Pakistan is about to send a satellite mission to the moon with help from China.
Talking to Geo News, Dr. Khurram Khurshid, a member of the Core Committee of the Institute of Space Technology, said that Pakistan’s first satellite mission will be sent to the moon on May 3 at 12:50 pm from China’s Hainan Space Launch Site. The launch of satellite ICUBE-Q will be telecast live on the website.
Institute of Space Technology (IST) has said that satellite ICUBE-Q has been designed and developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO.
ICUBE-Q orbiter carries two optical cameras to image the lunar surface. Following successful qualification and testing, ICUBE-Q has now been integrated with the Chang’e6 mission. Chang’e6 is the sixth in a series of China’s lunar exploration missions.
The launch activity will be telecast live on the IST website and social media platforms, informs The Express Tribune.
Chang’6 will touch down on the moon’s far side to collect samples from the surface and return to Earth for research. The mission holds significance for Pakistan as it will also take a Pakistan CubeSat Satellite iCube-Q, developed by IST.
CubeSats are miniature satellites typically characterised by their small size and standardised design. They are constructed in a cubic shape, consisting of modular components that adhere to specific size constraints.
The primary purpose of cubesats is to facilitate scientific research, technology development, and educational initiatives in space exploration.
These satellites are utilised for a wide range of missions, including Earth observations, remote sensing, atmospheric research, communications, astronomy, and technology demonstration.
Due to their compact size and relatively low cost compared to traditional satellites, CubeSats offer opportunities for universities, research institutions, and commercial entities to participate in space missions and gather valuable data for scientific advancement.
Former Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi is angry over the misbehavior of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) staff during a raid on the PCB.
“FIA officials took PCB ticketing head Mehwish with them, Mehwish has done important work for PSL first and then as ticketing head for Pakistan cricket,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Total worth of 60 crore of tickets were sold in PSL, but Mehwish is accused of corruption of 80,000, such behavior with a PCB professional is regrettable.”
Yesterday, the FIA started an investigation into irregularities in the sale of tickets for various cricket series.
A woman working under Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer and two other employees were called to the FIA office for questioning. The checks issued for the sale of tickets are being scrutinized.
AstraZeneca has admitted in court that its vaccine can cause rare side effects, including blood clots and low platelet count.
The vaccine, which was developed with the University of Oxford, was sued over claims that it caused death and serious injury in dozens of cases.
The lawsuit was spearheaded by Jamie Scott, whose life took a tragic turn after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in April 2021. Scott suffered a permanent brain injury, prompting legal action against this pharmaceutical giant.
“We need an apology, fair compensation for our family and other families who have been affected. We have the truth on our side, and we are not going to give up” said Kate Scott, the wife of the victim.
In total, 51 cases have now been lodged in Britain and victims and relatives are seeking damages worth £100 million.
BOMBSHELL NEWS
AstraZeneca just ADMITTED IN COURT that their covid injection can cause a severe blood clot side effect.
This is absolutely huge news.
They are now being sued in a class action lawsuit from victims that have suffered after being lied to by the “experts” about… pic.twitter.com/4CcISuihLA
“It is admitted that the AZ vaccine can, in very rare cases, cause TTS (Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome). The causal mechanism is not known,” the company said in court documents, quotes Dawn.
While the company has contested the claims of Scott, the court submission marks the first time it has admitted that the vaccine can cause side-effects that are characterised by blood clots and a low blood platelet count in humans.
“Further, TTS can also occur in the absence of the AZ vaccine (or any vaccine). Causation in any individual case will be a matter for expert evidence,” the admission in court added.
The UK government has indemnified AstraZeneca against any legal action but has so far refused to intervene.
According to the Council for International Organisations of Medical Sciences, “very rare” side effects are those reported in less than 1 in 10,000 cases.
AstraZeneca vaccine was developed by the British-Swedish company in collaboration with Oxford University, and produced by the Serum Institute of India. It was widely administered in over 150 countries.
Some studies conducted during the pandemic found the vaccine was 60 to 80 per cent effective in protecting against the covid-19.
Gold prices in Pakistan continued their downward trend for the third consecutive session on Tuesday, mirroring the decline in international markets.
The price per tola of gold fell by Rs2,000 to settle at Rs241,900, according to data released by the All Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA).
In the local market, the cost of 10 grammes of gold decreased by Rs1,715, bringing the price to Rs207,390. This marks a notable reduction compared to the previous day’s loss of Rs500 per tola.
The drop in local gold prices corresponds with a fall in the international market.
According to the APGJSA, the global price of gold reached $2,316 per ounce, which includes a premium of $20, after a single-day decrease of $19.
Silver prices also saw a decline, with a reduction of Rs20, bringing the price down to Rs2,630 per tola.
Over the past three sessions, gold prices in Pakistan have fallen by Rs3,100 per tola, a significant correction from the record high of Rs252,200 per tola earlier this month.
This continued downward trend suggests a possible easing of demand or adjustments in the international gold market.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) made another important decision after making Ishaq Dar the deputy prime minister of the country.
Sources have told Samaa that PML-N leader and former federal minister Rana Sanaullah is likely to be given an important role. The government may appoint him as interior advisor, the sources claimed.
The senior leadership of PML-N wants to see Rana Sanaullah in the interior ministry, and this responsibility will be given to Rana Sanaullah after the approval of former prime minister and PML-N head Nawaz Sharif.
The inclusion of Rana Sanaullah in the federal cabinet may also lead to a shuffle in the ministries.
Earlier, two days ago, the prime minister of the country, Shehbaz Sharif, appointed Ishaq Dar as the deputy prime minister of Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar currently has two designations, as he is also the foreign minister of the country.
Renowned South Indian actor Kamal Haasan is happy that Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan’s desires to buy a plane. During a conversation with his daughter Shruti Haasan, Kamal was asked about unfulfilled wishes. He replied, “There are many, many wishes. I don’t intend to list all of them because if you list them, you will want to have this and that too.”
The star then turned his current dilemma. “Now I have wealth, I can buy a lot. I wonder to myself what do I want now? Do I need a plane?”
Kamal shared that during an interview, he heard Shah Rukh Khan express his interest in buying a plane. He remarked, “I’m happy for him that he has a wish list.”
“Personally, I think I shouldn’t have a wish list, where do I end it?” the actor asked. “Because if I had the desire to buy a plane, I wonder how much I would use it?”
Pakistan has received the final tranche of $1.1 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of its $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced on Tuesday.
The disbursement follows the IMF’s successful completion of its final review of Pakistan’s economic reform programme supported by the 9-month SBA.
The SBP said in its statement that the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) of 828 million, equivalent to approximately $1.1 billion, had been received on April 29, 2024, and would be reflected in the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves for the week ending May 3, 2024.
As of April 19, the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves stood at $7.981 billion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the latest disbursement, stating that it would contribute to greater economic stability in Pakistan.
He highlighted that the SBA was critical in preventing the country from defaulting on its external liabilities.
Pakistan’s government is now focused on securing a larger and longer Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to achieve sustained macroeconomic stability.
The prime minister has already signalled his intention to pursue another IMF programme to ensure the continuity of economic growth and fiscal discipline.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, the prime minister reiterated his government’s commitment to implementing structural reforms, maintaining strict fiscal discipline, and following prudent policies that would support macroeconomic stability and sustainable economic growth.
Pakistan is seeking additional support to maintain the economic gains made during the current SBA and to continue its positive economic growth trajectory.
Zara Noor Abbas is currently in Lahore, enjoying quality time with her family. Recently, she gave her brother Ahmed a stylish makeover using hair extensions. Ahmed Abbas Gill shared a delightful video showcasing his hilarious new hairdo courtesy of Zara who described it as a cool look, comparing him to a rockstar. The heartwarming video is winning over Zara’s fans.
Check out the sweet video shared by Ahmed Abbas Gill on his Instagram:
Imran Abbas is recognized as not only one of Pakistan’s talented actors but also as one of its most handsome men.
He recently appeared as a guest on Ramiz Raja’s show, where he addressed questions that intrigued everyone, including his continuous inclusion in the ‘World’s Most Handsome Men’ list from 2018 to 2021.
“No, no, it’s just an expression, there’s nothing like that. All our heroines are very beautiful,” he said. When asked about the ongoing presence of Pakistanis in such lists, Imran Abbas said, “It still happens, but I believe its more of a gift from Allah. However, I would be happier when people say this person is good for something more than just looks.”
Imran also discussed whether he believes that beauty is crucial for falling in love. He said “When you experience love, you perceive that person as the most beautiful in the world. You begin to believe that no one else can be more beautiful than that person,’ showing the profound impact of love.”
The controversy of Avicenna Medical College where the students had levelled serious allegations against the chairman and college administration has taken a turn as the Principal cum Chairman Abdul Waheed Sheikh has agreed to the demands of the students.
Background
The matter of the medical college being a torture cell has been in the news ever since 2018 when The Express Tribune reported a viral video of a man destroying the cell phones of the students and the college turning into a prison for the young learners. As recently as two days ago (April 28), following the news of a student Mahnoor Nadeem allegedly committing suicide because of the strict policies of the college while it was claimed she died of a heart attack, the matter was all over social media. Netizens expressed concerns over the claims of torture, heavy fines, and verbal abuse and so it got the momentum.
Yesterday (Monday) students and parents launched a protest against the torturous policies of the college and as it got media attention, chairman Sheikh came out to address the protesting students who kept on chanting, “We want Justice”.
He assured them of compensation for the grievances of the past. He started off by saying that “I will be more sympathetic in the future”. Moreover, he said, “Mein apki har bat sunon ga, taqreeban manon ga” which can be translated as, “I will listen to you and will almost accept everything as well.” Later, while addressing the crowd, Sheikh announced that the “pink list” policy of punishing students will be terminated. Additionally, there shall be no fines in the future and the policy of issuing a leave will be in accordance with the monitoring body of UHS (University of Health Sciences). He promised the students that no action would be taken against those who are protesting.
In a video released by students on YouTube channel Digital Diary 7127, it can be seen how the fine policy and the clause of action against the students was deliberated with the Chairman and then he finally agrees to it.
Professor M.N Tabassum, who was allegedly fired from King Edward Medical University on allegations of sexual harassment, will not be involved in any sort of teaching and academic activities along with the discipline committee.
The Current got a hold of the exclusive footage of the Chairman talking to the media where the reporter asks him about being known for using abusive language with female students, but he denies it altogether. When he is asked about physical torture and viral videos he said, “It used to happen in the past, probably before 2015 but it does not happen anymore.” The students behind the camera can be heard saying, “Woh mukar gaya hai” meaning “He has backtracked.”
Response of the students
The same student who shared the video with The Current on the condition of confidentiality explained how fellow students are reacting to it. Do you think the matter is resolved now, The Current asked. “For now, yes, but in the long run, I don’t know. Because the thing that has been going on for so long and on such big scale… it can’t be resolved just like this.”
“According to many students we might have gotten this off our backs but we will still face the consequences,” the student expressed concern.
She also alleged how the administration is making crores of rupees with fines and exempting them will be a huge loss for them which is highly unlikely for them to let go of.
Social media reactions
Netizens reacted to the video in which the Chairman is pledging to address the students’ demand. Hmad Nawaz wrote, “Concern after being exposed is always hollow.” She urged the people in authority who can even remotely help with “the cause to initiate a governmental inquiry into Avicenna Medical College’s torture story.”
Meet Abdul Waheed Sheikh, an Ex-Army man, now running a prison called Avicenna Medical College who came up with grotesque punishment concepts like “pink-lists”, shaving heads, cutting clothes, protecting sexual harassers. Concern after being exposed is always hollow. pic.twitter.com/72TPQrbxR1
As the whole protest ended with the students praying for the dead student, Mahnoor Nadeem, Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan on Twitter asked for the end of the mistreatment of the students by the college and “hold perpetrators responsible” before moving forward.
