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Australia introduces mandatory pay floor and injury coverage for gig workers

ByJustpaste.in

In a major shift for gig economy rights, Australia’s industrial umpire has ordered delivery platforms to pay food and grocery couriers a mandatory minimum rate alongside compulsory personal accident insurance.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled late on Tuesday that gig delivery workers must earn a minimum rate for active delivery time. The order, set to take effect on 17 August, is expected to benefit roughly 250,000 workers across the country.

Beyond baseline wages, platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash will now be legally required to provide personal accident cover for couriers on duty, though workers will remain responsible for third-party vehicle insurance.

The reform stems from workplace legislation passed by Australia’s Labor government in 2023 and 2024, which empowered the FWC to regulate conditions for independent contractors previously excluded from traditional employment protections.

In a joint statement, the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Uber Eats, and DoorDash welcomed the determination. TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine hailed the order as a landmark moment that establishes new standards for a workforce long left outside national workplace systems.

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    JI launches countrywide protests against inflation

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    Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is holding nationwide demonstrations on Friday against the petroleum levy, rising fuel prices and inflation. The party has announced protests and sit-ins in major cities and districts across the country. Demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 4pm. According to the party, protests will be held along hundreds of major roads and highways in around 170 districts. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi are among the cities where demonstrations have been planned. Several major locations have also been selected for sit-ins. These include Qurtaba Chowk in Lahore, Stop No. 26 in Islamabad, Mian Ghundi Chowk in Quetta and the Toll Plaza in Peshawar. Other protest points include Bosan Road in Multan, the Indus Highway in Karak, CPEC Chowk in Bannu and the Chakdara interchange. JI leaders have warned that the protest campaign could be expanded if authorities attempt to prevent the demonstrations. The party said the number of roads and highways involved could increase significantly. In Karachi, JI leaders said protest caravans would begin moving from several locations at 4pm. These include Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Hub Road, National Highway, Super Highway, Orangi, Korangi, Pakistan Chowk and Sher Shah. The caravans are expected to gather at Mazar-e-Quaid before moving towards Shahrah-e-Faisal. Karachi JI chief Monem Zafar Khan said the demonstrations would continue until the petroleum levy was withdrawn. He said roads along some protest routes could remain closed during the demonstrations. He added that emergency vehicles, including ambulances, would be allowed to pass. JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had called for the nationwide action a day earlier. In a video message, he urged citizens to join the peaceful demonstrations and asked motorists to park their cars and motorcycles on roads at 4pm. The JI leadership has criticised the government over fuel-related taxes and the rising cost of essential goods. The party says ordinary citizens are facing increasing financial pressure because of higher fuel prices and indirect taxation. Hafiz Naeem also claimed that prices of several food items had increased over the past month. He said motorcycle users and other low-income citizens were particularly affected by higher fuel costs. The JI chief argued that people who do not fall within the formal income-tax system are also paying taxes through fuel levies and other indirect charges. He claimed the government collected around Rs1.9 trillion through the petroleum levy during the past year. The party has warned that further taxation could increase the burden on households if the government does not reconsider its policies. JI leaders are calling on citizens to participate in the protests and press the government to withdraw the petroleum levy

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    Teen in clown costume arrested after fatal stabbin…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly fatally stabbing a 78-year-old man while dressed in a clown costume in East St. Louis, Illinois, in a case that has shocked local residents and gained widespread attention online. Authorities say doorbell camera footage and neighborhood surveillance videos were instrumental in identifying and apprehending the suspect. According to police, the incident occurred on Monday night when the victim, John Wesley Allen Sr., was waiting at a bus stop to meet his sister. Investigators allege that the teenager, dressed in a loose black-and-red clown outfit, suddenly attacked the elderly man with a knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds. Allen, a retired bus driver and US Navy veteran, died from his injuries. Before the fatal attack, the suspect was reportedly seen wandering through nearby neighborhoods while wearing the clown costume. Residents told investigators that the teenager rang several doorbells, peered through windows, and appeared to be searching for someone. One widely shared doorbell camera video shows the suspect leaning toward the camera and whispering, “I’m looking for you,” in a chilling moment that later spread across social media. Initially, many online users believed the footage was part of a prank or a horror-themed stunt. However, police later confirmed that the video was connected to a real homicide investigation, adding to the public shock surrounding the case. One local resident told police that if his mother had opened the door after the suspect rang the bell, she might also have become a victim. Investigators are reviewing additional surveillance footage and digital evidence to determine whether the attack was premeditated or a random act of violence. Using surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses, police identified the suspect and arrested him within hours at a residence in the area. Authorities have charged the teenager with first-degree murder. Because the suspect is a minor, law enforcement officials have not released his identity. Police said preliminary findings indicate that the victim and the suspect had no known connection, suggesting the stabbing may have been a random attack. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue examining evidence, including social media activity and surveillance recordings, to establish the motive behind the killing. The case has drawn national attention due to its disturbing nature and the viral spread of the doorbell camera footage, while authorities continue to urge the public to avoid speculation until the investigation is complete.

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    Justice delayed for 40 years is injustice, says Mu…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prominent religious scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has called for urgent reforms in Pakistan’s justice and economic systems, saying that a legal framework that fails to deliver justice for decades cannot be considered fair. Addressing a gathering in Karachi on Tuesday, Mufti Muneeb said prolonged court cases lasting 40 years amount to injustice and place an enormous burden on ordinary citizens. He stressed that timely justice is essential for social stability and public trust in institutions. The scholar also urged those in power to focus on resolving Pakistan’s domestic challenges. He said leaders often discuss global issues, but greater attention should be given to pressing national matters, particularly economic concerns affecting millions of people. Referring to the energy sector, Mufti Muneeb called for a solution to issues related to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which have frequently been debated in Pakistan due to their impact on electricity costs and the national economy. He further highlighted the country’s financial difficulties, saying that after payments related to provincial allocations and debt obligations, limited resources remain for development and public welfare. Speaking at the same event, Maulana Bashir Farooqi expressed concern over the continuation of the interest-based banking system. He said there was a need for serious efforts to move toward alternative financial models and added that his organization was prepared to help train employees of conventional banks if reforms were introduced. The remarks come amid ongoing debates in Pakistan over judicial reforms, economic challenges and proposals for changes in the financial system.

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    Babar Azam equals Imran Khan’s historic Pakistan record

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    Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has added another major milestone to his glittering career, equalling a historic record previously held by legendary captain Imran Khan after being named Player of the Series against the West Indies. Babar shared the award with West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves after Pakistan fought back to level the two-match Test series 1-1 with an impressive eight-wicket victory in the second Test. The right-handed batter was Pakistan’s standout performer throughout the series, scoring 193 runs in four innings at an outstanding average of 96.50, making him the leading run-scorer of the contest. His consistent contributions proved crucial as Pakistan recovered from defeat in the opening Test to finish the series on level terms. Babar began the series with 23 runs in the first innings of the opening Test before producing a composed half-century in the second innings. He then followed it with a fluent 88 in the first innings of the second Test and remained unbeaten on 24 off 30 balls in the final innings, helping Pakistan complete a comfortable chase. The shared Player of the Series honour marked the first such award of Babar’s Test career and the 10th of his international career, placing him alongside Pakistan’s greatest cricketing icons. Before this achievement, Babar had won five Player of the Series awards in T20 Internationals and four in One-Day Internationals. His latest success means he has now equalled Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, who also finished their illustrious international careers with 10 Player of the Series awards each. Former fast-bowling great Waqar Younis occupies fourth place on Pakistan’s all-time list with nine awards. The latest milestone further strengthens Babar’s legacy as one of Pakistan’s finest modern-day cricketers. Having already established himself among the country’s leading batters across formats, the 31-year-old continues to rewrite record books while leading the national Test side, proving once again that consistency and class remain the hallmarks of his career.

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    Suspended ASI gets four-day police remand

    ByJustpaste.in

    A Lahore court on Wednesday handed a four-day physical remand of a suspended assistant sub-inspector (ASI) to police for further investigation into the alleged rape of a mentally challenged young woman inside Ghaziabad Police Station. The suspect, identified as suspended ASI Imran, was presented before Judicial Magistrate Iram Yousaf by the investigating team. Police requested a 14-day physical remand, stating that further custody was necessary to collect evidence and complete the investigation into the alleged sexual assault. After hearing the arguments, the court approved a four-day physical remand instead of the two-week period sought by investigators. The suspect will remain in police custody while investigators continue gathering evidence and recording statements. The case has sparked widespread concern after authorities alleged that the incident occurred within the premises of a police station. Following the allegations, Lahore police suspended the entire staff of Ghaziabad Police Station, citing administrative failures, negligence and poor supervision. According to the first information report (FIR), the case was registered on August 3 under Section 376 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with rape, along with Section 155C of the Police Order 2002 concerning misconduct by police officials. The complaint was filed by the victim’s father. Police officials said senior officers immediately took notice of the incident after the FIR was registered. The accused officer was arrested, while departmental action was initiated against police personnel responsible for supervising the station. In a separate disciplinary move, authorities suspended 78 police officials posted at the station, holding them accountable for negligence and failure to ensure proper oversight. According to the complainant, his mentally challenged daughter, believed to be around 19 or 20 years old, left home on the afternoon of August 3 and did not return for several hours. During the search, a local resident allegedly informed the family that a policeman in plain clothes had taken the young woman away. The victim’s father said he rushed to the police station, where he was told that his daughter had already gone home. When the family returned, they found her distressed and crying. He alleged that his daughter told them she had been taken to the police station by a police officer and sexually assaulted. Following her statement, the family approached authorities and sought legal action against the accused officer.

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    Ducky bhai questions parents’ role in children?…

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    Pakistani YouTuber Ducky Bhai has questioned the growing criticism of YouTubers over their alleged negative influence on children, arguing that parents must also take responsibility for their children’s upbringing and online activities. In his recent remarks, Ducky Bhai rejected the idea that YouTubers alone are responsible when children are exposed to inappropriate or negative content. He questioned where parents are when children are spending significant amounts of time online and consuming digital content. According to Ducky Bhai, content creators should make an effort to keep their videos clean and appropriate. However, he stressed that YouTubers cannot be expected to act as parents for every child watching their content. He argued that parents have a key role in deciding what their children watch and how much time they spend online. Monitoring internet activity, setting boundaries and discussing appropriate content with children, he suggested, should be part of responsible parenting. Ducky Bhai also referred to his own childhood while explaining his perspective. He recalled that his father encouraged him to focus on his studies and used rewards, including the promise of a PlayStation for good performance, as motivation. He further revealed that his father had installed security measures on his computer that allowed him to monitor his activities. According to Ducky Bhai, this close supervision helped his parents remain aware of what he was doing online. His comments have renewed discussion about the responsibilities of parents and digital content creators in an age when children have easy access to YouTube and other online platforms. While creators can influence young audiences through the content they publish, Ducky Bhai believes parents cannot simply shift the entire responsibility onto YouTubers. Instead, he says families should actively monitor children’s digital activities and guide them toward appropriate content. The debate highlights a broader challenge for modern families: balancing children’s access to entertainment and technology with parental supervision. As online platforms continue to become an important part of children’s daily lives, both content creators and parents face increasing pressure to ensure that young viewers are exposed to safe and suitable material.

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