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.

  • Diners in India spit blood after being served ‘dry ice’

    Diners in India spit blood after being served ‘dry ice’

    Diners at Gurugram City, India, were allegedly served ‘dry ice’ as mouth freshener by a hotel manager leading them to throw up blood.

    The unfortunate incident happened on Saturday when five people started vomiting, while also bleeding from the mouth, after they consumed the sugar and spice mix, traditionally served after a meal, reports BBC. The police arrested the manager of the hotel.

    As per the initial investigation, it was revealed that the packet contained dry ice, a solid form of carbon dioxide used as a cooling agent (especially in refrigerators for the preservation of food).

    The customers were hospitalized after the incident.

    However, the police in Gurugram City, where the restaurant is located, arrested its manager on charges of poisoning “with the intent to cause hurt or harm” on Tuesday.

    A search is underway for the owner of the food joint, who is currently absconding.

    In their complaint, the customers have also accused the restaurant staff of refusing to help them.

    A doctor later examined the contents of the packet of mouth freshener and confirmed it contained dry ice.
    The case is under investigation and the police have said they were conducting a forensic analysis of the contents of the mouth freshener.

  • India arrests BJP worker for chanting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ one year ago

    India arrests BJP worker for chanting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ one year ago

    The police in the Indian state of Karnataka has arrested a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker for raising ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans over a year ago. The man was taken into custody one day after the arrest of three Congress workers on similar charges, reports Indian media.

    The BJP worker, identified as Ravi, 40, in a case registered against him for raising a pro-Pakistan slogan during a December 2022 protest, when the BJP was in government in the state.

    BJP and JD(S) MLCs protest over the alleged sloganeering of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ after Congress leader Naseer Hussain won the Rajya Sabha election, in Council hall during the Budget session of Karnataka Assembly, in Bengaluru. (PTI)

    The Indian Express has reported that the BJP protest was called against the remarks of the then Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While at the United Nations, Bilawal had called Modi the ‘Butcher of Gujarat’ – a reference to 2002 killing of Muslims when he was Chief Minister of the state. A video of the protest showed Ravi saying “Pakistan Zindabad” even as another person behind him attempted to close his mouth, it added. However, the local chapter of the BJP criticised Ravi’s arrest as “political vendetta”.

    The president of BJP’s Mandya district unit was quoted by the Indian Express as saying that Ravi was a farmer and he did not know any language other than his native Kannada and did not know the meaning of the words he spoke.

    The arrest came a day after three Congress workers were arrested for raising pro-Pakistan slogans in the Karnataka assembly on February 27 when party candidate Syed Naseer Hussain was elected to the Rajya Sabha. In a video shared by India Today, many congress leaders in the assembly have claimed that the exact words were actually Nasir Hussain Zindabad and not Pakistan Zindabad.

    Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Tuesday that pro-Pakistan slogans were raised twice. “We identified the suspects and arrested them. The law will take its course,” he said, according to the Indian Express report.

    The police said that the three Congress workers have been identified as Iltaz, from Delhi, Mohammad Nashipuri, a native of Haveri district of Karnataka and Munnawar, a resident of the state capital of Bengaluru on Monday. They remain in police custody, they added.

  • Mark your calendars: Aurat March is around the corner!

    Mark your calendars: Aurat March is around the corner!

    March is finally here which means that 8th of the month is Women’s Day around the world and in Pakistan, Aurat March in major cities will walk through the streets to remind the state and the society of the due rights of women and minorities of the country.

    Where and when to join Aurat March?

    Lahore
    Time: 8th March, 2 pm
    Place: Lahore Press Club

    Karachi
    Time: 2:30 pm
    Place: Frere Hall

    Islamabad
    Time: 2 pm
    Place: Islamabad Press Club

    Multan
    Time: 3 pm
    Place: Nawan Shehar Chowk

    What are the demands this year?

    Lahore

    This year, Lahore based its theme on “Siyasat, Muzahamat aur Azadi” which means that the manifesto addresses the electoral politics (in the light of the recent General Elections of Pakistan back in February 8), as well as asserts on the re-envisioning political participation where “oppressed groups and communities on the margin take center stage.”

    Here are the demands by Aurat March Lahore:

    Karachi

    In Karachi, Aurat March will focus on domestic violence, sexual violence, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, land grabbing, state-sponsored poverty, religious extremism, repression of gender and body politics, fascistic capture of politics and everything “the patriarchy subjects us to under its militaristic control of our bodies.”

    Islamabad

    The capital’s theme this year is Resistance and Hope:

    Calling on to end enforced disappearances; promoting “hope and world peace” in light of Israeli genocide in Gaza; end to gender-based violence; to take action against cyber harassment targeting women, minorities, and children with effective legislation; end to period poverty by making period products accessible for all and provind period education in school; economic justice i.e. integrating women’s reproductive labour into country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), formalisation of informal sector to ensure work standards and safe working environment, action against child labour, wage regularisation, right to unionisation, and allocation of funds to rehabilitate women farmers, shopkeepers, small landlords; improved access to universal education and healthcare; political rights of women; as well as rights of religious minorities.

    Read the details on the demands by Islamabad here:

    Multan

    With the main focus on climate justice right and economic liberation, here are the demands by the city of Multan this year:

    1. Education for All: Guarantee education for girls up to the age of 16, ensuring equal access to knowledge and opportunities.
    2. Right to Identity: Ensure that all men, women, and transgender people in Siraiki Wasaib have their identity cards without any hindrance from the state.
    3. Combat Harassment: Form active committees against sexual harassment in educational institutions and workplaces, enforcing strict adherence to anti-harassment laws.
    4. Student Empowerment: Lift the ban on student unions in universities across Pakistan, allowing students to exercise their rights and have a say in their education. Also, Establish new colleges and universities with equitable access for all, fostering an environment of learning and growth.
    5. Inclusive Infrastructure: Implement accessible architecture in schools, government offices, and public spaces, catering to the needs of people with disabilities.
    6. Fair Wages: Enforce inflation-adjusted and gender-conscious minimum wage policies, promoting economic justice for all.
    7. Protect Domestic and Small Industry Workers: Safeguard the rights of domestic workers, particularly young girls, from exploitation and abuse.
    8. End Early Marriage: Enact laws against early marriage and forced religious conversion, setting the legal marriage age to 18.
    9. Transgender Rights: Implement the Transgender Rights Act 2018, ensuring equality and protection for transgender individuals.
    10. Political Victimisation: Stop the unjust targeting and unlawful detention, especially of women, for political reasons.
    11. Women’s Protection: Fully implement the Women Protection Bill and expedite the completion of Women Crisis Centers in Multan.
    12. Holistic Education: Incorporate human rights, climate change, and gender education into the high school curriculum, fostering awareness and understanding.
    13. Healthcare Access: Ensure accessible healthcare and employment opportunities, along with childcare facilities for women in both government and non-government sectors.
    14. Remove Taxes: Eliminate taxes on women’s hygiene products and essential items, relieving financial burdens on women.
    15. Worker Rights: Abolish the exploitation of various marginalized groups, including brick kiln workers, farmers, journalists, and factory workers.
    16. Combat Terrorism: Take legal action against activities that terrorize women, ensuring the rule of law prevails.
    17. Judicial Representation: Increase the number of women judges, particularly in the Lahore High Court, Multan, and Bahawalpur Benches, promoting gender parity in the judiciary.
    18. End Corruption: Eradicate corruption and mistreatment of women in social support programs.
    19. Report Mechanisms: Establish effective portals to report incidents of harassment and violence against women, ensuring swift action and justice.
    20. Religious Freedom: Protect religious places and minorities from desecration and criminal acts, upholding fundamental freedoms for all.
    21. Child Protection: Implement stringent measures to prevent the sexual abuse of children, safeguarding the innocence and well-being of our youth.
    22. Safe Spaces: Ensure the fundamental freedoms and protection of women in Dar ul Aman and working women hostels, providing safe havens for those in need.
    23. Digital Access: Declare internet access as a fundamental right and bridge the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to technology for all.
    24. Combat Stereotypes: Eliminate gender stereotypes in educational materials, electronic media, and social platforms, promoting equality and diversity.
    25. Justice for All: Pay homage to human rights leaders like Rashid Rehman and demand justice for those who have sacrificed for the cause of equality and justice.
  • Saudi Arabia gives Pakistan special gift for Ramzan

    Saudi Arabia gives Pakistan special gift for Ramzan

    Saudi Arabia has gifted 100 tons of dates to Pakistan before the holy month of Ramzan, slated to begin in a few days.

    According to Saudi media, the shipment was handed over by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki along with King Salman’s Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center in a ceremony held at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad.

    The embassy said that the purpose of the generous donation is to distribute it to the Pakistani community during the holy month of Ramzan.

  • ASP Sheharbano leads #NeverAgain walk in Lahore

    ASP Sheharbano leads #NeverAgain walk in Lahore

    Punjab Police organised a walkathon titled ‘Never Again’ to raise awareness about violence against women in the backdrop of the Ichra bazaar incident.

    The walk was joined by ASP Shehrbano Naqvi along with seniors of the police department including IG Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar. ASP Sheharbano questioned the people present at Ichhra Bazar for not coming forward to help the woman – who was harassed and attacked by a mob for wearing a shirt inscribed in Arabic. “Sure, the police is there to protect the citizens but society needs to take responsibility of making sure that its women are protected.”

    While explaining the importance of ‘Never Again’, the police officer shared that the walk was organised in an effort to raise awareness and ensure that violence against women will be curbed. She stressed that society really needs to progress in an inclusive way.

    The campaign is now being run all over Punjab province under the patronage of the provincial government and the police department.

  • When is Ramzan starting in Pakistan?

    When is Ramzan starting in Pakistan?

    The holy month of Ramzan is around the corner with less than two weeks left.

    According to weather analyst Jawad Memon, although the Ramzan moon will rise on March 10, it will not be visible on that day. “The moon will be clearly visible on March 11,” he said. The first Taraweeh will take place on the night of March 11 as there is a 95 percent probability that the first Roza will be on Tuesday, March 12.

    Like every year, the meeting of the Central Royat Hilal Committee will be held in Islamabad, in which all the zonal committees will be meeting in their respective domains.

    Earlier, Gulf News reported that astronomers have predicted that the main connection will be on March 10 at 9 am. Resultantly, the moon will be visible only after sunset in most Islamic countries on March 10.

    However, astronomers believe that the chances of seeing the moon in the entire Arab and Islamic world on March 10 are very low.

    Ramzan is expected to start on Tuesday, March 12 in most Islamic countries including Pakistan.

  • Rain-related death toll exceeds 30 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; dozens injured

    Rain-related death toll exceeds 30 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; dozens injured

    The number of people killed in rain-related accidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has increased to 27, including 18 children, on Sunday, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported.

    Apart from the fatalities, at least 38 people, inc­luding 20 children, have been injured.

    PDMA has issued a report on accidents in the province during the last five days, highlighting that 346 houses were partially destroyed while 46 houses were completely destroyed. Additionally, 76 cattle too, have died.

    Goods were distributed among the victims of Charsadda, Dir Lower, Dir Bala, Bajaur, Khyber Nowshera, Peshawar by PDMA.

    More rains are reportedly expected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

  • Woman accidentally swallows pistol bullet in Karachi

    Woman accidentally swallows pistol bullet in Karachi

    A woman accidentally swallowed a pistol bullet in Shah Latif Town area of Karachi.

    She was shifted to Jinnah Hospital after complaining of severe stomachache, Geo News has reported.

    The woman’s husband has told the police that the bullets were kept in the open while the pistol was being cleaned. His wife put the bullet in her mouth jokingly, but it slipped inside.

    The wife then underwent an X-ray in which the bullet can be seen clearly.

  • Rain emergency in Rawalpindi, below zero in Quetta as cold wave takes over

    Rain emergency in Rawalpindi, below zero in Quetta as cold wave takes over

    The weather in Quetta became colder after rain and snowfall while a rain emergency has been imposed in Rawalpindi after heavy rains.

    The Department of Meteorology has stated that weather in Quetta Valley and its surroundings will remain partly cloudy today. After yesterday’s rain and snowfall, the temperature in Quetta has dropped to minus five, reports Geo.

    Due to severe cold in Quetta, rainwater has frozen on the sides of roads. Consumers are also facing a reduction in natural gas pressure.

    Additionally, the Meteorological Department has said that the weather will remain very cold and dry in the northern districts of Balochistan. Rain is expected at a few places in Ziarat, Zhob, Barkhan, including Quetta, and snowfall is expected in the mountains.

    The lowest temperature has been recorded as minus 7 in Kalat.

    In Punjab, intermittent rain is continuing in Lahore, Islamabad and Rawalpindi. However, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has imposed a rain emergency in Rawalpindi.

    As per MD WASA, 25 mm of rain has been recorded in Rawalpindi. Teams are engaged in draining with heavy machinery while the flow of rainwater has been recorded as five feet at Katariyan in Nala Lai and four feet at Gawalmandi Bridge.

    Chief Meteorologist Sardar Faraz has predicted clear weather in Karachi with no expected rainfall, but cold and chilly winds are anticipated to lower temperatures, reports Hum News.

    Riders on a motorcycle wrap a plastic sheet over themselves to shelter as they make their way along a road amid rains in Karachi on March 1, 2024. — AFP

    The maximum temperature is estimated to range between 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.

    Currently, Karachi is experiencing winds at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour, with a humidity level of 49 percent.

    The met office also noted that Karachi’s weather today will be chillier compared to yesterday.

  • Who is Dolly Chaiwala and why are fellow Indians jealous of him?

    Who is Dolly Chaiwala and why are fellow Indians jealous of him?

    A recent video of one of the richest men on the planet, Microsoft head Bill Gates, taking chai from a roadside tea-man Dolly Patil has gone viral, garnering a lot of reactions on social media platforms and in turn making the teaboy a sought-after celebrity and raising the number of his followers on TikTok and Instagram. 

    Dolly, with his colourful hair, ear piercings, retro shades, and lean body, has a unique personality prompting the media to campout at his stall after the video went viral. In the clip, Gates was seen experiencing the local culture in a very personal way – by enjoying a cup of chai. 

    The clip starts with Gates requesting, “One chai, please,” from Dolly Chaiwala. The tea seller’s unique method of preparing the tea on his special cart is a highlight, offering a glimpse into the artistry that goes into making the beloved drink. The video was shared on Bill Gates’ account to appreciate the diversity of India. 

    ANI too interviewed the chaiwala who claimed that he did not even know who Bill Gates was when the video was shot. 

    “I was not aware at all. I thought that he was a guy from a foreign country so I should serve him tea. The next day when I came back to Nagpur I came across ‘Maine kisko chai pilaya.’ He (Bill Gates) said ‘Wow, Dolly ki Chai.’ We did not speak at all, he was standing just beside me and I was busy with my work.”

    Talking about his styling, he said, “I watch South movies and from them, I have learned these styles…Today, I feel that I have become ‘Nagpur ka Dolly chai wala.’ In future, I wish to serve tea to [Indian] Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

    The statement took the internet by storm. An account on Instagram posted, “To hell with my degree, I should have been selling tea.” 

    A user commented that this will be remembered as the most unexpected collaboration ever. 

    People envied by posting memes about the newly famous Dolly managing to meet Bill Gates. 

    Some made fun of the fact that Dolly did not recognise Bill Gates after getting famous. 

    Another quipped that it’s the time of chaiwalas, as one became PM (referring to Narendra Modi of India) and now Dolly become so famous that he met Bill Gates. 

    However, writer Dilip Mangal in a matter-of-fact way, pointed out that Bill Gates can see a market of 50 million middle-class Dalit consumers/buyers in India. He not only drinks tea from a Dalit’s shop-Dolly Chaiwala-but also gets a video made of it.