Blog

  • Indian college bans hijab and Hindu saffron scarves over tension concerns

    Indian college bans hijab and Hindu saffron scarves over tension concerns

    A Karnataka state government college in India has banned the hijab and saffron scarves over rising tension fears.

    Last month, a section of the Hindu right-wing group appeared wearing saffron scarves and threatened their Muslim female class fellows not to wear the hijab during classes.

    The college principal said, “The officials were part of the meeting and it was decided that Hindu students will not sport saffron scarves and Muslim girl students will not wear hijabs but they can wear a shawl to cover their heads. If anyone violates the rule, they would be dismissed from the college.”

    Muslim students make a quarter of the total of 850 students enrolled in the degree college.

    The state secretary of Campus Front of India student group, Syed Sarfaraz Gangavathi appreciated the decision which took by the college authorities by saying, “The Constitution allows the wearing of hijab or saffron shawls but it should not be instigated by anyone or politically motivated.”

    According to the principal, the same issue rose up in 2018 as well when the authorities had barred Muslim female students from wearing hijab though for the past few days they started wearing the hijab again.

    In recent times, hatred has been fueling around in educational institutions over the religious freedom of the minorities under the current ruling government in India.

  • NCOC allows people over 18 to get booster shots starting tomorrow

    NCOC allows people over 18 to get booster shots starting tomorrow

    The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Friday has allowed booster shots for people over the age of 18 years as Covid-19 postivity rate increase around the country.

    “In Todays NCOC session, age limit for booster dose has been further reduced. From tomorrow onwards, citizens over 18 years will be eligible for free booster dose of their choice. Booster (one dose) will be administered after 6 months gap from complete vaccination,” NCOC said in a tweet.

    You can call on 1166 to get the details about the designated centers to get booster shots.

    As per NCOC, Pakistan recorded 3567 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours with seven people losing their lives to the deadly virus.

  • Positivity rate in Karachi reaches 28%, CM Sindh to impose lockdown on NCOC’s directives

    Positivity rate in Karachi reaches 28%, CM Sindh to impose lockdown on NCOC’s directives

    Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah stated on Friday that the decision to impose a lockdown and closure of educational institutions will be made in accordance with the recommendations of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). The Covid positivity rate in Karachi has reached to 28.80%.

    “The health department is monitoring the cases regularly. The fifth wave is rapidly spreading, not just in Karachi, but across the country,” he said while talking to media.

    “Whatever strategy we adopt, it will be in consultation with NCOC.” he added

    As per NCOC, Pakistan recorded 3567 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours with seven people losing their lives to the deadly virus.

  • LUMS expels student over alleged plagiarism, students demand inquiry

    LUMS expels student over alleged plagiarism, students demand inquiry

    Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has expelled a student in his final year allegedly on the basis of plagiarism and cheating.

    Students strongly protested the expulsion, demanding a fair inquiry from the administration of the university. The hashtag ‘#InvestigateLUMS’ is trending all over social media to open a fair investigation.

    Students claimed that the decision of expulsion was made because he was providing free tuition to other students.

    Another user strongly criticised the disciplinary action against the student from the university by saying, “It’s usually the students coming from non-elite/financial aid backgrounds who are on the receiving end of insanely disproportionate punishments. The consequences have been fatal in the past.“

    The Current confirmed with sources that the student was expelled on the basis of cheating and plagiarism which are serious offence under the University regulations while refuting the free tuition claims.

    In reaction, students questioned the justification of the extreme punishment and legitimacy of the findings. Many students demanded that the decision be reversed by the university’s administration.

  • Furious Kohli, unhappy Indian team hitting out at review system, broadcasters in South Africa Test

    Furious Kohli, unhappy Indian team hitting out at review system, broadcasters in South Africa Test

    A number of Indian players, Captain Virat Kohli among them, made public their displeasure and anger about the South Africa broadcaster, SuperSport, with respect to the use of technology after Dean Elgar was given not out on review on the third day of the final Test in Cape Town.

    It was in the 21st over of the final innings of the match, with South Africa on 60 for one chasing 212 to win the series, when R Ashwin hit Elgar on the pads. South Africa’s captain was given out lbw by Marais Erasmus, the on-field umpire, but the decision was overturned on review with ball-tracking showing the ball going over the stumps.

    The ball-tracking technology is authorised by HawkEye, an independent body, which relays the data to the host broadcaster, in this case SuperSport.

    A visibly irritated Kohli walked up to the stumps, and spoke into the mic, saying: “Focus on your team while they shine the ball. Not just the opposition. Trying to catch people all the time.”

    Kohli wasn’t alone. Vice-captain KL Rahul was heard saying: “It’s the whole country against 11 guys.” While Ashwin seemed to be taunting the broadcasters directly, saying: “You should find better ways to win, SuperSport.”

    The Indian players were not the only ones who didn’t agree with the decision. Erasmus could be seen shaking his head as the pictures played out on the screen at the venue, and was heard saying, “That’s impossible”.

    After the day’s play, when Lungi Ngidi was asked if he trusted DRS to do its job as expected, he said, simply, “Yes”. When asked why, he elaborated: “We’ve seen it on numerous occasions being used all around the world. It’s the system in place. That’s what we use as cricketers.”

    But the Indians were not on the same page.

    Paras Mhambrey, the bowling coach of India, said in his press conference: “We saw it, you saw it. I’ll leave that for the match referee to have a look at it. There’s nothing I can comment on it now. We’ve seen it all, just want to move on with the game now.”

    Elgar was eventually dismissed on the stroke of stumps, and DRS was in the picture again. This time, it was after India reviewed a not-out decision from the other umpire, Adrian Holstock, for a catch to the wicketkeeper off Jasprit Bumrah. It was a full delivery going down leg, and Elgar looked to flick but only managed to nick it, and Rishabh Pant took a diving catch to his right.

    India reviewed, and Kohli was heard saying, “Wonder how they’re going to show that.” As it transpired, UltraEdge showed a spike as ball passed bat and Elgar was given out.

  • Atif Aslam, Aima Baig to sing PSL Seven’s anthem

    Atif Aslam, Aima Baig to sing PSL Seven’s anthem

    Famed pop-singers Atif Aslam and Aima Baig will be singing this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthem which has been produced and composed by budding artist Abdullah Siddiqui. The anthem will be released during an event next week.

     It is pertinent to mention that it will be the first time that Atif will be singing the PSL’s main song, while Aima already featured in last year’s “Groove Mera”.

    As per Abdullah, “the song’s premise is encouraging and motivational, with words and music intended at elevating the spirits of fans.”

    Atif is one of the most popular Pakistani singers, who has recorded numerous chart-topping songs for local as well as the international film industry. In 2008, the singer was awarded the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz from the Government of Pakistan, while also receiving over 50 different awards from within and outside Pakistan.

    Meanwhile, Baig is one of the most popular female singers in the country and she has a number of hits released over the years. Baig has won several awards both locally and Internationally.

    Speaking about the event, Abdullah said: “Getting to produce this anthem is a dream for any musician, and I’m very honoured and thankful to the PCB for the opportunity this year.”

    “Both Atif Aslam and Aima Baig are undeniably the best and working with them has been a privilege. I’m very excited for fans to hear what we have come up with,” he added. 

    The producer further said: “We have tried to produce a song that captures the spirit of the game in a meaningful way, while still being very fun and catchy.”

  • Maryam hits at PM Khan after clash with Pervez Khattak, says this is just the beginning

    Maryam hits at PM Khan after clash with Pervez Khattak, says this is just the beginning

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz took a jibe at Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday after reports about his bitter clash with Defence Minister Pervez Khattak surfaced on the media. 

    Taking to Twitter, the PML-N leader called PM Khan a “liar, conspiratorial and cruel person.”

    Maryam said that the treatment of some Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf members towards the premier was a clear reversal of fortunes. 

    She further criticised the PM and said that “getting your hands dirty for a few days of premiership is an utter loss”.

    Referring to the events that unfolded during the PTI’s parliamentary meeting earlier today, the PML-N vice-president wrote that “this is just the beginning” for the [prime minister].

    Earlier, Maryam while speaking to journalists after inquiring after party leader Bilal Yasin at his residence said that seeing the “misery of the people” at the hands of the ruling PTI had changed her mind and now she wanted the government to be sent home immediately.

    Later in the day, PM Khan and Khattak had an exchange of bitter words during a parliamentary party meeting chaired by the premier himself.

    It was reported that Pervez Khattak said in the meeting that, “we have made you the prime minister.”

    “Gas is banned in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we generate gas and electricity and we are the ones who are suffering,” said Khattak, adding, “We will not be able to get votes if this is your attitude.”

    After hearing Khattak, PM Khan got up to leave and said that if you are not satisfied with me then he will give the government to someone else.

    Later while talking to journalists Khattak said, “No one spoke harshly, I spoke for my right.”

    When asked why Khattak got up and walked out of the meeting, he said that he was not angry with anyone during the meeting but went out to smoke.

  • Aima Baig under fire for being alleged defaulter of PKR 85 million, FBR issues notice

    Singer Aima Baig has been issued a notice by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for non-payment of worth Rs 85 million. According to the FBR, the Balma Baghora singer has not paid income tax for 2018, 2019 and 2020. If fails to pay her income tax, the cars she listed on her tax forms will be seized. A notice has been sent to her in this regard.

    On the work front, The singer will feature in Pakistan Super Leagues’s Anthem along with Atif Aslam. The music will be produced by Abdullah Siddiqui.

    Aima is not the only singer to come on FBR’s radar, last year in March (FBR) issued a notice to singer Atif Aslam for non-payment of advance tax worth 0.60 million.

  • World Bank surprised by Pakistan’s growth

    World Bank surprised by Pakistan’s growth

    The World Bank has released its Global Economic Prospects report 2022. In the report The World Bank analysed the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on economies around the world. The World Bank said it was surprised by Pakistan’s growth in the year 2021, citing record-high remittances and an accommodative monetary policy as the main reasons.

    “Growth in Pakistan surprised on the upside last year supported by improving domestic demand, record-high remittance inflows, a narrow targeting of lockdowns, and accommodative monetary policy — real interest rates dropped precipitously during 2020 and remained negative throughout most of 2021,” the report read.

    According to the report, Pakistan’s economy will grow by 3.4 per cent this fiscal year and by 4 per cent in 2022-23, owing to structural reforms that will improve export competitiveness and the financial viability of the power sector.

    However, the report stated that global economic growth will slow down to 4.1 per cent in 2022 from an estimated 5.5 per cent in 2021. The report also added a warning that “Omicron-related economic disruptions could substantially reduce growth” to as low as 3.4 per cent.

  • ‘All looking really positive’ for Pak tour, says Australian Captain Pat Cummins

    ‘All looking really positive’ for Pak tour, says Australian Captain Pat Cummins

    Australian Test Captain Pat Cummins believes that the vast majority of Australia’s Test squad will travel to Pakistan but the skipper fully understands if any team-mates opt out of the tour.

    Cricket Australia is yet to announce players for a final decision regarding the three-format series in Pakistan, which is slated to begin on March 3 with a Test in Karachi.

    But selectors have started to thrash out plans for a busy couple of months, when Australia’s white-ball series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be quickly followed by the Pakistan tour then the Indian Premier League (IPL).

    Players and staff have been given a preliminary briefing about security measures in Pakistan before Australia’s first tour of the nation since 1998.

    “Still a bit to work through… but at this stage it’s all looking really positive,” Cummins said, adding, “the amount of work the PCB has put into it is fantastic.”

    “It’s shaping up as, I think just about everyone – if not all – will go. If some players need to make a choice, it’s absolutely fine that they won’t be there. Still got a bit of water to go under the bridge, a bit more info to gather and get around to everyone.”

    In February, Australia’s best players will likely be split into a white-ball squad at home and a Test touring party in Pakistan. Cummins is concerned about bubble fatigue, knowing freedoms for players will likely continue to be restricted because of Covid-19.

    “We’re two years in, so we’ve learned a lot,” he said. “But it also means probably some players are further along their tether. It’s unprecedented times, we just have to make sure we look after each other. Conversations are happening. The selectors have been great along with the coaching staff.”

    This series will be the first time Cummins will be leading the Test side since losing to India a year ago, while it is the first five-Test series during the Covid-19 era for the Australia.

    Cummins said he doubted whether the rivals would get through five Tests, especially after Travis Head contracted coronavirus.

    “And just about everyone I know in Sydney has Covid,” Cummins said. “We’ve been tested just about every day for the last 20 days. It’s just been fantastic that we’ve got through the series.”

    Earlier, Australian Cricketers Association (ACA) Chief Todd Greenberg had said that he assured the Australian players that “we’re in this together,” and if the players will tour Pakistan, he will go with them.