Category: Uncategorized

  • Iran Launches Imaging Satellite From Russia

    Iran Launches Imaging Satellite From Russia

    Iran announced on Thursday the launch of a remote sensing and imaging satellite into orbit from Russia, according to state media.

    The launch of “Pars-I” with the Russian Soyuz-2.1b launcher was broadcast live by state television in Iran.

    The satellite was launched “from Russia’s Vostochny launch base”, some 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles) east of Moscow, according to the official IRNA news agency.

    Iran’s telecommunications minister Issa Zareppur said “Pars-I” was “fully domestically developed” in Iran, which he said carried out a dozen satellite launches over the past two years.

    In January, Iran said it simultaneously launched three satellites into orbit, nearly a week after the launch of a research satellite by its Revolutionary Guards.

    Western governments including the United States have repeatedly warned Iran against such launches, saying the same technology can be used for ballistic missiles, including ones designed to deliver a nuclear warhead.

    Iran has countered that it is not seeking nuclear weapons and that its satellite and rocket launches are for civil or defence purposes only.

    In August 2022, Russia launched Iran’s remote-sensing Khayyam satellite into orbit from Kazakhstan amid controversy that Moscow might use it to boost its surveillance of military targets in its war in Ukraine.

    Moscow has sought to strengthen its alliances with other countries ostracised by the West, including Iran, which has been accused of supplying Moscow with armed drones for its offensive in Ukraine.

    This month, the United States said it would soon impose new sanctions on Iran over its backing for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    Tehran denies the allegations.

  • Pakistan will come out of difficult situation in two years, says Nawaz Sharif

    Pakistan will come out of difficult situation in two years, says Nawaz Sharif

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has said on Wednesday that Pakistan will come out of its current difficult situations in the next two years by taking tough decisions.

    The former prime minister said that his party is in a position to form a coalition government in the federal.

    “I believe the next one and a half or two years will be difficult, but we have to stay united [during the difficult times] and face our opponents,” he said while addressing a parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday.

    The former Prime Minister identified inflation as the biggest problem in Pakistan, but stated that his party will provide relief to Pakistanis and control rising prices.

    The PML-N supremo also heaped praise on his younger brother and party president, Shehbaz Sharif, the party’s candidate for Prime Minister, saying that he dealt with immense challenges during his brief stint in power.

  • Death toll in Gaza exceeds 30,000 as Israeli attacks continue and famine looms

    Death toll in Gaza exceeds 30,000 as Israeli attacks continue and famine looms

    Palestinian Territories – The health ministry of Gaza said Thursday more than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7 as Israel intensified its attacks on the besieged strip.

    While mediators say a truce deal between Israel and Hamas could be just days away, aid agencies have sounded the alarm of a looming famine in Gaza’s north.

    Children have died “due to malnutrition, dehydration and widespread famine” at Gaza City’s Al-Shifa hospital, said the health ministry, whose spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra has called for “immediate action” from international organisations to prevent more of these deaths.

    Citing the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, USAID head Samantha Power said Israel needed to open more crossings so that “vitally needed humanitarian assistance can be dramatically surged”.

    “This is a matter of life and death,” Power said in a video posted on social media platform X.

    The latest overall toll for Palestinians killed in the war came after at least 79 people died overnight across the war-torn Gaza Strip, the health ministry said Thursday.

    Mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been seeking a six-week pause.

    Negotiators are hoping a truce can begin by the start of Ramadan, the holy Muslim month that kicks off March 10 or 11, depending on the lunar calendar.

    The proposals reportedly include the release of some Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for several hundred Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

    Short of the complete withdrawal Hamas has called for, a source from the group said the deal might see Israeli forces leave “cities and populated areas”, allowing the return of some displaced Palestinians and humanitarian relief.

    US President Joe Biden is “pushing all of us to try to get this agreement over the finish line”, said his secretary of state, Antony Blinken.

    Famine ‘imminent’

    The crucial southern Gaza city of Rafah is the main entry point for aid crossing the border from neighbouring Egypt.

    But the World Food Programme said no humanitarian group had been able to deliver aid to the north for more than a month, accusing Israel of blocking access.

    Neighbouring Jordan has coordinated efforts to air-drop supplies over southern Gaza.

    “If nothing changes, a famine is imminent in northern Gaza,” the World Food Programme’s deputy executive director Carl Skau said.

    Israeli officials have denied blocking supplies, and the army on Wednesday said “50 trucks carrying humanitarian aid” had made it to northern Gaza in recent days.

    Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza has left hundreds of thousands displaced, with nearly 1.5 million people now packed in Rafah.

    In a sign of growing desperation among Gazans over living conditions, a rare protest was held Wednesday by residents over the soaring prices of commodities.

    “Everyone is suffering inside these tents,” said Amal Zaghbar, who was displaced and sheltering in a makeshift camp.

    “We’re dying slowly.”

    Israel has repeatedly threatened a ground offensive on Rafah, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying a truce would only delay it, as such an operation was needed for “total victory” over Hamas.

    Egypt — which borders Rafah — says an assault on the overcrowded city would have “catastrophic repercussions”.

  • Gold price drops by Rs1,100 to Rs214,800 per tola

    Gold price drops by Rs1,100 to Rs214,800 per tola

    In a shift from its recent upward trend, gold prices in Pakistan experienced a decline on Wednesday, with the price of 24-karat gold dropping by Rs1,100 per tola to reach Rs214,800.

    The Karachi Sarafa Association reported that the cost of 10 grammes of 24-karat gold also saw a decrease, settling at Rs184,156, reflecting a decline of Rs944.

    Additionally, 10-gramme 22-karat gold was valued at Rs168,810.

    In contrast, silver prices remained steady on the day, with 24-karat silver maintaining its position at Rs2,570 per tola and Rs2,203.36 per 10 grammes.

    On the global stage, international spot gold demonstrated resilience, trading at $2,026.92, marking a 0.17% increase for the day.

    However, international spot silver experienced a slight dip, standing at $22.33, reflecting a 0.55% decrease.

    Market observers are closely watching key inflation data and anticipating remarks from Federal Reserve officials this week to gain insights into the central bank’s potential decision regarding interest rates.

    It is noteworthy that the latest Federal Reserve minutes have indicated that most US officials are not in a hurry to implement rate cuts.

  • Drama celebrity Kinza Hashmi has revealed her first paycheck when she made her teenage debut in dramas

    In a recent interview on a private news channel’s talk show, actor Kinza Hashmi, 26, said that she first acted in dramas 10 years ago, when she was 16-years-old. When asked how much she made, Hashmi replied, “I was offered Rs5 lacs for it, which was a huge sum for me, as a 16-year-old at that time, almost 10 years back from today.”

    Further speaking about the drama, the actor recalled that, “I remember I used to reach the set early morning, hours before my call time to prepare for my scenes. And then at night, as soon as I would get home, my only thought used to be that I have to go to bed early, and get enough sleep to be fresh on the shoot in the morning.”

    The ‘Gul o Gulzar’ actor said that she’s put acting on top of her list of ambitions and is super excited about her Indian debut in an Indian Punjabi film. She will share the screen with singer and actor Jassie Gill in a movie called, ‘Hall Ki Ae?’

    How much was Kinza Hashmi’s salary when she did her first drama?

  • Shah Rukh Khan, daughter Suhana to star together on the big screen

    Shah Rukh Khan, daughter Suhana to star together on the big screen

    Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will soon act with his daughter Suhana Khan in a movie. According to Indian media, they’ll star together for the first time in an action film named ‘KING.’

    It has been reported that directors Siddharth Anand and Sujoy Ghosh are in touch with Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan about the project, and they’ve had many meetings since October 2023.
    Now they’re getting ready to make the movie, and Shah Rukh Khan is practicing action scenes at his home, Mannat where famous trainers are teaching him.

    Suhana Khan is joining some training sessions too.

  • Establishment wants  government of its choice, says Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Establishment wants  government of its choice, says Maulana Fazlur Rehman

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, continues to be disgruntled after the 2024 nationwide elections, criticising the results. He predicted that the “system would collapse” because the establishment wants a government of its choice.

    While addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, Maulana alleged that “the establishment wants assemblies and people in them of their choice.”

    “We received information before the elections that it has been decided to reduce the JUI-F’s inclusion [in the assemblies]. Different styles of rigging occurred in every polling station during the polls.”

    “If they think there was no rigging in the polls, then the May 9 narrative is apparently buried. They cannot run the country, and this system will collapse. Those who are sticking to the system will be crying in the coming days,” Fazl predicted.

    The JUI-F chief also said that there is no difference between the elections of 2018 and 2024, emphasising that a public representative should not be a “representative of the establishment.”

  • Gold rate inches up to Rs215,900 per tola with marginal gain

    Gold rate inches up to Rs215,900 per tola with marginal gain

    In a sustained upward trajectory, domestic bullion recorded gains on Tuesday, driven by a surge in 24-karat gold. The precious metal reached Rs215,900 per tola, reflecting an increase of Rs100.

    The latest data from the Karachi Sarafa Association reveals that the cost of 10 grammes of 24-karat gold saw a slight rise, reaching Rs185,100 with an uptick of Rs86. Additionally, 10-gramme 22-karat gold was quoted at Rs169,674.

    Contrastingly, silver prices remained stable, maintaining their previous rates. The 24-karat silver was traded at Rs2,570 per tola, while the cost per 10-gramme stood at Rs2,203.36.

    On the global front, the international spot gold market witnessed a positive trend, with prices hovering near $2,036.26, indicating a 0.26% increase for the day. In parallel, international spot silver held strong around $22.63, marking a 0.58% uptick.

    The financial landscape also saw influence from the latest Federal Reserve minutes, which indicated a collective sentiment among most US officials against rushing into rate cuts.

    This news brings additional insights into the dynamics shaping the global precious metals market.

  • President Alvi made the right decision not to call assembly session: Imran Khan

    President Alvi made the right decision not to call assembly session: Imran Khan

    Imran Khan, the founder chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Prime Minister, has endorsed President Arif Alvi’s choice to abstain from calling the session of the National Assembly.

    Imran conveyed these sentiments during an informal exchange with journalists at Adiala Jail on Tuesday.

    First and foremost, he said, he had personally dictated the letter addressed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    He clarified that, following the drafting of the letter, there have been no meetings with other party leaders.

    However, he said that after consultations with the party’s leadership, the letter would be dispatched to the IMF today (Tuesday). In his discussion on the prevailing political climate, Imran Khan reiterated his call for the resignation of the chief election commissioner, citing concerns over impartiality during elections.

    He accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of engaging in rigging even after the conclusion of elections, stressing the imperative of fair and transparent electoral processes.

    Commenting on the recent developments, the former prime minister lauded the decision of President Arif Alvi to refrain from convening a meeting of the National Assembly. He reiterated concerns about the allocation of specific seats despite the PTI’s electoral victories, alleging efforts to undermine the party’s success.

    “Every attempt was made during the elections to eliminate the PTI,” he alleged.

    “We are gathering all the parties that have been made to lose through rigging. and will hold country-wide protests against rigging,” Imran announced.

    Amidst ongoing challenges and political tensions, the founder of PTI remains steadfast in advocating for fair governance and democratic principles, vowing to address electoral irregularities and promote accountability across all levels of government.

  • ‘Lost diamond in search for gold,’ Pakistani Twitter missing Buzdar is a hilarious must-see

    ‘Lost diamond in search for gold,’ Pakistani Twitter missing Buzdar is a hilarious must-see

    Social media in Pakistan never lets go of a chance to have a meme fest, and the appointment of a new Chief Minister in Punjab proved to be the fuel the meme machine needed to churn out hilarious content.

    The newly-elected Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, took the oath of office on Tuesday at Punjab Governor House with Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman, Governor of Punjab, administering the oath.

    During the oath ceremony, chief minister Maryam Nawaz was with her father and former prime minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif. The president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Shehbaz Sharif was also present in the oath ceremony.

    Netizens immediately started reminiscing about former chief minister, Sardar Usman Buzdar, CM of Punjab from 2018 to 2023. Buzdar remained a point of contention for Imran Khan, who’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) appointed him as the Chief Executive of the most populous province.

    At one point, Imran Khan referred to the beleaguered Buzdar as ‘Wasim Akram Plus’, implying that the unassuming South Punjab politician was a better version of the greatest left-arm bowler in history.

    Here are the best Twitter reactions, as people remember Sardar Usman Buzdar: