Tobacco farmers in Pakistan’s Swabi district staged a protest outside the Swabi Press Club, with one grower burning around 500 kilograms of tobacco over what farmers described as unfairly low purchase prices. The protest was attended by tobacco growers, farmer union representatives, members of the Swabi Action Committee, political workers and local residents. Farmer Tamriaz Khan, a resident of Shahmansoor village, set fire to five bundles of fine-quality Flue-Cured Virginia tobacco during the demonstration. He said the government had fixed the tobacco price at Rs740 per kilogram, but farmers were being offered around Rs350 per kilogram by companies, small cigarette manufacturers and traders.
Khan said the price being offered to growers did not cover the cost of production. According to him, farmers were already facing financial difficulties after suffering losses during the previous season. He also accused the federal and provincial governments of failing to protect tobacco growers despite collecting taxes from the sector. Khan criticised the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB), alleging that its officials had not adequately monitored tobacco purchasing points in the crop-growing areas.
The farmer further claimed that smaller cigarette manufacturers and other tobacco-related businesses had shifted operations from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Punjab and Kashmir because of what he described as a more favourable business environment there. During the protest, Swabi Action Committee spokesperson Salim Khan Advocate also raised questions about the impact of federal excise duties on tobacco growers. He alleged that a Rs390 federal excise duty was being recovered from farmers through different means by companies and cigarette manufacturers.
The protesters demanded that the government intervene and ensure that tobacco companies purchase the crop at the officially fixed rate. They also called on the Pakistan Tobacco Board and district administration to take action to protect growers from what they described as exploitation in the tobacco market.
The farmers warned that the protest could be expanded if their demands were not addressed. The allegations regarding purchase prices and the conduct of tobacco companies were made by the protesting farmers. No response from the companies or relevant government authorities was included in the reports on the protest.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken action against nine digital platforms, including quick-commerce company Zepto and online ticket booking platform BookMyShow, for allegedly using misleading online practices that could influence consumer choices during transactions. The regulatory action comes amid increasing concerns over “dark patterns” — design techniques used on websites and mobile applications that may push users towards decisions they might not have intended to make. These practices include hidden charges, automatically selected options and confusing payment processes.
The government informed Parliament that the CCPA has penalised multiple companies for violating the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023, which were introduced to protect consumers from deceptive digital practices. Zepto was among the platforms that faced action over concerns related to additional charges appearing during the checkout process. The regulator classified the addition of handling fees after displaying an initial price as a case of drip pricing, where customers discover extra costs only at a later stage of the purchase journey. The company was also flagged for automatically adding membership-related options, which the CCPA considered an example of basket sneaking.
Following regulatory intervention, Zepto reportedly discontinued the practices highlighted by the consumer authority. BookMyShow was also pulled up over a pre-selected donation option during the ticket booking process. The CCPA objected to the practice of automatically selecting a contribution amount, as customers who did not wish to pay had to manually remove the option. According to consumer protection officials, such designs can influence users into making payments without actively choosing them.
Airline major IndiGo was another company that faced regulatory scrutiny. The CCPA raised concerns over the wording used when passengers declined certain additional services, stating that the language could create pressure on customers to accept optional offers. The airline later modified the message to make the choice clearer for users.
Education technology platform Physics Wallah was also penalised after the regulator found that a donation option was automatically selected during payments. The company later removed the practice following the action. Apart from these firms, other platforms that faced penalties included FirstCry, PharmEasy, McAfee, SpiceJet and Anuj Jindal’s coaching platform. The government said the penalties were imposed after examining complaints and identifying practices that could potentially mislead consumers.
Dark patterns have become a major concern as millions of Indians now depend on digital platforms for shopping, travel bookings, entertainment and education services. While these techniques may appear minor, even small additional charges or pre-selected options can have a significant impact when applied across a large user base.
Consumer rights experts believe that online platforms need to adopt clearer pricing systems and simpler interfaces that allow users to make independent decisions. They argue that companies should focus on building trust rather than relying on designs that encourage accidental purchases or unwanted payments. The CCPA’s latest action sends a strong message to digital businesses that transparency will remain a key requirement in India’s growing online economy. As consumers increasingly shift towards app-based services, regulators are expected to continue monitoring platforms to ensure fair and ethical digital practices.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
The role of broadcasting has undergone a dramatic transformation over the decades, with media experts increasingly pointing to a shift from public service to commercial priorities. As television, radio and digital platforms continue to evolve, discussions around the original purpose of broadcasting have gained renewed relevance. When public broadcasting systems were first established, their primary mission was to serve citizens rather than generate profits. Governments across several countries treated the airwaves as a public resource, expecting broadcasters to provide accurate news, educational content, cultural programming and information that could benefit society as a whole.
The guiding principle was straightforward: inform, educate and entertain. News bulletins, educational lessons, agricultural advisories, health campaigns and cultural programmes formed the backbone of broadcasting schedules, particularly on public networks. In India, public broadcasters played a significant role in connecting millions of people, especially those living in rural and remote regions. Radio became an important source of trusted information, while television later expanded access to education, national events and developmental programmes. Public broadcasting also helped preserve regional languages, folk traditions and local cultures by giving them a national platform.
The media landscape has changed significantly over the past three decades. The rise of private television channels, digital streaming services and social media has intensified competition for viewers and advertisers. Ratings, online engagement and advertising revenue have increasingly influenced editorial and programming decisions.
As a result, critics argue that public-interest programming has gradually been overshadowed by content designed to maximise audience attention. Fast-paced debates, celebrity-driven stories and sensational headlines now occupy a much larger share of broadcasting than educational or civic-focused programmes.
Media analysts say this shift has raised important questions about journalism's broader responsibility in society. While commercial competition has encouraged innovation and expanded consumer choice, experts believe certain public service functions remain essential and cannot be left entirely to market forces.
These responsibilities become especially visible during emergencies. Whether dealing with natural disasters, public health crises or national security situations, audiences continue to rely on trusted broadcasters for verified information and official updates. Public broadcasters are also expected to provide balanced reporting, fact-based journalism and content that reaches communities often overlooked by commercial media.
The rapid growth of digital platforms has further complicated the information ecosystem. Artificial intelligence, social media algorithms and online content creators have transformed how people consume news, but they have also contributed to the spread of misinformation and declining public trust in media.
Experts believe the future of broadcasting lies in combining traditional public service values with modern technology. Investments in digital journalism, fact-checking, regional reporting and educational programming are increasingly seen as crucial to maintaining credibility in a rapidly changing media environment.
As debates over the future of journalism continue, many observers argue that the founding principles of broadcasting remain as relevant today as ever. In an age of information overload, the commitment to serving the public interest through accurate, accessible and responsible journalism may prove to be one of broadcasting's most enduring responsibilities.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) remains on edge as widespread protests and a heavy security response continue to fuel unrest across the region, with families of those killed insisting that many of the victims were ordinary civilians, including teenagers, and not militants. The demonstrations, which intensified during the ongoing legislative elections, have spread across several parts of the region, particularly Rawalakot and Mirpur. Protesters accuse the authorities of suppressing dissent, while Pakistan maintains that security measures are necessary to preserve law and order.
According to local residents, doctors and media reports, several of those killed or injured during the clashes were young people, some reportedly as young as 15 years old. Grieving families have rejected suggestions that the victims posed a security threat, saying they had joined demonstrations to demand political rights and better governance. "We are not terrorists," relatives of victims have reportedly said, arguing that those participating in the protests were exercising their right to peaceful assembly rather than engaging in violence.
The unrest is rooted in long-standing political and economic grievances. Protesters have raised concerns over governance, unemployment, local representation and the structure of the regional assembly, particularly seats reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Critics argue that the arrangement gives Islamabad greater influence over local politics, a claim Pakistani authorities reject.
The latest violence erupted during the phased assembly elections, with reports of clashes between demonstrators and security personnel. While authorities have acknowledged casualties, protest groups claim the death toll is significantly higher and accuse security forces of using excessive force against civilians. Independent verification of all casualty figures remains difficult due to restrictions on communications and media access in parts of the region.
International attention has grown as human rights organisations and civil society groups have called for an impartial investigation into the reported killings. They have also urged authorities to ensure transparency, protect civilians and restore access to communication services to allow independent reporting from the region.
The situation has also sparked controversy over media coverage. Pakistan has reportedly restricted access to some international news platforms following their reporting on the crackdown, accusing them of biased or selective coverage. Critics argue that such restrictions make it harder to independently assess developments on the ground.
Political analysts say the protests reflect more than election-related tensions. They point to years of public dissatisfaction over governance, economic conditions and political representation, suggesting the current crisis is the result of deeper structural issues rather than a single triggering event. As the political uncertainty continues, there is little indication that tensions will ease soon. Protest leaders continue to demand accountability for those killed, while authorities remain focused on restoring order. With competing narratives emerging from both sides, independent investigations are expected to play a key role in determining the full extent of the violence and its implications for the future of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.
UN Geneva has welcomed five young peacocks gifted by India, reviving a decades-old tradition at the Palace of Nations. The new arrivals—four blue peacocks and one white male—will initially stay in a temporary aviary at Ariana Park for around three months before being allowed to roam freely across the grounds. India's gift continues a tradition that dates back to 1981, when former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi presented a breeding pair of peacocks to Geneva. The birds are being introduced to rebuild the estate's peafowl population, which had fallen to just one surviving bird. Officials say the UN grounds provide an ideal habitat, though the young birds will be monitored closely for predators such as foxes. The five males are expected to settle peacefully as a group. The peacock tradition itself dates to Gustave Revilliod, who donated the estate to Geneva in 1890 with a provision that peacocks should continue to roam its grounds. A public contest is also expected to be held to name the five new arrivals.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Rescue teams in Japan have continued their search operations overnight as they race to find survivors following a powerful earthquake that struck Kyushu Island. Several people remain unaccounted for after the 7.1-magnitude quake caused buildings to collapse, with many feared trapped beneath the debris of a shopping centre. CNA Senior Correspondent Michiyo Ishida joins Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman to provide the latest updates on the rescue efforts and situation on the ground.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews Julian Artopé, the founder and CEO of Zenyum, a company specializing in invisible braces and dental care products. He shares insights from his travels, beginning with Germany, his home country, and highlights Lake Ammersee near Munich as a must-visit destination. He then discusses his journey to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, where he experienced distinctive shrimp ramen and relaxed in a traditional onsen village.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and associated meetings in Cebu, scheduled from May 6 to 8, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from all ten ASEAN countries as well as Timor-Leste. The gathering takes place at a critical moment for the region, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressure on ASEAN economies. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the summit’s key issues in detail with Susannah Patton, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
