest part of making the bag was the sewing.

    “This is very challenging,” he said, “because every hole had to be hand-punched and sometimes the holes had to be punched twice because of how thick the leather was.” He said his fingers went numb during the process.

    What is Hermes Birkin Bag?

    The Hermes Birkin bag is a highly coveted luxury handbag that was created by the French fashion house Hermes. It was named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin and was first introduced in 1984. The Birkin bag is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and iconic design.

    The price of a Birkin bag varies depending on factors such as the size, material, and rarity of the bag. The starting price for a basic Birkin bag in the United States was around $9,000 to $10,000. However, it’s important to note that Birkin bags often have long waiting lists, and the most sought-after designs or limited editions can command much higher prices in the secondary market due to their exclusivity and rarity.

  • First baby born in UK with DNA from three parents to combat incurable mitochondrial diseases

    First baby born in UK with DNA from three parents to combat incurable mitochondrial diseases

    The fertility regulator in the United Kingdom (UK) has confirmed the birth of a baby using the DNA of three individuals for the first time. The majority of the baby’s genetic material comes from its two parents, with around 0.1 per cent coming from a donor woman.

    This innovative technique is designed to prevent the birth of babies with mitochondrial diseases, which can be fatal within days or hours of birth and are incurable. Less than five babies have been born using this method, and no further information about them has been released.

    Mitochondrial diseases are caused by defective mitochondria, which fail to generate energy and can lead to serious health problems, including brain damage, heart failure, and blindness. Mitochondria are inherited only from the mother, so this technique involves using healthy mitochondria from a donor egg to replace the affected mitochondria in the mother’s egg.

    Mitochondrial donation treatment is a modified form of IVF, and there are two techniques for performing it. This method was pioneered in Newcastle, and laws were introduced to allow the creation of such babies in the UK in 2015. However, the first baby born using this technique was in the US to a Jordanian family in 2016.

    The technique has been described as a permanent change that would be passed down through generations, but it only affects mitochondrial DNA and not other traits such as appearance, nor does it constitute a “third parent”. There is a risk of “reversion,” where any remaining defective mitochondria could still result in disease.

    The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has confirmed the birth of fewer than five babies using mitochondrial donation treatment, but it has not provided any precise numbers to protect the families’ identities. This news is seen as a significant step in the cautious process of assessing and refining mitochondrial donation.

    More information is needed to determine the success of this technique, and whether the babies are free of mitochondrial disease and at risk of developing health issues later in life.

  • ‘Storm the British Council, solve papers forcefully’: Students disappointed over Cambridge exams cancellation

    ‘Storm the British Council, solve papers forcefully’: Students disappointed over Cambridge exams cancellation

    Considering the current rioting on the streets, the Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen yesterday (Wednesday) decided to “postpone” board exams of class 9, scheduled to be held on May 11 and 12 till further notice.

    The British Council has also cancelled Cambridge exams scheduled for today (Thursday).

    Students and their parents are disappointed at the cancellation of the exams.

    “Our grades will be affected badly,” said one student while talking to Dawn.

    Another disappointed student said that she did not celebrate Eid because she was preparing for the exams.

    “We are working here day and night for a bright future and here we were just engulfed by darkness because of the ‘situation’ in our country,” said another student.

    One of the O level students suggested to his friend on social media that they should go to the British Council and solve the paper forcefully.

    Reaction of Parents:

    One parent said that her daughter had worked very hard the entire year but both her major science subjects’ papers got cancelled. Another parent said that it would affect a student’s future, especially if science or medicine were her major career goals.