PUBG: New map, freebies and more in 2022

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

PUBG fans should get excited, as the outlet is all set to drop some major treats in 2022, including a new map, some anticipated updates, and free goodies for avid users of the battle royale game.

First things first, Krafton revealed in its New Year message that New State will get an all-new map this year. The publisher also dropped a few glimpses of the new map ahead of its official debut to hype eager fans.

Krafton has teased gamers with three pictures of the new map that will be officially released sometime in the middle of this year. The map will have a mix of hills and plains as well as modern buildings and a central city tower.

Apart from a fresh map, New State is confirmed to get its first batch of major updates in the first two months of 2022, as announced by the company that “making updates and improvements” for the users will be the top priority this year.

Krafton mentioned in its statement that they want to assure the best service and gaming experience for all users “regardless of location or device”.

“We will strive to actively seek to open and transparent communication with all our survivors and listen to the community to build better Battlegrounds together”, Krafton said.

Currently, Krafton is offering six chicken medals and three royale chest crate tickets to players, as a part of their new year’s celebration, and can be availed till January 10 with a coupon code ‘HAPPYNEWSTATE’.

PUBG: New State was launched globally on November 11 last year as the latest battle royale.

***************

Sarah Khan shares picture of baby daughter Alyana Falak

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actor Sarah Khan took to the social media application Instagram to share the image of daughter Alyana Falak and it is going viral.

“My cute little munchkin ♥️ MashAllah,” the caption of the picture read.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYTXohIlhZ4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The viral image got millions of likes from the social media application’s users. They, along with celebrities, took to the comments section to show their love for the child.

The actor, who has eight million Instagram followers, is one of the most followed Pakistani celebrities on social media platforms. She posts family pictures and videos for the fans along with those of her photoshoots and projects’ behind the scenes.

Earlier, she posted a heartwarming video of her husband Falak Shabir holding his daughter went viral. It got millions of likes as well.

Falak Shabir took to Instagram to share the good news with his friends and fans.

“So happy to announce the arrival of my daughter who is half me and half the one I love. Introducing ALYANA FALAK,” he said, revealing the name of the newborn.

**********

Hiba Bukhari’s mayoon pictures, videos go viral

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actor Hiba Bukhari looked stunning in the pictures and videos taken on her mayoon are going viral across social media platforms.

She took the internet by storm in the visuals of her in a traditional yellow-coloured dress. Here are the visuals of her that were making rounds on the internet.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CYTWQg1I6q1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Berukhi star took to Instagram to announce that she had exchanged rings with fellow celebrity Syed Arez Ahmed. The celebrity wrote that Syed Arez Ahmed was now hers and she feels the safest in his arms.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYTWbD8owyO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

She recalled how she used to get uncomfortable when it came to holding her fiancé’s hand while working on the projects. He added that she was happy to fall for him afterwards.

The celebrity looked forward to spending the rest of her life with Syed Arez Ahmed and thanked him for supporting her when she could not hold onto herself.

The Wedding Virus star was previously refused to announce as to when she would tie the knot with Syed Arez Ahmed. However, she admitted to fighting frequently with him as he bothered him the most.

**************

Omicron-fuelled fifth wave: Pakistan announces new travel advisory

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

As a looming fifth wave of the coronavirus epidemic, this time fuelled by the Omicron variant, sends alarm bells ringing, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has made PCR testing mandatory for everyone flying in from overseas. The test has to have been conducted a maximum 48 hours before every traveller’s flight.

The CAA has said all travelers aged 15 and up will be required to present a negative coronavirus test report upon arrival in Pakistan.

All travelers flying from European countries will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival, while half of the flights from Saudi Arabia and UAE will also have to take Rapid Antigen Test.

Following are the new guidelines as announced by the CAA:

  • Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and possession of proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This is applicable for all passengers above 15 years of age.
  • Valid negative PCR test result conducted within the 48 hours prior to commencement of travel to Pakistan. This is applicable for all passengers above 06 years of age.
  • Rapid Antigen Testing upon arrival for all direct flights from Europe
  • Rapid Antigen Testing upon arrival of a minimum of 50% inbound flights from KSA, UAE and Qatar
  • Selective Rapid Antigen Testing for all inbound flights other than flights mentioned at (c) and (d) above.

According to the CAA, passengers will be required to be quarantined for 10 days if they test positive.

Passengers will have the option of isolating themselves at their own expense in hotels or other locations. The CAA stated that travellers will not be charged for expenses incurred at quarantine centres set up by the health department.

The new travel advisory will take effect on January 5 at the direction of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), according to CAA.

The fifth wave of COVID-19, which is driven by the Omicron variant, is spreading at a rapid pace in the country, the National Command and Operation Centre said Monday as Pakistan reported its highest number of daily infections in over two months.

While addressing the epidemic curve chart data, the national immunisation plan and disease prevalence across the country in a morning session on Monday, the NCOC confirmed that the positivity rate in Karachi has risen from 2% to 6% in the last three days, with the highest number of positive instances.

 

Apple becomes 1st US company to reach $3 tn valuation

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Apple became the first US company to hit $3 trillion in market value, briefly reaching the landmark on Monday in the latest demonstration of the tech industry’s pandemic surge.

The iPhone maker scaled the record level near 1845 GMT, reaching $182.88 a share before slipping back slightly.

The tech giant also was the first US company to hit $2 trillion in August 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic that stoked demand for personal electronics and digital services, such as Apple’s streaming and smartphone app store.

And it likewise was the first American firm to overtake $1 trillion in August 2018.

The surge marks the latest accomplishment for Tim Cook, who became chief executive of the Cupertino, California giant in 2011 shortly before the death of the company’s visionary co-founder, Steve Jobs.

While the top tier of US stock markets are dominated by Silicon Valley companies, Microsoft is the only other American company worth more than $2 trillion.

In October, Apple reported net income of $20.5 billion on revenue of $83.4 billion, a record high for the quarter ending in September.

But as with many other tech giants, Apple has seen pressures in recent months due to supply chain problems, including a global shortage of semiconductors and Covid-related manufacturing disruptions in Southeast Asia.

Apple shares tumbled following that October earnings report, but rallied thereafter, winning nearly 20 percent in the final two months of 2021.

Near 1930 GMT, Apple shares were up 2.4 percent to $181.91.

*********

Areeba Habib looks regal in ivory wedding outfit at her ‘shendi’ event

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Model and actress Areeba Habib’s wedding festivities have taken the internet by storm. The starlet had all the eyes on her as she turned out to be the prettiest bride on her wedding day.

The Jalan famed actress, who tied the knot on December 31, rang in the New Year with a grand wedding festive event, shendi – a combination of mehndi and shaadi ceremony.

The star-studded affair took place on January 2nd and was attended by a number of prominent stars from showbiz industry including Iqra Aziz, Yasir Hussain, Aiman Khan and Mansha Pasha.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYPBj7Kg99u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

For her big day, Areeba opted for a beautiful, heavily-embellished silver and maroon bridal outfit, designed by Shehla Chatoor. The dress featured a longline shirt, paired with a floor-sweeping lehenga, decorated with ruffles.

She wore traditional kundan jewellery, carried a matching embellished mini handbag and wore minimal makeup that perfectly complimented her entire look. The groom, Saadain, simply opted for a classic black sherwani for the day.

The guest list for the event-included industry’s A-listers. Anoushey Ashraf, Sana Fakhar, Shahroz Sabzwari, Sadaf Kanwal, Sumbul Iqbal, Aagha Ali, comedian Shafqat Ali, Zubia Rana, Amna Malik, Nadia Hussain and politician Sharmila Faruqi were all spotted at the shendi.

***********

Aima Baig luckily saved from fire during ‘Item Number’ performance

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Aima Baig saved herself from a massive mishap amid concert this week.

The singer almost caught fire on stage while she sents waves amongst audience with her song Item Number from movie Teefa In Trouble.

Aima, who had donned a green jacket for the night and long boots of the night, was caught by surprise when she stepped a bit too close to a flare of fire in-between singing.

Last week, Aima Baig made headlines when she threatened to leave the concert after crowd went unruly. 

“If you guys misbehave, I’ll go back,” she said. “Because of one person like him, everything gets ruined for everybody else who’s here to enjoy,” added Aima.

************

 

Hadiqa Kiani embarks on a new musical journey with VASL

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient and Pakistan’s most versatile and accomplished woman in music, Hadiqa Kiani embarks on a new musical journey with the launch of her latest music album, VASL.

With VASL, Kiani explores the roots of her music, reproducing her original compositions from the start of her career for the next generation of Pakistani listeners. The organic Eastern structure of the album aims to create an atmosphere of ease, comfort and, peace.

Showcasing her brilliant versatility and melodious voice, Kiani has released first single from VASL, “Humsafar”. Composed and produced by Kiani herself, the poetry for “Humsafar” is penned by Khawar Kiani with musical arrangement by Hassan Badshah.

Visually captured by ace director Abdullah Haris in the scenic hill station, Murree, the music video explores the stunning environment of the region. Kiani’s wardrobe has been designed by Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, distinguished as the pioneer of utilitarian avant-garde working mostly in natural fibers such as cotton, silks, jute, and linen. Every Yousuf Bashir Qureshi piece, like every song on the album, holds an individual narrative, it is carefully designed, self-aware, responsible, and offers protection. The perfect compliment to the raw connection that the ballads of VASL aim to create.

The music video for “Humsafar” can be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92xHCyAtL_o

Indeed, the versatility of Hadiqa Kiani is unparalleled. From pop-rock hits to folk classics, she does it all with an ease and grace unfamiliar to many. Earlier in 2021, Kiani also made her television acting debut to much acclaim.

**************

Mohammad Hafeez bids adieu to international cricket

Lahore (NUT-Desk)

Former Pakistan Test captain Mohammad Hafeez has finally announced his retirement from international cricket, according to the media reports on Monday. Premiere Cricket Website ESPN also shared the news on its official Twitter Handle.

Hafeez, aka The Professor, had earlier bid farewell to Test cricket in 2018.

***********

FIA official speaks up on Alizeh Shah’s viral video

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) Sindh Cybercrime Department head Imran Riaz on Saturday told that reports about actor Alizeh Shah contacting the agency over a video made without her consent are false.

Speaking exclusively , Imran Riaz said that he recorded a video shedding light on the actor’s video after it went viral and informed the public that this act of filming someone without consent is a crime.

He added that if Alizeh Shah approaches the agency, due action will be taken against the culprits who filmed her and then posted the video on social media.

The FIA official can be seen in the video asking people to remain careful about what they post or share on social media platforms.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXkxRnUo-wq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In a tweet, Imran Riaz also elaborated that the act comes in the definition of ‘cyber stalking and is punishable under Section 24 of PECA 2016.

It is pertinent to mention that actor Alizeh Shah came under severe criticism after a video of her smoking a cigarette made rounds on social media.

The actor is yet to comment on the incident and has kept mum since then.

Alizeh Shah, who is one of the most followed celebrities in Pakistan with at least 3.9 million Instagram followers, has proved her mettle in the drama industry by playing diverse roles.

************