Weekly News Round-Up (22nd – 29th January)
This week in the news, find out why the new Covid variant has people around the globe worried, why Netflix is being sued, two upcoming Pakistani dramas we’re excited about and more! Read on to find out all the news you’ve missed this week.
New Covid Variant, NeoCov “Totally blown out of proportion”
This week the internet was flooded with news of a new Covid variant called NeoCov. First discovered in bats in South Africa, the new virus may potentially penetrate human cells the same way as Covid-19 and may pose a palpable threat to the populace. “NeoCov is only one mutation away from becoming dangerous for humans,” the researchers said on the preprint repository BioRxiv. However, it is important to note that the study is yet to be peer-reviewed, there are no human cases as of yet and transmission to humans is rare. (Source: IndianExpress)
What Is Paxlovid & How Will It Help Fight Against Covid?
On Thursday, the 27th of January The EMA approved Pfizer’s antiviral COVID-19 pill, Paxlovid for treating adults at risk of severe illness. Paxlovid, a two-drug antiviral regimen, was nearly 90% effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths in patients at high risk of severe illness, according to data from the company’s clinical trial. Recent lab data suggests the drug retained its effectiveness against the Omicron variant as well. Italy, Germany and Belgium are among a handful of EU countries that have bought already bought the drug. The United States in December authorised Paxlovid and Merck’s similar drug Molnupiravir. However, Merck’s pill is under review in the EU and is taking longer to approve because the company revised its trial data in November, saying the drug was significantly less effective than previously thought. (Source: Reuters)
PSL, Back With A Bang!
PSL 7 is finally here and all bets are up to see if last year’s champions, Multan Sultans will be able to uphold their winning streak! The first match took place on the 27th of January, Thursday between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans – in which Multan Sultans won by 7 wickets (10 balls left). The second match on the 28th of January, Friday was won by Peshawar Zalmi against Quetta Gladiators by 5 wickets (2 balls left). The schedule for the weekend will consist of Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators on Saturday, while Peshawar Zalmi will battle it out against Islamabad United and Karachi Kings will face off Lahore Qalandars on Sunday.
The total prize money for PSL 7 amounts to 130 Million PKR. The winner will walkway with 90 million PKR, while Runners Up receive 40 million PKR. The PSL 7 final is scheduled for the 27th of February and the excitement is palpable! Which two teams will make it to the end? Let us know in the comments. (Source: EuroT20Slam)
Peugeot Officially Launches In Pakistan
Lucky Motors Corporation (LMC) has officially launched the Peugeot 2008 in Pakistan and the specifications of the subcompact crossover SUV have been revealed by the company. According to news, the locally assembled Peugeot 2008 has been launched in two variants – the Active ( at Rs. 5,250,000) and Allure (which will cost Rs. 5,850,000). However, these variants are nearly identical in specifications and features except for a few additions in the Peugeot 2008 Allure, which is the top-of-the-line variant. The SUV will have tough competition in the market alongside KIA Sportage, which is priced lower and has already established its footing in the local automotive industry. (Source: IncPak)
Malala Visits The Pakistan Pavilion At Dubai Expo 2020 With Her Family
The youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate and co-founder of Malala Fund, Malala Yousafzai was inspired after her visit to the Pakistan Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai. She visited with her family including her husband Asser Malik and education activist, Malala Fund partner Shehzad Roy. Malala also visited the Women’s Pavilion and UN Pavilion.
‘Parizaad’ Cinema Premiere Proves To Be A Success!
The first cinema screening of the much-awaited Parizaad finale was finally held on the 28th of January nationwide. The cast looked elated as they walked the red carpet, which was an apt foreshadowing for the success of the night! The final episode is currently being screened in cinemas nationwide for four days (28th – 31st of January) before it will air on television on Tuesday, the 1st of February. According to HUM News, shows on the first day of the cinematic screening were sold out in Islamabad and Karachi. however, tickets are still available for purchase, grab your tickets here!
Does ‘Ye Ishq Samajh Na Aaye’ Promise Us A Digital Meet-Cute?
2022 has us excited for the upcoming drama Ye Ishq Samajh Na Aaye, starring Mikaal Zulfiqar, Zarnish Khan and Shahroz Sabzwar! The drama is being shot in Islamabad and is directed by Jasim Abbas and produced by Ali Shahroz.Ye Ishq Samajh Na Aaye is a Studio Vision Films production and is set to air on Life HD. So far, the teaser hints at a digital meet-cute with the cast interacting (flirting?) with strangers online and there might even be a potential affair weaved into the storyline?!
Will Upcoming Romantic Comedy ‘Paristan’ Remind Us Of ‘Annie Ki Ayegi Barat’?
Paristan, Hum TV’s upcoming Ramazan special will air throughout Ramazan 2022 and promises audiences comedic relief. The main cast includes Javeria Saud, Aymen Saleem and Arslan Naseer, while the supporting cast consists of the uber-talented Merub Ali, Junaid Jamshaid Niazi, Navin Waqar, Mira Sethi and Ali Safina. So far, we know that the main character is called “Pari” and the plot revolves around getting the women in the family married off. Navin Waqar’s character will reportedly be a self-indulgent woman living in her daydreams. Meanwhile, Javeria Saud’s character is a Punjabi woman who we’re hoping is as memorable as Saima Chaudhary played by Bushra Ansari in Annie Ki Ayegi Barat!
Defamation Lawsuit Against The Queen’s Gambit Allowed To Proceed In Court
A California judge refused on Thursday to dismiss court proceedings filed against Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit by Soviet and Georgian chess champion Nona Gaprindashvili. She accused the series of having defamed her in an episode by portraying her character and dialogue falsely — that the fifth women’s world chess champion “never faced men”, according to ( Source: Deadline). The 80-year-old chess player believes the line was “sexist” and “belittling,” and said she had faced approximately 59 male competitors by 1968. This is the same year the series is set in. In response, Netflix had sought to get the $5 million suit dismissed claiming that the show categorises itself as a work of fiction. But a district judge disagreed with the streaming giant, according to (Source:Variety). One of many arguments given by the streaming service’s lawyer was that the show always displayed a disclaimer that revealed all show characters were fictional. The judge, on the other hand, dismissed that argument and said it’s not enough to dispel the factual claim made by the chess player.
