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The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw continued growth on Tuesday, with the KSE-100 Index rising 1,086.3 points to a new high of 104,361.24, fueled by economic optimism and a record drop in inflation. Government officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighted the country’s progress, noting inflation's decline to 4.9%, the lowest in 6.5 years. Analysts predict further gains, citing expectations of interest rate cuts by the State Bank of Pakistan. Key sectors such as banking, technology, and oil led the rally, with the PSX now positioned as a key driver of Pakistan’s economic future.

The federal government has proposed amendments to Pakistan's cybercrime law, introducing severe penalties for spreading fake news. Offenders may face up to five years in prison or a fine of Rs1 million. A new Digital Rights Protection Authority (DRPA) will be empowered to block harmful online content, including material targeting state institutions, law enforcement, or promoting violence and hate. The authority will also oversee content related to threats, false accusations, or po*******hy. Decisions can be challenged in a tribunal, ensuring checks and balances. The authority will comprise a chairman and six members, focusing on digital rights and cybersecurity.

Pakistan has reported a new case of Monkeypox, bringing the total to six in 2024. The latest case involves a 35-year-old man from Union Council Kot Kashmir, who recently returned from Dubai. He was admitted to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar for treatment. This is the only active case in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier, a passenger from Sharjah, Javed Ahmed, tested positive for Monkeypox symptoms upon arrival at the airport and was isolated. The disease, caused by the Mpox virus, spreads through rodents and non-human primates, causing rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Pakistan's inflation slowed to 4.9% YoY in November 2024, down from 7.2% in October, marking its lowest level in 78 months. Monthly CPI-based inflation rose 0.5%, significantly lower than forecasts. The average inflation for July-November FY2025 stood at 7.88%, sharply down from 28.62% in the same period last year. The finance ministry had projected November inflation at 5.8%-6.8%. The SBP has slashed interest rates by 700 basis points since June, and economists expect further cuts, with a key rate of 13.5% by June 2025, to aid the economy.

Winter has finally arrived in Karachi, with cooler nights and a temperature drop expected over the next few days. The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts minimum temperatures between 17°C and 19°C for December 3-4. Karachi's humidity is at 58%, with light northeast winds. Meanwhile, light rain or drizzle is expected in Kambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, and Larkana. In Balochistan, the temperature has dropped sharply after hailstorms in Duki District, with temperatures reaching as low as -3°C in Chaman and potentially -7°C in northern districts. Snowfall and rain are also forecasted for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pothohar region.

At least three children were killed in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, when a mortar shell exploded while they were playing with it in Sintanga Jani Khel. The children, seminary students, were handling the shell when it detonated. This tragedy follows another incident in Lower Kurram Tehsil, where three children died and five were injured after a similar shell exploded while they were playing with it. Earlier, in September, a mortar shell struck a house in North Waziristan, killing a woman and her four children. These incidents highlight the deadly risks posed by unexploded ordnance in the region.

An alleged audio leak of PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan has raised concerns over the party's internal dynamics regarding the November 24 protest. In the leaked conversation, Khan expressed frustration with the protest's leadership, questioning why Aleema Khan, rather than Barrister Gohar, initiated the call. He also criticized the lack of coordination and the deviation from Imran Khan's instructions, including ignoring plans for negotiations at Singjani and heading toward D-Chowk. Khan’s comments highlighted inconsistencies in leadership decisions and raised concerns over dynastic politics within PTI. The leak reflects broader challenges facing PTI’s protest strategy.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surged to a record high, with the KSE-100 Index reaching 102,817.75, driven by strong economic indicators, corporate earnings, and investor confidence. Key factors include improving inflation, expected to drop to 4.7%, and $500 million from the Asian Development Bank, boosting foreign reserves. The banking sector led gains, bolstered by reforms like the removal of the Minimum Deposit Rate. Analysts foresee further growth, with inflation and interest rates projected to decline, supporting a favorable investment environment. The market's strong performance reflects optimism about Pakistan's macroeconomic stability and policy reforms.

Lahore remains the world’s most polluted city, with an AQI of 303, while Karachi ranks fourth at 200, both facing hazardous air quality. The concentration of PM2.5 pollutants is 24.2 times higher than WHO's limit. Other cities, including Multan (AQI 294), Rawalpindi (220), and Peshawar (204), are also heavily affected. The pollution results from vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and crop burning, worsened by winter's stagnant air. Despite government crackdowns, smog continues to harm public health, especially among children and pregnant women. The full impact of this crisis, including rising mortality rates, remains to be seen.

Squid Game
Season 2 arrives on Netflix on December 26. Following the success of Season 1, Player 456 (Lee Jung-jae) returns to confront the deadly competition and attempt to stop the games, aiming to save the lives of other participants. The season will feature new challenges, plot twists, and intense moments, including a deadly round of *Red Light, Green Light*. Returning cast includes Wi Ha-jun and Lee Byung-hun, with Hwang Dong-hyuk directing. The series will conclude with Season 3, as confirmed by the creator, who stated it's the final chapter for the story and main character.

Amid uncertainty over hosting the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the ICC that it will only accept a solution aligning with its stance, rejecting the hybrid model of hosting matches across multiple venues. This comes after India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns. A recent ICC board meeting was inconclusive, but it was agreed that Pakistan and India would explore a mutually acceptable solution. The process is expected to conclude within 48 hours. Both nations will consult their governments before finalizing arrangements, with further meetings scheduled