“Ras Malai, a beloved Indian dessert originating from West Bengal, has claimed the second spot in the ranking of the ’10 Best Cheese Desserts’ worldwide, according to Taste Atlas. This delectable dessert, known for its soft and spongy texture, is crafted using a delicate fresh cheese known as ‘chhena,’ which is made from milk, lemon juice, and water. Afterward, the chhena is simmered in a sugary syrup and soaked in ‘rabdi,’ a sweet milk syrup infused with cardamom and adorned with finely chopped almonds and pistachios. The recognition by Taste Atlas highlights the widespread appeal and culinary excellence of Ras Malai, showcasing its popularity not just in India but also on a global scale.”
“Bohra Community Celebrates Eidul-Fitr in Karachi Amid Independent Calendar Schedule”
The Bohra Community in Karachi and various parts of Pakistan is currently observing Eidul-Fitr, adhering to their independent calendar schedule. Today, devotees have congregated at the Tahiri Masjid in Karachi’s Saddar area to partake in Eid prayers following a sermon delivered in accordance with their traditions. Despite the official announcement of Eid pending, contingent upon the moon sighting committee’s decision, Bohras uphold their longstanding practice of celebrating Eid on this pre-determined day. To ensure a secure and tranquil celebration, robust security measures have been put in place around the mosque, with police and Rangers personnel maintaining a vigilant presence. The Dawoodi Bohra community, renowned for its widespread presence across various countries including Pakistan, India, Yemen, and East Africa, underscores its global influence and significance across continents.
“Visit of Muslim World League Chief to Pakistan Ahead of Eidul Fitr”
Dr. Muhammad Bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (WML), is embarking on a nine-day official visit to Pakistan, scheduled to commence today, just ahead of Eidul Fitr. During his visit, Dr. Al-Issa plans to lead the Eidul Fitr prayers at Islamabad’s iconic Faisal Mosque and engage in festivities with orphaned children, reflecting the spirit of compassion and solidarity. Additionally, he will lay the foundation stone for the Seerat Museum, further promoting cultural and historical understanding. Dr. Al-Issa’s itinerary also includes high-level meetings with Pakistani officials, including the president, prime minister, chief justice of the Supreme Court, and Minister for religious affairs, aiming to bolster diplomatic ties and discuss mutual interests. As the country eagerly anticipates the sighting of the Shawwal moon on April 9, signaling the commencement of Eidul Fitr celebrations, Dr. Al-Issa’s visit adds a significant dimension to the festive atmosphere, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation among nations.
Japan to Recruit Over 800,000 Foreign Workers: Details Revealed
Japan has announced plans to recruit over 800,000 foreign workers to address labor shortages in various sectors, including construction, agriculture, nursing, and hospitality. The decision comes as Japan grapples with an aging population and declining birth rates, leading to a shrinking workforce. The government aims to attract skilled workers from abroad to fill vacant positions and support economic growth. The recruitment drive will target individuals with expertise in areas facing acute labor shortages and will offer them opportunities to live and work in Japan temporarily or on a more permanent basis. Additionally, the government plans to streamline the visa application process and provide support services to facilitate the integration of foreign workers into Japanese society. This initiative reflects Japan’s commitment to addressing demographic challenges and ensuring the sustainability of its economy in the face of demographic shifts.
Fitrana Amount for 2024 in Pakistan
The Fitrana amount for 2024 in Pakistan has been officially announced by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee. Fitrana, also known as Zakat al-Fitr, is an obligatory charity paid by Muslims at the end of Ramadan before the Eid prayer. It is intended to assist those in need to celebrate Eid al-Fitr joyfully by providing them with the means to purchase food and clothing for the festive occasion. For the year 2024, the Fitrana amount has been set at PKR 140 per person. This amount is calculated based on the average cost of basic food items and is determined by the committee in accordance with Islamic guidelines. Muslims who are eligible to pay Zakat al-Fitr are required to do so before the Eid prayer to ensure that those in need receive assistance in time for the celebration. The payment of Fitrana is considered a religious duty and an essential part of the observance of Eid al-Fitr in Pakistan.
“Pakistan Stock Exchange Hits Historic High, Surpasses 70,000-Point Mark”
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a significant milestone as the benchmark KSE-100 Index surged past the 70,000-point mark for the first time on Tuesday, marking a historic achievement in the country’s financial markets. By midday, the index had reached 70,438.68, registering an impressive increase of 818.70 points or 1.18%. This rally comes amid a sustained period of bullish sentiment, with the KSE-100 consistently setting new record highs in recent weeks. The positive momentum can be attributed to several factors driving investor confidence, including expectations of a forthcoming monetary easing cycle, declining inflation rates, increased inflows of foreign investment, and an overall positive outlook for Pakistan’s economy.
The current upward trajectory in the PSX is notably broad-based, with various sectors contributing to the index’s climb. Sectors such as cement, banking, automobiles, and energy have been particularly influential in driving the market rally. On Tuesday, there was notable buying activity observed in sectors including automobile assemblers, commercial banks, and oil and gas exploration companies, further fueling the index’s ascent. Additionally, heavyweight stocks such as Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Meezan Bank (MEBL), and Honda Atlas Cars (HCAR) were trading positively, contributing to the overall bullish sentiment.
Commenting on the market’s performance, Mohammed Sohail, CEO of Topline Securities, highlighted the significant milestones achieved and attributed the market’s success to positive developments related to Saudi investments and deposits. He also underscored the role of continuous foreign buying activity, which has provided crucial support to the equity market. Sohail noted that since the end of June, the KSE-100 has risen by nearly 70%, indicating the resilience and attractiveness of Pakistan’s equity market to investors both domestically and internationally. Overall, the surge past the 70,000-point mark reflects growing confidence in Pakistan’s economic prospects and the resilience of its financial markets amidst a challenging global environment.
“Google Cloud Launches Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 to Boost Innovation”
Google Cloud has launched its inaugural Startup Competition Pakistan 2024, aiming to highlight and uplift the most innovative technology startups in the country. The competition seeks to discover and support entrepreneurial talent within Pakistan’s growing startup ecosystem. Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Country Director for Pakistan, expressed excitement for the initiative, stating that it provides a platform for dynamic talent to showcase their capabilities and fosters the next generation of entrepreneurs leveraging Cloud technologies. The competition encompasses five categories: AI & Generative AI, E-commerce & Connectivity, Fintech, Frontier Digital Technologies, and Sustainability & Environment. Participating startups will compete for the opportunity to present their concepts to a panel of experts, competing for a Rs1 million cash prize in each category. Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley, highlighted the competition’s role in advancing Pakistan’s startup landscape, emphasizing the collaboration between Google Cloud and Tech Valley’s commitment to accelerating growth and creating new entrepreneurial prospects. The competition has received support from prominent figures in the startup community, including OPEN, Aspire, Bookme, and Tridorian, as well as Google Developer Groups and venture capital firms like Indus Valley Capital, Fatima Gobi Ventures, and Katalyst Labs. The Grand Finals are scheduled to take place in late July 2024 in Karachi.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Concludes Successful Visit to Saudi Arabia
Sharif was bid farewell at the Jeddah International Airport by Governor Jeddah Prince Saud bin Abdullah Bin Jalawi. During his visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz engaged in discussions with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of KSA Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations and explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration across various sectors. Accompanying him during the visit were federal cabinet members and the Chief Minister of Punjab. In addition to diplomatic engagements, Prime Minister Shehbaz also performed Umrah and offered Nawafil inside the holy Ka’aba, having been granted access inside ‘Baitullah’ as a special gesture. The press statement emphasized that Shehbaz Sharif prayed for the progress and prosperity of the country, unity among the Muslim Ummah, and global peace, reflecting his commitment to fostering strong ties with Saudi Arabia and promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations.
Pakistan Cricket Team Hosted for Iftar Dinner by Chief of Army Staff
The Pakistan Cricket Team was honored with an Iftar dinner hosted by the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, at the Army House in Rawalpindi. This event brought together members of the cricket team along with officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), including Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The occasion served as a gesture of appreciation and solidarity, showcasing the strong bond between the armed forces and the nation’s cricket fraternity. The Pakistan Cricket Team had recently concluded a successful physical training camp at the Army School of Physical Training (ASPT) in Kakul, Abbottabad, under the supervision of the Pakistan Army. General Syed Asim Munir conveyed his best wishes to the players for their future endeavors, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. In return, the cricketers expressed gratitude to the Army Chief for the invaluable training they received at Kakul, recognizing the pivotal role played by the Pakistan Army in promoting sports and nurturing talent across the country.
“The Surge in Gold Prices: Implications for Pakistan’s Economy”
The recent significant increase in gold prices in Pakistan has raised concerns among investors and economists about its potential implications for the country’s economy. Gold prices have surged to record levels, driven by various factors including global economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, and currency devaluation. While a rise in gold prices can be advantageous for investors and traders who hold gold assets, it can also have adverse effects on the broader economy.
One potential consequence of the increase in gold prices is its impact on inflation. As the prices of gold rise, the cost of goods and services may also increase, leading to inflationary pressures. This can erode purchasing power and reduce consumers’ standard of living, particularly for those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources. Additionally, high inflation rates can undermine economic stability and hinder long-term growth prospects.
Moreover, the surge in gold prices may have implications for the country’s external balance and foreign exchange reserves. Pakistan is a net importer of gold, meaning that it imports more gold than it exports. Therefore, an increase in gold prices could exacerbate the trade deficit, putting pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. This could weaken the Pakistani rupee against other currencies, making imports more expensive and further fueling inflation.
Furthermore, the rise in gold prices may impact the country’s fiscal and monetary policies. Central banks often hold gold reserves as part of their foreign exchange reserves to stabilize their currencies and provide a hedge against economic uncertainties. However, if the value of gold increases significantly, central banks may need to reassess their reserve management strategies. Additionally, policymakers may need to consider adjusting interest rates or implementing other monetary measures to mitigate the effects of rising inflation and currency depreciation.
In conclusion, while a surge in gold prices can offer opportunities for investors, it also poses challenges for Pakistan’s economy. Policymakers will need to closely monitor the situation and implement appropriate measures to manage the impact of higher gold prices on inflation, external balances, and overall economic stability.
Pakistan’s Azhar Mahmood Appointed Head Coach for T20I Series Against New Zealand
Former Pakistani cricketer Azhar Mahmood has been named the head coach for the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed this appointment in a press release. Mahmood, who had a distinguished career representing Pakistan in 164 internationals, brings a wealth of experience to the coaching role. During his playing days, he took 162 wickets and scored 2,421 runs. Prior to this role, Mahmood served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan men’s cricket team from 2016 to 2019. Alongside him, Mohammad Yousuf has been appointed as the batting coach, while former spinner Saeed Ajmal will continue as the spin bowling coach. Additionally, Wahab Riaz has been named the senior team manager. The much-anticipated five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand is set to take place in Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18th to April 27th.
“Obtaining an Umrah Visa Without a Travel Agent: A Step-by-Step Guide”
Obtaining an Umrah visa without the assistance of a travel agent can be achieved by following specific steps outlined by the relevant authorities. Here’s a general guide on how to obtain an Umrah visa independently:
- Ensure Eligibility: Before applying for an Umrah visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Saudi government. This typically includes being a Muslim, having a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, and meeting health requirements.
- Complete Application Forms: Obtain the necessary application forms for the Umrah visa. These forms can usually be downloaded from the official website of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or obtained from the Saudi consulate or embassy in your country.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare all required documents for the Umrah visa application. This may include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation in Saudi Arabia, confirmed round-trip flight tickets, and a vaccination certificate.
- Submit Application: Submit your completed application forms along with the required documents to the Saudi consulate or embassy in your country. Ensure all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
- Pay Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa fees for processing your Umrah visa application. The fees can vary depending on your nationality and the processing time required.
- Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, wait for the visa processing to be completed. The processing time may vary, so it’s essential to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
- Receive Visa Approval: Once your Umrah visa application is approved, you will receive the visa stamp in your passport or a visa authorization electronically. Ensure you carefully review the visa details and validity dates.
- Plan Travel Arrangements: Upon receiving your Umrah visa approval, make necessary travel arrangements, including booking flights, accommodation, transportation, and any other essential services for your Umrah journey.
- Travel to Saudi Arabia: Travel to Saudi Arabia according to the dates specified in your Umrah visa. Ensure you comply with all entry requirements and regulations set by the Saudi authorities.
- Perform Umrah Rituals: Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, proceed to perform the Umrah rituals according to Islamic traditions. Adhere to the guidelines provided by the authorities and respect the sanctity of the holy sites.
By following these steps and ensuring compliance with the requirements set by the Saudi government, you can obtain an Umrah visa without the need for a travel agent. However, it’s essential to stay updated on any changes or updates to the visa application process and requirements.