Tag: trending

  • India’s Ambani no more the richest man in Asia. Who has grabbed the title?

    India’s Ambani no more the richest man in Asia. Who has grabbed the title?

    India’s Mukesh Ambani lost the title of Asia’s richest man after almost a year. He has been replaced by Gautam Adani who once again became Asia’s richest man after cracking a deal worth over half a billion dollars for the Adani group.

    It should be noted that in January 2023, American short-selling company Hindenburg said in a report that Adani Group has been involved in stock market manipulation and fraud accounting for decades. It called Gautam Adani the biggest fraudster in corporate history.

    Gautam Adani’s wealth declined after the report, pushing him to the bottom of the list of the world’s richest people in 2023, while Mukesh Ambani took the title of Asia’s richest person.

    But in recent days, the Supreme Court of India has issued an order that there is no need for a new investigation on Hindenburg’s allegations. Gautam Adani’s assets consequently increased and now he has once again become the richest man in Asia.

    According to a Bloomberg report on January 4, Gautam Adani’s net worth increased by $7.7 billion to $97.6 billion, after which he overtook Mukesh Ambani to become Asia’s richest man. Ambani currently owns $97 billion.

    Gautam Adani started 2023 as the third richest person in the world with $119 billion and then went down after a steady decline in wealth. Now, a year later, he has become the richest person in Asia and the 12th richest person in the world.

    Syed Mohammad Ali wrote in an article for The Express Tribune that the deal with the USA is part of the greater scheme of countering China’s growing influence in the region. Half a billion dollars is a sign of the restoration of confidence for the Adani conglomerate-backed Colombo seaport project in Sri Lanka.

    “This American deal with Adani seems compelled by growing great power competition across South Asia. The US government intends to use its International Development Finance Corporation to counter the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative in the Indo-Pacific, and its investment in Sri Lanka is part of that plan,” asserts Ali.
    Adani is closely linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he has long been accused of benefitting from this friendship for the growth of his business. Like Modi, Adani has emerged unscathed from a potentially devastating storm of alleged wrongdoings. And both these men have the US to thank for helping them not only survive but thrive, due to America’s own vested interests, Ali explains.

  • India’s solar observation mission reaches its final orbit

    India’s solar observation mission reaches its final orbit

    India’s solar observation mission on Saturday entered the Sun’s orbit after a four-month journey, the latest success for the space exploration ambitions of the world’s most populous nation.

    The Aditya-L1 mission was launched in September and is carrying an array of instruments to measure and observe the Sun’s outermost layers.

    India’s science and technology minister Jitendra Singh said on social media that the probe had reached its final orbit “to discover the mysteries of Sun-Earth connection”.

    The United States and the European Space Agency have sent numerous probes to the centre of the solar system, beginning with NASA’s Pioneer programme in the 1960s.

    Japan and China have both launched their solar observatory missions into Earth’s orbit.

    But the latest mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation is the first by any Asian nation to be placed in orbit around the Sun.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as yet another “landmark” in the country’s space programme.

    “It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists,” he said on social media.

    “We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity.”

    Aditya, named after a Hindu Sun deity, has travelled 1.5 million kilometres (932,000 miles) from the Earth — still only one percent of the distance between humanity’s home planet and the star at the centre of our solar system.

    It is now at a point where the gravitational forces of both celestial bodies cancel out, allowing it to remain in a stable halo orbit around the Sun.

    The orbiter, which reportedly cost $48 million, will study coronal mass ejections, a periodic phenomenon that sees huge discharges of plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun’s atmosphere.

    These bursts are so powerful they can reach the Earth and potentially disrupt the operations of satellites.

    The mission also aims to shed light on the dynamics of several other solar phenomena by imaging and measuring particles in the Sun’s upper atmosphere.

    India has a comparatively low-budget space programme, but one that has grown considerably in size and momentum since it first sent a probe to orbit the Moon in 2008.

    In August last year, India became the first country to land an uncrewed craft near the largely unexplored lunar south pole, and just the fourth nation to land on the Moon.

    India became the first Asian nation to put a craft into orbit around Mars in 2014, and it is slated to launch a three-day crewed mission into Earth’s orbit later this year.

    It also plans a joint mission with Japan to send another probe to the Moon by 2025 and an orbital mission to Venus within the next two years.

  • Talk TV presenter Julia lambasted for racist interview with Palestinian MP

    Talk TV presenter Julia lambasted for racist interview with Palestinian MP

    British radio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer has been slammed on social media for an unprofessional and racist interview after a clip from her show went viral.

    During an interview on Wednesday with Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, leader of the Palestinian National Initiative, Hartley-Brewer raised her voice while he was speaking to say he was “not used to women talking” and disrespectfully spoke to him throughout the interview.

    While Julia’s tone was aggressive and harsh, Dr Barghouti kept his tone calm and listened to her patiently, winning over the hearts of netizens with his courtesy.

    In the clip, Julia can be seen aggressively counter-arguing, not letting him speak, and using the rhetoric of telling Muslim men that they are not used to hearing women.

    Barghouti was interrupted several times by the journalist, who prevented him from finishing his remarks on Benjamin Netanyahu and the moral imperative of supporting Palestinians’ struggle for a dignified life in their homeland.

    “Please don’t say that again, we don’t have time for that, you’ve made that point five times already,” she said in one instance.

    When Barghouti attempted to respond, she screamed, saying: “For the love of god, let me finish a sentence man.”

    She then made a sexist accusation: “Maybe you’re not used to women talking, I don’t know, but I’d like to finish the sentence!”

    Barghouti remained calm during the interview while stressing that the journalist has been attempting to “mislead the public.”

    In response, the presenter raised her voice again: ‘If you don’t think Israel’s reaction is acceptable, what would have been an acceptable reaction to you? You’ve got ten seconds left.”

    The Palestinian politician then replied calmly, calling for ending the occupation and oppression of Palestinians to allow peace to prevail for both people.
    Seemingly unsatisfied with the reply, the presenter sarcastically responded: “Brilliant.”

    Hartley-Brewer’s haughty attitude throughout the interview has been heavily criticized, with many pointing out that the show was a display of Islamophobia.

    Social media user Nadene commented that Julia is an utter disgrace in this interview, showcasing Islamophobic tropes 101.

    Another pointed out that she is using imagined sexism to hide her racism.

    Dima Khatib wrote, “Journalism is committing suicide after this interview.”

    Sana Saeed posted, “What an absolutely disgusting, racist display of whatever “journalism” this is supposed to be.”

    Bisan poured her heart out and said that after this I have discovered that Western media is a lie.

    Maryam Alkhawaja lamented that not only are Palestinians being subjected to a genocide, they also have to put up with being dehumanized and insulted.

  • Legendary singer Eric Clapton plans special concert for children of Gaza

    Legendary singer Eric Clapton plans special concert for children of Gaza

    In a heartfelt initiative to make a difference in the lives of the children of Gaza, legendary musician Eric Clapton is set to deliver a powerful message through the broadcast of his intimate concert, which took place in London in December 2023.

    Scheduled for airing on January 17th, the exclusive performance is not only a musical treat for fans but also a beacon of hope for a cause that has gone global.

    Eric Clapton’s concert, performed in front of a small, intimate audience, showcased the artist’s iconic songs such as Tears In Heaven, Got To Get Better In A Little While, and a poignant rendition of George Harrison’s Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) featuring Dhani Harrison.

    The carefully curated setlist not only resonates with Clapton’s musical prowess but also reflects the spirit of empathy and compassion that underscores the purpose of this unique broadcast.

    By choosing Gaza as the beneficiary, Clapton not only spotlights the urgent need for support but also invites viewers to contribute to a cause that transcends borders, fostering a collective effort to bring hope and relief to the young lives affected.

  • Bilawal to contest on two, Zardari on one NA seat

    Bilawal to contest on two, Zardari on one NA seat

    Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is set to run for two National Assembly seats in the upcoming general elections, while his father, co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari will contest from one National Assembly seat from Sindh, as reported by The News on Saturday.

    According to a list of participating candidates from Sindh and Balochistan announced by the PPP (Parliamentarians), the former foreign minister will run for NA-194 in Larkana-I and NA-196 in Qambar Shahdadkot-I, while former president Zardari will contest elections from NA-207 in Shaheed Benazirabad-I.

    The party released its list a day earlier, revealing the candidates’ names and constituencies in Sindh who are going to participate in a significant political competition scheduled for the upcoming month, aiming to secure positions in both the National and Sindh assemblies.

    Other prominent names that the party has fielded for contesting the much-awaited elections for a seat in the lower house from the southern province, include Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah from NA-201 (Sukkur-II), Nafisa Shah from NA-202 (Khairpur-I), Shazia Atta Marri from NA-209 (Sanghar-I), Pir Aftab Shah Jeelani from NA-211 (Mirpurkhas-I), Mir Munawar Ali Talpur from NA-212 (Mirpurkhas-II), Syed Naveed Qamar from NA-221 (Tando Muhammad Khan), Nabeel Gabol from NA-239 (Karachi South-I) and Abdul Qadir Patel from NA-243 (Karachi Keamari-II), among others.

  • India-settled Pakistani Seema’s husband has not seen his children in seven months, asks government for justice

    India-settled Pakistani Seema’s husband has not seen his children in seven months, asks government for justice

    Pakistani woman Seema Haider, who went viral last year for illegally crossing the border to marry an Indian PUBG friend, is now expecting her fifth child, her first with her cross-border paramour.

    Seema made headlines last year when she took her four children and crossed the border to marry Noida-based Sachin Meena, got arrested but still managed to officiate the marriage by converting to Hinduism.

    Recently, while speaking at a YouTube show, Seema said she would welcome the newborn soon. When the reporter asked if 2024 would bring new happiness, Seema said, “Definitely,” adding, “2023 also brought a lot of joy”.

    The Pakistani national, who lives with Sachin and her four other children in Greater Noida, said that her husband’s birthday was also approaching, “and it would be great to have another member around the same time.”

    Asked about the delivery date, Seema said, “It’s impossible before Holi but the good news will come soon.”

    Meanwhile, Sachin’s father, a palmist, had a look at Seema’s palm and predicted the newborn would be a baby boy.

    Seema moved to India via Nepal with her four children. Her eight-year-old son, Farhan Ali was named Raj after the family arrived here. Her three daughters Farva, 6, Fariha Batool, 4, and Farha, are now Priyanka, Munni, and Pari respectively.

    Ghulam Haider, Seema’s Pakistani husband, has approached the Pakistani Foreign Office and the Indian High Commission seeking the return of his children to Pakistan.

    His lawyer says that the children were taken there illegally without the consent of the biological father.

    Haider hasn’t spoken to his four children in seven months, says his legal team.

    Haider plans to pursue legal actions in Indian courts and the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

  • Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed welcome baby girl in Texas

    Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed welcome baby girl in Texas

    Urwa Hussain and singer/actor Farhan Saeed have become proud parents to their first baby girl. They shared the happy news on Instagram in a joint post.

    The tiny bundle of joy, named Jahan Aara was born on January 3, 2024. Urwa Hocane has written a beautiful note on becoming a mother.

    The famous couple announced in October 2023 that they were expecting their first child.

    An Instagram post shared by the two on October 6 was captioned, “Tonight we are 3, Masha Allah.”

    Urwa and Farhan got married in December 2016. Like most famous couples, the two have been hounded by rumors of separation. Neither of them directly spoke about it.

    For three years, the two didn’t share any pictures together on social media. But on Eid-ul-Fitr in 2023, they finally posted pictures together, proving that all the rumors about an impending breakup were false.

  • Bilal Qureshi’s perspective on actresses in revealing outfits

    Bilal Qureshi’s perspective on actresses in revealing outfits

    Actor Bilal Qureshi has become the latest Pakistani celebrity who thinks he has the right to tell women what to wear. In an interview laden with problematic quotes, he requested actresses in the industry not to wear revealing clothes at any event.

    Talking on Ahmed Fozan’s podcast, Qureshi elaborated on some of his previous statements.

    Bilal Qureshi made a comment on social media while praising actress Dur e Fishan Saleem’s dress at an award show which went viral. He said, “The best dressed lady at LSA”

    On his viral comment, the actor explained, “I feel that actresses should not opt for revealing clothes.” He went on to say that he doesn’t want to get into religious discussions but believes in following and respecting cultural norms, stressing that women can appear beautiful and graceful in modest clothing.
    The statement in itself is strange, because beauty and grace are perceived differently by everyone. Modest clothing does not ensure beauty or grace, neither does clothing of any other sort.

    Bilal then pointed out that his wife, Uroosa Qureshi, and his sisters always look good without revealing their skin.

    We are glad that the women in his family look good, but really, his opinions do not matter to the vast majority of women.

    “One of my fellow actresses shared a picture of herself in inappropriate clothes on social media, on which she was upset because of the criticism, so I told her that she should not share this picture on social media. If your dress is really against our cultural norms then people will necessarily criticize it.”

  • No signal from ‘any quarters’ to postpone upcoming polls, Solangi confirms

    No signal from ‘any quarters’ to postpone upcoming polls, Solangi confirms

    The federal Caretaker Minister for Information, Murtaza Solangi, stated on Friday that the interim government has not received any indication from any source to postpone the upcoming elections set to take place on February 8, 2024.

    Earlier on Friday, Senator Dilawar Khan tabled a resolution in the sparsely attended Upper House, which garnered the required support despite opposition from Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Senator Afnan Ullah Khan of the Muslim League (N).

    Talking to journalists outside the Parliament House, Solangi said: “So far, no signal has been received from any quarters regarding the postponement of elections.”

    He also stated that only the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has the authority to postpone general elections.

    The minister believed that there were no instructions from interim Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar or the federal cabinet to postpone polls.

    According to Article 218(3) of the Constitution, ECPhas the power to conduct elections, give a date, or change the date for elections, he said.

    “We cannot interfere in the affairs of a constitutional body.”

  • British-Pakistani given royal award for saving 29 lives

    Pakistani-British rail worker Rizwan Javed, who has saved 29 people from taking their own lives since 2015, has been appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), Geo’s Murtaza Ali Shah reported.

    Rizwan Javed, from Leyton in East London, works for the MTR Elizabeth line at Ealing Broadway and Paddington stations. He joined the railway around 10 years ago and at the start of his career, he attended the Samaritans training course.

    Talking to the Geo News, Rizwan said, “I am thankful to Allah for this honour. It’s all due to the prayers of my parents that I have been recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. It’s a huge honour for me that my work in the mental health area has been recognised this way.”

    He has been instrumental in saving several lives at the platform during the course of his work by being alert and approaching vulnerable individuals in weak moments.

    He gave credit to his training at Samaritans, “With the Samaritans, I learned how to identify vulnerable people, what sort of conversations to have with them, how to engage them, how to look out, and how to take them to the point of safety.”

    Within the first week after starting his railway job, Javed helped stop someone from taking their own life.

    Recalling an incident Rizwan shared that in one instance he talked to a girl in her mid-20s after identifying that she needed help. “A few days later, she came running to me at the station and gave me a big hug. She said she wouldn’t be alive today if I had not talked to her that night and if I had not convinced her that life was worth living. That was very emotional and rewarding.”

    He said people are not educated about mental health issues and these things create an impact.

    He told Geo News that he believes that Allah will always reward him for helping others and being there for those who have no one else to talk to them or undergoing. He credited his Pakistani parents for teaching him from a young age the importance of being helpful and charitable.

    He said: “My parents always taught me how to be a good and useful citizen, how to make a positive difference.”

    Javed and his parents were thrilled when they received the government letter telling him he was being appointed MBE for his services.

    MBE is the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire level (excluding a knighthood/damehood), behind Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and then Officer of the Order of British Empire (OBE).