International

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has acquired a 40% stake in Selfridges Group, partnering with Central Group, which holds the remaining 60%, to strengthen the luxury retailer's financial position and drive future growth. — IN PICTURES
Saudi Arabia is poised to sell at least $10 billion in Saudi Aramco shares to boost its Public Investment Fund (PIF) as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. — BLOOMBERG
Ratan Tata leaves a lasting legacy in Indian industry and philanthropy. — FILE

بنگلہ دیش کے ٹکا کرنسی نوٹوں سے شیخ مجیب کی تصویر ہٹانے کا فیصلہ: بنگلہ دیش بینک

بنگلہ دیش کی عبوری حکومت نے کرنسی نوٹوں کے بڑے پیمانے پر ڈیزائن کی تبدیلی کا اعلان کیا ہے، جس میں ٹکا 20، 100، 500 اور 1,000 کے نوٹوں سے شیخ مجیب الرحمان کی تصویر ہٹائی جائے گی۔ وزارتِ خزانہ نے بنگلہ دیش بینک کو نئے ڈیزائن کی تجاویز جلد از جلد جمع کرانے کی ہدایت کی ہے۔

A file photo is shown of a Bangladeshi Taka banknote. — ALAMY
A file photo is shown of a Bangladeshi Taka banknote. — ALAMY
A file photo is shown of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated on September 28, 2024. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Chain of Light finally sees the light 30 years later

In 1990, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan recorded four traditional qawwalis with producer Michael Brook, now released as Chain of Light, a remastered album rediscovered 27 years after his death, showcasing his vocal mastery at the peak of his powers while offering a rare glimpse into his traditional Sufi roots before his fusion with Western music.

Shahenshah-e-Qawwali Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is shown at Reading in the United Kingdom on 1993. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Ireland in dismay as EU orders Apple to pay $14.3bn to Irish Government in unpaid taxes

The European Court of Justice ruled against Apple, reinstating the European Commission's decision that it owed €13.1 billion in underpaid taxes to Ireland, overturning a prior General Court ruling. Apple expressed disappointment, accusing the Commission of retroactively altering tax rules, while Ireland said it would review the judgment.

A montage is shown of the Irish flag impressed onto an Apple logo. — MONTAGE/THE THURSDAY TIMES
Apple's new lineup of iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models. — APPLE