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Nawaz Sharif is taking a leaf out of rival Imran Khan’s playbook

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Following the ouster of the Imran Khan-led government in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion engineered by the army and the Opposition, PML-N leader and Nawaz Sharif’s loyal brother Shehbaz Sharif took over as the Prime Minister to lead the coalition government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement. Since then, scores of cases have been registered against Imran Khan and his cadres. He was initially arrested in the Toshakhana case on August 5 and subsequently, in the cypher case. Khan and most of his key leaders are still in jail. Shehbaz stepped down on August 9 to make way for a caretaker government to oversee the next elections.
Subsequent events reveal the path of Nawaz’s return to Pakistan. On September 12, Shehbaz, flanked by Nawaz in London, announced his return to Pakistan on October 21. On September 18, while addressing his party on video, Nawaz claimed that former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and former ISI Chief General Faiz Hameed had conspired with two judges to remove him from office. On September 21, the Election Commission of Pakistan announced that the elections would be held in January 2024. On September 30, the Federal Investigation Agency filed a chargesheet in a special court against Khan in the cypher case and the court indicted him on October 23.
Before moving to London, Nawaz had served only half of his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia corruption case. Over the last four years, he was declared a proclaimed offender in Al-Azizia and Avenfield corruption cases for his absence from the courts. On October 19, the Islamabad High Court granted him protective bail in both cases until October 24, as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor did not oppose his bail petitions. The bail has been extended unopposed. NAB granting bail to Nawaz upon his personal appearance in another case, postponed the hearing to November 20. Television channels have covered welcome celebrations and public rallies of Nawaz in Lahore. The army seems to be helping him with legal battles and rebuilding his public image.
The current scenario raises complex questions about the objectives of Nawaz’s return at this stage, given his ongoing legal battles and ban on holding public office. Has he surrendered to the army and agreed to run, what Pakistani media describes as a hybrid government, with the army wielding real power behind a democratically elected government? Or does he only wish to have himself and his family exonerated in all legal cases and hand over the baton to his heir, Maryam Nawaz? Would it be easier or difficult for Nawaz and his family to get legal reprieve, given that the judiciary-army link has weakened since he was ousted? Did he also factor in the much weaker position of the army, domestically and externally? Did he weigh the onerous task of reviving the economy which may take years? Also, did he consider that the army may not give the next government a free hand vis-a-vis both neighbours — India and Afghanistan?
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At this age, an experienced Nawaz Sharif is not expected to have made a truce with the army without delving deep into such questions. While the coming weeks and months will reveal more, his speech at his first public rally in Lahore partially answers some of these questions. Acutely aware that staying out of touch from public meetings for six long years could make a politician irrelevant, PML-N made an “unusual” effort of mustering big crowds on its home turf — also an attempt to match Khan’s impressive record of holding mega rallies. Nawaz used a mix of stories of personal sacrifices and successes of his Prime Ministerships. Seeped in rhetoric, his repeated reference to Maryam’s sacrifices, including imprisonment, stood out as an informal announcement of her as the heir, in case he doesn’t or is unable to contest elections. Understandably, Nawaz avoided any mention of the grim security situation and the issue of the Taliban supporting the TTP against the Pakistan army. He made no mention of the May 9 events either.
However, in his speech, Nawaz tried to match Khan’s appeal of standing up to big powers, elaborating on how he stood up to US President Bill Clinton by ordering nuclear tests in response to the Pokhran tests by India in 1999. As a shrewd politician, Nawaz spoke of solving the Kashmir issue, but at the same time pointedly hailed people from “Azad” Kashmir in his rally and saluted their flag. This too looked like an effort to match Khan’s stance.
By openly criticising former Generals just as he was preparing to return to Pakistan, Nawaz had already equated his sacking with that of Khan. At the rally, he reminded supporters how he had also served prison terms before his exile. It remains to be seen how much of these efforts would cut into Khan’s popularity. It appears quite clear that Nawaz’s return has been supported by the army, which wants to pit a strong opponent against Khan’s cult-like status in the public, even if Khan himself is not allowed to contest. One additional factor that may have played in favour of Nawaz’s return is his deep bond with China, something the army is most likely more concerned about given that it is a critical resource for investment and bailouts.
The writer is an IPS officer. Views are personal
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Technology News
Circle to Search: Share part of your screen!

According to recent reports, Circle to Search, a feature introduced with the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, might soon undergo an upgrade. Initially allowing users to copy text from selected areas, it’s now rumored to include the capability to capture and share screenshots of specific screen sections.
This enhanced functionality, observed in the latest version of Circle to Search, enables users to not only copy text but also capture and share screen images. A video shared by a tipster on X showcased this update, revealing new options of Copy and Share upon selecting an area. Even adjustments to the selected region don’t remove these options, ensuring a seamless experience. Users can either copy the image to the clipboard for further editing or share it directly through various apps.
Previously, the visual lookup feature solely facilitated text copying. While Android devices offer a three-finger swipe-down gesture for quick screenshots, it captures the entire screen, necessitating subsequent cropping. This new functionality streamlines the process, allowing users to select and share specific screen sections in just two steps.
Interestingly, Google recently addressed concerns about accidental activations of Circle to Search in a podcast featuring its developers. They acknowledged the issue and assured users of an impending fix. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine the feature for a smoother user experience.
Technology News
Discounted OnePlus Nord CE 3 price in India: Check it out!

The OnePlus Nord CE 3 has recently undergone another price reduction in India, marking a significant update for potential buyers. Initially introduced to the Indian market in June 2023, this smartphone received its first price adjustment in November of the same year. The base variant, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was notably listed at a price Rs. 2,000 lower than its launch price, signaling OnePlus’s commitment to providing competitive pricing to its customers.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset and ships with the Android 13-based operating system. It boasts a triple rear camera setup, enhancing its photography capabilities, and supports SuperVOOC charging, ensuring rapid replenishment of its battery. The inclusion of these features positions the Nord CE 3 as a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts seeking a balance between performance, affordability, and innovation.
The recent unveiling of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 in India marks the continuation of OnePlus’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its users. Serving as the successor to the Nord CE 3, the Nord CE 4 is expected to build upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new enhancements and features to further elevate the user experience.
When considering the revised pricing of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, it’s evident that OnePlus aims to make its devices more accessible to a wider audience. The reduction in price, particularly on platforms like Amazon and the OnePlus India website, presents an opportunity for consumers to acquire a high-quality smartphone at a more affordable rate.
Let’s delve deeper into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 to understand its capabilities and appeal to potential buyers.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Price in India (Revised)
The base variant of the OnePlus Nord CE 3, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, was initially launched in India at Rs. 26,999. Following its first price cut in November, the price was reduced to Rs. 24,999. Now, the same variant is available on Amazon at Rs. 22,990, representing a Rs. 2,009 reduction from its previous price. Furthermore, customers can benefit from an additional flat Rs. 2,000 instant discount on ICICI and HDFC Bank cards, bringing the effective price down to Rs. 20,990.
On the OnePlus India website, the 8GB + 128GB variant is priced at Rs. 22,999, marking a Rs. 2,000 decrease from the November price of Rs. 24,999. It is worth noting that this discount is exclusively applicable to the 128GB model, as the higher-end 256GB variant is currently listed as out of stock.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Specifications and Features
Display:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 boasts a 6.7-inch full-HD+ fluid AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,412 pixels. With a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, users can enjoy smooth and fluid visuals, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
Processor and Performance:
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 782G SoC, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 delivers robust performance and efficient multitasking capabilities. With up to 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of onboard storage, users can seamlessly navigate between apps and store their multimedia content with ease.
Operating System:
The smartphone ships with Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.1, providing users with a clean and intuitive user interface coupled with a plethora of customization options. OxygenOS is known for its smooth performance and timely software updates, ensuring that users stay up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.
Camera:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 features a versatile camera setup, comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and electronic image stabilization (EIS) support. Accompanying this primary sensor is an 8-megapixel sensor with an ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2-megapixel macro shooter, allowing users to capture a wide range of subjects with stunning detail and clarity. On the front, the device houses a 16-megapixel sensor for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging:
Equipped with a robust 5,000mAh battery, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers ample battery life to power through a full day of usage. Additionally, the device supports 80W wired SuperVOOC charging, enabling users to quickly replenish the battery and minimize downtime.
Connectivity:
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 supports a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, GPS, and USB Type-C. Whether it’s streaming multimedia content, browsing the web, or staying connected with friends and family, users can rely on the Nord CE 3 to deliver seamless connectivity and performance.
Security:
For enhanced security, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 features an in-display fingerprint sensor, allowing users to conveniently unlock their device with a simple touch. This biometric authentication method adds an extra layer of protection to safeguard sensitive data and personal information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 offers a compelling combination of performance, affordability, and innovation, making it an attractive choice for smartphone enthusiasts in India. With its recent price reduction and competitive specifications, the Nord CE 3 presents a compelling value proposition for consumers seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without breaking the bank. As OnePlus continues to innovate and introduce new features with each iteration, the Nord CE 3 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional devices tailored to the needs of its users.
Technology News
Namma Yatri launches cab service in Bengaluru

In its largest market, Bengaluru, ride-hailing company Namma Yatri has expanded its services to include cab-hailing, marking a significant shift from its previous focus on auto rickshaws. Namma Yatri, known for pioneering a daily subscription model as opposed to the commission-based model utilized by competitors like Ola and Uber, had initially concentrated on auto rickshaws in Bengaluru. However, it now features a distinct section on its app dedicated to booking cabs in the city. Additionally, Namma Yatri already provides cab rides in Kochi and Kolkata.
The decision to venture into cab services follows Namma Yatri’s separation from its former parent company, Justpay, and comes on the heels of a reported expansion plan announced on April 1st. The move also aligns with the broader trend observed in the industry, as both Ola and Uber have recently introduced subscription-based plans for auto-rickshaw drivers on their platforms. This strategic shift towards subscription-based models, akin to Namma Yatri’s approach, as well as that of Rapido, highlights a growing preference within the industry for alternative pricing structures beyond traditional booking fees or commissions.
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