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Typhoon Dolphin hits Japan’s Okinawa as China prepares for landfall

Typhoon Dolphin has struck Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture, injuring five people and causing power outages across approximately 14,000 properties.

Major Japanese carriers ANA and Japan Airlines cancelled flights to the region as maximum sustained wind speeds reached 162 kph, with gusts hitting 216 kph.

China has issued high-level alerts along its eastern coast, halting port operations and suspending 162 ferry routes in Zhejiang province ahead of expected landfall between Sunday and Monday.

Airports and maritime hubs across eastern China, including Ningbo Lishe International Airport and Shanghai’s Yangshan port, have suspended operations or cleared vessels from harbors.

In Taiwan, authorities reported the cancellation of 63 international flights, whilst Taipei rejected maritime traffic control directives issued by Beijing for the Taiwan Strait as baseless.

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    Petrol price cut by 94 paisa, diesel become more e…

      The government has reduced the price of petrol while increasing the price of high-speed diesel, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division. The Petroleum Division has formally announced changes in the prices of petroleum products, with the revised rates taking effect from midnight. Under the new pricing structure, the price of petrol has been reduced by 94 paisa per litre, while the price of diesel has increased by 54 paisa per litre. Following the revision, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs324.98 per litre, compared with the previous rate. Meanwhile, high-speed diesel will now be available at Rs382.79 per litre. According to the notification, the revised prices of petroleum products will be applicable for August 13 and will come into effect from 12am tonight. The latest adjustment comes just a day after the government made another revision to petroleum prices. On the previous day, petrol had been reduced by Rs1.70 per litre, while the price of diesel had been increased by Rs1.39 per litre. The repeated adjustments in petroleum prices come amid fluctuations in international oil prices and changes in domestic pricing factors. Petrol and diesel prices are closely watched in Pakistan because changes in fuel rates can directly affect transportation costs, electricity generation, industrial activity and the prices of everyday goods. The government has also reduced the price of kerosene oil. According to the notification issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the price of kerosene oil has been cut by 41 paisa per litre. Following the reduction, the new price of kerosene oil has been set at Rs289.27 per litre. Kerosene oil is used by households and other consumers in areas where access to conventional gas or other energy sources can be limited. Any change in its price can therefore have an impact on household energy expenses.   Alongside the change in the retail price of diesel, the government has also increased the petroleum levy imposed on the fuel. According to OGRA, the petroleum levy on diesel has been increased by Rs1 per litre. Following the increase, the levy on diesel now stands at Rs77.28 per litre. The petroleum levy on petrol, however, has remained unchanged at Rs80 per litre. Similarly, the levy on kerosene oil has also been maintained at Rs20.36 per litre. The latest revision means consumers will see a marginal reduction in the price of petrol and kerosene oil, while diesel users will face a slight increase. Although the changes are relatively small on a per-litre basis, fuel price revisions can have a broader impact on the economy because diesel is widely used by public transport, commercial vehicles, agriculture and the industrial sector. The government is expected to continue reviewing petroleum prices in line with prevailing market conditions and other relevant pricing factors. For consumers, the latest notification provides a mixed outcome, with petrol and kerosene becoming slightly cheaper while diesel has become more expensive. The revised rates will remain applicable from August 13, with implementation beginning at midnight.

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    Khloé Kardashian shares heartfelt birthday tribute for Kylie Jenner

    Khloé Kardashian has celebrated her younger half-sister Kylie Jenner with an emotional birthday tribute, reflecting on their close bond and describing her as one of the greatest loves of her life. The reality television star turned to Instagram on Monday, August 10, to mark Kylie’s 29th birthday with a collection of photographs featuring memorable moments from their lives. The carousel included childhood pictures as well as more recent snaps, giving fans a glimpse into the sisters’ relationship over the years. Alongside the photographs, Khloé penned a deeply affectionate message for Kylie, making it clear that their connection goes far beyond being related by blood. She jokingly referred to Kylie as her “world class poker player baby sister” before expressing how strongly she has always felt connected to her. Khloé wrote that regardless of how old Kylie becomes, she will always consider her to be her “baby.” She also reflected on the idea that their relationship may have existed long before their current lives, suggesting that she believes they would continue to find one another in every possible lifetime. The Good American founder described Kylie as her sister by blood and her best friend by choice. She also called her one of the greatest loves of her life, highlighting the extraordinary closeness they share. Khloé further opened up about how proud she is of the woman Kylie has become. Watching her younger sister grow up and build her own identity has been an emotional and rewarding experience for Khloé, who has often spoken about her protective feelings toward Kylie. The heartfelt message also touched on the unique bond shared by the Kardashian-Jenner family. Khloé acknowledged how special their connection is and said she never takes their relationship for granted. She expressed gratitude for being able to experience life alongside Kylie and described her as her “forever baby” and “forever bestie.” She concluded the tribute by declaring her love for Kylie and emphasizing that their bond is one she believes will remain strong across every stage of their lives. Khloé Kardashian and Kylie Jenner’s close relationship Khloé Kardashian and Kylie Jenner are maternal half-sisters and share the same mother, Kris Jenner. Despite their 13-year age difference, the two have developed an exceptionally close relationship. Khloé has frequently spoken about feeling protective of Kylie and has even described herself as having a mother-like relationship with her younger sister. Their closeness has remained evident through family celebrations, public appearances and social media posts. Kylie, meanwhile, has also maintained a strong connection with Khloé throughout the years. Their friendship and sisterhood have become a familiar part of the Kardashian-Jenner family dynamic. Khloé’s latest birthday tribute once again highlighted just how meaningful their relationship is to her, with the reality star making it clear that Kylie will always hold a special place in her heart.

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    Foreign nationals among victims of Nizhnekamsk attack, Russia says

    At least 13 people were killed in a terrorist attack targeting civilian facilities in Nizhnekamsk, Russia’s Tatarstan region, on August 10, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said most of those killed were foreign nationals. Preliminary information indicated that eight victims were citizens of Uzbekistan, while another victim was from Tajikistan. Around 20 foreign nationals were also reported to have been injured in the attack. Zakharova accused Ukrainian forces of deliberately targeting civilian locations where foreign workers and residents from countries friendly to Russia were present. She claimed the attack was intended to create tensions between Russia and those nations. The Russian official described the incident as a terrorist attack and said such strikes have resulted in the deaths of both Russian citizens and nationals of other countries. The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the families and relatives of those killed. It also wished a rapid recovery to those injured. Moscow further urged the international community to condemn what it described as attacks against civilian targets. The accusations were made by the Russian Foreign Ministry as part of its response to the Nizhnekamsk incident. The claims concerning responsibility and the circumstances surrounding the attack could not be independently verified from the statement alone. The incident has raised concerns over the safety of foreign nationals working and living in areas affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Further details about the victims, the extent of the damage and the circumstances of the attack are expected as investigations continue.

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    Sohail Afridi warns rulers to ‘open their eyes?…

    PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has warned Pakistan’s rulers and decision-makers to “open their eyes” before September 27, saying the situation could become increasingly difficult to control if justice, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law are not restored. Speaking to reporters while attending a protest outside the Supreme Court, Afridi also expressed concern over reports about the health of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. The chief minister said serious concerns were emerging about Khan’s health and called for the matter to be treated with urgency. He said neither he nor Khan had attempted to use the former prime minister’s health for political relief. Afridi demanded that Khan’s family be allowed to be present and that his treatment be conducted under the supervision of his personal doctors. The KP chief minister referred to the treatment of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during Imran Khan’s government. He said Khan had allowed Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment on humanitarian grounds, despite questions that had been raised at the time regarding medical certificates. According to Afridi, Khan was now being deprived of basic human rights and justice, which he described as a matter of serious concern. Afridi also criticized what he described as politically motivated cases against Khan. He alleged that his political opponents had themselves faced corruption allegations and accused them of misusing national resources. These claims represent Afridi’s political position and were not independently established in his remarks. The KP chief minister also spoke about the judiciary, saying Pakistan’s justice system was facing a major test. He urged judges to stand up for justice and said that one judge taking a principled position could encourage others to do the same. Afridi argued that the public was looking toward the judiciary for relief and justice. He questioned where citizens would turn if judges failed to perform their constitutional responsibilities. The chief minister further warned about growing anger among young people, saying he could see what he described as a “revolution” in the eyes of the country’s youth. He cautioned that continued injustice and rising hatred could eventually create a situation in which even Imran Khan might struggle to persuade people to respond with affection or restraint. Afridi urged the rulers and decision-makers to understand the seriousness of the situation before September 27 and move the country toward justice, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. He warned that failure to address these concerns could make the situation increasingly difficult to manage, adding another strong political message to the ongoing tensions surrounding Imran Khan and his supporters.

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    Missing Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi’s body recovered on Broad Peak

    The body of Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who went missing following a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak, has been recovered by local volunteers and brought down to the mountain’s base camp, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday. The recovery brings some closure to the family and friends of Sakhi, who was among a 10-member international expedition caught in the avalanche on July 30. The expedition was led by renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who was accompanied by six elite Nepali guides and other international climbers. The group lost contact after the avalanche struck the mountain, one of the highest peaks in the world. Purja’s company later confirmed that there were no survivors from the expedition. Seven bodies had previously been recovered, while the search for Sakhi, American climber Sarah Mallory Geis, and Nepalese climber Nawang Thindu Sherpa was suspended last week because of the continuing danger of fresh avalanches. On Thursday, ACP member and Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani confirmed that Sakhi’s remains had been found by a group of local volunteers from Shigar. According to Kiani, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Bashir and Abuzar were searching the area on their own initiative when they spotted the body. They immediately alerted other people in the area before working with fellow volunteers to bring the remains down from Camp 1. The body was located at an altitude of around 5,600 metres before being transported to Broad Peak Base Camp. ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri told Dawn that the body would be transported to Skardu by Pakistan Army helicopter, provided weather conditions allowed an air operation. The recovery operation remains challenging because of unstable conditions on the mountain. Shigri said the bodies of the two remaining missing climbers had not yet been found. He added that rescue teams would resume their search once weather conditions improve and authorities determine that the area is safe for rescuers. Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its extreme altitude, unpredictable weather and difficult climbing conditions. The latest tragedy once again highlights the risks faced by mountaineers attempting some of the world’s highest peaks. For Sakhi’s loved ones, however, the recovery of his body provides an important final step after weeks of uncertainty. The focus now shifts to bringing him home safely and continuing efforts to locate the two climbers who remain missing.

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    Why are thousands protesting Sindh’s major civil…

    HYDERABAD: A civil service examination meant to open the door to prestigious government jobs in Sindh has instead triggered months of protests, legal battles and allegations of irregularities, with unsuccessful candidates demanding that the entire process be scrapped and conducted again. The controversy centres on the Combined Competitive Examination 2024 (CCE-24) conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). More than 4,300 candidates appeared in the written examination, which consisted of 10 papers. Yet when the results were announced on May 6, only 70 candidates were declared successful. The examination is particularly important because successful candidates can be appointed to Grade 16 and 17 positions, including assistant commissioners, assistant directors and section officers. For many candidates, the unusually low pass rate immediately raised questions. Why did the results trigger protests? The protesters’ concerns intensified when detailed marks certificates were uploaded following the announcement. Candidates noticed what they described as apparent inconsistencies in the marks sheets. One example involved Criminology, an optional subject carrying 100 marks in a single paper, which appeared in some detailed certificates as two papers carrying 200 marks. Candidates said a similar issue was visible in Environmental Science. Farman Ali, one of the campaign leaders, said candidates initially believed the discrepancy could simply be a technical mistake. However, after finding similar problems in other subjects, they began demanding an explanation from the commission. The SPSC, meanwhile, has maintained that the examination was conducted according to the applicable rules. Its spokesperson, Hifzullah Kaka, declined to comment on the disputed issues while the matter remained before the courts. Protests spread across Sindh Following the results, social media quickly filled with allegations that the examination process had been manipulated to benefit selected candidates. The Sindh Students Action Committee subsequently organised protests, while candidates began a sit-in outside the SPSC headquarters on Hyderabad’s Thandi Sarak. A larger rally was held on May 13, drawing students from different parts of Sindh. The following day, MQM-P lawmaker Maaz Mahboob submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, expressing concern over alleged irregularities, merit violations and a lack of transparency. Protesters later launched the Movement for Restoration of Meritocracy, demanding broader reforms in public recruitment. The campaign has since spread beyond Hyderabad, with protests reported in Nawabshah, Ghotki, Qambar, Umerkot, Islamkot and Gambat. How did the controversy reach the courts? The dispute soon moved into the courtroom. The Sindh High Court suspended the CCE-24 results and directed the SPSC to produce the complete examination record. The court also halted further appointments and proceedings based on the disputed results. The SPSC challenged the Sindh High Court’s interim orders before the newly established Federal Constitutional Court, arguing that the examination had been conducted fairly, transparently and under the Sindh Public Service Commission Act, 2022, and Recruitment Management Regulations, 2023. On July 16, the federal court suspended the Sindh High Court’s interim orders concerning the inquiry, interviews and rechecking of failed candidates. The development allowed the SPSC to proceed with interviews of the 70 successful candidates. Protesters refuse to back down Despite the legal developments, unsuccessful candidates say their concerns remain unresolved. They are demanding that CCE-24 be cancelled and a fresh examination conducted. They are also calling for the resignation of SPSC Chairman Muhammad Rizwan and commission members, along with an independent judicial inquiry into SPSC examinations and recruitments for Grade 16 and 17 posts over the past five years. At the heart of the dispute is a question that extends beyond one examination: can young candidates trust the system responsible for deciding who gets a government career? For thousands of applicants who spent years preparing for the competitive examination, the answer remains uncertain. As the court proceedings continue, protesters remain camped outside the SPSC headquarters, insisting that their campaign will continue until they receive what they consider a transparent and credible resolution.

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