Pakistan receives a loan of $304 million from the World Bank

Karachi: The Economic Affairs Minister Makhdoom Khusro Bhakhtiar stated that the government of Pakistan is ready to make efforts in improving fiscal management. This will be done by increasing domestic revenues and investing in development initiatives. The Minister was speaking at the event where a $304 m loan has been lent from the World Bank, on Wednesday, for the Punjab Resource Improvement and Digital Effectiveness Programme (PRIDE).

Bakhtiar continued and lauded Punjab Government’s strategy on the two fronts. The Minister also appreciated the support the World Bank has always given to Pakistan’s Government which helped in progressing economic development.

The initiative intends to help the Government of Punjab raise its own source income, enhance the efficiency of resource distribution and access to digital services for citizens and enterprises in the province.

Najy Benhassine, the World bank’s Country Director for Pakistan, On the occasion said Pakistan will continue to receive uninterrupted support from the World Bank which will as a result help the country grow and achieve development.

Program initiatives will concentrate on three major areas, particularly fiscal risk control, revenue mobilisation, and expenditure management by better use of information systems. Improved control of public capital is projected to generate an additional fiscal region of Rs274 billion by the end of the financial year 2025.

Fashion designer gets arrested for smuggling of women

Peter Nygard, Fashion mogul, arrested in Canada for alleged trafficking of women and underage girls for sexual purposes.

The 79-year-old mogul was arrested along with his accomplices in Winnipeg by Royal Canadian Mounted Police on Monday

The officials on Monday said that the Canadian designer used his company to influence ladies who would have to serve his friends and business partners, authorities alleged.

According to an NBC News report, the alleged criminal was “hit with a nine-count grand jury indictment” which involves accusations “of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, transportation of a minor for prostitution, forced sex trafficking, and trafficking of minors.”

As per federal prosecutors in New York City, the Crime activities were said to have existed between 1995 and as early as this year.

However, the designer has strongly denied the accusation.

Mahira Khan gets Coronavirus

On Sunday, Mahira khan informed her fans about testing positive for the deadly disease and shared the pictures of the note on Instagram that read “I have tested positive for COVID-19. I’m isolating and have also informed all those who were in close contact with me over the last few days.” Although “It’s been rough but it will be ok soon, InshAllah” she added.

I have tested positive for COVID-19. I’m isolating and have also informed all those who were in close contact with me over the last few days. It’s been rough but it will be ok soon, InshAllah” Says Mahira Khan

She took the opportunity to educate her followers and requested everyone to wear a mask and maintain social distancing as she believes that is “for your sake and others’”.

“Prayers and movie recommendations are more than welcome” she continued.

The famous star is no stranger to Pakistani people who made her way to India. She started her career on screen as a VJ on a private channel, later on, was cast in Shoaib Mansoor’s superhit movie ‘Bol’. Afterward, she gained so much popularity, she even accepted the lead role in ‘Ho Mann Jahann, ‘Bin Roye’, ‘Verna’ and ‘7 Din Mohabbat In’.

“Prayers and movie recommendations are more than welcome” – Mahira

She has her fair share of contributions to the film industries in both India and Pakistan. Before her big-screen entry, she had smitten her fans with her acting in all-time favorite Humtv Drama called ‘Humsafar’.

Her big Bollywood debut role opposite Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Raees’ movie garnered her tons of praises and adoration from the other side of the border.

However, this fame came with numerous speculations and rumors about herself that she found herself into when she was spotted with the Bollywood heartthrob, Ranbir Kapoor.

China agrees to help Pakistan repay Saudi Arabia

Karachi: Earlier this week the Pak-China relations took another turn as China agreed to give Pakistan $1 to $1.5 billion so that it can remove its burden of debt. With this much finance, the government will be able to pay off the outstanding payment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The sources have confirmed that Islamabad is ready to come clean by repaying the $2 billion Saudi debt. The $1 billion will be paid on Monday while the remaining $1 billion will be paid next month in January, said the Ministry of Finance.

This was not the first time that China has come forward to save Pakistan.

Nonetheless, China has not provided the loan from its State Administration of Foreign Exchange called SAFE deposits nor did it extend a commercial loan instead both countries have consented to increase the size of a 2011 bilateral Currency-Swap Agreement known as CSA by adding 10 billion Chinese Yuan or $1.5 billion.

Currency Swap Agreement

According to the central bank, a bilateral currency-swap agreement was signed between the SBP and the 
People’s Bank of China (PBOC) in December 2011 “to promote bilateral trade, finance direct investment, and provide short-term liquidity support.” the initial deal was extended in December 2014 for a term of three years with a cumulative cap of 10 billion yuan or $1.5 billion. It was also expanded for a total of three years in May 2018, rising to 20 billion yuan or $3 billion.
This deal will expire in May of next year, which the central bank has agreed to ask China 
to extend for another three years.

Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari’s Engagement Attire Gets all Eyes on Her

Every girl dreams about donning a beautiful dress along with outstanding jewelry on her wedding day, and Bhutto’s daughter was no exception in this.

Bakhtawar shared her engagement pictures on social media and left everyone starstruck as she wore the most phenomenal smooth-colored pink dress with a glorious shawl designed by Nida Azwer.

Nida Azwer described the ornately embroidered shawl as having two sides, two sides; one represented her past as had her parent’s wedding day on it, the other portrayed her present that had Bakhtiar and her siblings on it.

“Bakhtawar particularly wanted her mother to be a part of her day and we sat and decided how she wanted the shawl to be,” the designer told the publication. “I had to research a lot and look at the pictures that she provided me with, creating detailed sketches before translating them with cloth and thread,” Nida Azwer narrated.

“For me as a designer, it was all really exhilarating because I was creating a detailed customized piece,” exclaimed Nida.

On November 27, in an exclusive affair at Bilawal House in Karachi, Bakhtawar exchanged rings with the Dubai-based entrepreneur.

Mohammad Aamir’s Resign Sparks So Much Response

Karachi: Yesterday, in the midst of a lot of hoo-ha about an upcoming match with New Zealand, a voice emerged that sparked so many debates and reactions in PCB as a 28-year-old cricketer, Mohammad Aamir opened up about the ‘mental torture’ he is going through.

Aamir announced the heartbreaking news to the fans in an interview with Samaa TV where he mentioned that he is going to take retirement from cricket in the wake of intense mental pressure.

Also Read, Pakistani Fast Bowler unable to endure mental torture anymore

After the news came out about Aamir’s retirement decision, many cricketers and lovers of cricket gave mixed reactions.

The former all-rounder of the Indian cricket team Irfan Pathan also reacted to the decision of national cricketer Mohammad Amir to say goodbye to cricket out of frustration with the cricket management.

Pathan, in a message on Twitter, tagged Mohammad Aamir and said, “Recently I met Aamir in the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

“Regarding Aamir’s decision to quit cricket, I would definitely say that there is still a lot of cricket left for Aamir,” he said and wished him “well for future”.

Another response was from a politician from a ruling party, Senator Faisal Javed Khan.

In a tweet, he advised the management to “look into Amir’s concerns and involve senior players to handle the matter.”

Javed showed his agitation as he thinks that “28 years old Amir is a huge talent and we shouldn’t waste him”

A big name from the cricket world Shoaib Akhtar also made similar comments as Senator Faisal Javed Khan

Ramiz Raja also took to Twitter to shared a nugget of wisdom

On the other hand, the PCB termed the decision of Aamir’s retirement as a personal decision and said that the name of Mohammad Amir would not be considered for any future international match.

Also read, Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for T20 Series Against New Zealand

Corona takes 50 more lives in Pakistan

Karachi: The second wave of the coronavirus is taking a heavy toll on the country as fifty more people lost their battle with COVID-19 and the cases are increasing significantly on a daily basis. 

According to the recent report issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the active cases of the corona were recorded at 44,582, On Friday, while 3047 people have been tested positive for coronavirus in just one day. 47 patients are in the hospital for treatment, and 50 people have died due to the deadly virus in the last 24-hour.

Nearly 366 ventilators are occupied in the major cities of Pakistan like Lahore (35 per cent) Multan (67 per cent), Peshawar (40 per cent), and Islamabad (51 per cent) while no COVID-infected patient was reported on the ventilator in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan.

The Report also mentioned about 42,596 tests that were conducted on Thursday in all the major cities of Pakistan which are as follows: 6,629 in Islamabad, 12,703 in Sindh, 5,063 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 788 in AJK, 16,645 in Punjab, 410 in Gilgit-Baltistan, and 358 in Balochistan.

The shortage of the oxygen providing facility was only recorded in cities including Peshawar (60 per cent),  Multan (50 per cent), Islamabad (60 per cent), and Rawalpindi (56 per cent).

Moreover, the total number of patients who have been recovered from the virus so far is around 379,092 in Pakistan.

Ever since the eruption of the pandemic, 432,327 people were detected positive for the virus, and 8,653 patients have lost their lives so far. Therefore, 7.15 per cent positivity ratio was recorded in Pakistan.

However, the highest positivity ratio was recorded in Karachi (18.43 per cent) while the COVID positivity rate remained low in other cities.

The Geminid Meteor shower graces the sky on Sunday

The Geminids, with peak visibility of up to 120 meteorites per hour, is one of the most spectacular annual meteor showers and this year’s jawdropping shower left the stargazers surprised at the sight that continued all night long on Sunday, the 13th of December, till Monday dawn.

The Geminid Meteor shower grace the sky on Sunday

 

Meteor showers are usually predictable, which include numerous meteors and are often linked to comets (Comets are cosmic, dust, snowballs of frozen gases, and rock that revolve around the Sun). And when the astronomical debris periodically nears the Earth’s atmosphere on any night, these meteors are likely to occur.

The rock comet is the parent body of the shower known as 3200 Phaethon.

Have you ever happened to see a long tail star?

Well, these are comets as they near the enormous planet called Sun, the icy surface of the stream of the comet away from the comet and vaporize the snow making it look like a star with a tail. They tend to move quite fast.

And when they orbit the sun the gases get dust and other small particles and carry them along. Over time, this substance extends through the whole orbital path of the comet.

According to earthsky.org, you can catch the amazing sight of 50 plus meteors per hour on a dark night. Yet on Geminids shower night, it doubles the meteors allowing you to see 150 meteors per hour which were seen this year in 2020.

The stargazing lovers stayed up all night to relish the scenery through live streaming on the CosmoSapiens youtube channel.

In case you missed the astounding show on the sky last night, here is the video for you to enjoy.

 

Infinix partners with Bank Alfalah

Karachi: Infinix and Bank Alfalah have increased their relationship on the success of the previous partnership to provide their customers with the newly introduced NOTE 8 series in installments. Infinix is going the extra mile to make smartphones of high quality conveniently available to anyone. Both businesses are pleased to launch another live mobile week promotion from today during which consumers will find “talk of the town” Notice 8 and 8i installment plans.

Safe purchases, with 0 percent markup, on Bank Alfalah credit card, and 100 percent initial goods are the main advantages of this installment mobile initiative. To read more about installment plans, consumers can visit the Alfa Mall official website. With its ultra-speedy G80 processor and flawless 64 MP sensor, this recently released NOTE 8 smartphone is already in the limelight.

“On this occasion, Mr. Joe Hu, Infinix Pakistan’s CEO, expressed his delight and said The central vision of Infinix is to still make the new technology more readily available to its customers. Infinix and Bank Alfalah are looking forward to improving a long-term win-win alliance by expanding this partnership.

By introducing the most trendy, budget-friendly, and high-quality phones to its consumers globally and locally, Infinix has already accomplished a landmark in a very short time.

Here are the most tending searches on Google in 2020

Karachi: Google today revealed its annual Year in Search Pakistan, which looks back at 2020 from the common eyes of Google Pakistan searches and gives a view on the big events, hottest developments, and behavioral shifts of the year due to searches performed in Pakistan based on Covid-19. Much like any other year, this year’s trending searches were dominated by everyone’s favorite sport.

Trending searches of 2020
Pakistan vs England
Coronavirus
Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
Google Classroom
US Election 2020
PSL 2020
India vs New Zealand
England vs Australia
England vs West indies
Worldometers

Trending people searches of 2020
Marvi Sarmad
Uzma Khan
Joe Biden
Alizeh Shah
Hareem Shah
Minahil Malik
Falak Shabir
Asim Azhar
Esra Bilgiç
Sarah Khan

Trending Movies and TV searches of 2020
Ertugrul
Mere Paas Tum Ho
Money Heist
Bigg Boss 14
Mirzapur Season 2
Deewangi
Mera Dil Mera Dushman
Kuruluş: Osman
Ehd-e-Wafa
Joker

Trending searches about Coronavirus
Thank you, coronavirus helpers
Coronavirus tips
Coronavirus update
Worldometer
corona cases
Pakistan Medical Council
Quarantine
covid-19
symptoms of coronavirus
coronavirus vaccine

Trending event and occasion searches of 2020
US Election
Leap day
International women’s day
Australia fire
Gilgit Baltistan election 2020
Beirut blast
Motorway incident
Kabaddi world cup 2020
Under 19 world cup
Lhabib vs Gaethje

Trending gadget searches of 2020
Huawei Y9a
Infinix note 7
Vivo v20
iPhone 12
Infinix hot 9
OPPO f17 pro
Vivo s1
Vivo y20
Vivo y51
Huawei Y6p

In addition to revealing what people in Pakistan were curious about, Google Search tools also give insight into which subjects caught the interest of the whole world in 2020. To discover the remainder of the year in Search stories and top trending charts from countries across the globe, visit Google.com/2020.

What is Google’s Year in Search?
In an analysis of the over one trillion search requests we get each year, Google shows the Internet’s spirit of the times. We also provide many resources that offer insight into global, geographic, historical, and current search patterns, in addition to year-end searches, which illustrate the top trends of the year.

To classify individual users, Google Search methods will never be used because we rely on anonymized, aggregated counts of how often those search queries appear over time. At trends.google.com, these instruments are available year-round for you to experiment with, sample, and learn about.

PIA cancels ATR Aircraft Acquired on Expensive Lease Arrangement

PIA cancels ATR aircraft acquired on an expensive Lease arrangement. PIA spokesman said on Saturday.

PIA ATR-72 aircraft was high on operational cost and expected Market value resultantly making the flight operations non-profitable. These aircraft were acquired on lease in the year 2015 and were higher than the present market price but due to the long-term agreement enforced, PIA was unable to return them earlier.

On the instructions of CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik, PIA management reviewed the lease agreement thoroughly and benefited from a clause in the lease agreement during Covid flights suspension.

The first ATR-72 aircraft returned having registration number APBKY departed from Karachi for Johannesburg, South Africa. while 03 other ATR72 will also be returned.

CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik while congratulating PIA team on successful negotiations which made possible the return of these aircraft said that it was not only a difficult decision at this crucial time but unavoidable as well.

CEO PIA said that the airline will keep operating other ATR aircraft which make the operations viable on short routes. Meanwhile, under the supervision of the Government of Pakistan, PIA will soon acquire new aircraft in its fleet which will improve the airline’s product and service considerably. New aircraft and improved service was expected since long from our passengers and will be soon fulfilled soon said CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik.

Likee about to Launch Operations in Pakistan Following One Million Downloads

Karachi: The world’s famous short video creation space, Likee, is set to launch its operations in Pakistan.

Millions of people have downloaded it in the country, and it is expected to grow as the new records with the localized version launch.

The Singapore-based smartphone application is unusual in that it gives users the ability to create and apply special effects to recordings quickly. Special effects may involve four-dimensional, glamorous, and interactive stickers as well as a video editing feature.

The platform aims to use channel distribution creation, content operations, brand protection teams, and talent management spheres.

Pakistan has a market of 76.38 million internet users, which is expected to increase by 11 million users.

Likee has become the most fast-growing application to gain so much popularity in three years. 

It is though a development tool for many talents. With filters, effects, and so many other editing tools integrated into the software itself, a career as a video content maker immediately became a feasible option for millions more.

Likee enjoys its place in the area as one of the leading short video sites, offering consumers the ability to test the potential in an entertaining and interactive atmosphere. Innovation is at the forefront of the app’s philosophy, letting young people give their creativity a chance.

ICU Nurse gets first COVID vaccine

Sandra Lindsay who is a critical care nurse in NEW York becomes the first person to get coronavirus vaccine Authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The event took place in Queens on Monday morning during a live video.

After getting a shot of the COVID-19 vaccine she described the experience as “a good touch” as “it didn’t feel any different than taking any other vaccine”.

In an interview, the nurse told CNN that she is feeling she has no fear and feels “great”.

Lindsay and Chester, both Black women, were joined on stage by Michael Dowling, President, and CEO of Northwell Health, who noted that over 100,000 Covid-19 patients had been seen in the regional hospital system.

The quickly organized media conference, which took place only a few hours after the vaccinations arrived in New York City at dawn. The entire event was televised live on CNN and other social media sites.

Ms. Lindsay also mentioned her concerns over getting infected with coronavirus as she said, “I trust the science. My profession is deeply rooted in science. I trust science. What I don’t trust is getting Covid-19, because I don’t know how it will affect me and the people around me that I could potentially transfer the virus to.”

This Coronavirus shot manifests a defining moment in history and serves as a symbol of scientific speed and accuracy.

The recipient of the vaccine also mentioned that she wants to “inspire” people and encourage them to get vaccinated. 

Earlier this month, after the government’s approval in the UK, people received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and Lindsay is one of the first people to get a covid vaccine approved by the FDA for use by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave the green signal to administer among people who are 16 and older.

Here is the video where you can see the pivotal event in the history of science taking place.

 

 

Huawei 5G Ecosystem Conference emphasizes Business, Social and Economic Value

Karachi: Huawei, held the sixth annual 5G Ecosystem Conference in the Middle East on the sidelines of GITEX Technology Week 2020

Huawei is no stranger to the people as it’s known as a leading supplier in the world of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) networks and smart gadgets.

The conference highlighted innovations relating to the 5G environment of the Middle East, with a special emphasis on exploring problems related to creative 5G technologies and implementations for different industries.

The role of 5G in the development of digital transformation and its market importance to providers, authorities, and industries. The conference also discussed the complexities of improving the region’s 5G ecosystem and the opportunities for public and private sector collaborations to maximize 5G advantages in all areas.

The conference was also graced by industry experts from all around the world, Includes telecommunications providers, market experts, leading firms, and numerous technological partners in the 5G ecosystem.

Many of the debates centred on the socio-economic value of making 5G a commercial success; something that is highly important at the time of COVID-19, when the pandemic has intensified the need for smooth, secure connect for individuals and companies alike.

Several countries in the Middle East were among the first round of 5G commercial releases worldwide beginning in 2018. In GSMA’s 2020 study “Mobile Economy Middle East & North Africa,” the telecommunications industry body predicts that there will be 60 million mobile 5G links around the country by 2025, with USD 70 billion spendings on broadband rollouts in the region between 2019 and 2025.

Vanness You, VP of Huawei ME Marketing and Solutions, CNBG, said “With a new year ahead and a desire for great times to come, emerging technology such as AI, cloud computing, and 5G will play a vital role as a powerful engine of socio-economic stability and economic growth.”

He further mentioned, that 5G, in particular, will be central to societal development during the pandemic and the post-pandemic economic recovery.

“Huawei is committed to partnering with our customers and partners, to engaging in the development of 5G ecosystems and the incubation of innovative manufacturing technologies for different sectors, and to open up collaboration with other platforms such as 5G OpenLab to fulfill market requirements.” continued he.

Changan Motors Limited begins the producing Alsvin

Karachi: Changan Alsvin production was initiated by Master Changan Motors Limited. Pakistan’s first Smart Euro-5 Sedan Vehicle. The line-off occasion for the first CKD unit took place at the company’s state-of-the-art factory on 14 December 2020.

Master Motors Limited has been into a joint venture for the last ten years in a row with Changan Automobiles – China’s number one domestic car brand.

Danial Malik, CEO of Master Changan Motors, said, “Alsvin provides Pakistani customers with an impressive range of automotive technology that is being introduced in Pakistan for the first time.” These include the first Euro5 engine in Pakistan, Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission, Start-Stop Technology (SST), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Cruise Control, and a Human Machine Interface (HMI) of 7 inches.

The company has spent an extra $36 million to launch the Changan Alsvin in Pakistan following an initial investment of $100 million and plans to introduce more exciting versions in the year 2021.

From left to right: Mr. Wang You, Mr. Tanning, Mr. Danial Malik(Master Changan CEO), Mr. Nadeem Malik(Master Motors CEO), Mr. Duan, Mr. Samir Malik (CEO Master Motors)

Sana khan enjoys trip to Kashmir with her husband

After the wedding pictures of the Bollywood actress went viral, Sana khan made her way to Kashmir with her husband Mufti Anas to make some unforgettable memories.

Earlier this week, the 33-year-old star took to social media to share some breathtaking moments and memorable pictures while enjoying snowfall in the most beautiful place on earth, Kashmir.

The newlywed couple is spotted relishing their winter days. To make their vacation more special Sana khan celebrated her husband’s birthday and posted the card on Instagram for fans to adore.

Here are some pictures to leave you in awe: 

Isn’t it breathtaking? 

Only recently, the Big Boss star announced her disassociation with the Bollywood industry and bid farewell to her acting career in order to dedicate her life and energy to serving humanity. She quitted acting due to her closeness to Religion.

Ertugrul visits shrines in Pakistan

Engin Altan who is famous for his role in historical Turkish Drama; Dirilis: Ertugrul paid his visit to the Tomb of Allama Iqbal and Badshahi Masjid.

On his brief visit to a fan-based country, Altan seemed to be having fun and enjoying her trip as he couldn’t stop but praise Pakistan for being so beautiful.

“I am also aware about the natural beauty of the country,” – Engin Altan

The famous Turkish actor took to social media to share some delighted pictures from his tour. 

Ertugrul visits shrines in Pakistan

After addressing a press conference, the star shared his heartfelt desire to see the beauty in Pakistan saying, “I know Pakistani people love me.” “I am also aware about the natural beauty of the country,” He added.

The star was astonished to see so much love and adoration in Pakistan for him. Fans poured love on him and embraced Ertugrul’s star with open arms.

As he spoke some Urdu words like, “Lahore, Lahore hai,” he left the audience in reverence.

“Lahore, Lahore hai,” says Ertugrul

Virgin Atlantic Airways to handle its Passenger and Cargo operations in Pakistan

Karachi, 10th December 2020 – Gerry’s dnata, a joint venture of Ground Handling Services between dnata Dubai and Gerry’s Group Pakistan, today announces its partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways by becoming the airline’s preferred Ground Services Provider (GSP) for Lahore-London and Islamabad-London/Manchester flight operations in Pakistan.

Virgin Atlantic Airways is scheduled to operate this week from Lahore and Islamabad with direct flights to London. In its extended plans, Manchester route will be opened for direct flights from Islamabad. Whereas, Virgin Atlantic Cargo had stepped into Pakistani territory on 8th December 2020.

Haris Raza, CEO, Gerry’s dnata said “We have a firm commitment to delivering high-quality and safe ground-handling services in Pakistan which is fundamental to our success in this market. We have proudly played an integral part in keeping the global supply chain going during 2020 and are thrilled to welcome Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Atlantic Cargo to Gerry’s dnata family in Pakistan with our full suite of ground handling and cargo services.”

At the onset of COVID-19, several airlines with well-established operations in Pakistan made a strategically benefitting decision to switch to Gerry’s dnata services. These airlines include Etihad Airways which previously worked with a small local player, Azerbaijan Airlines which resumed operations through charter services after a strategic move out of Pakistani market and Pegasus Airline, the second carrier operating out of Turkey.

Gerry’s dnata’s trajectory over the last seven years tells a compelling story of transformation, making it an uncontested leader in the ground handling services market of Pakistan. With a clientele base of 13 scheduled passenger airlines, 10 cargo airlines and more than 30 charter operators as partners, the ground handling services landscape is dominantly secured by Gerry’s dnata. Currently, it provides its services to 07 stations across Pakistan and holds the accolade of being the only transformational market player with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning backed cargo warehouse operation system.

Babar Azam gets ruled out of T20 series

Karachi: After suffering a fracture in his right thumb during the practice session on Sunday morning, Pakistan captain Babar Azam was omitted from the New Zealand T20Is.

Babar will not be able to engage in nets for at least 12 days, as per the information, therefore, he will not be eligible for the T20Is which are soon going to be played in Auckland, Hamilton, and Napier, respectively, for the 18, 20, and 22 December.

In the meantime, Vice-Captain Shadab Khan of Pakistan T20I is also carrying a groin niggle, which reduced him to batting only in net sessions on Sunday.

The day after Imam-ul-Haq had also broken his left thumb during a throw-down session, the Pakistani skipper sustained the wound.

Pakistani head coach Misbah-ul-Haq also shared his opinions on the new developments, saying, “Injuries are part of sports but it is incredibly frustrating to lose a remarkable player like Babar Azam for the T20Is”, “yet this opens up an opportunity for the other talented players to play their part.” he added.

The squad for T20Is New Zealand includes: 

Faheem Ashraf, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hussain Talat, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Musa Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan (Captain), Abdullah Shafique. Babar Azam Azam (withdrawn due to injury)

Pakistan Shaheens for the four-day New Zealand ‘A’ match: 

Azhar Ali, Danish Aziz, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Butt, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Yasir Shah, Zafar Gohar, and Zeeshan Malik. Rohail Nazir (captain), Abid Ali, Amad Butt, Imam-ul-Haq (withdrawn due to injury)

Google outage, a rude awakening

On Monday Google users experienced a brief service outage which prevented them from using google applications like Google Docs, Youtube, and email. 

The ‘Google outage’ as BBC calls it, lasted for less than an hour. The breakdown of applications was not just faced by users in the UK but also across the globe as many complained about the problem accessing Google Drive, Gmail, Maps, Android Play Store, and other frequently used applications.

A plethora of workers who are dependent on Google mobile and desktop applications, notably suffered due to the outage.

Some of them took social media to complain about the issue they just faced saying “I’m sitting here in the dark… because the light is controlled by @Google Home. Rethinking a lot right now”

https://twitter.com/joemfbrown/status/1338452107419148290

While others who replied on the same post said, 

“Time to get some Google Candles”.

https://twitter.com/rynprry/status/1338461501401731072

A user took the opportunity to joke about Google having so much access to our personal data said, 

“And just think about how Google must feel, not being able to know what room you’re in right now, or what you are listening to, or what you are watching.”

https://twitter.com/kiptw/status/1338472352879931399

Another commented,

https://twitter.com/cri/status/1338466844366303234

Although the outage lasted only for a few minutes, it was a rude awakening of how millions of people are relying on Google for everything.

 

UNICEF and PSDF to create Job Opportunities to the Youth

Karachi: Today, as part of the ‘Age Limitless’ collaboration in Pakistan, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) have signed a partnership agreement to undertake a research and development project in support of youth education, skills development and job placement.

In order to develop the capabilities and employability of the most marginalized and culturally, socially deprived teens and youth, the agreement will support study, build, and pre-test an accelerated and cost-effective ‘Non-Formal School to Work Placement’ model. It serves young people and youth who have never completed formal education or who have aged out of the formal education system without attaining primary education skills and who do not have access to education and economic opportunities.

PSDF will work with UNICEF, federal and provincial governments, and partners from civil society organisations and the private sector to establish and pre-test the ‘Non-Formal Education to Job Placement’ model in Punjab.

It seeks to provide a special, comprehensive approach by (1) concurrently offering options for youth and young adults aged 10-19 who are outside the formal school system to participate in an Advanced Learning Programme.

Through this they will acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills at primary school; (2) empower those who have attained grade 5 skill level with employment and entrepreneurship skills through preparation to improve their capacity to access generational prospects for non-hazardous income; and (3) connect young people who have successfully graduated from the programme to the labor market.

“We are proud that UNICEF has partnered in Pakistan with PSDF for this landmark initiative to educate and empower out-of-school teenagers,” said Mr Jawad Khan, PSDF CEO.

“This is recognition of PSDF as the most innovative and progressive development sector organization in Pakistan. PSDF has deep knowledge in skills training gained through managing large evidence-based and demand-driven programs, operational excellence achieved through working with largest international donors, and unmatched ability to deliver results as PSDF graduates generate annual incomes of PKR 20 Billion.”

The project is part of the ‘Generation Limitless’ (GenU) collaboration in Pakistan, which aims to establish a movement to help young people gain the education and skills training needed to access job opportunities, particularly teenage girls and boys between the ages of 10 and 19.

The multi-sector partnership forum of GenU brings together government, private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners and forges creative partnerships with young people to extend and connect formal education and skills development.

UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Ms Aida Girma, said “Pakistan has the largest generation of young people in its history, which provides unique challenges as well as opportunities,”

It embraces the ‘Age Infinite’ vision of putting together public and private partners to engage in young people in order to help them fulfill their potential whilst fostering economic and social growth.

As a first step, the model will be built and pre-tested in Punjab. In the future, the aim is to introduce parallel projects in other provinces to attract millions of young people who lack resources.

The last Solar eclipse of 2020 to Occur on Monday

Karachi: On Saturday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) informed that the last 2020 solar eclipse will occur on Monday.

However, this solar eclipse in the country and the South Asian region will be invisible to the naked eye.

The eclipse will begin at 6:34 pm and end at 11:53 pm, according to the PMD. 

This eclipse will only be visible in totality from the southern end of South America and regions of the Atlantic and Pacific. However, it will be possible to catch the sight of this amazing event from anywhere through Livestream. 

The last phenomenal solar eclipse of 2020 will last for a few minutes.

Fuel Delivery Ship targeted in Saudi Arabia

The fuel delivery ship was targeted on Monday by an explosive-charged boat in Saudi Arabia, confirmed the Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom.

The Singapore-flagged owner of the oil tanker reported that he had been hit by a blast in the Jeddah fuel terminal during a “terrorist” strike.

In a statement, shipping company Hafnia said on Monday that all 22 sailors on board the BW Rhine had survived without damage. The company cautioned that any oil might spill from the blast site while the company said, adding parts of the ship’s hull had been destroyed.

A ministry spokesman said that the assault ensued a small fire which was extinguished quickly. Luckily no casualties occurred as a result of the incident, neither was there any harm done to the unloading facilities, nor any supplies.

If Yemen’s Houthi mutineers were the perpetrators, this would mark a paradigm change in both targeting capabilities and purpose, Some analysts have concluded.

 

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