Tue, 21-Oct-2025

Punjab allows construction activities in four districts

Punjab

LAHORE: The Punjab government announced relaxation in smog-related restrictions, allowing construction activities in the city and three other districts.

The new measures, which aim to balance air quality concerns with economic and developmental needs, were outlined in a notification issued by Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, the Director General of Environment, here on Monday.

Under the updated rules, construction work is now permitted in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Faisalabad.

Brick kilns that use zig-zag technology will also be allowed to operate. Additionally, both public and private offices will now be allowed to function with 100% staff attendance.

The new guidelines also include changes to traffic regulations. Heavy vehicles will be allowed to enter the designated districts from Monday to Thursday but will face restrictions on Friday to Sunday during which they will be prohibited from entering.

Other existing restrictions remain in place, including the mandatory closure of shops, markets and shopping malls by 8:00pm.

However, restaurants can continue offering both indoor and outdoor dining until 10:00pm. Furthermore, the notification specifies that barbeque activities will not be allowed unless equipped with proper hood systems.

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Badshah addresses rumors about relationship with Hania Aamir

Badshah
  • Badshah spoke out about his relationship rumors with Hania Aamir.
  • He clarified the nature of their bond in a recent television interview.
  • He elaborated on how their chemistry leads to misunderstandings.

Indian rapper Badshah has finally spoken out about the persistent rumors surrounding his relationship with Pakistani actress Hania Aamir. After months of speculation fueled by their frequent public appearances, the artist clarified the nature of their bond in a recent television interview.

“Hania is a very good friend,” Badshah stated, addressing the ongoing buzz. “We share a great bond and always enjoy each other’s company when we meet. That’s all there is to it—she’s happy in her life, and I’m happy in mine.”

He further elaborated on how their visible chemistry often leads to misunderstandings. “People often try to link us romantically, but they see what they want to see,” he explained. “Our chemistry is great, but it’s nothing more than that.”

Speculation about their closeness began circulating on social media after videos of the two spending time together went viral, sparking discussions among fans in both India and Pakistan.

Badshah’s comments aim to put an end to the conjecture, emphasizing that their connection is rooted in mutual respect and friendship. Despite the continued attention, both stars maintain that there is no romantic involvement, reiterating that they are simply good friends.

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KSE-100 surpasses 99,000 mark amid ongoing banking sector rally

PSX hits record high as KSE-100 surpasses 114,000 points

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a mixed trend on Monday, with the banking sector leading the gains. The KSE-100 index crossed the 99,000 mark, rising by over 1,200 points during trading. The session began on a weak note, with the index hitting an intra-day low of 97,137.63 at 9:40 am. However, renewed buying activity … Read more

LHC orders schools to ensure transport for students   

LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday has issued an order to schools to provide transportation for students after the winter vacation.

Justice Shahid Karim of Lahore High Court issued a 3-page order on smog relief petitions.

The Lahore High Court has ordered the schools to provide transport to the children after the winter vacation as part of measures combat smog, while the court said that the education department is being given final notices in this regard.

During the hearing, the court praised the steps taken by the transport department while the advocate general told the court that the Punjab government is taking steps to control smog and cases are being registered against those who burn crop residues.

On the other hand, Punjab Education Department announced schedule of winter vacations  and vocations will begin in province from December 20.

Secretary Schools Punjab Khalid Nazir Watto said in a statement that winter vacations are taking place in Punjab from December 20.

Secretary Schools Punjab said that till 10 January 2025 there will be winter vacation in schools, there will be 20 days of winter vacation in schools.

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Pakistan, Belarus reaffirm commitment to promote mutually beneficial cooperation

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met his Belarusian counterpart Maxim Ryzhenkov here, wherein two sides underlined the importance of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

In the meeting, the two foreign ministers discussed bilateral and regional issues and the agenda and the programme of the visit of President Lukashenko to Pakistan, who is scheduled to arrive here later in the day.

The two sides expressed satisfaction over the momentum of bilateral exchanges and high-level visits between Pakistan and Belarus and expressed the hope that President Lukashenko’s visit would further boost bilateral relations.

The ministers also discussed key regional and global developments, including the situation in the Middle East.

They expressed their support for a peaceful resolution of conflicts and underlined the need for a coordinated approach to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

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‘Moana 2’ world premiere celebrates Pacific Islander heritage in Oahu

Moana 2
  • The world premiere of Disney’s Moana 2 sailed into Oahu, Hawaii.
  • The premiere celebrated the Pacific Islander culture.
  • Moana 2 will arrive in theaters on November 27.

The world premiere of Disney’s Moana 2 sailed into Oahu, Hawaii on Thursday, marking both the debut of the highly anticipated sequel and a celebration of Pacific Islander culture.

Set three years after the original film, Moana 2 follows the titular character as she evolves into a “master navigator.” Auli’i Cravalho, who voices Moana, explained, “At first, she was wondering if she could be a wayfinder. By the time we see her again she’s a … master navigator.” Moana embarks on a new journey, traveling “even further beyond,” Cravalho added.

Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, Moana 2 is arriving in theaters on November 27. In the film, Moana is called by her ancestors to break a curse cast by the Nalo, preventing islanders from reconnecting. She teams up with the demigod Maui, voiced by Dwayne Johnson.

Reflecting on Maui’s journey, Johnson said, “Maui’s journey in Moana 2 means to me a few things… Number one, legacy, and number two, the character Maui was largely inspired by my grandfather who’s buried here (Hawaii), so it’s pretty meaningful to me.”

The premiere featured vibrant Hawaiian dance performances, with dancers in leis and waving Hawaiian flags, setting the tone for an unforgettable cultural celebration.

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‘Wicked’ director has this one request for theaters running film

Wicked
  • Director Jon M. Chu has voiced concerns over sound levels in cinemas.
  • Chu urged theaters to increase the volume during screenings.
  • According to him, this ensures audiences enjoy the film as intended.

Director Jon M. Chu, helming the highly anticipated musical film Wicked, has voiced concerns over sound levels in cinemas. Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Chu urged theaters to increase the volume during screenings to ensure audiences enjoy the film as intended.

“Tell your movie theater to turn it up to a seven…. I’ve gone to a couple screenings, and they are more like a 6.4,” Chu wrote, emphasizing the need for higher sound levels to match the immersive nature of the musical. He added, “If you want it the way it was intended, seven is the way.”

Fans quickly supported Chu’s observation, sharing their own experiences of muted audio in theaters. One user commented, “I’m showing this tweet the moment I walk into a theater.” Another added, “I literally said yesterday the volume seems sooo low! I’m saying something at my next screening.”

Chu’s comments followed a recent advisory by AMC Theatres urging moviegoers to maintain decorum during screenings. The preshow message read: “At AMC Theaters, silence is golden. No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting. And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies.”

Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is set to be a spellbinding cinematic experience.

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India defeats Australia by 295 runs in first test

India first test

India secured a dominant 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test at Perth Stadium, after taking two key wickets on day four to leave the hosts struggling at 104 for five, still trailing by 429 runs. Resuming their innings at 12-3, Australia lost Usman Khawaja early for just four, mistiming a delivery from Mohammed … Read more

BTC TO USD – Today’s Bitcoin price in Dollar on Nov 25, 2024

As of Nov 25, the Bitcoin to USD exchange rate stood at $98320.44. Bitcoin’s value in dollars reflects the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market. Investors and enthusiasts closely monitor these fluctuations to make informed decisions regarding buying, selling, or holding Bitcoin. Bitcoin price in Dollar Today Bitcoin to USD Rate: 98320.44 Dollar The price … Read more

Leonardo DiCaprio criticized for ignoring traditional Fijian welcome ceremony

Leonardo DiCaprio
  • Leonardo DiCaprio has sparked backlash from social media viewers.
  • He appeared in a video ignoring a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony.
  • He was engrossed in a call as staff performed a cultural serenade.

Leonardo DiCaprio has sparked backlash after a video surfaced of him appearing to ignore a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony at a hotel in Nadi.

The incident, captured on November 20, shows the actor engrossed in a phone call as hotel staff performed a cultural serenade. Wearing a dark cap, tracksuit, and sunglasses, DiCaprio was seen walking briskly past the performers without acknowledging their efforts.

In the now-viral TikTok video, DiCaprio briefly lowered his head before heading straight to a waiting car. Social media users were quick to criticize his behavior, labeling it “disrespectful” and “snobbish.” One disappointed fan wrote, “He didn’t even recognize the welcome,” while another commented, “At least a quick wave or thank you would have been nice.”

Fijian users expressed particular frustration, with one writing, “Don’t waste your energy, my Fiji whānau, he’s so disrespectful omg.” Another speculated about his motives, saying, “Haha, the old ‘fake call’ act. Gets in the car, drops the phone.”

The incident follows DiCaprio’s lavish 50th birthday celebration on November 9 in Los Angeles, attended by stars like Brad Pitt and Cara Delevingne. While the actor partied with Hollywood’s elite, neighbors complained about the noise, traffic, and disruption caused by the event.

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Sindh-Punjab border open for all kinds of traffic

Sindh

GHOTKI:  Sindh-Punjab border has been opened for all kind of traffic and full traffic will be restored soon.

According to police officials, both tracks from Sindh to Punjab and from Punjab to Sindh have been opened.

According to the police, the flow of traffic has been severely affected due to the traffic being blocked for several hours and there are long queues of vehicles due to the traffic jam on both the tracks.

Police say that efforts are on to restore traffic and full traffic will be restored soon.

It should be noted that various highways were closed in view of Pakistan Tehreak e Insaf’s protest in federal capital Islamabad.

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KP Govt delegation succeeds in ceasefire agreement in Kurram

Kurram

PESHAWAR: A delegation formed by the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Kurram situation has successfully concluded a two-day visit to the district to assess the situation and managed to implement a seven-day ceasefire agreement between the two sides. Upon its return to Peshawar, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Muhammad Ali … Read more

BTC TO PKR – Today’s Bitcoin price in Pakistan on Nov 25, 2024

The rate of Bitcoin (BTC) in Pakistani Rupee (PKR) will Bitcoin (BTC) in Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is Rs 27111392.56 on 25 Nov 2024. Bitcoin to PKR (Bitcoin Price in Pakistan) 1 BTC = 27111392.56 Pakistani rupees. The price of Bitcoin fluctuates constantly due to various factors such as market demand, investor sentiment, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic trends. The … Read more

Amitabh Bachchan praises son Abhishek’s performance in ‘I Want To Talk’

Amitabh Bachchan
  • Amitabh Bachchan shared his thoughts on “I Want To Talk.”
  • He lauded the film’s storytelling and Abhishek’s portrayal.
  • Amitabh expressed how the film deeply resonated with him.

Days after the release of Abhishek Bachchan’s latest film I Want To Talk, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan shared his heartfelt thoughts on the movie and his son’s performance. Writing on his personal blog, Amitabh lauded the film’s immersive storytelling and Abhishek’s portrayal of the protagonist, Arjun Sen.

Amitabh expressed how the film deeply resonated with him, saying, “Some films invite you to be entertained… some films invite you to BE the film. I WANT TO TALK… just does that… it invites you to BE the film! It picks you up gently from your seat in the Theatre and places you, equally gently, inside the screen it is being projected upon.” Praising Abhishek, he added, “Abhishek, you are not Abhishek… you are ARJUN SEN of the film.”

Reflecting on the criticism artists face, Amitabh recalled his late father Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s wisdom: “Let them say what they say… but this is what I say… the say for the film. And I am in remembrance of my poojya Babuji’s words: the good did think of me to be good; the bad did think of me as bad… It was their ‘need’ to think of me as good or bad… not what I was.”

I Want To Talk has been widely discussed for its engaging narrative and Abhishek’s powerful performance. Amitabh’s glowing tribute adds further weight to its impact.

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Tesla reaches ‘conditional’ settlement in Rivian lawsuit

Tesla

Tesla, the electric vehicle (EV) company led by Elon Musk, announced on Saturday that it has resolved its lawsuit against competitor Rivian. The case centered on allegations that Rivian recruited Tesla employees to unlawfully acquire trade secrets. According to a Bloomberg report cited by TechCrunch, Tesla informed a California judge that the two parties reached … Read more

President reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to women’s rights

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed on the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women’, that they were united in solidarity with women and girls across the world who endured violence in many forms. “This day serves as a reminder to intensify our efforts to end violence against women and girls,” he … Read more

Malaika Arora hints at relationship status after Arjun Kapoor confirms he’s single

Malaika Arora
  • Malaika Arora sparked curiosity about her relationship status.
  • She shared a post that hinted at her relationship status.
  • This comes shortly after Arjun Kapoor addressed his relationship.

Malaika Arora recently sparked curiosity about her relationship status, days after her ex-boyfriend, actor Arjun Kapoor, confirmed he is single.

On Instagram Stories, Malaika shared a post that read, “My status right now.” The options listed were “in a relationship,” “single,” and “hehehe,” with the last option highlighted. Malaika reposted it without adding any comments.

This comes shortly after Arjun Kapoor addressed his relationship during a Diwali party hosted by politician Raj Thackeray in Mumbai. As onlookers shouted Malaika’s name, Arjun clarified, “Nahi abhi single hoon. Relax karo (No, I’m single now. Relax).” Speaking to someone nearby, he added, “Inhone ‘tall aur handsome’ bola, aesa lag raha hai ki shaadi ki baat kar rahe hai. Isliye maine bola relax karo pehle (They said ‘tall and handsome,’ it felt like they were talking about marriage. So I said relax first).”

The couple, who began dating in 2018, reportedly ended their relationship earlier this year. A source told Pinkvilla, “Malaika and Arjun had a very special relationship… they have chosen to part ways and will maintain a dignified silence.”

Malaika, previously married to Arbaaz Khan, shares a son, Arhaan Khan, with him. Arjun notably supported Malaika after her father’s death in September.

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Apple reportedly developing TV and wall-mounted tablet

Apple TV

Apple is reportedly working on a dedicated Apple TV, marking a potential new chapter in its smart home and entertainment portfolio. According to Mark Gurman’s “Power On” newsletter, the tech giant is also exploring other smart home devices, including a wall-mounted tablet. This isn’t Apple’s first foray into the TV market. In the past, the … Read more

Man proposes to girl on-stage at Diljit Dosanjh’s concert, Singer reacts

Diljit Dosanjh’s concert
  • Diljit Dosanjh’s Pune concert evening became the talk of social media.
  • A heartfelt marriage proposal unfolded on stage.
  • In a viral video, a man is seen kneeling to propose to his girlfriend.

Singer Diljit Dosanjh’s concert in Pune on Sunday evening became the talk of social media after a heartfelt marriage proposal unfolded on stage.

In a viral video shared on Instagram, a man is seen kneeling to propose to his girlfriend during the concert. Amid cheers from the audience, he kissed her hand and embraced her. As Diljit performed nearby, he paused to acknowledge the special moment, clapping and prompting the audience to cheer for the couple.

The singer also shook hands with the man and hugged the woman. During the interaction, the man revealed, “We’ve been together for 13 years,” to which Diljit repeated the statement, making the moment even more memorable. Fans flooded the comments with admiration for the gesture. One wrote, “@diljitdosanjh wah!! Love anthem going great.” Another added, “Such a beautiful moment.”

 

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The concert, held at Suryakant Kakade Farms in Kothrud, faced a minor controversy as the state excise department canceled a permit to serve alcohol following protests from the NCP youth wing and BJP leader Chandrakant Patil.

Diljit, who previously stated he would stop making songs about alcohol if the government enforced a nationwide ban, continues his Dil-Luminati Tour with shows in Kolkata (November 30), Bengaluru, Indore, Chandigarh, and Guwahati in December.

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Champions Trophy 2025 tour ends in Pakistan today

Champions Trophy 2025

The Champions Trophy 2025 tour in Pakistan will officially conclude today, as the trophy is set to continue its journey to other countries. According to details, after departing Pakistan, the trophy will be taken to Afghanistan, where it will remain from November 26 to November 28. This marks the beginning of the trophy’s international tour … Read more

Ranbir Kapoor responds to criticism on violence in ‘Animal’ and ‘Sanju’

Ranbir Kapoor
  • Ranbir Kapoor reacted to backlash on violence in his films.
  • A fan criticized films for promoting violence.
  • Ranbir acknowledged the critique, saying he agreed with him.

Actor Ranbir Kapoor addressed concerns over the glorification of violence in his films Animal (2023) and Sanju (2018) at the ongoing 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.

During the event, an attendee criticized these films for promoting the idea that success can be achieved through violence and argued that such movies should not be encouraged. The attendee also praised older films for their positive storytelling.

Reacting to the comment, Ranbir acknowledged the critique, stating, “I completely agree with your opinion. As an actor, it is our responsibility to bring movies which bring a positive change to the society. Having said that, I’m an actor, it’s very important that I also dabble in different genres and different characters and play varied roles. But what you are saying is absolutely correct. We have to be more responsible towards the kind of films we make.”

Animal, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has received mixed reviews, with criticism focusing on its themes of toxic masculinity, misogyny, and graphic violence. The action-drama stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri.

Sanju (2018), a biographical film about actor Sanjay Dutt, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, also faced backlash for its portrayal of controversial aspects of Dutt’s life.

Looking ahead, Ranbir will appear in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, alongside Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal, and Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, featuring Sai Pallavi.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE, Z Flip 7 chipsets revealed

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip FE, Z Flip 7 chipsets revealed

A trusted source of Samsung leaks has shared details about the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip FE and Galaxy Z Flip 7, expected to launch in 2025. The Galaxy Z Flip FE is rumored to feature the Exynos 2400e chipset, the same processor used in the Galaxy S24 FE in specific regions. This aligns with earlier … Read more

Andrew Alexander stuns fans to win Chicago’s Jungkook lookalike showdown

Jungkook lookalike
  • The trend of celebrity lookalike contests reached its K-pop chapter.
  • A Jungkook-inspired event took place at Ping Tom Memorial Park.
  • Social media personality Andrew Alexander emerged as the winner.

The growing trend of celebrity lookalike contests reached its K-pop chapter with a Jungkook-inspired event at Ping Tom Memorial Park, Chicago, on Sunday, November 24, 2024.

Among droves of BTS fans vying for the title, social media personality Andrew Alexander emerged as the winner, taking home a $20 cash prize and a bottle of Soju.

Alexander, a California-based university student and YouTube content creator, is no stranger to Jungkook comparisons. In a 2018 YouTube video, his sister Ashley had humorously remarked, “A lot of people say he looks like [Jungkook].” Amber, another sibling, added, “It’s so funny every video we post, there’s at least 20 new people that are like, ‘I don’t know if anyone’s ever said this, but Andrew looks like Jungkook.’”

 

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For the contest, Andrew fully embraced the resemblance, donning Jungkook-inspired tattoos, piercings, and a signature black outfit. His sister Ashley documented the preparations, captioning on TikTok, “He flew from LA; we flew from NY.”

Fans reacted strongly to his win. “Andrew is actually the ONLY one who looked like Jungkook,” one commented, while another quipped, “Kinda crazy how they let Jungkook win his own lookalike competition.”

This victory underscores Alexander’s unexpected journey as a Jungkook lookalike, a tale fans describe as “years in the making.”

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Musadik Malik blames PTI leadership of ‘blocking’ founder’s release

Musadik Malik blames PTI leadership of ‘blocking’ founder’s release

Federal Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Musadik Malik, has accused Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders of lacking interest in securing the release of their founder. Addressing a press conference, Musadik Malik stressed that the government remains focused on addressing public concerns. He highlighted that recent measures have curbed inflation and driven the stock market to an all-time … Read more

Saudi Arabia to Announce First Phase of Riyadh Metro

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is set to announce the first phase of the Riyadh Metro, the world’s longest driverless metro system. The project, approved in 2012, faced delays due to logistical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities will announce ticket prices and special discount packages soon. Saudi Arabia is gearing up to unveil the first phase of … Read more

Honda Pridor Offers Zero Markup Installment Plan

Honda Pridor

Honda Pridor is equipped with a 100cc 4-stroke OHC engine. The bike is Priced at Rs208,900, making it a budget-friendly choice. Honda Pridor is now available with a zero markup installment plan. Honda Pridor, a stylish and fuel-efficient 100cc motorcycle, is gaining attention this November thanks to a zero-markup installment plan. This initiative offers an … Read more

Opposition protests costing Pakistan Rs 190 billion daily, says Finance Minister

Pakistan’s economic reforms on right path, says finance minister

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has disclosed the substantial economic toll of opposition-led protests. Speaking at a press conference amidst Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march toward Islamabad, Aurangzeb stressed the critical need for political stability to protect the nation’s economy. He revealed that daily financial losses caused by opposition protests and lockdowns exceed Rs 190 billion. … Read more