The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday issued guidelines for candidates to submit nomination papers. The ECP said that nomination papers can be submitted from December 20 to 22. The fee for obtaining the nomination papers is fixed at Rs.100. A candidate can submit a maximum of five nomination papers with different endorsers. The fee for the candidate of the National Assembly seat …

Eve Gilles, a 20-year-old “androgynous” contestant with a short, boyish haircut, was crowned Miss France 2024, sparking debate and accusations of the pageant going “woke”. Gilles, representing the northernmost region of France, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, became the first contestant in history with a pixie cut to win the title at the final in Dijon. Breaking Beauty Standards “We’re used to seeing beautiful …

KARACHI, Pakistan: A musical dancing fountain in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi displays colorful fountain splashes in synchronization with beautiful music. People watch the musical dancing fountain in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on Dec. 18, 2023. (Str/Xinhua) People watch the musical dancing fountain in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi on Dec. 18, 2023. (Str/Xinhua) People watch …

XINING: The 6.2-magnitude earthquake that rattled an ethnic county in northwest China’s Gansu Province around midnight Monday has killed 13 people in the neighboring Qinghai Province, according to a press conference Tuesday afternoon. In Qinghai, the quake has left 182 people injured and 20 missing, with rescue efforts continuing, said Wang Wen, vice mayor of Haidong City, Qinghai, at the …

CONAKRY: At least 13 people were killed and more than 170 others injured in a major fire that broke out Sunday night at the large fuel depot in the commune of Kaloum, the Guinean capital of Conakry, said Oumar Diouhe Bah, minister of Health and Hygiene, in a statement Monday. The bodies of the victims as well as most of …

BEIJING: After concluding his state visit to Vietnam in mid-December, Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the bordering Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, a sub-tropical region known for its picturesque landscape and diverse culture. In addition to the region’s thriving sugar industry and border trade, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and …

CAIRO: The use of modern technologies and AI in the media should enhance the reliability of journalism instead of hampering it, the chief of Egypt’s official Middle East News Agency (MENA) told Xinhua in a recent interview. “Journalism must be based on truthful and verified information, and the use of modern technologies and AI in the media should not negatively …

BEIJING: China has started an inaugural nationwide sample survey on food waste in its continued efforts to fight against food waste. In a circular jointly published online on Monday by the National Development and Reform Commission, China’s top economic planner, and the Ministry of Commerce, the two government departments said that by analyzing existing problems through the survey, targeted policy …

BEIJING: China’s independently-developed Wing Loong-2H large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has swiftly rushed to support emergency rescue work after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted northwest China’s Gansu Province late Monday, according to its developer. The Wing Loong-2H large civil UAV has rushed to the earthquake-hit areas to carry out rescue missions in response to the call of emergency management authorities, …

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a State Council executive meeting on Monday. The meeting heard a report on work concerning expediting the building of a national unified market, studied and made arrangements for work on facilitating the high-quality development of disease prevention and control, and reviewed and adopted several regulations, including a draft regulation on the production safety …

Pakistan’s current account posted a surplus of $9 million in November 2023, said the data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). According to SBP data, the Current Account Deficit (CAD) was recorded at $775 million in July 2023 however, the CAD improved significantly over time and posted a surplus of $9 million in November 2023. The SBP data indicates …

Pakistan’s national team Technical Director, Mohammad Hafeez, has come to the defense of wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed, asserting that the management will not make drastic decisions based on the outcome of just one match. In the post-match press conference, Mohammad Hafeez staunchly supported Sarfaraz’s inclusion, emphasizing that the seasoned player has made significant contributions to Pakistan cricket and has consistently showcased …

In a recent social media post, Hania Aamir, renowned for her acting prowess and vibrant personality in the Pakistani drama industry, stirred up controversy with her latest creative venture. The actress took to Instagram to share a video where she, accompanied by a helper, embarked on the unconventional task of making ripped jeans for herself. Known for her fun-loving nature …

Arsenal clinched a crucial 2-0 win against Brighton on Sunday, propelling them to the summit of the Premier League and displacing Liverpool ahead of their much-anticipated clash with struggling Manchester United. Mikel Arteta’s side dominated at the Emirates, with Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring in the 53rd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse. Kai Havertz sealed the victory in the …

In a stark departure from the promises outlined in the historic Doha Agreement signed in February 2020, the Taliban has failed to honor key commitments, plunging Afghanistan into a renewed wave of violence and social restrictions. The bilateral accord, brokered between the United States and the Taliban, was anticipated to pave the way for lasting peace in the war-torn nation. …

In response to a surge in misinformation circulating on social media platforms, the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) on Monday issued a comprehensive clarification, vehemently denying any alteration in its policy regarding the issuance of “Form B” to the general public. Contrary to recent claims suggesting the imposition of a deadline for obtaining “Form B,” NADRA maintained that no such …

The Indian Supreme Court’s controversial decision on December 11 regarding Article 370 has drawn sharp criticism from Kashmiris who feel betrayed by what they perceive as an attack on their internal sovereignty and identity. Many Kashmiris express disillusionment, emphasizing that the decision undermines the trust they had placed in the Government of India and the judicial system to address the …

The Supreme Court has announced a landmark decision that appears to have virtually closed the doors to any delay in the general elections in the country scheduled for February 8. The apex court ruled that objections to the delimitation of constituencies cannot be raised after the election schedule has been announced. A three-member bench headed by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood …

CAIRO: Egypt’s National Election Authority (NEA) declared on Monday that incumbent President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi won the 2024 presidential election with 89.6 percent of valid votes. At a press conference in the capital Cairo, the NEA said the turnout reached 66.8 percent of the total 67 million eligible voters. Voting in Egypt took place on Dec. 10-12, while Egyptians abroad cast …

BEIJING: President Xi Jinping on Monday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee, who is on a duty visit to Beijing. During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lee on Hong Kong’s current situation and the HKSAR government’s work. Lauding Lee’s work over the past year, Xi said Lee has led the …

BEIJING: China’s top market regulator on Monday rolled out measures to stabilize the prices and guarantee the quality of daily necessities with New Year’s Day and the Spring Festival holidays approaching. Supervision of food, industrial products, life services, and medical goods will be strengthened to meet people’s daily needs during the holidays, the State Administration for Market Regulation said. Specifically, …

BEIJING: At the invitation of Premier of the State Council Li Qiang, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin will be in China from Dec. 19 to 20 for the 28th regular meeting between Chinese and Russian heads of government, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced here on Monday. In response to a related query, Wang told a daily …

LHASA: After just six months of operations, a 3D printing construction company in Lhasa, the capital of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, has seen its output value exceed 1.2 million yuan (about 169,173 U.S. dollars). Yingcai Construction Technology was established in Tselgungthang Subdistrict’s Tsal Village in June. It is owned by the subdistrict’s two village committees and has injected vitality …

BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pak Myong Ho on Monday in Beijing. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK is a valuable asset for both sides. In recent …

BEIJING: A book on thoroughly studying and implementing the important discourses on emergency management put forward by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has been published by the People’s Publishing House. The book elaborates on the background, development, essence, significance and practical requirements of Xi’s discourses concerning emergency management. Xi’s important discourses scientifically answered …

ISLAMABAD: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has proved to be a corridor of opportunities for Pakistan, advancing the goals of economic development, regional connectivity, and shared prosperity, said Pakistani experts during a seminar. CPEC has served to promote bilateral relations between China and Pakistan, regional integration, and overall development, said the experts and academics at the recently held seminar organized …

HONG KONG: Every Wednesday or Friday morning, people from different parts of Hong Kong gather in front of a bookstore in Yau Ma Tei in south Kowloon Peninsula, waiting for its opening. As soon as the gate opens at 11:00 a.m., they will rush in to see the new arrivals of books. Once a week, various types of new books …

ISLAMABAD: Every morning, Mohammad Nasir, a 60-year-old supervisor of TIR transport operations in Pakistan’s state-owned National Logistics Corporation (NLC), inspects the trucks used in TIR transportation and their fitness certificates, third-party insurance, and the drivers’ medical certificates. As one of the most important members of the pioneer team of TIR transport operation between China and Pakistan, Nasir feels very proud …

BEIJING: Assets of financial institutions in China rose to 452.82 trillion yuan (about 63.82 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of the third quarter, up 9.5 percent year on year, according to the central bank. Assets of the banking sector totaled 409.77 trillion yuan at the end of September, up 9.6 percent from a year earlier, and assets of securities …

BUDAPEST: A lantern festival opened here on Saturday as part of the celebrations for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon. The festival showcases hundreds of heritage lantern art pieces from Zigong, a city in southwest China’s Sichuan Province known for this traditional art form. “Year 2024 also marks the 75th anniversary of Sino-Hungarian diplomatic relations,” …

NAGOYA, Japan: World No. 1 Sun Yingsha of China won the women’s singles title and teamed up with Wang Manyu to claim the women’s doubles crown as well at the 2023 Women’s World Table Tennis (WTT) Finals here on Sunday. In the women’s doubles, Sun and Wang Manyu defeated their compatriots and world No.2 Chen Meng and Wang Yidi 3-1 …

I wish that being a doctor meant that my family and I would never get sick. Unfortunately, viruses, bacteria and other sources of illness do not discriminate based on profession. Here’s what’s in my toolkit to keep us going in sickness and in health. Natural remedies for cough and sore throat Tea – teas with ingredients like licorice and slippery …

It was hard going at the start with cracks appearing on the pitch, with Pakistan’s pace bowlers beating the bat and causing problems. Impressive debutant Khurram Shahzad got a breakthrough in the fourth over of the day, trapping Smith lbw for 45 with a ball that nipped back. Enter the aggressive Travis Head, who stroked a straight drive boundary off …

In response to the recent bill introduced by the Indian government in the Lok Sabha, residents of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have expressed strong disapproval, alleging that the legislation aims to reinforce what they perceive as India’s illegitimate control over occupied Kashmir and potentially facilitate interference in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. According to the public’s sentiments, there is a prevailing belief …

George R.R. Martin, the author of epic novel series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire‘ aka ‘Game of Thrones‘, excited fans by giving updates about its prequel ‘House of the Dragon Season 2‘. It is pertinent to mention here that ‘House of the Dragon‘ is the live adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novel ‘Fire and Blood‘. The graphic novel is …

In a charming display of domesticity, global power couple David and Victoria Beckham have once again captured the hearts of fans by showcasing their relatable side. The soccer superstar, known for his prowess on the pitch, temporarily traded his cleats for a toolkit as he transformed into an “electrician” to mend the couple’s television. Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, took …

Quetta Gladiators on Saturday welcomed former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait as their bowling coach for the ninth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Gladiators penned a welcoming note for Shaun Tait. “Purple Force gets another Australian boost as Shaun Tait joins Quetta Gladiators as bowling coach.” “Tait, one of the fastest bowlers …

The efforts to establish peace in Chitral are bearing fruit, as the Kalash winter festival of Choimus has kicked off with great fervor. The historic Choimus festival of the Kalash tribe in Chitral has officially begun in the Bamboret, Birir and Rumbur valleys in Lower Chitral. The festival, which started on December 16, will conclude on December 22 during which …

A man allegedly opened fire shots outside a wedding hall and gunned down four people, including his ex-wife and her father, in Lahore’s Salamatpura area. Lahore police said that the accused, identified as Salman, opened fire on his ex-wife and her family when they returned from a wedding event. The accused is still at large and Police teams are after …

The first Markhor trophy of the year has been hunted down in Chitral. An American hunter shot down a Kashmir Markhor in Toshi-Shasha Community Park for a fee of a whopping $185,000. Deron James Millan, an American national, inaugurated this year’s trophy hunting season by hunting down a 9.5-year-old Markhor in Lower Chitral on Saturday. The size of the horns …