Gold jumps Rs1,500 in international market

Released on, Aug. 19 — August 19, 2025 at 7:20 AM

The cost of 24-karat gold per tola rose by Rs1,500 on Monday, reaching Rs357,700 after being priced at Rs356,200 the prior business day, according to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewelers Association. Additionally, the price for 10 grams of 24-karat gold climbed by Rs1,286 to Rs306,670, compared to Rs305,384 previously, while 10 grams of 22-karat gold saw an increase of Rs1,179, now selling for Rs281,124 instead of Rs279,945. Per tola and ten-gram silver prices stayed unchanged at Rs4,031 and Rs3,455 respectively. In global markets, gold prices moved upward by $1 to reach $3,350 from $3,335, while silver maintained stability at $37.98, as stated by the association.

Doha Hamad Loses Top Passenger Experience Crown

Doha Hamad Loses Top Passenger Experience Crown

This year, Cape Town Airport outperformed Doha Hamad to claim the title of the top airport globally for passenger satisfaction, as per an annual survey conducted by AirHelp, a leading company in flight compensation worldwide.

The assessment ranked 250 global airports using three main factors: punctuality, passenger reviews, and the standard of dining and shopping facilities.

Last year, Doha Hamad was recognized as the top airport globally in the rankings; however, it dropped to second place due to an on-time performance rating of 8.2 out of 10, which is less than this year’s winner’s score of 8.6.

Doha Hamad received 9 points for the standard of cuisine and retail options, surpassing Cape Town which had 8.3 in this area.

Being the main airport that serves Doha, the capital city of Qatar, Hamad Airport provides an combination of contemporary architecture and high-quality facilities, such as a five-star hotel featuring more than 100 accommodations, lush botanical areas, and retail centers.

Featuring over 55 places to eat, the airport offers popular food chains such as Gordon Ramsay Burger, Starbucks, and Burger King.

European Markets Rise as Hopes for Trump Tariff Exemptions Surge

European Markets Rise as Hopes for Trump Tariff Exemptions Surge

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested possible leniency regarding auto tariffs to provide automakers with “some breathing room” to relocate their manufacturing processes back to the United States. This statement came after he decided to grant a temporary reprieve for electronics from new levies, which represents another move away from the broad-ranging trade tariffs initially proposed earlier this month.

I’m seeking assistance for certain automobile manufacturers who are transitioning to components produced in countries like Canada and Mexico,” he stated at the Oval Office on Monday. “These companies require a short period as these items will be manufactured domestically.

On April 3rd, the Trump administration introduced 25% tariffs on imported automobiles. As reported earlier by Bloomberg, prominent automakers such as Ford Motor, General Motors, and Stellantis NV (the parent company of Chrysler) have been advocating for exceptions regarding specific inexpensive automotive parts. These components might otherwise be subjected to extra duties beyond the standard 25% tariff rate when they come from countries outside the United States.

In the meantime, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued an announcement indicating that they have launched inquiries into the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries. These investigations are conducted under Section 232 of the national security investigation guidelines, which suggests the possibility of additional tariffs being imposed on these sectors. This development contributes to the growing ambiguity around President Trump’s tariff plans.

Following Trump’s statement that exceptions on electronic goods would be short-term and his assertion that “NOBODY will escape ‘being held accountable’ for the unjust trade deficits” on Sunday, these investigative alerts were issued.

The semiconductor review document stated its objective to “assess the impact on national security from imports of semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME), along with related goods.” Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical inquiry will focus on evaluating imports including “completed medications, medical countermeasures, essential components like active pharmaceutical ingredients, crucial raw materials, and associated derivatives of these items.”

European markets advance as automakers anticipate potential relief

Following President Trump’s remarks hinting at potential leniency regarding auto tariffs, European markets began the day marginally stronger. By approximately 9:30 am Central European Summer Time, share prices showed an overall uptick, with Germany’s DAX rising by 0.9%, the UK’s FTSE 100 climbing by 0.7%, and the STOXX 600 increasing by 0.6%. However, France’s CAC 40 saw a dip of 3%.

Shares of European automobile companies might see an upside due to changes in U.S. policies after experiencing significant declines over the last month. Specifically, stocks of key German automotive firms such as Volkswagen (VW), BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz have dropped by approximately 15-18% within this timeframe. As of Tuesday morning, VW saw a rise of 3.7%, BMW surged by 3.8%, Porsche increased by 2%, and Mercedes-Benz jumped by 3.8%.

Nonetheless, European tech and pharma companies might encounter increased stress because of U.S. investigations into semiconductors and drugs. Notably, Denmark-based pharmaceutical heavyweight Novo Nordisk could come under greater examination since the United States represents its biggest individual market for its weight loss medication. The company experienced its sharpest drop-off over one month in March following several unsuccessful clinical trials. Additionally, investor worries have escalated due to President Trump’s warning about tariffs on pharmaceutical goods, potentially impacting profitability.

In the realm of technology stocks, ASML—which stands as Europe’s leading producer of semiconductor manufacturing equipment—is set to draw significant attention prior to the release of its financial outcomes on Wednesday. The company’s shares climbed by 2.8% during early trading on Tuesday.

The euro remains strong due to safe-haven demand.

During Tuesday’s Asian trading session, the euro remained robust above 1.13, reaching its highest position since 2022. As a safe-haven currency, the euro has gained traction due to Trump’s tariffs causing trade disruptions, leading to increased risk aversion across international markets throughout this last month. On Monday, the EUR/USD pairing peaked just over 1.14 before potentially continuing its upward trajectory fueled by ongoing economic instability.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is anticipated to announce its third successive reduction in interest rates this Thursday, further supporting the accommodating monetary policy of the Eurozone due to persistent threats.

On Tuesday morning, the euro increased slightly against the dollar, rising by under 1%.

Sony PlayStation 5 Prices Set to Increase by £40 to £430 in UK

Sony PlayStation 5 Prices Set to Increase by £40 to £430 in UK

The price of some
PlayStation
Five gaming console prices are expected to increase in the UK and other nations due to a ‘difficult economic climate,’ according to manufacturer Sony.

The leading game company announced that starting Monday, the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition — the model without a disk drive — will increase from £390 to £430.

In a blog post announcing the price increases, Sony stated that the “difficult choice” was made due to “a difficult economic climate characterized by factors such as high inflation.”
inflation
and fluctuating exchange rates’.

The announcement follows the U.S. President’s actions or statements.
Donald Trump
Let’s shift to implementing tariffs on various countries worldwide, leading to significant disruptions in international manufacturing supply chains.

Mr. Trump has subsequently declared a brief halt on certain tariffs, and over the past weekend came the verification that imports of electronic devices like smartphones and laptops will receive a temporary exemption until the administration clarifies its stance on levies imposed on the semiconductor industry. This development adds further uncertainty for those involved in exporting these goods.

In addition to their announcement, Sony also verified that there would be price increases for the PS5 in Europe, Australia, and more.
New Zealand
.

In Europe, the cost of the PS5 Digital Edition is increasing from 449 euros to 499 euros.

Sony stated that both the pricing for the regular PlayStation 5, featuring a Blu-ray drive and launched in 2020, and the PS5 Pro model, introduced last year, will stay the same across Europe and the United Kingdom.



The tariff policies implemented under the Trump administration have significantly impacted global supply chains, leading to increased costs for products such as the PlayStation 5—despite Sony being a Japanese firm.

Some uncertainty still exists regarding the application of these tariffs. On Friday, US Customs and Border Protection discreetly announced that iPhones, laptops, and other electronic devices would not have to pay either the 125 percent duty on imported Chinese products or the worldwide 10 percent tariff.

On Sunday, April 13, the Trump administration clarified that electronic items would be covered under different tariff regulations.

On Truth Social earlier that day, the President stated that no exceptions would be made.

He stated: “NOBODY will be let off the hook regarding the uneven trade balances and non-monetary tariff barriers that other countries have imposed on us, particularly China, which mistreats us more than anyone else!”

Trump added: ‘There was no Tariff “exception” announced on Friday, These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff “bucket”.’

The president stated that his administration would examine the entire electronic supply chain as part of their upcoming efforts.

National Security Tariff Investigations.’

Read more

Revolutionizing How Brits Book Tickets and Shop Online

Revolutionizing How Brits Book Tickets and Shop Online

A legislation prohibiting false reviews and concealed charges, which deceive online buyers out of £2.2 billion annually, will take effect today.


Websites imposing additional ‘administrative fees’ or ‘ticket booking fees’ must now include these charges within the total cost of the purchase upfront instead of adding them secretly when customers are about to complete their payment.

The prohibition, part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill enacted during the previous administration, falls under this legislation.
UK government
This will impact travel agencies, ticketing websites, and food delivery applications.

Nevertheless, this will not affect any required additional expenses like particular airline seat selections and luggage upgrades for your flights.

This alteration requires online retailers to block and eliminate counterfeit customer reviews on their platforms as part of an effort to halt companies from building misleading reputations.

As reported by the Department for Business and Trade, consumers spend £2.2 billion annually on concealed charges. This new initiative aims to provide individuals with greater ‘authority over their finances.’

Justin Madders, the Minister for Competition and Markets, stated: “As of today, consumers can confidently make their purchases assured that they have protection against counterfeit reviews and hidden price increases.”

These modifications will empower consumers to have greater authority and management over their earnings, along with assisting in creating fair competition by discouraging unethical players who undermine law-abiding companies.



Studies have shown that concealed fees can soar up to 25 percent of the initial cost, with nearly half of internet merchants incorporating obligatory additional charges into their prices in one way or another.

Out of the 45 percent who incorporate fees referred to as ‘dripped pricing,’ 21 percent originate from the travel and hospitality industries, whereas retail contributes approximately 3 percent.

The effort to crack down on hidden charges follows last year when numerous Oasis fans became enraged due to Ticketmaster’s ‘dynamic pricing,’ which thwarted their ticket-buying efforts.
purchase tickets for the rock group’s spectacular comeback this summer
.

Approximately 14 million enthusiasts devoted one Saturday in August of last year to this endeavor.
attempting to obtain tickets to watch
siblings Noel and Liam Gallagher come together again for an extensive tour across the UK and Ireland.

However, enthusiastic supporters were furious when the cost of standing tickets increased from a face value of £150 to £355 shortly after, owing to high demand.

Audiences labeled Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing strategy as ‘a complete outrage.’
expressed strong criticism towards the company’s leadership, which includes CEO Michael Rapino, UK Managing Director Andrew Parsons, President Mark Yovich, and COO Michael Wichser
.

The ‘dynamic pricing’ mechanism, launched by Ticketmaster in 2022, functions through
adjusting ticket prices according to demand – akin to how Uber calculates fares or airlines set seat prices
.

Once tickets at their original prices sell out, ticket vendors make additional ones available at increased costs, which were pre-negotiated with the artist’s management team and promoters, though these aren’t offered to the broader audience.




Importantly, Oasis – frequently celebrated as icons of the working class – had the option to reject dynamic pricing and maintain a more affordable price point for their fans.

In 2022, singer Tom Grennan stated that he had eliminated all VIP and platinum ticket choices because of the cost-of-living crisis.

Ticketmaster claims this undesirable practice stems from market dynamics and asserts that the additional funds generated from the increased ticket prices for Oasis shows will benefit the band directly.

The idea behind dynamic pricing is that by raising prices on official sites, scalpers will be deterred, allowing artists to retain additional profits.

The ‘In-Demand’ tickets are frequently referred to as ‘platinum tickets,’ however, they do not provide any additional perks for customers like VIP access.

Mr. Rapino, who leads Live Nation Entertainment—the company behind Ticketmaster—faced criticism when the Oasis tickets went on sale.

A user posted: “You represent all that is flawed within the live events sector.”

Someone else commented: ‘Michael Ticketmaster are a joke, and you’re a greedy scam artist.’
Demand-based pricing is Ticketmaster essentially becoming the scalpers itself.
Thousands of UK fans contacting their MPs. We’ll see you in court.”

Mr Rapino, who
resides in Los Angeles with his spouse and their three kids
is renowned for his ‘rock-star compensation packages’ and received $139 million in 2022, placing him among the top-earning executives in American corporations.

Other individuals requested Mr. Parsons to clarify himself during an interview, remarking, “Dynamic ticket pricing?? A complete scam perpetuated by his firm!”

Read more

Travel Pro Reveals Top Picks: Must-Have Gear for Your Next Adventure – Amazon Spring Sale Essentials

Travel Pro Reveals Top Picks: Must-Have Gear for Your Next Adventure – Amazon Spring Sale Essentials



The Daily Mail journalists choose and organize the items showcased on our website. Should you decide to buy through the links provided here, they may receive a commission.




learn more



  • Amazon’s spring sale continues through March 31st—here are some top picks for travel essentials.


  • EXPLORE FURTHER: Discover your ideal vacation with these 10 travel companies perfect for planning an unforgettable trip now.

  • Find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals on tech, home, beauty and more

As the summer vacations draw near, excited travelers nationwide are wrapping up their reservations, financial plans, and travel schedules for an eagerly awaited journey overseas.

For those particularly concerned with traveling conveniently and comfortably, whether they be backpackers, jetsetters, or cruisers, you’ll find them diligently organizing their accessories.

Whether it’s luggage trackers, portable steamers, or noise-canceling headphones, many individuals cannot travel without their essential devices, tools, and indulgent items.

Fortunately, we’ve managed to find some of
Amazon’s top-selling and most acclaimed travel accessory items
right on schedule for the holidays—and even more so, each has been carefully selected from the
Amazon Spring Sale
, which continues until midnight on March 31st.

With savings of up to 45 percent on a wide range of essential goods, this is an ideal moment for travelers to purchase discounted items like
airy travel pillows
,
universal travel adapters
and stylish
portable utensils
– everything for just £5.

Read on to discover MailOnline Travel’s top accessories, available in the sale, to make your 2025 trip more manageable and enjoyable:

OPEIIN Silicone Ear Plugs


24% discount – now £7.64

These light and flexible silicone earplugs include four different-sized tips to guarantee an ideal fit.

These devices can decrease ambient sound by as much as 28 decibels, which makes them perfect for enjoying undisturbed rest, eliminating disruptions during lengthy air travels, or establishing a serene atmosphere conducive to focus.

£7.64
Shop

Evanda Compact Travel Camp Cutlery Set


16% discount – now £7.53

Small, sturdy, and ideal for eating on the move when you’re traveling, this 8-item travel kit features a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, straws, and additional items, crafted from premium titanium-coated stainless steel.

The stylish and ergonomically designed product offers comfort, with its rust-resistant build ensuring long-lasting durability.

Offered in trendy shades like rainbow, black, silver, or gold, this cutlery set complements any kitchen decor and features durability, reusability, BPA-free design, and environmental friendliness.

£7.53
Shop

Foldable travel pillow


16% off – £5.89

This soft, compact, lightweight, and foldable polyester pillow provides comfort during extended trips.

With dimensions of 40×30 cm, this pillow offers great neck support when you’re traveling by air, car, or enjoying outdoor activities like camping.

It features a hidden compartment for convenient storage and comes in two muted colors: Moss and Blue Bottle.

£5.89
Shop

Flintronic Folding Travel Duffle Bag


20% discount – now £12.73

This multipurpose, adaptable 35-liter bag can expand to hold up to 50 liters and is constructed from water-resistant Oxford material.

The 50x28x25 cm bag offers three carrying options: holding by hand, slinging over the shoulder, or wearing cross-body, ensuring adaptability for various travels.

The sleek design, thoughtfully segmented spaces, and range of colors—such as purple, blue, gray, and black—make it an excellent present for those passionate about fitness or travel.

£12.73
Shop

BAGSMART Suspended Women’s Makeup Pouch


20% discount – now £15.99

Constructed using polyester peach skin fabric, this waterproof makeup pouch includes four distinct sections equipped with zippers, a fully rotating anti-skid metal carabiner capable of 360-degree movement for flexible attachment options, along with an exposed rear compartment designed for extra storage space.

The primary sections feature elastic bands designed to hold bottles steady, whereas the see-through walls allow you to easily glimpse what’s inside.

When opened, the bag measures 28x19x8 cm, and when rolled, it is 28×76 cm. It comes in various fashionable, muted colors such as sage green, pink, and camel.

£15.99
Shop

Brightenare 2-Pack TSA-Approved Luggage Locks, Combination Travel Wire Lock

33% discount – now £6.64

These locks comply with TSA regulations, enabling airport security to check your bags without causing damage to the lock.

These locks feature a 4-inch reinforced steel cable enclosed in plastic, offering flexibility to pass through various standard zipper pulls and locking mechanisms. They are perfect for securing suitcases, bags, and other travel gear.

Moreover, these locks provide 1,000 different combination options, which significantly boosts security and safeguards your possessions when you’re on the move.

£6.64
Shop

Tessan Global All-Purpose Travel Adapter


15% discount – now £15.29

Every world traveler needs this versatile charging solution, designed to work seamlessly across more than 150 countries.

Small and easy to carry, this adapter measures 5.5 x 7.25 x 5.35 cm and works with sockets in Europe, the UK, the US, Australia, China, and numerous others, supporting virtually every main plug type.

This device includes three USB ports along with an AC outlet, enabling simultaneous charging of various gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and cameras. Despite this functionality, it remains small and easy to transport.

It’s also equipped with two overload fuses, each rated at 10A. If a fuse is damaged, you can immediately replace it with the spare one provided.

£15.29
Shop


JLab JBuds LUX Noise-Canceling Headphones

24% discount – now priced at £59.98

These circumaural headphones come with Smart Active Noise Cancellation technology that adjusts according to your environment, reducing background noise by as much as 25 decibels. You have the option to toggle into Be Aware mode to remain conscious of your immediate vicinity.

With 40mm drivers and support for Spatial Audio, these headphones provide rich, enveloping audio.

Experience up to 70 hours of Bluetooth 5.3 playback time, or over 40 hours with ANC enabled.

The comfortable design, offered in various colors, comes equipped with 1-inch Cloud Foam cushioning and adjustable hinges, guaranteeing optimal ease during extended trips.

£59.89
Shop

MyHalos Blackout Unisex Sleeping Eye Mask

35% discount – now £8.49

Created to avoid putting pressure on your eyes, this 3D sleep mask is ideal for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who have lash extensions.

Constructed with high-quality memory foam and lightweight, breathable fabric, it provides exceptional comfort along with effective light insulation.

The adaptable nasal design provides a comfortable seal, perfect for light-sensitive travelers, people working nights, or those needing to shield their eyes from illumination during sleep on an airplane or at a hotel.

£8.49
Shop


Lightweight Flight Knight Cabin Carry-On Luggage

18% discount – now £32.99

Ideal for cost-conscious travelers, this compact cabin bag adheres to Ryanair’s largest permitted dimensions for a carry-on item (40x20x25cm).

Despite being lightweight, it offers ample space with a 16-liter capacity and can easily fit under the seat for added convenience.

Constructed from robust materials and engineered for comfortable use, this suitcase is accepted by over 100 global carriers such as easyJet, British Airways, and others.

Regardless of whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, this option guarantees effortless mobility and helps sidestep additional baggage charges.

£32.99
Shop


Nesugar G9 Portable Handheld Garment Steamer


20% discount – now £36.00

Ideal for frequent flyers seeking crisp clothing sans ironing, this portable garment steamer offers a convenient solution.

It warms up in merely 18 seconds and delivers 10 minutes of uninterrupted steam.

Weighing only 0.9 lbs, this portable device makes it simple to toss into your luggage. Perfect for minor adjustments as well as thorough clothing steam jobs. It saves you valuable time, making it particularly useful when traveling for work or vacations.

Visit
here
to shop.

£36.00
Shop

Caija-H 5PC Reusable Airport Security Liquid Pouches 4-Pack

14% discount – now priced at £5.99

These compliant liquid bags adhere to both TSA and EU security standards, ensuring hassle-free and rapid clearance during security screenings at airports.

Composed of waterproof EVA material, these items include three layers of zipper seals to stop leaks.

These conveniently sized reusable bags come with a removable handle strap for easy transport. They serve as an environmentally friendly option compared to disposable plastic bags and are ideal for keeping toiletries and liquids organized when traveling.

£5.99
Shop

Foldable Travel Hangers – Sazfli 10-Pack

15% discount – now £8.49

These ultra-light, collapsible hangers are ideal for travelers looking to conserve space.

The hangers are constructed using reinforced aluminum along with ABS plastic, capable of supporting up to 1 kilogram each.

The rounded corners are kind to fragile garments, and the anti-slip ridges ensure that straps stay put.

These items include a storage pouch for convenient carrying and are perfect for use during vacations, business travels, or cruising adventures.

£8.49
Shop

INIU Portable Charger Power Bank


20% discount – now £15.16

Ideal for travelers needing to charge their gadgets on the move, this extremely slim 10,000 mAh power bank is an excellent choice.

The INIU portable charger offers 3A fast charging, enabling your device to reach a 78 percent charge level within an hour.

This device features a USB-C IN/OUT port along with an enhanced 15-layer SmartProtect system, offering quicker and more secure charging for all your gadgets, regardless of whether you’re traveling by air, working from a coffee shop, or going on a lengthy drive.

£15.16
Shop

Read more