Multiple deputies down in active shooter situation in Colorado: police

NEW YORK: ?Multiple? sheriff?s deputies were injured on Sunday morning after responding to a report of a domestic disturbance near Denver, the Douglas County Sheriff?s Office said. The injured deputies were responding to a call of shots fired in a residential area in Douglas County, about 10 miles south of Denver, around 6 a.m. local time. At least one deputy was injured, said Jason Blanchard, a spokesman for the sheriff?s office. The total number of injured and the severity of the injuries was not immediately known. ?No status on the deputies and no status on civilian injuries,? one Tweet read. Authorities had no information about a suspect or suspects and residents of the area were instructed to shelter in place.

Bright lights of Times Square beckon, even on a frigid New Year's Eve

NEW YORK: Hundreds of thousands of merrymakers are making the annual pilgrimage to New York?s Times Square on Sunday to witness the giant New Year?s Eve ball drop at midnight, undeterred by bitter cold and an unprecedented security operation. The temperature in midtown Manhattan is expected to plunge to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 12 degrees Celsius) in the waning hours of 2017, with a ?Real Feel? of 4F (minus 15C), according to AccuWeather.com. If forecasts prove accurate, 2017 would match 1962 as the second-coldest New Year?s Eve on record. Top honors go to 1917, when the mercury in Times Square dropped to 1 F (-17C) and the wind chill came in at -18 F (-28C). Madry Cox, 16, and his sister, Mattison, 19, traveled from Lubbock, Texas, to New York with their father for what he called a ?once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? to see the glittering spectacle that unfolds in Times Square every Dec. 31. ?It?s worth bearing the cold to see the ball drop on New Year?s Eve,? he said. ?It?ll be great.? Mattison Cox said she plans on wearing plenty of clothes, while still managing to look ?a little bit cute,? and drinking coffee to stay warm. ?I?ve only seen it in the movies,? she said. ?It?s nice to come witness in person.? This year, police expect roughly 2 million people to crowd into the general vicinity of Times Square, the bow-tie-shaped plaza formed by the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue in midtown Manhattan. That is roughly the same number as last year, when the temperature at midnight was a comfortable 44F (7C). A limited number of people will have access to fenced-off viewing areas within the square, giving them an unobstructed view of the giant crystal ball mounted on a pole atop a building at the northern end of the square. After hours of waiting, the throng will witness the ball?s one-minute descent ending at the stroke of midnight, when a barrage of fireworks and confetti will punctuate the moment. ?This event every year, New Year?s Eve, is one of the things that people all over the country, all over the world, most associate with New York City,? Mayor Bill de Blasio told reporters last week. He said the annual rite of winter was a source of pride for the city and ?a huge, joyous event.? Revelers will count down the final hours of 2017 with a lineup of musical acts including Nick Jonas and Neil Diamond. Mariah Carey is returning as well, no doubt hoping to make amends for last year?s highly criticized performance marred by technical difficulties. Andy Grammer will perform his hit song ?Fresh Eyes? and John Lennon?s ?Imagine? just before midnight. Then comes the ball drop, a tradition that dates to 1907, three years after New Yorkers started gathering en masse in Times Square to usher in the new year. The lighted ball, actually a geodesic sphere 12 feet (3.7 meters) in diameter and covered by illuminated crystals, will descend 70 feet (21 meters) in the final 60 seconds. Thousands of police will be on hand, some of them heavily armed, others undercover. The show of force is part of a beefed-up security plan that follows a spate of attacks in the city and around the world that authorities have labeled as terrorist. The New York Police Department has provided officers with specialized training to stop any suicide bombers in response to an attempted bombing in a Times Square subway station walkway on Dec. 11. Police will also deploy observation teams trained to spot snipers, increase the number of explosive-detecting dogs and position more officers throughout the area this year. People who want to see the New Year?s Eve musical acts and other entertainment up close in Times Square will have to pass by dogs trained to detect explosives and heavily armed officers, go through a magnetometer to check for weapons, have their bags inspected, and then repeat all those steps a second time. Police will again use dump trucks filled with sand, police cars and cement blocks to close streets starting at 11 a.m. (1600 GMT) on Sunday. About 125 parking garages in the area will be emptied of all cars and sealed.

Ukraine hostages freed after police storm post office

Members of a police special operations unit gather outside a post office, where a man took people hostage, in Kharkiv, Ukraine December 30, 2017. REUTERS KHARKIV: Ukrainian police on Saturday freed the remaining hostages being held in a post office by an man believed to be strapped with explosives, and arrested the hostage taker after an hours-long standoff in the city of Kharkiv. ?All hostages freed in Kharkiv. The assailant was arrested,? President Petro Poroshenko wrote on Twitter, while Interior Minister Arsen Avakov published a picture of the man, with blood streaming down his face, being held by a policeman. None of the hostages were harmed. A Reuters witness saw special force police in green camouflage rushing to the entrance of the post office, a yellow-and-white building at a road junction in the northeastern city near the Russian border. In earlier statements, police said the man had entered the post office wearing a mask and taken 11 people hostage with the intention of robbing the place. Five of the hostages -- three women and two children -- were released early. Regional police chief Oleg Bekh told reporters the man had a history of antisocial behavior and drug-related offences. ?He probably needs the help of a psychiatrist,? Bekh said. ?During the detention, he received minor injuries. He was not in a normal state ... the hostages said he was drinking alcohol.? Police were able to enter the building after one of the hostages opened the door for them, Kharkiv regional prosecutor Yuriy Danylchenko told reporters. Police earlier said they had been in contact with the man via the telephones of the hostages, describing his manner as calm and not making any demands. Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Avakov, said employees at the post office and customers had been among the hostages. One of them had managed to call the police from inside the building. ?The patrolmen came to the place of the robbery in a few minutes,? Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook. ?The robber realized that he could not now safely leave the crime scene with the loot and he decided to declare that he was taking everyone hostage.? One of the children released by the hostage taker told local media that the man had put explosives into two bottles and threatened to blow himself up if police did not listen to him. The man also said he had brain cancer, according to the child. The man at one point voiced concern about the recent prisoner exchange between the Ukrainian authorities and pro-Russian separatists and thought more prisoners should have been released, police said. Ukraine and the separatists swapped hundreds of prisoners on Wednesday in the biggest such exchange since the outbreak of a conflict in the eastern Donbass region that has killed more than 10,000 people.

Singapore bar offers bitcoin New Year party package

Skyline was the first club in Singapore to accept cryptocurrencies when it started taking payments in Ethereum, a bitcoin rival. ? AFP SINGAPORE: A Singapore bar that bills itself as the world's highest cryptocurrency club is offering a New Year's Eve package that includes a limousine pick-up and butler service -- but it'll cost you a whole bitcoin. Skyline, on the 45th floor of a skyscraper overlooking the city-state's glittering waterfront, is promising partygoers a luxury-filled night out, with champagne and oysters and caviar. But it won't come cheap, with the price of bitcoin -- which has surged dramatically in recent months -- hovering around $13,000 on Sunday. The party at Skyline is called "Bianco", with revellers dressed in white enjoying a night of drinking and dancing before watching the New Year's fireworks display over the waterfront. While the club has run the night before, it is the first time they are offering a bitcoin deal, and customers can also pay in regular cash. Manager Subaish Rajamanickam said they had received a lot of inquiries about the package -- but no one had yet signed up for it. The New Year idea came after the bar ran other successful virtual currency-themed nights for people in the financial technology sector, which is booming in the city-state. Skyline was the first club in Singapore to accept cryptocurrencies when it started taking payments in Ethereum, a bitcoin rival. "We had a couple of cryptocurrency after-parties here, and we have also themed a night ... called Crypto Thursdays," Rajamanickam told AFP. "So that basically got the ball rolling for cryptocurrency acceptance here at Skyline." But most transactions are still in regular cash and there was scepticism among some customers about using bitcoin, due to its surging price and recent volatility. "It's too expensive to buy alcohol or (conduct) any transaction using cryptocurrency in today's environment," said Spencer Campbell, a 47-year-old financial consultant. Created in 2009 as a piece of encrypted software, bitcoin has been used to buy everything from pizza to cars, and is increasingly accepted by major companies such as online travel giant Expedia. It has surged more than 25-fold this year and hit a record of around $19,500 earlier in December. Analysts have put the recent increases down to a decision by US regulators to allow bitcoin futures to trade on major exchanges. But bitcoin has slipped back after a series of warnings from governments -- including Singapore -- and analysts, about the risk and volatility associated with cryptocurrencies. It fell more than 11 percent after South Korea -- a hotbed for cryptocurrency trading -- announced curbs on anonymous trading of virtual currencies on Thursday.

Russia indicts St Petersburg blast suspect on terrorism charges: investigators

An interior view of a supermarket is seen after an explosion in St Petersburg, Russia, in this photo released by Russia?s National Anti-Terrorism Committe on December 28, 2017. National Anti-Terrorism Committe/Handout via REUTERS MOSCOW: Russia?s Investigative Committee said on Sunday it had indicted on terrorism charges a suspect who allegedly organized and carried out a bombing that injured 13 people in a St. Petersburg supermarket this week. The committee said in a statement that the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed by investigators, ?deliberately made and planted a homemade explosive device? that exploded on Wednesday at a branch of the Perekrestok supermarket chain in Russia?s second city. The suspect told investigators he had been motivated by ?hatred toward the organizers and participants? of mindset training sessions he used to attend, the committee said without providing further detail. Investigators said the suspect had also hidden two USB drives near the site of the blast containing information about his actions and photographs of the explosive device. The suspect will undergo psychological testing to assess his sanity. Investigators said has been followed by mental health professionals since the age of 19 for undisclosed issues. The indictment did not say how old he is now. The Daesh group claimed responsibility for the blast but did not provide evidence to support its assertion. The claim came after Russian President Vladimir Putin said the explosion, caused by what investigators said was a homemade bomb packed with pieces of metal, was an act of terrorism.

Govt hikes fuel prices, petrol goes up by Rs4.6 per litre

[embed_video1 url=http://ift.tt/2DCJ1vS style=center] ISLAMABAD: The government revised prices of petroleum products on Sunday increasing the price of petrol by Rs4.6 per litre. PM's advisor on finance, Miftah Ismail, announced revised rates of petroleum products. The new rate of petrol would be Rs81.53 per litre. The price of high-speed diesel has been increased by Rs3.96, after which it would be available at Rs89.91 per litre. The price of light diesel has also been increased by Rs6.25 taking it to Rs58.37 per litre. The highest increase was recorded in price of kerosene oil i.e. Rs6.79, taking it to Rs64.30 per litre. Ismail said the prices were increasing in the international market as well, yet the rates of petroleum products were lesser in Pakistan compared to India, Bangladesh and Turkey. He said PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi approved increase in prices on the recommendation of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The revised prices will take effect from 12am tonight.

Four Indian soldiers killed in IoK attack

SRINAGAR: A group of attackers stormed an Indian paramilitary camp in occupied Kashmir early Sunday leaving four Indian soldiers dead, a spokesman for the occupying Indian forces. Unknown attackers lobbed grenades and fired automatic rifles to enter the camp of Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) outside the main city of Srinagar, triggering a fierce exchange of fire as hundreds of soldiers and special counterinsurgency police surrounded the area. "Three soldiers died in combat and another died of cardiac arrest during the ongoing operation. Three terrorists were also killed," CRPF spokesman, Rajesh Yadav told AFP. Three paramilitary troopers were wounded, Yadav said. It is unclear how many personnel were inside the camp during the attack, which came just days after Indian forces killed a top leader of a pro-freedom group in a shootout nearby.

Six dead as seaplane crashes into Sydney river ahead of New Year celebrations

Police said they did not know the cause of the crash, nor the identities of the five passengers- Reuters/ file photo SYDNEY: A seaplane crashed into a Sydney river on Sunday, killing six people on a ?wine and dine? sightseeing flight ahead of the city?s New Year?s Eve celebrations at the harbor. Police said they did not know the cause of the crash, nor the identities of the five passengers, but were speaking with several witnesses who were in boats on one of the waterways? busiest days of the year. The pilot was the sixth victim. Several Australian media reported that four of the victims were British nationals, although that was not immediately confirmed by police. In London, the Foreign Office said its officials were in contact with local authorities in Sydney. ?We stand ready to provide consular assistance,? a Foreign Office spokeswoman said. The aircraft was operated by Sydney Seaplanes, a major tourism operator in the city. Several visiting celebrities have flown on the company?s sightseeing planes, including pop stars Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, tech mogul Bill Gates, comedian Jerry Seinfeld and actor Cuba Gooding Jnr. Police said the seaplane was returning the party of five people from a waterside restaurant in Sydney?s north to the Sydney Seaplanes headquarters in Rose Bay in the city?s east when it crashed into the water, immediately sinking. ?We have spoken to a number of witnesses,? Acting Superintendent Michael Gorman told reporters, adding that forensic police would inspect the plane to assess when it could be raised from the seabed. ?It?s too early in the investigation so we don?t know why the plane crashed.? Gorman said police were liaising with Sydney Seaplanes to identify the victims and their families would be contacted before they were named publicly. Sydney Seaplanes has been operating since 1938, originally flying from Australia to Britain, a journey that required thirty refueling stops along what became famous as the ?Kangaroo? route.

Iran temporarily restricts access to social media

People protest near the university of Tehran, Iran December 30, 2017 in this picture obtained from social media. REUTERS LONDON: Iran will temporarily restrict access to some social media and messaging apps to control protests, Iranian state television quoted an informed source as saying on Sunday. ?It has been decided in the highest security level to restrict access to Telegram (messaging app) and Instagram,? the source said.

Tamil film star to enter politics in India's 'Detroit'

A picture of actor Rajinikanth is shown by a supporter as they celebrate the launch of his political party in Chennai, India, December 31, 2017. REUTERS NEW DELHI: A big star of India?s Tamil-language movies, Rajinikanth, said on Sunday he is launching a political party, adding drama to a heated political scene in a state with a history of film stars becoming chief ministers. Tamil Nadu, which accounts for the bulk of India?s automobile exports, has been in political limbo since the death of Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in December 2016. Jayalalithaa was a popular actress before joining politics. Rajinikanth, called the ?superstar? by his fans, enters the political scene at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s party is looking to make inroads into the southern state that?s been ruled by two south Indian parties for decades. Over the past five decades, Tamil Nadu has chosen between the two Dravidian parties, both of which claim anti-caste social justice and secularism as their core ideology. Modi?s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not win a seat in Tamil Nadu?s 2016 elections. The next state election is due in 2021. ?I?ll push for spiritual politics without caste or religious leanings,? Rajinikanth said. ?If I come to power and am not able to deliver in three years, I?ll resign. Democracy is in a state of distress in the state.? In Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth often plays larger-than-life characters that project him as a savior of the masses. The actor, who has been in a few Hindi movies, has created a frenzy among fans ahead of every release. But opponents say politics would be different. Subramanian Swamy, a BJP leader, dismissed Rajinikanth?s plunge into politics as ?media hype?. Tamil Nadu, a state of more than 70 million people, is sometimes called the ?Detroit of Asia?. It is home to factories of companies including BMW, Daimler, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Renault. Actor Rajinikanth greets his supporters after announcing the launch of his political party in Chennai, India, December 31, 2017. REUTERS

Safdar working in Ali Dar?s company is not Nawaz?s son-in-law: documents

ISLAMABAD: The person named Safdar employed in the company of Senator Ishaq Dar?s son is not former prime minister Nawaz Sharif?s son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar, but someone else with the same name, reveal details obtained by Geo News. According to the documents, the Safdar employed in Ali Dar?s Hazrat Data Sahib (HDS) Tower in Dubai has been working as a cleaner there since 2016. He is a resident of Khanewal. The documents contradict the claims made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan, regarding Nawaz?s son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar being employed in Ali Dar?s company. Dar refutes Imran?s allegations, says no business relations with Sharifs The former finance minister was speaking to Shahzeb Khanzada in the Geo News show ?Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kaay Saath In a news conference held a few days ago, Imran said that Nawaz?s son-in-law was employed in Ali?s company. The PTI chief also presented documents on his claims. Imran has also claimed that Ishaq Dar was involved in money laundering and was a frontman for the Sharifs. However, the former finance minister has rejected the claims, saying his family has no business relations with the Sharifs. While speaking on Geo News show Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath, Ishaq also said that Imran always levelled baseless allegations against others and has become "a master in doing so". Besides, Ishaq Dar alleged that Imran used to visit him and his sons? offices in London to ask for charity for his cancer hospital.

15 dead in suicide attack on Afghan funeral: officials

Afghan policemen investigate at the site of a suicide bomb attack in Nangarhar province, March 5, 2012. ? Reuters FILE JALALABAD: A suicide attacker blew himself up at a funeral in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least 15 mourners and wounding another 14, officials said, capping a deadly year for civilians. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Taliban and Daesh (Islamic State) militants have stepped up assaults in recent months, with ordinary Afghans bearing the brunt of the violence. "The death toll of the attack targeting a funeral ceremony in Behsud district of Nangarhar has increased to 15," Nangarhar governor spokesman Attaullah Khogyani told AFP. Another 14 were wounded. All the casualties were civilians. An earlier statement from the governor?s office said 12 people had been killed in the attack near the provincial capital Jalalabad. The bomber struck during the funeral ceremony for a former governor of Haska Mina district who died recently of natural causes, the statement said. Provincial health director Najib Kamawal confirmed the toll. Photos posted on Twitter and Facebook purportedly of the scene showed pools of blood, clothes and shoes scattered on the ground. Other photos showed bodies lying in blood and a plume of black smoke rising into the sky. Terrified mourners, mostly elderly men, could be seen running from the scene. While the Taliban are still responsible for the majority of attacks and casualties across Afghanistan, Daesh militants have been on a rampage this month. The incident in Nangarhar, a restive province bordering Pakistan and a stronghold for Daesh, comes days after the group claimed an assault on a cultural centre in Kabul that left 41 people dead and more than 80 wounded. That followed a Christmas Day attack, also claimed by Daesh, near an Afghan intelligence agency compound in the Afghan capital that left six civilians dead. On December 18, militants from the group stormed an intelligence training compound in Kabul, triggering an intense gunfight with police, two of whom were wounded. The Middle Eastern militant outfit has gained ground in Afghanistan since it first appeared in the region in 2015, and has scaled up its attacks in Kabul and elsewhere, including on security installations. The latest news comes at the end of a particularly deadly year for Afghans, with the number of civilian casualties on track to be one of the highest on record since the US invasion in 2001. More than 8,000 civilians were killed or wounded in conflict-related violence in the first nine months of this year, according to data compiled by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Last year?s civilian casualty toll of 11,418 was the highest for a single year since the UN began systematically documenting civilian deaths and injuries in 2009.

This Bugatti Is Among The Most Expensive Auctioned Cars In This World In 2017

Before this year ends, we decided to do a round up of the 10 most expensive cars sold at auction this year. There are too many Ferrari's but don't miss the Bugatti, it's a heart breaker. 1. 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 Sold at: $22,550,000 Source: RM Sotheby's Don't be fooled by its calming aquamarine body, not only is this rare, one of five, Aston Martin a race track champion, it also bears the crest of having been the most expensive British car to have been auctioned at a price tag of above $20 mil. 2. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione Sold at: $17,990,000 Source: RM Sotheby's Of course it's a Ferrari, we're surprised it was a Ferrari to make the top of the list, but runner's up to an Aston Martin isn't bad either and this performance car is a sight for sore eyes! Now, what you're looking at is another vintage performance rarity, only eight units if it having being produced in its lifetime and made purely for circuits! 3. 1995 McLaren F1 Sold at: $15,620,000 Source: Top Car Rating The lines on its body are proof that the vehicle is built for speed and agility with a hint of showmanship. Known to be a rare production F1 vehicle, and the 37th F1 out of a total of 64, the 1995 F1, with seven sisters, is the third most expensive automobile to have been auctioned in 2017. 4. 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Sold at: $14,520,000 Source: Forbes Another Ferrari, and there'll be more, but what's special about this racer is its stunning silver uniform that remains in pristine condition despite its racer past. This 275GTB/C is one of the 12 made! 5. 1970 Porsche 917K Sold at: $14,080,000 Source: CTV News Auctioned off in its original ad markings from its glory days (the car was featured in the Le Mans movie released in 1971), this Porsche performance vehicle looks nothing short of a spacecraft with its flying rear and curvy fascia, and is the second most expensive German make to this day! It appears that the car had to be restored to this shape after being found in worn condition in a French warehouse. 6. 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Sold at: $10,043,000 Source: RM Sotheby's This would be the last LaFerrari Aperta of its kind, which was auctioned off to support a children's organisation not long ago. The Aperta was the most valuable 21st gen car to have been auctioned at a hefty price tag of above $10 mil. 7. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Sold at: $9,504,550 Source: Gullwing Motor Cars What do you fancy more, a romantic drive or a straight line in this gorgeousness? Well, if you spent your entire fortune on it, you'd probably do neither and just admire it from a distance. This vintage Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider is made for love, admiration and $9,504,550! 8. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Sold at: $8,305,000 Source: Goodingco Yes, the billionth Ferrari on the list, what can we say, they're valuable by birth and this one's a keeper! 9. 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Sold at: $8,000,000 Source: Bonhams Ah, a highly aerodynamic lightweight coupe that was catchy then as it is now, the Jaguar E-Type is a wonder to behold and a breeze on the tracks. Jaguar even converted one of its kind to an electric variant and showed it off at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year. 10. 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Cabriolet Sold at: $7,700,000 Source: RM Sotheby's Don't be surprised, Bugatti has a long spread heritage and this vintage cabriolet fetched a good price for good reason! It looks like it drove straight into an intensely romantic scene from a movie! But that's not all that it is valued for, it's one of only four ever produced in its lifetime.

2017 In Memes: The Best And Most Iconic Memes Of This Year That Made Us Laugh Our Asses Off

I think we can all agree that 2017 was the worst year ever, but maybe all of us have the same feelings for every passing year. Whatever may be the case, the only thing that made 2017 actually bearable were the memes, you can fight me on this. It was such a good year for memes, both quantity and quality wise, and when everything was dividing us, memes were the only thing there to unite us. There were way too many memes that made us laugh in 2017, that it is nearly impossible to list them all, so let's focus on the most popular ones for today, and relive the year in memes. 1. Distracted Boyfriend A random stock photo of a boyfriend looking over his shoulder at a beautiful stranger while the woman already on his arm looks at him in disgust became the biggest thing on the internet. The picture in itself was hilarious, but with people adding their own twist to it, it was honestly the best thing on the internet at one point. A nap is always a good idea, though. Dis one right here http://pic.twitter.com/KcAWDmJxGf — gotta$$$migraine (@gxngstawifi) August 24, 2017 Spidey always wins. ok last one http://pic.twitter.com/wvrar35YBy — crân-buri-ghân (@bromanconsul) August 25, 2017 Ooh, shots fired. http://pic.twitter.com/DCjtlfb2yM — Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) August 25, 2017 2. Kangana Ranaut One of the biggest and most talked about controversies of this year was the public spat between Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan. While I still don't know what's happening between these two, we all still got a hilarious meme out of it, because of the quotes Kangana gave during her tell-all interview on 'Aap Ki Adalat'. So expensive. When someone orders a bisleri bottle in the restaurant. http://pic.twitter.com/VO3oRkB3PO — Smoking Skills (@SmokingSkills_) September 7, 2017 Sab log. Me, looking at everyone sitting in office post 6 pm http://pic.twitter.com/XPQpy8Tz8Z — Akshar (@AksharPathak) September 7, 2017 Every mom ever. Wen me and Dad do all the shopping without bargaining Mom : http://pic.twitter.com/y8rmkeasdC — SwatKat- The dancing Rajput ð (@swatic12) September 7, 2017 3. The Trivago Guy Yes, we've all seen the Trivago ads, and we've all gotten completely annoyed by them. The Trivago guy was everywhere this year and the only way people on the internet can deal with irritating stuff is by making memes about it, obviously. Yes, please search. Relative: Humlog aa rahe hai tumhare gharpe do hafte ke liye Me: http://pic.twitter.com/bhY8OquRmG — P.R. (@pr_akash_raj) July 15, 2017 Did you notice this in the ads? These iconic people gave justice to SRK's infamous step http://pic.twitter.com/DDutUh4hHm — Angoor Stark ð (@ladywithflaws) July 17, 2017 Kiya hai? I did thisâºðð http://pic.twitter.com/VqF5aDwaBk — Mayur (@shaitan_ladkaa) July 14, 2017 4. Dank Irrfan A few months ago, All India Bakchod gave us arguably the best and most versatile meme of the year featuring none other than Irrfan Khan. Turning the actor into 'Dank Irrfan', AIB recreated all the iconic memes with him, and honestly these Dank Irrfan memes are more popular than the original ones. CID over Sherlock, obviously. CID IS BAE http://pic.twitter.com/bW83tRN9BC — aditi (@oreoftziam) May 17, 2017 Loophole. CID IS BAE http://pic.twitter.com/bW83tRN9BC — aditi (@oreoftziam) May 17, 2017 Poora bik gaya. Kangana: "K. Jo is the flag-bearer of nepotism." Me: "Samajh nahi ayaa. My vocab is not great. :(" Kangana: http://pic.twitter.com/LO4CKOGetd — Imaan Sheikh ð (@sheikhimaan) May 17, 2017 5. Bald Sonu Nigam Back in April, Sonu Nigam became the most talked about person after a few tweets, and I don't think that was his intention at all. After he tweeted about being woken up by the loudspeakers at a mosque near his house, everything just escalated quickly and got out of hand. Since, apparently he offended religious sentiments, a reward of â¹10 lakh was out for anyone who shaved Nigam's head. Then he did what anyone in that situation would do (actually, no one would ever be in that situation, tbh), he went ahead and shaved his head himself. His shaved head became the newest meme, and I just feel so bad for him, the guy juat wanted some sleep, and the whole thing turned into a religious debate. How to make the most of any opportunity. Sonu Nigam: I'll get bald. Now pay me those 10L of Fatwa Money Anupam Kher: I also have problems with the Azaan loudspeakers.. — Aladdin (@Alllahdin) April 19, 2017 He's switching careers now. New fast and furious member. http://pic.twitter.com/qaOjMstFjd — Abhay (@Woh_ladka) April 19, 2017 Very bald. That's a bald move from Sonu Nigam. https://t.co/ZsfNFsr02g — Dharmesh Gandhi (@dharmeshG) April 19, 2017 6. KBC Memes Everyone loves 'Kaun Banega Crorepati', and everyone loves KBC memes even more. Adding their own twist to Amitabh Bachcan's iconic lines from the show, the internet probably got its most wholesome meme of the year with this. Oh, how the tables have turned. Me: *breaks glass* Mom: haan sab todd do. Mom: *breaks glass* haath slip ho gaya hehe Me: But... Mom: http://pic.twitter.com/guSBx33GqW — Anurag Verma (@kitAnurag) October 13, 2017 So polite. Government officers when you go there to get something done at a lunch time. http://pic.twitter.com/LpTZO2fLLm — डि.à¤à¥. (@itsdhruvism) October 15, 2017 Too relatable. Me after studying for 33 seconds http://pic.twitter.com/ndxeGGTSmM — P.R. (@pr_akash_raj) October 15, 2017 7. Salt Bae Obviously, when talking about the memes of 2017, you can not leave out everyone's bae – Salt Bae. Turkish restaurateur Nusret Gökçe posted an Instagram video showing off his exceptional skills, but in interesting and rather amusing style, caught the internet's attention. Little did he know that he would become the first big meme of 2017. Twitter Twitter Twitter 8. Blinking White Guy A guy blinking and as if saying 'wow is this really happening' was probably the most 2017 meme ever. It honestly sums up the year so well, it's incredible. We've all been there. me: ill take a biology class, im smart enough for this just watch me teacher: cells me: http://pic.twitter.com/fHJJsPLioO — ini ð (@eskbl) February 5, 2017 Oh, no. Her: wow you got a good job, you single, you dont play games, and you got your own place. Like whats wrong with you. Me: I'm 5'7 Her http://pic.twitter.com/EcTpPulgcF — Unfaithful Sith Lord Nigga (@iTrap4TheHokage) February 17, 2017 Why, just why? Account balance: $100.00 Me: *spends $2.91* New account balance: $97.09 Me: http://pic.twitter.com/yEhkqBvMTz — bald-headed auntie. (@PLAIDvillain) February 17, 2017 9. Roll Safe I feel like this is such a versatile meme and can be used with so many things. This came out in the beginning of the year, and truly went international. So full props to it. The world is there. You don't need to travel the world if you're at the Sharda university. http://pic.twitter.com/Np1UCKyRSR — Kshitiz Bhardwaj (@ImmaJoking) February 6, 2017 Relatable. If you go to office on Sundays too, you won't dislike Monday. http://pic.twitter.com/xbGcx5MzLs — The Viral Fever (@TheViralFever) February 4, 2017 Genius. http://pic.twitter.com/l7RbMykqE3 — E.O.O (@Tobi_Edinbus) January 31, 2017 10. Priyanka Chopra's MET Gala Outfit Most of the time, PeeCee and her fashion choices are at point but the gown she wore at the MET Gala this year was a little questionable to say the least. But hey, it gave birth to some of the most hilarious memes of the year and in the end that's the only thing that matters, to be quite honest. It's way out of hand. http://pic.twitter.com/l7RbMykqE3 — E.O.O (@Tobi_Edinbus) January 31, 2017 The secret's out. Have you guys always wondered where Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan shot the Guzarish song for Ghajini? Me too. http://pic.twitter.com/r0Wc5J5ejQ — Akshar (@AksharPathak) May 2, 2017 Someone plan this ASAP. If everyone in India decides to wear this for one day & walk 100 metres - we can clean India in one hour #SwacchBharat http://pic.twitter.com/E1XV5J7eZu — Atul Khatri (@one_by_two) May 2, 2017 11. Bol Na Aunty Aaun Kya One of the biggest examples of cringepop we've gotten this year, Omprakash Mishra's controversial “Aunty Ki Ghanti” instantly went viral. The song became so popular that hundreds of strangers in New Delhi actually met just to sing this song in public. But, after it was pointed out that the lyrics are extremely misogynistic, it soon died down. The correct way. No chance now. Please tag. 12. Covfefe A meme list will always be incomplete with Donald Trump, obviously. This year we've got a lot of cryptic tweets, but none of them went as viral as Trump's covfefe. People are still trying to figure out exactly what it meant, but everyone jumped to give their own explanations. Kaafi. Kaafi high. http://pic.twitter.com/J9hPRCAzPc — All India Bakchod (@AllIndiaBakchod) May 31, 2017 Coffee is way too mainstream. #covfefe http://pic.twitter.com/o15XqBuuKW — Vishal (@vichupedia) May 31, 2017 What a realization. When you're deep in #covfefe memes but realize that the man responsible for the tweet also has the nuclear codes http://pic.twitter.com/g9U7VGVfrV — Isaac Jahns (@isaac_jahns) May 31, 2017 Well, that's it for this year, I just hope for a meme filled 2018, that's all.

Leaders shouldn?t take steps fanning flames of nationalism: Chandio

KARACHI: Pakistan People?s Party? senior leader Maula Bukhsh Chandio said on Sunday that the government should refrain from taking measures which could potentially fan the flames of nationalism. The PPP leader was speaking to media at Bilawal House, where he expressed his reservations over the alleged move by the federal government inhibiting flow of water to Sindh. Chandio said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has never displayed any nationalistic facet through its decisions and actions. The leader said that the water to the province was cut off without any schedule, which is making lands barren. Chandio said that the federal government on the subject said that it has been done on the orders of the National Accountability Bureau, adding that the newly appointed NAB Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal is a fair person and any injustice shouldn?t be done to Sindh. Chandio said institutions have all the strictness for us, although the PPP respects the judiciary.

In the line of duty: The uniformed martyrs of 2017

Although incidents of terrorism have decreased compared to their peak around a decade ago, the year 2017 witnessed several attacks ? including suicide bombings and cross-border assauls ? in which security officials gave the ultimate sacrifice. The Pakistan Army lost several of its brave officers and soldiers in terrorist attacks from Afghanistan as well as during anti-terrorist operations inside the country. Similarly, the civilian law enforcement agencies, especially the police, also shared the brunt of terrorism, with several junior officials being shot dead in Karachi and seniors killed in suicide attacks in Balochistan and KP. Here, Geo.tv remembers some of those who laid down their lives in the line of duty this year. May they rest in peace. DEC 25 Three Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred when Indian forces opened fire along the Line of Control, a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated. The incident occurred in the Rakhchikri sector of the Line of Control (LoC). One other soldier was injured in the incident of unprovoked firing. DEC 22 The FC troops martyred in Mohmand Agency. Photo: ISPR Three troops of the Frontier Corps (FC) were martyred in cross-border firing from terrorists on the Pak-Afghan border, the ISPR said. The FC personnel were busy constructing a new border post when the attack took place in the Shunkrai area of Mohmand Agency. DEC 12 Two officials of Pakistan Army were martyred in a terrorist attack in North Waziristan Agency, according to the ISPR. The army's media wing said that Second Lieutenant Abdul Moeed and Sepoy Basharat were martyred after terrorists fired on their vehicle from the surrounding mountains. Sepoy Basharat, 21, hailed from Danyor village of Gilgit-Baltistan while Moeed, also 21, hailed from Burewala, Vehari. Moeed had recently graduated from the PMA and belonged to the Northern Light Infantry regiment. Second Lieutenant Abdul Moeed (left) and Sepoy Basharat were both 21 years old. Photo: ISPR DEC 1 A soldier was martyred in an IED blast in Chamarkand area of Mohmand Agency, informed security officials. The soldier was martyred on his way to the check post while carrying water for his comrades. Another soldier accompanying the deceased was injured in the incident. NOV 24 AIG Noor had earlier served as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elite Force AIG. Photo: Geo News Senior police official Mohammad Ashraf Noor was martyred in a suicide attack in the Hayatabad area of Peshawar. Noor, the Additional IG Headquarters, was en route to work when a suicide bomber riding a motorcycle rammed into his vehicle near Tatara Park. Eight policemen were also injured in the attack. Noor hailed from Gilgit-Baltistan and joined the police force in 1989. NOV 22 Major Ishaq Shaheed. Photo: ISPR An army major embraced martyrdom in an exchange of fire during a search operation at a terrorist hideout in Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan, Director General ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor tweeted. The 28-year-old martyr, Major Ishaq, belonged to Khushab, Punjab, and left behind a widow and an infant. NOV 21 A security official was martyred in a search operation in Turbat, Balochistan, informed security officials. The operation was being conducted by the FC on information regarding the presence of militants in the area. Three security personnel were also injured during the operation. NOV 15 SP Investigation Mohammad Ilyas and his three family members were martyred when unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in Quetta. The sister-in-law of the martyred SP at Civil Hospital, Quetta. Photo: Online The wife, son and grandson of the officer were also martyred in the attack which took place in the Nawa Kali area of the provincial capital. The deceased were travelling in their vehicle when they were targetted by gunmen riding motorcycles. NOV 13 A cross-border attack by terrorists from Afghanistan in Pakistan's Bajaur Agency led to the martyrdom of two Pakistan Army officials, the ISPR said. The cross-border attack had also resulted in the killing of 8-10 terrorists. Photo: ISPR Captain Junaid Hafeez and Sepoy Raham were martyred in the attack on a border post. Four other troops were injured in the incident. NOV 9 DIG Hamid Shakeel was among three officials martyred in a suicide attack on Quetta's airport road. Around eight others, including police officials, were said to be injured in the attack. Shakeel is survived by three sons. Photo: File Shakeel, who was heading the motor transport and telecommunications department, was killed when his convoy was targetted in a bomb attack. OCT 20 A police official was martyred during an operation at a drug runner?s hideout in Malir 15 area of Karachi. According to SSP Korangi Noman Siddiqui, police raided the den of a suspected drug runner, Shahzad, and arrested him. However, an exchange of fire took place later between the police party and Shahzad?s accomplices, in which police official Bilal was killed. OCT 18 Eight police officials were martyred when attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a truck carrying Elite Force personnel in New Sariab area of Quetta early morning. Rescue officials clear the truck. Photo: AFP Over 20 others were wounded in the bombing, according to hospital authorities. OCT 15 Four security officials, including a captain, were martyred and three injured in an IED blast in Kharlachi, Kurram Agency. Three officials were killed instantly while three were reported injured, according to the political administration of the agency. The martyred officials were identified as Captain Husnain and sepoys Saeed Baz, Qadar Khan and Juma Gul while the injured as Naik Anwar, Sepoy Zahir and Lance Naik Sher Afzal. The martyred officials. Photo: ISPR OCT 13 One policeman was martyred and two others, along with a boy, were injured in a firing incident on Faqir Mohammad Road of Quetta. According to the SSP operations, the deceased policeman was in critical condition when he was brought to the hospital and later passed away while the boy injured in the incident was a bystander. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Ali. Naib Subedar Azhar Ali Shaheed - ISPR OCT 3 A soldier of the Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom after terrorists fired from across the Afghan border on a border post, the ISPR said. The incident occurred at the recently cleared area around Mustil Pass, an important passage from Afghanistan into Rajgal, in Khyber Agency. The martyred soldier was identified as Naib Subedar Azher Ali. SEP 30 A junior commissioned officer (JCO) and two civilians were martyred in unprovoked firing from Indian forces in Rakh Chikri area of Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The JCO was identified as Naib Subedar Nadeem. Lt Arsalan was 22 years old. Photo: ISPR SEPT 23 Lieutenant Arsalan Alam embraced martyrdom during firing by terrorists from across the border in Rajgal, Khyber Agency. ISPR said that terrorists from across the border fired on the newly established Pakistani border post in Rajgal, martyring Arsalan who was commanding the post. AUG 11 Two officials of the traffic police were martyred in the line of duty in Karachi. Rescue officials said unidentified attackers opened fire on the official vehicle of the Liaqatabad deputy superintendent of police in Azizabad. As a result, DSP Mohammad Hanif, 56, and his driver/gunman Sultan, 54, died on the spot. AUG 9 A major and three soldiers of the Pakistan Army laid down their lives during a military operation in KP, according to the ISPR. According to the army's media wing, Major Ali Salman ? who belonged to a 'secret agency' ? was leading a team in an anti-terrorist operation in Timergara, Dir when they were killed in a suicide bombing. Major Ali belonged to an intelligence agency and was leading the operation. Photo: ISPR The deceased were identified as Maj Ali, Havaldar Ghulam Nazir, Havaldar Akhtar and Sepoy Abdul Karim. JULY 24 Nine policemen were among at least 26 people martyred in a suicide attack in the Ferozepur area of Lahore, according to DIG Operations Dr Haider Ashraf. A scene of the incident. Photo: File Around 57 people were also injured in the attack, which targetted a police picket. JULY 24 A traffic police official was martyred and another injured in a gun attack in the Abul Hasan Isphani road area of Karachi. The officials, posted at the Gulzar-e-Hijri traffic section, were performing their duty when they were attacked. JULY 21 Three police personnel were martyred when their vehicle was fired upon by unidentified assailants in the Korangi area of Karachi. A 10-year-old child also lost his life in the attack. JULY 20 A soldier, identified as Jabbar, was martyred during Operation Khyber-IV, the ISPR said. The martyred soldier, Jabbar. Photo: ISPR Operation Khyber-IV was launched in July in the Rajgal area of Khyber Agency to clear the area of remaining terrorists and stop their cross-border movement from Afghanistan. JULY 16 Four Pakistan Army officials were martyred when their vehicle was targetted by Indian forces from across the LoC in the Athmaqam area of AJK. After being fired upon, the vehicle plunged into the Neelum River, according to the ISPR, killing all onboard personnel. JULY 13 Four policemen, including Quaidabad SP Mubarak Shah, were martyred when unidentified gunmen targetted the SP's official vehicle near Killi Deeba area of Quetta. Mubarak Shah Shaheed. Photo: File The three policemen guarding the SP died on the spot, while Shah succumbed to wounds later in a hospital. JULY 12 Mazari Ghot Station House Officer Sajjad Rambani was martyred along with a civilian during an exchange of fire with bandits in Rojhan Tehsil of Rajanpur, Punjab. SHO Sajjad died while fighting bandits. According to the police, the shootout also wounded four policemen and six civilians. JULY 10 SSP Sajid Khan Mohmand was martyred in a terrorist attack after his convoy was targeted with an explosive device on Boghra Road of Quetta. Around a dozen police personnel and civilians were also injured in the attack. The SSP always led from the front. Photo: File Deputy Commissioner Qaiser Khan said that a suicide bomber, riding a motorcycle, attacked the SSP's convoy. JUNE 24 Seven policemen were among fourteen people martyred in a suicide car bombing near the office of the Balochistan inspector general of police on Gulistan Road, Quetta. The attack took place near the office the Balochistan IGP. Photo: File The bodies and the 21 people injured in the attack were shifted to Civil Hospital Quetta. JUNE 23 Four police officials, including an assistant sub-inspector (ASI), were martyred in a gun attack by unidentified assailants in Karachi's SITE area. The policemen had stopped at a local eatery for Iftar when three assailants on a motorcycle, their faces covered with helmets, opened fire and fled. A view of the police officials' vehicle. Photo: Geo News The martyred policemen were identified as ASI Mohammad Yousaf, Constables Raja Shabbir, Khalid and Asrar. MAY 20 Two police officers were martyred and one seriously injured in a firing incident near the Dhoraji area of Karachi. Security officials revealed that a police vehicle was shot at, resulting in the instant deaths of ASI Iftikhar and Head Constable Younus, while another official was injured. A view of the officials' vehicle. Photo: Geo News MAY 3 A policeman was martyred when unidentified persons opened fire on him in Lakki Marwat, KP. The deceased policeman, Momin Khan, was travelling to the mosque from Tijori Police Station when unidentified persons opened fired at him near Tijori Bazaar. APR 23 Four FC officials were martyred and three injured when a roadside IED exploded near their vehicle in Balochistan, the ISPR stated. The incident occurred in Gawak area in Turbat when the vehicle was on routine patrolling. APR 5 Four military personnel were among at least six people martyred when a suicide bomber targeted a population census team in Lahore's Bedian Road early morning. The attack had cast a shadow over the ongoing census exercise. Photo: AFP The attack had also left 15 people wounded. MAR 17 On March 17, two FC officials were martyred in an attempted terrorist attack on an FC check-post in Khyber Agency. MAR 17 One FC soldier embraced martyrdom while another was injured when suicide bombers stormed an FC training centre in Shabqadar, Charsadda at around 6am, the ISPR said. The funeral of the martyred official. Photo: Geo News The martyred soldier was identified as Lance Naik Naeemullah. MAR 7 Two soldiers embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire in Malikabad, Swabi. Captain Junaid and Sepoy Amjad were taking part in an intelligence-based operation when they were killed, according to security officials. Capt Junaid (right) and Sepoy Amjad. Photo: ISPR MAR 6 As many as five soldiers embraced martyrdom while foiling an attack on three border checkpoints in Mohmand Agency, according to the ISPR. The martyred soldiers were identified as Sanaullah, Safdar, Altaf, Nek Muhammad and Anwar. MAR 5 An inspector was martyred while a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) was injured in an encounter between counter-terrorism department (CTD) personnel and terrorists in Sahiwal, Punjab. CTD officials said they had received a tip-off about the presence of terrorists in Harrapa village of Sahiwal. During the raid, the terrorists opened fire at the officials, killing inspector Fida Hussain and leaving the DSP injured. MAR 2 Lt Khawar Shaheed had won a gold medal in boxing during his time in PMA. Photo: ISPR Two Pakistan Army personnel, including an officer, were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists in Frontier Region Bannu. Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Mullagano area of Jani Khel when terrorists hiding in the vicinity opened fire. Lieutenant Khawar Shahab and Naik Shehzad embraced martyrdom during the gunfight. FEB 16 Three Pakistan Army officials, including a captain, embraced martyrdom in an IED blast near an army convoy in Balochistan?s Awaran district. FEB 13 Two personnel of the bomb disposal squad were martyred and 11 others injured in a blast near the Saryab Bridge in Quetta. FEB 13 geo_embedgallery Chief Traffic Officer Syed Ahmed Mobin and Senior Superintendent of Police Zahid Gondal were among at least 14 people martyred in a suicide bombing on Lahore's Mall Road. A suicide bomber exploded himself near the Punjab Assembly when hundreds of people had gathered for a demonstration. The powerful explosion also left over 70 people injured. Title image: Military personnel carry the coffin of a soldier during a funeral ceremony in Peshawar. Photo: AFP

0.2m cases could not be heard due to lawyers? strikes: LHC chief justice

The Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Mansoor Ali Shah while addressing an event on December 31, 2017. Photo: Geo News screen grab 1 LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Mansoor Ali Shah criticised Sunday the frequent strikes by the legal fraternity, and shared that the lawyers should only protest issues they deeply care about. Sharing statistics, he pointed out that 200,0040 additional cases could have been heard if it weren?t for 3,040 strikes by lawyers in 2017. While addressing an event in Lahore, CJ LHC remarked that it makes no sense for lawyers to protest issues which do not relate to Pakistan. Most recently, the legal fraternity boycotted courts following the suicide attack in a church in Quetta, which claimed nine lives. Before, the lawyers had staged a demonstration against US President Donald Trump?s move to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Lawyers in Multan protested for seven consecutive days recently over the shifting of the judicial complex. The protest ended after Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar ruled to reopen the old judicial complex until adequate facilities are ensured in the new complex. During their protest, some lawyers had turned violent and were caught on camera vandalising public property. ?One judge for 62,000 people in Lahore? The LHC CJ lamented the lack of judges in the city and shared that one judge is available for 62,000 people in Lahore. He remarked that Punjab has a total population of 110 million, and a total of 1,731 judges. ?This amounts to one judge per 62,000 people.? On the contrary, in a developed nation such as Germany, there is one judge is per 4,000 people. ?If we have 10,000 judges then we can compete on an international level,? he added. ?Our judges are working on a target of 70,? he said, adding ?Despite facing many challenges, the judges are working with hard work and integrity.? On the tensions between bar members and the judges, he encouraged the bar members to approach him and sort the issue. ?I request them [bar members] to come talk to me, no one needs to misbehave with one another.? He also remarked that there is a need to draw a distinction between getting upset with him and reforming the system. ?If I say I take any action, then it will be a part of disappointment or reforming system,? he asked. ?I don't want to get recommendations asking for the transfer of judges. How can this lead to disappointment?? 'Misperception that courts aren't working' CJ Shah also pointed out that there is a misperception that courts are working. He assured that work is being done. Sharing some statistics, he remarked that three million cases were filed before the court, of which verdicts were given in 2.1 million cases.

میں ویکھاں میرا یار نا ویکھے، جے میں نا ویکھاں تے اوہ ویکھے غلام فریداؒ بوھے

میں ویکھاں میرا یار نا ویکھے، جے میں نا ویکھاں تے اوہ ویکھے غلام فریداؒ بوھے یار دے مریئے اوہ ویکھے یا نا ویکھے

‏اے سال الوداع ‏تجھے جانا مبارک ہو ‏میری زندگی کی کتاب سے ‏ایک اور باب ‏ختم ہوا

‏اے سال الوداع ‏تجھے جانا مبارک ہو ‏میری زندگی کی کتاب سے ‏ایک اور باب ‏ختم ہوا ‏اک نیا ورق الٹ گیا ‏حال کا اک صفحہ ‏ماضی میں پلٹ گیا ‏اس شکستہ دیوار سے ‏ایک اینٹ اور ‏ٹوٹ کر گری ‏مڑ کر نگاہ کروں تو ‏چند آنسو کچھ مسکراہٹیں ‏کچھ اداس لمحے ‏چند کھلکھلاہٹیں ‏بے شمار لپکتی دعائیں

تُو مجھے ڈھونڈ میں تجھے ڈھونڈوں کوئی ہم میں سے رہ گیا ہے کہیں جون ایلیا

تُو مجھے ڈھونڈ میں تجھے ڈھونڈوں کوئی ہم میں سے رہ گیا ہے کہیں جون ایلیا

یہ چاہتوں کہ سلسلے اور بے خودی ذرا_ ذرا__ وہ مختصر سی____ خواہشیں اورعاشقی____

یہ چاہتوں کہ سلسلے اور بے خودی ذرا_ ذرا__ وہ مختصر سی____ خواہشیں اورعاشقی____ذرا ذرا

اتنی خلقت هے ........ جا بجا هر سُو پھر بھی کتنا هے هر بشر ....... تنہا

اتنی خلقت هے ........ جا بجا هر سُو پھر بھی کتنا هے هر بشر ....... تنہا

'Superwoman' Lilly Singh Is Ready To Groove With Will Smith's Son Jaden In A Bollywood Flick

Our Hollywood obsession (most times) may or may not get what we want but Bollywood is surely making one hell of an impact overseas. Don't believe us? Well, believe it when we tell you that Will Smith Jr., Jaden Smith has expressed his keenness on starring in a Bollywood movie! Upon hearing this news, Indian fans were more than happy to oblige and help Jaden fulfil his dream (http://ift.tt/2q8XUEz ) I Wanna Be In A Bollywood Movie 𥠗 Jaden Smith (@officialjaden) 27 December 2017 Love This One Though #DhoomMachale #Jaden http://pic.twitter.com/WH1q0krxTp — No one (@sanmistryious) 28 December 2017 Kat Would Love Jaden In Bollyood Hey Jaden, say hi to Kat ð http://pic.twitter.com/P7jo4fbgJp — No one (@sanmistryious) 28 December 2017 There's Your Dance Move Jaden. Sallu Bhai Would Be Proud http://pic.twitter.com/kCoB5HJ900 — lola 39 (@khalidiot) 27 December 2017 Bollywood has always projected actors as demi-Gods who are larger than life and apart from that, the glitz and the glamour of the industry reaches out to even international movie stars. So if junior Smith wants to shake a leg or two on Bollywood numbers, we'll be nothing but welcoming! (c)Giphy Also, encouraging this remarkable idea is Lilly Singh (from the Superwoman fame on YouTube), who took to Twitter to tell Jaden he needn't worry about a dancing partner anymore! (c)Youtube While Jaden hasn't said anything about taking up her offer, Twitter is really excited for both Jaden being part of Bollywood and Lilly's offer to become his dance partner! If you need a dance partner, I volunteer as tribute ð https://t.co/FJfpuca1kF — Lilly Singh (@IISuperwomanII) 29 December 2017 Yaaaaaaas Superwoman http://pic.twitter.com/ZkS7h56P7U — Rani | Spread1Love ♥ (@teamsuperrussia) 29 December 2017 And Here Are Some Words Of Encouragement For Her Too Seeing you in a Bollywood movie is actually my goal for 2018 — Suri ⨠(@TeamSuperMumbai) 29 December 2017 A High Five From Us Too http://pic.twitter.com/HNXE9A4kZZ — SanyaTeamSuperDelhi (@TeamSuperDelhi) 29 December 2017 Yes Please! PLEASE LET THIS BE A THING — TeamSuperT.Oð (@LilleenF) 29 December 2017 Loving The Support, Aren't You Lilly? http://pic.twitter.com/Xs8M4JhoMx — Ava LeClair (@ava_leclair) 29 December 2017 Here's wishing the two of them luck and a hopeful sight of them dancing together in a well scripted Bollywood movie, super soon!

Milind Soman & His Girlfriend Ankita Are Giving Us Serious Relationship & Fitness Goals

The news of Milind Soman apparently getting hitched to his girlfriend Ankita Konwar has been creating a buzz in town for quite some time now. Well, the news is yet to be confirmed, but we just know that there is no smoke without the fire. Looks like there is still time before the wedding bells ring, but for these love birds the constitution of marriage isn't as important as their need to display their love and affection to the whole world. Love is a beautiful feeling and you don't always need a ceremony to bind that equation. One look at Milind Soman and you just know that the man is living every bit of this amazing relation with his lady love. And believe it or not, the two just make you adore the vibe of being in LOVE! @earthy_5 and me not running ! :) A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) on Dec 1, 2017 at 5:43am PST Milind and Ankita are having the time of their life and judgmental people who can't stop looking for reasons to criticise them, can take some running lessons and have a fresh start! A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) on Nov 24, 2017 at 2:28am PST Running along the shore.......what a wonderful way to kick-start your day! One day in South Goa ... pre christmas 10k with @earthy_5 #Varca #KeepMoving A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) on Dec 23, 2017 at 12:55am PST Making our heart go warm and fuzzy! (c) Instagram (c) Instragram Because who doesn't like twinning? Twinning with @earthy_5 on the way to start the #LastLongRun from #Una2Dharamsala #130km #PartiesWeLike #fitterin2018 #KeepMoving #Live2Inspire A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) on Dec 28, 2017 at 5:10am PST Iron man rocking it with Ankita. Anyone who can do that? Pushups with @earthy_5 :) could do only 4! #goal20 one day to #LastLongRun #Una2Dharamsala A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning) on Dec 29, 2017 at 1:59am PST A couple that is truly in love and we just can't help but admire the two.

Sydney extravaganza to kick off global 2018 parties

Crowds gather at Circular Quay ahead of the New Year´s Eve fireworks display in Sydney-AFP SYDNEY: Australia´s largest city Sydney will welcome 2018 with a rainbow-themed fireworks spectacular marking new same-*** marriage rights Sunday, with heavy security for festivities that kick off a wave of celebrations around the world. The first major New Year´s bash will see more than 1.5 million spectators pack the city´s foreshore as tonnes of pyrotechnics light up the night sky. The technicolour display will include a rainbow waterfall of fireworks cascading off the Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark Australia´s legalisation of same-*** marriage following a nationwide postal vote in support of change. "This is a fabulous way to see out 2017 -- the year that four out of five Sydneysiders said a resounding ´Yes´ to marriage equality," Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. Hollywood heartthrob Hugh Jackman will add star power with a 20-second gold-and-silver pyrotechnics set, fulfilling a life-long dream to design a firework for his hometown. Around the world The chimes of midnight then move across the world to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and finally the Americas. Dazzling light shows will bid farewell to 2017. - Hong Kong: "Shooting stars" to be fired off from the rooftops of buildings in a 10-minute musical firework display - Singapore: More landmarks are included in the countdown party, with a symphony of light and sound illuminating the waterfront skyline - Tokyo: People traditionally spend the eve with their families at home, while many young people head downtown for countdown events - Dubai: The city is replacing its main midnight fireworks with a laser show on the world´s tallest tower, accompanied by music - Moscow: Major boulevards and squares will be decked out to welcome the new year, with fireworks to light up 36 key sites - Rio: Millions will gather on Copacabana beach to watch fireworks, with many wearing white, the traditional dress to usher in the new year Toughest security in years Stricter security measures will be a key focus amid fears that the huge crowds in public places could be targets for vehicle and other terror attacks. In Australia, the beefed-up police presence will include some officers carrying semi-automatic rifles in Sydney and bollards used as barriers against vehicles. The heightened measures come just a week after more than a dozen people were hurt when a man ploughed a car into a crowd of pedestrians in Melbourne. "You´re going to see more police than ever out, it will be our largest contingent... (given) the current security environment," Victoria state police acting chief commissioner Shane Patton said. Other cities are also preparing for possible threats following deadly vehicle assaults over the past two years in Barcelona, Nice and London. New York´s Times Square celebrations will be safeguarded by the toughest security presence in years, after two recent attacks apparently inspired by Daesh. Daesh´s defeat in Iraq was one of the key stories this year, although the extremists remain a threat and numerous attacks around the world were claimed by them or Al-Qaeda -linked groups. Donald Trump has stolen the spotlight as he made his debut as US President in 2017, with "America first" policies and a bombastic personal style that has shaken international diplomacy. The former reality television star is likely to continue to dominate headlines in 2018, with escalating tensions over North Korea among a host of global challenges going into the new year.

Freezing temperature turns Niagara Falls into winter wonderland

Visitors take photos at Niagara Falls as water freezed in mid-air on the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. Photo: AP 2 While Canadians pride themselves on living in cold weather, but the latest cold spell has proven too much even for them. Due to the sub-zero temperatures, the country?s biggest tourist attraction, Niagara Falls, has turned into ice. Here are some pictures of the frozen Niagara Falls: Temperatures almost reached -58 F (-50 C) in two central Canadian cities, Regina and Winnipeg. The "Canada 150" ice hockey tournament has been moved indoors from an outdoor rink in front of Parliament. Environment Canada on Friday maintained its extreme cold warning for six of the country´s 10 provinces, including British Columbia in the far west, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, as well as the Yukon territory in the northwest. "We invite all Canadians and visitors to consider the extreme weather conditions and to dress warmly and prepare accordingly to prevent frostbite and other injuries," the ministry said.

Twitter Is Confirmed There Is Nothing 'Rajini-Kanth Do' After He Announces His Entry In Politics

After months of speculations and debates, Superstar Rajinikanth has finally made the much-awaited declaration that he will be entering politics. "I will come into politics, I will do my duty," said Thalaiva and that statement was enough to create a thrill across the nation on a Sunday. His followers have been wishing and praying for this day and finally, it has come! He could not have given a better New Year present to his admirers. (c) Twitter Since the announcement, the fans can't keep calm. Such is his craze that #Rajnikanthpoliticalentry has been the top trend today. This news was nothing short of colossal and Twitter just lost it as soon as the news broke. While everyone is excited, we just can't wait to see some Thalaiva- style Assembly meetings because there is nothing that 'Rajini Kant' do! Check out some of the best tweets on the Ultimate Boss's announcement: Top 4 Twitter Trends of India: 1) #RajnikanthPoliticalEntry 2) #Superstar 3) #ThalaivarPoliticalEntry 4) #RajniForTamilNadu It tells when Rajinikanth sir fights elections, elections will lose ! what a legend — Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) December 31, 2017 It's great to hear that thalivar is coming to Indian politics expecting a good development from thaliva to Tamil Nadu state.. Kudous @superstarrajini #RajnikanthPoliticalEntry — Sharath SN (@veepee47) December 31, 2017 #PoesGarden will continue to be the power centre of the state! #Thalaivar — Nikilesh Surya (@NikileshSurya) December 31, 2017 The Election is going to win #Rajnikanth this time.#RajniForTamilNadu#Rajnikanthpoliticalentry — Metalheadð¤Akash®ï¸ (@metalheadAkash) December 31, 2017 A sea change #Rajnikanthpoliticalentry is @superstarrajini 1) Invoking God (Hindu God) 2) Spiritualism 3) Nationalism All the very best Sir — Suresh N (@surnell) December 31, 2017 #Rajinikanthpoliticalentry #SuperStar #Thalaivar Thalaiva Aala re Aala... Apni Kursi Sambhal Baaqi Politics walað — Kunal Mehta (@kunalmehta_mkv) December 31, 2017 Rajnikanth will fight election on 234 seats in Tamil nadu.. and he will win all 543 seats... #Rajnikanthpoliticalentry — Arslan (@arsalanreza) December 31, 2017 Rajnikanth will become Prime Minister Of Earth in 2018. #Rajnikanthpoliticalentry — Kachra Peti (@kachra_peti) December 31, 2017 First time in history top 4 trends taken by #Thalaivar they don't call him god for nothing! #Respect http://pic.twitter.com/VmA9DUo7pN — Saahil Krishnani (@saahilkrishnani) December 31, 2017 Time to recall the #SuperStar Challenge when #RajnikanthPoliticalEntry announcement is making headlines.no doubts to be welcome democrasy. — official of shenil (@Shenilkhan1) December 31, 2017 Rajnikanth: I want people to join my political movement. Me: you need not tell dude, they already ready to die for you..#RajnikanthPoliticalEntry — Monil (@MonilKhatri) December 31, 2017 The era of robots ð¤ #Rajnikanthpoliticalentry — Dr. Gill (@ikpsgill1) December 31, 2017 #Rajinikanthpoliticalentry Okay, my vote for #Thalaivar — Ramesh T (@hereiam_hi) December 31, 2017 #Rajinikanthpoliticalentry Okay, my vote for #Thalaivar — Ramesh T (@hereiam_hi) December 31, 2017 A man with million awesomeness - #SuperStarRajinikanth m/ - #RajiniBiggestSuperstarOfIndia#RajinikanthPoliticalEntry#ThalaivarPoliticalEntry#RajinikanthNewParty http://pic.twitter.com/MuqqyOFT3O — Rajinikanth fans (@Rajni_FC) December 31, 2017 Now isn't that a pretty powerful and interesting turn in the nations' political scenario? Let us know what you think!

Bigg Boss 11: Wondering How Luv Tyagi Is Still In The Game? This Incredible Rally Is The Answer

While everyone kept criticising him and thought that by this time he would be out of the 'Bigg Boss' house, Luv Tyagi went on to prove everyone wrong changing the whole climax of the game. With just couple of weeks left, Luv, a commoner who entered the house with four padosis is literally giving all the celebrity contestants' sleepless nights. Who would have thought that he would be the chosen one and Priyank Sharma who is quite popular among the millennials would have been evicted from the house? From being called a loser, Hina Khan's pawn to 'bail-buddhi', this underdog is turning the game, scaring many strong contestants. Be it mastermind Vikas Gupta, Hina Khan or Shilpa Shinde, everyone has been stunned with the way Luv has come so far in the game. Well, it's not just them but even viewers are in dubiety of the manner in which he garnering such a huge amount of support. Wonder who is voting for him? Then this rally is the answer to all your questions. One will be surprised to see the way rallies are being organised by Luv's family to save him. If you think we are kidding, take a look at these videos and we bet you will be left dumbstruck as well. भाà¤à¤¯à¥à¤ à¤à¤ वà¥à¤à¤¿à¤à¤ à¤à¤¾ à¤à¤à¤¤à¤¿à¤® दिन हà¥, à¤à¤¾à¤¨ लà¤à¤¾ दॠसब। मà¥à¤¬à¤¾à¤à¤² à¤à¥à¤¨ à¤à¥à¤¨ à¤à¤° वà¥à¤à¤¿à¤à¤ à¤à¤°à¥ दà¥à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥ à¤à¥ मà¥à¤¬à¤¾à¤à¤² सà¥ðA genuine Gentleman Tyagi⤠Vote for luv Tyagi now on voot app ð #luvtyagi #Luvtyagi #bigboss11 #tyagi @tyagiyo A post shared by Tyagiyo Ke लाडलॠbalak (@tyagiyo) on Dec 27, 2017 at 7:35pm PST Luv Tyagi luv Tyagi har jagh bhai ke charche â¤The commenor is loved by the whole Indiaâ¤ðª Keep supporting luv Tyagi â Genuine contestant â Tyagi land Village Makanpur ðª #luvtyagi #bb11 #tyagi #tyagiji @ A post shared by Tyagiyo Ke लाडलॠbalak (@tyagiyo) on Dec 30, 2017 at 1:00am PST धनà¥à¤¯à¤µà¤¾à¤¦ दà¥à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥! भाठà¤à¥ à¤à¤¸ बार सबसॠà¤à¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ पसà¤à¤¦ à¤à¤°à¤¨à¥ à¤à¤° à¤à¤¤à¤¨à¥ हॠà¤à¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ वà¥à¤ à¤à¤°à¤¨à¥ à¤à¥ लिà¤à¥¤ ðâï¸ #luvtyagi #bb11 #tyagi #tyagiyo #bigboss @tyagiyo A post shared by Tyagiyo Ke लाडलॠbalak (@tyagiyo) on Dec 29, 2017 at 12:19am PST Just look at the appeal for votes being done! You would think this is political. Huge rally on Support of tyagi boy luv Tyagi Pls vote for luv Tyagi now on voot app and make a commenor win big boss 11⤠#luvtyagi #bb11 #tyagi #brahman #tyagiji #manveergurjar A post shared by Tyagiyo Ke लाडलॠbalak (@tyagiyo) on Dec 27, 2017 at 6:01pm PST Tyagi Tyagi luv tyagi â¤ðª Vote for agenuine guy luv Tyagi â¤â #luvtyagi #bb11 #brahman #tyagi #tyagiyo @tyagiyo A post shared by Tyagiyo Ke लाडलॠbalak (@tyagiyo) on Dec 27, 2017 at 6:36am PST Luv hails from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh and resides in Gurugram. But the vote appeals are taking place even in nearby states like Bihar. People from the Bhumihar and Gujjar communities are doing their bit in supporting him. धनà¥à¤¯à¤µà¤¾à¤¦ दà¥à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥! भाठà¤à¥ à¤à¤¸ बार सबसॠà¤à¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ पसà¤à¤¦ à¤à¤°à¤¨à¥ à¤à¤° à¤à¤¤à¤¨à¥ हॠà¤à¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤¦à¤¾ वà¥à¤ à¤à¤°à¤¨à¥ à¤à¥ लिà¤à¥¤ ðâï¸ #luvtyagi #bb11 #tyagi #tyagiyo #bigboss @tyagiyo A post shared by Tyagiyo Ke लाडलॠbalak (@tyagiyo) on Dec 29, 2017 at 12:19am PST लव तà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤à¥ à¤à¤¸ हफतॠnominate हॠà¤à¤¬ à¤à¥à¤° लà¤à¤¾à¤¦à¥ .Voot app पर वà¥à¤ à¤à¤°à¥ सबसॠवà¥à¤ à¤à¤°à¤µà¤¾à¤.à¤à¤¿à¤¤à¤¨à¥ लà¥à¤à¥à¤ à¤à¥ à¤à¤¾à¤¨à¤¤à¥ हॠसबसॠलव तà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤à¥ à¤à¥ लिठवà¥à¤ à¤à¤°à¤µà¤¾à¤. à¤à¤ दिल à¤à¥ सà¤à¥à¤à¥ à¤à¤à¤¸à¤¾à¤¨ à¤à¥ à¤à¥à¤¤à¤¾à¤ . वà¥à¤ फà¥à¤° लव तà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤à¥ #tyagi #tyagiyo #bb11 #bigboss #tyagiji #36biradri #bhaichara #gujjar #jaat #tyagig A post shared by Tyagiyo Ke लाडलॠbalak (@tyagiyo) on Dec 19, 2017 at 3:23am PST Ab zor lagana hai luv luvTyagi ki jitana haiâ¤ð Aisa moka Baar Baar nahi milta nominate hote hi vote kro or krvao ð Tyagi in big boss11 #tyagi #tyagis #tyagiyo #luvtyagi #tyagitude A post shared by Tyagiyo Ke लाडलॠbalak (@tyagiyo) on Nov 24, 2017 at 12:24am PST Boy now that is totally something! Looking at this, all we can say is that Luv has an alarmingly massive fan following outside the house. In Arshi Khan's famous words, “Awam sab dekhti hai” and it looks like people are totally in love with the commoner. Let us know what you think about this.

United Nations secretary general issues 'red alert' as 2018 approaches

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged for the need of global unity in his message on New Year. Photo: file United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged for the need of global unity in his message on New Year. The secretary-general shared: ?When I took office one year ago, I appealed for 2017 to be a year for peace. Unfortunately ? in fundamental ways, the world has gone in reverse. On New Year?s Day 2018, I am not issuing an appeal. I am issuing an alert -- a red alert for our world.? He further said, ?Conflicts have deepened and new dangers have emerged. Global anxieties about nuclear weapons are the highest since the Cold War. Climate change is moving faster than we are. Inequalities are growing. We see horrific violations of human rights. Nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise.? The only way to counter these challenges is to work together, he stressed. ?As we begin 2018, I call for unity,? he said, adding ?I truly believe we can make our world more safe and secure. We can settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values. But we can only do that.? together. ?I urge leaders everywhere to make this New Year?s resolution: Narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals. Unity is the path. Our future depends on it.? Towards the end, the secretary-general added, ? I wish you peace and health in 2018. Thank you. Shokran. Xie Xie. Merci. Spasiba. Gracias. Obrigado.?

January 1 marks mass birthday in Afghanistan

In the absence of birth certificates or official records, many Afghans have long used the seasons or historical events to help determine their age KABUL: January 1 is Samad Alawi´s birthday. It´s also the birthday of his wife, his two sons, 32 of his friends and thousands of other Afghans -- a date chosen for convenience by a generation who do not know when they were born. In the absence of birth certificates or official records, many Afghans have long used the seasons or historical events to help determine their age. But the explosion of social media networks such as Facebook, which require users to register their birthday, and the growing demand for passports and visas have forced Afghans to pick a day -- any day. January 1 has become a common choice, although the date is more about practicality than parties. "It seemed all Afghans had birthdays on January 1," Samad Alawi, who is 43, said. Even those who know their real birth date often choose January 1 because they do not want the hassle of converting their birthday from the Solar Hijri, an Islamic calendar used only in Afghanistan and Iran. The first day of the year in Hijri usually corresponds to March 21. "When I first created my Facebook account in 2014 it was just easier to choose January 1 as my birthday from the drop down list," Alawi told AFP. "The internet was also slow and it was difficult to convert the date to a Western calendar." Even the official identity card, or Tazkira, held by most Afghans offers little official clarity, with a person´s age "determined based on physical appearance". "My Tazkira says I was three years old in 1365 in the Hijri calendar (1986). That is the year my Tazkira was issued," Abdul Hadi, who is now 34, told AFP. "There is no blank space for a date of birth in an Afghan Tazkira. How can you remember your date of birth if you don´t have one on the record?" Authorities are trying to change that. In recent years Afghan hospitals in major cities have started issuing newborn babies with birth certificates -- something previous generations lack. The government also plans to issue e-Tazkiras, or computerised national ID cards, to Afghans which would include their date of birth, if it is known. But the process has been stalled for years by political and technical problems. In the absence of official records, some educated parents resort to recording their children´s birthdays on slips of paper which are often kept in a copy of the Koran. "I hope one day all Afghans have their proper date of births so that social media doesn´t have to tell them how old they are," Alawi said

CM Punjab takes notice of influenza cases in Multan

MULTAN: Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif took notice of the spread of influenza in the province Sunday morning, a day after four people died of the viral illness in Multan. Shehbaz directed relevant authorities to take all possible measures for the prevention of influenza and advised them to organise awareness campaign regarding the illness. Moreover, the Punjab health department informed that as many as 18 people have been diagnosed with influenza in Punjab. Influenza has claimed eight lives so far, it added. Seasonal influenza claims four lives in Multan At least 22 people have been diagnosed with the disease that has claimed eight lives in December On Saturday, four people in Multan died after contracting seasonal influenza. Statistics released by the Health Department for the month of December state that over 35 patients at the Nishtar Hospital were diagnosed with symptoms that include influenza, cough, joint pain, running nose, vomiting, and fever. Patients who died after contracting seasonal influenza were already suffering from another disease, said the Spokesperson of the Health Department in Multan Dr Atta-ur-Rehman. Seasonal influenza can spread through contact with the bacteria discharged by an infected person's coughing and sneezing. Pregnant women, senior citizens, and children are susceptible to the disease.

Indian superstar Rajinikanth enters politics after decades of speculation

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday announced his decision to float a political party. PTI file photo NEW DELHI: A big star of India?s Tamil-language movies, Rajinikanth, said on Sunday he is launching a political party, adding drama to a heated political scene in a state with a history of film stars becoming chief ministers. Tamil Nadu, which accounts for the bulk of India?s automobile exports, has been in political limbo since the death of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in December 2016. Jayalalithaa was a popular actress before joining politics. Rajinikanth, called the ?superstar? by his fans, enters the political scene at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s party is looking to make inroads into the southern state that?s been ruled by two south Indian parties for decades. Over the past five decades, Tamil Nadu has chosen between the two Dravidian parties, both of which claim anti-caste social justice and secularism as their core ideology. Modi?s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not win a seat in Tamil Nadu?s 2016 elections. The next state election is due in 2021. ?I?ll push for spiritual politics without caste or religious leanings,? Rajinikanth said. ?If I come to power and am not able to deliver in three years, I?ll resign. Democracy is in a state of distress in the state.? In Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth often plays larger-than-life characters that project him as a saviour of the masses. The actor, who has been in a few Hindi movies, has created a frenzy among fans ahead of every release. But opponents say politics would be different. Subramanian Swamy, a BJP leader, dismissed Rajinikanth?s plunge into politics as ?media hype?. Tamil Nadu, a state of more than 70 million people, is sometimes called the ?Detroit of Asia?. It is home to factories of companies including BMW, Daimler, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and Renault.

Pak-India NSAs met in Bangkok on Dec 26: report

Lt Gen Janjua (left) and Ajit Doval. Photo: File Pakistan's National Security Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua held a secret meeting with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval on December 26, according to a report in the Indian media. The Sunday Express reported that the December 26 meeting between Doval and Janjua took place at a ?neutral venue? in Bangkok. The report, quoting sources, stated that the date and venue of the meeting were pre-planned. Pakistani officials are yet to comment, officially or anonymously, on the meeting. The last time the two NSAs met, in December 2015 in Bangkok, the incident was followed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s surprise stop-over in Lahore to attend then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's granddaughter's wedding. National Security Advisor Nasser Janjua calls on Nawaz Sharif in Lahore Matters pertaining to national security discussed in the meeting, sources say On December 28, Janjua held a five-hour long meeting with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif at his Jati Umra residence. Sources said matters of national security were discussed during the meeting. Earlier, on December 18, at a seminar in Islamabad, Janjua had said the United States is following the Indian policy on the longstanding Kashmir dispute. He had said further that the US has given India a role in Afghanistan?s political process, giving New Delhi priority over Islamabad. The Indian media report stated that the latest meeting, said to have lasted over two hours, saw a discussion on the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. Former ISI chief stresses open dialogue on national security National security policy is no more the domain of the political leadership or the security establishment only, says Islam The Pakistan Army, in a recent press conference, said India increased its ceasefire violations across the LoC in 2017. ?52 civilians were martyred and 254 injured [in the 1,813 violations],? army spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor had said.

Lodhran by-poll: Ali Tareen summoned on Jan 4 for scrutiny of papers

PTI's candidate for NA-154, Ali Tareen, submits his nomination papers. Photo: Geo News LODHRAN: The returning officer (RO) for NA-154 has issued summons to candidates of the Feb 12 by-election for scrutiny of their nomination papers. According to details, a total of 14 candidates are contesting the by-poll, being held after the Supreme Court-ordered disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Jahangir Tareen. Officials of the Election Commission of Pakistan said that Shafique Arain, Sajid Inam, Nafeez Ahmed and Mirza Ali Beg?s nomination papers have already been approved. The RO said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's candidate Ameer Baloch has been summoned on January 3 and Ali on Jan 4. The RO added that the scrutiny will conclude on Jan 5 after which objections against nomination papers can be filed until Jan 9. Ali, the son of Jahangir Tareen, submitted his nomination papers on Thursday. Jahangir Tareen's son submits nomination papers for NA-154 Ali Tareen will be contesting on Feb 12 against the son of his father's electoral rival, Siddique Baloch, in the Lodhran by-poll Jahangir, formerly the PTI's general secretary, lost his seat earlier this month when he was disqualified by the Supreme Court for not being 'honest' and 'truthful' as per Article 62 (1) (f) of the Constitution. Ali, a foreign-educated businessman, entrepreneur and social worker based in Lahore and Lodhran, posted on Twitter on Thursday that becoming an MNA was never part of his plan but he made the decision following the "request" of the people of Lodhran. Interestingly, Ali's main contender will be Ameer, whose father, Siddique Baloch, is Jahangir Tareen's main rival in the constituency. In the May 2013 general elections, Siddique defeated Jahangir in NA-154 by a margin of 10,000 votes. However, Siddique was disqualified in August 2015 for possessing a fake degree and Jahangir then bagged the seat after defeating Siddique, who was later allowed to contest the by-poll, with a margin of around 35,000 votes.

Anderson wins Abu Dhabi exhibition event

ABU DHABI: Kevin Anderson won the 10th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship on Saturday, joining a roll of honour that includes Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray as its only previous winners. The South African world number 14 was in imperious form once again, beating Spain´s world number 20 Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 7-6 (7/0) in the final. Anderson played three matches in the six-man exhibition tournament and won all of them in straight sets, including wins against two players ranked higher than him -- world number five Dominic Thiem and number 10 Pablo Carreno Busta. "It feels great to win a tournament that has been played for 10 years and has such great champions in the past," said Anderson, who heads to Pune in India for the Maharashtra Open before flying down to Melbourne for the Australian Open. "I am very happy with the way I played and I am very excited about the next few weeks and obviously, the rest of 2018. "I have set big goals for myself and this is a good start towards that. I can definitely take the confidence from here to my next few tournaments. "I worked very hard during the pre-season and it was good to put that to test here. I was very pleased with the way I served and with my movements on the court." The 31-year-old Anderson, who had lost to Bautista Agut in their only previous head-to-head, started strongly by breaking the 29-year-old Spaniard in the opening game. He then held on to his extremely reliable service to close the first set in 37 minutes. The second set was closely contested for just over an hour, with Bautista Agut showing real intention by breaking Anderson in the second game to go 2-0 up. However, the 2017 US Open runner-up broke right back and the set went with serve thereafter. In the tie-breaker, Anderson just proved too strong and closed it without losing a point. Bautista Agut, who had beaten Andy Murray in a one-set match on Friday after would-be opponent Novak Djokovic withdrew injured, said: "I am happy with the way I played my three matches and I am very happy with the tournament, but Kevin served very well today and played very aggressive."

Iran blocks internet on third night of protests

Iranians chant slogans in support of the regime as they march towards the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran on December 30, 2017. Photo: AFP TEHRAN: Demonstrators attacked a town hall in the Iranian capital Saturday as protests spilled into a third night despite government warnings against any further "illegal gatherings" and moves to cut off the internet on mobiles. Unverified videos on social media appeared to show thousands marching through the western cities of Khorramabad, Zanjan and Ahvaz, while reports spread rapidly that several people had been shot dead by police in the town of Dorud. A swirl of wild rumours, combined with travel restrictions and a near-total media blackout from official agencies, made it difficult to confirm the reports. The authorities appeared to respond by cutting internet access to mobile phones, with the main networks interrupted at least in Tehran shortly before midnight, AFP reporters said. Several Iranian news agencies warned Telegram, the most popular social media service in the country, might soon be shut down after communications minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi accused one popular channel, Amadnews, of encouraging an "armed uprising". Meanwhile, the conservative Mehr news agency posted videos of protesters attacking a town hall in central Tehran, overturning a police car and burning the Iranian flag. There was chaos earlier around the capital´s university as hundreds took to the streets, blocking traffic and shouting slogans against the regime. But the authorities could also count on a show of strength, with hundreds of counter-demonstrators seizing control of the university entrance, chanting "Death to the seditionists". The authorities were also fortunate that annual rallies marking the defeat of the last major protest movement in 2009 had already been scheduled for Saturday morning and brought thousands of regime supporters to the streets across the country. "We urge all those who receive these calls to protest not to participate in these illegal gatherings as they will create problems for themselves and other citizens," said Interior Minister Abdolrahman Rahmani Fazli. 'A new plot' The protests began in the second city of Mashhad on Thursday as an attack on high living costs but quickly turned against the Islamic regime as a whole. There were even chants in favour of the monarchy toppled by the revolution of 1979, while others criticised the regime for supporting the Palestinians and other regional movements rather than focusing on problems at home. State news channel IRINN said it had been banned from covering the protests that spread to towns and cities including Qom and Kermanshah. "The enemy wants once again to create a new plot and use social media and economic issues to foment a new sedition," Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, a prominent cleric, told a crowd in Tehran, according to the conservative Fars news agency. Other officials also pointed the blame outside Iran. "Although people have a right to protest, protesters must know how they are being directed," Massoumeh Ebtekar, vice president in charge of women´s affairs, wrote on Twitter. She posted images from Twitter accounts based in the United States and Saudi Arabia, voicing support for the Mashhad protests. US President Donald Trump tweeted later that Iran´s people wanted change and "oppressive regimes cannot endure forever". 'Serious challenges' But officials in Iran warned against dismissing the public anger seen in recent days. "The country is facing serious challenges with unemployment, high prices, corruption, lack of water, social gap, unbalanced distribution of budget," tweeted Hesamoddin Ashena, cultural adviser to President Hassan Rouhani. "People have the right for their voice to be heard." There has been particular anger at welfare cuts and fuel price increases in the latest budget announced earlier this month. Since the 2009 protests were ruthlessly put down by the Revolutionary Guards, many middle-class Iranians have abandoned hope of pressing for change from the streets. But low-level strikes and demonstrations have continued, often on a sector-by-sector basis as bus drivers or teachers or workers from specific factories protest against unpaid wages or poor conditions. Some of this week´s protests were directed against financial scandals linked to unauthorised lending institutions which collapsed with the loss of hundreds of thousands of accounts. Payam Parhiz, editor-in-chief of reformist media network Nazar that broke the news of the Mashhad protests, said they were more focused on the economy than those in 2009, which were sparked by allegations of election-rigging. "Then, they were middle-class and their slogans went beyond economic matters to things like cultural liberties," he told AFP. "Today, the concerns are economic. There are people who have lost their life savings. They will protest until their problems are resolved." Since taking power in 2013, Rouhani has sought to clean up the banking sector and kickstart the economy, but many say progress has been too slow. Aware that economic problems can quickly spiral into political chaos, officials from across the political spectrum have called for greater efforts to tackle poverty and the 12 percent unemployment rate. "Solving people´s economic problems is the chief priority in the country," tweeted Ebrahim Raisi, the hardline cleric defeated by Rouhani in May´s presidential election.

Serena says good to be back, despite loss to Ostapenko in Abu Dhabi

Serena Williams of the US serves during her Women's singles third round match against Nicole Gibbs of the US during the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, January 21, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Reed/Files Serena Williams was pleased to get back on the court despite losing what was her first match in almost a year ? against Jelena Ostapenko ? at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. It was Williams? first outing since winning her 23rd grand slam singles title at the Australian Open in January, while pregnant, before taking time out to have the baby. But she failed to fully rediscover her rhythm and quickly dropped the first set 6-2 to the Latvian Ostapenko, the French Open champion. The 36-year-old American roared back to win the second set 6-3 before losing the decisive tiebreak 10-5 in the exhibition match. Williams admitted her mind wandered to Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. ? her child ? during the match. ?Motherhood is phenomenal. "I was a little worried out there and I looked at my camp and I was like ?Is Olympia ok?'. But it?s really good,? she said in her on-court interview. ?I?m excited, it?s good to be back on the court. This was such a good time for me. ?It?s my first time playing in Abu Dhabi so thank you guys for the support. First matches back are always super incredibly hard, especially after having a baby but it was great, I?m glad I could do it here.? Williams has registered for the Australian Open, which begins on January 15 at Melbourne Park.

India's censors clear Padmavati, objectors vow to continue protests

A worker tapes a message in support of the release of the upcoming Bollywood film "Padmavati" on its poster at a cinema hall in Kolkata, India, November 28, 2017. REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri/Files MUMBAI: India?s censors cleared on Saturday the controversial, Viacom Inc-backed film Padmavati that looks into the relationship of a Hindu queen and a Muslim ruler, after suggesting some modifications. The Bollywood film ? which was slated to be released on December 1 ? was indefinitely postponed by a studio run by a partnership of Viacom and Network 18 owned by Mumbai?s Reliance Industries. That followed a row over its historical content, in states such as Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Members of hardline Hindu fringe groups ? as well as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ? had criticized Padmavati, accusing its director of distorting history by showing Muslim ruler Alauddin Khilji as the ?lover? of Queen Padmavati, belonging to the Rajput Hindu warrior clan. ?This was an unprecedented and tough situation,? Prasoon Joshi ? the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) ? said in an email. Joshi said he was ?glad that following a balanced approach, we resolved the task at hand in a pragmatic and positive manner?. The board asked that the name of the film be changed to Padmavat to reflect that the source material was an epic poem of the same name and not from actual historical events, Joshi said. He added that the producers and director had been asked to run a disclaimer saying the movie does not ?claim historical accuracy?, and that they were ?completely in agreement? with the suggestions. Viacom18 Motion Pictures ? the studio behind the movie ? did not respond to a request for comment. It earlier said the film captured ?Rajput valour, dignity and tradition in all its glory?. The film stars popular actress Deepika Padukone, who was the target of Rajput groups who were against its release. A BJP politician was ordered to apologize publicly by his party after he offered a reward for anyone who beheaded Padukone for her portrayal of Queen Padmavati. Despite the suggested modifications by a special committee, a group ? that says it represents the Rajputs ? vowed Saturday to keep protesting against the movie. ?We had given a whole list of objections regarding the movie,? Ajit Singh ? the president of Rajput Karni Sena ? told Reuters. ?The decision has been taken in haste and only a few cuts to the movie will not do justice to the history and legend of the person. "We will continue our protests.?

Macron to raise human rights issues with Erdogan

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speak ahead of a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels, Belgium, May 25, 2017. REUTERS/Eric Feferberg/Pool/Files PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron will raise human rights issues with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan when they meet next Friday, the Elysee said on Saturday. Erdogan's visit to France comes as he faces widespread criticism over a far-reaching crackdown against opponents linked to last year's failed coup attempt ? which has seen the arrest of opposition politicians, journalists and activists ? and led to accusations of human rights abuses. The meeting "will be an opportunity to discuss issues related to bilateral relations between our two countries, as well as regional issues including a particular focus on the Syria issue? but also the on the Palestinian issue," said the Elysee, adding that "the issue of human rights" would be discussed. Earlier, on Saturday, Erdogan announced he would travel to France to discuss bilateral relations in a televised speech to members of his ruling AKP party. After a year of particularly strained ties with European countries, Erdogan has recently expressed hope for a better relationship with the EU, telling Turkish journalists on Thursday, "I always say this. We must reduce the number of enemies and increase the number of friends." Erdogan launched a huge purge of state institutions after the attempted coup in July 2016; more than 55,000 people have been arrested since then and human rights groups have regularly reported accusations of torture and abuse. Loup Bureau ? a French journalist who was detained in a Turkish prison for more than seven weeks on "terror" charges ? returned to France in September after Macron appealed to Erdogan for his release. Also in September, Macron ? in an interview with Greek daily Kathimerini ? said "Turkey has objectively moved away from the European Union in recent months, with disturbing drifts that can not remain without consequence".

Trump on Iran: 'Oppressive regimes cannot last forever'

US President Donald Trump walks with US Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Gene Gibson ? the commanding officer of the Lake Worth Inlet Station ? during an invitation for Coast Guard service members to play golf at Trump International Golf Course in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, US, December 29, 2017. AFP/Nicholas Kamm WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump weighed in on protests in Iran Saturday, warning that the country's people want change and "oppressive regimes cannot endure forever." Trump posted on Twitter two clips of his speech to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in September, wherein he took aim at the Iranian regime, which Washington has held out as its top adversary in the Middle East. "Oppressive regimes cannot endure forever, and the day will come when the Iranian people will face a choice," he tweeted, quoting from the speech. "The world is watching!" Trump's posts ? his second time addressing the subject in as many days ? came as several hundred anti-government demonstrators clashed with police at the University of Tehran in a third straight day of protests. Hundreds of counter-protesters also massed outside the entrance to the university, chanting "Death to the seditionists" in a show of support for the regime. Videos shared by social media users outside Iran but which could not be independently verified claimed to show thousands marching peacefully against the regime in several cities including Khorramabad, Zanjan, and Ahvaz, with chants of "Death to the dictator!" "The entire world understands that the good people of Iran want change, and, other than the vast military power of the United States, that Iran's people are what their leaders fear the most," Trump said, again quoting from the UN speech. Trump also tweeted in support of the protesters late Friday, prompting Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahran Ghasemi to dismiss his remarks as "opportunistic."

Putin calls for 'pragmatic cooperation' in New Year wishes to Trump

LEFT: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a state awards ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, December 28, 2017. Sputnik/Alexei Druzhinin/Kremlin via REUTERS; RIGHT: US President Donald Trump plays host to members of the US Coast Guard he invited to play golf at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, US, December 29, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin called for "pragmatic cooperation" in his New Year wishes to US President Donald Trump, the Kremlin said on Saturday. In a statement on the Russian president's New Year wishes to world leaders, the Kremlin said Putin told Trump that "a constructive Russian-American dialogue is especially needed to strengthen strategic stability in the world". According to the statement, Putin said that "mutual respect" should be "a base to develop relations" between the two countries. "This would allow us to move towards building pragmatic cooperation, orientated on the long term," the statement quoted Putin as saying. The Russian president also sent messages to other heads of state, including the leaders of former Soviet countries, France's Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Angela Merkel, and Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad. In his wishes to the Syrian leader, with whom he met during a surprise visit to Russia's Syrian air base Hmeimim earlier this month, Putin "expressed sincere hope that key changes for the better will continue in Syria in the new year". The statement added that Putin told Assad "Russia will continue to show all kind of support to the Syrian Arab Republic in order to protect its state sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity". Russia became involved in the Syrian conflict in September 2015, when it began an aerial campaign in support of Assad's military. Putin ordered a partial withdrawal of the Russian army from Syria earlier this month. On ordering the partial withdrawal, Putin praised his country's armed forces for having "brilliantly accomplished" their mission which saw Syrian government forces make major gains from extremists and assorted anti-regime rebel groups. Russia does retain a military presence in Syria, however, through its naval base at Tartus, whose expansion Moscow agreed earlier this month, as well as Hmeimim, where Russian singers performed a New Year variety show Saturday. Moscow hopes to host government and rebel group representatives at the end of January in the Black Sea resort of Sochi to push both sides closer to a political settlement of a seven-year conflict which has cost more than 340,000 lives and displaced millions more.