Listen to articleIndian musician AR Rahman’s bassist, Mohini Dey, has confirmed her separation from composer Mark Hartsuch. The announcement, made through a social media post on November 20, comes just hours after news of Rahman’s divorce from his wife, Saira Banu, broke. Mohini and Hartsuch shared the news with their followers, explaining that the separation was a mutual decision. “After many years of marriage, Mrs Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr AR Rahman,” read the statement. Rahman and Saira, who wed in 1995 in an arranged marriage facilitated by Rahman's mother, have three children together: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.

In a recent development, schools across Punjab, including in the provincial capital Lahore, have reopened on Wednesday, following a marked improvement in smog levels. According to the official notification, schools will now commence at 8:45 AM, with strict health and safety measures in place. This measure comes as a proactive step to safeguard public health as air quality gradually improves. Lahore, which had previously topped global air quality rankings as one of the most polluted cities, recently dropped to third place on the Air Quality Index (AQI) due to slight improvements. This move to reopen schools and extend business hours signals an effort to restore normalcy, albeit with protective measures, as Punjab navigates through the seasonal smog crisis.

During the general elections held in the Indian state of Jharkhand, the election commission foiled the nefarious motives of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. According to Indian media, the Election Commission of India has issued a notice to BJP for running negative propaganda and hate campaign against Muslims during the elections. The Election Commission has also ordered the removal of anti-Muslim banners and erasure of slogans while seeking an explanation from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The Election Commission of India also ordered the removal of negative and offensive content against Muslims in connection with the election campaign from all websites including social media platforms. The Election Commission said that running a hate campaign against any religion, race, class and sect is a serious violation of the election code of conduct.

Lahore: On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the largest higher education internship program has been started in Punjab. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz congratulated the higher education team for recruiting interns on transparency and merit and expressed hope that good results will come out of this initiative. According to the announcement, the college teacher interns will provide teaching services till the completion of the academic session in the government colleges till March 31. Apart from this, the process of transfer posting of 962 teachers of colleges was completed under the e-transfer policy. College teachers for intern recruitment have received orders after applying online on portal at home.

The federal government has granted special powers to the Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest scheduled for November 24. The directive states that the Punjab Rangers and FC will provide support to the local police to ensure peace and security across the capital. Ahead of PTI’s protest, Islamabad police have requested assistance from law enforcement agencies in Punjab and Sindh. Furthermore, two thousand personnel from Sindh and Punjab Constabulary have been requested, and the Rangers and Punjab police will also be deployed with anti-riot kits. A total of four thousand Rangers and five thousand FC personnel will be stationed across Islamabad to ensure the peaceful conduct of the protest, with Rangers operating anti-riot gear.

The Pakistan Under-19 cricket team defeated Afghanistan Under-19 by 13 runs in a thrilling encounter during the 4th One-Day International (ODI) of the UAE U19 Tri-Nation Series 2024, held at the ICC Academy on Wednesday. Batting first, Pakistan U19 set a target of 244 runs in 49.4 overs. Shahzaib Khan top-scored with a solid 78 off 101 balls, supported by Usman Khan's impressive 77 from 88 deliveries. Ali Raza starred with the ball for Pakistan, claiming 4 wickets for 57 runs in 10 overs, earning him the Man of the Match award. The victory was built on a solid batting foundation by Shahzaib and Usman, coupled with Raza's standout bowling performance.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir visited the ongoing IDEAS 2024 defence exhibition at the Expo Centre in Karachi, lauding the active participation of friendly nations, the military's media wing, ISPR, stated on Wednesday. During his visit, General Munir engaged with foreign military officials and defence delegates attending the event. He commended the efforts of international defence manufacturers for showcasing their innovations and fostering collaboration. Defence manufacturers from 36 countries have set up stalls, with 17 of these nations participating for the first time. IDEAS 2024 marks the 12th edition of Pakistan’s premier defence exhibition.

Indeed, one of the main causes of low tax compliance, underreporting, and tax evasion is the lax enforcement of tax rules. Although strict enforcement is essential, the government cannot increase tax revenue unless all incomes, regardless of source, are taxed and exemptions are eliminated. Additionally, powerful interest groups have successfully lobbied for exemptions, resulting in a staggering Rs4 trillion loss in potential tax revenue. By adopting these measures, the government can significantly bolster tax collection and improve the overall fairness of the tax system. While stricter enforcement is essential, it alone cannot address the systemic issues hindering tax collection.

“The Lebanese army is in a situation that is sensitive and difficult. Hezbollah’s approval is needed for any ceasefire to take effect, given its arsenal and sway over the Lebanese state. Lebanese troops have also been careful not to clash with Israel, withdrawing from the border as Israeli forces prepared to invade in October. The State Department said Washington was committed to supporting the Lebanese state and its sovereign institutions. U.S. lawmakers in 2010 briefly blocked funding for Lebanon’s military after a deadly border clash between Lebanon and Israel.

PM wants all stakeholders to lend helping hand in economic, political stability. Gen Asim Munir reiterates Pak army’s unwavering resolve to eliminate all threats to national security and support to govt’s initiatives peace and stability. ISLAMABAD - Following the surge in terrorist incidents in the country especially in Balochistan, the apex committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Monday accorded approval to a comprehensive military operation against terrorist organisations operating in Balochistan. The prime minister said the economic and political stability were interrelated with each other and no society could aspire to progress with these two vital factors. “It is imperative for the economic and political stability that all the leadership should play their due role,” he added.

Miss Universe fans are divided following the crowning of Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, 21, from Denmark as the 73rd Miss Universe. This is the new Miss Universe. Social media buzzed with comments like, "Trump wins and a woman finally wins Miss Universe. This is Miss Denmark, who was just crowned Miss Universe. pic.twitter.com/oEPaKkL0hx — helen henning (@helenckh) November 17, 2024Theilvig, who was appointed Miss Universe Denmark in September, is the first Danish contestant to win the title.

Listen to articleIn a bid to promote bilateral educational relations, the University of Dhaka in Bangladesh has lifted the ban on Pakistani students. According to Professor Saima Haque, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Admin), Pakistani students will now be allowed to enrol at Dhaka University. The decision to lift the ban on Pakistani students was made to promote educational cooperation between the two countries, Express News reported. Under the ban, DU had prohibited its students, teachers, and representatives from visiting Pakistani institutions and refused to accept any Pakistani delegations for academic purposes. Pakistani students in US increasing steadilyThe number of Pakistani students studying in the US has steadily increased in recent years, with graduates from American universities making impactful contributions to business, politics, and culture, US Ambassador to Islamabad Donald Blome said on Monday.

Paul Mescal has expressed admiration for Saoirse Ronan after her viral comment on women’s safety during The Graham Norton Show. Ronan highlighted how women routinely think about their safety, saying, “That’s what girls have to think about all the time. Reflecting on the moment during The Late Late Show, Mescal called Ronan’s comment “massively important” and praised her intellect and ability to raise awareness. She added that the viral moment underscores women’s readiness to openly share their experiences. Ronan’s remarks have sparked valuable conversations about everyday challenges women face, with Mescal and fans commending her for shedding light on this critical topic.

Senior Minister of Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb has said that despite the reduction in smog, the anti-smog grand operation is going on in full force in the entire Punjab including Lahore and dozens of kilns and industrial units causing pollution have been demolished. Maryam Aurangzeb said that during the last four days, dozens of polluting kilns and industrial units were demolished, dozens of factories and factories were sealed. He said that on November 15, 17 kilns, while on November 16 and 17, another 17 kilns without zigzag technology were brought down, zigzag technology in Khanewal, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Wahari, Sargodha, Jhang, Leh, Bahawalnagar and Pakpatan. Kilns running withoutHe said that the maximum number of 14 kilns were demolished in Multan and 8 in Leh, 20 industrial units were demolished in Lahore and Gujranwala on November 15 for spreading pollution, 16 industrial units were demolished on November 16 and 17, Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala. Maryam Aurangzeb said that 51 industrial units have been sealed for spreading pollution and the steel mill in Ferozwala has also been sealed.

India has refused to send its team to the Blind T20 World Cup in Pakistan. According to Express News, India has withdrawn from the Blind T20 World Cup in Pakistan, this tournament is scheduled to start from November 23 in Pakistan. The Indian government refused to issue NOC to the blind cricket team to participate in the event, which was confirmed by the Blind Cricket Association. According to the Blind Cricket Association, they were waiting for the permission of the government for 25 days, but today the Ministry of External Affairs refused to give the NOC on the instructions of the government.