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  • Crocodile kills footballer who jumped in river in Costa Rica

    In a tragic turn of events, a well-known Costa Rican football player, Jesus Alberto Lopez Ortiz, popularly known as Chucho, has been killed by a crocodile.

    Chucho dived off a bridge into the Canas river in a spontaneous act that turned fatal, according to police reports.

    The 29-year-old footballer was in the company of a friend and a cousin at the time of the incident. Despite their attempts to discourage him from jumping into the crocodile-infested river, Chucho went ahead. Eyewitness footage shows the terrifying moments of Chucho battling the crocodile as it hauled him away.

    Local villagers made desperate attempts to save the footballer by attacking the crocodile. However, the beast did not loosen its grip. Videos shot after the attack show the massive reptile swimming in the river while still holding onto the footballer’s body.

    In a last-ditch effort, villagers shot and killed the crocodile to recover Chucho’s body. Despite the prohibition on killing protected species, including crocodiles, in Costa Rica, it remains unclear if any charges will be filed against the locals.

    Local police quoted by the Daily Mail stated, “All efforts were made to rescue the body of the deceased person without causing damage to the reptile, but it was not possible.”

  • Pakistani documentary ‘As Far As They Can Run’ bags Emmy nomination

    Pakistani documentary ‘As Far As They Can Run’ bags Emmy nomination

    Another proud moment for Pakistani entertainment! The documentary ‘As Far As They Can Run’ was nominated for the prestigious Emmy awards under the category ‘Oustanding Documentary Short’. Haya Fatima Iqbal was the field producer along with Ziad Zafar co-producer, Tanaz Eshaghian the director and Nadir Siddiqui was the cinematographer behind this project.

    The film follows the lives of three young adults dealing with intellectual disabilities, while competing for the Special Olympics.

    The filmmaker, who had previously won an Oscar and two Emmys, shared the exciting news on her Instagram stories, revealing that one of the kids in the film, Sana Kapri, lit the torch at the Special Olympics in Berlin only a month ago.

    It was a joy and honour for me to witness the care and love that the coaches put into this work to ensure that these children can fly high,” she gushed about the project.

    Haya Fatima Iqbal has previously been a producer for Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s 2015 documentary ‘A Girl In The River’, an exploration of honor killings in Pakistan. The film followed the story of a woman who survived attempted murder at the hands of her family, after she married of her own choice. The documentary received critical acclaim and won an Oscar for ‘Best Documentary Short’.

  • Novel bacteria strain holds potential to curtail malaria transmission

    Novel bacteria strain holds potential to curtail malaria transmission

    In a promising stride against one of the world’s most deadly diseases, scientists have accidentally discovered a naturally occurring bacterium, TC1, that could impede the transmission of malaria from mosquitoes to humans, according to BBC.

    The groundbreaking finding came to light at a research facility in Spain, supervised by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The researchers stumbled upon the phenomenon while conducting experiments on mosquitoes related to drug development.

    The team noticed an unexpected result: a group of mosquitoes remained free from malaria parasites. Further analysis led to the identification of a bacteria strain, TC1, existing in the natural environment, which seemed to halt the growth of malaria parasites inside the mosquito’s gut.

    The bacterium proved to be resilient, persisting throughout the mosquito’s lifespan and notably reducing its parasite load by up to 73%.
    This unexpected helper produces a molecule known as Harmane, which hinders the early development stages of the malaria parasite within the mosquito.

    Malaria continues to devastate populations globally, claiming around 620,000 lives each year, primarily among children under the age of five. While vaccines are in progress, their implementation in Africa remains in the nascent stages.

  • Sharp rise in petrol price drives weekly inflation up, worsening daily struggles for Pakistanis

    Sharp rise in petrol price drives weekly inflation up, worsening daily struggles for Pakistanis

    The Sensitive Price Index (SPI) in Pakistan has risen by 1.30 per cent compared to the previous week, intensifying the financial burden on the already struggling population. The nation is grappling with ever-depreciating financial resources as it faces a sharp increase in petroleum prices and food inflation.

    One of the major contributors to the rising costs is the persistent increase in petroleum and oil prices over the past year-and-a-half. This increase directly affects commuters who have to bear the brunt of higher transportation costs, making it more challenging for them to manage their daily expenses, particularly when it comes to purchasing essential goods like food items.

    Although the SPI has seen a significant decline since reaching its highest level of 48.35 per cent on May 4, the overall inflation remains a concern. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the current fiscal year to be 25.9 per cent, which is still high despite being lower than the 29.6 per cent recorded in 2022-23.

    According to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the SPI has witnessed a staggering 29.83 per cent jump compared to the same week last year. This increase followed the government’s decision to hike petrol and high-speed diesel prices by Rs19.95 and Rs19.90 per litre, as well as a substantial increase in the rate of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

    The outgoing government, whose constitutional term is about to expire on Aug 12, defended the decision to increase fuel prices, citing the recently reached $3 billion IMF deal as being in the national interest.

    The SPI, which covers 51 essential items, has seen prices of 23 items go up, 7 items go down, and 21 items remaining unchanged compared to the previous week. The largest week-on-week rise was observed in the prices of tomatoes, increasing by 16.85 per cent, followed by chillies powder (7.58 per cent), garlic (5.71 per cent), onions (5.50 per cent), powdered milk (5.17 per cent), eggs (3.86 per cent), and rice basmati broken (2.06 per cent).

    Looking at the year-on-year comparison, the prices of wheat flour have surged by a staggering 131.40 per cent, while rice basmati broken and rice Irri-6/9 have increased by 82.86 per cent and 72.73 per cent, respectively. This is alarming as wheat flour and rice are staple foods for the majority of the population, and such steep price hikes can exacerbate the existing nutritional deficiencies and lack of protein in the daily diet.

    Adding to the concern is the rising cost of pulses, lentils, chicken, eggs, potatoes, and other vegetables, which are crucial components of the daily diet. This trend points towards a looming food insecurity crisis in Pakistan.

    The situation is expected to worsen as Pakistan must implement the harsh IMF conditions, which revolve around higher prices of utilities and fuel. This will make it even more challenging for the inflation-hit people to sustain the required food intake, leading to further hardship for the already struggling population.

  • Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Hollywood A-listers donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA strikes

    Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Hollywood A-listers donated $1 million to the SAG-AFTRA strikes

    The SAG-AFTRA strike in Hollywood has reached its 21st day of protests against studios paying low residuals, poor working conditions as well as the use of A.I to replicate images of background actors. Studios like Warner Bros, Netflix and Disney have reportedly refused to negotiate with the union, with sources revealing the studios were planning to prolonge the protest till most of the actors become broke, according to ‘The Bear’ staff writer Alex O’Keefe.

    In the midst of the protests, multiple A-list celebrities have come forward to offer donations to keep the movement going. Variety reports that some of the A-list celebrities who contributed to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program were Meryl Streep, Dwyane Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Amal and George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey.

    “Thanks to the support of some of Hollywood’s top-earning stars, the Foundation is preparing to bring aid and hope to thousands of journeymen actors facing tremendous economic hardship,” the foundation said in a statement released a few days ago.

    In a statement sent to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to end the strike and pay fair residuals to writers and actors, Meryl Streep recalled how she began her career working as a waitress and struggled to make ends meet:

    “I remember my days as a waiter, cleaner, typist, even my time on the unemployment line,” Streep said in a statement. “In this strike action, I am lucky to be able to support those who will struggle in a long action to sustain against Goliath. We will stand strong together against these powerful corporations who are bent on taking the humanity, the human dignity, even the human out of our profession. I am proudest of my fellow actors who have immediately offered to fund the Emergency Financial Assistance Program.”

    “We stand ready to get back to the table and make a fair deal with the AMPTP,” George Clooney said. “Until then, I’m proud to be able to support the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and my fellow actors who may be struggling in this historic moment. We’ve stood on the shoulders of the likes of Bette Davis and Jimmy Cagney and it’s time for our generation to give something back. I can’t thank Courtney enough for his determination in putting this effort together by shedding light on the human toll happening right now, and how we can work together to alleviate some of the pain and suffering.”

  • PM Shehbaz chairs CCI meeting to discuss 2023 census

    PM Shehbaz chairs CCI meeting to discuss 2023 census

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is presiding over a meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) to decide the destiny of the 2023 census. There is a disagreement between the coalition partners on the issue.
    All of the chief ministers and senior members of the federal cabinet reportedly attend the council’s crucial meeting.

    According to reports, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has informed the federal government that all formalities have been fulfilled and census results are ready for CCI approval.

    Elections would likely be postponed by a few months if the CCI adopts the census findings since the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would need more time to redo the delimitation exercise.

    According to the legislation, the ECP is required to organise elections based on new data if a new census is announced.
    It is important to note that the National Assembly will be prematurely dissolved on August 9 — three days before its term ends — by the ruling coalition, giving the electoral body 90 days to hold elections.

  • ‘I don’t own a single pair of designer clothing’: Sara Ali Khan’s attempt to dispel nepotism comments spark backlash

    ‘I don’t own a single pair of designer clothing’: Sara Ali Khan’s attempt to dispel nepotism comments spark backlash

    Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan was the latest celebrity to feature on the cover of Vogue India. A comment from the interview went viral where the ‘Zarra Hat Ke Zarra Bach Ke’ actress spoke about wanting to come across as more relatable amidst the criticism that she is a nepo-baby. The actress is the daughter of Saif Ali Khan, as well the granddaughter of Sharmila Tagore, and comes from the family of the last ruling Nawab of Pataudi.

    “I wear my honesty with more pride than any designer clothes. In fact, I don’t have a single pair of designer clothing in my wardrobe. I know people initially judged me for it but I’m happy that they can now not only appreciate but also identify with me because of these very reasons.”

    Many readers were confused by the statement because how does it prove you’re “relatable” and a normal person because you don’t own designer clothes, when everyone knows your royal lineage, especially the fact that you come from a generation of stars? The statement received backlash on social media, with many calling the actress ‘tone-deaf’ and ’embarrassing’ for trying to prove that she was not a nepo-baby.

    Can Bollywood stars seriously just admit they come from privilege? Stop embarrassing yourselves

  • Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore.

    Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been arrested from his Zaman Park residence in Lahore.

    Police reached the residence of Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after he was sentenced to three years in prison in the Toshakhana case earlier in the day.

    Multiple media reports suggest that Khan will be shifted to Kot Lakh Pat jail in Lahore this afternoon.

    Judge Humayun Dilawar of a sessions court in Islamabad has found former Prime Minister Imran Khan guilty in the Toshakhana case.

    Khan has been disqualified for five years and given a prison sentence for three years.

    He has also been fined Rs100,000. The judgement has also said that if the fine is not paid, the imprisonment can be increased by six months.

    Khan’s lawyer Khwaja Haris was present in the court when the verdict was given out. Earlier, the Supreme Court (SC) rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s petition to pause trial court proceedings in the Toshakhana case.

    The former prime minister went to the apex court when he didn’t get relief from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the Toshakhana case.

    Last year, on October 21, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified Imran Khan in the Toshakhana case for making “false statements and incorrect declarations.”

  • Pakistan International Airlines faces potential Rs259 billion loss by 2030

    Pakistan International Airlines faces potential Rs259 billion loss by 2030

    Pakistan’s Aviation Minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, delivered a grave warning on Friday about the precarious financial state of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He highlighted that without swift corrective action, the airline could incur staggering losses of up to Rs259 billion by 2030. To salvage the national carrier from its mounting debts, Minister Rafique urgently called for essential measures, including the transfer of administrative control to the private sector.

    Minister Rafique’s concerns were voiced during his address on the Senate floor, where he presented “The Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” He stressed the critical need for foreign direct investment (FDI) and the involvement of private entities to ensure the long-term sustainability of PIA, which currently grapples with an overwhelming debt burden of Rs742 billion.

    However, the proposal faced strong opposition from several senators during the proceedings. As a result, the Senate chairman referred the matter to the relevant standing committee for further evaluation, acknowledging the significance of FDI and private sector participation in transforming PIA into a profitable entity.

    The deliberations also witnessed PTI lawmakers raising concerns about the quorum, prompting a fifteen-minute bell ringing to meet the attendance requirement. Once the quorum was restored, House proceedings resumed to discuss the fate of PIA.

    The key provision of the bill proposes an amendment to Section 3, which specifies that the company’s shareholders would retain the same number of fully paid shares while preserving their existing rights and privileges. Additionally, the federal government could, through an official gazette notification, issue fresh shares or cancel existing ones as needed during the validity period.

    The destiny of Pakistan International Airlines now lies in the hands of the standing committee, tasked with thoroughly scrutinising the bill and its proposed amendments. The committee’s decision will significantly impact the future of the struggling airline and determine whether privatisation and foreign investment can pave the way for PIA’s financial recovery.

  • Atlas Honda increases motorcycle prices: CD-70 price hiked to Rs158,000

    Atlas Honda increases motorcycle prices: CD-70 price hiked to Rs158,000

    Atlas Honda, the leading motorcycle brand in Pakistan, has recently announced price adjustments for its bikes. The new prices are set to take effect today, August 5th.

    Here are the latest prices of Atlas Honda motorcycles in Pakistan:

    Motorcycle Model Previous Price (Rs) New Price (Rs) Previous Price (Rs)
    CD-70 154,900 157,900 3,000
    Dream 70 165,900 168,900 3,000
    Pridor 203,900 208,900 5,000
    CG-125 231,900 234,900 3,000
    CB-125F 387,900 390,900 3,000
    CB-150F 490,900 493,900 3,000

    The CD-70 model will see an increase of Rs3,000, bringing its new price to Rs157,900. Similarly, the Dream 70 model’s price has been raised by Rs3,000, now priced at Rs168,900.

    For the Pridor model, there has been a significant increase of Rs5,000, setting its new price at Rs208,900. As for the CG-125 model, it will now be priced at Rs234,900. Additionally, the CB-125F model’s price has been adjusted to Rs390,900, and the CB-150F model will now cost Rs493,900.

    These changes in prices reflect the current market conditions and various factors impacting the automobile industry. Customers should be aware of these adjustments while making their purchasing decisions after the specified date.