BEIJING: From the lively food stalls in Taizhou city in east China’s Jiangsu Province, where throngs of tourists gather, to the bustling Qianmen Street in Beijing where people queue up for tea-flavored ice cream in the hot summer, nighttime tourism is booming across China. With a market scale valued at over 50 trillion yuan (about 7 trillion U.S. dollars), the …

ISLAMABAD: A total number of 1,630 cases of child abuse have been reported all over Pakistan during the first six months of 2024, according to a report released by local non-governmental organization Sahil on Friday. Based on the cases reported in 81 daily national and regional newspapers from January to June 2024, the data showed 862 cases of child sexual …

BEIJING: China has noted that Bangladesh has formed an interim government and welcomes it, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday. The spokesperson made the remarks in response to the query that an interim government for Bangladesh was sworn in on August 8, with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus serving as chief adviser. The spokesperson pointed out that China …

DHAKA: Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus took oath as the head of the country’s interim government here on Thursday. President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath to Yunus and other members of the new interim government at the presidential palace in the capital Dhaka. Yunus’ role as chief advisor was reportedly the equivalent to a prime minister. Sixteen other people have been …

PARIS: Arshad Nadeem secured Pakistan’s first gold medal of the Paris Games on Thursday, setting a new Olympic record to win the men’s javelin final. Nadeem registered a best throw of 92.97 meters, beating the previous Games record of 90.57 set by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen at Beijing 2008. India’s Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion, took silver with 89.45 and Grenada’s …

The federal government has failed to convince the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on giving tax exemption on stationery items. Despite the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) efforts during virtual talks, the IMF has refused to lift the 14 percent sales tax on these stationery items. Last month, traders announced a nationwide strike against the 14 percent sales tax imposed on …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a nationwide monsoon tree plantation drive on Wednesday by planting a sapling at a ceremony. He announced that he had instructed relevant departments to plant at least 100 million saplings across Pakistan, including in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to mitigate the effects of climate change, which severely impacted the country in 2022. The …

Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad on Wednesday said Pakistan’s total outstanding debt for FY25 stands at $26.2 billion. Friendly nations will roll over more than $16 billion, leaving $10 billion to be repaid by June 30 next year. Last month, the central bank paid $1.5 billion, with $8.5 billion remaining for the fiscal year. In FY24, SBP …

Rumours are intensifying about a potential wedding between rumoured couple Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala, with reports suggesting an engagement as soon as this today. According to The Great Andhra, a reliable source has nearly confirmed the engagement today, causing excitement among fans and followers. Naga Chaitanya, who divorced actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu a few years ago, has been the …

The president of Pakistan has signed the recently passed Election Act (Second Amendment Bill) 2024 into law. After the signatures of President Asif Zardari, the Elections Act (Second Amendment Bill) 2024 has officially been enacted into law. The bill had previously been passed by majority votes from both the National Assembly and the Senate. The Senate Secretariat had sent the …

Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus Thursday arrived in Bangladesh from Dubai to become the chief adviser to the interim government after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster from Dhaka in the wake of deadly protests. Dr. Muhammad Yunus in his first speech after returning to Dhaka hailed students for saving Bangladesh. Bangladesh Nobel laureate Dr Yunus said that Bengalis should protect the freedom …

The government collects a substantial revenue of Rs954 billion annually from taxes levied on electricity bills, according to newly released documents. Of this amount, the federal government receives Rs391 billion, while the provinces benefit from Rs563 billion. The breakdown of the tax revenue is as follows: General Sales Tax (GST): All consumers, including households, commercial establishments, industries, and agricultural users, …

Tadpole water is a new weight loss trend that is going viral on social media among Gen Z the unusual drink, which combines warm water, chia seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, is said to be a game changer in the attempt for a slimmer waistline. Tadpole water refers to the drink’s appearance, which resembles baby frogs swimming in …

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that there is a need for national unity, consensus and togetherness in Pakistan, adding that the army chief and the government share the best interest of Pakistan. Addressing the Ulema and Mashaikh Conference in Islamabad, the prime minister said that Pakistan came into being after lots of bloodshed, and a supreme movement was launched …

PARIS: China’s Liu Hao and Ji Bowen claimed the men’s canoe double 500m gold medal at the Paris Olympics here on Thursday. The pair clocked one minute and 39.48 seconds, ahead of Italy’s Gabriele Casadei and Carlo Tacchini who took the silver in 1:41.08. The bronze went to Joan Antoni Moreno and Diego Dominguez from Spain who finished in 1:41.18.

ISLAMABAD: The successful completion of the Back Feeding process at the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station, an investment and construction project of China Energy Overseas Investment Co., Ltd. (Energy China) marked the official countdown to grid-connected power generation for the station on Thursday. According to the details, located on the Kunhar River in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in northwest Pakistan, SK …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani officials and experts in the capital city Quetta of Pakistan’s southwest Balochistan province, said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has a huge potential to promote growth in various sectors in the province. Addressing a seminar titled “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Assessing the Transformation of Vision into Reality with a Focus on Regional Connectivity, Innovation, and Security in Balochistan,” …

BEIJING: China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have significantly alleviated Pakistan’s energy shortages, reduced electricity costs, and bolstered socioeconomic development. During a press briefing in Beijing earlier, Mao Ning reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan, emphasizing the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries. “China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative …

BEIJING: The Ministry of Finance announced Wednesday that funding worth 649 million yuan (about 91 million U.S. dollars) had been allocated to support flood response and disaster relief efforts in multiple Chinese regions. The central government funding, which was allocated Tuesday, will specifically support typhoon and flood response, as well as disaster relief, in the provinces of Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, …

BEIJING: China’s foreign trade hit a new high in the first seven months of this year, injecting impetus to the country’s economic growth, official data showed Wednesday. The goods trade volume expanded 6.2 percent year on year in yuan terms in the first seven months. Exports rose 6.7 percent year on year, while imports climbed 5.4 percent, according to the …

BEIJING: This summer, a new book featuring articles by senior Chinese officials and over 100 Q&As has become a go-to guide for anyone seeking to better understand the latest blueprint of China’s reforms. This book with 310,000 Chinese characters provides an in-depth look at the strategies shaping the future of the nation, explaining the initiatives laid out in a resolution …

The Pakistan team secured a bronze medal at the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (ICHO), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 21 to 30. Abdul Rafay from Karachi Grammar School won the bronze medal for Pakistan. The team also included Mahnoor Rashid (Lahore Grammar School, Wah Cantt), Marva (Punjab College for Women, Faisalabad), and Syed Mehir Ali Shah (Dubai International …

Pakistan on Wednesday expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and hoped for a “peaceful and swift return to normalcy” after deadly protests led to the end of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule two days ago. The statement comes as a caretaker government is expected to be formed under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus after student protest …

The PTI on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court against a law that would bar independent lawmakers from joining a political party after a stipulated period. A bill, titled “Elections (Second Amendment) Act, 2024” proposes changes to the Elections Act 2017 and is apparently aimed at circumventing the Supreme Court’s July 12 ruling, which granted the PTI reserved seats and set …

In the constantly expanding weight-loss medicine sector, pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are competing fiercely. The focus of this debate is gradually turning from efficacy to availability in pharmacies, as both corporations struggle to meet the extraordinary demand for their respective medications. Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, which entered the U.S. market in December 2023, has swiftly captured a notable …

Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem has requested the nation to pray for his victory in the final round of the javelin throw in Paris Olympic 2024. In a video message, Arshad Nadeem said: “My final match will be on August 8 at 11:25 pm. Pakistani nation should pray for my success.” Arshad Nadeem has qualified for the final round of the …

Three men have been sentenced for their involvement in subsequent riots in the wake of the tragic deaths of three young girls in Southport protests. The sentences, handed down by the Crown Court, come after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised swift and severe consequences for those involved in the unrest. Who are the culprits of Southport protests? Liam Riley, …

Despite the recent controversy surrounding the show in Pakistan, actress Sanam Saeed of Pakistan expressed happiness with the responses she received for her web series Barzakh, saying that it matched her expectations. Speaking to Indian media, Saeed characterized the response to Barzakh as “overwhelming,” emphasizing the show’s draw for fans. “There are certain aspects in Barzakh that grabbed people’s attention. …

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday launched the countrywide monsoon tree plantation drive by planting a sapling here. Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said he had directed the concerned departments and institutions to plant at least 100 million saplings across the country including Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) to save the country from the …

On August 6, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation. This visit, part of Shoigu’s broader tour including Tehran, quickly drew media attention. Shoigu’s trip to Tehran, which came in the wake of the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and amidst rising Israeli-Iranian tensions, and his subsequent visit to …

BEIJING: The Chinese Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA) on Tuesday criticized the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for its handling of sprinter Erriyon Knighton’s doping case, alleging a double standard by the U.S. Knighton, a U.S. Olympic track and field team member, tested positive for the banned steroid trenbolone during an out-of-competition test on March 26. USADA decided not to impose any …

PARIS: China’s defending champion Quan Hongchan and teammate Chen Yuxi both cruised into the women’s 10m platform diving final at the Paris Olympic Games on Monday. Quan, 17, led the preliminary in the morning at ease before keeping her dominance in the semifinal to reach the final with a score of 421.05 points. Three years ago, a 14-year-old Quan delivered …

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani officials and experts in the capital city Quetta of Pakistan’s southwest Balochistan province, said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has a huge potential to promote growth in various sectors in the province. Addressing a seminar titled “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Assessing the Transformation of Vision into Reality with a Focus on Regional Connectivity, Innovation, and Security in Balochistan,” …

BEIJING: A think tank report on the achievements and global contributions of China’s reform endeavors in the new era was unveiled at a symposium held Tuesday in Beijing. Titled “Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization: Major Achievements and Global Contributions,” the report was jointly issued in Chinese and English by the think tanks under the Institute of Party History …

BEIJING: China unveiled an action plan on Tuesday to speed up the building of a “new electricity system” as part of the country’s efforts to pursue low-carbon development and ensure energy security. The plan, jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Energy Administration (NEA) and the National Data Administration, outlines steps to be taken in nine …

The FIA Immigration and Anti-Human Smuggling Wing has released its performance report for the first 7 months of the year. According to the report, immigration officials have detected 27 cases of fake visas and prevented 27 individuals with fake passports from traveling abroad. Additionally, 86 passengers were stopped from entering Pakistan due to various reasons. The report also stated that …

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has pleaded to the Supreme Court for forensic audit of the IPPs. The petitioner asked the apex court to issue order for recovery of the surplus profit paid to the independent power producers (IPPs). The FPCCI also called court order for amendment in agreements with IPPs with the condition that …

While following a ketogenic diet, which consists of ingesting almost all of your calories from fat and very little from carbohydrates, can help you lose weight, it can also damage your gut microbiota and block your arteries. This eating style, also referred to as a keto diet, compels the body to use an alternative fuel. It begins to rely on …

Former England and Surrey cricketer Graham Thorpe has passed away at the age of 55. He left lasting legacy as he influenced hundreds of the cricketers. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) mourned the loss of one of the country’s most distinguished cricketers. During his extensive cricket career, Thorpe participated in 100 Test matches for England from 1993 to …

Pakistani athlete Arshad Nadeem qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 in the javelin throw competition. Arshad Nadeem’s first throw covered a distance of 86.59 meters. India’s Neeraj Chopra threw 89.34 meters in the first round and qualified for javelin throw final. Javelin throw qualifying round competition held in the Group-B competitions of the Paris Olympics 2024. Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad …