Overlooked No More: The Soviet Icon Who Was Hanged for Killing a Czar

By EVA SOHLMAN from NYT Obituaries https://ift.tt/2H3afgB

What You Might Say

By DEB AMLEN from NYT Crosswords & Games https://ift.tt/2LaZHhP

In a First for Germany, Hamburg Bans Diesel Engines. On 2 Roads.

By AMIE TSANG and CHRISTOPHER F. SCHUETZE from NYT Business Day https://ift.tt/2smgXtv

Italy, Arkady Babchenko, Whales: Your Thursday Briefing

By DAN LEVIN from NYT Briefing https://ift.tt/2LJq0Ni

‘The Americans,’ at Last, Lets Us Exhale

By JAMES PONIEWOZIK from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/2sghj4X

Fox News Breaking News Alert

Fox News Breaking News Alert

Suspect charged in death of Tennessee sheriff's deputy

05/30/18 11:21 PM

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Harvey Weinstein indicted by NY grand jury on rape, criminal sexual act charges, DA says

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President Trump signs 'Right to Try' bill into law

05/30/18 12:56 PM

Fox News Breaking News Alert

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Tennessee sheriff's deputy shot and killed, reports say

05/30/18 10:55 AM

US renames Pacific military command in nod to ties with India

US renaming the base as Indo-Pacific command is also seen as a signal the increasing focus on a part of the world that is close to China, which has been described by the Trump administration as a “strategic competitor”.

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Weeks after engineers' abduction, Afghan deputy NSA says will ensure safety of ...

Afghan deputy NSA Haneef Atmar gave the assurance during a meeting with an Indian delegation led by deputy NSA Rajinder Khanna.

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Mike Pompeo, N Korea official set for talks in New York ahead of Singapore summ...

Mike Pompeo and Kim Yong Chol will discuss preparations for summit expected between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un.

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Son of first Indian American National Spelling Bee winner set for a shot at the...

12-year-old Atman Balakrishnan has tough shoes to fill as his father Balu Nataranjan won the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1985, becoming the first Indian American to win the contest

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Anti-Kremlin Russian journalist shows up in Ukraine after being 'shot dead'

Russian journalist Arkady Babchenko turned up at a news conference in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev less than 24 hours after police reported he had been murdered. Ukrainian police said Babchenko’s death was faked to foil a plot to take his life.

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One killed in attack on interior ministry in Kabul, ISIS claims bombing

Najib Danish, the ministry spokesman, confirmed the attack was carried out by a group of 10 militants and at least one policeman was killed and five were wounded.

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Learn to use laptops within 6 months or you'll be sacked, Nepal PM tells minist...

KP Oli said the Prime Minister’s Office will be made paperless within six months.

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Malaysia plans to build island on strategic Singapore Strait rocks

Malaysia’s newly elected prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad, told a news conference that Malaysia had already been building structures on Middle Rocks.

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Gaza's Hamas rulers say cease-fire reached with Israel after flare-up

An official said militant groups in Gaza will commit to the cease-fire as long as Israel does.

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Blood Will Tell, Part 2: Did Faulty Evidence Doom Joe Bryan?

By PAMELA COLLOFF from NYT Magazine https://ift.tt/2Ji40dW

How an Unproven Forensic Science Became a Courtroom Staple

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Tu resumen de noticias del jueves

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This Harry Potter Uses a Bow and Arrow. Not a Wand.

By ALEXIS SOLOSKI from NYT Style https://ift.tt/2xqpS25

Word + Quiz: solicitude

By THE LEARNING NETWORK from NYT The Learning Network https://ift.tt/2xsCzcK

What’s on TV Thursday: N.B.A. Finals and ‘A Bronx Tale’

By ANDREW R. CHOW from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/2H6u8TV

Race Against the Rains

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Spain Is Next to Test Europe’s Stability as Rajoy Faces No-Confidence Vote

By RAPHAEL MINDER from NYT World https://ift.tt/2siHFmY

Crosses Go Up in Public Offices. It’s Culture, Bavaria Says, Not Religion.

By KATRIN BENNHOLD from NYT World https://ift.tt/2LJoE5a

Trump Meets With Kim. Kim Kardashian West, That Is.

By KATIE ROGERS from NYT U.S. https://ift.tt/2kAvNIs

Stanley Cup Finals: Braden Holtby Bounces Back to Lift the Capitals

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2xt8N7z

Sanchez Goes the Other Way, and Severino Stays the Course, in a Yankees Win

By BILLY WITZ from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2sjNjoz

The Mets Get Some Help From Jason Vargas and a Few Fresh Arms

By JAMES WAGNER from NYT Sports https://ift.tt/2IYWipV

Overlooked No More: The Soviet Icon Who Was Hanged for Killing a Czar

By EVA SOHLMAN from NYT Obituaries https://ift.tt/2H3afgB

What You Might Say

By DEB AMLEN from NYT Crosswords & Games https://ift.tt/2LaZHhP

In a First for Germany, Hamburg Bans Diesel Engines. On 2 Roads.

By AMIE TSANG and CHRISTOPHER F. SCHUETZE from NYT Business Day https://ift.tt/2smgXtv

Italy, Arkady Babchenko, Whales: Your Thursday Briefing

By DAN LEVIN from NYT Briefing https://ift.tt/2LJq0Ni

‘The Americans,’ at Last, Lets Us Exhale

By JAMES PONIEWOZIK from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/2sghj4X

The End of ‘The Americans’: Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys on the ‘Devastating’ Finale

By MAUREEN RYAN from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/2J2TCaQ

‘The Americans’ Finale: The Damage Done

By MIKE HALE from NYT Arts https://ift.tt/2H5KH2q

Shehbaz says Khosa's appointment summary as interim CM can't be withdrawn

LAHORE: After PTI’s dramatic move to withdraw the name of Nasir Khosa as caretaker chief minister Punjab, which had been agreed earlier this week, a new debate seems to start as PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif has said that the summary of appointment of caretaker chief minister of the province has been forwarded to the governor and could not be withdrawn.Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) government reportedly said that it would continue with Nasir Khosa as a caretaker Chief Minister and would not accept PTI’s decision.Outgoing Chief Minister Shabaz Sharif said that provincial ministry of law had forwarded the summary of caretaker CM to the Punjab governor, who would sign it midnight on Thursday, adding that once the summary forwarded to the governor, cannot be returned.He further said that the summary is signed only after the completion of five-year constitutional term of the outgoing government.Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has withdrawn the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa for the post of caretaker Chief Minister in the interim setup.Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mahmood ur Rashid  said that PTI will propose a new name in a few hours and consult with Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif.On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the name of Khosa after consultation with the opposition leader.“Glad to announce that Leader of the opposition Punjab and I have agreed on the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa as caretaker Chief Minister Punjab for interim setup. Another step towards strengthening democratic process,” Chief Minister Sharif tweeted on Tuesday.

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Balochistan Assembly adopts resolution seeking delay in elections

QUETTA: Balochistan Assembly late on Wednesday adopted a resolution seeking a month-long delay in the general elections that are scheduled to take place on July 25.The resolution was moved by provincial home minister Mir Safraz Bugti. He called for a month-long delay in the general elections.The resolution argues that general elections should be held in August because a majority of population intends to go to Saudi Arabia in July to perform Hajj.It further says that many districts are hit with flash-floods due to monsoon downpours during the month of July. Many are forced to evacuate their homes for shelter and therefore, they will be deprived of their right to vote."Keeping these concerns in mind, the provincial government is therefore requested to ask the federal government to instead hold the elections in the last week of August so that everyone can exercise their constitutional right to vote," the resolution adds.Later, the session was adjourned till 3:00pm Thursday.

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General election to be held on time: ECP

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has said that the general election will be held on time.A spokesperson of the commission Wednesday said the election commission has completed its arrangements and the election schedule will also be issued on time.More than 105 million voters in the country will choose their representatives for the next five years in the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies in the general election.

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When did Karachi witness highest ever temperature?

KARACHI: The mercury soared to 45 degrees Celsius at 1:00pm making Wednesday the hottest day of the year 2018 after a fresh heatwave hit the city due to the formation of low pressure areas in the Arabian Sea.The Pakistan Met Department (PMD) officials have a day earlier warned that the next two days would be very hot and dry with the temperatures ranging between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.Officials said Pakistan was in the grip of an intense heat due to a large high pressure area over most parts of the country, saying the intense heat was concentrated on the plains of Sindh and Balochistan where the temperature could soar to 48 degrees Celsius during next six to seven days.However, interestingly it is not the hottest day in the history of Karachi as the city had been hit by the highest ever temperature at 47.8 Celsius 80 years ago on May 09, 1938. But four years before the hottest day in the history, Karachi’s mercury dived to record low at 0.0 Celsius.Also, in June 2015, the temperature was recorded at 44.8 Celsius during which over 1200 people were killed.On 1 July 1977 heavy Rains and flooding in Karachi, killed 248 people, according to Pakistan meteorological department 207 millimetres (8.1 in) of Rain fell in 24 hours.

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Two soldiers martyred in IED explosion in North Waziristan: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Two security personnel were martyred when their vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in North Waziristan, Inter Services Public Relations said Wednesday.According to ISPR, the media wing of the military, two soldiers Lance Naik Momin Ali and Sepoy Saleem embraced Shahadat while three others injured when their vehicle struck the IED, planted on track by terrorists near Datakhel.The injured have been shifted to CMH Peshawar, the ISPR said.

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Job is not completed yet: COAS tells officers

QUETTA: General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), said Pakistan was on a positive trajectory of peace and stability due to great sacrifices of security forces and the nation. "The job is not completed yet and we have to carry forward the gains towards enduring peace," General Bajwa while speaking to officers and faculty of Command and Staff Collage in Quetta on Wednesday. Acknowledging and hailing contributions and performance of young officers in the operations COAS advised them to continue excelling in profession.Later, COAS visited Headquarters Southern Command, Quetta where he was briefed about the progress of border fencing along the Balochistan portion of Pak-Afghan border, Quetta Safe City Project and ‘Khushal Balochistan’ initiative. The army chief expressed his satisfaction on progress of the socio-economic and security initiatives.

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PTI under fire over caretaker CM?s fiasco

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan  Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has come under fire from government and opposition leaders for its decision to withdraw the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa for the post of caretaker Chief Minister in the caretaker setup of Punjab. “PTI’s seriousness can be gauged by the fact that the party cannot stand by its own decision about the candidature of Nasir Saeed Khosa. And yet these people claim that PTI will build a naya Pakistan,” Kaira jibed at the rival opposition party.Federal Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that PTI’s withdrawal was yet another example of U-turn. “PTI’s actions are based on lies and U-turns,” she said, adding that PTI has only benefited the ruling PML-N. She said that running a government and resolving public’s issues was not a child’s play. “You make hasty decisions on everything that has caused a lot of damage to the country by your politics of U-turns, confrontation and chaos,” she added. Senior political analyst Hamid Mir described PTI’s move to reverse its decision about the name of caretaker CM as an inappropriate decision. “This will only create an impression as if PTI wants to delay the general elections,” Mir opined. “The constitution doesn’t allow the withdrawal of a name that was publicly announced in consultation with opposition,” he said. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah also ruled out the withdrawal of Nasir Khosa’s name. “There is no provision in the constitution to reverse an already agreed decision. Nasir Khosa is an honest person,” he added.  Earlier, PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said that Khosa's name was withdrawn over backlash from a section of media and supporters.

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PM links country's progress with Balochistan development

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Wednesday said the western route of China Pakistan Economic Corridor and Gwadar Port would  transform Balochistan into a trade and energy hub.Addressing a gathering after inaugurating expansion and renovation of Quetta international airport, he said the progress and development of Balochistan was linked with the development of rest of the country.He said peace in Balochistan had been restored and urged the provincial government and political leadership to work together for development and progress of the province.He said the western corridor and the Gwadar seaport would provide an easy access to the Central Asian countries and China.Pakistan would provide easy access with immense opportunities of connectivity through a huge maze of motorways and highways.Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Anusha Rehman were also present during the ceremony.He assured federal government’s support but maintained that it was the provincial leadership which should take the lead for the progress and development of the province by concentrating on the availability of huge natural resources and connectivity potentials.He said work on Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India (TAPI) gas pipeline project was being fast tracked whereas efforts were also being made for the rail, road and IT connectivity.

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Deadlock persists over caretaker CM?s name in KP

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and opposition have failed to pick a new name for the position of caretaker Chief Minister as the deadlock persisted over the withdrawal of Mazoor Afridi’s candidature. According to sources, opposition leader has refused to propose a new name and insists that Manzoor Afridi be named the caretaker CM as agreed upon by Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. The provincial government, however, proposed the name of Himayatullah Khan. “Manzoor Afridi is a respected business personality and a non-controversial figure. It is unfortunate that some opposition parties created a controversy regarding his nomination,” PTI’s minister Shaukat Yousafzai told media. He, however, said that two sides would finalize a new name today. Another source told Geo that former bureaucrat Ghulam Dastgir was under discussion. In addition, Justice (retd) Dosh Muhammad and Justice (retd) Mian Ajmal are being named for the post. 

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ECP's online scrutiny system to be used for 2018 polls candidates

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is planning to use its online system for transparent scrutiny of candidates for the general election 2018. A meeting was held here at ECP headquarters in this regard which was attended by DG Information Technology and other officials of ECP and representatives of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and NADRA.In the previous ECP meetings, it was discussed that there should be online scrutiny system under which FIA, NAB, SBP and FBR will be linked with the ECP to provide necessary information about the contesting candidates to all Returning Officers.The objective behind introduction of this system was to ensure transparency in scrutiny process of candidates.Through this software, all details of candidates will be provided to NADRA and the NADRA will further provide details of candidates to ECP and department concerned like FIA, FBR, NAB and SBP.The ECP will ensure that all details of candidates are available with all Returning Officers during scrutiny process.

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PTI withdraws Nasir Khosa?s name for caretaker CM over 'public backlash'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has withdrawn the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa for the post of caretaker Chief Minister in the interim setup over "public backlash."“We have withdrawn the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa over public backlash and criticism from a section of media,” PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry told Geo Tv. “There has been a lot of criticism on social media about the candidature of Nasir Saeed Khosa. We are a political party which cannot ignore the public perception,” he said. He, however, said that Khosa was  a man of integrity and good reputation. Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mahmood ur Rashid also confirmed  PTI’s withdrawal of Khosa’s name. “We will propose a new name in a few hours and consult with Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” he said, adding that a perception was building that Nasir Saeed Khosa was loyal to Nawaz Sharif.Nawaz Sharif himself said that Nasir Khosa was his Principal Secretary, he added.  Yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the name of  Khosa after consultation with the opposition leader. “Glad to announce that Leader of the opposition Punjab and I have agreed on the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa as caretaker Chief Minister Punjab for interim setup. Another step towards strengthening democratic process,” Chief Minister Sharif tweeted.

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Islamabad biology professor faces inquiry over harassment allegations

ISLAMABAD: A private collage in Islamabad has requested Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) to open an inquiry against a biology professor accused of harassing and abusing scores of female students during exams. According to a source, the federal board has set up a committee under Controller Examination to investigate the matter. The committee has already visited the college and recorded statement of the professor. The professor told the committee that he was very upset and that this was the first time he was accused of sexual harassment during his entire  career. “I have been vising various schools and colleges for 12 years for exams and there has never been a single complaint of this nature,” he told the committee. The professor has been asked to submit his written statement by Thursday. Sources add that the private college had also contacted students to get their version after the matter first surfaced on social media. According to college principal, students complained that the professor had sexually harassed them and made inappropriate remarks. The principal told Geo that professor had also threatened the students. The matter came into limelight after one of her victims spoke out against the professor’s inappropriate behavior on her Facebook page. Top celebrities including Mahira Khan and Hareem Farooq, joined the online debate and praised the girls for naming and shaming the professor. “Name and shame this man!! Shame on #SadatBashir!! Make an example out of him. May justice be served to all these brave girls and God knows how many before them,” Mahir Khan tweeted."I cant even begin to imagine the horror these innocent students went through! Shame on him! And more power to people like #sabaali who gather the courage to speak up against such monsters!!! LETS STOP HIM BEFORE HE FINDS ANOTHER VICTIM," Hareem Farooq wrote on the photosharing app.

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Balochistan?s minister seeks election delay

QUETTA: Balochistan Home Minister Mir Safraz Bugti has called for a month-long delay in the general elections that are scheduled to take place on July 25. The home minister has submitted a resolution in the Balochistan Assembly   to make his demand. The resolution argues that general elections should be held in August because a majority of population intends to go to Saudi Arabia in July to perform Hajj.It further says that many districts are hit with flash-floods due to monsoon downpours during the month of July. Many are forced to evacuate their homes for shelter and therefore, they will be deprived of their right to vote."Keeping these concerns in mind, the provincial government is therefore requested to ask the federal government to instead hold the elections in the last week of August so that everyone can exercise their constitutional right to vote," the resolution adds.

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Eid-ul-Fitr 2018: List of E-branches for fresh currency note issuance through SMS service

 The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will issue fresh currency notes to general public from June 1 to exchange with old ones for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.The central bank in collaboration with the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) set up SMS short code 8877 for issuing fresh currency notes, which will be issued during June 1 to 14. According to a notification issued earlier this month, a person intending to get new currency notes would send message to 8877 along with his CNIC number and branch code of the selected bank. The system will respond with sending transaction number and branch address.Charges of sending an SMS to 8877 are Rs15 (plus tax). Under the SMS service, each CNIC number and mobile phone number can only be used once.No transaction code will be issued to senders if they send same CNIC / smart card number from different mobile numbers or addresses, it said.A help desk has also been established at (021)- 111-008-877 to entertain queries / complaints of general public.The subscriber would have to present his original CNIC at the time of receiving fresh currency notes. The notification also said each subscriber can exchange and get three packets of Rs10, and one each package of Rs50 and Rs100. This facility will be available at 1,535 commercial bank branches and the SBP offices located in 132 cities, it added.Here is the list of e-branches 

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Chaudhry Nisar was my opponent, Mian Sahib's friend: Shahbaz

Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday spoke about his relationship with disgruntled Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.Talking to the media  aboard a plane, the PML president rejected the common perception that Nisar Ali Khan was closer to him than the elder Sharif."In reality, he has friendship and brotherhood with Mian Nawaz Sharif, he was my opponent then. I am talking about 1988. And he used to complain about me to Mian Sahib . Mian Sahib used to scold me, but if he ever scolded me due to somebody else, it was always Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.Chaudhry Sahib is actually Main Sahib's friends and i was acquainted with  him through Mian Sahib. "Obviously, there is something childish about him. And you have to dealt with him like a child," he said jokingly .Asked whether he would manage to pacify him this time around, the   Punjab chief minister  said: "God willingly" .

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Hottest day of the year as Karachi bakes at 45ºC

KARACHI: The mercury soared to 45 degrees Celsius at 1:00pm making Wednesday the hottest day of the year after a fresh heatwave hit the city due to the formation of low pressure areas in the Arabian Sea.The Pakistan Met Department (PMD) officials have a day earlier warned that the next two days would be very hot and dry with the temperatures ranging between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.Officials said Pakistan was in the grip of an intense heat due to a large high pressure area over most parts of the country, saying the intense heat was concentrated on the plains of Sindh and Balochistan where the temperature could soar to 48 degrees Celsius during next six to seven days.The increasing temperature of Arabian Sea surface is resulting in the formation of low pressure areas in the sea, depriving Karachi of its cooling system, i.e. the sea breeze, the PMD officials said and added that they were expecting intensely hot and dry weather in the city on Wednesday and Thursday.The weather is expected to start improving from Friday after the resumption of the sea breeze, they said but added that the coming month of June would also be very hot due to changing climatic conditions in the Arabian Sea. They said May and June are usually the hottest months in Karachi and the rest of Pakistan. They added that the current heatwave that had gripped the country, from Gilgit Baltistan to Karachi, would continue at least for next six to seven days.The officials said they were expecting humidity to remain low in Karachi during the afternoon timings, which would reduce the chances of heatstroke, but they warned the public to take precautionary measures. Utility services’ providers, including K-Electric and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, were also urged to ensure uninterrupted power and water supplies during the day timings when most people would be fasting.

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'Nawan Ayan Ae Sonhia': Veteran actor Mustafa Qureshi to join PTI

Veteran Pakistani actor Mustafa Qureshi has parted his ways with the Pakistan People's Party to join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.According to a private news channel, the Maula Jatt actor recently held  meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Sindh leader and former Member Sindh Asssembly Khurram Sher Zaman and informed him of his decision to join Imran Khan's party.The actor is likely to formally announce his decision at a press conference that would also be attended by PTI leaders. The News couldn't independently confirm the report.Born in in Hyderabad, the actor gained popularity from Punjabi movies. His role as the villain Noori Natt in the movie Maula Jatt (1979) became his trademark.He has acted in hundreds of movies in Urdu, Punjabi and Sindhi languages.

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Giant sawfish caught, auctioned in Karachi

KARACHI: A 15-feet long giant female large-tooth sawfish was caught by a fisherman, on Saturday, 26 May between the mouth of Turchan and Khajar Creek. and sold out by its trawler same day, according to WWF-Pakistan.Locally known as Liara, the catch by Shrimp trawler Al Zahid Ali is estimated to weigh approximately 1,320 kg. It was shifted to a boat with the help of a crane and auctioned the same day in Ibrahim Hyderi, Karachi, fetching Rs90, 000.Sawfishes are one of the rarest group of marine animals whose population is globally threatened with extinction due to overfishing. Three species of sawfishes namely knife-tooth (Anoxypristis cuspidatus), large-tooth (Pristis pristis) and large-comb (Pristis zijsron) have been reported from Pakistan. There was an abundance of sawfish in Pakistan prior to the 1980s but because of the vulnerability of this species, specially the presence of a large rostra (saw) in front of their head, its population rapidly collapsed in Pakistan and since 1985, there are no commercial fisheries in existence. It is believed that sawfishes are practically extinct in Pakistan. However, during the last decade a WWF-Pakistan initiated programme has documented a few specimens, incidentally caught by fishermen and reported to authorities. It is alarming to note that a similar incident took place on 22 June 2013, also near Khajar Creek, where a 450 kg large sawfish was caught. Studies reveal that the sawfish inhabits coastal waters, and sometimes ascend rivers. In 1962 a large specimen of sawfish was caught in Hyderabad near Ghulam Muhammad Barrage about 170 km from the coastline. Considering their status and vulnerability catching, landing, marketing and sale of the species has been banned in Sindh vide Notification No. 5(3)SO(FISH)/L&F/16 dated 18 May, 2016 under Sindh Fisheries Ordinance, 1980. A similar ban is also imposed in Balochistan. Because of the decline in sawfish populations worldwide, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed all sawfish species as ‘Critically Endangered’. Sawfish are also included in Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) which prohibits any commercial trade in those species.

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Watch: Fight breaks out between two groups of Umrah pilgrims at Karachi airport

ISLAMABAD: Two groups of pilgrims indulged in a brutal fistfight at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport on Tuesday.A video of the incident circulating on the social media shows the pilgrims lunging at and pummeling each other with punches.To make matters worse, a group of people who arrived at the airport to receive their friends and family also jumped in.Identities of the men involved in the fight were not immediately known.Distant screams of women  are also audible in the video.Social media users deplored the lack of tolerance in  the   pilgrims who just returned from Islam's holiest sites in the holy month of Ramazan. 

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Soaring temperatures pace up glacial melt in Pakistan's north

ISLAMABAD: Growing average temperatures in Pakistan’s north, have increased the melting pace of glaciers, said Mohammad Saleem, spokesperson for Climate Change Ministry and environmental educationist.He said, “This may lead to initially a heightened water flow in the Indus river and its various tributaries, located in Gilgit-Baltistan region and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and then follow the depleted flows." While the glacial-fed 3,180-km long Indus river, one of the longest rivers in Asia, supports biodiversity, ecosystems of temperate forests and food systems in the country, its sustained flows are vital to the country’s socio-economic, environmental and ecological sustainability.Talking to APP in an exclusive interview, the official said that the country’s northern region is home to over 5,000 glaciers.But many of them are melting at a much faster rate because of soaring average temperatures in the mountainous valleys.“Presently, the glacial melt is among major global warming-caused risk Pakistan is faced with.Other risks include sea-level rise, floods, higher than average temperature, a higher frequency of droughts and expanding desertification,” the Climate Change spokesperson told APP during the interview.He further said that Pakistan’s weather scientists have already shown through findings of their various scientific studies based on satellite imagery and field-based studies that there is strong evidence that glaciers in Karakoram mountain range in upper Indus Basin are melting at a higher pace.“The rising temperatures in snow-covered areas in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral district are causing mountain streams and rivers swell alarmingly in summer months and burst their banks.Resultantly, this is causing flooding and damages to community infrastructures,” he explained.Another big environmental tragedy the country is facing in recent years is the significant decline in snowfall season and quantum of snowfall.“The country’s northern regions used to receive snowfall from October to February and in some cases as late as March.But, what we observed and heard the mountain communities saying during our field visit two years ago is that snow falls during January and February that too in low quantity,” he observed.He highlighted that low snow accumulation and spiking warming temperatures are also causing snowline to recede in the glacier areas, particularly in Karakoram mountain range.Quoting findings of the studies of the Pakistan Meteorological Department, he said, “Over last more than 30 years the snow line has receded by over 1.1 kilometres.Apart from it, uphill migration of animals and plants has been observed that are clear indicator that glaciers are shrinking.” He told APP that the findings based on glacier monitoring station at the Passu glacier (having ice reserves of nearly 10.89 cubic km) near Gojal vallly in Gilgit-Baltistan, has showed that the glacier has retreated by 25 metres in last one year.He said that even during peak summer months, temperature never used to go beyond 28 Celsius in most of the mountain valleys in the country’s northern region.But for the last nearly eight years, these mountain valleys are in grip of spiking summer temperatures that rose up to 46 Celsius.The rising temperatures have also affected precipitation patterns in these areas, he told APP.“What we heard from the communities there in mountain valleys was that rain falls in the month of snowfalls.Besides, snow hardly falls only on mountain peaks while sloppy grounds in mountain areas either do not receive snowfall or receive in low quality. However, rainy spells are replacing snowfall spells in the areas like Hunza, Skardu, Chitral, Gojal, Phander, Ghizer, Gulmit, etc,” the spokesperson elaborated.He suggested that  paced up glacial melt and decline in snowfalls quantum and duration, forewarn a scary water availability scenario for the country.“Pakistan is caught into a quagmire of rapidly shirking water availability for agriculture, household and industrial needs and has already suffered more than five-fold decline in per capita water availability over last around 86 years,” the official said.The Climate Change Ministry Spokesperson suggested that building more water reservoirs, adopting low-carbon energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharging systems, enhancing efficient water management and use, particularly in agriculture sector, which accounts for 94-96percent of the water use and boosting public awareness about water conservation can help the country survive socio-economic and environmental repercussions of depleting water resources.

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Anti-Kremlin journalist’s death faked to thwart murder plot, officials say

05/30/18 10:52 AM

Ali Siddiqui assumes charge as Pak Ambassador to US

WASHINGTON: Ali Jahangir Siddiqui took charge as Pakistan's ambassador to the United States on Wednesday. Pakistan's new ambassador to the United States Ali Jahangir Siddiqui has  replaced outgoing ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry, the former foreign secretary, who served as Pakistan's envoy to the US before his retirement last month.According to Geo News, Siddiqui, as per procedure, will present his credentials to US President Donald Trump in the coming weeks to be fully operational to perform his duties. The new envoy faces the daunting task of improving the relations between US and Pakistan which have been strained for months. Siddiqui, who holds a BA in Economics from Cornell University, US, is an investment banking expert by profession, was appointed by the federal government as Pakistan's ambassador to the US last month.In 2014, he was honoured as a Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum.

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IHC declares delimitation in four districts as null and void

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday declared delimitation of four constituencies void  and reserved its verdict on five other  districts. Justice Aamer Farooq announced the judgment in  40 identical petitions raising objections over delimitations. Declaring null and void the delimitations of four districts including Jhang, Jhelum, Toba Tek Singh and Lower Dir, the court ordered that the population proportion must be considered for the new delimitations.While the the verdict on delimitation of Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Chakwal, Battagram, and Haripur was reserved. The court heard 40 of the 108 petitions lodged against delimitations from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). According to Geo News, The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will review the  Islamabad High Court's judgement today before taking any decision.

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PKLI successfully conducts first kidney transplant

LAHORE: Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) and Research Centre’s surgeons successfully performed the first kidney transplant in the hospital on Tuesday. As per details, the patient from Qila Didar Singh Gujranwala District, who was suffering from end-stage kidney disease, received a kidney donated by his elder sister on his birthday.Prof Dr Saeed Akhter led the team of surgeons that performed the successful kidney transplant. It was a precious birthday gift for the patient who is a teacher by profession.Dr Saeed, who has vast experience in kidney transplants and complex renal surgeries, expressed that the hospital aims to bring multi-disciplinary expertise in a range of fields in Pakistan, and this first successful transplant operation demonstrates the huge positive impact that this state-of-the-art institute will bring in years to come. PKLI&RC is on course to elevate the healthcare standards in Pakistan and will keep providing the best possible healthcare facilities for free or at subsidised rates to its indigent patients without any discrimination.

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Federal cabinet approves national internal security, transport, film, culture policies

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the National Internal Security Policy - 2018-2023, National Transport Policy of Pakistan - 2018, National Film Policy and National Culture Policy.The federal cabinet which met here at the PM House with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in chair, approved the appointment of MD NESPAK and the Board of Directors of National Security Printing Corporation of Pakistan (NSPC).Appointment of DG Civil Aviation Authority, on acting charge basis, was also approved in the meeting.The meeting approved the name of Mr Mujeeb Ahmed Khan for appointment as the Chairman, Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan.Re-Constitution of IPO Policy Board was approved.The cabinet approved reconstitution of the 8th Wage Board for Newspapers Employees by appointing two additional members on the Board.The federal cabinet also approved Cancer Control Programme formulated by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination.Besides, the cabinet also took a number of decisions on various national issues, policies and appointments.

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Asad Durrani?s name placed on ECL, notification issued

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Interior has placed name of Lt. General (retd) Asad Durrani on Exit Control List (ECL) on the recommendation of Military Intelligence Directorate due to his involvement in an ongoing inquiry.A notification has been issued in this regard here on Tuesday. On Monday, the General Headquarters (GHQ) while ordering a court of inquiry against the former ISI chief Lt. Gen. (R) Asad Durrani had approached the competent authority to put his name on ECL.According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Gen (R) Asad Durrani visited the GHQ on Monday to explain his position on the recently launched book "Spy Chronicles”.A formal court of inquiry, headed by a serving lieutenant general, has been ordered to probe the matter in detail.“Competent authority has been approached to place the name of Lieutenant General Asad Durrani (R) on the Exit Control List (ECL),” the ISPR said.Lt. Gen. (R) Asad Durrani served as the ISI chief from August 1990 till March 1992.Expressing serious reservations about the book co-authored by Asad Durrani and RAW's ex-chief AJ Dulat, the GHQ last Friday summoned Durrani to explain his position on Monday.The attributions made to Durrani in the 255-page book were taken by the GHQ as a violation of Military Code of Conduct applicable on all serving and retired military personnel.

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