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Australia introduces mandatory pay floor and injury coverage for gig workers

In a major shift for gig economy rights, Australia’s industrial umpire has ordered delivery platforms to pay food and grocery couriers a mandatory minimum rate alongside compulsory personal accident insurance.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled late on Tuesday that gig delivery workers must earn a minimum rate for active delivery time. The order, set to take effect on 17 August, is expected to benefit roughly 250,000 workers across the country.

Beyond baseline wages, platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash will now be legally required to provide personal accident cover for couriers on duty, though workers will remain responsible for third-party vehicle insurance.

The reform stems from workplace legislation passed by Australia’s Labor government in 2023 and 2024, which empowered the FWC to regulate conditions for independent contractors previously excluded from traditional employment protections.

In a joint statement, the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Uber Eats, and DoorDash welcomed the determination. TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine hailed the order as a landmark moment that establishes new standards for a workforce long left outside national workplace systems.

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    The gap between humans and machines is becoming smaller as robotics technology continues to advance. A Chinese startup has introduced a highly advanced robotic head that can imitate human facial expressions, attracting attention for its realistic movements and lifelike appearance. The company reportedly behind the innovation is AgiHead Farm, founded in 2024 by Columbia University engineer Yuhang Hu. The startup introduced the robotic head known as Origin M1, which aims to create more natural interaction between humans and machines. Unlike traditional robots that often display limited movements, the robotic head is designed to reproduce subtle facial expressions. These include eyebrow movements, slight smiles, eye movements, and other small changes that are important for human communication. The robot uses a silicone-based outer layer and a network of miniature motors placed beneath the surface. These motors work similarly to human facial muscles by expanding and contracting to create different expressions. This technology allows the robot to respond in a way that appears more natural compared with earlier robotic systems. The robotic head is also equipped with cameras hidden inside its eyes, allowing it to observe its surroundings and track movement. Built-in microphones and speakers enable it to listen and communicate with people, creating the possibility of more interactive human-machine conversations. The advanced technology comes with a high price tag. According to reports, the most sophisticated version of the robotic head costs around $150,000, making it primarily a product for research institutions, technology companies, and specialized applications. The company aims to further improve the system by adding lip-sync technology and advanced artificial intelligence models. Future versions could potentially understand human speech better and respond with facial expressions that match the tone and emotions of a conversation. Experts believe that realistic facial expressions are one of the biggest challenges in developing human-like robots. While robots have made significant progress in movement and artificial intelligence, creating machines that communicate naturally through facial expressions remains a complex field. The development of lifelike robotic faces represents a major step in robotics research. As artificial intelligence and robotics continue to evolve, technologies like Origin M1 could influence future applications in education, healthcare, customer service, and human-computer interaction.

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    Suspect in Berlin pride attack shot dead by police

    The suspect accused of driving a minivan into a crowd near Berlin’s annual LGBTQ Pride gathering, killing one person and injuring 29 others, was shot dead by police in the city’s Spandau district on Sunday, authorities confirmed . The ramming attack occurred at approximately 10 pm (2000 GMT) on Saturday in Tiergarten park, near the Brandenburg Gate and close to one of Europe’s largest LGBTQ celebrations, Christopher Street Day . Berlin police identified the suspect as Abdul B, a 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese heritage, born in Germany in 2005 . According to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, the suspect had “attracted attention in the past through a high number of criminal offences and was known to be radicalised” . Police located the suspect at an allotment garden complex in Spandau at around 6 pm (1600 GMT) on Sunday . “According to initial findings, he ran towards officers while armed with a bladed weapon; police subsequently opened fire,” Berlin police wrote on X . Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by the Berlin Fire Department, the suspect was pronounced dead, a federal prosecutor’s spokesperson confirmed . Earlier, police had published the suspect’s picture and appealed to the public for information on his whereabouts . The attack marks the latest in a series of vehicle-ramming incidents on crowds in Germany in recent years, which have intensified debate around security and immigration amid a surge in support for the far-right . A memorial service was planned at St Mary’s Church in Berlin, with Chancellor Friedrich Meuthen expected to attend . The Christopher Street Day parade, which was called off following the attack, had been expected to draw hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators to the German capital .

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    Military rejects talks with terrorists, vows conti…

    Pakistan’s military has categorically ruled out any future negotiations with terrorist groups, declaring that security forces will continue operations until militancy is eliminated. The announcement was made by Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, during a detailed media briefing on the country’s security situation and ongoing counterterrorism campaign. The military spokesperson said there was no possibility of holding talks with terrorists. He stressed that the state would not negotiate with those involved in violence against Pakistan. According to him, terrorists have only two choices: surrender before the law or face decisive action by the country’s security forces. Lt Gen Chaudhry said the armed forces would continue to engage directly with the people of Balochistan instead of individuals or groups involved in violence. He emphasized that the people of the province are the true stakeholders and that the military remains committed to protecting their lives and supporting their development. He also criticized certain influential elites and tribal leaders, claiming they had failed to promote the welfare of ordinary people. According to him, some powerful groups do not want children from poor families to progress through education and development. The military spokesperson further alleged that the Taliban administration in Afghanistan was providing support to terrorist groups carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. He said cross-border militancy remains one of the country’s major security challenges and continues to complicate efforts to maintain peace. Rejecting claims that the security situation in Balochistan is rapidly deteriorating, Lt Gen Chaudhry said a coordinated propaganda campaign was being carried out to create a false impression about conditions in the province. He maintained that while security challenges exist, the state is actively responding through intelligence-based operations and law enforcement measures. Speaking about Balochistan, he said the province’s unique geography presents operational challenges. Its vast territory, scattered population, and long distances between security posts require extensive coordination and resources. He added that security forces are dealing not only with terrorism but also with organized criminal activities, including drug trafficking, fuel smuggling, robbery, and other illegal networks that threaten stability. Addressing the issue of missing persons, the military spokesperson said the relevant commission had received hundreds of complaints. However, he noted that investigations had revealed that some individuals listed as missing were later found to have been killed during security operations, while others had joined militant organizations and were living in terrorist camps. Lt Gen Chaudhry presented detailed statistics on the country’s counterterrorism campaign. He said security forces have carried out 40,348 intelligence-based operations across Pakistan during the current year. These operations resulted in the killing of 2,084 confirmed terrorists, averaging approximately 10 militants eliminated every day. He added that security forces conduct nearly 194 operations daily as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the main focus of these operations, with 1,971 intelligence-based missions conducted in the province alone. The military also shared figures regarding casualties suffered during the ongoing campaign. According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, 819 people embraced martyrdom during the year. These included 303 personnel of the Pakistan Army, 194 members of law enforcement agencies, and 322 civilians who lost their lives in terrorist attacks and security-related incidents. The ISPR chief further revealed that 28 suicide attacks had been recorded across Pakistan during the current year. He claimed Afghan nationals were involved in the recent suicide attacks in Tank and Karachi, describing the incidents as evidence of continued cross-border terrorist involvement. Highlighting the importance of national unity, Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan’s Constitution and legal system apply equally to every citizen. He stressed that loyalty to the state is a fundamental responsibility and said national peace, political stability, and economic development depend on a strong and secure Pakistan.

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    Amitabh Bachchan opens up about retirement amid busy schedule

    Amitabh Bachchan has once again demonstrated why he remains one of the hardest-working actors in Indian cinema. At 83, the legendary star recently revealed that he completed a demanding 24-hour work shift, leaving fans amazed by his dedication and commitment to his profession. While sharing details of his hectic schedule, Bachchan also hinted at the possibility of retirement, sparking concern among admirers who have followed his remarkable career for decades. The veteran actor shared that he began working at 7 a.m. one day and continued without stopping until 7 a.m. the following morning. Despite the physically exhausting schedule, he explained that the project required timely completion and presentation, making it essential for him to continue working until everything was finished. Even after wrapping up such an intense shift, Bachchan maintained his regular routine by updating his personal blog and interacting with members of his extended fan community. He expressed relief at being able to stay connected despite the demanding workload, highlighting his long-standing commitment to keeping in touch with supporters. His schedule remains particularly busy because of his involvement in the upcoming season of the iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). With the official broadcast date now announced, Bachchan has chosen to continue working without taking any significant breaks. Preparations for the popular television show require long hours of filming, rehearsals, and promotional commitments, adding to his already packed calendar. In his blog, Bachchan also made a remark that immediately caught the attention of fans. He mentioned that he would “retire now” to get something to eat and rest before reporting back to work early the next day. Although the statement appeared to refer to taking a temporary break after an exhausting work schedule, he also noted that missing his professional commitments could result in someone else replacing him. His words suggested that he continues to feel a strong sense of responsibility toward his work, despite his age and decades of achievements in the entertainment industry. Rather than slowing down, the actor appears determined to fulfill every commitment, believing that consistency and discipline remain essential in a highly competitive profession. The mention of retirement naturally sparked discussion among fans, many of whom wondered whether Bachchan was subtly hinting at stepping away from acting in the near future. However, his comments also reflected that now may not be the right time to walk away, especially with ongoing projects demanding his full attention. Throughout his illustrious career spanning more than five decades, Amitabh Bachchan has earned a reputation for professionalism, punctuality, and an unmatched work ethic. Even in his eighties, he continues to headline films, host one of India’s most popular television programs, and engage regularly with millions of fans through his blog and social media platforms. His latest update serves as another reminder of his dedication to his craft. While his comments about retirement have fueled speculation, Bachchan’s actions suggest that he remains focused on delivering his best performances and honoring every professional commitment. For now, the legendary actor shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to inspire audiences with his passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his work.

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    Punjab University employees intensify protest over…

    LAHORE: Thousands of teachers and employees of the University of the Punjab took to the streets on Wednesday in a major protest organized by the Joint Action Committee, demanding the resolution of their longstanding grievances and payment of outstanding dues. The demonstration was attended by office-bearers of the Punjab University Academic Staff Association and the Punjab University Administrative & Technical Staff Association, along with a large number of faculty members and university employees. Addressing the protesters, Joint Action Committee Chairman Prof. Dr. Sardar Asghar Iqbal accused the university administration of favouring a particular group, alleging that the practice had adversely affected the institution’s financial and administrative affairs. Other faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Abdul Rehman Khan Niazi, Prof. Dr. Muqeet Javed, Dr. Abrar Zafar and Prof. Dr. Kamran Mirza, also participated in the protest. Joint Action Committee President and President of the Punjab University Administrative & Technical Staff Association Chaudhry Basharat Mahmood said employees had been protesting peacefully for around one and a half years, but the administration had failed to address their concerns. He said the employees were now compelled to intensify their protest. According to the announced plan, university offices will observe a two-hour work suspension every day, with employees wearing black armbands as a sign of protest. A protest rally will also be organized every Wednesday. Mahmood warned that the protesters could block the Campus Bridge if the administration failed to take their demands seriously. He also announced plans for demonstrations outside the Punjab chief minister’s office and on the GT Road near the university’s Gujranwala and Jhelum campuses. The protesters called for the immediate resolution of teachers’ and employees’ issues and payment of all outstanding dues. They also demanded the removal of DG Rehan Sadiq Sheikh, alleging that his conduct toward employees and role in administrative matters had contributed to the university’s deteriorating financial and administrative situation. The Joint Action Committee further called on the Punjab government to conduct a forensic audit of the university’s financial and administrative affairs to ensure transparency and accountability. Tayyab Ijaz Khan Swati, Tanveer Awan, Hammad Butt, Azhar Iqbal Baloch and former association president Nasir Rehmat were among the other speakers who addressed the gathering. The Joint Action Committee said its protest campaign would continue until the administration accepts and addresses the protesters’ demands.

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    POC holders allowed to perform Hajj under Pakistan…

    ISLAMABAD: Holders of the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) will now be able to perform Hajj under Pakistan’s official Hajj quota, according to sources familiar with the development. Sources said one per cent of Pakistan’s total Hajj quota will be reserved for POC holders. The decision is expected to provide an opportunity for overseas Pakistanis of Pakistani origin who no longer hold Pakistani citizenship or passports to perform Hajj through Pakistan’s quota for the first time. Under the arrangement, 1,792 POC holders will be eligible to perform Hajj using Pakistan’s allocated quota. The sources said Saudi Arabia has allowed POC holders to be included in Pakistan’s Hajj quota. The permission is being described as a significant development for people of Pakistani origin living abroad who have surrendered their Pakistani citizenship or passports but retain their connection with the country through the Pakistan Origin Card. POC holders will reportedly be eligible to benefit from both the government and private Hajj schemes. This will give eligible applicants the option of choosing between the two arrangements, subject to the applicable rules and requirements. The allocation of one per cent of the overall quota means that a specific number of pilgrims of Pakistani origin will be accommodated within Pakistan’s annual Hajj arrangements without holding Pakistani citizenship. The facility is particularly significant for overseas Pakistanis who have maintained strong links with Pakistan despite giving up their citizenship. The Pakistan Origin Card provides such individuals with a formal connection to the country and facilitates their access to several rights and services. Sources said the inclusion of POC holders in Pakistan’s Hajj quota has been permitted by Saudi authorities following discussions concerning arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims. The move is expected to benefit members of the Pakistani diaspora who have previously faced limitations in performing Hajj through Pakistan because they no longer possess Pakistani passports. The development comes as preparations for the upcoming Hajj season continue. A large number of Pakistani pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under both government and private schemes. The government has also been working on arrangements concerning accommodation, transportation, medical facilities and other services for Pakistani pilgrims. The inclusion of POC holders could further strengthen the connection between Pakistan and its overseas community, particularly those who continue to maintain cultural, family and social ties with the country.

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