iPad enthusiasts understand the annoyance: you hold your tablet upright or sideways, and then the camera is in the wrong place. That’s over with the new iPad Pro, arriving later this year, which has not one but two front-facing cameras.
This brilliant feature, combined with the tech-savvy M5 chip, eliminates orientation constraints and amplifies everything from Face ID to video calls.
Apple iPad Pro
Dual Cameras, Zero Hassle
The fundamental shift is easy: a camera on the longer edge and a camera on the shorter edge. This configuration means your tablet records your face in crisp detail no matter whether you hold it in landscape or portrait orientation.
No more tucking or silly tilting during FaceTime or selfie time. The iPad’s smart software will automatically flip between cameras based on orientation, so it just feels natural, effortless, and stress-free.
Face ID and Video Calls, Reimagined!
Previously, Face ID was only available in landscape mode on the M4 iPad Pro. Want to open it vertically? Sorry.
Now the portrait-oriented camera does that for you. It also keeps you centred in video chats. Whether standing on a stand or sitting in portrait on a table, your face remains crisp, framed, and well-lit. Thanks to built-in AI from iPadOS 26, it also adjusts lighting and framing in real time.
Beneath the sleek frame is Apple’s new M5 chip, which rides on a 3nm architecture. Look for about 20–25% quicker CPU and GPU performance compared to the M4, with a better efficiency in terms of energy usage.
The speed drives camera operations: real-time switching, smart framing, and seamless video processing. Shooters, streamers, and creators will appreciate how fast the iPad’s switch to each orientation is!
Match to Competition
This is not a first among tablets; it follows Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S Ultra, which has double selfie cameras since 2022. However, Apple’s take relies on its software refinement. With autofocus, Face ID, orientation-aware switching, and system-wide camera API sharing, Apple is taking the feature from novelty to necessity.
It integrates seamlessly into its ecosystem and everyday patterns; no clunky workarounds necessary.
Samsung Tab S Ultra
Let’s be practical: this camera design is more about functionality than drama. Many of us use our iPads for video meetings, digital painting, and video calls. A camera that’s always in the correct position saves time, decreases frustration, and facilitates vertical content creation.
It eliminates tiny, everyday annoyances. That’s less hassle, fewer do-overs, and a more seamless user experience, particularly for classrooms and work-from-home configurations.
Apple’s dual-camera iPad Pro addresses a familiar frustration with elegant design and technical sophistication. Toss in the unadulterated grunt of the M5 chip and the refined iPadOS 26 interface, and this seems like a substantial upgrade.
If you’re serious about vertical content creation, spend lots of time on video calls, or just need a tablet that responds to your requirements, this iPad Pro could redefine convenience. It’s not about better selfies, it’s about a device that finally thinks like you.
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Nolberto Solano, the former Newcastle United legend, will take charge as Pakistan’s head coach next month. He will lead both the senior and under-23 teams. This appointment marks the first major move by the newly elected Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).
PFF President Mohsen Gilani confirmed the news and expressed confidence in Solano’s abilities.“He will bring more zest and energy to the national team … especially in our style of play,” Mohsen said. Additionally, he emphasised that Solano’s coaching experience will help Pakistan improve.
Previously, Solano worked as an assistant coach for Peru’s national team for seven years. During this time, Peru qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It was their first World Cup appearance in 36 years. In addition, Solano also managed Peru’s under-23 squad.
Pakistan Football Federation on X
However, his tenure ended in 2022 after Peru lost to Australia in a World Cup playoff. Since then, he faced challenges as a head coach. He managed Swedish second-tier side AFC Eskilstuna and Blyth Spartans in England. Unfortunately, both spells were disappointing. He was dismissed by Blyth Spartans after just six games.
Now, the Pakistan role offers him a fresh opportunity to rebuild his career. Known as “Maestrito” or “Little Master,” a nickname given by Diego Maradona, Solano aims for a strong start.
His first task will be leading Pakistan’s under-23 team in September. They will compete in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Specifically, Pakistan will face Cambodia, Iraq, and Oman in Group ‘G.’
Meanwhile, he will also handle the senior team in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. His first challenge, a double-header against Afghanistan, comes in October. Solano replaces Stephen Constantine, who worked on a short-term basis after his contract expired last year.
Notably, Constantine led Pakistan to their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualifier win in October 2023. He has since applied for the head coach job in India.
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Astronomer CEO Andy Byron faces massive backlash after a video from a Coldplay concert captured him in an intimate moment with the company’s HR head, Kristin Cabot.
The clip shows Byron wrapping his arm around Cabot as the band’s Kiss Cam zoomed in and projected them on the big screen. Both looked shocked and tried to hide, but the audience had already seen the moment.
The video spread rapidly across social media, gathering millions of views within hours. Users flooded timelines with memes, jokes, and fierce comments, turning the incident into a viral sensation.
Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin addressed the moment live during the show, saying: “Whoa, look at these two. All right, come on. You’re OK. Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy. I’m not quite sure what to do.” His remark intensified speculation about Byron and Cabot’s relationship and added fuel to the online frenzy.
Soon after, several posts claimed Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, started the controversy. Reports on social media and some websites claim this statement includes emotional responses to the incident, but these have been identified as fake or unconfirmed.
Astronomer Andy Byron’s company has also denied the authenticity of similar statements attributed to him.
Reports suggested Megan removed her husband’s last name from her social media accounts and deactivated some profiles. However, no official comment came from her side, leaving these claims unconfirmed.
Social media continues to debate the issue, with thousands of users speculating about the CEO’s private life and criticising the lack of professional boundaries.
A lighthearted concert moment has turned into a major corporate scandal, showing how fast public perception shifts and personal choices leave lasting impacts.
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Pakistan Shaheens’ tour of England has hit a sour note as Sajid Khan, a regular face in the Test squad, has been ruled out after fracturing his right thumb during a training session on Tuesday at Tonbridge School Ground.
The injury came just hours before the Shaheens were set to face the Professional County Club Select XI in their opening one-day match at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham.
Following medical assessment, Sajid is now heading back home for treatment and rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.
What Was Sajid Even Doing There?
Here’s the real question, though: why was Sajid Khan on this tour in the first place? Let’s call a spade a spade. This is a low-stakes series against a team made up of England’s developing county players.
It’s not the Ashes. It’s not even the County Championship. This tour was meant to give young Pakistani players some exposure to English conditions.
And yes, some of the players in the Shaheens squad, like Shamyl Hussain and Maaz Sadaqat, do need this platform. But Sajid? And Saud Shakeel, who is the Test vice-captain? That’s where it starts to look like a planning misstep.
High-Risk, Low-Reward
Sajid Khan is 31 and has been part of the senior Test side. The next few months could see Pakistan playing crucial red-ball cricket, and Sajid is one of the few reliable spin options available.
Now imagine if this fracture takes longer to heal than expected. Suddenly, Pakistan may be looking at a Test series without one of their frontline spinners, all because he got injured on a tour that arguably had little relevance to his development.
Should Senior Players Be Risked on Development Tours?
PCB clearly intended this tour to keep players active and give fringe names some match time. But that goal could’ve been achieved without risking senior Test players.
The Shaheens squad should have been a breeding ground for emerging talent, not a backdoor assignment for players already cemented in the national setup.
Would England send Ben Foakes or Jack Leach to play against a Pakistan Board XI at the Gaddafi Stadium just for “exposure”? Highly unlikely.
With no replacement called up, the Shaheens will now have to make do without an experienced spinner for the rest of the series, which runs from July 22 to 27.
But more than that, this situation is a reminder for PCB to rethink its squad selections for these “development” tours.
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In a twist that has disappointed cricket fans worldwide, India Champions pulled out of the veterans’ clash against Pakistan in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025, earlier this week.
The match, which was scheduled for July 20 at Edgbaston, is now off the table after multiple Indian players reportedly opted out due to political tensions. But the real storm brewed after former Pakistan captain Salman Butt decided to speak his mind.
Salman Butt Asks the Big Question
Taking to his YouTube channel, Butt voiced what many fans had already started whispering: If India won’t play in WCL due to political reasons, will they also boycott Pakistan in ICC tournaments?
“The whole world is watching,” Butt said. “What message are you sending to the global cricket community and fans?”
And honestly, he has a point. If politics is the reason behind this no-show, then shouldn’t that conviction apply everywhere? Salman Butt challenged the consistency of India’s stance.
He said that if you’re going to make a political statement, make it across the board, even if it means forfeiting high-stakes matches in World Cups, Champions Trophy, or even the Olympics.
“Don’t play against us at any level,” he added. “I’d love to see that level of conviction.”
WCL Snub: Real Protest or Convenient Excuse?
Let’s be honest, the World Championship of Legends (WCL), while entertaining, isn’t exactly the crown jewel of global cricket.
It doesn’t attract ICC-level funding or viewership. There’s no billion-dollar broadcast deal on the line. So pulling out of a veterans’ game? That’s relatively easy.
But when the stakes are high, like in an ICC T20 or ODI World Cup, it’s a different story. That’s where Butt’s critique hits hard. He pointed out the elephant in the room: money.
India-Pakistan matches are the biggest cash cows in global cricket. Sponsors line up, TV ratings skyrocket, and ticket sales go through the roof. In fact, one Indo-Pak match often covers a major chunk of a tournament’s total revenue.
So, will India boycott those too?
Who’s Calling the Shots?
Salman Butt also hinted at internal confusion within the Indian squad. He questioned whether the decision to pull out was made by a few players and then followed by the rest out of pressure or solidarity.
“Is it just four or five individuals who decided not to play, and now everyone else feels pressured to follow suit? This mindset is baffling,” he said.
All Talk, No Action?
What we’re seeing might just be selective activism. It’s easy to make a political point when there’s no massive revenue at stake. But when it comes to ICC events, the same voices go quiet. Because that’s when everyone wants in, players, boards, broadcasters, sponsors, and yes, even the fans.
Let’s not forget, it’s the India vs Pakistan clash that gets highlighted in every ICC promotional video. It’s the fixture people wait for, no matter the format.
If politics is going to dictate which teams play each other, then the standard should be applied uniformly. Skipping a veterans’ match due to political tensions but playing a World Cup fixture in front of 90,000 fans for millions of dollars? That’s not conviction. That’s convenience.
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There’s a change in the air, and it might not smell sweet for fans of Pakistan cricket. According to The Guardian, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is on the verge of approving a radical overhaul of Test cricket. And if all goes to plan, Pakistan, once considered a heavyweight in the longest format, could find itself playing in Division Two.
A New Era of Test Cricket?
The traditional format we’ve all grown up loving might soon look very different. The ICC is reportedly planning a two-tier structure for Test cricket, with the changes expected to roll out from the 2027–29 World Test Championship cycle.
So, how does this work? The idea is simple, at least on paper: divide 12 Test-playing nations into two divisions of six.
Division One will feature the top-ranked teams, currently looking like Australia, India, England, New Zealand, and South Africa, with one slot still up in the air. Meanwhile, Division Two is expected to include Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Afghanistan.
Let that sink in for a second. Pakistan, a side with a rich Test legacy, could be officially slotted into the second tier. It’s a blow that’s more symbolic than structural, but make no mistake, it hurts.
Who’s Calling the Shots?
Interestingly, this proposal was discussed during the ICC’s AGM in Singapore, the first such meeting under an all-Indian leadership, with Sanjog Gupta serving as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.
Gupta will head an eight-member working group tasked with finalising the new Test structure by the end of 2025. The working group also includes top officials from Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), two boards that have already been pushing the idea behind closed doors.
According to reports, the idea first surfaced during the Women’s Ashes earlier this year in discussions between CA and ECB.
The big questions now revolve around promotion and relegation. How do teams move up? Will it be based on performances? Rankings? And what happens to Test series between teams from different divisions?
A Power Play in Disguise?
There’s no denying that Australia, England, and India will benefit the most. Reports suggest that under the new structure, these three will play each other twice every three years, rather than the existing once-every-four-years model.
That’s more marquee series, more broadcast revenue, and, perhaps, a tighter grip on the game’s power balance.
For now, it’s all still a proposal, but the momentum seems to be building. To be implemented, the plan requires support from two-thirds of the ICC’s 12 full members. If passed, it will reshape how we view Test cricket.
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Police arrested 14 suspects for killing a man and a woman in an honour killing in Quetta district. The murder took place before Eid al-Adha on orders from a tribal jirga. A video of the brutal act went viral on Sunday and sparked outrage across Pakistan.
Balochistan Police Chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said that the woman’s family and tribe members planned the murders. He said they accused the victims of having an unlawful relationship. “The woman’s brother shot her,” the IGP said.
Reports on Sunday claimed the couple had a love marriage. Families invited them to a feast and then informed them about the jirga’s decision. They killed them soon after.
A court ordered police to exhume the bodies for autopsy. An anti-terrorism court gave police a two-day physical remand of tribal elder Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai. Police linked him to the crime.
Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Rozi Khan Bareech also took notice. He summoned the province’s top security officials on Tuesday. “Justice to be served,” the CJ said.
Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti addressed a press conference at CM House. He confirmed more than a dozen arrests, including Sherbaz, within 24 hours. “Police are conducting more raids,”he added.
“All those involved in this barbaric act will face justice,” the CM vowed. “We will make sure that all of them are prosecuted.” He clarified that the man and woman were not married to each other. The woman had five children, and the man had four or five from other marriages.
“No one has a right, no matter what, to kill someone in such a painful and disgusting way, and then film it on video,” the CM said. He added, “It is a crime and murder. The people involved must face punishment.”
The government suspended the DSP of the Special Branch for ignoring intelligence. The CM said the crime happened three days before Eid. Families hid the incident, and when police arrived, men fled while women threw stones. He said jirgas exist in tribal society, but the government will stop such illegal acts.
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The barbaric killer of Noor Mukadam, Zahir Jaffer, has begun the process of a clemency petition, which is probably his final recourse after being sentenced to death by the Supreme Court in May.
After all, what can you do when you finally face the consequences of your actions? Either play mentally ill or seek presidential mercy.
The Mercy Plea
Before the mercy appeal to the President against the death penalty awarded to Zahir Jaffer in Noor Mukadam’s murder case, Adiala Jail authorities had written a letter to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
However, jail authorities requested the formation of a medical and psychiatric board to evaluate Jaffer’s condition, a required step before submitting a mercy plea under Article 45 of the Constitution.
In letters dated July 8 and July 14 from Adiala Jail’s superintendent to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), authorities stated that before submitting Jaffer’s appeal, an opinion from a medical or psychiatric board is required.
“Now the mercy petition of the subject cited Confirmed Condemned Prisoner has to be submitted before the Honourable President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. For that, the medical board and psychiatric board’s opinion is mandatory,” one of the letters read.
Under Article 45 of the Constitution, the President of Pakistan has the authority to grant pardon, reprieve, or commute sentences, including capital punishment.
Zahir Jaffer’s Death Sentence
Jaffer was sentenced to death in February 2022 by a trial court, with the verdict later upheld by the Islamabad High Court in 2023 and, most recently, reaffirmed by the Supreme Court in May 2025.
Alongside the death penalty under Section 302-B of the Pakistan Penal Code (premeditated murder), he also received a 25-year sentence with hard labour and a fine of Rs200,000 for rape under Section 376 of the PPC.
His household staff, Iftikhar and Jameel, co-accused in the case, were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, while all other suspects, including Jaffer’s parents and TherapyWorks employees, were acquitted.
The case has remained one of Pakistan’s most high-profile criminal trials, sparking nationwide outrage due to the grisly nature of the crime.
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A minor crash between two vehicles quickly escalated into chaos in Lahore. Eyewitnesses reported that the female driver lost her temper after her car’s bumper sustained damage. The situation turned aggressive when she hurled verbal abuse and repeatedly slapped the male driver.
Video of Assault Goes Viral
A bystander captured the whole scene on their phone, and before long, the video went viral on social media. In the footage, a traffic cop is trying to step in and calm things down, but the woman just keeps being aggressive, ignoring all attempts to bring back some peace.
This clash really threw a wrench in traffic, leaving commuters feeling frustrated and only adding to the already heavy congestion.
Authorities haven’t confirmed any legal actions against the individuals involved yet. In the meantime, social media users and activists are calling for a thorough investigation and legal steps to ensure that such violent confrontations don’t happen again.
This incident has sparked a renewed discussion about traffic discipline and accountability on the roads of Lahore.
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A sudden cloudburst turned Babusar Top into a disaster zone on Monday. The flash floods and landslides killed three tourists and left 15 others missing. This tragedy in Gilgit-Baltistan shocked families and stranded travellers.
The cloudburst unleashed floods along a 7 to 8-kilometre stretch. It blocked roads in nearly 15 spots. Huge rocks and mudslides cut off access, while strong currents swept away more than 15 vehicles. Some cars still remain trapped under debris.
Rescue teams quickly moved into action. They recovered three bodies and shifted many stranded tourists to safer places. “Affected tourists have been moved to safe shelters in Chilas,” said an NDMA spokesperson.
Doctors are treating one injured person at the Regional Headquarters Hospital. However, massive boulders still block many routes, making access extremely difficult.
The Karakoram Highway also remains closed at Lal Pahari and Tatta Pani. The floods have damaged the road severely, and repair work will take some time. Meanwhile, NDMA teams continue monitoring the situation closely.
Officials have warned travellers to avoid unnecessary trips to Kohistan. In addition, local administrations are on high alert and taking precautionary measures.
Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed the identities of two victims: Mashal Fatima from Lodhran and Farhat Islam from Bahawalpur. Authorities have declared an emergency at Chilas Hospital to handle the crisis.
Meanwhile, the GB government has started distributing food and tents to affected families. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock. They are clearing roads and looking for the missing, while anxious families wait for news of their loved ones.
This disaster reminds us how quickly nature can change in the mountains. Travellers need to stay alert and check weather updates before starting their journeys.
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Right after the crash, rescue operations kicked off without a moment's delay. Heart-stopping footage from the scene captured flames.
DHAKA – A devastating tragedy struck the Bangladeshi capital on Monday when a Bangladesh Air Force jet crashed into a school campus, killing 16 people and injuring over 100 others, many of them children.
According to military officials, the F-7 BGI fighter jet took off at 1:06 PM and crashed at approximately 1:30 PM during a routine training mission. The crash ignited a massive blaze inside the school premises, causing chaos and panic among students and staff.
Firefighters and Military Teams Launch Massive Rescue
Right after the crash, rescue operations kicked off without a moment’s delay. Heart-stopping footage from the scene captured flames and thick smoke wrapping around school buildings as frightened students rushed to find safety.
Firefighters, police, and military personnel joined forces to battle the blaze and help evacuate those injured. In addition, local health officials reported that over 50 individuals, including children, sustained serious burn injuries and are currently in critical condition.
Government Promises Full Investigation
In the wake of this heartbreaking tragedy, Muhammad Yunus, who leads Bangladesh’s interim government, shared his profound sadness and promised a comprehensive investigation.
“We will take all necessary steps to uncover the cause of this tragic incident and ensure that everyone affected receives the full support they need,” he stated in an official announcement. As of Monday morning, emergency teams are still on-site, and part of the school has been cordoned off. Classes have been put on hold until further notice.
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Web browsers with AI capabilities are set to transform the way we surf the internet, summarising content, booking for us, and even writing emails on our behalf. But will they really save us time and make us more productive?
Let’s examine five ways these browsers can simplify your life.
Source: DIA
1. Task Automation at Your Fingertips
AI browsers such as Perplexity’s Comet and Opera Neon now feature integrated assistants that execute routine tasks without additional apps or tabs. The software can search for travel bargains, schedule appointments, or handle mundane errands in a question-and-answer manner.
During early trials, users report that taking a task (such as searching flights and building calendars) and then allowing the browser to handle the heavy lifting eliminates several clicks, and no more back-and-forth switching. However, initial speed concerns remain, with some tasks still feeling slower than doing them yourself.
2. Deep Content Understanding
Real AI browsers don’t show you web pages, they take in and process content in the moment. The Browser Company, for instance, monitors your surf behaviour; what you click, write, and read, and provides contextual assistance such as summaries, shopping recommendations, or email drafts.
Its “skills” framework activates various AI modules for a given task, allowing for more acute outputs. Users like that this intuitive leap is time-saving, as they no longer copy-paste or swap between tabs
3. One-stop Workspace
Browsers such as Sigma AI and Opera One bundle search, writing features, and AI chat into one interface. Sigma organises your session with intelligent prompts, while Opera’s Neon browser handles tasks via “Do” mode, booking or coding without app-switching.
This bundling reduces mental overhead and restricts context-switching, which means you can concentrate on the activity, not the tool. For authors, researchers, and artists, that saved attention turns into productivity.
4. Smarter Research and Summaries
Traditional browsers depend on you to burrow through search results. AI browsers turn that paradigm on its head. Opera and Comet provide page previews and summaries with immediate access, so you can determine what to click on before clicking. They provide you with summarized answers—facts, key points, or source lists—without viewing multiple pages. Industry experts caution, however, that publishers could lose traffic if readers never click through—posing questions about sustainability in ad-supported content
5. Real Time Privacy & Data Handling
Certain AI browsers process data locally to ensure privacy. Brave, for instance, executes its Leo AI model locally, obscuring user data prior to sending queries. Perplexity’s Comet stores data client-side until you choose to enable cloud features.
This balance ensures speed while keeping sensitive data private. It’s a key enhancement, particularly when browsers pull from personal sessions, logins, or email for automation of task.
Source: TechRadar
Yes, AI web browsers save time, but it’s not magic. They are great at automating tedious work, summarising content, and keeping your workflow focused. Early adopters experience up to 30% shorter cycles of content creation and research. But they still have challenges to overcome: speed bottlenecks, inconsistent task accuracy, and changing privacy issues.
For document creation tasks such as traveling planning or document writing, AI browsers are already excelling.
But until their agents mature and publishers come along, we’re still in the early days of reimagining what the browser can do. If you’re looking for wiser browsing and fewer tabs in chaos, these browsers hold real promise, but perfect results aren’t to be expected yet.
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A family land dispute in Malir’s Rehri Goth area, Karachi, turned violent when a woman allegedly killed her brother during a heated argument over a plot of land. According to police, the conflict stemmed from a long-standing disagreement within the family about property ownership.
Suspect Confesses to the Crime
During the altercation, the woman allegedly hit her brother with a wooden stick, resulting in his death. Additionally, officials have confirmed that the suspect confessed to the crime during the initial questioning.
The police have opened a case and are conducting a thorough investigation into the details surrounding the incident.
Similar Incidents Highlight Growing Property Violence
This case is just one more example of the violent property disputes that have been plaguing Pakistan. Back in June 2025, a tragic gunfight erupted between the Esakhel and Wah Wah Khan groups in Peshawar, resulting in the deaths of two men over a land ownership issue.
It doesn’t stop there. Last September, a man took the life of his blind father with a sharp weapon during a property disagreement in Arifwala. The police managed to arrest the suspect and recover the weapon involved in that incident.
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There it is, THAT look you already know what I am talking about. Blank, expressionless, and somehow more piercing than any eye-roll ever could be. You’ve probably seen it across TikTok, at family dinners, or maybe from a Gen Z intern sitting across the conference table.
Millennials, brace yourselves! It’s the era of the Gen Z stare, and no, honey, they are not mad, they are not disengaged. They are still very actively listening, but just not playing by certain rules anymore.
What is the Gen Z Stare?
The Gen Z stare is part poker face, part passive resistance, and entirely intentional. It’s not aggressive or overtly rude, it’s just a silent protest against performative enthusiasm. While Millennials might have grown up with “fake it till you make it,” Gen Z has flipped that script to “why fake anything at all?”
But why aren’t Millennials buying it? Because Millennials are burnt-out overachievers. Raised in a culture of hustle, politeness, and LinkedIn-optimised optimism, many Millennials thrive on validation and visible enthusiasm.
Their social currency was built on being “relatable,” peppy, and eager to please. The Gen Z stare? It believes in authenticity over people-pleasing.
Critics often assail the stare, making snap judgments about what it means: boredom, indifference, superiority, judgment or just sheer silliness, even a death stare. Perhaps the declining Gen Z reputation provides a negative context for the snap judgments.
In the past, Gen Z has been labelled as oppositional and difficult to manage. They are willing to quit a job if it doesn’t prioritise work-life balance and a healthy culture, and expect a promotion in one year or less.
However, sometimes the criticisms levelled against them are too harsh and one-sided.
Gen Z Stare
Decoding the Silence
To understand the Gen Z stare, you need to understand the context Gen Z grew up in. This is a generation raised on irony, side-eyes, and a constant awareness of being watched by algorithms, by social media, by the world.
So, their rebellion isn’t loud. It’s subtle. It’s the refusal to perform emotion where none exists. In a world of overstimulation, their defence mechanism is detachment.
Is screen time to blame? Psychologists and generational experts are weighing in, saying the phenomenon could have more to do with natural growing pains in a first job. There are also factors unique to Gen Z’s upbringing, including how the generation has grown up in front of screens. One professor told BI that it’s naïve to underestimate the impact that COVID-19 shutdowns and online learning could have had on young people’s development.
In fact, the frozen expression does resemble the third trauma “freeze” reaction, like a deer caught in the headlights. In a way, the frozen look resembles a social disability, resulting from deprived social interactions during the Gen Z formative years.
So, instead of judging, how about millennials trying to look beyond the negative perception they have already concluded? Maybe flip the perspective and think out of the box like this:
Gen Z values authenticity and holds a high bar for brands they purchase and advocate for. How do we, as an organisation, rise up to that standard?
They do not work well in a hierarchical structure. How do we create collaborative working models where they are able to co-create and feel ownership over a process, despite their position in the organisation?
Gen Z is impatient. How do we build agile iterative work models (prototype, test, learn and repeat)?
They rely heavily on peers and social media. Gen Z can help turbocharge social media marketing for your organisation.
So next time you’re faced with the Gen Z stare, don’t panic. Just… sit with it.
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A senior Russian lawmaker has warned that WhatsApp may soon halt operations in the country. Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma’s IT committee, stated that the messaging platform could be classified as restricted software.
Furthermore, this step appears likely under new regulations targeting foreign technology firms, Reuters reported.
Putin Orders Stricter Control Over Foreign Software
WhatsApp, which is part of Meta, is feeling the heat as Russia ramps up its crackdown on foreign tech firms. Meta has already been branded an “extremist organisation,” resulting in bans on Facebook and Instagram back in 2022.
To make matters worse, President Vladimir Putin has recently signed a directive that calls for stricter control over foreign software from “unfriendly countries.” Authorities are expected to enforce these new rules by September 1, and this includes communication apps like WhatsApp.
Push for State-Controlled Alternatives
In June, Putin approved a law promoting a state-managed messaging service integrated with government platforms. Consequently, this move aligns with Russia’s long-standing objective of achieving technological independence.
Officials argue that removing WhatsApp could accelerate the adoption of the domestic platform. After the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, many Western tech firms exited Russia, reinforcing the Kremlin’s push for self-reliance in digital infrastructure.
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Honor killing is a major cultural issue in Pakistan
“Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.”
These were the last words uttered by a woman who was shot and executed on the orders of a local tribal council in Pakistan’s Balochistan province for marrying against the will of her family.
This was another unfortunate case of honour killing, a long-standing patriarchal and morally backwards tradition in which victims, mostly women, are killed for bringing dishonour to their family and community.
However, in this case, it wasn’t just the woman murdered but also the man she married.
The video that went viral shows people in a desert, and some pickup trucks and SUVs in which they had apparently been driven there. The woman is given a copy of the Quran, and she then tells a man, “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.” The man then follows her for a few steps.
A local police official said the woman did not cry or seek mercy.
“You are allowed only to shoot me. Nothing more than that,” the woman says in the regional Brahavi language.
This wasn’t the first case, and unfortunately, won’t be the last. The recent honour killing case in Balochistan is a tragic reminder of a deep-rooted crisis fueled by patriarchal norms, feudal customs, and poor law enforcement.
A Brutal Tradition that has Endured in Pakistan
The recent execution of a couple in the name of honour in Balochistan received considerable traction because it was recorded and circulated on video.
The police arrested 11 suspects, and a terrorism case was registered against the guilty parties. However, the grim truth is that law enforcement is weak against honour killings, and this cultural malaise is a national issue beyond Balochistan’s territory.
First and foremost, the custom of honour killing is rampant in tribal setups and rural feudal areas. Feudal traditions and tribal codes have a far more powerful grip than legal processes, preventing effective law enforcement.
While feudalistic setups are conducive to such practices, urban spaces also fail to protect women. Sana Yousaf, a TikTokker, was recently murdered in her own house when she rejected the advances of Umar Hayat, aka Kaka.
This was more of an individual act committed against a girl who was simply exercising her autonomy, a core theme surrounding all honour killing cases. However, it reflects the ill mindset of such men.
It was not just another high-profile honour killing case, but a reflection of a patriarchal system which promotes toxic masculinity and gendered violence.
Sana Yousaf
We Have Failed to Protect Women as a Society
Honour killings may be committed by one or a few individuals, but the recurring patterns and enduring traditions unearth a horrid reality.
We, as a society, have failed to protect our women. Personal cruelty is one thing, but institutional failures to safeguard women’s rights highlight a broader systemic issue.
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Dubai’s Global Encounters Festival 2025 happens from July 20–27 and features more than 4,000 young people, artists, and athletes from all over the globe. Cultural exchange, creative collaboration, and sustainable innovation, all set across Dubai’s renowned venues, are what this festival brings.
As a participant or a visitor, this guide deconstructs five prominent sections so you can smoothly and pleasantly navigate your experience.
Source: Gulf News
Program Highlights & Daily Activities
GE Fest blends arts, sports, speeches, and service. Look forward to opening and closing ceremonies at the Dubai World Trade Centre with performances and international ambassadors.
Workshops, on subjects such as social entrepreneurship, climate innovation, and digital storytelling, conducted by specialists are each day’s highlight. Parallel sessions comprise cultural exhibitions, youth-organised panel discussions, and community service pop-ups such as beach cleanups and city tree-planting.
That makes each day experiential, hands-on, and purposeful.
Venue Logistics & Mobility
Activities are spread out in three principal locations: Dubai World Trade Centre, Aga Khan Centre, and open-air sites such as Creek Park for art exhibits. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) run extended Metro timings during the festival and upped train frequencies, particularly on Expo and Red lines.
Shuttle bus services move between venues, with rideshare lanes earmarked close to entrances. If you are going to visit more than one place in a day, checking metro status and shuttle timing through the app makes sense.
Packing Smart & Respecting Local Culture
Dubai requires respectful dress, covered shoulders and knees, and modest swimwear. Pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothing because of extreme summer heat (30–40 °C during the day). Sun protection, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are a must.
On a cultural level, displays of affection in public are frowned upon. Festival organisers instruct participants to refrain from rowdy conduct, public intoxication (non-Muslim only in licensed areas), and proselytising of religion. Following these rules prevents embarrassing encounters or fines.
Sustainability & Eco Initiatives
GE Fest places sustainability at its heart. Participants can join tree-planting initiatives guided by environmental NGOs. Workshops highlight sustainable business models, plastic-alternative design, and green entrepreneurship.
Each venue will have recycling stations, water-refill points (bring reusable bottles), and plastic-bag bans. In attending, you’re encouraged to reduce your carbon footprint; walk instead of ride, bring refillable bottles, and choose eco-friendly gear over single-use items.
Get the GE Festival mobile app early: it includes schedules, maps, networking features, and real-time alerts. The app allows one-on-one chat with other attendees and schedule updates for every workshop or show.
“Help desks” at all venues on-site have multilingual volunteers available for directions, first aid, and technical assistance. Wi-Fi is strong and free in venues. Security screening is routine at entry—look for bag scans and ID checks.
Getting ready for the Global Encounters Festival 2025 means more than buying a flight and a badge. You’ll need to blend cultural awareness, sustainability habits, and digital preparation to fully tap into this global crossroads. With its vibrant lineup of performances, meaningful workshops, and eco-actions, this festival offers both celebration and transformation.
Arrive informed, respectful, and engaged, and you’ll return with unforgettable stories, new friendships, and ideas worth sharing.
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Tensions have escalated ahead of the World Cricket League (WCL) match as reports confirm that several Indian cricketers have refused to play against Pakistan following Shahid Afridi’s inclusion in the squad.
Indian Players Object to Afridi’s Presence
According to sources, some senior Indian players expressed strong reservations about facing Shahid Afridi in the upcoming WCL fixture. The players reportedly communicated their stance to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), insisting that they will not participate if Afridi remains in the lineup.
Pakistan Stands Firm on Selection
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed Afridi’s inclusion, emphasising his experience and match-winning capability. PCB sources stated that the board will not bow to external pressure and will proceed with its current squad.
WCL Organisers Face Tough Decisions
The WCL governing body now faces the challenge of mediating between the two cricket boards. Talks are reportedly underway to resolve the standoff before the scheduled match date. Fans across both nations have taken to social media, making #AikAfridiSabPeBhari trend as anticipation builds.
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Gaza is currently experiencing a historic hunger crisis. For the first time in its history, UN officials call it the “hungriest place on Earth” with all 2.2 million inhabitants at risk of famine.
What was once a lifeline of humanitarian aid has now been throttled to near extinction. Since 2023, Israel’s all-out blockade has choked the flow of essential supplies, leaving over 116,000 metric tons of aid stranded at the border and an entire population at the mercy of a collapsing system.
The result isn’t just hunger, it’s a deliberate descent into famine. As Gaza’s food infrastructure crumbles under bombardment and aid convoys turn deadly, survival itself has become a battlefield.
All-Out Blockade
Israel’s 2023 blockade reduced humanitarian assistance previously supporting Gaza by over 80%. Closures of borders and suspended UN and NGO activity meant supply lines were effectively throttled.
When truck convoys dwindled to a trickle, 116,000 metric tons of assistance remained stuck at the border through July 2025, leaving Palestinians reliant on a system in collapse. Aid deprivation eclipsed military violence as the overarching peril.
Source: UN News
Destruction of Food Infrastructure
Bombing and shelling destroyed Gaza’s food infrastructure. About two-thirds of bakeries, flour mills, and food warehouses in the Strip remain destroyed. More than 60% of agricultural land fell victim to attacks or remained inaccessible because of danger zones.
The collapse resulted in local food production grinding to a halt, compelling dependence on imports that aren’t getting to the population.
Increasing Malnutrition and Starvation
As rations were cut to one-third of needs, malnutrition levels have soared. Acute child malnutrition rates have doubled, with WFP and UNICEF reporting that up to 10% of children under the age of five may be affected through June 2025.
At least 79 Palestinians were killed in one stampede at an aid convoy, a sign of desperation. Experts say this amounts to a “man-made famine” with potentially deadly consequences.
Deadly Humanitarian Efforts
In mid-July, at least 80 were killed and hundreds wounded when Israeli troops fired on crowds at relief convoys. Previous weeks saw panicky stampedes at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution points kill dozens. Those breakdowns made others fearful of getting aid, further exacerbating the hunger crisis.
Palestinian children in Rafah wait in line
Vulnerable Groups and Children at Risk of Extinction
UN data confirms Gaza is the only region on Earth where 100% of people face famine risk. Among them, children and the elderly suffer most. Over 65,000 under-fives were diagnosed with acute malnutrition by April–May 2025. The elderly also face alarmingly high starvation death rates. Survival tactics, eating grass, animal feed, and plastic, have surfaced.
Gaza’s famine crisis is more than war; it shows a structural breakdown of the norms of basic survival under siege. A shattered food system, severed aid, deadly aid delivery, escalating malnutrition, and fragile populations brought to the brink sketch a dire picture.
The world needs to address Gaza not just as a war zone but as a sustained humanitarian crisis. This disastrous famine is not collateral damage; it’s an intentional result of policy choices. Restoring unobstructed aid, repairing infrastructure, and ensuring safe delivery can avert further loss.
If these actions fail to take place, Gaza can go from the world’s most hungry place to the most tragic human-made disaster of our era.
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Once known as a little brother of Bitcoin, Ethereum at first wasn’t taken seriously by the majority of investors, as it looked difficult for them to understand. Today, the tables have turned, and the Ethereum coin has carved out a sizeable share of the crypto market due to innovations like DeFi (decentralised finance) and NFT (non-fungible token). But such a drastic improvement? How so?
What is Ethereum coin, and why are investors considering it the next big rival to Bitcoin?
What is Ethereum Coin?
The Ethereum coin, AKA Ether (ETH), is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network. It is a decentralised, blockchain-based platform that was launched in 2015. Ethereum is more than just a digital currency, as it also fuels the decentralised applications and smart contracts built on the Ethereum platform. Think of it as the fuel that powers the “world computer” that is Ethereum.
It’s a platform that allows developers to build and run applications, called dApps, that don’t rely on any central authority.
In simpler terms, Ether is to Ethereum what petrol is to a car. You can invest in it, trade it, or use it to run programs on the Ethereum network.
A Quick Look Back at The History of Ethereum
Ethereum was created by Vitalik Buterin, who published its whitepaper in 2013. The project was crowdfunded in 2014 and officially launched in July 2015. What set Ethereum apart from Bitcoin right from the beginning was its ambition: not just to move money, but to allow anyone to build decentralised apps using smart contracts.
Smart contracts are self-executing lines of code written in blockchain that carry out certain instructions once they are met. No banks, lawyers, or middlemen required. These smart contracts are what power decentralised applications or “dApps” on Ethereum.
But wait, you might be thinking that Bitcoin does the same (almost), so how is this any different? Here is what sets Ethereum and Bitcoin apart.
Bitcoin is primarily a digital store of value. It is a kind of “Internet gold” that’s great for holding and transferring value.
Ethereum is a programmable blockchain. It lets developers create applications that can do all sorts of things: lending money, trading assets, creating NFTs, or even running entire games.
Bitcoin is relatively simple. Ethereum is flexible, open-ended, and designed for innovation.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Bitcoin is also playing a huge role in worldwide expansion towards decentralised finance and is still very valuable in its own way. Ethereum is just bringing something new to the table, along with what Bitcoin already offers.
What are Ethereum Gas Fees and Why is it So Expensive?
Gas fees are transaction fees paid by users to record their transactions on a blockchain. The fees are used as rewards to validators, geographically distributed computer users, for verifying transactions and keeping the blockchain network running properly.
Gas fees also offer an extra layer of security to blockchains by making it costly for bad actors to interact with the network and attempt to disrupt it.
Gas fees tend to be small fractions of cryptocurrencies native to a blockchain and are often not set in stone but depend on how much a particular blockchain is being used at any one time.
Users can pay higher gas fees if they want a transaction confirmed more quickly, as these higher fees incentivise validators to process their transactions first. Likewise, users who pay lower gas fees may see their transactions stuck in a queue because validators are less motivated to confirm them in a timely manner.
These gas fees tend to be more expensive on Ethereum than on other blockchains because of the sheer number of users it attracts, which makes the network congested.
Every application and user on Ethereum is competing for a limited amount of space.
The very large volume of transactions that pass through the thousands of decentralised apps, DeFi protocols, and NFT platforms built on the Ethereum blockchain leads to spikes in gas prices.
Since gas fees are priced in ETH, they also naturally go up, or down, depending on the market value of Ethereum.
During periods of elevated blockchain activity, for example, when a new DeFi protocol launches, or a popular set of NFTs are created for sale, the average price for gas fees can climb to very high levels indeed.
Ethereum Price to USD
The Role of Smart Contracts and Ethereum 2.0
One of Ethereum’s most revolutionary features is the smart contract. These are bits of code that execute automatically when certain conditions are met. For example, a smart contract could automatically release payment when a product is delivered.
All of this runs on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which is a global and decentralised computer that ensures these contracts execute securely across thousands of nodes worldwide.
This combination of smart contracts and EVM is what makes Ethereum the foundation for much of today’s DeFi (decentralised finance) and NFT (non-fungible token) activity.
In September 2022, Ethereum underwent a major upgrade known as The Merge, transitioning from a Proof-of-Work (PoW) system (like Bitcoin) to a much more energy-efficient Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system. Here is why this can be a very important upgrade:
Ethereum’s energy consumption dropped by over 99%, addressing one of the major criticisms of crypto.
The network is now better prepared to handle future upgrades, like sharding, which will significantly increase its capacity and lower fees.
Users can now stake their ETH to help secure the network and earn rewards, rather than relying on miners.
Ethereum’s energy consumption went down by a total of 99 percent, which has made it a lot more sustainable and less energy extensive unlike what it was before.
So, Is Ethereum Really the Next Big Deal?
By all accounts, it already is.
Ethereum is the backbone of the modern crypto ecosystem. It supports the majority of DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, and decentralised applications. With its transition to Proof of Stake, Ethereum has solved some of its biggest issues, energy waste and scalability, making it even more sustainable and future-ready.
Whether you’re an investor, a developer, or just someone trying to understand the next phase of the internet, Ethereum is a project you can’t ignore.
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