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Author: World News

  • Friends of Kashmir organizing a protest during Modi’s UNGA speech .

    New York City,

    The Pakistani Kashmiri community in US has announced to hold a protest outside the UN headquarters on September 25, the day Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the United Nations General Assembly. Ghazala Habib, chairperson of Friends of Kashmir, said in a video statement that India is not a democratic or secular state but a religious extremist state.

    According to chairperson of Friends of Kashmir, Ghzala Habib has said that “We are protesting in front of the UN headquarters and while Modi is addressing UN General Assembly, we want to record our protest and portray how India is not a democratic country but a Hindutva state. Atrocities have been inflicted on Kashmiris for the last 72 years and rights of Kashmiris to live freely are being violated.

    Chairperson of Friends of Kashmir urges all Kashmiris, Pakistanis, Americans and all those who believe on supremacy of human rights, come and gather in front of UN headquarters on September 25 at 9 am to protest against Modi in order to highlight the human rights violations in Kashmir as well as we appeal to the UN and all world powers to Kashmiris should be given their right to self-determination as soon as possible by following the passed resolutions.

    Being the daughter of Kashmir and Chairperson of Friends of Kashmir International, I urge you all to come out of your homes and take part in the protest against Modi, Ghazala Habib added.

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • American Bride Elopes With Cousin On Wedding Day.

    Web Desk:

    According to The Sun, a traveller bride from the United States recently revealed how she left her drunken husband on their wedding day and ran off with her own cousin.

    In a surprising incident, an American bride ran off with her cousin on her wedding day. She took this extreme step after her groom rocked up at the aisle totally inebriated.

    Photo Courtesy: YouTube/TLC

    The incident took place last year when the 24-year-old bride named Cearia, who hails from Maryland, was about to marry her groom, 28-years-old Sam. Cearia and Sam had decided to tie the knot after having a serious relationship for a long time. For her wedding, Cearia called her 21-year-old cousin, Kyle, to give her away at the altar as nobody was there from her family to attend her wedding.

    The wedding had started off with all the pomp and tradition of a typical traveller wedding, with Cearia dressed in an enormous white and gold ball gown for the occasion.

    Photo Courtesy: YouTube/TLC

    When she walked down the aisle, she smelt the alcohol on Sam, however, she ignore it at first. After Sam couldn’t look at her face and dropped the wedding rings. After seeing her drunken groom at the wedding venue, she got disappointed and decided not to marry him.

    Photo Courtesy: YouTube/TLC

    During this scenario, Cearia’s cousin revealed his true feeling to her and asked her to elope with him. Finally, she ditched her groom and ran away with her cousin, who was also her ex-boyfriend.

    When 21-year-old Kyle went to talk to Cearia he said that she feels sorry for her after seeing Sam’s condition and does not want her to spend the rest of her life with a person like Sam. He said that Cearia should not be married at the moment. And after a little chat with Kylie, they were both seen fleeing through the doors before sharing a kiss in the parking lot of the venue.

    Photo Courtesy: YouTube/TLC

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Renowned Pakistani actor Talat Iqbal dies in the US.

    DALLAS/ Web Desk:

    Renowned Pakistan film and TV star Talat Iqbal passed away in the US, the actor’s family confirmed on Friday.

    Talat was hospitalized in a critical condition in Dallas, US two weeks back, days after the death of his daughter Sarah Talat earlier this month. He has been undergoing treatment and artificial respiration in the hospital for 2 weeks.

    Photo Courtesy: Internet

    According to the family, Talat’s funeral will be held after Jumma prayers in Al Rehman mosque and he will be buried at Rest land graveyard in Dallas.

    The veteran actor played key roles in several dramas in the 70s and 80s. He also starred in several Pakistani films during his long career.

    The Pakistani community is mourning the death of the late actor Talat Iqbal.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Facebook Tech Chief Mike Schroepfer to step down

    Web Desk:

    According to Associated Press, Facebook’s Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer is stepping down from the social media company, taking on a part-time role while longtime executive Andrew Bosworth will replace him next year.

    Schroepfer, known as “Schrep,” has been on Facebook for 13 years and is a close friend of CEO Mark Zuckerberg. He called his decision difficult “because of how much I love Facebook and how excited I am about the future we are building together” but added that his new role will let him focus on personal and philanthropic efforts while staying connected to Facebook.

    Bosworth, known as “Boz,” is another longtime Facebook exec and a close friend of Zuckerberg’s. He has most recently been in charge of Facebook’s augmented reality and virtual reality efforts, as well as hardware products such as Oculus and Portal, Facebook’s video calling gadget.

     “As our next CTO, Boz will continue leading Facebook Reality Labs and overseeing our work in augmented reality, virtual reality and more, and as part of this transition a few other groups will join Boz’s team as well,” Zuckerberg wrote in a memo to Facebook staff that was posted online. “This is all foundational to our broader efforts helping to build the metaverse, and I’m excited about the future of this work under Boz’s leadership.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Melvin Van Peebles, Godfather of Black cinema, dies at 89.

    Web Desk:

    According to Associated Press, Melvin Van Peebles, the groundbreaking filmmaker, playwright, and musician whose work ushered in the Blaxploitation wave of the 1970s and influenced filmmakers long after, has died. He was 89.

    In a statement, his family said that Van Peebles, father of the actor-director Mario Van Peebles, died Tuesday evening at his home in Manhattan.

    “Dad knew that Black images matter. If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth?” Mario Van Peebles said in a statement Wednesday. “We want to be the success we see, thus we need to see ourselves being free. True liberation did not mean imitating the colonizer’s mentality. It meant appreciating the power, beauty, and interconnectivity of all people.”

    Sometimes called the “godfather of modern Black cinema,” the multitalented Van Peebles wrote numerous books and plays, and recorded several albums, playing multiple instruments and delivering rap-style lyrics. He later became a successful options trader on the stock market.

    But he was best known for “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song,” one of the most influential movies of its time.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Delta variant coronavirus infection surges again in Moscow, officials.

    Moscow,

    Coronavirus cases surges in Moscow, the mayor’s office announced on Wednesday, as Russian authorities struggle to convince a vaccine-sceptic population to get inoculated.

    According to the latest official figures, Russia has recorded more than seven million cases and 200,625 deaths, the highest death toll in Europe.

    “Over the past few days, we’ve registered an increase in coronavirus cases in Moscow,” deputy Moscow mayor Anastasia Rakova told reporters.

    Compared to last week, the number of cases has grown 24 percent, while the number of hospitalizations has increased 15 percent, Rakova said.

    She chalked up the growing number of coronavirus cases to a seasonal spike in respiratory infections and increased contacts between people following the end of the summer vacation season.

    Rakova also said that the Delta variant now accounted for all coronavirus cases.

    This past summer Russia had been hit by a new coronavirus wave driven by the highly contagious Delta variant exacerbated by a slow vaccination drive despite easy access to home-grown vaccines.

    According to government figures, between September 16 and September 20, the number of daily coronavirus cases in Moscow surges around 2,500.

    On Wednesday, city officials reported 1,991 new coronavirus cases in the Russian capital.

    Some independent experts say authorities have downplayed the number of fatalities across the country.

    Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat reported in late August that Russia had seen more than 350,000 fatalities.

    According to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions, only 28 percent of the Russian population has been fully vaccinated.

    Last week President Vladimir Putin said he had to self-isolate after coronavirus cases were detected in his inner circle.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Iran ready for nuclear talks at ‘early date’ says EU.

    Web desk,

    The European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Wednesday Iran’s top diplomat had assured him at their first meeting that Tehran was ready to restart talks on the nuclear deal soon news agency reported.

    EU-mediated negotiations began in Vienna in April aimed at reviving a 2015 nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers an accord left hanging by a thread after former US president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018 and ramped up sanctions.

    The discussions, which involve the remaining parties seeking to persuade Washington to rejoin the deal and Iran to return to its nuclear commitments, have been stalled since June, when ultraconservative Ebrahim Raisi was elected as Iran’s president.

    An EU statement said Borrell “underlined once again the great importance of a quick resumption of the Vienna talks” at a meeting Tuesday with Iran’s new top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdullahian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

    “The Iranian Foreign Minister assured of the willingness to resume negotiations at an early date,” the statement said.

    Raisi voiced support Tuesday in his international debut for reviving the nuclear accord, even as he berated the United States.

    “The Islamic Republic considers useful talks whose ultimate outcome is the lifting of all oppressive sanctions,” Raisi said in a recorded speech to the UN.

    Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said he expected a resumption of the talks “in the coming weeks”, without giving an exact date.

    The 2015 nuclear agreement offered Iran a reduction of UN sanctions in return for strict limits on its nuclear program, but Tehran has progressively stepped away from its commitments in the wake of Trump’s withdrawal and imposition of sanctions.

    Trump’s successor Joe Biden has signaled a willingness to return to the deal, which was negotiated when he was Barack Obama’s vice-president and under Iran’s moderate President Hassan Rouhani.

    Hopes of a revitalized deal were kept alive earlier this month by Iran agreeing with the UN nuclear agency on a new compromise regarding surveillance of its nuclear sites.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • NADRA Center inaugurated at Pakistan Consulate in New York.

    New York,

    The inauguration ceremony of NADRA Center held at Pakistan Consulate in New York. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was the chief guest on the occasion. The ceremony was also attended by Chairman Kashmir Committee Shehriyar Khan Afridi, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Ambassador to US Asad Majeed and Consul General Ayesha Ali. Program began with recitation of Holy Quran.Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi inaugurated a new NADRA Center, Land Record Center and a new website at the New York Consulate to provides the Pakistani American community NICOP facility, Family Registration Certificate and Heritage Certificate.While addressing the Pakistani community, Foreign Minister said that during Corona pandemic outbreak, record remittances sent to Pakistan from abroad for which the entire nation is grateful to all of you. Through Roshan Digital Pakistan project, Pakistanis sent a huge amount of $2 billion to Pakistan. Expatriates are the asset of Pakistan who silently serving Pakistan.Pakistan provides full support to diplomatic staff and citizens of various countries in Kabul withdrawal process. But Sadly, Pakistan’s efforts have not been recognized. Pakistan hosted 3 million Afghan refugees for last four decades, Qureshi added.FM also said that we are taking steps to make the voting system foolproof and to provide voters rights to 9 million Pakistani living in abroad.The FM also launched “FM Portal” for abroad Pakistanis which was initially introduced in five countries, this will continue in the next phase, and are expanding this facility to 21 more countries.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Microsoft’s passwordless plans let users switch to app-based login

    Web Desk:

    According to BBC, the technology giant made passwordless accounts available for business users of its products in March. And that system is now being made available to all Microsoft or Windows users. It said, “nearly 100% of our employees” were already using the new, more secure system for their corporate accounts.

    If passwordless login is enabled, users re-logging into a Microsoft account will be asked to give their fingerprint, or other secure unlock, on their mobile phone. And this is far more secure than using passwords, which can be guessed or stolen, according to Microsoft.

    Windows users will still be able to use quick-login features such as a Pin code, though. Some rare exceptions will still need passwords, such as Office 2010, Xbox 360 consoles, and Windows 8.1 or earlier machines.

    If access to the authenticator app is lost backup options can be used, including, Windows Hello facial recognition, which requires a compatible laptop or special camera, physical security key, which must be used on the device logging in, and Short Message Service (SMS) or email codes

    Microsoft says security-conscious users who have two-factor authentication set up will need to have access to two different recovery methods.

    Prof Alan Woodward, part of a research team investigating passwordless authentication, at the University of Surrey, called it “quite a bold step from Microsoft”.

    This isn’t just logging into PCs, it’s logging into online services as well, Prof Woodward said.

     

    The new passwordless feature greets users with a box saying: “A passwordless account reduces the risk of phishing and password attacks.”

    And once the feature is set up, a confirmation tells users: “You have increased the security of your account and improved your sign-in experience by removing your password”.

    Microsoft laid out its reasons for the new system in a series of blog posts.

    Security vice-president Vasu Jakkal wrote: “Passwords are incredibly inconvenient to create, remember, and manage across all the accounts in our lives. We are expected to create complex and unique passwords, remember them, and change them frequently – but nobody likes doing that.”

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan suffering from constitutional, administrative and political crisis says Dr. Danish.

    Long Island, New York,

    New York businessmen and senior journalists attended a reception in honor of a senior anchorperson from Pakistani media Dr. Danish, at Chaudhry Tanveer’s residence at Long Island area of ​​New York.

    Journalists asked questions from Dr. Danish about media situation and government policies after PTI government came to power in Pakistan.According to Dr. Danish that PTI government came into the power, the country is suffering from constitutional, administrative and political crisis while government policies also left country alone at the diplomatic level.

    Dr. Danish further added that it is not possible for any new government to put the country on the path of fast development track. But at the very least, efforts and steps must be taken to ensure that country’s economic situation does not more worsen.

    The meeting was very pleasant. US based Journalists also expressed their views on the current situation in Pakistan.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Baltimore Tigers defeats New Jersey Smashers in Champions Trophy final.

    New Jersey,

    The final of the annual Champions Trophy was played between the New Jersey Smashers and the Baltimore Tigers at Capelli Sports Complex in New Jersey under the auspices of the USA Cricket Premier League and the New Jersey Cricket Council in connection with Labor Day celebrations in the United States.Before the match, players and spectators observed a minute of silence for victims of Covid19. The national anthem of the US was also performed.The Tigers Bat first and scored 127 for loss of one wicket in the assigned overs. In response, the entire Jersey Smashers team was bowled out on just 77 runs, thus Baltimore Tigers wins and acquires Champions Trophy title. The players perform bhangras on drum beat in the joy of victory.Baltimore Tigers captain Shakeel Ahmed received the championship trophy and $2,000 cash from the special guest. Akbar Hussain was declared man of the match of finals and throughout tournament. He was also awarded a beautiful trophy and cash prize.Awards and trophies were distributed among the players of both the teams for their individual performance.The New Jersey Smashers won the Runners up Trophy and cash $350 and individual prizes.On the occasion, Mudassar Safdar, head of the tournament and head of New Jersey Cricket Council, congratulated the players of winning team. Safdar also thanked all the teams participated in the tournament and praised them for playing good and quality cricket.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • The US to relax travel restrictions for vaccinated foreign air travelers.

    Web Desk:

    According to the Guardian, the United States will lift Covid-19 travel restrictions to allow fully vaccinated passengers against COVID-19, from 33 countries including China, India, Brazil, and the UK, and most European Union (EU) countries to travel into the country from early November, the White House said on Monday, easing tough pandemic-related restrictions that started early last year.

    Photo Courtesy: Reuters

    The move signals the end of a travel ban imposed by Donald Trump more than 18 months ago in the early stages of the pandemic and comes after intense lobbying from Brussels and London.

    In addition to the UK and the 26 Schengen countries in Europe, the easing of restrictions will also apply to Ireland, China, Iran, Brazil, South Africa, and India.

    It was welcomed by Boris Johnson, the British prime minister, who tweeted: “It’s a fantastic boost for business and trade, and great that family and friends on both sides of the pond can be reunited once again.”

     

    Under current policy, only United States citizens, their immediate families, green card holders, and those with national interest exemptions (NIE) can travel into the US if they have been in the UK or EU in the previous two weeks.

    The White House coronavirus response coordinator, Jeff Zients, said on Monday international travelers will require proof of full vaccination before boarding a flight and a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of departure. They will not be required to quarantine upon arrival.

    There will be some exceptions to the vaccine policy including for children not yet eligible to be vaccinated. The new rules do not yet apply to travelers crossing land borders with Mexico and Canada.

    The new policy will take effect in early November, Zients said to the reporters, to allow airlines and travel partners, time to prepare to implement the new protocols.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • At least two were injured in a shooting at a high school.

    Web Desk:

    According to Associated Press, Two 17-years-old students, a boy, and a girl were shot Monday morning at Heritage High School, in Newport News, Virginia.

    A call was received about a shooting inside Heritage High School at 11:38 a.m. Monday. Officers responded, evacuated the school, and took the victims to area hospitals.

    Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

    Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew said a boy was shot on the side of his face and a girl was shot in her lower leg at Heritage High School. They were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. At least two other people were injured in connection with the shooting and taken to a hospital, Drew said. One person had a sprained or broken arm and one person with asthma had breathing issues, he said. A fifth person may have gone directly to a hospital, he added.

    Police recovered a gun at the scene and have found key evidence that Drew said he’s shared with Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn.

    The suspected shooter, whom police described as a juvenile, was arrested a few hours later away from the school, Drew said. Police haven’t said whether he’s a Heritage student or how he was apprehended. Police believe “there was some type of altercation,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the FBI and state and local police were searching the school for any students or staff still taking shelter, Drew said. Students were evacuated and sent to nearby tennis courts, where parents were being instructed to meet them. Mental health counselors were on the scene.

    Photo Courtesy:

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PAPA organized a seminar on PAK-US relations.

    Fazal Khaliq, Washington,

    A seminar was organized by the PAPA-Pakistani American Press Association on the topic of Pakistan and US relations. Intellectuals and leading political figures was attended the event.

    Former Congressman Jim Morin, Republican leader Sajid Tarar, Virginia State Senator Richard Blake and Dr. Nisar Chaudhry expressed their views in the panel.The war on terror, began after 9/11 and lasted for 20 years, has now ended and NATO forces have returned to their home countries. On the end of this long war, different countries of the world have started rebuilding their relations.

    Pakistan and the US play their role at this turning point, things have changed rapidly and new changes expected in coming days.

    The Deputy Director Thomas Rajenberg and Ravi Chandai, representing US State Department, and appreciated the discussion on this important topic.

    Pakistan-US relations have never been balanced and fluctuating in different periods

    There is a need for new policies in Pakistan so that relations between Pakistan and the United States continue to improve.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistani community celebrates independence mela in New Jersey.

    New Jersey,

    Pakistanis celebrate independence in New Jersey. The event was organized with hard work of Pakistan Day Festival Committee. The ceremony was attended by large number of Pakistani and other communities. The ceremony begins with the recitation of Holy Quran.Later a girl presented Kuja Man Kuja (Qalam) which was highly appreciated by the audience. The national anthems of the Pakistan and US were performed. The outfits of the young guests were unique. Pakistani Consul General in New York Ayesha Ali was invited on stage. She praised the efforts of Pakistan Day Festival Committee New Jersey while she declared renowned singer Shazia Manzoor an asset of Pakistan.A variety of stalls were also decorated at the fair, while Pakistani Attire and Painting stalls become the center of attention. Food, drink and shopping continued with marvelous performance of Pakistani national songs on stage by singers.  Later on Pakistan’s renowned singer Shazia Manzoor sang popular national songs. The audience appreciates and enjoyed. Women took selfies in the event.  At last, Committee members of Pakistan Day Festival New Jersey, Azeem Ahmed, Syed Zaidi, Matin Abbas, Tariq Aziz, Ayaz Sheikh, Arif Khan, Qasim Hanifi, Asim Ahmed, Najeeb Khan and Ayaz Aslam thanked all the participants.The organizers effort was aimed to spread joys and happiness among Pakistani community. The committee has been completely successful in their mission.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Emmy Winners 2021: The Crown Sweeps the Night

    Web Desk:

    Unlike last year’s mostly virtual ceremony, this year in 2021, the Primetime Emmy Awards went back to an in-person event with all the precautions. The event is being conducted on the evening of Sunday, September 19 in Los Angeles’ Event Deck at L.A. Live.

    Going into the show, Apple TV+ show Ted Lasso was the hot favorite, went on to clinch four trophies, including three acting awards and one win for Outstanding Comedy Series.

    Photo Courtesy: Apple

    The Crown swept its Emmy Awards categories at the 2021 ceremony, winning seven prizes on the night including Outstanding Drama Series, and awards for directing, writing, and four acting awards. Netflix’s British monarchy show won best drama series, best lead actress (Olivia Colman), best lead actor (Josh O’Connor), best supporting actress (Gillian Anderson), best-supporting actor (Tobias Menzies), best directing (Jessica Hobbs for the season 4 finale), and best writing (Peter Morgan also for the season 4 finale).


    Put together with its counterpart, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, Netflix is the clear winner of the 2021 Emmys with 43 prizes. HBO is the next best with 19. For Netflix, The Crown and The Queen’s Gambit are tied overall with 11 Emmys apiece. While The Crown won in more major aforementioned categories, The Queen’s Gambit fared better in the craft and technical departments (cinematography, costumes, make-up, editing, music composition, production design, and sound editing and mixing).

    Photo Courtesy: IMDB

    Among actors, Jason Sudeikis took home the award for best actor in a comedy series, Jean Smart won a trophy in the best lead actress category for the HBO Max series Hacks. Josh O’Connor, Olivia Colman, Kate Winslet, Ewan McGregor, and Kate Winslet also won acting trophies

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Baltimore leading businessmen protested against rising crime.

    Fazal Khaliq, Baltimore,

    Rising crime, robberies and murders in Baltimore, Maryland have paralyzed business life, especially the owners of Pakistani gas stations.

    Estimated more than 200 gas stations in Baltimore city and 90% of them were owned by Pakistani community. These 90% gas station owners will pay the huge amount of taxes and were the most affected from this rising crime.

    These gas station owners were protesting on the streets of Baltimore under the leadership of renowned Sajid Majid’s family.

    After carefully reviewing all the issues, State Attorney Marilyn assured full cooperation and ended the protest.

    Protesters highlighted the issues and called on the administration and senior government officials to take immediate action to curb the rising crime rate.

    Gas station owners and workers has said that rising crime rates have paralyzed business life.

    Protestors were also urging Maryland’s governor and other high-rank officials to immediately address the issue for fearing for their lives and rising crime rate.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PACOLI organizes an Appreciation dinner and Award ceremony.

    New York City,

    PACOLI hosted a grand ceremony in August to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day. Ceremony was held to pay tribute to sponsors. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to participants. The event was attended by Pakistani Consul General in New York Ayesha Ali, US officials, Senator Anna Kaplan, Senator John Lowe, Assemblyman David Weprin, Farah Mozawala and large numbers of Pakistani community.The ceremony began with the recitation of Holy Qur’an. Pakistani and American national anthems were performed. PACOLI President Asim Malik welcomed the guests on reception. Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the sponsors of PACOLI Independence Day celebration ceremony and peoples excellently rendered services during Covid-19 outbreak. Distinguished guests called on stage and certificates were awarded.While addressing the event, guests appreciated the services of PACOLI, its organizers and volunteers and said that they are the pride of Pakistani community.President PACOLI Asim Malik also announced the next president of organization Azra Dar. She also expressed views and said that she would fulfill the responsibility of the president with utmost honesty.PACOLI Chief Bashir Qamar appreciated the role of journalists for covering PACOLI events and also awarded certificates of appreciation for their excellent coverage. Later he thanked the attendees.The role of PACOLI is to highlight the identity of Pakistani community which cannot be denied. Organization always cared for Pakistani community but also rendered services to other communities.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Ehsas Emergency Cash the third largest program in the world, says Nishtar.

    Fazal Khaliq, Washington,

    Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr. Sania Nishtar and Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik are currently on a visit to the United States.

    While addressing the Pakistani community at Pakistan Embassy in Washington, Dr. Sania Nishtar said that Ehsas Emergency Cash is the third largest social security program in the world. This year, social security benefits will be provided to 10 million households, which will actually benefit 70 million people.

    Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik introduced Pakistanis living abroad to obtain succession certificates from NADRA while talking about the new digital system Chairman said that under this system, Pakistanis living abroad will now be able to benefit from NADRA’s digital services at home. Previously, all heirs had to legally appear in court to obtain a succession certificate.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Lack of chips, suspended production capacity of robots and computer.

    Muqeem Ahmed, UK,

    The shortage of computer chips globally has severely damaged the production of automotive electronics and other industries. The 27-nation European Union has drafted a plan called the Chips Act to protect its member countries’ industries to become self-sufficient in the production of block semiconductors.

    While addressing the EU Parliament, President Ursula von der Leyen called it a matter of life and death. The EU has taken this step after Washington approved a project called Chips for America.

    According to the head of European Industry Commission that EU’s initiatives will include research, productivity and global cooperation. EIC also advised the bloc countries to set up a chips fund, but procuring precious metals for chips manufacturing from other parts of the world is a big challenge.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Overseas Pakistani Global Foundation completed its one year.

    New York, USA,

    The Overseas Pakistani Global Foundation-OPGF, an organization for the rights of overseas Pakistanis, held its first convention at a local conference center in New York, program begins with a recitation of holy Quran. Later National anthem was also performed. The event was specially attended by a large number of Pakistani community including Shehryar Afridi, Chairman Kashmir Committee from Pakistan, Ayesha Ali, Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Zaheer Mehar, Chairman Overseas Pakistani Global Foundation and renowned singer Ustad Rafaqat Ali Khan.While addressing the participants, Zaheer Mehar, Chairman of the Foundation, explained the aims and objectives of the organization. OPGF did not belong to any political or religious party. This foundation will work purely for the rights of overseas PakistanisWhile addressing the function, Chairman, Kashmir Committee Shehryar Afridi briefed the audience that Prime Minister Imran Khan brings reforms for the betterment of overseas Pakistanis. The exploitations and discriminations of the past that have been wreaked overseas Pakistanis will not be repeated. A special song has also been prepared which was sung by the famous singer Ustad Rafaqat Ali Khan from Pakistan on the completion of a year of the organization.While speaking to VOSA, members of Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation expressed their gladness at the completion of one year.Participants said that we hope on the establishment of OPGF will brings together overseas Pakistanis on one platform around the world and solved their problems. At last, Foundation presented awards and certificates to volunteers who served the community.

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • WhatsApp to introduce exciting feature for sticker lovers

    Web Desk:

    If you are an avid user of stickers in WhatsApp, the messenger app has a new update right for you. WhatsApp is developing a new feature, for a future update, that allows converting your images to stickers. The update will be made available for desktop users of the messaging app.

    It is a very easy task to make stickers on WhatsApp on mobile devices as there are several apps available to help you convert your images from the gallery into small stickers. WhatsApp is working to make the process even smoother by developing a solution for the desktop version.

    Photo Courtesy: WABetaInfo

    WhatsApp will roll out the new version up to 2.2137.3 for the desktop client as announced via WABetaInfo. The new update for desktop WhatsApp users will make things easy for them. When this functionality is made available by WhatsApp, a new sticker icon will appear next to the caption bar. The image will be provided as a sticker if you choose it.

    Photo Courtesy: WABetaInfo

    The feature is still under construction, according to the WABetaInfo website. With a single click of this tool, the complete cutting and transmitting process is removed and the file is converted to the ideal size sticker.

    This feature allows to quickly create a sticker from an image, without using any third-party app. The feature will also be rolled out for mobile phone users but it will take a little more time.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Tesla Will Work With Global Regulators on Data Security Amid China Scrutiny

    Web Desk:

    According to Reuters, Tesla, which assembles vehicles for the Chinese market in Shanghai, has been under scrutiny in China this year over its storage and handling of customer data.

    Cars are being fitted with an ever-increasing array of sensors and cameras to assist drivers but the data such equipment generates has also raised questions about privacy and security.

    Electric vehicle maker Tesla Inc. will work with global regulators to ensure data security, Chief Executive Elon Musk told an industry event in China on Friday.

    “With the rapid growth of autonomous driving technologies, data security of vehicles is drawing more public concerns than ever before,” Musk told the World New Energy Vehicle Congress on the southern Chinese island of Hainan via video link.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Kiwis return to home tomorrow over security concerns.

    Web desk,

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Waseem Khan confirmed on Friday that the guest team would return to New Zealand tomorrow (Saturday).

    According to the local news TV channel, New Zealand cricket team would return to home on a chartered aeroplane in a tight security.

    Waseem Khan talking to the media said it was unfortunate that the NewZealand cancelled the tour just before minutes to start the match in Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

    The CEO of the PCB term the act of the Black Caps was wrong.

    On the other end, airport officials said that they had not received any repatriation schedule for the New Zealand cricket team.

    The airport sources said that security at the airport would be tightened on the occasion of the departure of the New Zealand team.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • UK’s decides to remove Pakistan from travel red list.

    Web desk,

    UK Secretary of State for Transport Rt Hon Grant Shapps said on Friday that Pakistan will finally be removed from the United Kingdom’s red list on September 22 (Wednesday).

    Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Oman, Bangladesh, Kenya, Turkey, Egypt, and the Maldives are among the eight countries that are set to be removed from England’s red list, according to the British official.

    In August, the UK retained Pakistan on its red list, as the country failed to meet the requirements on genomic surveillance capability, transmission risk, and variants of concern.

    Providing further updates on travel restrictions, the British official said the government was making coronavirus testing easier for travel from October 4.

    “If you’re fully vaccinated you won’t need a pre-departure test before arrival into England from a non-red country and from later in Oct, will be able to replace the day 2 PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow,” he said.

    “We’ll also be introducing a new simplified system for international travel from Mon 4 Oct, replacing the current approach with a single red list and simplified measures for the rest of the world striking the right balance to manage the public health risk as No.1 priority,” he added.

    Back in April, the UK  government had announced adding Pakistan to its red list as the coronavirus cases surged due to the Delta variant which was first identified in India.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Dinner on succession of Pakistan day Parade New Jersey.

    New Jersey, US,

    The management of Pakistan Day Parade New Jersey hosted a dinner at a local restaurant to appreciate the services of its volunteers and sponsors. Prominent figures from Pakistani community, APL chairman J Mir, singer Shazia Manzoor and other US officials also attended.The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. National anthems of US and Pakistan were performed on the event.While addressing, Sam Khan, the chief organizer of Pakistan Day Parade at New Jersey, said that it is very important for new generation to be aware of their history, while parade committee member, Dr. Zubair, said that volunteers play a key role in making our parade success every year and it is important that their services must be appreciatedRenowned Pakistani singer Shazia Manzoor expressed her views, and said that Pakistanis in the world always celebrate their national days, religious and cultural festivals with full zeal and fervor.US officials expressed their views, and said that women are succeeding in every field. Women on Day Parade Committee and volunteers also proved themselves. At last, US officials distributed awards and certificates to volunteers of Pakistan Day Parade New Jersey.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Veteran actor Talat Iqbal hospitalized in critical condition

    Dallas/Web Desk:

    Prominent Pakistani Veteran actor Talat Iqbal was admitted to a local hospital in Dallas a few days ago due to a cardiac arrest, where the doctor told him his condition is critical.

    About two weeks ago, his daughter Sarah Iqbal passed away suddenly which was a great shock to him.

    According to Iqbal’s family, “he was traumatized by the sudden death of Sarah Iqbal and suffered multiple heart attacks after he was rushed to a local hospital where he was given first aid but still in critical condition”.

    His daughter Somi Hussain told that the next 36 hours are very critical for Talat Iqbal, as he is still unconscious, adding that her father did not contract coronavirus.

    His son-in-law Ali Hussain said that despite the passage of three days, he was still in a coma and doctors are trying to save his life. He has appealed to all Pakistanis for the speedy recovery of his father.

    The veteran actor Talat Iqbal had been moved to Dallas along with his family for a long time. He had an impressive career and played a key role in several dramas in the ’70s and ’80s, while he also starred in several Pakistani films during his long

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • SpaceX launches world’s first all-civilian crew into orbit

    Web Desk:

    According to AFP, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying four space tourists blasted off Wednesday night from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the first mission to orbit the globe with an all-civilian crew.

    A huge fireball illuminated the sky as the rocket’s nine engines began to pull away from Earth at 8:02 pm (0002 GMT Thursday). Around 12 minutes later, the Dragon capsule separated from the rocket’s send stage as the crew entered orbit, while the re-usable first stage made it’s way back to Earth for a vertical landing on a sea barge.

    “A few have gone before and many are about to follow,” said Jared Isaacman, the 38-year-old billionaire who chartered the flight.

    The spaceship’s trajectory will take it to an altitude of 357 miles, which is deeper into space than the International Space Station (ISS). After spending, three days spinning around the planet, the four-person crew, all Americans, will splash down off the Florida coast.

    “Congratulations #Inspiration4! Low-Earth orbit is now more accessible for more people to experience the wonders of space,” tweeted NASA administrator Bill Nelson ahead of the launch.

    Isaacman’s three crewmates were selected through a competition. Hayley Arceneaux, a pediatric cancer survivor, is a 29-year-old physician assistant. She will be the youngest American to go into orbit and the first person with a prosthesis, on a part of her femur. Chris Sembroski, 42, is a US Air Force veteran who now works as an aerospace data engineer. Sian Proctor, a 51-year-old geoscientist and educator, was almost selected to become an astronaut for NASA in 2009.

    Photo Courtesy: SpaceX/Twitter

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Grand Event in Pakistan Embassy at D.C. to promote tourism and culture.

    Fazal Khaliq, Washington DC,

    The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC hosted a grand event to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan and to promote tourism and culture. A large number of Pakistani’s and US officials attended the event.The event also featured a documentary on Pakistani food, music and culture. Beautiful landscapes of Pakistan and a photo exhibition based on the historical monuments and rich cultural heritage of the people was awakening the feeling of being in Pakistan away from the beloved homeland. The participants liked it enormously.While addressing the ceremony, Pakistani Ambassador Dr. Asad Majeed Khan said that Pakistan is rich in magnificent natural landscapes and culture.Dr Asad further added that government of Pakistan is taking comprehensive and practical steps to promote tourism, including better infrastructure, employment opportunities and easy visa policy.Internationally, Pakistan is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Pakistanis living abroad but people of different ethnicity are curious to visit Pakistan.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • ICNA Relief rehabilitation of devastated areas in Louisiana.

    Louisiana, US,

    Hurricane Aida caused extensive damage in US. Many buildings were destroyed, and communications system were damaged. More than 66 people lost their lives. Complete rehabilitation of devastated areas would take a long time.ICNA Relief and its volunteers proved once again that if we work together to help the needy, smiles on the faces of the people can be brought back. ICNA Volunteers, render services to bring back the joys of those affected by Hurricane Aida in US who had lost their hope of life.The Louisiana is the worst affected state of Hurricane Aida. In some areas, 90% of households were affected. NGOs are also playing their part, parallel to US government. ICNA Relief, the largest American Muslim charity organization, has been at the forefront of helping the affected people from the very beginning and is still present in the affected areas. Residents are desperate for help, and ICNA Relief volunteers lined up to help them.Team of ICNA Relief’s volunteers includes people of different nationalities and countries, and their goal is to help others, regardless of race or nationality or religion. Children’s also joined ICNA Relief volunteers team. The mayor of Jean Lafitte thanked the ICNA Relief volunteers. He warned of the dangers of a disaster like Aida and appealed to the people for help. Dozens of ICNA Relief volunteers across US have arrived in the state of Louisiana and serving people day and night. The people of Louisiana looked very happy with the help they received at their doorstep. They also thanked ICNA Relief.Families have lost their homes; they have no necessities of life and no rations. In this regard, ICNA Relief is not only distributing necessities on a large scale, but also distributing fresh food on various places.Outbreaks intensified during natural disasters, and people need first aid and cure. Residents of the storm-hit areas were facing difficulties due to closure of clinics, pharmacies and lack of doctors.ICNA Relief realized the people’s need and medical camps have been set up at various places in collaboration with the Pakistani Doctors Association. Professional doctors and staff were present, medicines are also being provided along with patient’s check-ups.The local police chief said ICNA Relief and its volunteers set a new example of humanitarian service and calling ICNA Relief a gift from God.ICNA Relief and its volunteers are working hard to help such people who have lost their roofs due to Aida. Along with distribution of essentials, medical camps and other services, the professional team of ICNA Relief Disaster Services also partially repaired homes. Muslim volunteers are winning the hearts of American neighbors with their actions. 

    ICNA Relief volunteers, from different states come to Louisiana stay at local mosques. After a short rest, volunteers return to serve the affecters.

    Maqsood Ahmed CEO, ICNA Relief, said that providing immediate assistance to natural disasters or other affected people in any part of the US is a specialty of ICNA Relief to help them.ICNA Relief, the largest Muslim organization, aims to serve humanity. The purpose of ICNA Relief is to convey the message to people all over the world that Muslims not only respect every nation but also help them in difficult times.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.