It has the power to influence people’s lives immensely, yet the ever-prevalent social stigmas are treated like the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about.

Though the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) was primarily responsible for modulating what private TV channels broadcast, it has spent years blocking western and Indian content from Pakistani screens. However, in recent times it has been notorious for consistently banning dramas depicting social taboos.

The board became active, especially since the past year, taking down local serials, left, right and centre. It started from Udaari, a few years back, while the recent hit list consists of the much-anticipated drama ‘Dil na umeed to nahi’. A strong female lead seems to be the common factor in all these dramas.

PEMRA and its controversial ban History.

1. Dil na umeed to nahi – (I haven’t lost hope)

PEMRA reportedly issued a notice to TV One, citing the drama Dil na umeed to nahi for airing ‘objectionable content’. The channel also received a five-day notice to review the telecast and censor the necessary scenes. After the verdict, PEMRA made headlines in print and electronic media alike. Simultaneously, social media was abuzz with netizens calling out the authority for its bias decision. The majority of the audiences opined that they need more such dramas to highlight social issues in society.

The drama features a stellar cast with Yumna Zaidi as the main protagonist, Nauman Ijaz, Yasra Rizvi, Samiya Mumtaz and Wahaj Ali, playing significant roles. The gripping storyline revolves around a prostitute Sumbul, who had a traumatic childhood as a victim of human trafficking. Regardless, she pushes through adversity to emerge as a strong woman who fights against injustice for her fellow call-girls.

Additionally, the story-driven play portrays a mix of social stigmas like child-abuse, prostitution, human trafficking and child marriages.

Dil na umeed se tou nahi comes under the production banner of Kashf Foundation, famous for making serials highlighting social issues like child abuse, sexual harassment and prostitution.

• Udaari (Lit: to fly)

Urwa Hocane and Farhan Saeed starrer Udaari was the first drama serial to bring social evils like sexual harassment, child abuse and rape to Pakistani screen sets.

Udaari hit the television screens in 2016, making waves for its bold representation of an unorthodox subject. The 25-episode narrative brought child sexual abuse to the forefront and helped create awareness among the masses.

After the telecast of the first few episodes, Hum TV received a show-cause notice from PEMRA, asking to explain the airing of a few unpalatable scenes. Other channels also got warnings to produce dramas in compliance with social values or get ready to face the ban.

• Pyar Ke Sadqay (For the sake of Love)

Pyar ke sadqay premiered on Hum TV from January to August 2020. It was another such drama to stir up controversy. This Hum Sitaray serial showcased Omair Rana as an obsessive father-in-law who pursues his son’s naive wife (Yumna Zaidi) romantically and makes consistent advances on her. However, the drama depicted the real picture of our society, as statistics indicate that 34 per cent of sexual abusers are close family members.

However, this time PEMRA issued a press release stating that the drama’s plot went against viewers discretion as they did not want to see such disrespect of “sacred relations”. The board also mentioned that they have been receiving several complaints on a daily basis, since the show went on air.

After repeated notices to TV channels, PEMRA finally announced a ban on the rerun of 2 dramas, one of which was Pyar ke sadqay.

All around the world, Entertainment industries are venturing into creative projects and genres, educating audiences on societal issues. However, in Pakistan, such bans on dramas depicting societal challenges does nothing but hinder the creative process of the Pakistani entertainment industry.

Instead of banning social campaigns, PEMRA can ask channels to shift broadcast timings to after 9 PM that cater to mature audiences. Doing so will be a win-win situation for all, the audience as well as the makers.

The post PEMRA Bans more TV Dramas which depict Social Stigmas appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

In a candid conversation, during an appearance in The Late Late Show with James Corden, he got honest about the plans he has regarding his move and gave a couple of reasons.

Watch the James Corden inverview with Prince Harry below:

With such a bold statement, many controversial articles were written and a great amount of time on news channels was spent regarding this situation.

Prince Harry, to clarify the situation, followed on and made a couple of more statements to cool down and clarify the whole fiasco.

Prince Harry made it very clear that, although he plans to work as a regular citizen, leaving the royal status behind, he will ‘never walk away from his family’.

In his interview, he even said that ‘it was never walking away rather about stepping down’. He also added in the conversation that the British media served a very toxic role in his life.

While his father couldn’t walk away from such an environment, he made sure to keep him and his family safe from this and decided to make a leap of faith in this way.

The post Prince Harry Speaks Out about Leaving the Royal Family appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

In Japan, where coronavirus-related suicides are increasing, Prime Minister Suga named ‘Minister of Loneliness’ Tetsushi Sakamoto, who acted as Regional Minister.

Social life has ground to a stop in Japan’s battle against the coronavirus, leaving the people to feel constantly depressed and lonely.

The rise in suicides has occurred in the world. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has designated Tetsushi Sakamoto, Minister of Regional Development, as Minister liable for the concerns of the lone people.

Sakamoto claimed in his first speech about his current assignment, “I was advised by Prime Minister Suga to examine the problem and to bring out a holistic approach in cooperation with the ministry in question. I plan to carry out programs aimed at avoiding social isolation and protecting people’s relations.”

Sakamoto also addressed his intention to organize an emergency conference by the end of February and to welcome and listen to others who have helped many people cope with mental health problems, in particular depression and exclusion. Consultations will also be held on support programs, and will also be accompanied by Suga.

The Ministry of Health of Japan has confirmed that the rate of suicide, which has been decreasing in Japan for 10 years as part of strenuous contributions, has begun to increase again for the first time since the end of 2020. In Japan, where 20,919 people committed suicide in 2020, the rise in female and youth suicides is projected to be due to financial hardships exacerbated by the outbreak.

A 70 Percent Rise in The Women Suicide Rate.

Suga has previously reported that about 880 Japanese women committed suicide in October 2020, which is 70% more than the same time last year.

Michiko Ueda, a suicide researcher, said “There are many women who are not married. They have managed to live their own life, work, and survive but generally have no stable jobs. So, they have financial and social issues in harsh times.”

Japan ranks 121 among 153 countries in the 2020 Gender Equity Survey issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The post ‘Minister of Loneliness’ Hopes to Reduce Suicides in Japan appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

This is according to the German Chancellor Angela Merkel who said that all the 26 European Union member states had agreed to fully back it. According to the agreement, implementation could be over in three months.

Such good news couldn’t have arrived at a better time for the adventure-hungry tourists whose escapades had been halted by the Coronavirus. Summer holidays are a few months away, and with the Covid fatigue among tourists, the excitement of going on a European summer holiday is palpable already.

Still, travel restrictions may remain in place

The EU has been intensifying its Covid 19 vaccination drive even as it remains wary of possibilities of deadlier waves. Measures meant at easing travel restrictions across the bloc remain in limbo, thanks to new Covid 19 variants.

Equally coy about the resumption of free international travel in the summer is Priti Patel, the Home Secretary. According to him, summer could prove a little too soon for a holiday, owing to the erratic situation in the UK and across the EU.

But these travel restrictions notwithstanding, rolling out a single vaccine passport means that savvy vacationers could have a reason to start hunting for holiday destinations. Travel trials like PocDoc’s ‘fit to fly’ certificates at the Edinburgh Airport also signify the region’s tourists’ readiness as soon as the international borders open.

Massive travel bookings already taking place

Right now, every eager traveler is holding onto faith, hoping that UK premier Boris Johnson’s projections for a summer holiday from as early as May 17 come to fruition. Holiday bookings have been increasing tremendously, with EasyJet reporting a whopping 337% surge in ticket sales and a further 630% in holiday bookings.

It is clear, therefore, that maybe it isn’t too early to book a European post-Covid holiday. Greece is calling, much like the Swiss getaways, Spanish beaches, and several Asian and African vacation destinations.

The post Europe Holiday Bookings Surge as EU Agrees on Vaccine Passport appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

Hence, the CBN has instructed all financial institutions to immediately close accounts belonging to crypto exchanges and businesses transacting in cryptocurrencies. According to the CBN, failure to comply will result in “severe regulatory sanctions”.

While there has been an uproar in the country, the CBN earlier warned of taking such measures in a circular they released on January 12, 2017, citing the risks associated with transactions in cryptocurrency. In September 2020, the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission further said it would regulate trade in digital currencies to protect investors and promote transparent transactions.

However, Nigerians are particularly suspicious of this directive, believing it to be a direct attack on the EndSARS movement that occurred in October 2020. While cryptocurrency has been in Nigeria for a long time, it skyrocketed in popularity in the wake of this movement against police brutality. The central bank tried to cut funding for the protests by suspending the bank accounts of prominent supporters. However, this prompted a switch to Bitcoin (BTC) and other crypto donations.

The President of the Bank Customer Association of Nigeria (BCAN), however, stated that this new directive doesn’t stop people from trading in cryptocurrencies, but it makes it impossible to do so through the banking system. Even if this is the case, trading in cryptocurrencies will be more difficult.

Furthermore, the largest global cryptocurrency platform, Binance, has temporarily suspended deposits in Nigerian naira following this directive.

Given the country’s high unemployment rate, cryptocurrency trading has been a major way several youths in the country are making ends meet. With this source of livelihood under serious threat, only time will tell what the future holds.

The post Cryptocurrency Ban by Central Bank of Nigeria appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

A human rights activist of Yoruba ethnicity named Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo but popularly known as Sunday Igboho (because he hails from the Igboho clan of Oyo State) is at the forefront of these activities.

For as long as I can remember, several articles, news, pictures, and videos have been circulated unveiling the untold brutality that a certain sect of people called the Fulani Herdsmen in Nigeria have meted out on those living in or around any place or space they choose to invade.

Such is the case of the Yoruba people of Ogun state whose indigenes have been killed, maimed, had their women raped, farms destroyed, properties plundered and people kidnapped for huge ransoms by the Fulani Herdsmen. Severally, they have cried out to the government securities for help but there has been nothing done to stop further brutality or halt its occurrence.

Sunday Igboho (with the backing of voodoo, according to witnesses and evidence) then decided to take laws into his hands since no government directive was given to curb the violence. He then gave the Herdmens a quit notice to leave the Yoruba lands alone and return to their own lands since they could not live in peace.

When the date given for the quit notice expired, he and his supporters went into the Fulani settlement in Ogun State and had a confrontation with them accompanied by the Police Area Commander in that division. This confrontation led to a violent outburst that resulted in 2 people losing their lives. In an aftermath of events, the mob vandalized and burned down some of the properties belonging to the Seriki (chief) of the Fulanis, this also led to an act of similar revenge taken out on Sunday Igbohos house.

A cite taken out of the webpage of the Guardian newspaper said this: Speaking with journalists… He said: “We observe there is an injustice from the herdsmen because they are close to the Federal Government. Any Fulani herdsman who engages in kidnapping should be flushed out.”

A British Nigerian political activist known as Nnamdi Kanu; who has been at the forefront fighting for the independence of the Igbo ethnic people made a post on the 23^rd of January saying:

“Before your very eyes, Nigeria is turning to a pathetic APARTHEID State, mercilessly implementing the supremacy of one tribe over all others. And you do nothing. Incredible!”

Amidst all these, there has not been any solid order made for or against the banditry and incessant killings in the areas the Herdsmen have ravaged.

In an interview carried out by the Punch Newspaper, Sunday Igboho made this statement: “We are Yoruba people in our own right, we can fight for freedom. Our fathers and brothers were killed by herders while our people die in silence. Our mothers and sisters are raped, farmlands are vandalized and crops are eaten up by their cattle. They kidnap and take big ransom. Just as the case in Igangan, our people in Ogun could not bear it any longer, so they called for help. That was what happened.”

When asked if he had discussed with the governors on how to handle the issue of the herdsmen menace, he had this to say:

“No, but obviously if they call me for a meeting to discuss the burning issue of security to end the impunity by the killer herders, I shall gladly oblige. I am ready for any genuine approach to stopping the herders’ madness against our parents, brothers, and sisters in Yorubaland. Why should our people, harmless for that matter, be going through all the horrible experiences without getting justice? And everybody folds their arms, looking on as if nothing is wrong.”

What seems to be utterly fascinating is the authority and audacity with which Sunday uses to go about his fight for justice even at the expense of his life, making bold declarations and authoritative statements such as an excerpt taken from www.idomavoice.com which says: ‘In an interview with PUNCH on Sunday, Igboho said no human being can kill him and he will not be distracted. The Yoruba warlord was quoted as saying, “I am not afraid of anything or anyone but God. God is the owner and controller of every soul. It is only God who can kill me. No human being can kill me, so I cannot be afraid of any mortal.’

The post Voodoo and Politics appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

The ban, a long time coming, was a culmination of months-long flagging of his controversial updates after the 2020 US Elections. It was originally an indefinite suspension, but perhaps a prayer finally answered after what his political opponents had been wishing for since 2017.

Soon after, Facebook followed suit, clamping down on his Page, having earlier removed several of the posts he made during the riots that ended up at Capitol Hill. Facebook CEO, decided to ban his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely too, taking a cue from Twitter.

Remember “covfefe?”

Trump has leaned on Twitter, regularly feeding his 88 million followers with all kinds of entertainment. And, his off-tone communication rubbed his foes badly countless times, while earning him what a majority of the mainstream media regularly debunked as falsehood.

Yet all these bans have dealt a huge blow to him and his love for rants and tirades. He must be one bored individual right now – at least when he’s not playing golf. Trump used his social channels to openly and defiantly propagate what he believed in, regardless of how untrue, controversial or implausible it was.

But, perhaps those who suffer the most are his millions of followers and Twitter in general. In fact, it is now becoming increasingly true that social media misses him more than anyone else. Forget about the $5 billion Twitter stock slump after his ban, there can’t be another controversial Tweep like him.

Nobody will be so talented, yet very irresponsible with social media like him. Nobody will make such nonsensical things as #COVFEFE trend, pour slander and demean opponents openly without care. Most politicians’ Twitter accounts are boring, and not even President Joe Biden can offer any humor.

The post Without Trump, Social Media May Never Be the Same appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

Deputy of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Ömer Fatih Sayan stated in his post on Twitter, “Social media companies of foreign origin that do not appoint official representatives will no longer receive advertisement payments from our country”.

An advertising ban that covers whole digital marketing practices is in place for providers of social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter that have not yet opened a local representative office in Turkey.

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have been informed that the advertisement ban deadline has expired on 19 January, with a fine of 40 million Turkish Lira each. If the social network providers plan to open a representative office, even after approximately 5 months, 75 percent of the fines levied before that date will be reduced.

What happens next?

Social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, have been required to designate at least one natural or juridical representative in Turkey and have been obliged to provide hosting in Turkey.

• If businesses do not appoint representatives, in April 2021 the bandwidth will be decreased by half and in May 2021 by 90%.
• Youtube, Dailymotion, Linkedin, VK, TikTok, and finally Facebook have announced today that they will designate representatives.
• Firms that are yet to appoint representatives are Twitter, Periscope, and Pinterest.

In this sense, companies and individuals who are taxpayers in Turkey would be prohibited from advertising on platforms that do not have a representative office, i.e.,  who are not subjected to pay tax in Turkey, with the release of this banning decision.

No commercial arrangements with these websites can be made with the advertising ban and these sites will not be paid for social media ads.

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The presidential inauguration ceremony for Joe Biden took place on January 20, 2021. Simply put, it was a ceremony like no other before it. With celebrations never seen before, the event was studded with exquisite moments.

From former President Obama’s appearance to Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, and Katy Perry performing, the entire world saw the greatness of the evening.

Headlines were made of Bernie’s mittens and the Americans said good riddance to Trump on the day he left his position as the President after a year of rolling crisis.

When it comes to national ceremonies, the day made it in history books. The effervescent joy and spirit of the evening left many speechless.

Kamala Harris and her husband attended the ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial whereas President Biden and the first lady witnessed the fireworks show from the Truman Balcony of the Whitehouse.

The theme of the evening was not concentrated around celebrating the win of Biden and Harris, rather it was to celebrate the unity of people who were to be given the credit of bringing such a day upon America.

Tributes were paid to the front-line workers who gave their all fighting the COViD pandemic. The iconic speeches of the President and Vice President made it clear that after years, finally, democracy had prevailed.

The post Biden: An Inauguration Like No Other appeared first on CitizenNewsWire.

As stated on the company’s website, “We must dismantle white supremacy,” adding, “The murder of George Floyd was the result of inhumane police brutality that is perpetuated by a culture of white supremacy,” underlining the past May 25^th tragic event.

Four years ago, the company publicly supported the Black Lives Matter movement. Now, the company is lobbying to pass the ‘reparations statement’ in congress. It is legislation that would create a commission to study the effects of slavery and discrimination while also calling upon President Trump to act on the matter.

Additionally, Ben & Jerry’s is releasing the ‘Colin Kaepernick Change the Whirled’ ice cream flavor. A vegan alternative with caramel, sunflower butter, fudge chips and crumbled cookies. The controversial football player himself helped put together the recipe.

Founded in 1978, the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company has always been known for supporting diverse causes. From banning milk from cows treated with growth hormones in 1989, to partnering with the Children’s Defense Fund in 1992. From protesting against oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in 2005, to campaigning against GMO farming and fair trade in recent years.

Ben & Jerry’s offers over 60 unique flavors, including a recently added Netflix-themed line. But as crazy as their concoctions may seem, the company is seriously committed to the environment and society. That’s a brand we can support. Who’s up for some ice cream?

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