As the next Chief of the Naval Staff, Naveed Ashraf
With effect from October 7, 2023, Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf, HI (M), SI (M), TI (M), T Bt, has been named Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Pakistan Navy, and has been advanced to the rank of Admiral.
On October 7th, a ceremony in Islamabad will mark the change of command.
In 1989, Naveed Ashraf received a commission in the Pakistan Navy’s Operations Branch. He holds degrees from the Royal College of Defense Studies in the UK, the US Naval War College, and the National Defense University in Islamabad.
The extensive experience Vice Admiral Naveed Ashraf has gained through holding important command and staff roles.
Naveed Ashraf has also received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Basalat awards in appreciation of his remarkable professional contributions and bravery.
Salim Karim: Who Is He? regarding Mahira Khan’s second marriage in full
The well-known Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who made her Bollywood debut in the movie “Raees” with Shah Rukh Khan, recently shocked her admirers by getting married to her longtime partner Salim Karim.
Salim Karim and Mahira Khan exchanged vows, and numerous images and videos from the private wedding have since spread throughout the internet.
Mahira can be seen in one of the films making her way down the aisle while donning a white lehenga and matching veil.
The viral video shows Karim, who was dressed in a black sherwani and a blue saafa (turban), breaking down as soon as Mahira approaches him.
Both have been dating for a number of years, for those who are unaware.
Salim Karim: Who Is He? Salim Karim, a wealthy businessman and well-known figure in the field of entrepreneurship, is a native of Pakistan.
He is the CEO of Simpaisa, a young business that provides online payment solutions and conducts business in more than 15 nations globally.
Simpaisa helps several merchants in various industries complete transactions.
Salim is a successful businessman in addition to being a skilled DJ who is unaffiliated with Pakistani show business.
When did they initially connect? According to rumors, Salim and Mahira initially spoke at a gathering for the television program Tapmad TV.
Rare remarks from Mahira on Salim Mahira Khan occasionally spoke out about her relationship with Salim Karim despite generally keeping her personal life private.
She confirmed their relationship and expressed her views about it in an interview in 2020, saying, “I must have done something good in my life that God has sent him my way.”
Mahira previously wed Ali Askari in 2007. After having their first child, Azlan, in 2014, the couple divorced in 2015.
On Monday, gold dropped for a sixth straight session, reaching a low not seen in nearly seven months as a strong dollar and the possibility of rising U.S. interest rates dimmed the metal’s appeal.
By 9:54 a.m. EDT (1354 GMT), spot gold was down 0.8% at $1,835.40 per ounce, its lowest level since March 10. To $1,853.00, U.S. gold futures saw a 0.7% decline.
“The bearish aspect of the precious metals market has been the assumption that interest rates would remain elevated for a very long time. In the foreseeable future, gold prices may go below $1,800, according to Jim Wyckoff, senior analyst at Kitco Metals.
Gold declines for a sixth session in a row
“Trends on the currency markets typically last longer and are stronger. The gold market is under pressure due to the potential continuation of the US dollar’s growth.
The value of gold has decreased among holders of other currencies as the U.S. dollar (.DXY) increased by 0.4%.
According to CME’s FedWatch tool, traders are factoring in a 55% chance that the Federal Reserve will maintain interest rates in their current level of 5.25%-5.50% this year.
Gold prices have dropped more than 11%, or $230, since surging beyond the crucial $2,000 per ounce threshold in early May. This decline is being attributed to a strong increase in benchmark U.S. Treasury yields, which has made the non-yielding gold less appealing.
The market is now paying attention to the speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell later in the day as well as information on job vacancies, private hiring, and U.S. non-farm payrolls throughout the coming week.
Spot silver decreased 3.4% to an ounce’s more than six-month low of $21.40.
Strong solar PV installations and increasing EV penetration globally should support strong growth in industrial demand for silver for 2023–25 and continue to be a drag on prices, according to Citi analysts in a note.
Palladium dropped 2.8% to $1,210.54 and platinum dropped 1.3% to $893.12.
Online renderings of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra have surfaced.
A well-known OnLeaks insider shared high-quality renders and possible specifications of Samsung’s new flagship smartphones – Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The new smartphones will have flat edges and narrower bezels on the front and a titanium chassis, and although there are no dramatic changes in design, the smartphones will be easily distinguishable from their predecessors.
Galaxy S24 Ultra will retain the familiar design of the S23 Ultra, but with some changes. Samsung decided to abandon the rounded edges in favor of sharp ones, as well as switch to a titanium chassis. Also, a UWB antenna will appear on the right edge.
The bezels on the screen will be reduced, but the smartphone will be wider and lower than its predecessor.
The back will have the same 5 cameras as on the S23 Ultra. Inside, the smartphone is expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, 16 gigabytes of RAM, 2 terabytes of internal storage, and a 5000 mAh battery.
There will be no more changes with the Galaxy S24. There will be the same transition to sharper edges and a titanium chassis, smaller screen bezels, and a UWB antenna. The smartphone will also be slightly taller and narrower than the S23.
The new Galaxy S24 is expected to have a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 SoC, 12 gigabytes of RAM and 512 internal memory, and a 4700 mAh battery. The camera set will remain unchanged: a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.
Avoid using steroid-based eye drops on a regular basis.
Experts cautioned individuals against using antibiotics and steroids carelessly to treat “conjunctivitis,” also known as pink eye, and recommended them against self-medicating because it might make their condition worse or potentially harm their cornea.
Steroids are synthetic versions of hormone-like substances that the body naturally produces. Steroids are made to operate similarly to these hormones in order to lessen inflammation. They go by the name corticosteroids and are distinct from the anabolic steroids used by athletes and bodybuilders.
Steroids won’t cure your condition, but they’re very good at reducing inflammation and will ease symptoms such as swelling, pain and stiffness.
Usually inflammation is the body’s natural reaction to infection or bacteria. Your immune system produces extra fluid to fight infections or bacteria, which causes swelling, redness and heat in the affected area.
You might have noticed this if you have had a cut or wound on your skin. In some conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system produces inflammation in the joints or other parts of the body by mistake, which can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Steroids can be used to reduce this immune reaction. Steroids are usually only given for a short time to quickly treat flare-ups of your condition. Depending on which condition you have and what dose you’re prescribed, you may notice an improvement in your symptoms within a few days. This page is about steroids that can be taken as tablets, liquids, creams and eye drops and ointments. Information about steroid injections is covered on a different page.
You might not be able to start steroids if you have an infection, or if you have any wounds on your body, as steroids might delay these getting better or cover up some of your symptoms. Steroids might affect some medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart or blood pressure problems, or mental health issues. If you have any of these conditions, the person treating you will need to make sure the steroids aren’t making the condition worse. If you have systemic sclerosis, prednisolone could cause problems with your kidneys at certain doses.
PM Kakar wants to send qualified workers abroad through vocational training
ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said on Monday that steps should be taken to increase employment prospects for competent people abroad since Pakistani workers are rapidly leaving the country in quest of work.
The prime minister declared during a federal cabinet meeting that professional education and vocational training programmes should be developed in line with demands of the global markets.
According to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Mr. Kakar emphasised the importance of getting to work on equipping the nation’s workforce with the skills necessary for modern jobs.
Many individuals are moving abroad in search of employment. This extraordinary mass exodus of the labour force is believed to be the primary cause.
On the recommendation of federal ministry of education and professional training, the cabinet approved an amended agreement between National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and Saudi Agency Takamol.
It also approved the MoU between the Area Studies Center, University of Peshawar, and Central Asia Research Centre of Corvinus, University of Hungary.
The cabinet also approved the appointment of Lt-Gen Munir Afsar as the Nadra chairman.
The cabinet also approved the name of Summit Bank Limited as Bank Mukarramah Limited on the recommendation of the finance ministry.
The cabinet also approved an agreement between the governments of Pakistan and Ecuador, under which diplomatic, officials and special passport holders of the two countries would be exempt from visa requirements.
The cabinet also gave assent to the decisions taken in the meetings of the Economic Coordination Committee on Sept 6 and Sept 19.
Anti-polio drive
Earlier, the PM launched a five-day polio vaccination drive targeting around 44 million children across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, the PM said 350,000 polio workers would participate in the drive to administer anti-polio vaccine drops to 44 million children aged 0-5 years.
He termed the polio workers the nation’s heroes who braved challenges while making the anti-polio drive successful. He also mentioned the support of international partners for eradication of polio from Pakistan.
By late October, an IMF delegation will arrive in Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: An IMF team will visit Pakistan in the final week of October to assess the nation’s economic progress over the first three months of the current fiscal year.
The interim administration and the mission will also debate reforms in a number of sectors, including taxation and energy, according to sources in the ministry of finance.
They claimed that after the IMF’s board has given its permission, Pakistan will receive the next installment of $700 million once the economic review has been satisfactorily completed.
Additionally, it has been claimed that a strategy for cutting costs, which includes freezing allowances and pensions and pausing officer recruiting, has been drafted. Discussions will be held on this proposal.
Pakistan, which was on the verge of default, had long sought the IMF’s staff-level agreement with the government regarding a $3 billion stand-by arrangement.
The accord was reached just hours before its current term with the IMF, June 30, came to an end. Although it was effectively a bridging loan, it provided Pakistan, which was struggling with a severe balance of payments crisis and declining foreign exchange reserves, with a great deal of relief.
Price & Specs of the Vivo V23e in Pakistan as of October 2023
The Vivo V23e is a stylish and feature-packed smartphone that offers a remarkable mobile experience. It boasts a 6.44-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
The device is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor, ensuring smooth performance for various tasks and apps.
One of the standout features of the V23e is its exceptional camera system. It sports a 50-megapixel main camera, coupled with an 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, enabling users to capture stunning photos and videos. The 32-megapixel front camera is perfect for high-quality selfies.
The device also offers 8GB of RAM, ensuring efficient multitasking, and 128GB of storage for ample space for apps and media.
With 5G connectivity, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and a large 4,000mAh battery, the Vivo V23e is a compelling smartphone choice for those seeking a blend of style and performance.
Oil cartel boss issues a warning about persistently rising prices
According to the Opec+ secretary general, while energy demand rises, oil prices will remain high.
The 23 oil-exporting nations that make up Opec+ decide how much crude oil will be sold on the international market.
According to Haitham Al Ghais, “We see demand growing about 2.4 million barrels a day.”
Saudi Arabia announced that it would reduce its daily crude oil production by a million barrels in order to raise prices.
The decision by Saudi Arabia and Russia, two large oil producers and Opec+ members, to cut output may result in a “significant supply shortfall” by the end of this year, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
“This is a voluntary decision made by two,” Mr. Al Ghais stated.
Oil prices rose after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reaching more than $120 a barrel in June of the previous year. In May of this year, they retreated to just over $70 a barrel, but since then, as producers have worked to limit supply to maintain the market, they have slowly rebounded.
With supplies expected to be reduced, the price of Brent oil, a benchmark for prices, exceeded $95 per barrel on Tuesday, raising concerns that it may go above $100. The increase sparked concerns that inflation in important economies would persist and led to a warning to drivers that fuel costs may climb in the ensuing 10 months.
Opec, according to Mr. Al Ghais, is more worried about “underinvestment” in the oil industry.
Al Ghais responded that it was “important not to look at things in a short-sighted manner” when asked if he was concerned about how rising oil prices might effect inflation throughout the world if they reach $100 per barrel.
“For the upcoming year, we anticipate demand to increase by more than 2 million barrels per day, subject to certain market risks, of course. However, we remain pretty optimistic that this year’s global oil demand will be quite resilient.
According to Mr. Al Ghais, the oil sector will require close to $14 trillion in investments by the year 2045.
The demand for all types of energy will increase by around 25% by the year 2045 compared to what it is now.
Britain’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, reacts as she, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the state funeral and burial of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, in London, Britain, September 19, 2022 REUTERS/Toby Melville TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
King Charles has stated that duty, not Prince Harry, is his top priority.
King Charles should not worry about rift with Prince Harry in order to sustain his monarchy, claim sources.
His Majesty should be worried about other pressing factors that he may come across, leaving the Duke of Sussex behind.
They told Daily Beast: “The Harry issue doesn’t have to be sorted out immediately but it will be sorted out eventually. Charles loves Harry but his priority is to fulfil his duty as king and not let his mother down. That means constitutional considerations have to come first.”
They said: “It’s not sustainable for the king, who is the national symbol of unity, to be on such bad terms with his son that they haven’t been pictured together in years. Ultimately Charles has not just a personal but also a strategic need to resolve the issue.”
The comment comes days after Harry and Meghan return to US after spending weeks in Europe.
The Sindh Health Department has issued a warning over the potential spread of the hazardous “Nipah” virus, which has infected multiple people in India, as worries about a probable transmission to Pakistan grow.
The warning urges all health department staff to take precautions in light of the Nipah virus’s threat.
In a letter distributed to hospitals throughout Sindh, the director of health ordered the medical superintendents, directors, and livestock departments to take precautions.
The Nipah virus is known to spread swiftly from animals to humans and vice versa.
The virus’s symptoms, which can include fever, headaches, body aches, and, in severe cases, coma, are also listed in the warning.
See also: Nipah virus: India’s growing threat
It’s crucial to keep in mind that Sindh hasn’t yet had any cases of the Nipah virus. However, there are concerns that the infection rate may continue to climb in India, a neighbouring country where the virus has already claimed over 100 lives and infected more than 300 people.
Nipah virus: what is it? The deadly Nipah virus (NiV) can pass from animals to people.
It is present in fruit bats, and contact with infected bats, their saliva, urine, or other bodily fluids, as well as contaminated food or water, can cause human infection.
Fever, headache, sore throat, cough, muscle aches, diarrhoea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and coma are some of the symptoms of Nipah virus infection.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, are also included.
With a case fatality rate of 40% to 75%, NiV infection is a serious condition.
NiV is contagious Direct contact with infected bats: You may come into direct contact with an infected bat if you handle one, touch it, or get bitten by one.
Contact with infected food or water: If you consume food or ingest water that has been tainted with the NiV virus, this could result.
Contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids: This can occur if you handle or touch an infected person’s saliva, urine, or other bodily fluids. Nipah virus infection does not have a specific therapy, however supportive care can increase survival rates. To control symptoms, this may entail giving water, oxygen, and medications.
With 201 dengue cases, Gurgaon breached the 200-mark on Monday, with one death reported so far this year, officials said. As per the health department, around 75 per cent of the cases required hospitalisations,
“It has surfaced that the main strain of virus is DENV 2 strain or D2, which is more severe and virulent than the other strains. There are daily awareness campaigns and inspections to check breeding. Situation is under control now,” Gurgaon DSO Dr Jai Parkash said.
Charkhi Dadri reported the most cases in Haryana so far at 441 and Rewari at 323. Two of the 16 cases recorded in the state on Monday were from Gurgaon.
Gurgaon CMO Dr Virender Yadav said, “Last year, number of cases were more and Gurgaon is not one among the ten districts with the highest cases. There are 45 beds in the Civil Hospital in Sector 10 and 10 each in Sohna, Farrukhnagar, and Pataudi,” he added.
Among the 50 samples sent to ascertain the strain, Dr Yadav said, it was found that most of them, 21, had DENV2. “We are awaiting the results of 79 more samples,” he added. He said that the symptoms of the strain of virus include sudden drop in platelet count, high fever, headache, dengue hemorrhagic fever among others.
According to the health department, the most affected areas are Wazirabad, PHC Gurgaon, Garhi, Manesar, Badshahpur and Bhangrola. The health bulletin stated that 152 cases required hospitalisations, 104 at government institutions and 14 at private ones, and 49 were treated in OPD.
Meanwhile, the malaria cases remain zero in the district. As part of monitoring to check breeding, 16,614 notices were sent under the municipal bye laws. The department also issues directions on important measures to be followed to battle dengue from time to time, along with a list of Dos and Don’ts and common symptoms to watch out for.
In late August, a 30-year-old man died from dengue, making it the first death from the vector-borne disease in Gurgaon. The man, a resident of Mahendragarh’s Ateli, was admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon on August 17 where he tested positive for dengue. He died of dengue hemorrhagic fever on Tuesday.
In new research, my colleagues and I determined how much energy minibus-sized dinosaurs called Maiasaura used while growing to adulthood.
Our results, published in the journal Paleobiology, show Maiasaura was capable of taking in huge amounts of energy and nutrients and using them for rapid growth and levels of activity comparable to those of modern mammals.
How bones heal and grow
Living an active lifestyle can leave traces in the skeleton. Locomotion and weight-bearing activity cause stresses and strains that result in microfractures in the bones. If these tiny cracks build up, the outcome can be a catastrophic fracture.
Fortunately, the leg bones of dinosaurs – like those of birds, mammals and varanid lizards such as the Komodo dragon – repair themselves in a process known as bone remodelling.
This occurs by blood capillaries growing through old bone, which is dissolved and replaced by new bone. Under the microscope, the new bone can be seen as column-like structures called “secondary osteons”.
Many palaeontologists have looked for and found these secondary osteons in dinosaur bones as evidence for the bone remodelling that is characteristic of warm-blooded animals.
However, little attention has been given to the bones of juvenile dinosaurs, in which primary bone is being laid down in a process called bone modelling.
The main impediment to this research is the shortage of collections of bones from a single dinosaur species at different stages of growth.
‘Good mother reptile’
Possibly the best growth series of dinosaur bones in the world comes from the fossil beds of the Two Medicine Formation in the US state of Montana.
Fossils from this formation have yielded much information about the eggs, hatchlings and early lives of a dinosaur named Maiasaura (meaning “good mother reptile”).
This herbivorous hadrosaur apparently tended her eggs and raised her offspring for more than a year after hatching.
Young Maiasaura grew astonishingly fast, reaching 200-400 kilograms by their second year, and over 3,000kg by their teens.
In comparison, cold-blooded saltwater crocodiles today weigh only about 6kg at the age of two, and reach adulthood at between ten and 16 years old, when females weigh about 34kg and males about 115kg.
Such high growth rates in Maiasaura involved rapid lengthening and thickening of their long bones, and the process doubtlessly required much oxygen and nutrients from the blood.
The shafts of long bones of the leg, such as the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone), are supplied with blood by the principal nutrient artery, which enters the bone through a hole (called a foramen) that is visible on the surface.
How to measure blood flow from bones
A decade ago, I wondered whether the size of the foramen could be an indirect measurement of the rate of blood flow to a bone.
This turned out to be true, and since then the “foramen technique” has been used on fossils to estimate blood flow rate and hence how much energy and nutrients were used in the bones of adult dinosaurs.
To apply the foramen technique to the fast-growing juvenile Maiasaura, I teamed up with Heath Caldwell, a student at Montana State University, who searched for the tiny foramina among the fossil collection at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Montana.
Holly Woodward of Oklahoma State University had previously determined the ages of the animals when they died. Qiaohui Hu at Adelaide University used the best techniques for measuring foramen size and relating it to nutrient artery size.
Rapid growth doesn’t come cheap
Our work produced clear results. Blood flow rates calculated from foramen size were similar in one-year-old dinosaurs weighing between 189kg and 455kg and in six- to 11-year-old adults weighing between 1,680kg and 3,200kg.
In other words, a one-year-old had about four times as much blood flowing to each gram of its shinbone as a full-grown adult did. The flow rate per gram in the femur of a two kilogram hatchling Maiasaura was 15 times higher than that of the adults.
Haris Rauf’s remarkable experience in India thanks to Virat Kohli’s aggressive outburst
Haris Rauf recalled his time as net bowler bowler for the Indian team, especially when he was bowling to Virat Kohli.
Haris Rauf’s face-off against Virat Kohli at last year’s T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan has already become the stuff of legends. With India needing 28 to win off 8 balls, India looked dead and out, but Kohli’s twin sixes off Rauf in the penultimate over swung the momentum in India’s favour. The equation boiled down to a tricky 16 to win off 6 balls, but after an uber-dramatic final over bowled by Mohammad Nawaz, India won the game by four wickets.
Not many might be aware that interestingly, the first time Rauf bowled to Kohli was in early 2018/19 when India were in Australia playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rauf, only 24 then, was one of the net bowlers employed by India for preparation against the mighty Aussies. As captain, Kohli was at the peak of his batting career, piling a mountain of runs and racking up centuries for fun. And it was during one of these intense net sessions that Rauf encountered the full force of Kohli’s batting prowess, experiencing the sheer ferocity of the beast that he was.
“When I was a net bowler with the Indian team, and was bowling to Virat Kohli, I felt like he knew exactly where the ball was going to hit his bat. He was very focussed and that showed how sharp his concentration was. Even during practice session in the nets, he unleashed so much aggression that, it felt like I was playing a match against him despite being a net bowler. His remarkable control and intensity made me realise why he has such a reputation in the game,” Rauf said in his documentary on ESPNCricinfo.
Apple ascribes problems with the iPhone 15 overheating to an iOS 17 bug.
Apple has warned that a bug in the iOS 17 software powering its latest iPhone 15 Pro model is causing smartphones to overheat.
Some consumers, who purchased the new device, complained about their devices becoming uncomfortably hot during normal use. The iGiant has now said that’s not unexpected, especially when setting up the iPhone 15 Pro for the first time, and that a software bug it’s now trying to fix made matters worse.
“We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhone to run warmer than expected,” the company toldForbes. “The device may feel warmer during the first few days after setting up or restoring the device because of increased background activity.
“We have also found a bug in iOS 17 that is impacting some users and will be addressed in a software update. Another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are causing them to overload the system. We’re working with these app developers on fixes that are in the process of rolling out,” the fruit-themed firm also admitted.
Some tech experts, however, have speculated on different reasons on why the iPhone 15 Pro becomes excessively warm. Top Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reckoned that Apple had botched the design of its thermal system by using a titanium frame that is lighter but reduces the ability to dissipate heat effectively.
“It’s expected that Apple will address this through software updates, but improvements may be limited unless Apple lowers processor performance. If Apple does not properly address this issue, it could negatively impact shipments over the product life cycle of the iPhone 15 Pro series,” he wrote.
Others, like Patrick Moorhead, CEO of analyst firm Moor Insights & Strategy, however, opined the issue may be due to TSMC having done a less-than-perfect job on the smartphone’s 3-nanometer chip. “I stick with my thesis that the ‘3nm’ TSMC [system-on-a-chip] didn’t come in at spec. How many years have these ‘issue-causing’ apps been on iOS?…Maybe the new and giant [neural processor unit]?,” he said on X.
Last week, Apple updated software on its older iPhone 12 devices, and was cleared by regulators after the French National Frequency Agency warned that its smartphones were emitting more radiation than regulations allow.
Search ambitions
In other Apple-related news, the company has reportedly built its own search engine named “Pegasus”, according to Bloomberg. The project is being led by John Giannandrea, who was the senior veep of engineering at Google, where he led efforts in search and machine learning. He was hired by Apple in 2018, where he currently works as the senior vice president of machine learning and AI strategy.
The move could spell trouble for Google, as if Apple made its own search service the default on iDevices it would mean the Big G faced more competition in web search and could lose netizens using iPhones. Google currently pays Apple fees for directing web traffic to its search engine, scoring Cupertino over $8 billion a year. If Apple does roll out its own search product, however, it may end up making more money in the long run from digital advertising than it gets from Google.
Day 10 live updates from the Asian Games 2023: India dominates Hong Kong in hockey, Yashasvi’s century brings India to 202, and canoe sprint wins bronze
Day 10 live updates for the 2023 Asian Games: Team India will start their adventure in another gold-contending event with 60 medals, 13 of which are gold. Tuesday in Hangzhou, the men’s cricket team led by Ruturaj Gaikwad will play Nepal in the quarterfinal. The women’s team had previously taken the top spot on the podium after defeating Sri Lanka in the championship game.
After Nikhat Zareen’s surprising loss in the semifinals, Lovlina Borgohain tries to guarantee that India will have a representative on the top step of the podium in boxing. Preeti and Narender will also compete against her in the semifinals.
With Tejaswin Shankar leading in the men’s decathlon and Vithya Ramraj leading in the women’s 400m hurdles, India will have the chance to boost their total in athletics.
Children and other living things should avoid using plastic.
National Child Health Day, which is observed on the first Monday in October, serves as a reminder to put our kids’ health first. The famous poster, “War is Not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things,” makes a clear connection between the need to safeguard our children from impending disasters and the necessity to end all wars. The poster was created during the time in opposition to the Vietnam War. After 70 years, we are currently fighting another conflict: the war on plastics.
The harm that microplastics, microscopic particles less than 5 millimetres long (about the size of a sesame seed), cause to ocean and marine life is well known. However, there is rising worry regarding their effect on our kids.
Microplastics have been found in commonplace things like infant shampoo and food packaging, which are subsequently absorbed by our bodies and found in human waste. There are severe concerns regarding the consequences of microplastics on the health of our children after a research indicated that newborns’ faeces contained 10 to 20 times more of them than adults’ did.
Here are 9 ways that our kids come into contact with plastics on a daily basis:
Putting on Plastic
When we buy clothing for our children, we unwittingly expose them to plastic. About 60% of all clothing fabrics used worldwide are made of synthetic fibres including polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which over time can shed up to 700,000 microplastic particles.
Wipes The nonwoven textiles used to make these wipes frequently include synthetic and microfibre plastics including polypropylene, rayon, and nylon. According to estimates, new mothers can use up to 30 baby wipes each day and as many as 10,000 wipes year. That amounts to 10,000 separate occasions when new mothers expose their kids to microplastics.
Glassware and sippy cups Parents frequently choose infant bottles made of polypropylene because of its dependability and affordability. But new research reveals a worrying problem. These containers emit microplastics into the milk when heated, which might have an impact on the health of our kids.
detergent pods
Dishwashers frequently appear to be a saviour when it comes to washing the dishes left behind by our children. What if, however, we told you that this convenience has an unforeseen side effect that causes the release of microplastics into the environment? This leftover microplastic can adhere to your plate like glue, which means that every home-cooked dinner might come with a side of plastic.
Toys According to a study, 126 of the 419 chemicals detected in the hard, soft, and foam plastics used in children’s toys have the potential to be harmful to children’s health in either cancerous or non-cancerous ways.
We must constantly be on the lookout for the hidden risks of microplastics as parents and carers. Babies and young children are particularly susceptible to exposure, and our awareness and actions can have a big impact on how well they do. We may spare our kids needless harm by being knowledgeable about potential microplastics sources and actively looking for better options. The theme for Earth Day in 2024, earth vs. Plastics, reflects the struggle for the wellbeing of both people and the earth.
Gilani blames the new outbreak of terrorism on the PTI government’s bad policies.
MULTAN – Former Prime Minister, Senator Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, on Monday, blamed the poor policies of the former government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the recent string of terrorism in the country. Gillani during his visit to a private university told reporters that level playing should be given to all political parties except those who were involved in the May 9 attacks. All political forces had agreed to frame a National Action Plan (NAP) when they were left with no option, Gilani said and added it meant that neither Pakistan nor other countries would allow its soil to be used against one another. The ex-prime minister recalled military operations in Malakand and Swat that restored peace in the country. Replying to a question, Gilani said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Executive Committee in its recent meeting had given all powers to Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari for reconciliatory politics.
Can Meghan Markle rule the world and sell matcha kits? Meghan Markle’s future is “at stake.”
Experts are now paying attention to Meghan Markle’s future as many people began to speculate about the longevity of her brand.
Daniela Elser, a royal analyst, posed all of these inquiries about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
An article for News.com.au made reference to all of this.
The article asks, “Where, I wonder, will we be a year from now?” and discusses the dangers posed by Meghan Markle’s choice.
Will Meghan be Gwyneth Paltrow’s rival for a piece of the celebrity candle market or the darling of Washington, DC?
Or alternatively, “Will the duchess try to make millions selling matcha kits or be a newly established political force to be reckoned with?”
In the middle of her essay, she continued by addressing Prince Harry’s participation and remarking, “In all of this, where will Harry be?”
Will he eventually be able to launch his next Netflix documentary after a year? To have avoided discussing how awful his family is in his book?”
In reference to Meghan possibly being selected for the Senate, a prominent Democratic contributor who is close to Governor Newsom told the Mail that “crazier things have happened. “Crazier” it is.
Today’s PKR exchange rate is October 3 in USD, EUR, GBP, DHR, and RUB.
The Pakistani currency exchange rates for different currencies including US Dollar, Saudi Riyal, UK Pound Sterling, UAE Dirham, European Euro, and other foreign currencies on October 3, 2023 (Tuesday)
Be aware that these currency rates may vary on Tuesday between 9am and 5pm.
The following update will occur on October 3 @ 5:00 PM.
Nijjar murder trial: The US wants India to help with the investigation “in close coordination with Canada”
According to a US State Department official on Monday, the Biden Administration encouraged the Indian government to assist Canada in its investigations into the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
The subject was brought up by Secretary of State Tony Blinken when he spoke with Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar last week.
According to ANI, the United States and Canada are currently closely coordinating in regards to claims that the Indian government was involved in the Nijjar assassination spree.
Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, recently claimed that Nijjar, a terrorist in India, had been shot to death with the help of the Indian government. On June 18, he was shot and killed in a parking lot near a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia.
The Canadian citizen, who also served as the president of Surrey’s Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, was murdered, according to Trudeau, who stated that the national security officials of his nation had cause to think that “agents of the Indian government” were responsible.
Notably, Canada has not yet made any public proof of the alleged murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar available.
In response to suspicions of Indian complicity in the death made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, India has banned its visa services in Canada.
India issued a warning to its nationals and those visiting Canada amid difficult relations, urging them to proceed with “utmost caution in view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence” in the nation.
PPP won’t’sit around and wait’ for the polling schedule.
Bilawal calls on citizens to hold political parties responsible for supporting the postponement of elections Farhatullah Babar rejects suggestions of postponing elections due to unfavourable “vibes,” insisting that true Democrats must be prepared to face voters Ex-PM Gilani expects that election watchdog will create a level playing field for everyone.
KARACHI: The Pakistan Peoples Party condemned its erstwhile allies on Monday for ostensibly supporting a delay in general elections and vowed that the party would not stop until the Election Commission of Pakistan established a date for those elections.
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took issue with a recent statement made by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who questioned the possibility of elections in the winter season. This comes after the PML-N has been publicly criticised numerous times over the past few weeks for allegedly accepting a delay in general elections beyond three months.
Former foreign minister Bhutto-Zardari, who spoke to representatives of local bodies at Bilawal House in Karachi, claimed that only the PPP was constant in its call for fair elections.
The PML-N contends that a new delineation is essential for the next elections, while the JUI-F casts doubt on the viability of holding elections in January and February due to the severe winter. All those who are evading elections should now be known to and identified by the people of Pakistan, he urged.
“Let me be quite clear, we won’t just stand about. The PPP head vowed to continue advocating for prompt elections and urged people to hold political parties that were attempting to obstruct elections accountable.
ECP ban
The PPP chairperson also aired his grievances against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), saying that the ban imposed on development schemes in Sindh was “discriminatory” in nature.
He said the PPP would approach the commission for the reversal of the ban. In case, the ban remained, the party would use legal options, he said, adding if that failed, the PPP would take to the streets as a last resort.
“You should talk to the caretaker Sindh CM and chief election commissioner [to demand removal of the ban] and let me know about your feedback,” he said.
“If this doesn’t work, then the option of courts is open. Even if this legal option doesn’t work, we know the politics of the streets. We know how to get our rights.”
Although the ECP has repeatedly said that there is no ban on development projects, a PPP leader told Dawn that in August 2023, the commission had stopped the execution of already-announced development schemes and restrained the government from announcing new projects.
“Even the funding and execution of schemes in flood-hit areas of rural Sindh were banned,” he said.
“However, that particular ban was lifted only after the PPP raised objections as it could have badly affected the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people. Otherwise, the ban is there. Currently, only those projects are ongoing which are funded by the international donor agencies. The projects approved in the budget 2023-24 are at standstill,” the leader claimed.
Level playing field
Separately, speaking to media persons after his visit to a newly-established university in Multan, PPP leader Yousuf Raza Gilani said Nawaz Sharif should come back to Pakistan and play his role in strengthening democracy in the country. He said all politicians should be given a level playing field to launch campaigns in the lead-up to general elections.
“The political parties should approach the Election Commission of Pakistan if they had any reservations regarding participation in the upcoming general elections and the commission would address their grievances,” he said.
In response to a question about political differences with other stakeholders, the former PM said the PPP central executive committee had tasked former president Asif Ali Zardari to approach relevant quarters to address the issues of their party. He added the PPP was not running away from elections.
Mr Gilani said the PPP had nominated its candidates for polls when the Punjab Assembly was dissolved and now the parliamentary board of the party was holding meetings to issue tickets to candidates for general elections.
A court martial over cross-border smuggling with Afghanistan has Pakistani soldiers on alert.
Pakistan’s KARACHI
According to Pakistan’s acting interior minister, the country’s strong army leader has threatened to arrest and try any military personnel found to be participating in cross-border smuggling.
Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti claimed that army head Gen. Asim Munir has informed “his people” that security officers participating in cross-border smuggling will be detained and tried in court.
The warning followed an ongoing crackdown on illegal dollar transactions, as well as the smuggling of sugar and wheat into the neighbouring country of Afghanistan, which led to a record-low depreciation of the local currency and a sharp increase in the cost of basic necessities.
The US dollar last month reached a high of Rs335 in the open market before falling to Rs286 as a result of the widespread crackdown on money exchange businesses and dealers involved in unauthorised dollar withdrawals.
In response to a query, Bugti said, “Pakistan’s army chief has told his people very clearly that there will not only be court martials, but those involved in such activities would also be sent to jail.”
In light of the European Union (EU) foreign ministers’ meeting in Kyiv, Russia has been cautioned not to assume “weariness” in Europe about support for Ukraine.
The assembly is being held outside the bloc for the first time. Ukraine is not a member of the EU but wants to be.
The meeting takes place the day after the US failed to include additional military funds for Ukraine in a last-minute budget agreement.
Ukraine conflict: Russia cautions EU not to grow sick of fighting
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has been referred to as a “existential crisis” by Josep Borrell, the head of EU policy.
Perhaps not everyone in the world sees it this way, but for us Europeans—and let me say that again—it is an existential threat, Mr. Borrell said on Monday.
And for that reason, we must continue to support you and advocate for you with our friends and supporters in the United States.
Over the next four years, Ukraine will receive more than €70 billion (£60 billion) in military and humanitarian aid from the EU.
According to Mr. Borrell, the bloc’s military support is intended to be “sustainable and predictable,” and he is careful to emphasize that member nations continue to approve support and sanctions.
The meeting on Monday, according to French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, was “a demonstration of our resolute and lasting support for Ukraine, until it can win.”
The warning to Russia is that it shouldn’t rely on our fatigue. We’ll stay there for a very long time.
The temporary US budget agreement does not include $6 billion (£4.92 billion) in military assistance for Kiev.
However, President Joe Biden said Kiev could “count on” US backing. Since Russia began its full-scale invasion last year, Biden has already sanctioned over $46 billion (£37 billion) in military aid.
Support for Ukraine is being eroded by electoral politics. Conflict fatigue, according to the Kremlin, would spread throughout both Europe and the US, but Washington would continue to play a direct role in the conflict.
Dmytro Kuleba, the foreign minister of Ukraine, stated on Monday that he believed it to be a “incident” rather than a sign of dwindling support.
Hardline Republicans in the US are opposed to providing Ukraine with more military aid, and many of them are openly against President Joe Biden’s strategy for the conflict.
According to Mr. Kuleba, “We are currently collaborating with both sides of Congress to ensure that it does not (get) repeated again under any circumstances.”
Therefore, we do not believe that US backing has been undermined.
Widening the gap in Russia’s defenses in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine has made some success in its fight against Russia.
Additionally, it has advanced in the area surrounding Bakhmut after Russia relocated some of its most seasoned soldiers from there to fortify defenses farther south.
However, overall development has lagged below expectations, and whereas Ukraine formerly relied on military advancement as a political lever, it is now more than ever forced to turn to diplomacy.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock asked for a plan to protect Ukraine from attacks on the country’s electrical grid, which left millions without heat last winter, in remarks to media at the EU summit.
“Ukraine needs an air defense, a strengthening of the energy supply, and a winter protection plan,” she stated.
Additionally, a pro-Russian candidate won the parliamentary vote in Slovakia, an EU member, over the weekend.
Former prime minister Robert Fico is anticipated to begin coalition negotiations to create the next administration.
He had already promised to put an abrupt end to Ukraine’s military support.
According to Mr. Kuleba, it is “too early to judge” how the election outcome will affect his nation.
Political developments within the EU, such as the recent election outcome in Slovakia, a divisive election campaign in Poland where Ukrainian support is under scrutiny, and Hungary’s ongoing efforts to obstruct Western aid, indicate that the task of achieving complete unanimity among its members will be far from simple.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has discovered “planets” the size of Jupiter that are drifting freely in space and aren’t attached to any one star.
The discovery is intriguing since it shows that these items seem to be travelling in pairs. Currently, astronomers are having difficulty explaining them.
The telescope made around 40 pairs of observations during an incredibly thorough new examination of the well-known Orion Nebula.
Jupiter Mass Binary Objects, or “JuMBOs” for short, is the moniker given to them.
One theory is that these objects emerged from areas of the nebula where the material density was inadequate to form fully developed stars.
Another theory holds that they formed in the vicinity of stars and were ejected into interstellar space as a result of numerous interactions.
The ejection hypothesis is now the one that is preferred, according to Prof. Mark McCaughrean.
“We know that single planets may be expelled from star systems, and gas physics implies that you shouldn’t be able to create anything with the mass of Jupiter on your own. However, how can you eliminate pairs of these things simultaneously? We don’t currently have a solution. The chief science adviser for the European Space Agency (Esa) said, “It’s one for the theorists.
Why it’s ‘just a matter of time’ before we discover alien life ‘Awesome’ asteroid sample recovery is praised by NASA Exploding “cosmic jewelry” is seen by the Webb telescope.
‘JuMBO’ finding of planet-like objects in Orion by the James Webb telescope
The team that created the new Orion survey was led by Prof. McCaughrean.
The astronomers have significantly increased the data already mined by older observatories, including Webb’s direct predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope, using JWST’s exceptional resolution and infrared sensitivity.
The Orion Nebula, also known as M42 in the sky catalogue, is the largest star-forming region that is closest to Earth.
This part of space appears to the unaided eye as a smudge on the sky, with the quartet of blazing suns known as the Trapezium at its center.
If you are unaware of it, it is located low in the constellation of Orion, which bears the name of a legendary Greek hunter. The nebula is a component of the hunter’s “sword,” which is suspended from his “belt.”
The latest JWST image is actually a mosaic of 700 views collected over the course of a week of observations by Webb’s NIRCam instrument. To put the scene in perspective, a spaceship traveling at light speed would need a little more than four years to complete the journey. The distance between Earth and the nebula is around 1,400 light-years. Thousands of newborn stars with masses ranging from 40 down to less than 0.1 times that of our Sun are tucked away in this view. Although in some cases, these discs are being destroyed by the intense UV radiation and powerful winds from the most massive stars in the galaxy, many of these stars are surrounded by dense discs of gas and dust that may be producing planets.
Tom Hanks has cautioned that an advertisement that features him in the lead but is really an artificial intelligence (AI) phony.
The actor posted on Instagram, “There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me.”
“I have nothing to do with it,” he continued.
Tom Hanks warns that an advertisement for a dental plan uses a false AI image
Hanks has already discussed the “artistic challenge” that artificial intelligence provides to his business, and this problem has been at the heart of recent strikes by prominent Hollywood actors and writers.
Deep fakes, or extremely realistic virtual representations of real persons, are frequently feared to be a capability of powerful and sophisticated AI systems.
Many well-known figures, like Martin Lewis, a consumer financial guru, have had their likenesses utilized in deepfakes, which are frequently used to defraud consumers.
The government in England and Wales toughened the law to make it easier to punish offenders in response to the use of deepfakes in pornography, which is occasionally done as a form of retaliation.
Online disinformation is a problem that is being exacerbated by fake AI photos and videos of politicians. Those who have been attacked include Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, and former US President Donald Trump.
Google said in September that any political advertisements that appeared on its platform would have to disclose whether or not they used artificial intelligence (AI).
AI visual manipulation can also be applied in non-controversial ways, like as in the groundbreaking Abba virtual concerts.
Hanks talked about the idea of using AI to extend performing artists’ careers when he appeared on the Adam Buxton show in May.
We anticipated this development since we knew it would be possible to create faces and characters out of zeros and ones found inside computers. We see it everywhere, and it has only multiplied by a billion since then,” he remarked.
By using AI or deepfake technology, anyone may now recreate oneself at any age. My life could end tomorrow if I’m hit by a bus, but performances can live on.
A series of strikes that have impacted Hollywood, including Stranger Things and The Last of Us, have been fueled by worries about being replaced by AI.
Recently, a tentative agreement was struck between studio executives and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), which represents screenwriters, to cease their industrial action.
A different disagreement involving actors, which is also partially driven by worries that AI may lead to fewer acting employment, is still unsolved.
Apple has attributed the new iPhone 15’s overheating on a problem in its operating system and updates to apps like Instagram.
Some consumers have complained that the newest smartphone model is becoming too hot to handle when it first went on sale in September.
Why is your brand-new Apple iPhone 15 heating up?
When iOS 17 was updated on the phone, according to Apple, there was a glitch.
However, it also stated that updates to third-party programs “are overloading the system”
Due to the amount of processing power being consumed and the phone working overtime, iPhone owners have become accustomed to their handsets getting hotter during initial setup or when they are being backed up. However, these problems with the iPhone 15 have been worse.
Social media was used by users to protest that the new phones were scorching. In the first few days “after setting up or restoring the device,” Apple warned, “the device may feel warmer due to increased background activity.”
According to the business, “We have identified a few conditions which can cause iPhones to run warmer than expected.”
This includes a problem in iOS 17, the most recent release of Apple’s software that can be used with its newest devices.
It stated that “another issue involves some recent updates to third-party apps that are overloading the system” and claimed that it was collaborating with app developers on patches that were about to be released.
According to Apple, the problematic apps include Instagram, Uber, and the video game Asphalt 9.
The problem with Instagram’s app was previously resolved last week.
The next bug fix for iOS 17 won’t slow down the iPhone’s performance to deal with the temperature issue.
Apple emphasized that the stainless steel used in earlier devices’ casings, which is now replaced with a new titanium casing for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, is not the cause of the overheating phones.
It also denied rumors that the new USB-C port, which allowed it to comply with a directive issued by European authorities, had anything to do with the overheating issue.
Apple claimed the problem poses no risk to health or safety and won’t have an effect on the phone’s functionality in the long run.
Tolerance means to bear pain or hardships with patience. It also means to bear things you do not like for example when you are very angry and want to hit some one but do not do so you are displaying tolerance. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) himself was a model of tolerance and also advised it to his followers. The era , which is passing is full of trail. intolerance is flourrishing rapidly in the society. If we look at the present time, we see that the present day is full of wonders and temptations in the society. Intolerance is growing rapidly in the society. Anger has been declared as “unlawful” in Islam because “anger” is the human condition in which a person can do anything even if someone’s life has to be taken he killed the other. Our educational institutions are limited only to curriculum education. No one is concerned about the moral training of students. Islam emphasizes the acquisition of all kinds of knowledge, but also tells that religion has been perfected after the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), therefore, only by ensuring the implementation of the teachings of the last prophet of God, a person can live in this world and in the hereafter successfully and with prosperity. The 21st century is the century of inventions. Human being is in search of the best. On the one hand, new inventions have revolutionized human lives, on the other hand, these inventions have created difficulties for humans beings too. Take the touch mobile phone, no doubt, this is a great invention of the modern era and a great gift for man. It is not only the fastest means of information and communication, but many facilities have now come into the hands of man. This invention has done away with the clock as time can also be seen in touch mobiles. This invention has also eliminated the help of calculator, now calculations can be done easily on the mobile phone. This amazing invention has also left the TV behind. All kinds of informative, entertainment, political, economic programs can be seen on the touch mobile screen. There is no need to buy newspapers and magazines because of the touch mobile. All kinds of games like Ludo, Carrom Board, Cricket, Football etc can be played on mobile. No need to go to the library now a days . All kinds of books can be read in touch mobile. Touch mobile also works as a flashlight in the dark and movie camera and still camera. Therefore, while touch mobile phones have many advantages, there are also disadvantages. The biggest disadvantage is that touch mobile is promoting intolerance in the society. There is a game in it that paralyzes the human mind and by becoming mad, a person even ends the life of another person. Something similar happened in Wasu Astana area of Tehsil 18 Hazari near Tehsil Ahmad Pur Sial, where playing games on touch mobiles. The brother brutally killed his sister for disobeying her. The only reason was to prevent her brother Waseem from playing a game called PUBG, on which he became enraged and first shot his sister and then he brutally cut his neck with Toka. There is also a game called PUBG in touch mobile which has negative effects on the mind of the player and makes him go out of his mind as a result of which he can do a lot of damage just like brother who got angry and not only shot his sister but also cut her neck to satisfy his passion. A few days ago, the writer was discussing with the teachers in the library of Government High School Ahmad Pur Sial that a game has been invented that captures the human nerves and eliminates the distinction between good and bad. Even if a person has to shed someone’s blood, he will not hesitate. The brutal killing of a sister by a brother in Wasu Astana is a practical example of the intolerance caused by the touch mobile. Touch mobile has also created distances. If four or five friends are sitting together in a party and everyone has a touch mobile, then everyone seems to be engrossed in their touch mobiles without caring about each other. “Intolerance” is also flourishing in the society due to human behaviors. The power to bear against the mood has been lost. It should be called stupidity or guilt that the best of all creation lost his “life” due to intolerance. An example of this is found Hazrat Bahu Sultan’s Chak No. 12/ 3L , where the younger brother committed suicide by swinging himself from a noose after being scolded by his elder brother. The deceased was 17 years old. What has happened in the society? It is beyond comprehension. To prevent such situations, the causes of intolerance must be found. Positive changes in attitudes must be brought about and touch mobiles must be used only for constructive purposes. Like medicines, it must be kept out of the reach of children. Because of science, the progress is not made so that man misuses it, but the new inventions are for beneficial purposes. Lets try to promote the tolerance in the society so that a peacefull society can be established again which was founded by the Holy Prophet (PBHU) naer about 1400 years ago.
It is my proud privilege that some professors and researchers have done M. Phil and Ph. D on my poetry and philosophy in my life time while some are doing doctoral research on my thoughts. Mostly, the columnists and the researchers on my literary, political, religious and philosophical works ask me about my basic ideological concepts. As my 32 books in seven languages, on various subjects have been published and some more are under publication, the researchers on my ideology and personality contact me and pose questions. Today, I thought to briefly answer their questions, so that the literary scholars who are doing research work on me should get direct basic guidance and guide lines to easily grasp and comprehend the basics of my faith as a poet and enlightened thinker. The articles of my faith are seven. 1- Love The first article of my faith is Love. Love wins all. The poets spread the fragrance of love, compassion, mercy, sacrifice and inclusiveness. Poetry is passion. It is intuition. Poets love all humans and give the message of peace. Poets are born. Poetry is universal. Great poets are international. They are immortal and belong to all nations. Love is life and Life is love for them. Love is the core and crux of my poetry and philosophy. 2- The second article of my faith is Beauty. John Keats is well known for his affection and admiration for beauty. He is called the “ Poet of Beauty.” Beautiful objects attract all and sundry. Whether, it is natural beauty or human beauty, it attracts and gravitates, not only poets or hyper sensitive souls, but even to a common spectators. I am very much sensitive in this matter. Beautiful objects mesmerize me. The beauty of damsels maddens me. As a poet, the adoration of beauty is in my nature and I frankly admit it. The beauty of women is the prime of creation. 3- Democracy I have visited many countries. Human dignity is preserved in democratic states. The monarchies and authoritarian states are more than hell. These states promote the culture of Silence. Their inhabitants are dumb and deaf. In these countries, their is no freedom of speech, writing and expression. Theses states are like jails. Democracy is not Mobocracy. Democracy needs some pre- requisites and they are education, social justice and tolerance. Democracy is not only a political system, it is a culture as well. I am a democrat and strongly condemn all undemocratic states and societies. 4- Justice Justice is the pivot and pillar of human edifice. Whether, it is social justice, economic justice, political justice or judicial justice, with out justice, life is the life of beasts and brutes. It is said: “ Justice delayed is Justice denied.” I say:” Justice delayed is Justice degraded.” The mission of all prophets and philosophers was to provide, promote, protect and procure justice. 5- Freedom Freedom is the natural law. The rivers flow freely. The birds fly freely. People are born free. Why are they made slaves? When might overcomes right and “ Might is Right” becomes the order of the day, then slavery becomes the fate of the oppressed and suppressed nations. Imperialism and colonialism are the curses which had been dominating weaker nations and sucking their blood like leeches and bugs. Human freedom is the boon, bliss and blessing. We must oppose slavery and fight for the freedom of all oppressed nations without prejudices. 6- Humanity We are all humans. We must love and respect all humans. Humans are one family. Religious extremism and racial discrimination make us the enemies of each other. The human history is replete and soaked with the blood of humans in the name of religion. For me: “ One God means Oneness of humans.” As a poet and philosopher, Through out my life I have propounded and promoted human rights and humanity. One of my English poetry book titled “ The Songs of Humanity” was published by Author House, Indiana, USA. The very title of the book shows my commitment to humanity. A true humanitarian and humanist is secular, liberal, universalist and moderate. “ I am a Poet of Humanity,” is my slogan, my mission, my manifesto and my mantra. The man who does not love Man, does not love God. 7- Equality All humans as humans are equal and respectable. Racism is a devilish coinage. There is no superiority of white over black. Class society is a curse. We must provide equal opportunities to all humans in the race of life. The supremacy of elite class is a social evil. Merit must prevail. Feudalism and capitalism are the root cause of inequality. The state that does not give honor to merit, can not survive. Equality is incumbent for a healthy culture and successful state. These are the articles of my faith and I strongly and strictly adhere to theses cherished goals as a humanist. I am inspired by these enlightened humanitarian ideals and wish that all humans should discard extremism, sectarianism terrorism, intolerance, inequality, racism, feudalism, capitalism, parochialism, nationalism monarchy, slavery and fascism. Let us make our earth a Heaven, instead of making it a Hell.
The times when there was no social contract, reflected no rights for humans. Such patches also test the waters challenging the subjects’ integrity to stand for their rights or submit to oppression by the powerful accepting disenfranchisement and enslavement. Those who do not stand for the right against the oppressor fearing death, end up laying in graves by the oppression of the oppressor. During the ancient periods when “Survival of the Fittest” and “Might is Right” was exercised, the community of humans – with mutual discussion; based on consent by the majority, decided to enter into an agreement that called for safeguarding everyone’s survival and fundamental rights i-e life, self-respect, dignity as a prime responsibility – the agreement was termed as a “Social Contract”. There needed an enforcing authority who would ensure that all those becoming a party to this social contract, honor the agreement; therefore, a ruler in whom, all the persons – party to the contract surrendered their right to one individual called a (sovereign) of deciding on their behalf against the assurance of their survival, security, equality, equity, and progress. Thus, people transferred their sovereignty to the sovereign for a decided duration. As everyone is born free with all fundamental rights; deciding to transfer their right of sovereignty is as hard as surrendering life – yet for a greater cause of peace and prosperity they did so anticipating the honor of their trust. That social contract eventually developed into constitutions and sovereign governments. In the case of Pakistan where there is a state of socio-political unrest – an uprising by people against the government and LEAs’ excessive & illegitimate use of force and authoritarianism as perceived by the uprisers, it may be assumed that the social contract (constitution) is compromised. Most importantly, the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan lays in its preamble that; “whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust”; “wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed”; Thus, the sanctity of the document, a – constitution that affirms sovereignty (final authority) belongs to Allah and that this constitution derives sources from Islamic principles and guidelines is undermined. It also expresses that the divine provisions of Islam that limit the use of force are also disregarded. In the given set of circumstances, a question that are we going back to antiquity and times of ignorance where the fittest would keep on surviving while the mightiest would accumulate all the rights and control over resources. The times when there was no social contract, reflected no rights for humans. Such patches also test the waters challenging the subjects’ integrity to stand for their rights or submit to oppression by the powerful accepting disenfranchisement and enslavement. History presents numerous evidences for those who do not stand for the right; keep on compromising to the extent that death meets their souls. If the given circumstances of Pakistan’s crises are analyzed through religious viewpoint, it all comes down to individuals involved in corruption and malpractices at their respective level and approach concluding that the nation as a whole need to repent and seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty to prevent His wrath and emerge from socio-political crises and economic downfall.
The author is a serviceman based in Islamabad, he can be approached at khanraheel69@gmail.com
