This | Pakistan

The current El Nino weather phenomenon is expected to break records for its overall strength, a top expert said Tuesday, as regions face the risk of droughts, floods and other extremes linked to the event. El Nino warms surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, bringing worldwide changes in winds, pressure and rainfall patterns. It typically takes place every two to seven years and lasts around nine to 12 months, and it can lead to droughts in some parts of the world and flooding in others. This year’s El Nino is unlike anything seen in more than three decades of tracking the phenomenon, with forecast models pointing to an “extreme” event, said Tim Stockdale, an El Nino expert at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), an intergovernmental organisation. “I think it’s absolutely true to say we’ve never had a forecast of an El Nino that was so strong and so consistent across (forecast) models,” he said in a media briefing. Stockdale said it would be “a ver...

Sana stood outside the gates of the police station with her young son, clutching her hand as she trembled from fear of what people would say if she went inside. The 26-year-old had been subjected to four years of physical, emotional and financial violence at home, and now her husband was threatening to leak their private videos. What held her back was not fear of her abuser but a sentence she had heard her whole life: Sharif larkiyaan thaney nahi jaati. Good girls don’t go to police stations. At our gate, Sana was not just dealing with her husband’s violence but also battling a deeper, more systemic violence in the shape of a belief system that decided how far she was allowed to seek justice. This story is not an isolated one. I often hear it as a Sub-Divisional Police Officer serving with the Sindh Police. Each complainant who happens to be a woman or her family apologises to me: “We come from a respectable family. We have never stepped inside a police station.” This disclaimer signals that the act of going ...

US President Donald Trump did not take a break from his polarising rhetoric on Easter Sunday, delivering an expletive-laden attack on Iran that sparked criticism on Capitol Hill and beyond. In his message, he warned Iran that “you’ll be living in hell” if the Strait of Hormuz was not opened. He renewed his threat to unleash heavy bombing on Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran refused to unblock the strategic Strait of Hormuz. While the Republican president is well known for his straight talk, the post on his Truth Social network raised eyebrows, especially on a Christian holiday. “Happy Easter, America. As you head off to church and celebrate with friends and family, the president of the United States is ranting like an unhinged madman on social media,” Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on X. “He’s threatening possible war crimes and alienating allies. This is who he is, but this is not who we are. Our country deserves so much better.” For Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connectic...

This planner blends weekly structure with daily mindful actions, helping you move through Ramazan with balance, intention, and calm. Each day offers practical guidance alongside a gentle spiritual nudge. Image showing a bowl of dates. — Unsplash via The Daily Star Week 1: Adjusting the rhythm In a world where notifications never stop, and timelines dictate our moods, the first week of Ramazan is about consciously slowing down. Social media may be filled with elaborate iftar spreads and productivity checklists, but this week reminds us that Ramazan is not a performance. It is a personal reset. Step back from comparison, ease into the month gently, and focus on setting intentions rather than chasing perfection. Day 1 – Set the pace Plan sehri and iftar timings and aim for an early night. Begin the month with a sincere intention, reminding yourself why this month matters to you. Day 2 – Stock and simplify Buy fruits, dates, and vegetables that will sustain you through the week. Accept an invitation for iftar or ...