Watch: Umpires Make Shocking Mid-Game Change During Cricket Match”

During the second One Day International (ODI) cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, an incident occurred which caused a stir on social media. The on-field umpires, Aleem Dar and Rashid Riaz, requested the match-day staff to alter the dimensions of the 30-yard circle while the game was still in progress.

The issue arose when Aleem Dar, who was officiating as the on-field umpire, noticed that the 30-yard circle had been incorrectly measured. The on-field umpires immediately requested the match-day staff to rectify the issue.

The incident was captured on video and quickly became popular on social media, leading to questions about whether such modifications could be made during the game. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules allow the umpires to request such modifications if they feel that there has been an error in measurement.

The on-field umpires rectified the issue immediately after the completion of the first over, during which the visiting team had scored four runs without losing any wickets. It took approximately six minutes of match time to rectify the circle measurement, after which the match continued without any further interruptions.

It is worth noting that the on-field umpires have the authority to make decisions during a cricket match to ensure that the game is played fairly and within the rules. In this case, the umpires detected an error in measurement and took the necessary steps to rectify it promptly.

Punjab Implements Electronic Deed Registration System to Simplify Property Registration

Punjab Registration System

The Board of Revenue (BoR) in Punjab has announced the implementation of e-registration, also known as the Electronic Deed Registration System, in a meeting presided over by Nabeel Javed, the Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBoR) of the province. The system aims to simplify property registration and provide convenience to residents.

To kickstart the implementation, officers’ e-registration training will commence in Lahore on 28 April and continue until 15 May in all divisional headquarters across Punjab. The training will be attended by relevant officers from the districts, and the e-registration and transfer of property deeds will start in Sahiwal on 1 May.

The introduction of e-registration will bring various benefits to residents, including the ability to apply for property registration online from the comfort of their own homes and receive an online copy of their record. Additionally, the openness of the system will minimize the need for residents to visit multiple offices. However, those who wish to buy or sell property through e-registration will still need to appear in front of a sub-registrar of the corresponding district or tehsil to record their remarks.

The IT system will monitor individuals who obstruct citizens, ensuring transparency in the process. BoR officers, commissioners, and deputy commissioners will also monitor sub-registrars on a daily basis via the e-registration site.

The use of e-registration is expected to simplify the property registration process and provide residents with convenience and ease. It is a significant step towards digitizing government services and making them accessible to citizens online.

Pakistan Railways to revive Shalimar Express

Pakistan Railways to revive Shalimar Express
Image via Dawn

Pakistan Railways (PR) is all set to re-introduce the high-speed Shalimar Express passenger train, which was suspended last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As per recent media reports, the train will resume its service from May 1st, and will operate between Lahore and Karachi via Sahiwal, instead of Faisalabad, which was the previous route.

According to sources, PR has renovated 19 high-speed bogies of the train at Mughalpura Workshop, and all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers. The train will cover a distance of 1,286 km and complete the journey in approximately 16 hours.

To celebrate the revival of the Shalimar Express, PR has announced discounts for passengers who book their tickets during the first month of its operation. Passengers who travel between May 1st and 15th can avail a discount of up to 20% on all classes, and those who travel between May 15th and 30th can avail a discount of 10%. Moreover, PR has also reduced the advance and current booking fares for the Shalimar Express, making it more affordable for passengers to travel between Lahore and Karachi.

The decision to restart the high-speed train was made during a meeting held on April 8th at the Lahore headquarters, chaired by Federal Railways Minister Khawaja Safique Rafique. The minister expressed his confidence that the Shalimar Express would be a popular choice for travelers, given its past record of providing a comfortable and reliable journey. He further emphasized the government’s commitment to reviving Pakistan’s railway infrastructure and promoting tourism through better connectivity.

The revival of the Shalimar Express is expected to boost the country’s tourism sector and facilitate economic growth. With its modern amenities and faster travel time, the train is expected to attract a large number of passengers who prefer a safe and comfortable mode of transportation. It is also expected to create employment opportunities for locals, who can contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the train and its facilities.

World’s Oldest Newspaper to Start Publishing Online

Austria’s Wiener Zeitung is considered to be one of the world’s oldest newspapers still in print. Now the newspaper intend to start publishing online after a decision given by the Austrian Parliament.

The decision was long pending due to a dispute between the newspaper and the government authorities about the future of the newspaper.

Now as per the decision from July 1st, the newspaper will primarily publish content online while limiting the print publication to 10 prints per year only.

The newspaper was founded in 1703 under the name Wiennerisches Diarium, however, in 1780, it was later renamed as Wiener Zeitung. The newspaper was nationalised in 1857 by Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria.

“It is adopted with a majority,” Norbert Hofer, the president of parliament said of while announcing.

The Wiener Zeitung was ranked as one of the oldest newspapers in circulation in 2004 .

20 Countries Including Pakistan at Risk of ‘Excessive Rainfall’ This Year

Image: Geo.TV

Pakistan is one of the 20 countries which are likely to get excessive rainfall this year, as predicted by the United Nations’ Globally Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) of the food and agricultural organization (FAO).

The report also suggests that while 20 countries will receive more rain than usual 42 countries are also facing a threat of the El Nino effects. The countries where rainfall can be excessive include: 🔸Afghanistan

🔸Armenia

🔸 Argentina

🔸 Azerbaijan

🔸 Bhutan

🔸 Bhu­tan

🔸Iraq

🔸 Kenya

🔸 Kyrgyzstan

🔸 Pakistan

🔸Mexico

🔸Syria

🔸 Paraguay

🔸Tajikistan

🔸United States

🔸 Uzbekistan

The report also highlighted the countries where dry weather conditions caused by El Nino can impact the production of cereals, initiating food insecurity.

The latest Hunger Hotspots report has already predicted that in 2022, more Thay 222 million people in 53 countries will face acute good insecurity. The report further says that this is going to be the third consecutive La Nina event, which is a very rare event and has happened only twice since 1950.

La Nina events are associated with more than usual wet conditions in Australia and drier than usual weather condos in the US, South America

Federal Govt Announces 3 Consecutive Holidays

The federal government of Pakistan has announced that May 1, which falls on Monday, will be a gazetted holiday to celebrate World Labour Day. This means that all government and semi-government offices, as well as educational institutes, will remain closed in the federal capital on May 1.

The declaration will lead to a three-day consecutive holiday starting from Saturday and ending on Monday. World Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated annually on May 1 to honor the contribution of working people and commemorate the struggle of the labor force for better working conditions, working hours, and pay.

The day also serves as a reminder of the continuing efforts to safeguard the right of workers and promote equitable labor practices around the world. In Pakistan and many other countries, workers’ rights organizations and trade unions often hold rallies and events to raise awareness of labor issues and advocate for better working conditions and wages.

Australia to Require Driving Tests for Pakistani Visa Holders

Beginning on 1 July, foreign nationals holding temporary visas from India, Pakistan, China, and Nepal who have been living continuously in the New South Wales (NSW) region for at least six months will face stricter regulations when it comes to obtaining a driving license. The NSW government has mandated that these drivers must now take the same knowledge and practical driving tests as local residents.

This new regulation aims to address a loophole in the transportation system that allowed some drivers to retain their licenses despite receiving 13 demerit points or being convicted of a serious traffic offense. Under the new law, offenders will have to apply for an NSW driver’s license in order to drive again in NSW.

It is important to note that foreign nationals from Japan, Singapore, and Germany will also be required to convert their licenses but they will not be required to take the driving exam. The Transport for NSW representative clarified that this change only affects those who have been living in NSW continuously for at least six months.

For foreign nationals affected by this new regulation, the process of obtaining an NSW driver’s license may involve a bit of time and effort. They will need to study for and pass both the knowledge and practical driving tests. However, once they have successfully obtained their NSW driver’s license, they will be able to drive legally in the state.

This new regulation highlights the NSW government’s commitment to ensuring road safety for all drivers on its roads, regardless of their nationality or origin. While it may pose an inconvenience for some foreign nationals, it is a necessary step towards making NSW’s roads safer and closing any loopholes in the transportation system.

WHO Identifies Contaminated Cough Syrup Made by Indian Company

Cough Syrup

Image: Prevention.com

The World Health Organization (WHO) identified the presence of a contaminated cough syrup in Marshall Islands and Micronesia. The syrup is said to be made by an Indian manufacturer. Up on carefully analyzing the contents of the syrup, the Therapeutic Goods Administration concluded that the syrup has “unacceptable” amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol. According to a statement by WHO, “The substandard product referenced in this Alert is unsafe, and its use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death”

Other side effects of consuming this syrup could be abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, the inability to pass urine, headache, an altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death.

The cough syrup is made by India’s QP Pharmachem Ltd., and marketed by Trillium Pharma.

Underutilized Hajj Quota; Govt May Surrender Remaining Quota to Riyadh

Image: Al Jazeera

A local media outlet on Wednesday reported that for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the government received less Hajj applications against the quota allocated by the Saudi Government.

The Express Tribune also reported that the government is thinking to surrendering the used quota to the Saudi Government. However, the federal government will make the final decision.

According to informed sources at religious affairs ministry, this year, 9,000 fewer Hajj applications were received for the government Hajj scheme. The major reason for the shortfall is said to be the Increased Hajj prices.

More than 72,869 people have applied for Hajj under the regular scheme while 28,679 additional applications were received for the additional quota of 44,190.

Pakistan Reports First Case of Monkeypox in Traveler from Abroad

Pakistan Reports First Case of Monkeypox in Traveler from Abroad

Pakistan has recently recorded its first case of monkeypox in an individual who had recently traveled from another country. The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination announced the case on Tuesday, revealing that the infected person arrived in Pakistan on April 17th after being deported from Saudi Arabia. Health officials confirmed that the person exhibited symptoms of the disease, prompting further investigation.

The National Institute of Health in Islamabad has confirmed the presence of the virus in the infected person. In response, relatives of the infected individual are being screened and quarantined to prevent the spread of the virus. Contact tracing has also been initiated, and airports across the country have been placed on high alert.

Monkeypox is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, contaminated materials, or an infected person. Symptoms of the disease include skin rash, mucosal lesions, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment for monkeypox is primarily supportive care. In some cases, vaccines and therapeutics developed for smallpox can be used. Monkeypox is a rare disease, and the current global outbreak that began in May 2022 has affected over 78,000 people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring the situation closely and providing guidance to affected countries.

The emergence of monkeypox in Pakistan highlights the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness for the spread of infectious diseases. Efforts to prevent the spread of the virus through quarantine, contact tracing, and airport screening are critical to mitigating the risk of a broader outbreak. The public is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the disease.

Torrential Rains Expected in Karachi from April 28

Image: The News International

A fresh spell of torrential rain is expected to start from 28th April in Sindh. The Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) has also predicted flooding in different areas of Balochistan.

The Met Office, on Wednesday, issued a warning that the westerly system is causing depression in the Arabian Sea and Gwadar and Karachi have already started receiving its effects. The weather system is also likely to increase the temperature in Karachi and Mercury may touch 38 degrees on 27th April.

The torrential rains are expected to start from April 28 in Sindh and Balochistan with occasional gaps.

The Met Office has aldo warned that heavy rains could cause urban flooding in different parts of Sindh including Karachi and this system maybe more powerful than the one we saw in 2009.

Twitter’s Blue Checkmark Chaos Continues, More Fake, Scam and Deceased Accounts Get Verified

Image: CNN

In order to give more users an access to Twitter’s paid services, Elon Musk introduced paid Twitter Blue Verification. However, the new service has been creating more chaos as scam, fake and deceased accounts are getting verified.

Twitter gave a deadline of 29th April to it’s verified users to start opting for the Twitter Blue Subscription. Now that the deadline is passed, Twitter has removed the blue checkmark from the accounts that did not pay for the Blue Subscription. As a result, a number of high profile accounts including celebrities, influencers and others has lost the Verified badge.

To add more fuel to the chaos, random accounts who did not even pay for the Twitter Blue are getting Verified. Moreover, a Gold Checkmark has been assigned to a fake Disney Account which is spreading hatred on social media. In addition to this, celebrities who died long ago like Chadwick Boseman, Kobe Bryant and Anthony Bourdain, are also getting the Blue Tick. These accounts are displaying the message,

“This account is verified because they are subscribed to Twitter Blue and verified their phone number.”

Dacoits Steal Rs. 50 Million Worth of Cash and Gold from a Jewelry Shop in Lahore

A daring heist took place at a jewelry shop in the Sundar area of Lahore as a group of dacoits robbed the store of Rs. 50 million worth of cash and gold. During the robbery, the robbers held the employees and customers at gunpoint before making off with the loot.

Of the stolen items, Rs. 3.2 million was in cash, while the remaining Rs. 47.8 million worth of gold was taken from the shop. The dacoits fled the scene after the robbery, and a case was registered against them immediately. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and are currently searching for the culprits.

Police officials have condemned the robbery and reassured the public of their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. They have urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist with the investigation.

This incident is the latest in a series of robberies in Lahore, raising concerns about the city’s security situation. The police have been criticized for their inability to control such incidents and maintain law and order in the city.

Deadline Extended for Hajj Pilgrims’ Passport Submission

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has recently announced an extension in the deadline for the submission of passports by Hajj pilgrims in respective bank branches until April 28th. In addition, the Ministry has advised pilgrims to use the “Saudi Visa Bio” smartphone app for biometric verification while staying at their homes, thereby ensuring a smooth and hassle-free verification process.

For any issues or concerns, the Ministry has directed Hajj pilgrims to visit the nearest Gerry’s Visa Centre between 2 PM to 6 PM for assistance. The Ministry’s efforts to facilitate the pilgrimage process have been welcomed by intending pilgrims, who can now prepare for their journey without any additional stress or inconvenience.

Earlier this month, the Finance Ministry announced that all intending pilgrims who had submitted applications for Hajj this year would perform the pilgrimage without balloting. This announcement has brought much relief to those who had been waiting anxiously for the ballot results.

Furthermore, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet, chaired by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, approved $163 million for Hajj arrangements this year. This allocation of funds will ensure that the Religious Ministry has the necessary resources to send more Hajj pilgrims than the fixed quota under the regular scheme.

According to the Ministry’s statement, all 72,869 Hajj applicants will perform Hajj without balloting this year. This decision is commendable as it ensures that every intending pilgrim has the opportunity to perform the holy ritual without any obstacles.

Ministry of Religious Affairs’ efforts to facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage process are commendable, and the extension of the passport submission deadline and the introduction of the “Saudi Visa Bio” smartphone app will undoubtedly make the verification process smoother and more efficient. We hope that the Hajj pilgrimage this year is successful and brings blessings to all those who participate in this holy ritual.

Pakistani Nationals Evacuated Safely Amidst Sudan’s Political Unrest

Pakistani Nationals Evacuated Safely Amidst Sudan's Political Unrest

As political tensions continue to escalate in Sudan, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan has announced that 427 Pakistani nationals have been safely evacuated from the country and arrived at the port. This comes as the FO spokesperson revealed that the Foreign Ministry is working closely with foreign missions to provide relief to Pakistani citizens who are currently stuck in Sudan.

In collaboration with the Pakistani embassy in Sudan, arrangements are being made to ensure the safe return of Pakistani nationals who are currently present at the Sudan port. The embassy is also in constant contact with the approximately 1,500 Pakistani citizens residing in Sudan, providing them with all necessary facilities and support.

Despite the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has disrupted the internationally-backed plan for a transition to a civilian democracy four years after the fall of Omar al-Bashir, the Pakistani government remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its citizens in Sudan. To this end, the embassy has even created a WhatsApp group to stay in touch with Pakistani nationals who were advised to stay at home.

In these difficult times, it is essential that governments and foreign missions work together to provide support and assistance to those who need it most. As Pakistan continues to monitor the situation in Sudan, we hope that all Pakistani nationals in the country will remain safe and well.

Pakistan Ranks Third in Crypto Adoption Index

Pakistan Ranks Third in Crypto Adoption Index
Image: techjuice

Cryptocurrency is gaining popularity in Pakistan as an increasing number of individuals and businesses are turning to it for investments and transactions. According to the 2021 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index, Pakistan ranks third among the top ten countries with the highest number of crypto and bitcoin users.

One of the reasons for the growing popularity of cryptocurrency in Pakistan is its ability to enable real-time, safe, and faster money transfers at a low transaction fee, as there is no intermediary involved. Another factor is the ongoing economic crisis in the country, leading to inflation and devaluation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, making Bitcoin an alternative investment option.

Bitcoin has also shown potential in cross-border transactions, providing a faster, cheaper, and more secure option for sending money across borders. Moreover, blockchain technology underlying Bitcoin has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and logistics, among others. In Pakistan, several blockchain-based startups aim to disrupt traditional industry practices by leveraging this technology’s efficiency and transparency.

According to a report by the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the country recorded $20 billion of crypto value in the fiscal year 2020-2021, which was an unusual hike of 711%. The biggest crypto exchange that Pakistani investors use is Binance, followed by other platforms like Localbitcoins.com and Binomo.

While 67% of crypto-investors in Pakistan are using centralized services, just 33% are using decentralized financing platforms to make crypto-related transactions. Pakistan-based social media groups and YouTube videos in Urdu explaining how to trade and mine cryptocurrency have thousands of followers and views.

Cryptocurrency provides a new avenue for the unbanked or underbanked population to access financial services, such as remittances, loans, and savings. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature means that anyone with an internet connection can participate in the network, irrespective of their geographical location.

Overall, Pakistan’s interest in cryptocurrency is increasing, with the government and businesses exploring its potential in various sectors. However, there are still concerns about its regulation and security, and the need for more education and awareness among the general public.

7th Housing and Population Census Operations Temporarily Halted for Eid Holidays in Pakistan

7th Housing and Population Census Operations Temporarily Halted for Eid Holidays in Pakistan

Muhammad Sarwar Gondal from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics has announced that field operations for the 7th Housing and Population Census have been temporarily suspended for the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays. The pause in field operations will last from April 21 to April 25, and the decision to extend the census will be made by the Census Monitoring Committee. The census activities are set to resume on April 26, after the conclusion of the Eid holidays. According to Gondal, more than 235 million people have already been counted in the country.

The census data collected so far reveals that Karachi is the most populous city in Pakistan, with over 16.5 million people, followed by Lahore with over 11.5 million people. Additionally, Punjab has a population of over 116 million, Sindh has over 52.8 million, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has over 39.2 million, and Balochistan has over 19.2 million people.

Census is an important tool for policymakers and planners to make informed decisions on matters related to population, housing, and socioeconomic development. The data collected through the census will help policymakers design and implement policies that can effectively address the needs of the population.

Pakistani Rupee Gains Ground Against US Dollar, All Major Currencies

Pakistani Rupee Gains Ground Against US Dollar, All Major Currencies

Today, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) saw gains against the US dollar, rising by 0.15 percent to close at 283.47 after gaining 42 paisas throughout the day. The interbank rate remained largely stable, gaining around Rs. 5 to reach 279.17 by 11 AM before dropping to 283-284 by 1:25 PM, where it remained until the market closed.

Currency dealers attributed the recent stability of the PKR to quick inflows of greenbacks from overseas Pakistanis during the last few days of the Holy Month of Ramazan. While political noise and economic shortfalls have put pressure on the rupee, some traders predict that the PKR may reach 300 against the USD before stabilizing around 290 for at least three months.

Market participants are also waiting for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to resume operations after being stalled since last year. The decline in import payments and increase in remittances from workers have also reduced demand for US dollars, contributing to the PKR’s recent strength.

Globally, the US dollar has suffered a decline in recent weeks due to exceptional actions taken by Russia, India, China, and other nations to push their own currencies instead of the greenback. The PKR is down nearly Rs. 53 since January 2023 and over Rs. 101 since April 2022 against the USD. Despite this, today the PKR gained against all major currencies in the interbank market, including the Saudi Riyal, UAE Dirham, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Euro, and Pound Sterling.

Interfaith Iftaar for Peace and Harmony Organized in Karachi

Interfaith Iftaar for Peace and Harmony Organized in Karachi

The holy month of Ramadan is a significant time for Muslims globally. It is a time for fasting and spiritual reflection, where families and friends come together to break their fast with a meal known as iftaar. Recently, Sagar Samy and Sunita Oad with the support of the Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness organized an Interfaith Iftaar for Peace and Harmony at SubhanAllah Hall in Karachi. The event aimed to promote diversity and convey a message of peace to the wider community by bringing people from different backgrounds, religions, communities, sects, and cultures together at one table.

The event received media coverage, and over 50 youths participated in the gathering. The guest speakers representing the Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities shared their teachings about peace, love, and harmony. They emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting each other’s differences and learning to coexist in peace and harmony. The speakers also highlighted the common values shared among their respective religions.

Prof Manoj Chohan discussed the significance of tolerance and respect for other religions, stressing the need for religions to coexist and learn from each other.

Mr Ali Gul Malah spoke about the importance of diversity and connected peace and interfaith harmony with art and culture. He also discussed the importance of fasting, prayer, and charity in Islam, along with treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of their cultural or religious background.

Sardar Amar Singh and Sardar Maghan Singh discussed the principles of Sikhism, such as compassion, selfless service, and the pursuit of justice for all. They emphasized the need for interfaith dialogue and understanding to bridge the divide between different communities and foster peace and harmony.

The Interfaith Iftaar was a success, and attendees expressed their gratitude for the event. They recommended that more events like this should be organized frequently to promote interfaith harmony and understanding. The media coverage of the event helped spread the message of peace and harmony, which is essential in today’s world.

Five Best Platforms for Freelancers to Earn

Five Best Platforms for Freelancers to Earn

Freelancing is becoming increasingly popular as it provides more flexibility and independence to those looking for a side hustle or a full-time job. With the right platform, freelancers can find the perfect job and make money from the comfort of their own homes.

This article will cover five of the best platforms for freelancers to earn money.

Here are five popular freelancing platforms:

1. Upwork

2. Fiverr

3. Freelancer

4. Guru

5. PeoplePerHour

These platforms provide a marketplace for clients to hire freelancers for a variety of services, including copywriting, graphic design, web development, and more. Each platform has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to research and compares them to find the best fit for your specific needs.