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    K-pop label CEO arrested in $21m fraud case

    SEOUL: The head of South Korea’s entertainment agency One Hundred Label has been arrested over allegations of large-scale financial fraud, adding to the growing controversies surrounding the K-pop industry. Cha Gawon, chairman of Piac Group and the representative of One Hundred Label, was taken into custody after a Seoul court approved an arrest warrant. The court cited concerns that evidence in the case could be destroyed if the suspect remained free during the investigation. According to investigators, Cha is accused of securing advance payments worth 24.2 billion Korean won (about $16.9 million) from an entertainment technology company for a business project involving the intellectual property rights of artists managed by the agency. Authorities allege the promised project was never carried out. Prosecutors further claim that Cha entered into the agreement despite knowing that an existing contract with another company would prevent the deal from moving forward. Investigators believe the alleged actions resulted in financial losses estimated at nearly 30 billion Korean won, or around $21 million. The case is being investigated under South Korea’s law covering major economic crimes. Following the arrest, Cha was transferred to a police detention facility in Seoul while the investigation continues. Authorities have also accused Cha of collecting billions of won through property lease arrangements that were allegedly never completed. Officials say these transactions are also part of the wider fraud investigation. Police reportedly sought Cha’s arrest more than once, but earlier requests required additional investigation. After examining bank records and contractual documents, investigators submitted another request, which was later approved by the court. The legal troubles have intensified uncertainty surrounding One Hundred Label. Several well-known artists have already ended their association with the agency following disputes over contract terms and financial settlements. Actor and singer Lee Seung-gi previously terminated his exclusive contract with the company, citing contractual violations. K-pop group The Boyz also launched legal proceedings against the agency over alleged unpaid earnings, delayed staff payments, and breach of contract. Most members successfully suspended their exclusive contracts through a court order, while member New remained with the company. SHINee member Taemin had also parted ways with the agency’s subsidiary, Big Planet Made, before the latest developments.

  • Night or Morning when to charge your phone?

    Many smartphone users wonder whether it is better to charge their phone overnight or wait until the morning. Some people plug in their phone before going to bed while others prefer charging it after they wake up.  According to technology experts both methods are generally safe but one may be better for your battery’s long term health. Modern smartphones are designed with smart charging technology that helps protect the battery. Once the battery reaches 100%, the phone automatically reduces or stops charging to prevent overcharging. This means leaving your phone plugged in overnight is usually not dangerous and it is very unlikely to cause the battery to explode or become damaged under normal conditions. However experts say that keeping the phone connected to the charger for many hours is not always the best habit. Even after the battery is full a small amount of voltage can remain which may slowly add stress to the battery over time. If this happens every night for months or years it could slightly reduce the battery’s overall lifespan. For this reason many experts recommend charging your phone in the morning whenever possible.  You can unplug it as soon as it reaches the charge level you need helping reduce unnecessary stress on the battery. Battery experts also suggest keeping your phone’s battery between 20% and 80% most of the time.  Staying within this range reduces chemical wear inside the battery and can help it last longer. If overnight charging is your only option there is no need to worry.  Most modern Android phones and iPhones include features such as Adaptive Charging or Optimized Battery Charging. These features learn your daily routine and slow down charging overnight reaching 100% only shortly before you usually unplug the phone. This helps reduce long term battery wear. Heat is another important factor that affects battery life. Using your phone for heavy gaming video editing or other demanding tasks while it is charging can cause it to become very hot. High temperatures can shorten the battery’s lifespan more quickly than charging overnight. Experts also recommend using the original charger or a trusted high quality replacement. Cheap or low quality chargers and cables may not provide stable power and could affect battery performance. It is also a good idea to avoid charging your phone under a pillow blanket or in any place where heat cannot escape easily. Another useful tip is to avoid letting the battery drop to 0% on a regular basis. Instead try to charge it when it falls to around 20%, and if possible unplug it when it reaches about 80%. In the end overnight charging is much safer than it used to be because of modern battery technology. However if you want your phone’s battery to stay healthy for as long as possible charging when needed using adaptive charging features avoiding excessive heat and keeping the battery between 20% and 80% are the best habits to follow.

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    Zayn Malik posts after Gigi-Cooper wedding speculation

    Singer Zayn Malik has shared a new message on social media following renewed speculation surrounding his former partner, Gigi Hadid, and her relationship with Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper. The former One Direction star returned to Instagram after several weeks of silence to celebrate the 11th anniversary of his fan community, known as the “Zquad.” Alongside a selfie, Zayn thanked his supporters for their loyalty and wrote, “Love you all!” His post marked his first social media update since mid-July. Although the singer did not mention Hadid or Cooper, the timing of the post drew attention as reports continue to circulate about the couple’s relationship. Marriage rumours surrounding Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper gained momentum after the pair were photographed together in Paris wearing rings on their left hands. The images quickly fuelled speculation on social media that the couple may have secretly tied the knot. The latest appearance was also their first public outing since attending the wedding celebrations of Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce last month. Hadid and Cooper have reportedly been in a relationship since 2023, but neither has publicly addressed the ongoing marriage rumours. Before dating Cooper, Gigi Hadid was in a long-term relationship with Zayn Malik. The former couple dated for nearly six years and welcomed their daughter, Khai, in September 2020. Their relationship ended following reports of family tensions involving Hadid’s mother, Yolanda Hadid. Despite their separation, Zayn and Gigi have continued to co-parent their daughter.

  • Morning vs Evening walk, Which is better for health?

    Medical experts say that walking in the morning or evening is equally beneficial for weight loss, improving heart health and getting better sleep. However, the real key to good health is maintaining a regular walking routine. According to health experts, 30 to 45 minutes of brisk walking every day can play an effective role in improving heart health, losing weight, strengthening muscles and reducing mental stress. However, choosing to walk in the morning or evening depends on an individual’s routine, health condition and personal preference. Benefits of Morning walks Morning walks provide the body with natural sunlight which helps regulate the body’s internal clock, improve sleep at night and support the production of vitamin D. In addition, walking in the morning promotes the release of hormones associated with happiness which can improve mood, increase concentration and help maintain energy throughout the day. Experts say that people who exercise in the morning are also more likely to maintain their exercise routine consistently. Evening walks also have several benefits Experts say that after a full day, an increase in body temperature makes the muscles and joints more flexible. As a result, walking briskly and for longer periods may feel easier. According to experts, an evening walk can also help reduce mental stress, relieve fatigue and provide mental relaxation after a busy day. Regarding weight loss, experts say that walking in both the morning and evening can be effective provided that a healthy diet is maintained and a calorie deficit is created. Some people consider walking before breakfast better because the body may use stored fat for energy during this time. However, in the long term, weight loss depends on overall diet and physical activity. Morning and evening walks are also equally beneficial for heart health. Regular walking improves blood circulation and helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It may also reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases. Walking and sleep When it comes to sleep, morning walks can help improve the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle while light or moderate-intensity evening walks can reduce stress and support better sleep. However, intense exercise shortly before bedtime may cause difficulty sleeping for some people. Experts say the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Whether you walk in the morning or evening, maintaining consistency is the real key to a healthy lifestyle.

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    US waives $20,000 visa bond for Pakistanis

    Pakistan has been excluded from the United States’ newly permanent visa bond programme, meaning Pakistani applicants will not be required to deposit a refundable financial guarantee of up to $20,000 when applying for certain US visitor visas. The United States has officially made its 2025 Visa Bond Pilot Program a permanent policy. Under the programme, nationals of selected countries applying for business or tourist visas must provide a refundable financial bond ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 as part of the visa application process. According to international reports, the revised policy increases the maximum refundable bond amount from $15,000 to $20,000 for eligible applicants from countries included in the programme. The list reportedly includes around 50 countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, and several African nations. Pakistan is not included in the list of countries subject to the visa bond requirement. Afghanistan, India, and Iran are also excluded from the programme. As a result, Pakistani citizens applying for US visitor visas will continue to follow the standard visa application process without the additional refundable financial guarantee required under the permanent visa bond policy.

  • PML-N accuses Gujrat police of political victimisation after rally FIR

    GUJRAT: A political row has erupted in Gujrat days after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) celebrated its victories in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections, with the party accusing the district police of registering what it described as a politically motivated first information report (FIR) against its local leadership. The controversy began after a victory rally organised in the NA-63 constituency, where supporters celebrated PML-N’s electoral success in AJK. During the procession, some participants allegedly resorted to aerial firing. Following the incident, Gujrat Police registered an FIR against around 10 nominated suspects and nearly 30 unidentified persons. Police have also arrested around 10 individuals in connection with the case. Among those named in the FIR is PML-N Gujrat District Coordinator Chaudhry Ali Warraich. The case includes serious offences under Sections 324, 148, 149 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, in addition to other charges related to the incident. Addressing an emergency press conference, Ali Warraich strongly rejected the allegations and accused the police of acting beyond their legal authority. He alleged that the FIR was registered without a proper inquiry and claimed that officials from City Police Station initiated legal proceedings despite the alleged incident occurring within the jurisdiction of Sadar Police Station. “This action was taken overnight without any transparent investigation. We will challenge this FIR through all available legal forums,” Warraich said. He maintained that only the individual found responsible for aerial firing should face legal consequences, adding that innocent participants should not be implicated. “If any person committed the firing, that individual should be punished according to law, but the rest should not be made scapegoats,” he said, demanding that responsibility be fixed on those directly involved. PML-N District President Nawabzada Tahir-ul-Mulk also condemned the FIR, describing it as political victimisation. “We have always opposed violence and lawlessness in Gujrat. Ironically, today our own workers are being implicated in what appears to be a politically motivated case,” he said. AJK MLA Chaudhry Zeeshan Younas, who recently won the LA-38 Jammu-V seat on the PML-N ticket, expressed solidarity with those booked in the case. “Most of those nominated are our supporters and voters. We will not leave them alone and will provide them every possible legal and political support,” he said. Warraich further alleged that Punjab ministers Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Chaudhry Shafay Hussain exerted pressure on the district administration to register the FIR at the request of PML-Q leader Chaudhry Hussain Elahi. However, no official response was immediately available from the ministers or the PML-Q regarding the allegations. According to PML-N leaders, the FIR is being viewed by many local political observers as a reaction to the party’s electoral gains in AJK, particularly in Gujrat, a district long regarded as a political stronghold of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), which currently has representation in both the federal and Punjab governments. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reportedly taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the Inspector General of Police, Punjab. Despite repeated attempts by journalists to obtain the police version, Gujrat Police declined to comment on the matter. No official statement explaining the basis of the FIR or the arrests had been issued till the filing of this report.

  • Don’t ignore sprouted potatoes

    During the rainy season higher humidity can cause stored potatoes to develop sprouts.  Many people wonder whether these potatoes are still safe to eat or if they should be thrown away. Health experts say the answer depends on the condition of the potato. If a potato has only one or two small sprouts you can remove the sprouts and the surrounding area before cooking it. However potatoes with many sprouts green patches a soft texture or a shriveled appearance should be thrown away. Experts explain that these potatoes may contain higher levels of two natural toxins called solanine and chaconine. In large amounts these compounds can cause food poisoning and lead to nausea vomiting diarrhea stomach pain and other health problems. Sprouting is a natural process but it also shows that the potato is changing. As the sprouts grow the potato uses its stored nutrients loses moisture becomes soft and some of its starch turns into sugar. At the same time the levels of natural protective compounds called glycoalkaloids including solanine and chaconine may increase. These chemicals help protect the potato from insects and disease but can be harmful to people if consumed in high amounts. A study published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology journal in 2002 found that eating potatoes with high levels of solanine may cause nausea vomiting diarrhea and stomach cramps. In more serious cases symptoms such as headache dizziness fever drowsiness changes in heart rate and even nervous system problems may develop within a few hours. Doctors advise seeking medical care if severe or long lasting symptoms appear after eating potatoes. Experts also warn that people with diabetes should avoid heavily sprouted potatoes because some of the starch changes into sugar which may increase the potato’s glycemic index and raise blood sugar levels more quickly. Who should avoid sprouted potatoes? Health experts say young children older adults pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems should not eat sprouted green or spoiled potatoes because they are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of these natural toxins. How to store potatoes properly Experts recommend storing raw potatoes in a cool dry and dark place.  They should not be kept in the refrigerator because cold temperatures can turn starch into sugar. When these potatoes are cooked at high heat they may produce higher levels of acrylamide a compound considered potentially harmful. Potatoes should also be stored away from onions as onions can speed up the sprouting process

  • Lower protein may boost longevity

    Protein rich foods such as cereals coffee water and many other products have become increasingly popular. However a new study suggests that for many people eating less protein instead of more may actually be better for overall health and could even help people live longer. The review published on July 31 in the journal Cell Press Blue examined more than 350 scientific studies exploring the connection between lower protein intake and healthy aging. Researchers found that reducing protein intake may improve metabolism help cells respond better to nutrients lower cell damage and support normal cell function. Together these effects may promote better health and a longer lifespan. The study’s lead author Dudley Lamming said that protein is important for people who exercise regularly because it helps build muscle and improves workout results. However he added that most people are not very physically active which means they may be eating more protein than their bodies actually need. In some cases this could have negative effects on health. Experts also noted that the right amount of protein is different for everyone.  It depends on factors such as age overall health physical activity and lifestyle. They recommend following a balanced diet and getting advice from a healthcare professional before making major changes to protein intake.

  • 18 Million perform Umrah in 2025

    Saudi Arabia has released the 2025 Pilgrim Experience Program (PEP) Annual Report under its Vision 2030 initiative revealing that a record 18 million Umrah pilgrims visited the Kingdom last year. Egyptians made up the largest group of Umrah visitors while Pakistan ranked second followed by Indonesia. The report titled “Honor and Impact,” highlights the major improvements made to services for pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah. It explains how Saudi Arabia is working to make every stage of the pilgrimage from planning the trip to returning home more comfortable smooth and memorable. According to the report more than 60 government and private organizations worked together on 87 projects and initiatives during 2025 with all of them fully completed. The report also shows that the number of Umrah pilgrims increased by 114% compared with 2022 reflecting the success of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand religious tourism. Official figures from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah show that 18 million people performed Umrah in 2025, while 16 million visitors prayed at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. Saudi Arabia issued 15.03 million visas during the year with 83% of them granted specifically for Umrah pilgrims. Pakistan Egypt and Indonesia were among the top countries sending pilgrims. Pilgrim satisfaction remained high with 91% of Hajj pilgrims and 94% of Umrah pilgrims reporting positive experiences.  These figures exceeded the targets set under Saudi Vision 2030. The report also noted that the number of religious and historical sites open to visitors in Makkah and Madinah has increased to 87 attracting more than 55 million visits and helping pilgrims learn more about Islamic history. Volunteer participation also reached a new milestone with 184,569 men and women serving pilgrims throughout the year. Saudi Arabia’s efforts have also improved its global tourism standing. Makkah is now ranked as the world’s fifth most visited city while Madinah ranks seventh for international visitors. The report concludes that these achievements support the goals of Vision 2030 while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s historic role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and millions of pilgrims from around the world.

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    Field Marshal visits NEOC, reviews monsoon disaste…

    Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), where he was briefed on preparedness measures and coordinated response arrangements for dealing with monsoon-related disasters. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) briefed the Field Marshal on the authority’s operational capabilities and its technology-driven disaster response mechanism. During the visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir stressed that the protection of human lives and critical national infrastructure must be ensured under all circumstances. He said the Pakistan Armed Forces remain fully prepared at all times to support the civil administration and the NDMA in relief, rescue, and rehabilitation operations whenever required. The Field Marshal also appreciated the NDMA’s efforts to strengthen the country’s disaster management capacity and enhance preparedness for natural emergencies. According to the ISPR, he underscored the importance of maintaining constant readiness, ensuring effective coordination among all relevant institutions, and delivering a timely response to emergency situations during the ongoing monsoon season.