At least 11 people have died from suspected heat-related causes in western India, and Pakistan also sweltered in extreme temperatures on Friday. Meanwhile, parts of Bangladesh and neighboring regions are preparing for a likely cyclone this weekend. In India’s western Rajasthan state, local media reported nine suspected heat-related deaths. Phalodi, a desert town in Rajasthan, recorded a temperature of 49 degrees Celsius (120.2 Fahrenheit) on Friday, the highest in the country this year. Disaster management officials in Rajasthan have yet to confirm the exact cause of these deaths, pending medical examinations. Weather officials have issued warnings of conditions ranging from…
Author: WebDesk
WASHINGTON: NASA and Boeing have addressed two technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft, including a “design vulnerability” requiring a temporary workaround, to prepare for its first crewed mission. Officials announced that the spacecraft is back on track to carry two astronauts to space. Originally scheduled for June 1, the mission faced delays due to a small helium leak in the propulsion system detected just hours before liftoff. After two weeks of additional scrutiny, officials confirmed that the leak poses no significant risk to the astronauts. “This is not a safety of flight issue, and we believe we have a manageable…
CANNES, France: As the Cannes Film Festival draws to a close on Saturday evening, the competition for the top prize features an eclectic mix of films, including a Donald Trump biopic, a musical about a Mexican cartel boss, and Francis Ford Coppola’s long-time passion project. The jury, led by president Greta Gerwig, known for last summer’s hit ‘Barbie,’ alongside eight others, will choose the winner of the Palme d’Or from 22 competing films. Jury members, including U.S. actor Lily Gladstone and Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-Eda, acknowledge the significant impact their decision could have on a director’s career. Coppola’s highly anticipated…
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government is thoroughly prepared for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC-II). His forthcoming visit to China will focus on advancing CPEC-II and further strengthening economic ties between Pakistan and China. The prime minister made this statement during a meeting with a delegation of representatives from Chinese companies operating in Pakistan on Friday. He emphasized the longstanding and deep brotherly relationship between China and Pakistan, which continues to grow stronger. He noted China’s significant role in Pakistan’s development, expressing the nation’s gratitude for China’s support during challenging times. He affirmed…
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering sharing debt servicing and electricity circular debt with the provinces after they refused to revisit their share under the NFC Award. Finance ministry officials indicated a consensus that provinces should contribute to debt servicing and circular debt, especially after their share of the divisible pool increased to 57.5% under the 2010 NFC Award. Currently, the federal government retains only 42.5% of the divisible pool, making interest payments and circular energy debt unsustainable. Former state minister for finance Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha told Business Recorder that achieving a new consensus requires agreement from all provinces…
Zindigi, the digital banking initiative of JS Bank, has partnered with 5th Pillar Family Takaful, a leading provider of Takaful products and services, to make Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages more accessible. This collaboration integrates Zindigi’s user-friendly digital platform with 5th Pillar’s established Hajj and Umrah saving plans, offering customers a seamless saving and travel experience directly through the Zindigi Mobile App. “We are delighted to partner with 5th Pillar Family Takaful to provide a one-window solution for Hajj and Umrah to our customers,” said Mr. Atif Ishaque, Chief Business Officer of Zindigi JS Bank. Mr. Asim Raja, Chief Commercial Officer…
The State Bank of Pakistan is set to launch a QR code system under its Raast instant payment service, specifically for purchasing sacrificial animals during Eid al-Adha. During the 17th “Mobile Commerce 2024” conference, Deputy Director Ahmed Sameer announced the anticipated introduction of the QR code system for the upcoming Eid. He shared that the State Bank is collaborating with 25 banks and has identified 50 key livestock markets to implement this payment solution, making transactions easier for the public. Sameer emphasized the project’s significance for both livestock breeders and sellers, noting that it aims to facilitate secure transactions for…
Islamabad: Participants of the National School of Public Policy’s National Management Course undertook visits to Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad across various countries, engaging with ambassadors and their teams as part of their study tours. Additionally, they explored various organizations in host countries, spanning industries, climate change, and other sectors. One group visited Pakistan’s Embassy in France, meeting with Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad to discuss Pak-France relations and exchange views. The focus of their study tour encompassed development and governance issues. Meanwhile, another group journeyed to Denmark, receiving briefings at the State of Green—a Danish government-public partnership promoting sustainability and a…
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif commended Ireland’s recent move to recognize Palestine as an independent state during a telephone conversation with Irish counterpart Simon Harris on Friday. Expressing his congratulations on Harris’s assumption of office, Sharif highlighted the significance of Ireland’s decision in conveying hope and solidarity to Palestinians facing Israeli atrocities. He emphasized the importance of a two-state solution, aligned with UN resolutions, for lasting peace in the Middle East, reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. Sharif also hailed the International Court of Justice’s decision to halt Israel’s assault on Gaza and Rafah, expressing hope for similar…
Riyadh: During the Hajj season, visitors with visit visas are prohibited from entering the holy city of Makkah, as per a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Interior. The ban will be enforced from May 23 to June 21. Foreigners holding visit visas in Saudi Arabia are urged not to travel to Makkah during this period, as stated by the Saudi Press Agency. Only those with Hajj permits will be permitted to perform the rituals in Makkah. Saudi authorities have warned of strict penalties, including heavy fines, for violators. Those found without a Hajj permit in Makkah or attempting to…
