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Waqas Dar

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Blog Entries posted by Waqas Dar

  1. Waqas Dar
    Under a dual onslaught of global warming and localised, urban heating, some of the world's cities may be as much as eight degrees Celsius (14.4 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer by 2100, researchers warned Monday.
    Such a temperature spike can have dire consequences for the health of city-dwellers, robbing companies and industries of able workers, and put pressure on already strained natural resources such as water.
    The projection is based on the worst-case-scenario assumption that emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases continue to rise throughout the 21st century.
    The top quarter of most populated cities, in this scenario, could see the mercury rise 7 C or more by century's end, said a study in the journal Nature Climate Change.
    For some, nearly 5 C of the total would be attributed to average global warming.
    The rest would be due to the so-called Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which occurs when cooling parks, dams and lakes are replaced by heat-conducting concrete and asphalt -- making cities warmer than their surrounds, the researcher said.
    "The top five percent (of cities per population) could see increases in temperatures of about 8 C and larger," study co-author Francisco Estrada of the Institute for Environmental Studies in the Netherlands told AFP.
    Estrada and a team used different projections of average planetary warming, combined with the UHI effect and potential harms, to estimate the future costs of warming on cities.
    The median city, right in the middle of the range, stands to lose between 1.4 and 1.7 percent of GDP per year by 2050 and between 2.3 and 5.6 percent by 2100, they concluded.
    "For the worst-off city, losses could reach up to 10.9 percent of GDP by 2100," wrote the team.
    UHI "significantly" increases city temperatures and economic losses from global warming, they added.
    This meant that local actions to reduce UHI -- such as planting more trees or cooling roofs and pavements, can make a big difference in limiting warming and minimising costs.
    Cities cover only about one percent of earth's surface but produce about 80 percent of gross world product and account for around 78 percent of energy consumed worldwide, said the researchers.
    They produce more than 60 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions from burning coal, oil and gas for fuel.
    The world's nations agreed in Paris in 2015 to the goal of limiting average global warming to two degrees Celsius over pre-Industrial revolution levels by curbing greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.
    For the latest study, researchers used data from the world's 1,692 largest cities for the period 1950 to 2015.


  2. Waqas Dar
    Music streaming leader Spotify has agreed to set up a $43.45 million fund to settle a potentially costly pair of US copyright lawsuits from artists, lawyers said Monday.
    The move marks the latest effort by the Swedish company to turn the page on messy disputes as it considers a public listing amid the soaring growth of streaming.
    The settlement would end lawsuits spearheaded by two indie songwriters who double as academics -- folk rock singer Melissa Ferrick and David Lowery, frontman of alternative rock bands Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven.
    The two had pursued class-action cases -- meaning a mass of musicians could claim payouts -- with Ferrick seeking $200 million and Lowery asking for $150 million.
    The artists had accused Spotify, which boasts of offering instant access to 30 million songs, of recklessly putting music online without securing mechanical rights -- the permission to reproduce copyrighted material -- from the tracks' composers.
    Spotify and other streaming services pay royalties both to performers and songwriters -- who are often lesser known and, for older and more obscure songs, more difficult to identify.
    Under the settlement filing that needs to be approved by a federal judge in New York, Spotify would set up the $43.45 million fund to compensate songwriters for lack of licensing.
    Spotify would also pay for streams of the tracks afterward -- which the filing said would "easily total tens of millions of dollars in future royalties."
    Steven Sklaver, a Los Angeles-based lawyer who co-led the case, called the settlement especially significant as Spotify had already reached a deal last year with the National Music Publishers' Association.
    The association, which represents songwriters under major US publishers, secured substantially less at around $21 million over songs whose composers had been difficult to identify.
    - Substantially bigger deal -
    Sklaver, a partner with the firm Susman Godfrey, estimated that hundreds of thousands of songwriters would qualify as part of the class seeking payment from Spotify.
    But the national association has said that more than 96 percent of music publishers accepted last year's deal. They are ineligible for the latest settlement -- meaning much bigger payouts for indie artists such as Lowery and Ferrick who held out.
    Under the settlement, Spotify would work with other industry players including record labels to digitize copyright records for musical works before 1978, when US law in its current form took effect.
    Spotify would also support the creation of an outside body to help identify unmatched tracks and set up an auditing system so songwriters can verify the accuracy of royalty payments.
    Spotify did not respond to a request for comment on the settlement.
    The company, which as a private company does not need to disclose financial figures, was estimated to be worth more than $8 billion in 2015 when it secured investors' financing.
    That figure is likely to have risen sharply with the rapid growth of streaming and Spotify, which said in March that it had more than 50 million paying subscribers.
    Spotify has long mulled going public, likely by listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Last week the company again raised expectations by naming four new members to its board, three of them with experience in the entertainment industry.
    Fueled by streaming, the global music industry has posted two straight years of solid growth, the first substantial expansion since the start of the internet age two decades ago.
    But Spotify and other streaming services have frequently been hit by complaints by artists who say that they are insufficiently paid -- although the number of musicians who boycott streaming has dwindled to a trickle.


  3. Waqas Dar
    As Juventus look to end a 21-year-wait for the Champions League title, there are those who believe goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon can end a 54-year wait and be officially crowned the top shot-stopper in Europe.
    The rock of a team that recently embellished its growing pedigree with a record sixth consecutive title and record third successive league and Cup double, Buffon, many believe, is in firm contention for the Ballon d'Or.
    Given the dominance in recent years of Cristiano Ronaldo, a key threat on Saturday when Juventus meet Real Madrid in Cardiff, and Barcelona nemesis Lionel Messi, such an accolade is not to be underestimated.
    Especially when considering the only previous goalkeeper honoured was Russian legend Lev Yashin, in 1963.
    Many have come close, including Buffon, who in 2006 finished second to Italy teammate and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro.
    But to match the feats of Yashin, known as the 'Black Spider' for acrobatic goalkeeping feats that wowed the beautiful game in the 1960s, is going to take some doing.
    AC Milan legend Gianni Rivera, who finished second to Yashin in the 1963 vote, has echoed many in the game who believe Buffon, still in search of an evasive Champions League title, will only get close if Juve are crowned European champions.
    "It was a historical first, but it was right to give Yashin his award," Riverai recently said in an interview with Corriere della Sera. "I only found out later I'd come second."
    He added: "Buffon deserves to win it for what he's still doing on the pitch. If he wins the Champions League with Juventus, it will be the crowning glory of what has been an extraordinary career."
    Now 39 and heading towards retirement following the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Buffon remains one of the world's best.
    In a season that has seen Juventus ditch a conservative 3-5-2 formation for a more inventive and attacking 4-2-3-1 in which defensive duties remain a priority, Buffon has been superb.
    Especially in Europe, where he defied his years and produced three remarkable stops on his way to seeing Juventus put one leg into the final with a precious 2-0 win over Monaco at the Stade Louis II last month.
    It is not for nothing that Buffon, who has seen Juventus through thick and thin -- remaining with the club following their demotion to Serie B following the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal -- is regarded, in parliamentary terms, as the 'Speaker of the House'.
    At the head of the Juventus dressing room there are two, plush seats that resemble thrones.
    Buffon sits on the right, with notoriously media-shy but hugely-respected Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic to his left. From there, Buffon commands the dressing room.
    Although the big 'keeper is the first one to admit: "You have to make the saves. If I'm not making saves, then I can't start giving lessons."
    The last time Juventus triumphed in the competition was in 1996, when the Turin giants beat Ajax at the Stadio Olimpico.
    After two successive runner-up places in 1997 and 1998, the Italians lost the final a further two times in 2003 and 2015, for a record tally of six runner-up places.
    Ending their hoodoo might just give Buffon, described recently by France Football as "the only real rival to Ronaldo", a fitting end to his career.
    Defender and teammate Giorgio Chiellini, though, said the 'keeper should only deserve it based on his performances this year.
    "I'm lucky to have played all my career alongside Buffon. He deserves the Ballon d'Or for what he's achieved this year. I hope he wins it, but it would be a consequence of us winning in Cardiff," he said Monday.
    France Football, though, tempered those hopes, adding: "But Buffon is a goalkeeper and even if Juve triumph in Europe there is always this handicap: the one of not having one's destiny in his own hands.
    "Ronaldo can decide how much to give of himself. Buffon has to wait for the opportunity. That's the difference."




  4. Waqas Dar
    An air ambulance landed at the wildlife park but there were no other injuries. May 29, 2017. BBC/Heidi Maury  LONDON: A female zookeeper died Monday after a tiger entered the enclosure where she was working in south-east England, with the zoo calling it a "freak accident".

    A statement from police in the county of Cambridgeshire said they arrived at the scene of the "serious incident" at Hamerton Zoo Park at around 11:15 AM (3:15 AM PST).
    "A tiger had entered an enclosure with a keeper. Sadly, the female zookeeper died at the scene."

    "At no time did the animal escape from the enclosure. The incident is not believed to be suspicious," the Cambridgeshire Constabulary said on its Facebook page, without giving further details.

    In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Hamerton Zoo Park said the incident "appears to have been a freak accident" and that a "full investigation is currently underway and we hope that more details can be announced as soon as we are able."
    "All our thoughts and sympathies are with our colleagues' friends and families at this dreadful time," the zoo said.

    Earlier, Cambridgeshire Constabulary had said it confirmed that "no animals have escaped and members of the public are safe."
    According to the zoo's website, the 25-acre park is home to Malaysian and Bengal tigers.

    The zoo will be closed Tuesday.


  5. Waqas Dar
    Spanish coach Ernesto Valverde is the man charged with reviving Barcelona's fortunes after being confirmed as the Catalan giants' new boss on a two-year deal on Monday.
    "Valverde has the ability, the judgement, the knowledge and the experience. He promotes the youth players and he has a Barça way," club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said at a press conference.
    Valverde, whose contract will include an option for a third season in charge, will be officially unveiled on Thursday.
    Valverde, 53, a former Barca player who left Athletic Bilbao after four years in charge last week, replaces Luis Enrique with the task of getting the most out of a star-studded squad containing Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez.
    Luis Enrique signed off his three seasons in charge with a ninth trophy of his reign in Saturday's Copa del Rey final against Alaves.
    However, the daily grind of the pressure at the Camp Nou forced him to announce back in March he would leave at the end of the campaign even before Barca missed out on both La Liga and the Champions League this season.
    Despite not being a household name outside of Spain, Valverde has a wealth of coaching experience having taken charge of over 500 games.
    His only honours as a player came in a two-year spell at Barcelona under Johann Cruyff between 1988 and 1990 where he lifted the Cup Winners' Cup and the Copa del Rey.
    However, Valverde has consistently got the best out of the resources at his disposal as a coach in two spells at both Athletic and Olympiakos and stints with Espanyol, Villarreal and Valencia.
    Indeed he inflicted Luis Enrique's joint heaviest defeat as Barca boss with a 4-0 thrashing of the then European champions on the way to winning the Spanish Super Cup with Athletic in 2015.
    And he also won three Greek titles in three seasons at Olympiakos.
    Moreover, Valverde's calm and composed nature was favoured by the Barca board over the more fiery approach of the other leading candidate Jorge Sampaoli, who is expected to leave Sevilla to take over as Argentina boss.
    "He has more experience than me. He should enjoy it," Luis Enrique said when asked what advice he would give Valverde after a Messi-inspired 3-1 win over Alaves in his final game in charge.
    However, that win means Valverde will be handed a baptism of fire with his first two competitive games in charge likely to be against Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup in August.


  6. Waqas Dar
    Huddersfield Town won promotion to the Premier League in dramatic fashion as Christopher Schindler's penalty sealed a 4-3 shoot-out victory over Reading in the Championship play-off final on Monday.
    David Wagner's side will play in the English top-flight for the first time in 45 years after holding their nerve in the nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out that followed a tense 0-0 draw at Wembley.
    Huddersfield's promotion is worth at least £170 million ($218 million, 195 million euros) across the next three seasons and that figure could rise to in excess of £290 million if the club avoid relegation next season.avoid relegation next season.
    But the huge boost to their bank balance pales in comparison to the lifetime of memories Huddersfield's players and supporters will take from their promotion triumph and next season's unexpected place among the Premier League aristocracy.
    Huddersfield have never played in the Premier League and haven't been a force in English football since the 1920s, when they won the title three times under legendary boss Herbert Chapman.have never played in the Premier League and haven't been a force in English football since the 1920s, when they won the title three times under legendary boss Herbert Chapman.
    Their current manager is a close friend of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after working under his fellow German as Borussia Dortmund's reserve team coach and now Wagner will get to face his former employer on equal terms.
    A former mill town tucked away in the foothills of the Pennines in Yorkshire, Huddersfield is back on the football map and can look forward to playing host to the star-studded line-ups of Chelsea, Manchester United and company.
    The last three Championship play-off winners were all relegated the following season but Huddersfield, whose £12 million payroll ranks as one of the lowest in the second tier, won't care about that as they spend the summer celebrating one of the greatest days in the club's history.
    Reading finished third in the table, two places and four points above Huddersfield, but it was Wagner's side who made all the running in the early stages.
    Picked out by Aaron Mooy's free-kick, Michael Hefele had a golden opportunity to put Huddersfield in front, but the defender headed wastefully wide from close-range.
    If that was a moment to regret for Huddersfield, there was even worse to come as Izzy Brown produced one of the misses of the season.
    Elias Kachunga carved open the Reading defence down the right flank, yet when he crossed to Brown at the far post, the on-loan Chelsea youngster somehow contrived to poke wide of the empty net from little more than a yard out.
    It was an astonishing blunder, but Huddersfield's failure to turn their dominance into a tangible reward wasn't so surprising as 22 of their 25 regular-season wins this season were by a single-goal margin.
    Tension

    Having escaped punishment for their anxious start, Reading threatened for the first time when Lewis Grabban curled narrowly wide from long-range.
    Reading needed to improve significantly and John Swift almost gave them the perfect start to the second half when he raced onto George Evans' defence-splitting pass and drilled in a low strike that Danny Ward pushed away.
    Jaap Stam's side had stolen the momentum and nearly snatched the lead when Grabban pounced on a speculative ball over the top, only to flick his effort wide of the far post.
    Yet as the tension mounted, the quality dipped.
    Although Reading's Garath McCleary and Huddersfield's Nahki Wells both fired narrowly wide in extra-time, there was an inevitability about the impending shoot-out.
    Huddersfield reached Wembley by beating Sheffield Wednesday on penalties and once again they hit the jackpot in the lottery.
    Hefele missed Huddersfield's second penalty as Ali Al Habsi plunged to his right to save, but Liam Moore blazed Reading's fourth high over the bar.
    When Ward kept out Jordan Obita's kick, Huddersfield were within touching distance of promotion and Schindler slotted home to send them into dreamland.


  7. Waqas Dar
    Kagiso Rabada sparked a dramatic England collapse as South Africa went in search of a consolation win in the third one-day international at Lord's on Monday.
    England slumped to 20 for six in five overs after losing the toss before recovering to 153 all out.
    Fast bowler Rabada took four wickets for 12 runs in his first three overs, before eventually finishing with four for 39 in nine.
    New ball colleague Wayne Parnell took three for 43 in eight.
    Jonny Bairstow, recalled for this match, kept the Proteas at bay with a fine 51.
    His was one of just three double-figure scores by batsmen in the innings, with David Willey (26) and number nine Toby Roland-Jones, who made an impressive 37 not out on his ODI debut, helping the Yorkshireman compile stands of 62 and 52 respectively.
    Nevertheless, there were still nearly 20 overs of the innings left when Keshav Maharaj dismissed last man Steven Finn.
    Left-arm spinner Maharaj took three for 25 in 6.1 overs.
    The consolations for England were that they were already an unassailable 2-0 up in this three-match series and that the collapse had not come during the Champions Trophy ODI tournament, which they launch across London with a match against Bangladesh at The Oval on Thursday.
    An overcast morning and a green-tinged pitch meant it was no surprise when South Africa captain AB de Villiers opted to field first upon winning the toss.
    "The stats show there's something in it for the first 15 overs, and that's when we want to do some damage," said de Villiers after the coin fell his way for the third time this series.
    As it turned out, the Proteas only needed a mere five overs to have England six down.
    The fifth ball of the match saw Rabada strike when Jason Roy edged a good length ball to Hashim Amla at first slip.
    Next over, Joe Root (two) was lbw to a swinging delivery from left-armer Parnbell
    England then lost their next two wickets on 15.
    Eoin Morgan, the England captain, fell for eight on his Middlesex home ground, was caught behind off Parnell for eight.
    That was the end of the fourth over and next ball Alex Hales, trying to drive Rabada, got an outside edge to Amla and England were 15 for four.
    It was the start of a brilliant over that yielded three wickets in five balls for Rabada.
    His fifth ball that over saw Jos Buttler,going for a big drive, well caught by Faf du Plessis at second slip.
    Next ball, England's 20 for five became 20 for six when Adil Rashid, even more recklessly, attempted a huge drive and edged to du Plessis for a golden duck.
    Bairstow, England's Test wicket-keeper who many believe should be in England's first-choice ODI side purely as a batsman, stopped the rot.
    He showed his class by cover-driving Rabada and cutting fast bowler Morne Morkel for fours.
    Bairstow received good support from Yorkshire team-mate Willey before the all-rounder was caught drove Parnell to cover.
    Bairstow then gave his wicket away when he charged at Maharaj only to be stumped by de Kock to end a 67-ball knock featuring eight fours.
    Roland-Jones struck five fours but the damage had long since been done.


  8. Waqas Dar
    The Democratic Republic of Congo has approved using an experimental Ebola vaccine to combat an outbreak of the virus in the northeast, the government said Monday.
    "The DRC accepts the use of vaccines against the Ebola virus," a source in the health ministry told AFP, adding that the government concluded it had no objections to the tests being conducted in the country.
    "We're waiting for an operational plan from our partners which will determine what steps need to be taken, in which geographic areas we could vaccinate," the source added, on condition of anonymity.
    A definitive decision on how the vaccine would be deployed will be released in 24 hours, the source said.
    There is no licensed vaccine for the Ebola virus, but the World Health Organization said this month that a promising candidate vaccine exists and could be deployed within a matter of days if the DR Congo government gave its approval.
    On May 12, DR Congo declared an outbreak of the highly contagious disease, the eighth to date in a sprawling country five times the size of France.
    A week later, researchers in the United States said they had found antibodies that could be used to neutralise the three main strains of Ebola.
    So far, two cases of the virus have been confirmed in a laboratory while 18 others are suspected in the remote Bas-Uele province, an equatorial forest zone near the Central African Republic.
    Three of those people have died, including the first known case, a 39-year-old man who died on the way to hospital in Likati on April 22, suffering from fever, vomiting and bleeding symptoms.
    It is the first outbreak of Ebola, which spreads by contact with bodily fluids, since the west Africa epidemic that ended in January last year after killing more than 11,300 people and sickening nearly 29,000.


  9. Waqas Dar
    British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday she was ready to walk away from Brexit negotiations without a deal with the European Union if the agreement wasn't good enough.
    "We will be there to negotiate the right deal but what I have said is that no deal is better than a bad deal. We have to be prepared to walk out," she said to applause during a Sky News interview on Monday.
    Britons elect a new government in ten days' time as polls show May's Conservatives are seeing their lead over the opposition Labour Party narrow.




  10. Waqas Dar
    Motorcyclists participate in Rolling Thunder, the annual ride around Washington Mall to raise awareness for prisoners of war and soldiers still missing in action in Washington, US, May 28, 2017. REUTERS/Eric Thayer  The rumble of motorcycle engines filled a rainy morning in Washington on Sunday as thousands of bikers paraded around the National Mall for the 30th annual Rolling Thunder rally to raise awareness of US military personnel who went missing in action.
    Participants, many of them US war veterans astride the loud, muscular Harley-Davidson machines typical at such events, rode into Washington led by a police escort over the Memorial Bridge, where cheering spectators waved Americans flags in support.
    "I'm here supporting all veterans. My grandfather, my mother, and my father were all vets," said Kristina Harris, who was riding with about 500 members of the Nam Knights of America Motorcycle Club.
    Harris captured the ride via GoPro on her helmet, documenting the motorcycles along the National Mall.


  11. Waqas Dar
    Novak Djokovic of Serbia attends a training session before French Open in Paris, May 26, 2017. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier  PARIS: Defending champion Novak Djokovic enjoyed a winning French Open start under new coach Andre Agassi on Monday, cruising past Spain's Marcel Granollers 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the first round.
    The 12-time grand slam champion parted company with his entire coaching team earlier this month before inviting American great Andre Agassi to work with him during the French Open.
    The 30-year-old Serbian, without a tour title since January, found little resistance from Granollers, grabbing two breaks early on in the first set as he chased the 77th-ranked around the court.
    It was a similar story early in the second set with the world number two returning everything Granollers tried to throw at him, as he went 4-1 up before a wobble saw him fail to convert eight set points at 5-3.
    Djokovic kept his cool to earn the second set and pounced on the Spaniards' accumulating mistakes in the third set to seal victory on his first match point. 
    'I had to change something'
    Novak Djokovic says the decision to begin working with Agassi came after he realised something had to change if he was to maintain a level of success throughout his career.
    Djokovic admitted the need to rediscover his spark after some disappointing results this year, including a second-round exit at the Australian Open.
    "Last year, I started to feel I had to change something," Djokovic told French sports daily L'Equipe. He continued, "My body was changing, too. [?] Even if I feel fit, young and I take care of my body, I am 30-years-old now."
    The champion parted ways with Boris Becker in December and mentor Marian Vajda earlier this month. He said it did not take much time to feel a new vibe with Agassi.

    "I connected with him very quickly. I saw that there were similarities in the ways we think," Djokovic said, citing "different approach in terms of energy management" and exploring "new things" as his rationales.


  12. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: National Highway Authority has expedited work on the Lowari Tunnel on the direction of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the project will be completed next month.

    Project Director Muhammad Ibrahim told APP that 94 percent work on the project has been completed at a cost of 21 billion rupees.
    After completion, Lowari Tunnel will provide round the clock travelling facility to the people of Chitral even during the harsh winter season.
    He said the Prime Minister will be requested to inaugurate the Lowari Tunnel next month.
    Terming it a gift of Prime Minister for people of Chitral, he said PML-N government after coming to power had approved additional funds for Lowari Tunnel to ensure its completion as early as possible.


  13. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria on Monday said that Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav continues to provide crucial intelligence with regard to recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
    He was speaking to the media during the weekly media briefing.
    Earlier, Khawar Qureshi, the lawyer representing Pakistan in the Kulbushan Jadhav case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), remarked that ICJ will neither release the spy nor acquit him.
    Speaking to the media after holding a meeting over the high-profile case with Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali, he remarked ?the commander Jadhav case is a very clear case. Commander Jadhav can never be released or acquitted. You are making something out of nothing.?


    [embed_video1 url=http://stream.jeem.tv/vod/480cc6036fd3324a536322916bf2dd7d.mp4/playlist.m3u8?wmsAuthSign=c2VydmVyX3RpbWU9NS8yOS8yMDE3IDk6NDQ6MDcgQU0maGFzaF92YWx1ZT1RQzhRTDh5eDVhaktIVysrUVZRdHR3PT0mdmFsaWRtaW51dGVzPTYwJmlkPTE= style=center]
    He also advised the media officials to ?behave responsibly? and ?give Pakistani officials the respect they deserve.?

    India wrongly claiming victory: Pak counsel at ICJ
    Khawar Qureshi says ICJ issued only 'procedural order' to enable full hearing
    Earlier, the lawyer had remarked that India wrongly claimed victory after the ICJ temporarily stayed the death sentence of Jadhav. He had explained that the problem seems to be that this case is more about political point scoring than about the law.

    ?We were not prepared well enough?: Analysts, politicians on Jadhav case
    Geo News spoke with lawyers, analysts, and politicians regarding the development
    The lawyer had come under fire after the ICJ verdict. Many political analysts and politicians had claimed that the decision came against Pakistan as the country?s legal counsel was not adequately prepared.
    Following the verdict, reports stated that the attorney general was appointed lead counsel to represent Pakistan at the ICJ. 




  14. Waqas Dar
    LAHORE: A proclaimed offender was shot dead on Monday at Multan Road in an encounter shootout, claimed Police.

    The authorities claimed that Nadir alias Lakha, hailing from Muzaffargarh District, was wanted in cases of murder, attempt to murder, terrorism and dacoity; further adding that a head money of two million rupees was also placed on him.


    Police also informed that during the exchange of fire, a woman sitting along with Nadir in his car was injured.


  15. Waqas Dar
    WASHINGTON: Golf superstar Tiger Woods was arrested Monday in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to records from the Palm Beach County Sheriff´s Office.

    The 14-time major champion was booked into the Palm Beach County jail on Monday at 7:18 am (1118 GMT) after he was arrested by police in Jupiter, Florida. He was released on his own recognisance at 10:50 am.


  16. Waqas Dar
    MOSCOW: A violent storm swept through Moscow Monday, leaving six people dead and dozens injured as freak winds toppled hundreds of trees, officials said.

    "Due to hurricane winds in the northeast, south-west and east of Moscow trees fell on pedestrians. Five people were killed," the city´s investigative committee said in a statement.
    "Also a bus stop was damaged due to a strong gust of wind. An elderly man...was killed on the spot," it said, adding that an investigation was under way into the deaths.
    Moscow mayor Sergei Sobyanin said "over 40 people had to seek medical help" after the storm, expressing condolences for those who died.
    "Several hundred trees were felled," he wrote on his official Twitter. "We are taking necessary measures to deal with the consequences."
    Moscow emergencies services dispatched units to remove the felled trees but had no information about any serious material damages, a spokesman told AFP by phone.
    The weather caused delays in Moscow´s airports and the express train to Vnukovo airport had to halt service as workers removed a tree from the line.


  17. Waqas Dar
    Photo: Wikipedia RABAT: Adventurer, Orientalist, spy: the remarkable story of Spanish explorer Ali Bey al-Abbassi is to be told on the silver screen for the first time, two centuries after his death.
    Born in Catalonia in 1767, Domingo Badia y Leblich posed as an exiled Arab prince and became one of the first Europeans to set foot in Mecca.
    Yet despite mixing with the Spanish royal family, Napoleon´s top officials and some of the most notable European intellectuals of his age, he has been all but forgotten since he died in 1818.
    "It´s surprising that no film has yet been made on Ali Bey," Moroccan filmmaker Souheil Ben Barka said during a break on set.
    The Spaniard "was a seducer. No one could resist him," he said.
    With a budget of $17 million (15 million euros), the veteran director´s dramatisation of the explorer´s life is set for release in five languages and 40 countries in late 2018.
    After learning Arabic and serving in the Spanish army, Ali Bey was charged by Spain´s King Charles IV with overthrowing the Sultan of Morocco.
    On the suggestion of Napoleon´s great diplomat and foreign minister Talleyrand, he posed as an exiled Abbasid prince, born in Syria, raised in Europe, his father persecuted by the Ottomans.
    The explorer spent two years in Morocco, but he was exposed and had to flee. He set out across North Africa, posing as a Muslim on pilgrimage.
    After meeting Romantic-era French writer Chateaubriand in Cairo, in 1807 he reached Mecca, some half a century before British explorer Richard Burton´s famous journey there.
    ´Courageous, enterprising, cunning´
    Ali Bey spent time in the Holy Land and Constantinople before heading back to Spain, where he worked for Napoleon.
    But he was seen as a traitor and forced to take refuge in France.
    He published a French memoir of his travels before setting off for Mecca again, apparently as a spy working for French King Louis XVIII.
    He only made it as far as Syria, where he died suddenly in 1818.
    Historian Christian Feucher said dysentery was probably to blame, with a remedy based on roasted rhubarb prescribed by a French doctor in Damascus having little effect.
    But others believe he was poisoned by his mistress, Lady Hester Stanhope, a British aristocrat who had converted to Islam.
    "She could not cope with learning that her hero was a spy, not a descendant of the caliph and the prophet as he claimed to be," said Ben Barka.
    There is little doubt, however, that Ali Bey was "courageous, enterprising, cunning and adventurous", Feucher wrote in a 2012 book on the explorer.
    "He captivated the great scholars of the time in Paris and London," Feucher told AFP.
    Yet despite his extraordinary life and mysterious death, Ali Bey has received little recognition apart from a street in Barcelona bearing his name.
    Ben Barka hopes to change that with his film starring Spanish actor Rodolfo Sancho.
    Writing the screenplay for his film took more than three years, he said.
    Shooting started in Italy in February, but much of the film was shot in May in Morocco?in the desert dunes of Merzouga, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the sumptuous houses of Rabat and Casablanca.
    Director of seven feature-length dramas, Ben Barka has already been contacted by producers hoping to adapt the drama for television.


  18. Waqas Dar
    PCB chairman remarked India didn't play any match with Pakistan despite agreement while speaking to media at Lahore airport. Photo: Geo News screen grab LAHORE: A three-member delegation of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), including Chairman Shahryar Khan, Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad, and Pakistan Super League Chairman Najam Sethi, left for Dubai Monday morning to know why the Indian cricket board refused to play a bilateral series with Pakistan.

    The PCB delegation held a meeting with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) delegation over the matter.
    Earlier, speaking to the media at Lahore airport, Shahryar Khan said that Pakistan is standing by its agreement to play a series against India. "India didn?t play any match with Pakistan despite the agreement. We demand that Indian cricket team plays a bilateral series against Pakistan," he added.
    On the other hand, Sethi remarked that if the meeting fails to bear fruit then another meeting will be held. "India should compensate for refusing to play the bilateral series. If Indian cricket board does not budge then the matter will be taken to International Cricket Council (ICC)," he added.


    [embed_video1 url=http://stream.jeem.tv/vod/c731e51a828ed2fc3585bad3bd302328.mp4/playlist.m3u8?wmsAuthSign=c2VydmVyX3RpbWU9NS8yOS8yMDE3IDY6MTI6MDQgQU0maGFzaF92YWx1ZT1KS0hWQ1cyQ3hXZnhWMzFNWFFDeE9nPT0mdmFsaWRtaW51dGVzPTYwJmlkPTE= style=center]
    On May 3, the PCB initiated formal dispute resolution proceedings against the BCCI to claim compensation and damages it suffered due to BCCI's refusal to play bilateral series with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

    PCB initiates formal case against BCCI, sends notice for dispute resolution
    PCB has claimed the losses and damage suffered by it as a result of BCCI?s breaches of the agreement
    BCCI signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the PCB in 2014 under which they were due to play six series ? four to be hosted by Pakistan ? between 2015 and 2023.
    But New Delhi denied clearance for the series following strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
    Under the agreement, the Indian team was due to take on Pakistan in November-December 2015, but they refused to play even in the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates or Sri Lanka.
    Pakistan did tour India for a short limited-over series in December 2012 but the arch-rivals have not played a full bilateral series since 2007.
    Umar Akmal avoids media upon return
    Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal , who was withdrawn from Champions Trophy squad after failing two fitness tests in Pakistan team?s camp ahead of the tournament, also returned back to Lahore from UK on Monday.
    Champions Trophy: Umar Akmal to return after failing fitness test
    A team source in Birmingham informed Haris Sohail is likely to be called as replacement of Umar Akmal
    Upon his return Akmal avoided media at Lahore airport and went straight home.
    "He [Umar Akmal] has failed two fitness tests during the ongoing camp in England ahead of Champions Trophy," the PCB chairman told a website.
    ?We have a policy not to carry unfit players, it has been decided to call him back and send a replacement,? he added.


  19. Waqas Dar
    As Ramazan is a holy month in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, there exists special enthusiasm for the two most crucial meals of the day ? Suhoor and Iftar.

    In Suhoor, lots of fluids and high energy meals are preferably taken but Iftar is the meal delegated to tempting delicacies of sorts.
    We present to you a list of top Iftar meals from around the world, which are also the specialties from the said places.
    1) Kunefe and Börek from Turkey
    The country, which is considered a bridge between the west and east, has several delicacies to speak of but here we will mention the most preferred ones. Kunefe, also called kunafeh or kunafah is a Middle Eastern specialty having lots of cheese in a pastry soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup. The dish is often served with nut toppings.
    Another dish is Börek which is a kind of a pastry having cream, cheese, spinach, and meat. There is another variant in the shape of rolls or cigarettes, having ample quantity of stuffing.
    The dish is often sprinkled with parsley.


    2) Harees from UAE
    The Middle Eastern variant of local delicacy from the subcontinent ?Haleem?, is slow-cooked lentil dish having either chicken or meat. The dish is a slow-cooked porridge of a kind which is light on tummy and full in nutrition.


    3) Koofteh from Iran
    Meatballs are a universal dish, but the Irani version can have a spicy gravy or serve the meatballs dry as kebabs.


    4) Adas from Palestine
    Adas is known to be a lentil soup, even if Ramazan comes in summers, the soup becomes a staple. The lentil soup is healthy and rich in nutrition.


    5) Curry prawns from Indonesia/Malaysia
    This seafood delicacy also contains pineapple and served generally with rice. Light and hearty at the same time, it is a favourite for Ramazan table.


    6) Haleem from Pakistan
    We all are well-acquainted with the meat and lentil dish, which is also one of the finest dishes of Pakistani cuisine. During Ramazan, this dish on an iftar table can be a cause of sheer delight.


    7) Dahi Baray and vegetable samosa from India
    In the subcontinent, it is not possible to break the fast without ?pakoras and samosas?. Dahi Baray is made of yogurt and lentil-based batter fried into small balls (pakoras). The dish is seasoned with chutneys and masala.
    Another hit dish is vegetable samosas. These triangle-shaped edibles are stuffed with vegetables, usually potatoes, and a must-have at Iftar.


    8) Stuffed grape leaves rolls from Egypt
    In Egypt, the well-known dish is made from grape leaves and takes some time to make. The leaves are rolled with stuffing inside having meat, rice, falafel, and then sprinkled with olive oil. The dish is very light and scrumptious.


    9) Chakchouka from Algeria
    This dish, pronounced as Shashouka, is from Algeria. Chakchouka?s origin can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, but now it has multiple variants. The dish is a thick tomato gravy topped with poached eggs. Primarily known as a breakfast staple, this dish is light and packed with energy.


    10) Jollof Rice and Chicken from Nigeria
    This jerk chicken is made with rice, peas, tomatoes, and spices. It is a famous dish from Nigeria and after a long fast is a feast not to miss.
    Now that you have read about the famous iftar dishes around the world, search up them further and think of ways to incorporate them into your iftar meals, happy fasting!


  20. Waqas Dar
    As Ramazan is a holy month in which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, there exists special enthusiasm for the two most crucial meals of the day ? Suhoor and Iftar.

    In Suhoor, lots of fluids and high energy meals are preferably taken but Iftar is the meal delegated to tempting delicacies of sorts.
    We present to you a list of top Iftar meals from around the world, which are also the specialties from the said places.
    1) Kunefe and Börek from Turkey
    The country, which is considered a bridge between the west and east, has several delicacies to speak of but here we will mention the most preferred ones. Kunefe, also called kunafeh or kunafah is a Middle Eastern specialty having lots of cheese in a pastry soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup. The dish is often served with nut toppings.
    Another dish is Börek which is a kind of a pastry having cream, cheese, spinach, and meat. There is another variant in the shape of rolls or cigarettes, having ample quantity of stuffing.
    The dish is often sprinkled with parsley.


    2) Harees from UAE
    The Middle Eastern variant of local delicacy from the subcontinent ?Haleem?, is slow-cooked lentil dish having either chicken or meat. The dish is a slow-cooked porridge of a kind which is light on tummy and full in nutrition.


    3) Koofteh from Iran
    Meatballs are a universal dish, but the Irani version can have a spicy gravy or serve the meatballs dry as kebabs.


    4) Adas from Palestine
    Adas is known to be a lentil soup, even if Ramazan comes in summers, the soup becomes a staple. The lentil soup is healthy and rich in nutrition.


    5) Curry prawns from Indonesia/Malaysia
    This seafood delicacy also contains pineapple and served generally with rice. Light and hearty at the same time, it is a favourite for Ramazan table.


    6) Haleem from Pakistan
    We all are well-acquainted with the meat and lentil dish, which is also one of the finest dishes of Pakistani cuisine. During Ramazan, this dish on an iftar table can be a cause of sheer delight.


    7) Dahi Baray and vegetable samosa from India
    In the subcontinent, it is not possible to break the fast without ?pakoras and samosas?. Dahi Baray is made of yogurt and lentil-based batter fried into small balls (pakoras). The dish is seasoned with chutneys and masala.
    Another hit dish is vegetable samosas. These triangle-shaped edibles are stuffed with vegetables, usually potatoes, and a must-have at Iftar.


    8) Stuffed grape leaves rolls from Egypt
    In Egypt, the well-known dish is made from grape leaves and takes some time to make. The leaves are rolled with stuffing inside having meat, rice, falafel, and then sprinkled with olive oil. The dish is very light and scrumptious.


    9) Chakchouka from Algeria
    This dish, pronounced as Shashouka, is from Algeria. Chakchouka?s origin can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, but now it has multiple variants. The dish is a thick tomato gravy topped with poached eggs. Primarily known as a breakfast staple, this dish is light and packed with energy.


    10) Jollof Rice and Chicken from Nigeria
    This jerk chicken is made with rice, peas, tomatoes, and spices. It is a famous dish from Nigeria and after a long fast is a feast not to miss.
    Now that you have read about the famous iftar dishes around the world, search up them further and think of ways to incorporate them into your iftar meals, happy fasting!


  21. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: The prime minister?s son Hussain Nawaz in a letter written on May 24 to the Joint Investigation Team in the Panama case said that he was not provided enough time to travel and prepare for the session scheduled by the JIT on May 25.

    The JIT, ordered by the Supreme Court in it verdict on the Panama case, has been tasked to investigate into funds allegedly used by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's children to buy properties in London through offshore businesses.
    The letter, a copy of which was obtained by Geo News, states that Hussain has not been specified what record is required of him. ?Hence it will be the JIT?s responsibility to specify the exact nature of the record.
    Panama case: Hussain Nawaz expresses anger following statement to JIT
    Prime minister?s son has objected to two JIT members 'bias'
    No JIT member will be replaced, same team to continue, observes Supreme Court
    Supreme Court hears Hussain Nawaz?s petition raising objections over two JIT members in Panama case
    ?It has not been specified which area will be covered during my presence,? the second point of the letter reads.
    Hussain Nawaz further states in the letter that the summons were served on him in Jeddah on May 19 after 10PM, therefore not enough time was available for him to ?prepare and travel and then be prepared for the examination?.
    ?I arrived only last evening on May 23, 2017,? the letter reads.
    After stating his reservations, the letter requests the team to ensure only one subject ?strictly relevant? to Hussain is taken up at a time with prior intimation ?in the interests of justice?, so that he can dig out available material beforehand and prepare for a ?meaningful session?.
    ?I be given reasonable notice of 3 to 5 days before a particular session so that I may come prepared for a meaningful discussion and no time is wasted,? reads the letter.
    Hussain also requested the JIT that he be intimated as to the subject on which examination will be carried out so that he can prepare beforehand.
    The letter requests to avoid taking all subjects at once as ?it will apart from wasting time, cause confusion and cause serious prejudice to me in presenting the facts?.
    The letter ends with a clarification that it has been written without any prejudice to Hussain?s applications before the Supreme Court.
    On Sunday, Hussain appeared before the JIT for almost two hours to record his statement after he was summoned by the high-profile probe body. He is expected to submit the relevant records with the JIT on Tuesday.


  22. Waqas Dar
    File image LAHORE: Pakistan Super League's spot-fixing case took a new turn on Monday as former Test cricketer Mohammad Yousuf gave his statement in favour of suspended player Sharjeel Khan before the tribunal.

    Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, the former right-hand batsman said: ?I think he has played the deliveries genuinely,? adding, ?if the case is solely based on it [the dot balls] then it must be brought to an end.?
    He also said that no batsman can play dot balls intentionally.
    Earlier, Islamabad United coach Dean Jones has also testified at the tribunal hearing saying two dot balls played by Sharjeel during a PSL match were not suspicious from a cricketing perspective.
    The allegation relates to a match played between Islamabad United and Peshawar Zalmi held in Dubai in February, in which Sharjeel scored a single off four deliveries including two dots.
    The Pakistan Cricket Board has accused him of agreeing to a spot-fixing plan and of failing to report offers to fix, charges which carry a ban ranging from five years to life if found guilty.
    Sharjeel?s lawyer Shaigan Aijaz, who is representing him at a closed-door tribunal, said: "Jones has told the tribunal that Sharjeel played dot balls on merit and that he has no reservations about Sharjeel?s shot selection."
    Bowlers Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Nawaz, who also featured in the second edition of the Twenty20 tournament have so far been suspended for failing to report offers to fix.
    The fate of batsmen Khalid Latif, Nasir Jamshed and Shahzaib Hasan has yet to be decided.


  23. Waqas Dar
    LONDON: Refreshed Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is confident of regaining his rhythm quickly for the Champions Trophy after being sidelined nearly three months with a foot injury.

    Starc is set to be unleashed against Pakistan in Edgbaston later on Monday in Australia?s final warm-up ahead of the one-day tournament.
    It will be his first competitive hit-out since breaking down during the second Test against India in March.
    The left-armer was rusty coming back against West Indies last year after a more serious foot injury kept him out of action for seven months, but he felt it would be a smoother return in England after positive signs at training.
    Aussies ready to let loose 'big four' pacemen at Champions Trophy
    Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson are all fit and poised to bowl together
    Australia win toss, elect to bat first in last warm-up before Champions Trophy
    Fresh off a thrilling win against Bangladesh, Pakistan look for a psychological edge ahead of Champions Trophy








    Starc, who skipped the Indian Premier League and returned to training about a month ago, said he has found it much easier to get up to speed after the latest injury.
    "So even coming back into the nets, it didn?t feel like it took too long to get some good rhythm back.
    So hopefully it?s not like last time with such a big layoff," he added.
    "I?m pretty confident with how it?s going, it?s feeling good in the nets and with the few centre wickets we?ve had.
    "But it?ll be nice to get out in the middle and bowl some overs in match-like conditions.
    "Starc will lead a young but formidable pace battery including Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson.
    Injuries have kept the quartet from coming together sooner, so Starc was thrilled they were all fit for selection.
    "We?re looking forward to hopefully playing a few games together if the four of us get picked," he said.
    "We?ve obviously come through the ranks together, we?ve played a lot together and against each other in the under-age stuff and heading into to domestic cricket.
    "But we haven?t all been on the park at the same time for Australia.
    So I think it?s exciting for the four of us.
    "Australia?s preparations for the tournament, which they start against New Zealand at Edgbaston on Friday, have been overshadowed by a pay dispute between the players union and board, Cricket Australia (CA).
    Over the weekend, The Australian newspaper reported CA high-performance chief Pat Howard had written to senior players directly in a bid to end the impasse with less than a month to go before a new collective bargaining agreement is due.
    Starc, who hinted at the possibility of an Ashes boycott on social media earlier this month, said the Australian Cricketers Association had players? full support.
    "They have four weeks to go on the MoU (memorandum of understanding) and the players are leaving it to the ACA to sort it out for our side of things," he said.


  24. Waqas Dar
    ISLAMABAD: An unusual situation developed outside the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday when PML-N leader Danyal Aziz was about to address the media, a PTI lawyer tried to jump the line.
    What followed was two steps short of a scuffle that eventually ended with the dais tumbling to the ground.
    However, Aziz ending up speaking to the media about the reservations Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif?s son Hussain Nawaz presented in the court regarding the members in the Joint Investigation Team formed to probe the Panama case.
    While reiterating Hussain?s concerns, Aziz said one of the JIT members belongs to a political family.
    In his petition submitted to the court, Hussain has claimed that the JIT member from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Bilal Rasool, is the nephew of PTI leader Mian Azhar. Azhar, a former governor of Punjab, was originally affiliated with PML-N but later joined PML-Q and then PTI. According to Hussain, Bilal frequently speaks against the incumbent federal government, despite being a public servant.
    Also present outside the Supreme Court, PTI lawyer Fawad Chaudhry said the court has rejected Hussain?s objections on the JIT members. He added two of the members whose names were requested to be removed are the ones who have command over dealing with white collar crime.
    Fawad added the work of JIT was being hindered in the name of transparency although the prime minister and Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar were the once who could actually influence the team and its proceedings.
    PTI Spokesperson Naeem-ul-Haq flanked Fawad?s statements, saying after Hussain?s reservations have come to the fore it was obvious that the premier was trying to hinder the proceedings. 


  25. Waqas Dar
    WASHINGTON: Civilian casualties are inevitable in the war against the militant Daesh group but the United States is doing ?everything humanly possible? to avoid them, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said in an interview aired on Sunday.
    A US-led international coalition has been carrying out air strikes against Daesh in Iraq and Syria since 2014, and non-governmental organisations say the attacks are claiming ever more civilian lives.
    Interviewed on CBS?s ?Face the Nation? programme, Mattis said that ?civilian casualties are a fact of life in this sort of situation.? But he quickly added that ?we do everything humanly possible, consistent with military necessity, taking many chances to avoid civilian casualties ? at all costs.? Some NGOs have blamed the rising civilian death toll on a push by President Donald Trump?s administration to accelerate the pace of combat in an effort to ?annihilate? the terrorists.
    But the Pentagon contests both the NGOs? death counts and the charge that a new sense of urgency under Trump is to blame.
    ?We have not changed the rules of engagement,? Mattis said. ?There is no relaxation of our intention to protect the innocent.?
    The coalition has officially acknowledged responsibility for more than 450 civilian deaths since its bombing campaign began in 2014, including 105 in the Iraqi city of Mosul on March 17.
    However, Airwars ? a London-based collective of journalists and researchers that tracks civilian deaths in Iraq and Syria ? reports that coalition strikes have killed at least 3,681 people.
    Although the Pentagon on Thursday acknowledged that an American bombing attack in Mosul on March 17 claimed at least 105 civilian lives, it blamed munitions stored by the militamts in the houses targeted.
    That, Mattis said, showed ?once again the callous disregard that is characterised by every operation they have run.?


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