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.

  • Karachi mein kab aur kahan bijli nahi hogi?

    Karachi mein kab aur kahan bijli nahi hogi?

    The K-Electric (KE) on Thursday announced an hours-long power shutdown in parts of Karachi due to forthcoming “critical maintenance activity” at Malir Grid today (Friday).

    According to the official statement, the power distribution company would be undertaking a critical maintenance activity at Malir Grid on December 29.

    The maintenance work will be undertaken to ensure the stability and reliability of the power supply to consumers residing in these areas, the KE spokesperson said.

    As per the schedule, the power supply will remain temporarily suspended from 9am to 6pm for Malir Grid.

    For further guidance, customers may also reach out to KE’s social media platforms or via call centre 118, the company added.

    Following are areas served by the Malir Grid may experience power shutdown during the maintenance work:

    Askari-V Flats, Askari-V Malir Cantt, Model Colony Sheet-5, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 Lassi Para, Rana Garden, Alamgir Society Block-A&C, Liaquat Avenue, Gulshan-e-Qamar, Deh-Tapo Memon goth, Block 8 & 8/A till Malir Cantt, Gulistan-e-Johar, Malir H-Area, F.South, Jinnah Square, Aleemabad, Sajan Goth, Sehar Town, Bismillah Town, D-4 Area, D-1, C-Area, S-2, S-1, D-2 Malir Colony, Bout Goth, F.South, G-Area, Ind Area, Jinnah Colony, Jaffer Tyar Malir, Malir Millat Garden, Sahibdad Goth, Abidia Center, Bout Goth, Askari V Bungalows, Malir Cantt. Sector H Bungalows, Model Colony RKV, Sheet # 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16, Jaffer Bagh, Tina Square, Sweet Homeland, Memon Goth Industrial Area, Damlottee Road, Malir Nafees Banglows, F.South, Nafees Town, Jaffer Tyar, Aleemabad C Area, Seher Town, Atiq Town, and Sajan Goth.

    The electricity firm had announced the power shutdown schedule for areas served by Memon Goth-New Landhi Grid and Orangi Town Grid on December 25 and 26 respectively.

  • Which six countries can Pakistani passport holders travel without visa?

    Which six countries can Pakistani passport holders travel without visa?

    The Passport Index report reveals that Pakistani passport holders can travel to six countries without visa.

    Pakistani passport holders are usually required to apply for visas of 151 countries, 36 countries provide on-arrival visas while some facilitate with electronic visa.

    The six countries allowing visa-free travel for Pakistani passport holders include Barbados, a picturesque Caribbean island, where a visa-free stay of up to 90 days is possible. Dominica, another Caribbean island nation, extends a visa-free stay of up to 180 days, offering an extended and hassle-free experience for Pakistani travellers.

    So, what are the eight countries allowing Pakistanuis a visa-free entry?

    1. The Gambia in West Africa allows a visa-free stay for up to 90 days.
    2. The Caribbean island of Haiti too, allows a visa-free stay for up to 90 days.
    3. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island country in the eastern Caribbean, also allows a visa-free stay of up to 90 days.
    4. Micronesia, an island country in the Pacific Ocean, allows visa-free entry with a stay for up to 30 days.
    5. Trinidad and Tobago, a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, requires no visa while duration of stay has been specified.
    6. Vanuatu, an island nation near Australia, allows a visa-free stay of up to 30 days.
  • Househelp set on fire in Lahore passes away

    Househelp set on fire in Lahore passes away

    A female house owner allegedly set a housemaid on fire by sprinkling petrol on her in North Cantt police station limits in Lahore, 24NewsHD TV reported on November 29.

    The housemaid named Shabnam passed away after being hospitalised for 28 days, reported Jang News.

    She was working in the house of a man named Nauman for the past 11 years. Nauman’s wife Shazia, allegedly in a rage, sprinkled petrol on the maid and set her on fire.

    Shabnam, 40, suffered burns on 70 percent of her body and was rushed to Mayo Hospital where her condition was said to be critical.
    The family of the victim submitted an application for registration of a case against Shazia in the North Cantt police station.

  • No nalli in mutton; Groom calls off engagement

    No nalli in mutton; Groom calls off engagement

    A prospective Indian groom and his family have called off the engagement ceremony after finding out that there was no bone marrow in the mutton dish.

    According to Indian media, an engagement ceremony was held at the girl’s residence in Nizamabad, in which various dishes were prepared for the guests, one of which was a dish made with mutton.

    The happy atmosphere of the engagement turned sour really quickly when the boy’s side complained about the lack of bone-marrow in the mutton dish, which the girl’s family also admitted and said that it was missing.

    Consequently, the boy’s family started an argument, leading to the matter reaching the police. It tried to settle the matter between the two families, but the boy’s family canceled the engagement ceremony.

  • Two pictures from Gaza among Time’s Top 10 Photos of 2023

    Two pictures from Gaza among Time’s Top 10 Photos of 2023

    As 2023 draws to a close, everyone is looking back at the past 12 months one more time before entering a new year. TIME’s magazine has published its Top 10 Photos of 2023 among which two are from Gaza.

    A young girl stuck under her house rubble after it was bombed by Israeli airstrikes, Al Nusairat refugee camp, Oct. 31.Motaz Azaiza
    Palestinian woman Inas Abu Maamar, 36, embraces the body of her 5-year-old niece Saly, who was killed in an Israeli strike, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 17.Mohammed Salem—Reuters

    After years of oppression, on October 7, Hamas took Israel by surprise and penetrated into their territory. Using the incident as an excuse to eradicate Hamas, Israel has been conducting air raids and ground operations in Gaza — which have intensified over the weeks, being categorised as genocide by international experts.

    Residential areas, market places, hospitals, shelters have been completely destroyed and razed. Israel has also blocked aid, resulting in lack of medical supplies, food, and basic everyday necessities, making it more challenging for Palestinians to survive.

    Out of Gaza’s total population of 2.3 million, 1.9 million people have been internally displaced, more than 21,000 killed, and more than 55,000 injured as a result of Israeli atrocities being committed against Palestinians.

    Israeli forces have also been detaining and killing Palestinians residing in the Occupied West Bank.

  • Dhund nay kar dia safar mushkil

    Dhund nay kar dia safar mushkil

    A thick blanket of heavy fog has descended on different parts of Pakistan, severely impacting visibility and causing widespread transportation disruptions.

    Adverse weather conditions have compelled authorities to take precautionary measures, resulting in the closure of main highways and affecting air travel.

    The impact of the fog extends beyond Lahore, spreading as far as Mandi Bahauddin, Pindi Bhatian, Kot Addu, and Uch Sharif.

    Residents and commuters in these regions are urged to exercise caution and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.

    Sialkot and its surrounding regions, including Pasrur, Daska, and Sambrial, are grappling with reduced visibility levels, significantly disrupting traffic flow. Commuters are advised to stay informed about the latest weather updates and road closures to ensure their safety.

    The fog has not only affected ground transportation but has also disrupted air travel. Multiple flights have been canceled, and others delayed, impacting cities in Sindh and Punjab.

    The closures of major motorways, including the M2, M3, M4, M5, and M11, further compound transportation challenges.

    In addition to the transportation disruptions, the air quality in Lahore has deteriorated, earning the city the unfortunate distinction of being the most polluted in the world.

    Meanwhile, dense fog in various cities of Sindh and Punjab has led to operational challenges for flights. The Pakistan International Airliner (PIA) spokesperson emphasizes the importance of obtaining flight information from the PIA Call Centre before heading to the airport, considering the potential disruptions caused by the fog.

    Over the past week, a total of 32 flights destined for Faisalabad, Multan, Lahore, and other Punjab airports had to be redirected to Islamabad International Airport due to the prevailing fog conditions.

    “Severe fog ongoing in the country has affected PIA flights from Lahore, Multan and Sialkot airport,” the airline’s spokesperson, Abdullah Khan, said in a statement, adding the PIA apologized for any inconvenience caused due to these operational challenges.

    “Low visibility and intensity of fog pose difficulties in flight operations,” he added. “Flights from Lahore, Multan, and Sialkot may be canceled, changed or delayed due to fog.”

    Khan noted that flight operations were usually affected in these cities in winter.

    “All passengers are urged to obtain information about their flights from the PIA call center before heading to the airport,” he added.

    Unusual Winter Conditions Across Northwest India:

    Meanwhile, across Northwest India, including Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, a thick blanket of fog has descended, impacting visibility levels. Despite the fog, winter temperatures are milder than usual for this time of the year.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that night temperatures in north-western states remain higher than normal, with at least 2-3°C above-normal readings in several regions. Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 7.8°C, one degree above normal, with daytime temperatures reaching 22°C.

    Meteorologists attribute the warmer winter to the absence of strong western disturbances, traditionally responsible for winter rainfall over North India. Additionally, global warming is increasingly influencing weather patterns throughout the year, delaying the onset of winter and reducing the intensity of cold waves.

  • Indian teacher dies while giving lecture about good health

    Indian teacher dies while giving lecture about good health

    A professor at Kanpur’s Indian Institute of Technology died of cardiac arrest on stage while delivering a speech on a health-related topic. Sameer Khandekar’s last words reportedly were “Take care of your health….” after which he collapsed. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival.

    The professor, 52, was speaking at an alumni meet on the campus on Friday evening. He was the head of the mechanical engineering department and also served as Dean, of student welfare. According to Indian media, he had been grappling with cardiac health problems since 2019.

  • Gaza authorities accuse Israel of stealing organs from 80 Palestinian bodies

    Gaza authorities accuse Israel of stealing organs from 80 Palestinian bodies

    Israel has been accused of stealing organs from 80 Palestinian bodies by Gaza’s authorities.

    “The media office denounces in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation army’s disdain for the dignity of the bodies of our 80 martyrs that Israel had stolen during its genocidal war because it delivered them mutilated,” read a statement.⁠

    “After examining the bodies, it is clear that the features of those killed had changed greatly in a clear indication that the Israeli occupation had stolen vital organs from them,” the statement added.

    Earlier, the bodies of about 80 Palestinians killed by the Israeli army during its ground invasion, were returned to Gaza and buried in a mass grave at Tel al-Sultan Cemetery.

    The Ministry of Health in Gaza received the bodies on Tuesday through the Israeli-controlled Karem Abu Salem fence crossing in southern Gaza, according to AFP. 

    Health workers in plastic robes removed the bodies, which were covered in blue plastic sealed with zip ties from the truck. The bodies were then brought by a bulldozer for burial in a mass grave.

    ”The UN had informed us in advance of the arrival of several martyrs to the Gaza Strip, estimated to be around 80 bodies,” Marwan al Hams, the director of Mohammed Yousef El-Najar Hospital in Rafah city.

    “The bodies arrived inside a container, some intact, while others were in pieces, and some others had decomposed,” he added. Al Hams noted that the bodies were “transferred to the cemetery for burying” and the health and justice ministries would investigate the bodies for possible “war crimes.”

  • Canada’s ‘Startup Visa Program’ with no education, experience, job requirement or age limit

    Canada’s ‘Startup Visa Program’ with no education, experience, job requirement or age limit

    Umair Saleemi, journalist for BBC Urdu, shed light on Canada’s ‘Startup Visa Program’ in his latest piece:

    Every year, thousands of people from India and Pakistan migrate to America, Canada and European countries for better opportunities and a brighter future.

    Therefore, any changes in immigration and work visa laws or the introduction of any new programs are closely monitored in these countries.

    As Canada has changed the work permit law this month, Canadian authorities extended work permits for 18 months due to increased demand in the labour market during the Covid era, which is being phased out from January next year.

    Since then, Canada has initiated a startup visa program has been hailed by some experts as a golden opportunity.

    The program is mainly for talented foreigners who want to establish their own small businesses or startups in Canada.

    Certain criteria have been set to assess the quality of a startup, including innovation, creation of new jobs for local people and ability to compete globally.

    Who can apply for a Canadian Startup Visa?

    To apply for a Canadian start-up visa, a candidate must have a valid business. It is important that the candidate owns the shares of the business. One must hold 10 per cent or more of the company’s shares and have voting power (at shareholders’ meetings).

    A maximum of five people can apply in this program. It is important that the startup is supported by a Canadian organisation or ‘designated body’ and a letter of support is issued.

    Your business must operate from Canada, have its main activities from Canada and be established in Canada.

    In addition to mastering the English language, knowledge of French can further help your startup succeed in Canada. Canadian visa rules require the applicants to be fluent in speaking, writing and understanding either English or French.

    The startup visa candidate also has to provide evidence to the Canadian government that they have the resources to support themselves and their dependents. Candidates cannot manage this money by borrowing money.

    Immigration expert Julie Desai told BBC Gujarati that a startup visa is quite different from a normal work permit visa. Its aim is only to attract businessmen and entrepreneurs to Canada.

    The most important requirement is that the candidate’s business must be innovative enough to create new jobs in Canada, Desai explains. This visa is not for general business people — such start-up plans are needed that they can compete in the world.

    Under this program, the financial resources required by a family can be determined by the number of its members. If only one person wants to go to Canada under this program, one will need 13757 Canadian dollars. This amount can increase if other family members also want to go along. It will also be important to see if the Canadian authorities revise this amount every year.

    Meanwhile the candidate needs a ‘Letter of Support’ for start-up from a recognized business group in Canada. For this the candidate approaches these organisations and assures them that their startup idea deserves support.

    Candidate has to contract with these institutions for a letter of support as this letter is proof that a Canadian investor, such as a venture capital fund, angel investor group or business incubator, supports the candidate’s idea.

    In addition, accredited organisations also issue Canadian Government ‘Certificates of Commitment’ to candidates. The government then verifies both the letters for the visa application.

    The Canadian government may ask for more information about your startup to review the information.

    The Canadian government may reject the application if the letter of support or other requirements are not met.

    Immigration lawyer Prashant Ajmera asserts that it is very important that the startup plan has the support of Canadian organisations, that the candidate has a detailed business plan, and to have knowledge of the Canadian market.

  • Pneumonia spreading fast in Punjab as province waits for rain

    Pneumonia spreading fast in Punjab as province waits for rain

    The head of the Provincial Public Health Lab, Dr. Hasnain Javed, has said that pneumonia is spreading in Punjab as dry cold and smog persist.

    In a conversation with Geo News, Dr. Hasnain Javed said that viral and bacterial pneumonia are spreading through the people, adding that patients affected by pneumonia are crowding emergency rooms and OPDs. heart, kidney, diabetes, and liver patients are more susceptible as they have weaker immune systems.

    Dr. Hasnain Javed said that Pakistan is among the 13 countries where pneumonia occurs every year, asking citizens to immediately get chest X-rays and blood tests for breathing problems.

    The interim health minister Dr. Jamal Nasir says that pneumonia has spread more this time than last year, stressing that so far many patients of pneumonia have come to the hospitals and gotten treatment in time.

    Meanwhile, medical experts say that both children and the elderly are suffering from pneumonia, such people should stay in a warm room.