Bao Fan, a Chinese millionaire whose absence raised concerns about a new crackdown on the country’s financial services sector, is “cooperating in an inquiry,” according to his company, over two weeks after it was announced.
The chairman of China Renaissance became well-known for his role in the rise of some of the biggest internet companies in the nation, including successful IPOs and a historic merger between the dominant ride-hailing company Didi and its main rival at the time, Kuaidi Dache.
He was now “informed that Mr. Bao is currently assisting in an investigation being carried out by relevant authorities,” in mainland China, according to a filing made by his Hong Kong-listed company on Sunday.
In a recent interview, Hardy Sandhu discussed the future of Indian music as he got ready for his next tour of the country. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of music today.
He told Hindustan Times that a similar circumstance occurred three years prior when there was a lack of good music and musicians began experimenting with remixes and remakes. Everyone in this field began operating like a company and concentrating solely on producing content. Hence, what we have been seeing is not music but rather content that falls short of peoples’ expectations. Remixes, in my opinion, only occur when there is a lack of material.
He stated, “I devote time, so that I can sound fresh and different,” while explaining how he maintains his music current. I never rush the release of a song. As you can see, I have only completed 13–40 songs throughout my ten years in the music business. Quality above quantity is my preference.
“The labels dominate Bollywood music,” he said in his conclusion. Artists must adapt to the environment that the companies design. The results are not as good as we can expect from a particular artist because of this, which in some way mutes the creative side.
According to Turkish authorities, an earthquake that struck southeast Turkey on Monday resulted in one fatality, 69 injuries, and the collapse of some houses.
It occurred three weeks after a huge earthquake in Turkey and Syria that claimed more than 50,000 lives.
Search and rescue teams have been sent to five buildings, according to Yunus Sezer, chairman of Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), who was speaking at a news conference.
The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre estimated the magnitude of the earthquake, which shook the region of Malatya in southeast Turkey, to be 5.2. It was 5.6 according to AFAD.
The song “Naatu Naatu” from the movie “RRR” is a hit, and a viral video of actress Hania Aamir’s captivating dance performance to it has gone viral.
In the video, Hania is seen dancing alongside a small kid at a wedding while wearing a lovely golden dress and humming along to the upbeat music.
Viewers were extremely impressed by the actress’s skillful imitation of the dancing techniques used by Jr. NTR and Ram Charan in the movie. One admirer said, “Oh yeah, this is so good,” and another said, “Excellent.” Social media users flocked to the comments area to show their enthusiasm.
Being one of Pakistan’s most gifted actresses, Hania’s dynamic performance once again demonstrated her excellent dance abilities.
Ushna Shah, a stunning artist, never fails to astonish audiences in the east and the west. She is known for being quite outspoken and for doing an outstanding job in any task she does. Ushna Shah recently declared her love for Hamza Amin on Instagram, and the two later attended their passionate baat pakki ceremony with both wearing pink and white colours. This week’s Ushna Shah wedding celebrations officially began with the pre-wedding beach party for their close friends and family and the wedding party for their visitors.
Red was Warda Salaeem’s suggestion for Ushna Shah’s wedding colour. Ushna gave a tearful sneak preview after first viewing the garment. Here she appears as a bride looking stunning as her famous pals arrive for her wedding.
RAWALPINDI: The military’s media wing reported on Sunday that two soldiers were killed during a firefight with terrorists in the general region of Spinwam, North Waziristan district.
According to a statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani military successfully engaged the terrorists’ location. Two terrorists were also killed, and two others were captured. The terrorists who were still actively engaging in terrorist attacks against security personnel and the murder of innocent civilians had weapons and ammunition that had been hidden.
The two soldiers who died in battle were named as Sepoy Imranullah, 25, and Sepoy Afzaal Khan, 21. It stated that the region was being sanitised in order to get rid of any terrorists discovered there.
According to the ISPR, “Pakistan Army is dedicated to eradicate the threat of terrorism and such sacrifices of our gallant warriors further enhance our determination.”
Bollywood superstar Katrina recently shared a stunning selfie with her admirers, showcasing her unaltered beauty.
The actress posted a photo of herself without makeup. Her face was directly exposed to the sun, which made it sparkle even more. She had open hair and wore a straightforward black shirt.
When taking a selfie, Katrina showed her endearing smile and added the caption, “SunDaze.” Sonam Kapoor made a comment about Kat’s beauty, simply writing, “Lovely Kat.”
Together with Sonam, she received a lot of praise for her grace and understatement. One of them penned: “The queen of hearts, the most fashionable and well-liked.”
“Great appearance Female Superstar Katrina,” said another fan. A user wrote, “This picture made me miss the good old days.”
Fans and coworkers admire Kaif’s simplicity, and her father-in-law recently said in an interview: “We are all living with so much love. I think their meeting was predetermined by fate.
The 15th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 is being played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Lahore Qalandars have set Peshawar Zalmi a 242-run goal to chase.
Previously, Qalandars chose to bat first against Peshawar Zalmi after winning the toss.
On the points chart, Qalandars are currently in fourth place, followed by Zalmi in fifth.
ISLAMABAD: The ruling parties, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and the Pakistan Mulsim League-Nawaz (PML-N), demanded the formation of the Supreme Court’s full court bench on Saturday in order to hear the suo motu notice regarding the alleged delay in the general elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The argument, made by Farooq H. Naek, Kamran Murtaza, and Masoor Usman Awan, also asked that Justices Ijazul Ahsan and Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi be excluded.
The development occurs a short time after Chief Judge Umar Ata Bandial, who also established a larger bench to hear the issue, took a suo motu note of what appeared to be a delay in the polls for the assemblies, which dissolved in Punjab and KP on January 14 and 18, respectively.
While investors remained cautious about upcoming interest rate hikes by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to contain excessive inflation, gold prices slipped lower on Saturday and were headed for a second straight weekly decline.
Although rising interest rates raise the opportunity cost of storing the non-yielding bullion, gold is nevertheless regarded as a good inflation hedge due to its great sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
The price of gold (24 carats) decreased by Rs 1,000 per tola and Rs 858 per 10 grammes to settle at Rs 194,100 and Rs 166,409, respectively, according to data issued by the All-Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association (APSGJA).
When two days of dramatic testimony came to an end, Richard “Alex” Murdaugh, the disbarred South Carolina attorney on trial for the murders of his wife and son, floated an alternate idea for the jury by saying that he thought someone enraged over a fatal boating accident had committed the atrocities.
After hours of cross-examination in which a prosecution laid out a series of lies told by the defendant, including concerning his alibi on the night of the deaths, Murdaugh provided the idea, for which he conceded he had no evidence.On the evening of June 7, 2021, Murdaugh, 54, and his son Paul, 22, were shot dead at close range in dog kennels on the family’s estate. Murdaugh has denied any participation in their deaths. Yet, he has acknowledged to defrauding colleagues and clients of significant sums of money to support a drug habit, which may damage his credibility with the jury.
In order to promote trade and make it easier, Pakistan and Uzbekistan signed a $1 billion trade deal on Friday at the Inter-governmental Commission (IGC).
Co-chaired by the Uzbek Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov and the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar, the eighth session of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan IGC on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation was held in Uzbekistan to discuss trade relations.During the discussions, which were focused at boosting economic diversity, sustainable growth, establishing supply chain resilience, and a strong regulatory environment, both sides emphasised the enormous untapped potential in investment cooperation and bilateral commerce.
At the National Bank Cricket Arena on Friday, Islamabad United defeated Quetta Gladiators by 63 runs in the 13th game of the eighth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as Gladiators were unable to reach the enormous 221-run goal set for them.
With the win, United’s points on the standings increased from four to six, guaranteeing them a berth behind Multan Sultan in second place.
Martin Guptill, Jason Roy, Will Smeed, Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Mohammad Hafez, Mohammad Nawaz, Odean Smith, Iftikhar Ahmed, Aimal Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, and Naseem Shah are the members of the Quetta Gladiators.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Colin Munro, Rassie van der Dussen, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Mubasir Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fazalhaq Farooqui, and Hasan Ali are the players for Islamabad United.
Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was disqualified from six National Assembly seats by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday.
The former prime minister, who was removed from office last year, was de-notified from his seats in NA 22 Mardan, NA 24 Charsadda, NA 31 Peshawar, NA 108, NA 118 Nankana, and NA 239 Karachi, according to a notification from the electoral administration.
An earlier decision to notify the PTI leader of his victory on seven seats in the by-elections held in October last year was made on January 19 by a three-member ECP bench led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja.
Investors claim that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) may increase interest rates this week in an off-cycle review as the South Asian country is under pressure to improve its financial situation in light of a $1 billion loan tranche it is requesting from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The central bank’s policy rate, which is currently 17%, is expected to raise by at least 200 basis points (bps), according to market participants in a recent treasury bill auction. The rates the Pakistani government established at the auction to raise the cash are the foundation for the anticipated hike.
In the sale on Wednesday, the government made Rs258 billion ($991.54 million).
The three-month, six-month, and 12-month tenor cut-off rates increased by 195 basis points, 206 basis points, and 184 basis points, respectively, from the previous auction.
The cash-strapped nation is taking important steps to obtain IMF funding, such as raising taxes, eliminating blanket subsidies, and placing artificial exchange rate controls. According to media sources, the agency anticipates a hike in the policy rate even if the administration anticipates reaching an agreement with the IMF soon.
The monetary policy committee of the central bank will meet again on March 16th. Nonetheless, off-cycle rate reviews are widespread in Pakistan.
A rate increase is approaching and might occur as soon as this Friday, according to Adnan Sheikh, Assistant Vice President of Research at Pak Kuwait Investment Company.
Shoaib Akhtar, a former top pacer for Pakistan, mocked Kamran Akmal on Wednesday for pronouncing the word “screen” incorrectly in English, stating “sakreen nahi hota, screen hota hai” (it’s not sakreen, it’s screen).
When asked to remark on the current Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches on a live TV show, Akhtar, who holds the record for throwing the fastest ball, was overheard referring to Akmal.
“While he [Akmal] was a match-winner and did a great job for Pakistan, I overheard him talking and overheard him say “sakreen.” Thus, it is a screen and not a screena. These details should be carefully documented, “When speaking with the host, Akhtar said.
“I did not try to disrespect Babar Azam, but he needs to better himself if he wants to be a huge brand,” he remarked in reference to Pakistan’s captain.
Internet users were not pleased with Akhtar’s remarks.
Police and villagers in a coastal town in Japan are baffled by a massive iron ball that washed up on a nearby beach. Apart for the fact that it is not anything that would explode, authorities are currently at a loss as to what exactly it is.
The 1.5-meter-diameter sphere has been the focus of hysterical rumours since it washed up on Enshu Beach in Hamamatsu, a city on the nation’s Pacific coast, according to local media.
As Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety celebrates its fifth anniversary, Kartik Aaryan shares the film’s climactic scene on Instagram to share memories.
Together with the video, Kartik also wrote a touching and charming thank-you note. “This day changed into Friendship’s Day five years ago,” he wrote. And Sonu grew to be an integral part of our lives. Thank you Sonu ko apne dil se lagaane ke liye,” was written in the caption before the hashtag “5 years of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety.” was added.
One of the most cherished moments from the movie is depicted in the clip he uploaded, in which Sonu, portrayed by Kartik, asks his pal Titu to pick between him and Sweety, the woman he is about to marry.
Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, directed by Luv Ranjan and starring Kartik, Nushratt, and Sunny Singh, was released in 2018. Alok Nath, Ishita Raj Sharma, and Ayesha Raza were also present in the movie.
The movie Shehzada, starring Kartik Aaryan, recently hit theatres. In the upcoming movie Selfiee starring Akshay Kumar, Nushratt Bharuccha will appear.
In order to ensure that its staff members maintain a healthy work-life balance, a small IT company in the city of Indore in central India developed software that alerts them when it is time for them to leave for the day.
The software from Softgrid Computers has a notice feature that activates after a worker’s shift is done, informing them that “the office system will shut down in 10 mins” and pleading with them to “please go home.”
The action comes as studies and attention on the detrimental effects of extended work hours on employees’ relationships and health around the world have intensified. For instance, the World Health Organization issued a warning in 2021 that working 55 or more hours per week can increase stroke risk by 35% and heart disease death risk by 17%.
The idea behind this, according to Chief Executive Ajay Golani, is to give employees a decent work-life balance so they can spend time with their family and loved ones.
In an effort to save $200 billion and keep the government afloat as it prepares to comply with IMF requirements, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed a slew of austerity measures on Wednesday.
Pakistan is failing to comply with the IMF’s stringent requirements despite its desperation to access the next tranche of its $1.1 billion credit facility.
Pakistan is under pressure from the IMF to increase its pitifully meagre tax base, eliminate exemptions for the export industry, and increase artificially low energy prices that are designed to aid low-income families.
The country is in desperate need of money as it fights a devastating economic crisis, since the foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) barely cover one month’s worth of imports.
The premier said that the ministers and advisers to the premier had “voluntarily” opted not to accept wages from the government in order to save millions for the national exchequer while speaking at a press conference surrounded by the leadership of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).
Multan Sultans kept the top spot on the points table after winning the 11th game of the eighth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Karachi Kings, meanwhile, stayed in fourth place.
On Wednesday, Sultans defeated Kings by 3 runs in an exciting match.In addition to receiving the Supernova Trophy, the victor will also receive a check for Rs120 million, while the losers will each receive a check for Rs48 million.In addition to receiving the Supernova Trophy, the victor will also receive a check for Rs120 million, while the losers will each receive a check for Rs48 million.
Wednesday night, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Punjab elections appeared to be delayed. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial took a suo motu notice of the situation and also convened a larger court to hear the matter.
The change occurs two days after Punjab and KP provincial assembly elections were set for April 9 by President Dr. Arif Alvi, a decision that was denounced by the government as “illegal and unconstitutional.”
The Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) and other legal professionals were consulted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) amid the crisis, but no official announcement has been issued as of yet.
Boney Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor, her spouse, pay tribute to the late actress Sridevi ahead of her fifth death anniversary.
On Instagram, Khushi posted a throwback photo of her and her mother from their 2017 vacation to Disneyland. In an unreleased photo, Sridevi may be seen kissing Khushi on the cheek. They appeared to be having a great time together.
The English actor from Vinglish dressed casually in a beige blazer and black slacks. Kapoor, meanwhile, sported a black long coat and trousers. She did not add a caption to the picture, but it is still clear that she misses her mother dearly.
Boney Kapoor, the deceased wife’s spouse, wrote a touching tribute to her as well. He left a portrait of her with the inscription, “You left us five years ago… Your affection and memories will sustain us and be a part of us always.
“Jo chala gaya mujhe chodkar Wohi aajtak mere saath hai,” he wrote alongside sharing the photo on his Instagram account.
Janhvi Kapoor also wrote a touching letter to her mother earlier yesterday, saying, “I still think of you everywhere, Mumma, and still try to do everything with the intention of making you proud. She wrote, “Whatever I do and everywhere I go, it all begins and finishes with you.”
On February 24, 2018, Sridevi passed away in Dubai.
With 126 wickets under her belt, Pakistani all-rounder Nida Dar on Tuesday passed Anisa Mohammed of the West Indies to secure the top spot in women’s T20 International cricket.
In Tuesday’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match against England, the right-hander reached the milestone.
The accomplishment was accomplished by the off-spinner in her 130th T20I game, who currently averages 18.18 with the ball.
Yet before destroying Pakistan by a record-breaking 114 runs in the match, England set the biggest score in Women’s Twenty20 World Cup history.
The seasoned all-rounder tied the mark on Sunday at Boland Park in Paarl during a Women’s T20 World Cup match versus West Indies.
Dar equaled former West Indies player Anisa Mohammed’s record of 125 wickets in women’s T20 international matches by taking two wickets for 13 in four overs.
Though West Indies eventually defeated Pakistan by three runs to end their group matches with two victories out of four, it was a bittersweet day for Dar.
KARACHI:Â Â An explosion in a sewer line on Sunday caused the house of actors Muneeb Butt and Aiman Khan to collapse in half, with Khan suffering just minor injuries. Videos of the broken-down area of their house began to go viral on social media.
Muneeb Butt, Aiman Khan’s husband, has now disclosed that although no one was seriously harmed, they are all doing OK and recovering. For their prayers and support, he thanked the crowd.
“On Sunday, February 20, half of my house fell due to an explosion caused by accumulation of gases in our sewerage lines,” the actor wrote on Instagram. Glass fragments caused minor injuries to Aiman, and our housekeeper suffered burns, but Allah has been very merciful. They are both recuperating, thank Allah, he wrote.
Butt added that difficult circumstances serve as a reminder of what matters most in life, namely the security and well-being of your loved ones. “My family and I are incredibly appreciative of all the love and good wishes you have sent our way, and we ask that you keep us in your prayers. I’m grateful,” he added.
A wall collapsed earlier after a sewerage line ruptured from the buildup of fumes. Two kids and one domestic helper both had minor wounds.
ISLAMABAD: Comsats University Islamabad (CUI) has fired a lecturer for asking a “objectionable” question in a test about the English language requirements for the Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (BEE) programme.
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) was informed that [an] investigation into the quiz’s content had been initiated in a letter from the CUI administration on February 2.
In accordance with the letter, the administration has already taken action and terminated the employment of lecturers (visiting faculty) as of January 5, 2023. The professor had also been added to a blacklist, it continued to state.
Students were “startled” to learn that the question asked them to write 300 words on the topic.
According to supplementary registrar Naveed Ahmed Khan, the rector admitted his mistake when he called the lecturer to clarify the issue. As a result, the lecturer was fired. “He had stolen the inquiry from Google,” he claimed. The test, he claimed, was redone.
The exam procedure was mocked by a faculty member who questioned why the problem could only be taken into account after the students raised it. He questioned whether the lecturer’s termination had anything to do with the government becoming aware of the incident.
On Monday, Beijing retaliated against US reports that it was considering arming Russia to help it in its conflict in the Ukraine.
When questioned about the US allegations, Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, responded, “It is the United States and not China that is continually transporting weapons to the battlefield.”
He said at a regular briefing, “We ask the United States to sincerely consider its own actions, and do more to ameliorate the situation, promote peace and dialogue, and cease assigning blame and disseminating misleading information.
The international community can clearly see who is urging discussion and promoting peace and who is stoking the flames and boosting opposition, he continued.
Aisha Ghaus Pasha, a state minister for finance, stated on Monday that the National Assembly is likely to pass the Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2023 today.
The minister further stated that the government has made the decision to have the lower house approve the mini-budget today. It should be emphasised that the Senate narrowly approved it the first time around.
The minister told reporters in Islamabad that virtual conversations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were ongoing and that talks would also take place today.
Pasha thought that a staff-level deal with the IMF would soon be realised. “Things with the IMF are moving forward favourably. It’s unlikely that the agreement will be delayed further.
After the success of films like Masaan and Gangs of Wasseypur, Richa Chadha rose to fame. She now intends to work in independent film to use her art to further more important issues.
On discussing her goals for the future, she remarked, “Artists frequently experience emotional ups and downs, which helps them realise who they are and who they are not. Now that I feel I can and have made some little progress supporting the movies and scripts I stand behind, I am in a position to support more independent movies. When one first starts their career, they frequently hear things like, “Well, your work is ahead of its time.”
Perhaps everyone is producing quality indie films now that time has caught up.She continued, “I want to represent voices that don’t necessarily comply or toe the line. I am extremely interested to explore what it means to be an independent artist with pop objectives. The goal is to make this craft of filmmaking available to more people, she adds, adding that she is enthusiastic about partnerships and “very cool, well-written, clever independent films.”
Imran Khan, the leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), made a Sunday appeal to the Supreme Court to consider his case for an inquiry into his personal audio leaks in light of the return of audio leaks in the nation’s political sphere.
He addressed the nation via a video link from his Zaman Park mansion in Lahore, saying, “I want the Supreme Court to also hear my case.”
When asked to comment on the multiple audio leaks involving him, his wife Bushra Bibi, and the leaders and allies of his party, Khan said: “Our fundamental rights were abused. if a secure line used by the prime minister to talk is breached.
The former prime minister, whose cabinet was removed from power as a result of a no-confidence resolution, requested that the supreme court establish a joint investigative team (JIT) or judicial commission to look into the alleged audio leaks from the PM House while he was still in office.
The nation’s highest court, however, rejected his plea and returned it, objecting to it on the grounds that it was unclear how Article 184(3) applied to the audio leaks case.
The PTI leader had asked the court to “declare that the contested activities, in particular, the illegal surveillance of the PMO and PMH and the publication of the surveillance material, particularly through the Audio Leaks, are unconstitutional and in breach of law.”