Infostarr

William Shakespeare, the name synonymous with theatrical brilliance, has surprisingly faced questions about his own role in creating his iconic works. While most accept him as the author, a persistent debate continues – did the man from Stratford truly write Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and the rest of his literANN(Asian News Network) wonders?

The doubters, known as “anti-Stratfordians,” point to Shakespeare’s provincial background and apparent lack of a documented education as evidence that he couldn’t have penned works brimming with such depth and knowledge. They also highlight the scarcity of personal writings from the Bard himself.

Supporters counter that judging an artist by their birthplace is shortsighted. Furthermore, they point to contemporANN(Asian News Network) references to Shakespeare as a playwright and the existence of business records detailing his involvement in the theater.

Alternative authorship theories often propose a more aristocratic figure as the true writer, with Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, being a popular suggestion. Proponents of these theories search for hidden clues within the plays themselves, interpreting specific references as winks to the supposed real author’s identity.

Despite the intrigue, scholars overwhelmingly reject these alternative authorship claims. The weight of historical evidence points to William Shakespeare of Stratford as the playwright.

But the mystery endures, fueled by the enduring popularity of William Shakespeare’s works and the lingering question of how a man from a seemingly ordinANN(Asian News Network) background could have produced such extraordinANN(Asian News Network) works. Whether the debate is about celebrating the genius of William Shakespeare or searching for a hidden truth, it ensures that The Bard’s legacy will continue to spark conversation for years to come.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday emphasized the need to expose elements spreading uncertainty and instability in the country.

He made these remarks during a meeting with ParliamentANN(Asian News Network) leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N) in Senate and Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Senator Irfan Siddiqui.

PM Shehbaz Sharif stressed the government as well as PML-N to pay attention to evolve an effective strategy to let down the organized campaign against the government, state and national security institutions.

Appreciating the positive role of Muslim League (N) in the Senate, the prime minister said that the Upper House should guide all the elected houses for democratic values and dignified environment.

While congratulating Senator Irfan Siddiqui on being elected as the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, the prime minister hoped that the Foreign Affairs Committee under his leadership would pay special attention to promoting a positive, peaceful and constructive image of Pakistan in the world.

LAHORE: The Pakistan Flour Mills Association has decided to postpone its strike as sources reveal that the deadlock between the association and the government has ended, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported on Saturday.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association, Asim Raza, stated that the strike had been postponed after the government committee reached an agreement with the association.

A crucial meeting involving the Chairman of the FBR and four federal ministers took place with the representatives of the Flour Mills Association.

During this meeting, the association highlighted their concerns regarding the implementation of the withholding tax.

Sources indicate that the Chairman of the FBR has agreed to consider the abolition of the withholding tax for flour mills. Consequently, the Flour Mills Association has agreed to the government’s proposal to delay the strike.

The government committee has scheduled a follow-up meeting with the Pakistan Flour Mills Association on Thursday to finalize discussions on the withholding tax issue.

American actor and Oscar nominee Eddie Murphy tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend and Australian actress Paige Butcher.

Murphy and Butcher became engaged in 2018, and have two sons— Izzy Oona and Max Charles—.

They got married in in front of their loved ones and close friends in a small and private ceremony on Tuesday, July 9, in the Caribbean island of Anguilla.

In the wedding event, Butcher donned a corseted gown embellished with lace, while Murphy wore a white Brioni suit.

The 63-year-old Oscar nominee married for the second time, while it is the first wedding of 44-year-old Australian actress.  The couple started dating in 2012 and became parents to their first child Izzy Oona in 2016.

The social media users also congratulate the newly-wed couple. “He’s crazy about his kids and his family. He’s a family guy at heart. Truly is. He really is,” a netizen wrote.

Another posted, “Tied the knot with his beautiful Nubian queen!”. “Congrats to him terrific looking couple.”, a netizen said.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday unveiled a transformative step towards economic diversification and sustainable growth with the establishment of dedicated units for Creative Industries and the Blue Economy.

These new units are part of the broader 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at driving Pakistan towards a resilient and prosperous future, said a statement issued today.

According to the statement, the Creative Industries unit will focus on harnessing the potential of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts, and innovative design sectors.

This initiative aims to foster economic growth through the promotion of creative talents and the development of creative hubs that will support entrepreneurship, job creation, and cultural exchange.

“The creative economy is a vital component of our national development strategy.” adding that “By investing in our creative industries, we are not only preserving our cultural heritage but also creating new economic opportunities that can contribute significantly to our GDP and employment rates,” Ahsan Iqbal said.

Globally, the Creative Industries are one of the fastest-growing sectors of the world economy. According to UNESCO, the creative economy generates $2.25 trillion annually and provides nearly 30 million jobs worldwide.

With over 60 percent of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, the country boasts a vast reservoir of youthful energy and creativity. This young demographic presents a unique opportunity to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the creative sectors, a press release added.

By providing the necessANN(Asian News Network) infrastructure, training and support, the Creative Industries unit aims to unlock the potential of Pakistan’s youth, enabling them to contribute to the national economy and compete on a global stage.

Meanwhile, the Blue Economy unit will concentrate on the sustainable utilization of Pakistan’s vast maritime resources. This unit will work on developing policies and projects that enhance the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Key areas of focus will include fisheries, maritime tourism, marine biotechnology, and renewable ocean energy.

The minister said that “The Blue Economy holds immense potential for Pakistan, given our extensive coastline and marine resources,” adding that “Through sustainable practices and innovative policies, we aim to unlock the economic potential of our oceans while ensuring environmental protection and social inclusion.”

The Blue Economy is a rapidly expanding sector globally, with the World Bank estimating that it could generate $3 trillion annually by 2030. Pakistan’s coastline stretches over 1,046 kilometers, offering significant opportunities for the development of maritime industries.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) provides a substantial boost to Pakistan’s Blue Economy. By enhancing port infrastructure, developing coastal tourism, and fostering maritime trade, CPEC creates new opportunities for economic development.

The strategic Gwadar Port, in particular, is set to become a hub of maritime activity, facilitating trade routes and attracting investment in maritime industries.

The establishment of these units aligns with the 5Es National Economic Transformation Plan, which emphasizes Export Promotion, Environment, Energy, Education, and Employment.

By integrating creative and blue economies into this strategic framework, the government aims to create a diversified economic base that can withstand global economic shifts and foster long-term sustainable development.

Ahsan Iqbal expressed his commitment to ensure that these initiatives will involve multi-stakeholder engagement, including partnerships with private sector entities, academia, and international organizations. This collaborative approach is intended to bring in expertise, investment, and innovation to drive the success of these sectors.

The Ministry of Planning and Development will soon launch detailed action plans for both units, outlining specific projects, timelines and expected outcomes. Stakeholders from across Pakistan are encouraged to engage with these initiatives to maximize their impact and contribute to the nation’s economic transformation.

LAHORE: In a move to manage workload of national cricket team players, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly denied the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to fast bowler Naseem Shah to play The Hundred cricket league, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported on Saturday, citing sources.

The PCB decision to deny the NOC will deprive the fast bowler of around Rs 45 million as he was signed by Birmingham Phoenix team for £125,000.

According to sources, a decision has been made as a preventive measure ahead of the crucial matches of the World Test Championship after reviewing the application submitted by the Pakistani cricketer for the NOC.

The application was dismissed to protect him from injuries since he plays in all three formats for the national team and faced some fitness challenges last year.

Naseem recently underwent successful surgery to treat his shoulder injury in October 2023, which ruled him out of the ICC World Cup 2023.

Following the surgery, doctors advised the young pacer to rest and undergo rehabilitation for four to six weeks before returning to the field. This injury kept him out of action for at least three to four months.

In the 46th over of Pakistan’s second game against India at the Asia Cup 2023 in September, Naseem walked off the field due to an injury during the reserve day organized for that game.

Soon after, the PCB issued a press release stating that he was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to an injury to a muscle just below his bowling shoulder.

Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem, a former Maldives climate change minister detained last month on allegations she performed “black magic” on the country’s president was released Saturday, police said.

Fathimath Shamnaz Ali Saleem was arrested along with her sister and another person last month in the capital Male and stood down from her post shortly afterwards.

Local media reported she was accused of performing “black magic” on President Mohamed Muizzu to win favour from his new administration.

Police had asked for an extension of her detention twice, but on Saturday they had no reason to hold her any longer — although the case was still ongoing.

“The investigation is still pending,” a police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP in Male.

Police and authorities have not confirmed or denied the nature of the allegations against Shamnaz, and a criminal court has heard the case behind closed doors.

Her position was an important job in a nation on the frontlines of the climate crisis, with UN environment experts warning rising seas could make it virtually uninhabitable by the end of the century.

Sorcery is not a criminal offence under the Maldivian penal code, but it does carry a six-month jail sentence under Islamic law.

People across the archipelago widely practice traditional ceremonies, believing they can win favours and curse opponents.

A 62-year-old woman was stabbed to death by three neighbours on Manadhoo last year after she was accused of conducting black magic ceremonies after a lengthy police investigation.

In 2012, police cracked down on an opposition political rally after accusing organisers of throwing a “cursed rooster” at officers raiding their offices.

Declan Rice’s contribution could prove the key for England as they look to overcome Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday and win the title for the first time.

The 25-year-old has been the team’s anchor and work horse, running more, playing every minute and proving a consistent force at the tournament in Germany as England have reached a second successive final despite some indifferent form at times.

 

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The 74.9km he has covered in 10 hours of football is more than any other player at Euro 2024 and underlines his contribution, with England looking to Rice to drive the team forward from his role in the centre, setting the tempo and bringing a physicality to the game that might unsettle Spain.

His contribution in helping out defensively will be just as important, if not more so.

The official UEFA figures have Rice top of the defending stats at Euro 2024 too, with 41 ball recovered, 14 tackles, and six attempted clearances.

He is matched only by French fullback Jules Kounde, whose side were eliminated in the semi-final, and is better than the likes of teammate Marc Guehi, Germany’s Antonio Rudiger and Manuel Akanji from Switzerland.

Declan Rice always had a strong defensive reputation but in his first season at Arsenal looked much more polished in attack, and he has brought that improvement to England too.

He went to the Euros with good numbers – seven goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season, the fourth-highest combined total of any Arsenal player and more than twice as many as he previously managed when he was at West Ham United.

It has given him a confidence that has carried through to the national team, even though a major tournament at the end of a taxing club season is both a mental and physical drain.

“In the first couple of games I was feeling more tired than I am now,” he admitted on the eve of the final.

“The adrenaline kicks in more as the games ramp up. You get that extra bit of energy, extra bit of fire.

“On Sunday, all of us will run through brick walls, do anything to win this game. Whether that’s in 90 minutes, 120, we’ll give it absolutely everything. That’s all we can ask of each other.”

There is also the added motivation of having lost in the Euro 2020 final. Rice was in the side beaten on penalties by Italy at Wembley in their first Euros final three years ago.

LIFT TROPHY

“Seeing Italy walk up to lift the trophy at your home stadium lives with you as a football player,” he told reporters.

“We know that in the last final we probably just sat off and didn’t attack as much as we should have. There are not many times you go back-to-back in finals but this group of players are so hungry.

“We know it’s going to be tough and know you can’t overlook Spain, who have been a top nation for so many years. But I’ve never seen a group so motivated, in training, and how we talk with each other around the place.

“Everyone is so driven to win this game,” he added.

“Mirzapur” season 3 broke previous records set by earlier two seasons after it became Prime Video India’s most-watched show in India during its launch weekend.

The crime drama has also enjoyed global popularity as it trended in the platform’s Top 10 list across more than 85 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, an Indian media outlet reported.

According to Prime Video, Mirzapur 3 has been watched in 98% of India’s post codes during its opening weekend since its streaming began from July 5.

Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and Anand Iyer, the show is currently streaming on Prime Video in 240 countries worldwide.

Meanwhile, the makers of the popular show are working on the development of the fourth season. While details about the upcoming season are kept in secret, India media outlets reported that the show’s makers are working on the next season.

The development was also confirmed by actor Sherrnavaz Sam Jijina, who portrayed the role of Shabnam in Mirzapur 3.

Read more: Mirzapur actor reveals exciting update on season 4

Hinting at an early release, she said that the Mirzapur season 4 will happen sooner than later. “I am sure they’ll again come up with something that has a lot of shock value.”

The third season of ‘Mirzapur’ has broken all previous records, including those set by Season 2. This success highlights the strong connection that audiences have with the show’s characters, said Nikhil Madhok, head of India originals at Prime Video.

The ensemble cast of Mirzapur season 3 features Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Rasika Dugal, Vijay Varma, Anjumm Shharma, and Isha Talwar among others.

The original Mirzapur was released in November 2018 and soon grabbed the attention of audience. Later, season 2 of the show was released in October 2020.

The crime drama tells the story of a criminal family who is involved in major crimes such as drugs in the lawless city of Mirzapur. However, they have to deal with rival gangs that want to take them down the same way as them.

ISLAMABAD: Senior PML-N leader Javed Latif on Friday asked the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to step down following Supreme Court’s (SC) verdict, declaring Imran Khan-founded PTI eligible for seats reserved for woman and non-Muslims, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported.

Speaking at ANN(Asian News Network) News’ programme ‘Sawal Yeh Hai’, the PML-N leader noted that the SC verdict will lead to increased political unrest and instability, questioning why all facilities are only for PTI founder Imran Khan.

He also pointed out that those who voted in the Senate and Presidential elections have been de-seated.

Javed Latif suggested that the PML-N should quit the government, as the “arrangement made” on FebruANN(Asian News Network) 8 – the day when general elections 2024 took place – has caused difficulties for the party. He claimed that the party has faced numerous challenges since forming the government.

Earlier, Latif had stated that this is not their government, but rather one formed through an arrangement. He emphasized that if the party wants to save itself, it must save the state, as both the party and the state are in danger.

A 13-member bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, ruled that the PTI is eligible for the allocation of reserved seats, dealing a major setback to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling coalition.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah announced the 8-5 majority verdict, setting aside the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) order wherein it had upheld the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision denying the reserved seats to the SIC.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Jamal Mandokhail, Justice Naeem Afghan, Justice Yahya Afridi, and Justice Ameenuddin Khan opposed the majority decision.

Reserved seats issue

The reserved seats issue came to limelight after over 80 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed independent candidates emerged victorious in the FebruANN(Asian News Network) 8 elections.

The SIC then approached the ECP on FebruANN(Asian News Network) 21 seeking allocation of reserved seats.

However, the PTI suffered a setback after the electoral body, citing the party’s failure to submit its list of candidates, denied allocating the reserved seats to the SIC via its 4-1 majority verdict on March 4.

The election commission distributed the reserved seats for women and minorities among other political parties.

Read more: PTI ‘committed suicide’ by joining SIC, says CJP Isa

The PTI-backed SIC had approached the court after the ECP refused to allocate the reserved seats due to the party’s failure to submit its list of candidates before the deadline. The Peshawar High Court (PHC) upheld the ECP’s decision, leading the SIC to appeal to the Supreme Court.

In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly – according to a notification, the ECP allocated one reserved seat each to Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Pakistan, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

In Sindh Assembly – allocated reserved seat for women to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and PPP. PPP’s Samita Afzal and MQM-P’s Fouzia Hameed elected on reserved seats.

Furthermore, PPP’s Sadhu Mal alias Surinder Valasai secured minority seat in Sindh Assembly.

The ECP allocated three reserved seats for minorities to PML-N, PPP and JUI-F – which were claimed by Sunni Ittehad Council. PML-N’s Neelam Meghwar, PPP’s Ramesh Kumar and JUI-F’s James Iqbal were elected on the minority seats.

Subsequently, the PHC ruling allowed the ruling coalition, comprising the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and other allies, to gain a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. This decision increased the PML-N’s seats to 123 and the PPP’s to 73, while the SIC held 82 seats.

An intense fight broke out between two passengers of a crowded metro train in India’s Bengaluru as video of the incident went viral.

The two men could be seen exchanging insults and physical blows in the video. This wasn’t just a little altercation; both parties were striking each other viciously during the battle.

Thankfully other travelers prompt action helped defuse the tense situation before it became worse.

Although the precise cause of the altercation is still unknown, it is believed that the two travelers became very heatedly upset about pushing and shoving in the crowded cabin.

The metro officials are currently conducting investigations to ascertain the specific cause and timing of the incident.

They plan to strengthen security inside trains in order to prevent any future altercations as a solution to this problem. The authorities are acting proactively to guarantee the security and welfare of travelers.

KARACHI: The flour mills continued their nationwide strike on the second against the withholding tax announced in the recent budget 2024-25, ANN(Asian News Network) News reported.

The Flour mills association called an emergency meeting of flour mill owners in Sindh, including Karachi to discuss their future course of action and decided to continue the strike until the withholding tax is abolished.

Chairman of the Flour Mills Sindh Circle, Chaudhry Amir Abdullah, emphasized that the strike would persist as long as their demand for the abolition of the tax remains unmet.

Abdullah pointed out that two days had passed without any contact from the government or the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to address the issue.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Pakistan on Friday imposed a ban on import of wheat and export of flour following excessive import of wheat than country’s requirement, stated a notification issued by Ministry of Commerce.

The government has made amendments to the Import and Export Policy Orders 2022, imposing a ban on the import of wheat and export of flour.

Moreover, a ban has also been imposed on export of flour prepared from imported wheat, the notification added.

Earlier in March, the federal government had conditionally allowed the export of flour made from imported wheat under the Export Facilitation Scheme 2021.

On July 10, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the National Assembly that the government had made no decision for the export of wheat even as the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Bill, 2024 was rushed through the legislature.

“No decision has been made for the export of wheat. I want to bring it on record before the House that there is no such decision for the wheat export,” he told the National Assembly responding to a point of order raised by a parliamentarian.

However, referring to the PTI government’s sugar and wheat scams, he recalled that it was also on record that in the past wheat and sugar were first exported and later imported and where the billions and trillions of rupees went was part of the history.

The amendment, which allows the government to remove board members of SOEs based on recommendations from the board nomination committee, had been passed by the Senate the previous week and will become law upon President Asif Ali Zardari’s assent.

ISLAMABAD: British International Investment (BII) Board, an UK’s development finance institution, has expressed its interest in investing in Pakistan’s energy sector, particularly in improving transmission system.

An interest to this effect was expressed by a delegation from the British International Investment (BII) during a meeting with the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division on Friday.

The meeting was attended by CEO BII Nick O’Donohoe, Chairperson Ms. Diana Layfield, MD & Head of Asia Srini Nagarajan, Regional Director South Asia Habib Yousaf, Development Directors Alex Woods & Ms. Jo Moir, Senior Economic Advisor Louie Dane, and officials from Finance Division, said a news release.

The minister provided an overview of Pakistan’s improving economic landscape including GDP growth rate of 2.4 per cent for FY 24, which is expected to improve to about 3.6pc in FY 25, buildup of foreign exchange reserves to USD 9.4 billion, revived confidence of investors in the capital markets and decrease in CPI inflation at 12.6pc in June 2024, and increase in foreign remittances by 7.7pc as compared to last year.

He highlighted the successful completion of 9-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the International MonetANN(Asian News Network) Fund (IMF) and government’s commitment to achieve sustainable economic growth in future under a fund supported medium term program, negotiations for which are underway.

The minister also underscored that increasing Tax to GDP ratio to about 13.7% in the medium term is the priority of the government through increasing tax base and FBR’s end-to-end digitization He further outlined the initiatives being undertaken in energy sector to reduce the cost of generation and privatization of DISCOs.

It was further highlighted that the government is working on SOE reforms, privatisation, rightsizing the government and bringing in investment through Public Private Partnership.

Importance of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) was highlighted and the role of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in bringing in FDI in the priority areas of energy sector, agriculture sector and Information Technology (IT) sector was discussed.

The delegation from British International Investment appreciated the government’s initiatives to stabilize the economy and enhance the investment environment. They also expressed interest in investing in the energy sector, particularly in improving transmission system.

The minister encouraged the delegation to engage with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), highlighting it as a pragmatic platform that attracts foreign investments and provides a streamlined process for investors.