Author: Ali Qasim

WhatsApp starts beta-testing of speed control for audio messages

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

WhatsApp has started the beta-testing of speed control of audio messages after enabling the same feature for changing the speed of playback of voice notes earlier this year.

The messaging app loses its playback speed button in an audio message which is a voice note but it is forwarded to another chat. In a forwarded voice note, the playback button disappears to choose 1.5x or 2x speed. According to reports, it may take some time for the company to introduce the feature on iOS and Android devices.

This feature will be available in a future update on WhatsApp beta for Android and iOS, according to WABETAINFO.

It added that the feature has been spotted in a recent version of WhatsApp beta for iOS, but it’s currently under development, and it’s surely coming on the next versions of WhatsApp beta for Android as well.

Earlier in September, it was learnt that WhatsApp is planning to offer a voice message transcription feature. WaBetaInfo had reported that it has spotted a development underway that will provide transcriptions for WhatsApp voice messages.

However, it added that your messages won’t be sent to WhatsApp or Facebook server, but Apple will provide transcription. This will also help Apple improve its speech recognition technology. So, how this works?

The feature, whenever it’s out, will be available as an option. The users will be required to give WhatsApp access to their device’s Speech Recognition tech whenever they want to transcribe a voice message.

You will be able to use the transcription service once you give access permission to WhatsApp. It works the same way as the Text to Speech feature. The system reads your voice and writes it using the speech recognition feature.

When you play a voice message, a “Transcript” option will pop up where you will be able to read messages. You may also be able to play the voice message from any point.

 “When a message is transcripted for the first time, its transcription is saved locally in the WhatsApp database, so it won’t be needed to transcript it again if you want to see its transcription later,” WaBetaInfo said.

For now, it is not certain when the feature will roll out for Android users but the voice message transcription will soon be available for iOS beta users.

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Ghana Ali and Umair Gulzar welcome baby girl Faija Umair

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actress Ghana Ali and husband Umair Gulzar have been blessed with a baby daughter. She took to the social media application Instagram to share the good news for her fans.

The picture showed her holding the baby named Faija Umair while her husband is kissing her on the forehead. The face of the newborn has been replaced with an emoji.

“The moment a child is born, the mother is also born,” the caption read. “Today we introduce you FAIJA UMAIR!! Our bundle of joy, finally arrived ”

She added: “This is so overwhelming for both of us! A daughter is one of the best gift this world has to give!!”She asked the netizens to pray for the family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVF7j7qhaxc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Ghana Ali had tied the knot with Umair Gulzar in May this year and announced her pregnancy in September.

The couple has consistently been at the receiving end of mean comments online ever since Ghana Ali announced her marriage on Instagram; from body-shaming her husband to gross assumptions about Ghana herself, the trolls have been relentless.

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Award to Abhinandan : India created mockery for itself.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistan on Tuesday has categorically rejected the baseless Indian claims that a Pakistani F-16 aircraft was shot down by an Indian pilot before he was captured by Pakistan in Azad Jammu and Kashmir in February 2019.

Per a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the citation of the award to the downed Indian pilot, Abhinandan Varthamanm, is a “classic case of Indian fabrications and pure fantasy to appease the domestic audience and hide embarrassment.”

International experts and US officials have already confirmed that no Pakistani F-16 was shot down on the day after taking stock of Pakistani F-16 aircraft.  

“India’s insistence on propagating a lie that has been thoroughly exposed is ludicrous and nonsensical,” the statement said, adding that granting military honours for imaginary feats of gallantry is contrary to every norm of military conduct. 

“By giving such an award, also as an afterthought, India has only made a mockery of itself,” the statement said.

It is reminded that in a daring daylight action, two Indian aircraft were shot down by Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019. One of the Indian Mig-21 Bison aircraft fell down in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The pilot who ejected was captured by Pakistan and later released as a goodwill gesture. His return to India was the testimony of Pakistan’s desire for peace despite India’s hostility and ill-conceived aggressive action. 

Another Indian aircraft SU 30 shot down by Pakistan Air Force fell on the other side of the Line of Control (LOC). On the same day, in panic, the Indian military shot down its own MI 17 helicopter near Srinagar which it initially denied but accepted later on. Indian Air Force was completely outplayed on the day.

“It is obvious that India’s farcical story has no credibility whatsoever before the international community,” the statement further added.

“On its part, Pakistan stands as ready and resolute to thwart any hostile designs as it was in February 2019. India would do well to learn a lesson from its botched attempt to violate Pakistan’s sovereignty and refrain from any misadventure in future.”

IAF pilot and Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who was arrested in 2019 by Pakistani forces after his MiG 21 aircraft was shot down by Pakistan Air Force (PAF), was awarded the Vir Chakra, the third-highest Indian military honour during wartime Monday.

As per the Indian media, Abhinandan has been bestowed with the honour of “shooting down a Pakistani F-16 plane during the February 2019 dogfight”.

The Vir Chakra award to Abhinandan was announced in August 2019 but was awarded today in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. 

PM Imran Khan wins international sports award

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Prime Minister Imran Khan has won the prestigious Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award for his contribution to cricket, a statement issued in this regard said Tuesday.

The Dubai-based award will be given to the premier next year. 

PM Khan’s name was chosen for the “International Sports Personality” category of the award for dedicating his life to sports. 

His captaincy of the Pakistan cricket team in 1992 — when Pakistan won the World Cup — has been particularly highlighted. 

The ceremony of the eleventh edition of the MBR Creative Sports Award took place on Monday, November 22, at Deep Dive Dubai. 

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, the Chairman of Dubai Sports Council was also present at the occasion.

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Ali Zafar leaves Mrunal Thakur starstruck in Doha, sings ‘Jhoom’ for her.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistani superstar Ali Zafar is having Bollywood actors Mrunal Thakur and Mourni Roy fangirl over this infectious singing.

The Dhamaka star turned to her Instagram on Monday to share a video of the singer, crooning to his famous track Jhoom for the actor. The trio apparently met over a lunch date in Doha, Qatar.

In the clip shared by the actor on her photo-sharing app, Ali Zafar was seen sporting a while t-shirt paired with a navy blue upper. The star completed his look with a pair of brown-rimmed sunglasses.

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Priyanka Chopra’s removal Jonas name from Instagram profile creates speculations.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Priyanka Chopra has sent her millions of fans in tizzy after she removed husband Nick Jonas’ last name from her Instagram profile.

The move has left fans speculating that Priyanka and Nick are heading for divorce three years after their wedding.

Priyanka Chopra and US singer Nick Jonas got married on December 1, 2018.

Recently, the couple celebrated their first Diwali in their first home together.

Priyanka shared sweet photos from the event saying “Our first diwali in our first home together. This one will always be special.”

“Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this evening so special. You’re my angels.”

“To everyone who honoured our home and my culture by not only dressing the part but dancing the night away, you made me feel like I was back home. And to the best husband and partner @nickjonas, you are what dreams are made of. I love you. My heart is so grateful and full.”

While Priyanka has made no post regarding the same, her mother Madhu Chopra has rubbished the rumours. “It’s all rubbish, don’t spread rumours,” Madhu Chopra told News18.com.

‘Harry Potter’ author J.K. Rowling receives death threats

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

“Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling said Monday she had received a flood of death threats, as she slammed three transgender rights activists who posted her home address on Twitter.

Rowling thanked police in Scotland for their support after the activists tweeted a photograph of them standing outside Rowling´s home in Edinburgh, with the address visible, on Friday.

Rowling said that she and other women who have spoken out on gender issues had faced “campaigns of intimidation”, stalking and harassment, but vowed she would not be silenced.

The 56-year-old writer said she had received “so many death threats I could paper the house with them”, and that “families have been put into a state of fear and distress” by transgender activists.

“Perhaps… the best way to prove your movement isn´t a threat to women, is to stop stalking, harassing and threatening us.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said the force was “aware of this incident” and that enquiries were “ongoing”. All three activists had shut down their Twitter accounts by Monday.

In her posts Monday, Rowling said she had been “appalled” to hear from various women who had spoken out on transgender issues, including those with no public profile, and suffered abuse including threats of rape.

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Pak vs Ban: Babar Azam-led Pakistan register most T20I wins in 2021

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Pakistan have become the team to win the most matches in the ongoing calendar year after they whitewashed Bangladesh in a three-match series in Dhaka — proving that they are performing tremendously.

Mohammad Nawaz struck a boundary off the last ball as Pakistan overcame late drama to beat Bangladesh by five wickets in Monday’s third T20I for a series whitewash.

Pakistan are on top, with 17 wins from 26 matches. They have lost six and tied three matches. South Africa rank second, with 15 wins and eight losses from 23 matches.

New Zealand are third, with 13 wins and 10 losses, from 23 matches. Bangladesh are fourth, while England rank fifth. India are not in the top five — they rank seventh.

Pakistan had performed well in the recently concluded T20 World Cup and were the only Asian team to have made it to the semi-finals. However, a five-wicket defeat from Australia in the semis ended their World Cup campaign in a heartbreak.

Ahead of the series against Bangladesh, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam wanted the Men in Green to keep up the T20 World Cup momentum and play aggressive cricket in the series against the Tigers.

And the Men In Green did not disappoint their skipper in the T20I series. Pakistan will play a series of two Test matches from November 26 to December 4 against Bangladesh.

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Pak vs Ban: Shoaib Malik to miss today’s match due to son Izhaan’s illness.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

LAHORE (NUT-DESK)

Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik will not play today’s match and will leave the squad to see his son, who is ill, in Dubai.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in a statement today (Monday) confirmed that Shoaib Malik will not be available for the third T20I match against Bangladesh. 

Iftikhar Ahmed will most likely replace him in the playing XI. PSL star Shahnawaz Dahani is also expected to make his debut today.

The former Pakistan captain will depart for Dubai at 10:00am local time.

The PCB said that the national Twenty20 squad will leave Dhaka via Dubai tomorrow at 6:30 pm after the conclusion of the T20 series.

Spinners Imad Wasim and Usman Qadir will return home after staying with their families in Dubai for a few days.

The Test squad, which reached Bangladesh on Sunday, will leave Dhaka for Chittagong tomorrow at 3:00pm. The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Chittagong from November 26

The PCB added that bowling consultant Vernon Philander will leave the squad after the first Test. He will fly to South Africa on December 1.

The second and final Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh will be played in Dhaka from December 4

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Arijit Singh inquires ‘why has Pakistani music been banned in India?’

Posted on by Ali Qasim

LAHORE- (NUT-DESK)

Indian singer Arijit Singh is heaping praises on Pakistani music and singers.

In a recent concert in Abu Dhabi, the Tum Hi Ho hit maker expressed his concerns around across the border singers being banned in his country.

“I have a question. It’s a wrong question, a controversial question. But still I want to ask it because I don’t give a d**n,” began Arijit.

The songster continued, “I don’t follow news but tell me one thing, has music from Pakistan has been banned in India?” 

“Is it still barred or has the ban been lifted?” asked Arijit, inviting an uproar from the crowd.

The singer went on to express his admiration for some of the best Pakistani musicians. 

“Atif Aslam is one of my favourites and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Shafqat Amanat Ali,” said Arijit, wishing a future collaboration between the two countries.

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