Netflix has announced that it has renewed the trending Emily in Paris for a second season. The announcement came via a fictional memo sent from Emily’s place of work, Savoir, by her dry boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu).
“Despite her overconfident manner and lack of prior experience in luxury goods marketing, she has nonetheless managed to charm some of our hard-to-impress clients during her short time at Savoir,” reads the note. “Call it Bonne chance, or American ingenuity —I’m leaning towards the former— her results are impressive.”
“We love having Emily in Paris! But please don’t let her know that.”
The series, despite its problematic and stereotypical portrayal of French people and culture, dominated the Netflix Top 10 list for weeks and continues to trend at number six on Netflix Pakistan.
Emily in Paris follows Emily (Lily Collins), a bright, vivacious and a tad bit annoying marketing executive from Chicago, who unexpectedly finds herself in Paris for a new job. She is tasked with revamping the company’s social media strategy. Emily’s life in Paris is filled with intoxicating adventures and surprising challenges as she juggles winning over her work colleagues, making friends and navigating new romances.
Season one of the series ended on a cliffhanger, as Emily finally got together with her dreamy neighbor Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) after he almost left town with his girlfriend.
Mumbai Indians on Tuesday defeated Delhi Capitals in the final of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 becoming the most successful IPL team in history. The defending champions lifted the trophy of IPL for the fifth time, following which the International Cricket Council (ICC) asked their followers if the team was “the greatest domestic T20 side ever.”
Soon after the post by ICC, a debate erupted in which some Twitter users pointed out that the council is forgetting Sialkot Stallions, the most successful Pakistani domestic team, which under Imran Nazir and Shoaib Malik’s captaincy has six National T20 Cup wins in Pakistan. This record is jointly held by Pakistan’s Sialkot Stallions and South Africa’s Titans.
Many teams have registered pretty long winning streaks in recent times but have fallen a long way behind the biggest winning streak ever recorded in Twenty20 cricket but Stallions hold the record as they won 25 consecutive matches in the T20 format which they played across six domestic competitions. The dream run came to a tragic end in October 2010 when Sialkot fell 14 runs short of a 198-run chase against Rawalpindi Rams.
Mumbai now needs only one more title to equal the aforementioned record. Though Mumbai has two Titles of Champions trophy, it does not fall under the domestic radar. Hence, it is premature to announce them the greatest domestic T20 side ever.
Meanwhile, check out some arguments on Twitter below:
Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz has claimed that cameras were installed in her jail cell and bathroom during detention in National Accountability Bureau (NAB) cases against her and other members of the Sharif family.
In an interview on Wednesday, Maryam said that she has been to jail twice and if she revealed the details about how she and other female inmates were treated during detention, “they” will find no place to hide their faces.
Maryam is currently leading PML-N’s election campaign for the November 15 Gilgit-Baltistan election.
“I don’t want to hide behind these incidents at all. I’m struggling today, so I don’t want to show that I was affected; I don’t want to cry today that I have been abused,” she said.
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The PML-N vice president added that if her door room could be broken, if she can be arrested in front of her father for speaking the truth, if cameras can be installed inside her jail cell and bathroom, and if she can be targeted personally, then no woman in Pakistan is safe.
“Be it in Pakistan or elsewhere, a woman cannot be weak,” she said.
MARYAM IN JAIL:
On July 6, 2018, Maryam was sentenced to seven years in jail by the NAB on corruption charges in the Avenfield reference case.
The court had held that trust deeds presented by Maryam before the apex court were fake and had been tampered with. As a result, she was disqualified from contesting elections for 10 years.
The next day, Maryam announced that she would return to Pakistan on July 13 to file an appeal against the decision. The same day, NAB announced to arrest her and Nawaz Sharif upon their arrival in Pakistan.
She, along with her father, was taken into custody on July 13 upon their arrival at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport and were airlifted to Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.
On July 26, she challenged her sentence in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and filed a petition for bail. The next day, the court rejected her request for release on bail and adjourned the hearing till the end of the 2018 general election on July 25.
While she was released following the suspension of the verdict against her father, husband and herself by the IHC, Maryam was once again arrested in August 2019 over Chaudhry Sugar Mills corruption charges; this time upon her arrival at the Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore to see Nawaz, who was serving his sentence in a separate corruption case.
In November 2019, Maryam was released on bail by the Lahore High Court (LHC).
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) spokesperson Firdous Ashiq Awan and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Azma Bukhari had engaged in a verbal spat during a talk show, as both sides accused each other of stealing people’s mandate in the general elections.
The show host tried to calm the duo down, but his attempts remained futile.
Responding to Bukhari’s allegations, Firdous — who was appointed as chief minister’s information aide last week — said Nawaz Sharif was in cahoots with the military establishment in past. She gave examples of IJI [Islami Jamhoori Ittehad] — an alliance funded by the powers-that-be against then PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto in the late ’80s.
The CM’s aide also referred to a Supreme Court judgement in the Asghar Khan case. She asked how did Nawaz Sharif become the prime minister for three times?
Responding to claims that Imran Khan was a ‘selected’ prime minister, Firdous said Nawaz had become the PM after going through the same process — getting 2/3 majority in parliament.
“Whose mandate did he steal to become the PM?” Firdous asked Azma Bukhari, saying they didn’t question the polling when their party had won the elections.
A thick blanket of smog has enveloped Lahore, prompting officials to warn that tens of thousands of the city’s residents risk respiratory disease and eye-related problems while doctors urged people to stay at home.
The air quality in Lahore deteriorated to hazardous levels, putting an additional burden on the fragile healthcare system amid a surge in coronavirus deaths and new infections. The Air Quality Index at one point rose to 750 in the city’s poorer areas — about 12 times the recommended level.
Earlier in the day, Switzerland-based air quality information platform IQair declared Lahore the second most polluted city, after New Delhi, India’s capital. Pollution indexes peak dramatically in Pakistan in winter, when farmers burn off stubble in the fields. Winds worsen the pollution by further spreading smog across the region.
“The air quality level was hazardous today,” said Sajid Bashir, a spokesman for Environmental Protection Department.
By mid-day the situation had improved, he said, as authorities took steps to keep smoke emitting vehicles off the roads and shut brick kilns across Punjab.
Lahore, once dubbed as the city of gardens, remained pollution-free for months after March, when the government imposed a lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. But the restriction was lifted in May, allowing a return to industrial activities and normal businesses. With cars back on the roads, the air quality gradually deteriorated, falling again to unhealthy levels.
Pollution is no stranger to Pakistan, a country of 220 million — or Lahore, with some 12 million people. Cars are the top pollutants in Lahore but the city also has other sources of pollution, including the stubble burning, steel manufacturing furnaces and the city’s famous brick kilns.
“Coughing, throat infection and irritation in the eyes are common,” said Anza Farid, an environmental expert, warning that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks as more people burn garbage in the cities and farmers burn off the stubble in their fields.
Dr Talha Ayub urged people to wear face masks for protection, both from pollution and the coronavirus. “People should try to stay at home if they can,” he appealed.
Pakistan on Thursday said it registered 34 new COVID-19 deaths and 1,808 new infections over the past 24 hours — despite a government-imposed partial lockdowns in 4,136 residential areas across the country. The government is turning to sealing off hotspots in a bid to contain rising fatalities and infections from coronavirus.
Authorities also banned large gathering, shut shrines, cinemas and theatres to contain the spread of the virus, which has infected more than 348,000 people in Pakistan and killed 7,021 since February.
Rejecting allegations of fraud, Meera Jee has threatened to hang herself publicly if there are proven to be true. The actor had recently been accused of fraud and earning money through illegal means by a family.
In a rather emotional and chaotic press conference, the actor rejected all allegations against her and said that she was being targeted.
“I will hang myself if I am found guilty of fraud and corruption. Some elements are targeting me and continuously doing propaganda. I challenge all those who are involved,” said a teary-eyed Meera.
Meera then said that if her actions create controversy, then let there be a controversy because she is not scared of anyone except God.
She went onto say that much like the character she has played on screen, she is a heroine in real life as well.
“I am a heroine in my real life,” stated the actor. “My whole life and career are based on struggle and hard work.”
“I’m the superstar of Pakistan, I’m the heroine of Pakistan. In films and in real life, I live in the character of a heroine.”
Meera added that she was “a good daughter, a good friend, a good sister, pure, virtuous, innocent and an extremely good human being”.
Meera also claimed that she had gone out of her way to help the family who has accused her of fraud.
“I offered my own home to a poor family during the corona pandemic. I allowed them to stay there for a period of three months and in return, they are making false accusations against me,” remarked Meera.
Presenting her account details and bank statements to those gathered, Meera said that her money trail proves that she has not been involved in any fraudulent activity.
“My bank account and credit history shows that no funds and money has been transferred in my account during this year. Every department can see my bank statement and how much money I earned. My bank account is empty and here, I also present my account numbers to any intelligence agency that want to verify my details as they wish,” she said.
Meera further said that she has been involved in multiple scandals in her life and this one like the rest does not bother her.
“Trust me, these are just allegations and there is no truth to them. I have villas in Dubai and are on my name and the relevant agencies are most welcome to investigate them,” said the actor.
Concluding her address, Meera asserted that she is an honest and honourable woman.
“Main paak daaman hoon aur mainay hamesha sach bola hai,” said the actor. “It is sad that people for whom I am a ‘real-life hero’ are now blaming me for wronging them.”
“Time will prove that these allegations are false,” she added.
As per reports, Meera at the end of the briefing, refused to provide a copy of her bank statement and left the press conference crying. She was reportedly in such a hurry that she left behind her father and domestic help at the press club and rode off with her driver.
It is pertinent to mention here that earlier this year, Meera had requested Rs 40 million from the Punjab Government under the Artist Support Fund, launched by the Punjab Information and Cultural Department, claiming that she is in financial trouble. However, the department denied her request, adding that they can only offer her Rs 5000-10,000.
Meera had claimed that she was suffering financially because her shows in USA and Canada had been cancelled due to the pandemic.
“I suffered a loss of around $100,000. I have to pay back a loan I took in Dubai. I am forced to apply for financial support,” the actor had said.
A fisherman in Egypt, who had accidentally swallowed a live fish, survives after a group of medical officers at Beni Suef Specialist Hospital in Egypt, manage to retrieve the fish from his windpipe.
According to the attending physician, the 40-year-old fisherman in Cairo was holding the fish in his mouth, while he tried to catch another one. Unexpectedly, the fish slipped into his throat, causing him to choke.
He was immediately taken to the hospital’s emergency department, where the medical team managed to extract the fish, blocking his throat, and succeeded in saving his life. The doctors were surprised to find the fish alive after removing it from the man’s windpipe.
Deputy of plastic surgery Doctor Michael Ibrahim, ensuredthat the patient was out of danger and was admitted to the intensive care for observation.
While this fisherman was lucky to be alive, there was another incident in 2019, where a 49-year-old fisherman in Philippine died after found in a similar position, with fish stuck in his throat. His wife reportedthat he also had a habit of putting the fish he catches in his mouth so that it won’t get away, while he tries to catch more fish.
Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik and Asad Shafiq have been dropped from the 35-member squad announced for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, stirring up a debate on social media. The tour is scheduled to take place in December.
According to a press release, the management wants to give a fair chance to youngsters like 20-year-old Shafique in the T20 format, which is why they decided to drop the three senior players. Babar Azam, who is now the captain across all formats, will lead both the T20I and Test sides in New Zealand.
Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq, explaining the decision said: “There are three major omissions from the side that toured England. Shafiq has been left out due to lack of form after he managed 510 runs in his last 15 innings, including a total of 67 runs in England.”
“Malik and Amir are not part of the white-ball matches as for this tour we have opted to invest, develop and focus on the promising and emerging players who are likely to be available to Pakistan for all formats,” he added.
Meanwhile on the other hand, the board has shown their confidence in other senior players like Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Hafeez.
When asked why he was left out of the team, Amir responded: “Misbah saab hi bata sakte hain, but good luck for team green.”
Later, when a journalist remarked that this was Amir’s ‘Mujhe Kyun Nikala‘ moment, Amir said: “Hahaha, good one.”
Later, responding to another tweet, Amir said that he has placed his trust with God and not with people.
The three-match T20 series between Pakistan and New Zealand will start on December 18 and end on December 22.
The ICC World Test Championship fixtures will be played in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch from December 26-30 and January 3-7, respectively.
Turkey is the place to be this holiday season. The fourth edition of the International Pakistan Prestige Awards (IPPA) are all to take place in Istanbul on December 26.
According to a press release, the awards ceremony will be held at Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Centre. The awards aim to present a soft image of Pakistan to the rest of the world by “promoting Pakistani cinema, television, fashion and music, especially at a time when economic activity is at an all-time low, and international events all cancelled or postponed”.
Announcing the event, Ali Malik, who is one of the two organisers of IPPA, said: “We have had to face many challenges this time thanks to the pandemic and have postponed and even changed destinations a few times but were determined that we could continue to keep Pakistan’s flag flying high, in spite of all odds. Therefore, keeping the COVID-19 SOPs in mind, we are organising the event for invitees only, and will execute it without risk to any of the participants and stakeholders.”
Similarly, Mukhtar Ahmed, who is the other organiser said, “We are continuing with IPPA this year although it means less revenue as we won’t be selling any tickets, but we felt it is our duty not to disappoint our fans and supporters, and to continue exposing our talent to the world.”
Speaking to a local media outlet, the organisers shared that they have designed a destination vacation format for this year’s edition.
“We will be selling tickets to people who want to fly out from Pakistan to Istanbul for a few days’ vacation,” said the organisers. “They will be paying for a package which will include airfare, stay in the same hotel as the stars, and attending the awards.”
One of the country’s biggest independent award functions, the first IPPA Awards first took place in 2017 in London. The second edition was also held in London, while the third was held in Oslo, Norway. The ceremony is always a star-studded affair with the likes of Humayun Saeed, Adnan Siddiqui, Hira Mani, Ayesha Omar, Maya Ali and Hania Aamir in attendance.
The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) has issued new restrictions to control the rapidly increasing second wave of COVID-19 across the country.
As per details, the NCOC has recommended limiting all public gatherings to 500 people, including cultural, political, religious, entertainment, and civil gatherings.
The body has proposed early and extending winter vacations to federal and provincial education departments, keeping in view the rising positivity rate in educational institutions.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mehmood will be presiding a special meeting with his provincial counterparts at the NCOC on November 16 to evaluate the positivity prevailing in educational institutions.
The forum has allowed only outdoor dining at the restaurants till 10 pm while cinemas and theatres will be closed instantly. Shrines will also be temporarily closed with immediate effect. Only outdoor weddings with maximum 500 people be will allowed from November 20.
The NCOC also wants early closing of markets.
“After consultative discussions, the recommendations would be shared with the provinces for consequent decision and enforcement,” said the NCOC in a statement. “The body has recommended urgent and emergency measures to the NCC for final approval after consensus by all stakeholders.”
The country has reported 348,184 coronavirus cases so far.
