New Zealand student visa application fee for Pakistanis in October 2024

Pakistani citizens who plan to secure a New Zealand student visa to study in the country’s educational institutes will need to pay the full cost of their courses.

In order to study full-time in New Zealand, students will also have to enrol with an approved education provider.

The New Zealand student visa requires international students to attend the place of study endorsed on their visa.

They can study full-time in the courses shown on their visa, including schools, tertiary (study after secondary school) and English language study.

The country also allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week while studying or full-time during holidays.

However, their part-work requirement will depend on their visa conditions.

It is to be noted that the visa holders will only be able to stay in New Zealand till the completion of their studies.

The visa period may be shortened if the foreign students’ passports expire before the end date of their study.

Read more: New Zealand post study work visa latest updates – October 2024

Before applying for a New Zealand student visa, applicants in Pakistan will need to submit several documents including proof of funds.

Applicants will need to prove that they have NZD $20,000 per year for tertiary, English language, or other non-compulsory school study or $1,667 per month if their study will be shorter than a year.

In case of a plan to study in compulsory education (years 1-13 at a school), visa applicants will need to show funds to the tune of NZD $17,000 per year.

The cost of an application for a New Zealand student visa in Pakistan is Rs145,800, charged by Immigration New Zealand to process visa applications.

It is pertinent to note here that the application fee is non-refundable even if the visa application is declined.

Further, the fee for the Visa Application Centre is set at Rs6,700 in Pakistan.

Dacoits in ‘police uniform’ rob foreigners in Karachi

KARACHI: Foreigners from Poland were robbed at gunpoint by men dressed in police uniforms in Karachi’s  Defence Housing Authority (DHA) locality, ARY News reported citing police.

The incident occurred two days back in Khayaban-e-Mujahid, where the assailants, reportedly wearing police uniforms, forcibly took over US$1,800 from the foreigners belonging to Poland, the police said.

The law enforcers said that the foreigners were not accompanied by security personnel and did not inform the authorities about their visit.

The police added that the victims’ statements have been recorded, but none have lodged a report.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the recent robbery incident involving foreigners in Karachi.

He summoned a report from the Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi Javed Odho. The chief minister strongly condemned the looting and violence against tourists, calling it a ‘demoralising incident’ that damages the country’s reputation.

CM Murad Ali Shah said that the safety of foreign visitors is crucial for promoting a positive image of Pakistan. He directed Additional IG Karachi to submit a report and ensure the arrest and strict punishment of the culprits.

Read More: Thieves dressed in police uniform robs house in Lahore

Earlier, the Karachi police arrested two accused criminals from Surjani Town, who reportedly robbed people in the guise of police officials in the metropolis.

As per Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), the arrested individuals allegedly belonged to a six-member robber gang, that robbed the people in the guise of police officers late at night.

During the investigation, the arrested individuals, identified as Arbaz and Junaid, confessed to being involved in robbing several houses in the metropolis.

The accused used to enter the houses at 4 am late in the night, tied up the family members, and left after looting the valuables from the house.

During the raid the police arrested the two suspects, leading to the recovery of a pistol, mobile phone, jewelry, stolen LCD, DVR, cash, and other valuables from their possession.

The SSP further stated that a total of nine cases have been registered against the arrested criminals in Surjani town police station.

Putin kicks off strategic nuclear training exercise

President Vladimir Putin kicked off a new exercise of Russia’s nuclear forces on Tuesday at a critical point in the Ukraine war, the second such drill that Moscow has held in two weeks.

The 2-1/2-year-old war is entering what Russian officials say is its most dangerous phase as Russian forces are advancing in eastern Ukraine and the West considers how to shore up Ukraine.

Russia has been signalling for weeks to the West that Moscow will respond if the United States and its allies help Ukraine fire longer-range missiles deep into Russia, while NATO says that North Korea has sent troops to western Russia.

“We will work out the actions of officials to control the use of nuclear weapons with practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles,” Putin was shown saying in a video clip announcing the drill.

In video released by the Kremlin, Putin said using nuclear weapons would be an “extremely exceptional measure” but they need to be kept ready for use.

“We will continue to improve all their components. The resources for this are available. I stress that we are not going to get involved in a new arms race, but we will maintain nuclear forces at the level of necessary sufficiency,” he said.

The drill follows an Oct. 18 exercise in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow, involving a unit equipped with Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking U.S. cities.
Putin, Russia’s ultimate decision maker, last month approved changes to the official nuclear doctrine – which sets out the conditions under which Russia could consider using such weapons.

Under the changes, Russia would consider any assault on it supported by a nuclear power to be a joint attack – a clear warning to the United States not to help Ukraine strike deep into Russia with conventional weapons.

RISING TENSIONS

Russia is the world’s largest nuclear power. Together, Russia and the U.S. control 88% of the world’s nuclear warheads. U.S. officials say they have seen no change to Russia’s nuclear posture during the war.

But the United States in 2022 was so concerned about the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia that it warned Putin over the consequences of using such weapons, according to Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns.

Putin, who portrays the West as a decadent aggressor, and U.S. President Joe Biden, who casts Russia as a corrupt autocracy, have both warned that a direct Russia-NATO confrontation could escalate into World War Three. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has also warned of the risk of nuclear war.

“Given the growing geopolitical tensions and the emergence of new external threats and risks, it is important to have modern and constantly ready-to-use strategic forces,” Putin said.

Putin added that Russia was moving to new “stationary and mobile-based missile systems” which have a reduced launch preparation time and could overcome missile defence systems.
The U.S. will not impose new limits on Ukraine’s use of American weapons if North Korea joins Russia’s war, the Pentagon said on Monday, as NATO said North Korean military units had been deployed to the Kursk region in Russia.

Joaquin Phoenix recalls almost playing Joker in ‘The Dark Knight’

Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix has revealed having discussions with Christopher Nolan to play Joker in 2008’s “The Dark Knight.”

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In a recent interview with a US publication, the actor said that the notable filmmaker approached him to play the role, which famously went to the late Hollywood actor Heath Ledger.

Recalling the time when he received the offer, Phoenix said that he did not take up the role of Joker as he considered himself not ready for it when Nolan was developing ‘The Dark Knight.’

“I remember I talked to Chris Nolan about ‘The Dark Knight’ and that didn’t happen for whatever reason. I wasn’t ready then. That’s one of those things where it’s like, ‘What is in me that’s not doing this?’ And it’s not about me. There’s something else. There’s another person who is going to do something. … I can’t imagine what it would be if we didn’t have Heath Ledger’s performance in that film, right?” Joaquin Phoenix said.

“I don’t know whether Christopher Nolan was coming to me saying, ‘You’re definitely the person.’ I can’t remember the context of how we met, but I know we met,” Phoenix added. “My feeling was I shouldn’t do this, but maybe he also was like, ‘He’s not the guy.’”

Read more: Joker: Folie à Deux: A Flop in the Making

Consequently, the role went to Heath Ledger who received widespread acclaim for his performance as the Joker in ‘The Dark Knight.’

The late Hollywood actor was awarded the Oscar for best supporting actor posthumously.

Joaquin Phoenix went on to play the Joker in director Todd Phillips’ “Joker.” His take on the iconic character won him the Oscar for best actor. The film was a hit and generated over $1 billion worldwide.

Earlier this year, the sequel to the film “Joker: Folie à Deux” was released, co-starring Phoenix with Lady Gaga who played Harley Quinn.

However, the sequel received mostly negative reviews along with poor earnings of $57 million at the domestic box office since its release on October 4 while its worldwide total stands at $201 million so far.

Maryam Nawaz launches Kisan Card

HAFIZABAD: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday launched the ‘Kisan Card Programme’ in Hafizabad to provide critical financial support to small farmers.

Under the scheme, farmers can obtain loans of up to Rs 150,000 per crop season to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides using their Kisan Cards.

Speaking at the launch event in Hafizabad, CM Maryam Nawaz announced that the initiative’s budget has been expanded to increase the number of Kisan Cards from 500,000 to 750,000.

She said that applicants can send their ID card number to 8070 from their registered mobile number for registration. She announced to provide free laser leveler to farmers who cultivate wheat from 12.5 to 25 acres.

Additionally, CM Maryam Nawaz announced that farmers with more than 25 acres of land would receive free tractors. The chief minister said that she would rent out agricultural equipment to farmers at no profit.

The chief minister also revealed future plans, including an initiative to solarise 7,000 tubewells and a project of 35–40 billion rupees to set up rental machinery outlets throughout Punjab’s tehsils.

Read More: LHC dismisses plea against printing Nawaz Sharif’s picture on Kisan Card

Earlier on April 1, the Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed a plea against the printing of former PM Nawaz Sharif’s picture on a Kisan Card in Punjab.

LHC Justice Shahid Karim dismissed a petition filed by a citizen Mashkoor Hussain.

The applicant Mashkoor Hussain in his plea stated that CM Maryam Nawaz okayed to emboss the picture of Nawaz Sharif on a the cards but the public funds cannot be used for personal publicity.

‘John Wick’ director recalls Keanu Reeves taking stand for dog death scene

Filmmaker Chad Stahelski has revealed Hollywood star Keanu Reeves’ role in putting the famous dog death scene in ‘John Wick’.

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During a recent interview, the filmmaker revealed the makers faced resistance over including the scene in the film.

“We were told, it’s bad luck. It’s bad juju. It’s Old Yeller; you can’t do this! No one will want to see this on-screen; you’re going to alienate the audience,” he said. “We’re going to execute people at close range; killing the dog is one thing, but what about the brutal massacre of all these human beings? Are they going to be able to accept that?”

The blockbuster action franchise began with the 2014 film which sees Hollywood star Keanu Reeves portraying John Wick, a retired assassin who goes on a rampage when some burglars steal his beloved car and kill the puppy gifted to him by his late wife.

“Dave and I were very in sync on how we were going to shoot the scene. We were going to use a baby lens; John gets hit hard in the head, so it’s going to be dream-like; the dog death happens off-camera, and all you are going to see in the aftermath is this trail of blood making it look like the puppy tried to crawl to him,” Chad Stahelski said.

Read more: ‘John Wick’ director reveals Eva Longoria’s role in saving the film

Recalling the filming of the scene, the filmmaker said that Keanu Reeves acted with a stuffed dog, embodying his character’s grief.

“He’s all beat up. He looks awful in his pajamas. Everyone behind the monitors must have thought, okay, this is the worst idea; these first-time directors are done,” he added.

According to Stahelski, the makers of ‘John Wick’ were urged to develop an alternate ending to the scene where the puppy survives.

However, the Hollywood actor supported the original vision as he said that “Keanu stood up for us and eventually, they just felt, f*** it, let’s see what these guys can do.”

The movie turned out to be a blockbuster and went on to gross over $86 million globally, while the franchise was later expanded with three more films.

iPhone 16 sales blocked in Indonesia

JAKARTA: Tech giant Apple will not be allowed to sell its iPhone 16 smartphones in Indonesia because they have not met the country’s rules on the use of locally made components, the industry ministry said.

Indonesia requires certain smartphones sold domestically to contain at least 40% of parts manufactured locally and the iPhone 16 has not met the requirement, ministry spokesperson Febri Hendri Antoni Arief said in a statement issued on Friday.

“Imported iPhone 16 hardwares cannot be marketed in the country, because Apple Indonesia has not fulfilled its investment commitment to earn a local content certification,” he said, adding that the phones can still be brought from abroad for personal use as long as users pay the necessary taxes.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The company’s iPhone 16 phones were first released in September.

The top two smartphone makers in the first quarter of 2024 in Indonesia were Chinese firm OPPO and South Korean firm Samsung, research firm IDC said in May.

Indonesia has a huge, tech-savvy population, making the Southeast Asian nation a key target market for tech-related investment.

Huawei Mate XT steals spotlight from Apple iPhone 16

During a visit by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook to Indonesia last April, Indonesia’s Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said he hoped the tech giant would increase its local content by partnering with domestic firms.

Companies usually increase the domestic requirement through such local partnerships or by sourcing parts domestically.

Apple has no manufacturing facilities in Indonesia, but since 2018 it has been setting up app developer academies, which including the new academy have a total cost of 1.6 trillion rupiah ($101.8 million).