Rupee’s Winning Streak of Five Days Comes To An End

The Pakistani rupee had been going up for five days in a row, but on Tuesday, it lost 0.24% on the interbank market.

On the interbank market, the local unit ended the day at 262.51 against the US dollar. This was down Rs0.63 from Monday’s close, when it was at 261.88.

Pakistan’s real effective exchange rate (REER) dropped from 96.2 in December 2022 to 92.8 in January 2023, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The huge drop in the value of the rupee against the US dollar in January is what caused the REER to go down. The REER is an index of the price of a basket of goods in one country compared to the price of the same basket in that country’s major trading partners.

In January, the government decided to stop putting a limit on the exchange rate. This was done to meet one of the main conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for restarting its $6.5 billion loan programme, which had been put on hold.

But in the last few days, the rupee has continued to go up. According to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan, the local currency fell by Rs1.25 on the open market on Tuesday, settling at 269 per dollar.

The IMF told the National Assembly to pass the Rs170 billion Finance (Supplementary) Bill, 2023, which they did.

The dollar index, which compares the US dollar to six other currencies, was last at 104.11. This is just below Friday’s six-week high of 104.67.

The market now expects US interest rates to peak at 5.30 percent in July and stay above 5 percent until the end of the year. This is a change from earlier expectations that rates would go down even more this year.

After hitting a three-month high on Friday, the yield on 10-year Treasury notes went up by 2.3 basis points to 3.852%. The yield on the two-year US Treasury paper went up by 3.5 basis points to 4.658%. This is usually in line with what people expect to happen with interest rates.

Levies Force Recovers Barkhan Woman in Operation

The Levies Force on Wednesday night “recovered” the kidnapped woman, Giran Naz, along with her four sons, and a daughter. Grian and her children were allegedly in the custody of Balochistan Minister for Construction and Communications Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran in the province’s Barkhan district.

Khan Muhammad Marri’s three family members were killed and accused Khetran of keeping his children in a “private jail”.

Following the protests that spread across Balochistan demanding the recovery of missing persons, the action was taken against those responsible for the incident. Police took the provincial minister into custody for his involvement in the brutal killing.

Meanwhile, the search operations of Marri’s wife, Giran Naz, began. The woman was presumed dead, along with her children Farzana, Abdul Majeed, Abdul Ghaffar, Imran and Abdul Sattar was recovered, as per Levies officials.

Khan Muhammad Marri’s family was being held hostage in different places, so the force moved in three districts.

It said that operations were done in East Balochistan and South Punjab by the Levies Quick Response Force to get the hostages back. A plan to send the two boys to Punjab was also stopped by the force.

The Levies Force said that no one was caught during the operations.

Autopsies are done on the bodies
In the meantime, the police finished the autopsy on the bodies that were found in the well.

Police Surgeon Dr. Aisha Faiz, who did the autopsies, said that one of the dead was a female between the ages of 17 and 18. She said that the person who died had been raped and hurt before being shot.

The medico-legal officer said that the autopsy shows that the woman was shot three times in the head and that her face and neck were cut up with acid to hide her identity. She said that the girl could be Giran Naz’s daughter and not Giran Naz herself.

She also said that the other two were tortured before they were killed.

Balochistan minister taken into custody
The police said that Khetran was arrested on Wednesday because they thought he was involved in the brutal murder of three people whose bodies were found in a well in the Barkhan district. The bodies had been shot and were covered in blood.

“Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran is accused of killing three people, so he was taken into custody,” police said as protesters in Quetta sat down for the third day in a row to demand justice.

The protesters have set up a sit-in with the three bodies at the Fayyaz Sumbal Chowk. They want Khetran to be charged, his ministry to be taken away, and the five people who are being held captive to be freed.

Late Tuesday night, the police also went to the minister’s house to get Marri’s five kids back. They also blocked the roads that led to Khetran’s house in Patel Bagh, Quetta.

A police spokesman said that a special investigation team was questioning the minister and that raids were being done to find the people who had been “kidnapped.”

“A mother and her two sons were killed, and more arrests are likely. The woman sent out a video message a few days ago saying that she was in Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran’s prison “the person speaking up said.

“She and her sons were found dead in a well in Barkhan days after her video message went viral,” a spokesperson said.

As the pressure on the police grew, they filed a case against unknown people under the Pakistan Penal Code’s Sections 34 (doing any act with the intent to hurt someone), 202 (causing evidence of the crime to disappear or giving false information to screen offender), and 302 (qatl-i-amd).

After getting a lot of bad press, Khetran denied that he had anything to do with the murders and said he was a “peaceful and law-abiding person.”

“Accusations that I owned a private prison and killed three people are part of a plot to hurt my political reputation,” he said, adding that his house had also been searched by the previous government.

“If there had been a jail, it would have been found,” he insisted. “But if anyone is still not sure, they can come look at my house.”

He also said that the accusations were a “dark attempt” to take away his “right to be involved in regional politics.”

Joe Biden Falls on Stairs While Leaving Poland

US President Biden Stumbles While Boarding Air Force One in Poland.

President Joe Biden has been caught on camera nearly falling while boarding Air Force One in Poland. This marks the third time he has stumbled while trying to board the aircraft.

Biden, once again, falls up the stairs on AF1…after the White House Doctor stated that, “Joe Biden remains a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male…who’s fit…” pic.twitter.com/IaVq64QF4k— Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill8) February 22, 2023

The incident occurred as he was wrapping up his trip to Ukraine and Poland, during which he expressed support for Kyiv in its conflict with Russia.

Video footage of the incident has gone viral on the internet, showing the President falling near the top of the staircase before catching himself. He then turned to wave and entered the aircraft.

According to a report by the New York Post, President Biden stumbled twice before falling on the stairs while leaving Georgia in 2021. He also briefly lost his balance while walking up the steps at Andrews Air Force Base in May 2022, and stumbled again while boarding a flight to Los Angeles for the Summit of the Americas.

President Biden’s visit to Ukraine was a surprise, with the Washington Post reporting that he made the trip just four days before the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country.

During his visit, he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and reaffirmed the United States’ support for Kyiv in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

The visit was significant and symbolic, as the US President was meeting with Ukraine’s leader in the heart of the capital during a full-scale conflict.

Kyiv has been under threat of missile attacks, making the high-risk visit a show of continued commitment from the United States, which is the largest financial and military backer of Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russian forces from its territory.

The incident with President Biden’s stumble on the Air Force One stairs has drawn attention on social media, with many commenting on the potential implications for his health and leadership. Others have expressed concern about the President’s repeated stumbles and the potential risks they pose.

In summary, President Joe Biden has stumbled on the stairs while boarding Air Force One in Poland, marking the third time this has occurred. During his trip to Ukraine and Poland, he expressed support for Kyiv in its conflict with Russia.

His visit to Kyiv was significant and symbolic, highlighting the continued commitment of the United States to Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russian forces from its territory.

The incident has drawn attention on social media, with many expressing concern about the President’s repeated stumbles and their potential implications.

Javed Akhtar’s Controversial Statement on Pakistan Sparks Outrage

Acclaimed Indian poet and writer Javed Akhtar’s statement at the Faiz Festival in Lahore has caused uproar on social media, with many Pakistani celebrities condemning his comments.

In a video that went viral, Akhtar accused Pakistan of allowing the attackers of the Mumbai attacks to “roam free” in the country. The statement triggered a wave of criticism from Pakistani celebrities, who took to social media to voice their objections.

The Faiz Festival, which took place from February 17 to 19, saw many celebrities share their excitement at being honoured by Akhtar’s presence.

However, the jubilations turned sour when the video of Akhtar’s speech was shared widely on social media. In the video, Akhtar can be seen accusing Pakistan of allowing the Mumbai attackers to roam free in the country.

Pakistani megastar Shaan Shahid was one of the first to condemn Akhtar’s statement, taking to Twitter to voice his objections. He criticized Akhtar’s silence on the murders in Gujarat, despite knowing who the culprit was, and questioned why he was given a visa to attend the festival.

Other celebrities, such as Saboor Aly, also spoke out against Akhtar’s remarks. Aly referred to the Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was safely returned to India after being captured by Pakistani forces.

She emphasized that Pakistan had sent Varthaman back safely after offering him a cup of tea, highlighting the country’s hospitality.

However, some also criticized the audience at the festival for applauding Akhtar’s comments. A Twitter user expressed disappointment with the audience, questioning who should be held accountable for disgracing the Faiz Festival: the hosts, the guest, or the audience.

The controversy surrounding Akhtar’s statement highlights the tense relationship between India and Pakistan, which has been marred by conflicts and political tensions for decades.

While the Faiz Festival aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries, the incident serves as a reminder of the underlying tensions that exist between them.

Multan Sultans Win Nail-Biting Match Against Karachi Kings

Multan Sultans Claim Nail-Biting 3-Run Victory Over Karachi Kings.

In the 11th match of the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Multan Sultans secured a thrilling 3-run win against Karachi Kings.

Sultans, who batted first, posted a mammoth target of 197 runs, thanks to a magnificent century from captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Karachi Kings’ bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, but their batsmen began their chase with confidence.

Opener James Vince and Matthew Wade formed a strong opening partnership, putting on 72 runs before Usama Mir struck to break the partnership.

Despite this setback, Vince continued his form and completed his half-century in only 20 balls, hitting six fours and four maximums.

However, the wicket of Vince triggered a collapse, with Haider Ali falling to Khushdil Shah shortly after. Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik tried to hit Abbas Afridi for a six, but he was caught by Kieron Pollard.

All-rounder Ben Cutting also fell to Abbas in the last over. Despite skipper Imad Wasim’s best efforts, scoring 46 runs off 26 balls, the Kings fell short of the target.

For Multan Sultans, Abbas Afridi claimed two wickets, while Usama Mir and Khushdil Shah took one each. Ihsanullah, PSL 8’s top wicket-taker, went wicketless but bowled four crucial overs at a miserly economy of 4.25.

Earlier in the match, Multan Sultans had made a strong start, with Rizwan and Shan Masood putting on an 85-run partnership for the first wicket.

Rizwan was the star of the show, scoring a magnificent century to help his team set the target of 197 runs. In-form Rilee Rossouw also contributed with 29 runs off 21 balls.

Shoaib Malik gave the Kings a much-needed breakthrough by dismissing Masood, who had rediscovered his form.

While Rossouw continued to score boundaries, it was Rizwan who did the majority of the damage, putting on a sensational partnership of 109 runs with Rossouw.

Despite the late wicket of Rossouw, Multan Sultans posted a formidable total, which proved to be just enough for victory.

In a thrilling contest, Multan Sultans emerged victorious thanks to Abbas Afridi’s heroics in the final over. Karachi Kings will be disappointed with their performance, having failed to chase down a target that appeared within their reach.

Multan Sultans, on the other hand, will be pleased with their all-round performance, with Rizwan’s century and the bowling unit’s efforts ensuring their victory.

Maternal Mortality: A Woman Dies Every Two Minutes, Say UN Agencies

According to the latest report titled “Trends in maternal mortality” released by United Nations agencies, maternal deaths either increased or stagnated in nearly all regions of the world, highlighting major setbacks for maternal health.

The report tracks maternal deaths nationally, regionally and globally from 2000 to 2020 and shows that there were an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths worldwide in 2020, marking only a slight decrease from 309,000 in 2016 when the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals came into effect.

In two of the eight UN regions, the maternal mortality rate increased from 2016 to 2020, by 17% and 15% respectively.

However, progress is possible, as some regions and countries experienced significant declines in their maternal mortality rates during the same period.

Maternal deaths continue to be largely concentrated in the poorest parts of the world and in countries affected by conflict, with about 70% of all maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020.

Akshay Kumar Breaks Guinness World Record for Most Selfies in 3 Minutes

Akshay Kumar breaks Guinness World Record for most selfies in three minutes during Selfiee promotions.

Akshay Kumar, the Bollywood actor, has set a new Guinness World Record for clicking the most selfies in just three minutes.

During the promotions of his upcoming movie Selfiee, Kumar clicked 184 selfies in three minutes with his fans, breaking the previous record set by Dwayne Johnson in 2015.

Kumar shared a video of himself wearing an orange ensemble and continuously clicking selfies with his fans on his Instagram handle.

He also posted pictures of himself holding the certificate and a long note, paying tribute to his fans who have supported him throughout his career.

“Everything I have achieved and where I am in life is due to the unconditional love of my fans,” wrote Kumar. “This is my special tribute to them, acknowledging how they have stood by me throughout my career.”

Kumar’s fans have played a significant role in his success, and he wanted to show his gratitude by setting the world record for most selfies in three minutes.

He expressed his joy in his note, saying that he will remember this achievement forever.

Selfiee, the movie that Kumar was promoting during the selfie session, is an official remake of the 2019 Malayalam film Driving Licence.

It stars Emraan Hashmi alongside Kumar and is set to hit theatres on February 24, 2023.

The new record set by Kumar is a testament to his popularity among his fans, who have supported him throughout his career.

By clicking 184 selfies in three minutes, Kumar has shown that he is not just an accomplished actor but also a master of the selfie.

In conclusion, Akshay Kumar has broken the Guinness World Record for most selfies in three minutes during the promotions of his upcoming movie Selfiee.

His achievement is a tribute to his fans, who have played a significant role in his success.

With his record-breaking selfie session, Kumar has shown that he is not just a talented actor but also a master of the selfie.

Kiara and Sidharth Share Sangeet Ceremony Clicks

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra share first photos from their sangeet ceremony.

Bollywood actors Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra have finally shared photos from their sangeet ceremony.

The couple got married on February 7 at the Suryagarh Palace in Jaisalmer in the presence of close family and friends. They had been saving photos from their different ceremonies to release periodically.

Kiara and Sidharth took to Instagram on Tuesday night to share the first official photos from their sangeet night. The pictures show Kiara in a golden lehenga by Manish Malhotra and Sidharth in a black and golden outfit.

One photo shows the couple hugging each other, while another shows them dancing together. The last photo shows them raising their hands, likely after a dance performance.

For the wedding, Sidharth wore a golden-beige sherwani and Kiara wore a pink lehenga with intricate embroidery detailing of Roman architecture, inspired by the couple’s special love for the city of domes.

Kiara chose diamond jewellery by Manish Malhotra for her big day, including a neckpiece featuring an exquisite composition of ultra-fine handcut diamonds crafted with rare Zambian emeralds. She was also seen wearing a diamond ring, prompting speculation that it is her wedding ring.

Before their wedding, Kiara and Sidharth never officially confirmed that they were dating, let alone getting married. They fell for each other on the sets of their film Shershaah, where Sidharth played Captain Vikram Batra and Kiara played his girlfriend Dimple.

The wedding was an intimate affair, with only close family and friends in attendance, including Karan Johar, Shahid Kapoor, and Mira Rajput. They returned to Mumbai soon after the wedding for a star-studded reception.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting photos from the wedding, and the couple has been teasing them with glimpses of their different ceremonies on social media.

Kiara and Sidharth have been tight-lipped about their relationship, but they finally made their first public appearance as a couple at actor Armaan Jain’s wedding in 2020.

The couple has always maintained a low profile and kept their personal lives away from the media. They announced their engagement on social media in January 2022, leaving their fans surprised and overjoyed.

The announcement was met with a flood of congratulatory messages and well wishes from fans and colleagues in the film industry.

Kiara and Sidharth have been giving their fans glimpses into their personal lives through their social media accounts.

They often share photos of their travels, outings, and special moments together. With the release of their wedding photos, fans can finally catch a glimpse of the couple’s big day.

In the photos, Kiara looks stunning in her golden lehenga, while Sidharth looks dapper in his black and golden outfit.

The couple looks happy and in love, and their chemistry is evident in the photos. Fans are sure to be delighted by the photos and will be eagerly awaiting more glimpses of the couple’s wedding celebrations.

US Judge rules Afghan central bank funds untouchable

Judge Rules 9/11 Victims Cannot Seize Afghanistan Central Bank Funds.

A federal judge in New York has ruled that the families of victims of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks cannot seize $3.5 billion in funds belonging to Afghanistan’s central bank.

The assets, held in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, were frozen on August 15, 2021, when the Taliban entered Kabul and toppled the US-backed Afghan government.

US President Joe Biden later said the money could be made available to the families of 9/11 victims.

However, the judge ruled that the federal courts lack the jurisdiction to seize the funds from Afghanistan’s central bank.

A group of families, who previously sued the Taliban for their losses and won, has since moved to seize the funds to pay off the judgement debt.

But Judge George Daniels of the Southern District of New York said on Tuesday that “neither the Taliban nor the Judgment Creditors are entitled to raid the coffers of the state of Afghanistan to pay the Taliban’s debts.”

Daniels also said he was “constitutionally restrained” from awarding the assets to the families because it would effectively mean recognising the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, no nation has recognised them as Afghanistan’s government, including the United States.

Daniels’ ruling deals a blow to the families of the victims of 9/11, as well as insurance companies that made payments because of the attacks. More than 2,900 people died when four hijacked planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and a field in Pennsylvania.

Then-president George W Bush launched an invasion of Afghanistan in response, resulting in two decades of war between the US-backed government and the Taliban.

With the withdrawal of US and NATO troops in August 2021, the Taliban retook power. The country was almost entirely dependent on aid, and its economy teetered on the brink of collapse when Washington froze $7 billion in Afghan assets.

Biden revealed a plan in February 2022 to split the cash, with half directed as aid to Afghanistan and half going to families of victims of the 9/11 attacks.

However, it remains unclear what will happen to the $3.5 billion set aside for the families if their appeals fail

PTI launches “Jail Bharo Tehreek” against attack on rights and economic Crisis

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has announced the start of the “Jail Bharo Tehreek” (court arrest movement) to counter the “attack on constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental rights” and the “economic meltdown” caused by the incumbent government.

Khan tweeted that the movement is a peaceful, non-violent protest against the increasing number of fake FIRs, NAB cases, custodial torture, attacks on journalists and social media activists.

Today we start our Jail Bharo campaign for Haqeeqi Azadi for 2 main reasons. One, it is a peaceful, non violent protest against the attack on our constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental rights.We are facing sham FIRs & NAB cases, custodial torture, attacks on journalists & social— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 22, 2023

He added that the movement also aims to counter the economic meltdown brought about by a “cabal of crooks who have money laundered billions in looted wealth and gotten NROs for themselves while crushing the people, especially the poor and the middle class, under the burden of spiralling inflation and rising unemployment.”

Khan released a video message to refresh the zeal of party workers for the court arrest movement. He urged them to “fill up prisons and shatter the idols of fear,” and called on all Pakistanis to join the movement to achieve “Haqeeqi Azadi.”

#جیل_بھرو__زندان_بھرو pic.twitter.com/YgMLzFIlNU— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) February 22, 2023

In the wake of sedition cases filed against PTI leaders including Fawad Chaudhry, Azam Swati and Shahbaz Gill, Khan had announced the movement on February 4.

In the first phase of the movement, PTI senior leaders, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Asad Umar, voluntarily surrendered themselves to the authorities on Tuesday.

The PTI Lahore chapter president, Imtiaz Shaikh, announced that former Punjab governor Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Waleed Iqbal, Murad Raas, Muhammad Khan Madni, and Fawad Rasool, accompanied by 200 workers, will voluntarily surrender themselves to the authorities in Lahore. The movement will start from Lahore’s Charing Cross at 2 pm.

The provincial government has decided to thoroughly scrutinize the criminal history, tax, and bank records of people arrested under the PTI’s court arrest drive.

If anyone is found involved in corruption or criminal cases, immediate action will be taken against them, according to sources. All law enforcement agencies have been mobilized in the run-up to the PTI’s movement.

The jails in the provincial capital are already full, and the arrested individuals will have to be sent to jails in other cities like Mianwali and DG Khan jails.

During a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, it was decided that women and poor workers would not be detained during the PTI movement.

However, Sanaullah had earlier claimed that the PTI’s court arrest drive was aimed at creating political instability and a law and order situation in the country.

He added that the miscreants should be exposed by presenting evidence of their wrongdoings before the masses.

In conclusion, the PTI has launched the “Jail Bharo Tehreek” to counter the attack on constitutionally-guaranteed fundamental rights and the economic meltdown caused by the incumbent government.

The movement has kicked off with the voluntary surrender of senior PTI leaders and workers in Lahore.

The provincial government has decided to scrutinize the records of people arrested during the movement, and law enforcement agencies have been mobilized to ensure law and order.

China Approves $700M Facility for Pakistan to Boost Forex Reserves

Pakistan received a significant boost to its foreign exchange reserves after the China Development Bank approved a $700 million loan facility.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced the news on Twitter, stating that the loan is expected to be received by the State Bank of Pakistan this week.

The loan will help bolster Pakistan’s forex reserves, which have been under severe strain due to a balance of payment crisis.

Formalities completed and Board of China Development Bank has approved the facility of US $ 700 million for Pakistan. This amount is expected to be received this week by State Bank of Pakistan which will shore up its forex reserves!— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) February 22, 2023

The news of the loan had been widely anticipated, with sources suggesting that the funds would be forthcoming.

The Pakistani government is also hopeful that it will be able to refinance all its matured loans from Chinese banks soon, including two more commercial loans worth $500 million and $800 million.

In total, Pakistan is hoping to refinance Chinese loans worth up to $2 billion by the end of February or the first week of March 2023.

Pakistan is currently in urgent need of additional external financing avenues to address its balance of payment crisis.

It needs to secure a $1 billion tranche under the $6.5 billion Extended Fund Facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The IMF has demanded that Pakistan secure additional external financing to meet its obligations, and has also called for the imposition of additional power surcharges and the hiking of the policy rate.

The loan from the China Development Bank is expected to help Pakistan address some of its pressing financial needs.

The country has been grappling with a balance of payment crisis due to a growing current account deficit, declining foreign exchange reserves, and a high debt burden.

Pakistan’s current account deficit widened to $11.4 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year, compared to $6.3 billion in the same period last year.

The loan from the China Development Bank is just one of several measures that Pakistan is taking to address its financial challenges.

The government has also implemented a range of austerity measures to reduce its fiscal deficit, including cuts in public spending and tax reforms.

Additionally, Pakistan is seeking to attract foreign investment to support its economic growth, and has launched several initiatives to encourage investment in key sectors such as energy and infrastructure.

Overall, the loan from the China Development Bank is a positive development for Pakistan, which is facing significant financial challenges.

The loan will help shore up the country’s forex reserves and provide some breathing room as it seeks to address its balance of payment crisis.

However, Pakistan still faces significant economic challenges, and will need to implement a range of measures to address its underlying fiscal imbalances and attract investment to support sustainable growth.

Radio Builder feature introduced by YouTube Music

YouTube Music to Launch Radio Builder for Personalized Listening Experience.

YouTube Music is set to launch a new feature called “Radio Builder,” which allows users to create personalized radio stations based on their music preferences.

The feature will give users more control over what they listen to by letting them choose specific artists, genres, and even tweak the algorithm that generates the playlist.

The update will start rolling out from next Tuesday, and users can access the feature by navigating to the “Your music tuner” section on the homepage of the iOS or Android app.

The Radio Builder feature allows listeners to select up to 30 artists, with an option to hear only their music or similar music as well. Users can also apply filters and mix tracks to curate the station according to their preference.

Additionally, the feature allows users to adjust how the algorithm decides which songs to play next, giving them a more customized listening experience.

The new feature has been in testing since last year and will be available to all users by next week.

With the launch of the Radio Builder feature, YouTube Music aims to improve user engagement and satisfaction by providing more control over the listening experience.

The introduction of this feature comes as the streaming industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora vying for a larger market share.

With personalized radio stations being a popular feature on competing platforms, YouTube Music’s Radio Builder is a step towards remaining competitive and attracting more users.

Overall, YouTube Music’s Radio Builder is a welcome addition for users looking for more control over their listening experience.

The ability to choose specific artists, genres, and apply filters and mix tracks will undoubtedly appeal to music enthusiasts.

The feature also positions YouTube Music as a serious contender in the streaming industry, giving users more options to choose from and improving the overall user experience.

Woman Behind Siri’s Voice Stunned It Was Her Voice

The woman whose voice was used for the first iteration of Siri claims that she had no idea what she was recording at the time, but is now one of the most recognised voices in the world.

We don’t have hard data on that, but considering how widespread iPhones are and how many people have probably used or at least heard of Siri, it seems like a safe prediction.

The point is that Susan Bennett, like so many other individuals, stumbled into her largest part entirely by mistake; she wasn’t even working as a voiceover actor in 2005.

She was working as a recording artist in an Atlanta studio when an actor who was supposed to record for a software firm failed to show up.

“I got into voiceover acting by mistake,” she told Insider.

At one point in my life, I was a jingle singer based in Atlanta, where I recorded a number of advertisements.

A voice actor for another commercial didn’t show up while I was there recording one day.

After we had completed recording the song, the studio owner remarked, “Susan, you don’t have an accent. Please come over here to transcribe this.

“Everything worked out great; I hired a voice coach, and that was the start of it all.”

The first recordings were made in 2005, six years before Apple released Siri, so she had no idea that her voice would become one of the most recognisable in the world.

There were some strange elements, though.

Susan elaborated, “I recorded what would become the legendary personal assistant.

In retrospect, I see that I should have known better, but at the time, I didn’t.

“I obtained a job recording for what used to be named ScanSoft but is now called Nuance, an IVR (interactive voice response) firm.

Thanks for calling” and “please dial one” are two phrases that come to mind when picturing a script for an interactive voice response system.

“Instead, I was made to read gibberish like “cow hoist in the tug hut today” or “say shift new problem today” as they strove to collect every possible combination of English sounds.

Addresses and street names were also read to me.

The entire month of July was spent with me recording at home for four hours a day, five days a week.

Just the first few hundred were actually enjoyable; after that, it just became old.

What she had done only dawned on her afterwards.

Six years later, another voice actor texted her, “Hey, we’re playing around with this new iPhone — isn’t this you?”

The conversation was completely beyond my head.

I instantly went to Apple’s website to listen and was convinced it was my voice.

Due to the timing of her work predating Apple’s personal assistant, she never received anything from them but also did not sign a non-disclosure agreement, leaving the door open for Bennett and the Siris of other countries to profit off their odd popularity. Bennett explained, “Because Apple didn’t compensate us, we also didn’t have a confidentiality agreement.

It was like, ‘Well, we might as well try to make it work for us,’ so we did.

To put it simply, we started advertising ourselves.

I have appeared on television, delivered a TEDx talk, and been interviewed on the radio.

It’s not something I would have considered doing 15 years ago, but I’m having a blast doing it!

She has performed at several venues throughout the years; if you happen to be at the Delta gate in the Atlanta airport, you may hear her.

Then there are commercials that air on television, however her agency had to initiate payment for those.

Siri has been changed so that it is no longer her voice, allowing her to begin using the service at last.

“I never chatted to Siri when she had my voice; it was just too odd,” she said.

Actor Muneeb Butt’s wife Aiman injured after house collapse

Actor couple Muneeb Butt and Aiman Khan have recently faced a challenging situation where half of their house collapsed due to a sewerage line explosion on Sunday, causing minor injuries to Khan.

Before the couple could address the issue themselves, videos of the damaged part of their house began to circulate on social media. Butt has now come forward to reveal that everyone is recovering and has thanked fans for their support during this difficult time.

Butt took to Instagram on Tuesday to briefly explain the situation. He revealed that half of his house collapsed due to an explosion caused by the accumulation of gases in their sewerage lines on Sunday, February 20.

While Aiman suffered minor injuries caused by shards of glass and their house help suffered burns, everyone is now recovering well. He thanked fans for their love and prayers and emphasized that trying times like these are a reminder of what is important in life – the safety and health of one’s family and loved ones.

The incident was reported to the police on the Madadgar-15 Helpline, and the Gulberg police SHO Ashraf Jogi confirmed that they received information about an “explosion” inside the couple’s home at around 1:45 pm on Sunday. The police immediately rushed to the spot and searched the house.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that a gutter line exploded due to the accumulation of gases, causing a wall to collapse. The SHO also confirmed that one woman and two children suffered minor injuries, but no case has been registered.

The incident has undoubtedly been a challenging time for Muneeb Butt and Aiman Khan, as their personal lives were suddenly exposed to the public on social media. However, fans have been quick to offer their support, prayers, and well wishes for the couple and their family.

Many fans have expressed concern about the couple’s well-being and have been praying for their quick recovery. The incident is a stark reminder that celebrities are not immune to the everyday struggles of life, and that they too can be vulnerable to unexpected events.

In the face of this adversity, the couple has remained strong and is focusing on what is truly important – the health and safety of their family.

Muneeb Butt’s message to fans highlights the importance of cherishing loved ones and prioritizing their well-being above all else, a message that has resonated with fans around the world.

In conclusion, the incident of the house collapse for Muneeb Butt and Aiman Khan has brought to the forefront the importance of family and the love and support of fans during trying times.

The incident is a reminder that celebrities are human too, and that they too can face challenging situations. The couple has shown strength and resilience during this difficult time, and fans around the world continue to offer their love, prayers, and well wishes for a quick and full recovery.

SRK talks about retirement from Bollywood and family

Bollywood King superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently engaged with his fans on Twitter and talked about various topics ranging from his retirement from acting to his family members.

In a Twitter Q&A session, SRK addressed his retirement from acting by saying that he will never retire from it and will only stop if he is fired.

He also talked about his favorite scene from a non-SRK movie, his recent break after the 2018 movie Zero, and how he keeps himself grounded during a crisis.

When asked about his children, Aryan Khan and Suhana Khan, he shared that they used to think that everyone in the world worked on TV because of their exposure to his friends appearing on TV.

He also spoke about his wife, Gauri Khan, and how her simple heart and mind have kept their family together.

Shah Rukh Khan’s latest movie is the spy thriller Pathaan, which released in theaters in January.

He will be next seen in Atlee’s directorial venture, Jawan, which is set to release in June in multiple languages.

He also has another movie in the pipeline, Dunki, which will release in December this year and marks his first collaboration with actress Taapsee Pannu.

In conclusion, Shah Rukh Khan’s Q&A session with his fans on Twitter gave insights into his personal life and his upcoming projects.

His fans are eagerly looking forward to his upcoming releases in the near future.

Strong Earthquake Hits Antakya, Turkey

Late on Monday, the Turkey-Syria border region was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, causing panic and building damage in Turkey’s Antakya city. This event occurred just two weeks after the country’s worst earthquake in modern history, which resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives.

According to two Reuters witnesses, the earthquake was powerful, with its epicenter located in central Antakya, and caused additional damage to buildings in the area. Additionally, Reuters reporters stated that the earthquake was felt in Egypt and Lebanon.

According to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake occurred at a depth of 2km (1.2 miles). Reports from other sources indicate that Turkish rescue teams were actively searching for any individuals who may have been affected by the tremor.

While residing in a tent at a park in central Antakya, Muna Al Omar experienced the earthquake. She expressed her thoughts on the matter by stating, “I felt as though the ground would tear apart beneath me,” and was seen weeping while holding her 7-year-old son.

“Will there be any more aftershocks?” she inquired.

The pair of larger earthquakes that occurred on February 6th not only affected neighboring Syria but also rendered over a million individuals homeless and resulted in a death toll that far exceeds the most recent official count of 46,000 people across both countries.

Neuroscience Study Shows Promising Results for Autism Cure Drug

A multitude of genetic alterations have been found to be associated with the behavioral disorders observed in individuals with autism. Recently, scientists from the Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research (HITBR) have discovered yet another molecular cause for this condition. Specifically, they have found that the transcription factor MYT1L plays a crucial role in protecting the molecular identity of nerve cells. When MYT1L is genetically switched off in human nerve cells or in mice, functional changes and symptoms typical of autism can arise.

In an exciting development, researchers have also found that a drug which blocks sodium channels in the cell membrane can reverse the consequences of MYT1L failure and alleviate the functional and behavioral abnormalities observed in mice. It is hoped that this research may lead to new treatments and interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

It should be noted that ASD is not only characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and interest formation, as well as stereotypical behavior patterns, but may also be accompanied by other abnormalities such as epilepsy or hyperactivity.

Researchers are actively investigating the molecular abnormalities that underlie the complex developmental disorder known as autism. A wide range of genetic factors that affect the molecular processes of nerve cells have already been associated with the development of this disorder.

Moritz Mall, a researcher from the Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research (HITBR), has been studying the role of the protein MYT1L in various neurological diseases for some time. MYT1L is a transcription factor that regulates the activity of genes within cells. Nearly all nerve cells in the body produce MYT1L throughout their entire lifespan.

A few years ago, Mall demonstrated that MYT1L protects nerve cell identity by inhibiting developmental pathways that promote the formation of muscle or connective tissue. MYT1L mutations are associated with neurological disorders like epilepsy, schizophrenia, and brain malformations. Mall’s team investigated the role of MYT1L in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by genetically silencing it in both mice and human nerve cells derived from stem cells in the laboratory.

Loss of MYT1L led to hyperactivation of mouse and human neurons, impairing their function, and causing brain abnormalities in mice, such as a thinner cerebral cortex. Additionally, MYT1L-deficient mice displayed several ASD-like behaviors, such as social deficits and hyperactivity. Interestingly, these neurons produced an excess of sodium channels typically restricted to heart muscle cells, which caused electrophysiological hyperactivation.

In clinical medicine, sodium channel blockers like lamotrigine are used to treat conditions such as epilepsy. When MYT1L-deficient nerve cells were treated with lamotrigine, their electrophysiological activity returned to normal. In mice, the drug also reduced ASD-associated behaviors like hyperactivity.

According to Moritz Mall, drug treatment during adulthood has the potential to alleviate brain cell dysfunction and counteract the behavioral abnormalities commonly associated with autism, even in cases where the absence of MYT1L has already impaired brain development during early stages of development.

However, the current research is limited to studies conducted in mice, and clinical trials involving patients with ASD have not yet been carried out.

Plans are currently being made to conduct clinical studies in the near future. The study in question is titled “MYT1L haploinsufficiency in human neurons and mice causes autism-associated phenotypes that can be reversed by genetic and pharmacologic intervention,” and was published in Molecular Psychiatry on February 14, 2023

President Alvi announces election date for Punjab and KP

President of Pakistan Arif Alvi has announced April 9 as the date for holding polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, after there was a delay in deciding the date for elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The president made this announcement by using his power under Section 57 (1) of the Elections Act, 2017.

He has also asked the ECP to issue an election programme in accordance with Section 57 (2) of the Act.

The president wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner saying that he was under oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution under Article 42 read with the third schedule of the Constitution.

The ruling alliance parties have rejected the move. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that President Alvi is exceeding his limits and that he is doing so at the behest of his leader Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan.

Floods and Landslides Kill Dozens in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Nearly 36 people have lost their lives in Brazil, Sao Paulo state due to flooding and landslides.

A number of people are missing whereas the number of dead is expected to rise, rescue teams say they hope to pull some of those stucked in flooded homes out of the mud alive.

A recent video showed neighbourhoods under water, inundated motorways and debris left after houses were swept away.

Due to heavy rains, a number of cities have cancelled Carnival celebrations and in the coastal town of São Sebastião, 627mm of rain fell in 24 hours, which is twice the expected amount for the month.

Felipe August, the mayor of São Sebastião, stated that the situation in the town was chaotic and the scale of the damage was not yet determined.

He mentioned that they were focusing on rescuing the victims, and added that around 50 houses had collapsed and were swept away. August noted that the situation remained highly critical.

At least 35 people have died in São Sebastião according to the state government, and in Ubatuba, located about 80km (50 miles) northeast of São Sebastião, a two-tonne boulder crashed into a house and killed a seven-year-old girl. Hundreds of people have been displaced and evacuated.

A civil defence official told Folha de São Paulo newspaper that there are likely to be many more deaths.

Governor Tarcísio de Freitas announced the release of $1.5m (£1.2m) in funding to support disaster relief efforts.

Wealthy tourists who flock to the coastline to avoid the big cities’ massive street celebrations will be disappointed as Carnival events have been cancelled in some areas due to flooding and landslides in Brazil’s São Paulo state.

The Carnival festival, which typically lasts for five days before the Christian festival of Lent, has been cancelled in some parts of the coastline, a popular destination for wealthy tourists seeking to avoid big city festivities. Latin America’s biggest port in Santos has also been closed due to high winds and waves.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was in Bahia for the Carnival weekend, plans to visit the affected areas to coordinate the provision of healthcare and rescue teams. Extreme weather events, such as these floods, are expected to become more frequent as the impacts of climate change take hold.

The state is also bracing for more heavy rainfall that could worsen conditions for emergency workers. Last year, more than 230 people were killed by torrential rains in the southeastern city of Petropolis.

PTI Chief Imran Khan Appears Before Lahore High Court

On Monday afternoon, Imran Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), departed for the Lahore High Court (LHC) to meet a 5 pm deadline set by the court in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) protest case.

The LHC had given Imran a “last chance” to appear before the court to verify his signatures on three documents. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh presided over the hearing of the PTI chief’s protective bail in the case. However, Imran’s counsel Khawaja Tariq Raheem complained about inadequate security arrangements at the court.

The IGP told them to contact the LHC Registrar’s Office, who dismissed their application wherein they had sought permission for Imran’s vehicle to enter the LHC premises.

The LHC judge summoned Imran by 5 pm after he failed to appear by 2 pm as per the court’s order. The security at the court has been beefed up ahead of the former prime minister’s appearance, with more than 200 police officials deployed outside the courtroom and barricades installed.

Justice Sheikh remarked that Imran has been summoned for verification of signatures and that it is not his job to grant permission to Imran’s vehicle to enter the LHC premises.

Justice Sheikh had earlier summoned Imran Khan to appear before the Lahore High Court on February 20, after PTI’s counsel had guaranteed his appearance before the court on February 16.

Imran Khan is expected to appear shortly

According to a tweet by PTI leader Hammad Azhar, Imran Khan will depart from his residence in Zaman Park for the LHC in half an hour and is expected to arrive at the court at 4 pm.

Meanwhile, senior party leader Fawad Chaudhry confirmed Imran’s appearance at 4 pm, but also stated that “attendance is merely for the sake of judicial respect, contrary to the opinions of both medical and security officials. Otherwise, it is neither a case nor a justification for being summoned.”

“The PTI chief has been given a final opportunity by Justice Sheikh to appear in court by 5pm,” declared during today’s hearing.

Imran was absent from the court earlier due to concerns from PTI leaders about inadequate security measures. Despite police assurances, they were dissatisfied with the security arrangements and considered it risky for the former PM to attend court.

As a result, the Mall Road outside the LHC was congested, and traffic was at a standstill, as the police failed to clear the road as agreed with the former ruling party’s members. The PTI leaders requested that the IG Police be instructed to clear the road.

During a meeting, the IG assured that the Mall Road would be cleared, and there would be maximum security outside the premises. However, he advised the party leaders to contact the LHC registrar regarding security inside the premises.

Torkham Border Crossing Closed Amid Reports of Gunfire

Officials from both Afghanistan and Pakistan have confirmed that the main border crossing between the two countries was closed on Monday, and residents in the area reported hearing gunfire near the usually busy border transit point.

The reason for the closure of the Torkham border crossing near the Khyber Pass was not immediately clear, but it comes amid sharply deteriorating relations between the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. While media reports indicated that the border was closed on Sunday evening, no reason was given.

Although Pakistani military, police, and government spokespersons were unavailable for comment, two Pakistani security officials in the region have confirmed that the border has been closed, and there has been some exchange of gunfire.

Disputes related to the 2,600 km-long border have been a bone of contention between the two neighboring countries for decades.

The Torkham border point is the primary transit point for travelers and goods between landlocked Afghanistan and Pakistan. A resident of Landi Kotal on the Pakistani side, Mohammad Ali Shinwari, stated that the border was closed late on Sunday, and gunfire erupted early on Monday, causing concern that troops from both countries may have started fighting.

Clashes on the border have occurred over the years, both during Afghanistan’s two-decade rule under a US-backed government and since the Taliban took over in 2021.

Clashes between Afghan and Pakistani security forces have also closed the second most important crossing between the two countries, at Chaman to the south, at times.

On Sunday, Pakistan’s foreign minister warned at a security conference in Germany that the risks of militancy from Afghan soil could impact the world.

A Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson subsequently stated that Pakistan should raise issues in private, rather than in public forums. The foreign ministry has also emphasized that the Taliban administration will not permit its territory to be used against other countries, especially its neighbors.

Fuel Crisis in Pak, Alarming for Energy Security

In various regions of Pakistan, there has been a recent report of a fuel shortage that has caused inconvenience to many commuters, especially in Punjab. The government has attributed the crisis to hoarding, which has been triggered by speculation of a substantial increase in pump prices. However, despite the shortage, it presents an opportunity to trigger a transformative change and strengthen the country’s energy security for a more secure and stable future.

Currently, there seems to be no actual fuel shortage, as the country has 29 days of diesel and 21 days of petrol reserves available. Nonetheless, the current state is not ideal. Refineries frequently halt operations, and the PSO recently experienced the cancellation of an oil shipment. The root of these difficulties lies in the dwindling foreign exchange reserves, which recently dropped to a nine-year low of under $3 billion, enough to cover less than a month of imports.

Therefore, the recent shortage of fuel, artificial as it may be, serves as a warning of adverse events that may ensue if policymakers fail to intervene, and the business environment continues to deteriorate. The latest episode also underscores the important role regulators must play. Proactive measures should be taken to prevent a crisis from occurring instead of waiting for one to unfold.

It is imperative to ask difficult questions, such as what will occur to fuel supplies if the country’s foreign exchange reserves continue to decline, and how will the petroleum sector function under more stringent restrictions on opening LCs? Additionally, in a catastrophic scenario, what will happen to the petroleum sector if the country experiences bankruptcy, and how will the scarcity of fuel impact the broader economy? These questions require careful examination.

Pakistan relies heavily on imports to meet its requirements for petrol, diesel, and other fuels due to low levels of production from local oil fields. It is imperative that oil exploration and production companies like OGDCL ramp up exploration work and increase their output, which has been declining. The domestic oil that is supplied to local refineries caters to just 20% of the fuel demand.

Policymakers should implement measures to maximize the utilization of local oil refineries, even at times of crisis. This may involve expanding the deferred oil payment facility from Saudi Arabia or entering into government-to-government agreements with other oil-producing nations to diversify and secure sufficient supplies. The recent fuel crisis presents a chance to enhance energy security. By reducing the vulnerability of the local energy market to both internal and external shocks, the country can be made more resilient. This crisis should not be viewed as a waste but as an opportunity to drive positive change.

North Korea fires ICBM to warn US

On Sunday, North Korea confirmed that it had fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), known as the Hwasong-15, the previous day in a “sudden launching drill” which proved the country’s readiness for a “mobile and mighty counterattack” against hostile forces.

This missile launch was the North’s first since January 1, and it came after Pyongyang had warned of a strong response to upcoming military drills by South Korea and the United States.

The state news agency, KCNA, referred to the “surprise ICBM launching drill” as “actual proof of the DPRK strategic nuclear force’s consistent efforts to turn its capacity of fatal nuclear counterattack on the hostile forces into the irresistible one”.

Leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, criticized the United States for trying to turn the UN Security Council into a “tool for its heinous hostile policy” toward Pyongyang and warned that North Korea would watch every movement of the enemy and take “very powerful and overwhelming counteraction” against any hostile moves.

The missile was reported to have flown for 1 hour, 6 minutes and 55 seconds, reaching a height of 5,768 km (3,584 miles), before accurately hitting a pre-set area 989 km (614 miles) away in open waters.

The Hwasong-15 was first tested in 2017. Japanese officials stated that the missile had plunged into waters inside their exclusive economic zone.

The missile launch follows rising tensions over North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities, and the growing threat it poses to the region.

The United States and South Korea have increased their military presence in response, holding annual military exercises to enhance their readiness and deter North Korea from any provocative actions.

North Korea has repeatedly criticized these exercises, calling them a threat to its national security.

In recent years, North Korea has made significant progress in its nuclear and missile programs, conducting several missile and nuclear tests that have raised concerns among the international community.

The United Nations Security Council has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on North Korea in an effort to force the country to abandon its nuclear and missile programs, but so far, these measures have not succeeded in changing North Korea’s behavior.

The missile launch also came amid a power struggle in North Korea’s leadership. The country’s supreme leader, Kim Jong Un, has not been seen in public for several weeks, leading to speculation about his health and the stability of the regime.

The launch of an ICBM during this period of uncertainty could be interpreted as a show of strength by the North Korean regime, aimed at both domestic and international audiences.

In conclusion, North Korea’s missile launch is a concerning development that underscores the ongoing threat posed by the country’s nuclear and missile programs.

It is essential that the international community remains vigilant and continues to apply pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions, while also working to reduce tensions and prevent any further escalation of the situation

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