Weekly News Round-Up ( 11th – 17th April)
This week in the news, find out why we might observe Ramadan twice in 2030, which film is going to be representing Pakistan at Cannes’22, the styling and inspiration behind Ali Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s wedding outfits and more! Read on to find out all the news you’ve missed this week.
Ramadan To Be Observed Twice In 2030
The fasting month will fall twice in 2030 according to some astronomers, first in January and then again in late December, a phenomenon that last occurred in 1997. The phenomenon occurs roughly every 30 years because the lunar calendar is 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, Saudi astronomer Khaled al-Zaqaq explained on Twitter. A full year on the Hijri calendar is 354 days, instead of the 365 days marked on the Gregorian calendar. (Source: arabnews)
InspectIR’s Breathalyzer Will Allow Covid-19 To Be Detected In Under 3 Minutes
The American Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization for the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer which will only be available for tests “by a qualified, trained operator under the supervision of a health care provider.” The FDA says the company will be able to produce around 100 instruments per week. Each test can evaluate around 160 samples every day. InspectIR’s test works by analyzing a person’s breath using “gas chromatography gas mass-spectrometry” to detect five compounds typically exhaled when people are infected by SARS-CoV-2. (Source: cbsnews)
150 Palestinians Injured in Al-Aqsa Mosque Raid
On Friday the 15th of April, Israeli forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem with medics reporting at least 158 Palestinians injured in the ensuing violence as hundreds were detained. It was the most serious violence at the holy site in nearly a year. Israeli police said they entered the compound, to break up a “violent” crowd that remained at the end of the morning prayers. Israel’s public security minister, Omer Barlev, who oversees the police force, said Israel had “no interest” in violence at the holy site, but that police were forced to confront “violent elements” who attacked them with stones and metal bars. He said Israel was committed to freedom of worship for Jews and Muslims alike. The Palestinian Red Crescent added Israeli forces that hindered the arrival of ambulances and paramedics to the mosque, as Palestinian media said dozens of injured worshippers remained trapped inside the compound. The mosque was later re-opened and some 60,000 people attended the main Friday prayers midday, according to the Waqf, the Islamic endowment that administers the site. After prayers, thousands of Palestinians marched around the esplanade chanting “with our souls, with our blood, we sacrifice for you, Al-Aqsa”. (Source: Aljazeera)
The ‘Mother Of Orphans’ Bilquis Edhi Passes Away At The Age Of 74
On the 15th of April, the wife of humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, Bilquis Edhi passed away at the age of 74 after a brief hospitalisation. According to an Edhi Foundation spokesperson, she had been ill for the past month. She was buried in Karachi’s Mewa Shah graveyard on Saturday after Zuhr prayers. Her funeral prayers were offered at the New Memon Masjid Kharadar shortly before her burial. Bilquis Edhi spent more than six decades of her life serving humanity in need. In recognition of her services to humanity, she was awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz by Pakistan, the Lenin Peace Prize by Russia, as well as the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice in 2015.
Easter Celebrations Underway For Pakistan’s Christian Community
On the 17th of April, the Christian Community in Pakistan celebrated Easter Sunday with religious fervour. Easter Sunday is one of the most festive events among Christians worldwide which commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death, according to the Bible. The followers of Christ believe Jesus was resurrected in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.
Shaheen Afridi Enters The Top Ten List Of T20 Bowlers
Shaheen Afridi, 22, achieved a career-best ranking in the latest ICC T20 Rankings after a notable performance in the historic series against Australia. He has now become the only Pakistani player named in the top 10 positions in the bowling category. In the recent limited-overs fixture against Australia, he finished with figures of 2/21 off four overs which allowed him to jump four spots ahead in the T20 Rankings.
‘Joyland’ Becomes First Pakistani Film To Be Nominated At Cannes Film Festival
On the 14th of April, the official Twitter handle for the Cannes Film Festival announced that Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq’s feature film ‘Joyland’, was selected to be screened at the film festival’s 75th anniversary. There are only 14 films selected in the ‘Feature Films’ category and it’s a historic moment for Pakistan to finally make the cut. However, this isn’t Saim Sadiq’s first rodeo, his short film, ‘Darling’, won the ‘Best Short Film’ category at the La Biennale di Venezia in 2019. According to various news outlets, ‘Joyland’ is supposed to star a trans character but more will be unveiled in the days to come.
Alia Bhatt & Ranbir Kapoor Tie The Knot
On Thursday, the 14th of April, Indian superstars Ali Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor finally tied the knot in a daytime ceremony in Mumbai. The wedding was held at Ranbir’s Pali Hill residence and attended by Bollywood’s royalty – Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Karan Johar, to name a few. The couple looked ethereal in ivory Sabyasachi ensembles. Ditching the traditional red, Alia looked mesmerising in a hand-dyed ivory organza sari embroidered with fine tilla work and an embroidered handwoven tissue veil. She accessorised the sari with a heavy diamond-studded gold choker, maatha patti, dangling earrings and bangles by the designer. Ranbir, on the other hand, looked charming as he complimented Alia in an intricately embroidered silk ivory sherwani from Sabyasachi with a layered pearl neckpiece, a matching white organza saafa with a stone-studded accessory on it, and a shawl with zari marori embroidery. The couple was styled by Alia’s long-time stylist, Ami Patel. (Source: indianexpress)
