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  • Here are three reasons why K-drama ‘King The Land’ should be on your watchlist

    Here are three reasons why K-drama ‘King The Land’ should be on your watchlist

    After the release of ‘Crash Course in Romance’, there has been a slump in engrossing Korean dramas, especially rom coms that could keep you captivated from beginning to end. More thrillers and action pack series have been announced including ‘Bloodhounds’, ‘Squid Games Season 2’ and even ‘Alice in Borderland’ but the magic of Korean rom-coms is unlike any other. The way women are the ones leading the narrative, bringing forward complexities they face, and men do not belittle women, but empower and respect them.

    With the arrival of Netflix’s ‘King The Land’, it seems like the K-romance is back. Set in the backdrop of an elite hotel, the story revolves around a hard working concierge who clashes with the grumpy chaebol whose family runs the hotel. It seems like this is the perfect serial every K-drama lover should watch.

    1. Grumpy x sunshine trope

    If fans were missing the magic of dramas like ‘A Business Proposal’ and ‘Crash Course In Romance’ which featured the much beloved grumpy x sunshine trope, where one half of the couple was a grouch, while the other one was the complete opposite by being the cheerful one, then they should certainly keep a lookout for this drama. Gu Won is the son from a chaebol family who is known to be a strict, business-only man. On his arrival back to Korea, he gets involved with his sister in a conflict over who should have control of the hotel, and has to encounter the memories of his mother. When he meets the cheerful and hard working Cheon Sa-Rang, who begins working as a lobby maid for the hotel, the two originally clash because Gu Won loathes fake smiles, and while Sa-Rang is critical of his lackluster attitude towards his family business, over time he begins falling for her even more.

    1. Office romances FTW

    What’s the secret to making a standout K-drama that will decades later be remembered as an iconic pop-culture moment? By making it into an office romance. Looking back at some of the best K-dramas like ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?’, ‘Her Private Life’ and even the critically acclaimed ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’, Korean creators know that the perfect formula that will keep creators hooked is setting up a workplace romance, and adding a mixture of enemies to lovers, it is chef’s kiss.

    1. The female gaze is here to stay

    Korean rom-coms have surged in popularity with their detailed attention the female gaze plays. Along side Sa-Rang’s experience of navigating life as a lowly hotel maid, are the experiences of her friends who work as shop manager and an air hostess, and how they tackle discrimination, discriminating bosses and long hours, but most importantly, how they stick with each other through thick and thin.

  • Amended Finance Bill 2023: How much tax will you pay on your income?

    Amended Finance Bill 2023: How much tax will you pay on your income?

    The National Assembly has passed an amended Finance Bill 2023, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing financial saga. With the revised bill meeting the rigorous conditions set forth by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), hopes are high that this last-ditch effort will unlock a vital infusion of bailout funds.

    The IMF had previously voiced its disappointment with the country’s initial budget, deeming it a missed opportunity to implement a more progressive and comprehensive tax framework.

    However, determined to rectify this setback, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar introduced a series of new taxes and expenditure cuts, which were instrumental in garnering the Assembly’s approval.

    Undoubtedly, the standout feature of this momentous bill is the introduction of fresh taxation measures projected to generate an impressive Rs215 billion in revenue.

    In a bold move towards fairness and equity, the Finance Bill also sanctions an increase in tax rates for higher income brackets within both the salaried and non-salaried classes.

    Outlined below are the revised income tax slabs for the year 2023, reflecting a more balanced approach to income taxation:

    Taxable income range Tax rate
    Not exceeding Rs600,000 0% (Tax-free)
    Rs600,001 – Rs1,200,000 2.5% of the amount exceeding Rs600,000
    Rs1,200,001 – Rs2,400,000 Rs15,000 + 12.5% of the amount exceeding Rs1,200,000
    Rs2,400,001 – Rs3,600,000 Rs165,000 + 22.5% of the amount exceeding Rs2,400,000
    Rs3,600,001 – Rs6,000,000 Rs435,000 + 27.5% of the amount exceeding Rs3,600,000
    Exceeding Rs6,000,000 Rs1,095,000 + 35% of the amount exceeding Rs6,000,000

    1. Tax-free threshold:

    Individuals with a taxable income not exceeding Rs600,000 are exempt from income tax obligations.

    2. Progressive tax rates:

    For those with taxable incomes exceeding Rs600,000 but not surpassing Rs1,200,000, a tax rate of 2.5 per cent will be levied on the amount exceeding Rs600,000.

    3. Unchanged tax rate for salaried individuals:

    Salaried individuals with taxable incomes ranging from above Rs1,200,000 to Rs2,400,000 will continue to face a tax rate of Rs15,000 plus 12.5 per cent of the amount exceeding Rs1,200,000.

    4. Moderate income brackets:

    Taxpayers with taxable incomes exceeding Rs2,400,000 but not surpassing Rs3,600,000 will experience a tax rate of Rs165,000 plus 22.5 per cent of the amount exceeding Rs2,400,000.

    5. Higher income brackets:

    Individuals falling within the income range of Rs3,600,000 to Rs6,000,000 will face a tax rate of Rs435,000 plus 27.5 per cent of the amount exceeding Rs3,600,000.

    6. Top earners:

    Those with taxable incomes exceeding Rs6,000,000 will be subject to a tax rate of Rs1,095,000 plus 35 per cent of the amount exceeding Rs6,000,000.

    With this bold and progressive tax structure, the Finance Bill 2023 promises to forge a more equitable financial landscape.

    As the nation eagerly awaits the release of the much-needed bailout funds, this resolute step taken by the National Assembly stands as a testament to the government’s determination to safeguard the country’s economic well-being and chart a path towards sustainable growth.

  • ‘Tax rate Australia walay aur facilities Afghanistan wali’, Twitter is angry over income tax increase

    ‘Tax rate Australia walay aur facilities Afghanistan wali’, Twitter is angry over income tax increase

    On Friday, Minister of Finance Ishaq Dar announced fiscal adjustments for the upcoming fiscal year (FY24), part of which is a notable 2.5% additional income tax individuals within the salaried class who earn a monthly income exceeding Rs200,000.

    The present government is being criticised for adjustments that will increase the tax burden specifically on the salaried class.

    The decision to impose additional income tax on the salaried class, while leaving powerful sectors like real estate and agriculture relatively untouched, has left many Pakistanis angry. Many are using memes to express their frustration.

    Have a look at the twitter reactions:

  • Arrest Shahbaz Gill whenever he lands in Pakistan, orders court

    A District and Sessions Court of Islamabad has ordered the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill whenever he comes to Pakistan.

    The court on Monday started the process of declaring Pakistan Shahbaz Gill leader as proclaimed offender (PO) in an alleged sedition case.

    “Shahbaz Gill should be arrested and brought to court at any airport where he is seen in Pakistan”, Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra ordered.

    As per courts order, advertisements of the same are to be prominently displayed outside Shahbaz Gill’s residences in both Islamabad and Faisalabad.

    The FIA also submitted an implementation report on the non-bailable warrant against Shahbaz Gill to the court.

    Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Asif Awan informed the court that an attempt was made to arrest Shahbaz Gill in accordance with the warrant, but he left for the United States (US) intentionally to avoid the arrest.

    The court also ordered the Deputy Commissioners of Islamabad and Faisalabad to submit a report on Shahbaz Gill’s properties within 30 days.

  • Google plans to generate more revenue with online games on YouTube

    Google plans to generate more revenue with online games on YouTube

    Google is exploring the possibility of earning revenue through online games on YouTube, as per a recent Wall Street Journal report.

    YouTube, a well-known platform for hosting videos, has apparently invited its employees to test a new feature called Playables. This feature allows users to play games directly on YouTube itself. Notably, this feature can be accessed on different devices such as mobile phones and desktop computers, as mentioned in an internal email obtained by the Journal.

    Users will have the convenience of playing these games either through a web browser on the YouTube website or via the YouTube app on both Android and iOS devices. Although the report suggests that several games are currently available for testing, it specifically highlights one called Stack Bounce. This arcade game, supported by ads, challenges players to demolish layers of bricks with a bouncing ball.

    While YouTube already generates revenue through gaming livestreams, this new product will provide an additional avenue to capitalise on the gaming industry, particularly as advertising spending experiences a downturn.

    It is worth noting that this venture differs from Google’s unsuccessful Stadia games streaming service, which was eventually discontinued. With YouTube’s existing vast and dedicated user base, attracting attention to this new feature should not pose a challenge.

    Playables bears some resemblance to Netflix’s gaming offering, where paying subscribers gain access to casual mobile games. In a similar vein, Netflix is reportedly exploring the expansion of its gaming initiative beyond mobile devices by testing TV games that employ smartphones as controllers, demonstrating ambitious plans for the future.

  • SC bench hearing petitions against military courts dissolved again

    SC bench hearing petitions against military courts dissolved again

    A seven-member bench of the Supreme Court, hearing a set of pleas against military trials for perpetrators of the May 9 riots, has dissolved once again on Monday. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, one of the judges on the bench, refused to be part of the bench after the government raised objections.
    The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP), Mansoor Usman Awan, came to the rostrum at today’s hearing and imparted the government’s objections on including Justice Mansoor in the bench as one of the petitioners is related to him.
    “One of the petitioners is Justice Shah’s relative. Therefore, it may affect his conduct,” AGP Awan said.
    However, Chief Justice of Pakistan CJP Umar Atta Bandial said, “The bench will not be made according to your whims.” The CJP expressed anger by saying that the “government should not mock the judiciary.”

    Nonetheless, Justice Shah recused himself from the bench.

    Petitions against military trials have been filed by former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Jawwad S. Khawaja, Aitzaz Ahsan, Karamat Ali, and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    At the first hearing of the case, Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Sardar Tariq Masood left the bench after Justice Isa said he did not consider the SC bench “a proper court.”

  • 12 dead in heavy downpours and lightening strikes across country

    12 dead in heavy downpours and lightening strikes across country

    On Sunday night, many regions in Pakistan were hit by extreme weather, resulting in lightning strikes and torrential rain that claimed the lives of 12 people and injured 15 others.

    Lightning struck at Punjab’s Narowal, Pasrur, Sheikhupura and Sialkot districts, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including children, and injuring seven more.

    In Lahore, a powerful rainstorm also caused damage to 150 power feeders. Heavy rains caused numerous issues for residents, including power outages and flooded roads.

    Due to the heavy rainfall, the roof of a home collapsed in Takhta Band village in Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the death of a woman and injuries to six others.

    Heavy rains were also experienced in Shabqadar, Swat, Charsadda, Mansehra, Lower Dir, Swabi, and North Waziristan.

    The Met Office has predicted that moist currents are entering the upper and central parts of the country from the Arabian Sea, and a westerly wave entered the upper regions of the country on June 25. Consequently, severe weather conditions are likely to persist.

    In Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Kurram, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Mianwali, Sargodha, Hafizabad, and MB Din, rain/wind-thundershower with isolated heavy falls is also expected from 26th to 29th June. In addition, Barkhan, Loralai, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Zhob, Ziarat, Musakhel, D I Khan, Karak, Waziristan, D G Khan, Rajanpur, Multan, Bhakkar, Layyah, Kot Addu, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sahiwal, Pakpattan, Okara, may experience heavy rainfalls during the same period, while Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Larkana may see them on 27th and 28th June.

    The PMD also warned that current heatwave conditions are likely to subside during the projected period.

    On June 26 and 27, heavy rains could lead to urban floods in low-lying districts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore. They may also trigger landslides in regions prone to such occurrences, like Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    Intense rain may result in flash flooding in the hill torrents of D G Khan and neighboring regions of northeast Balochistan.

    During the projected period, “all concerned authorities are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions,” added the PMD.

  • The Weight of a Life

    The Weight of a Life

    In the last week alone, the world has been witness to two immense tragedies that played out at sea. Tragic as both events were, the public seems to be divided on which party to extend their empathy and/or sympathy toward: the 300+ Pakistani migrants that drowned after a trawler capsized off the south coast of Greece, or the Pakistani billionaire and his 19 year old son that died in an implosion thousands of metres below the surface of the North Atlantic Ocean?

    One only need to peruse through the comments under The Current’s reporting on the tragedies to understand what the two sides believe in. On the one hand, individuals are calling out the difference in response to both calamities and suggesting that Shahzada Dawood, Vice-Chairman of Engro Corporation, made a choice to die when he paid $500,000 for him and his son to travel to see the Titanic’s wreckage. Yet, this side maintains, the migrants aboard the trawler had ‘no choice’ but to embark on such a perilous journey to better fortune. 

    On the other hand, people are shocked by the Pakistani public’s ability to extend and withdraw empathy on the basis of an individual’s wealth – or lack thereof. The Dawoods were renowned philanthropists in the country, donating millions of their wealth to education and healthcare (notwithstanding the argument that, admittedly, it’s probably because they had those millions to spare). Should empathy not be extended to the wealthy that donated vast amounts to projects providing higher-education opportunities to Pakistanis? Should empathy only be extended if the wealthy are charitable?

    What is perhaps most interesting – and also practically self-evident – is the anger drawn from the media coverage of both tragedies. The OceanGate submersible was dominating global headlines the second it was announced ‘missing’, up until the moment they realised there was no hope. Meanwhile, the Greek migrant boat tragedy only saw a couple days of reporting – even though there is currently an ongoing investigation concerning the complicity or negligence of both Greek authorities and border authority Frontex on the discrepancies found in communication. 

    While there is more than plenty to criticise in regards to the stark difference with which both calamities were responded to, it is hugely counterintuitive to compare the loss of lives. It is indeed likely that the migrants were condemned to their deaths by the authorities. In transcripts published by AlarmPhone, and analyses of vessels in the area around the time the trawler sent out an alarm signal, discrepancies in official statements made by the European authorities are enough to merit investigations. Moreover, accusations have abounded regarding the Greek coast guard’s role in the eventual capsize. Pakistani survivors of the wreck reported that the boat only capsized after the Greek coast guard started towing it. 

    Of course, anger is bound to arise when one compares that scenario to a full-blown military-scale search for the five individuals onboard the missing submersible. However, the people offering no sympathy to Shahzada and his young son Suleman,  simply because they paid a lot of money to be in that position, are largely misplacing their anger. The tragic plight of migrants and refugees is not new to us: they were not simply left to their deaths only because they are poor as compared to the Dawoods. 

    Anti-immigrant sentiment is on the rise in Europe. Far-right parties with anti-immigrant policies have risen in popularity and have become quite verbose on how unwelcome immigrants are. Within such a growing sentiment – while it by no means justifies the tragedy – one simply cannot expect the same level of frantic search. It isn’t because those lives were not worth the search: it’s because those lives, in the clinical eyes of the Europeans, simply meant a burden on their existing economy and resources. 

    So yes, we should be angry. We should be absolutely livid at such blatant disregard for life. But to redirect that anger to two completely innocent Pakistanis who also encountered a tragic fate, simply because they’re rich, is quite unfounded. It could have made sense if the two incidents were correlated beyond just their occurrence in the sea – say, if the authorities meant to search for the migrants were redirected to the submersible. 

    At the end of the day, the families of the migrants have seen their entire world shatter, much like the Dawood family. To weigh the worth of lives on such a material basis such as wealth is counterintuitive to the anger felt by the loss of them. And to compare such tragedies distracts us from the larger, more pertinent structural issues that led to the worst migrant boat disaster in recent history. 

  • Govt increases excise duty on registration of cars over 2000cc

    Govt increases excise duty on registration of cars over 2000cc

    The federal government has implemented a considerable increase in excise duty on vehicle registration for vehicles with engine capacities exceeding 2000cc in the Finance Bill for the fiscal year 2023-2024.

    Under the new regulations, a fixed tax rate of six per cent has been imposed on vehicles ranging from 2001cc to 2500cc. Individuals who file their taxes will be subject to a tax payment of Rs0.25 million for vehicles falling within this range.

    For vehicles with engine capacities between 2501cc and 3000cc, the government has introduced an eight per cent fixed tax rate. Previously, filers were required to pay Rs0.2 million, while non-filers were subjected to a higher tax amount of Rs 0.4 million. Furthermore, a substantial ten per cent fixed tax has been imposed on the registration of vehicles with a capacity of 3000cc.

    The National Assembly has already approved the Finance Bill for the upcoming fiscal year, incorporating vital budgetary proposals. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented the bill to the House, outlining a total outlay of Rs14,480 billion.

    The passage of the federal budget in the House was a crucial step taken to address the concerns of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and secure the revival of a suspended loan program. In light of these developments, revisions were made to the tax collection target, raising it from Rs9,200 billion to Rs9,415 billion.

    To accommodate increased pension payments, an allocation of Rs801 billion has been designated, reflecting a significant rise from the previously allocated amount of Rs761 billion. These measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing pressing fiscal matters and ensuring financial stability.

  • Fact-Check: Did Modi say ‘Pakistan will die its own death’, during his recent visit to the US?

    Fact-Check: Did Modi say ‘Pakistan will die its own death’, during his recent visit to the US?

    Claim:

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan has said in a video statement shared from the official Twitter account of the party, that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed, “Pakistan will die its own death.”

    While quoting Modi, Imran said, “Don’t talk about Pakistan, your partner now is America. Pakistan is burdened with its own problems.” Imran further said that the arrogant statement was made during Modi’s visit to the United States.

    “It seems that by signing defense and technology agreements with America, they have become so proud that they consider themselves America’s partners,” added Imran.

    Fact:

    However, the Modi statement which Imran was referring to, was actually said in 2019, during Imran Khan’s time as prime minister. The statement was not made during Modi’s recent visit to the US, but at the “Main bhi Chowkidar” event that took place in New Delhi, India.

    Verdict: The claim is false.