تازہ ترین

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    ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ closing in on ‘Titanic’ at box office

    “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is rapidly closing in on “Titanic” at the global box office. The Marvel film now sits just tens of millions of dollars away from knocking James Cameron’s 1997 classic out of the all-time top five. Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, “Brand New Day” continued its impressive run into its fourth weekend, adding $39 million domestically and $109 million internationally. That brings its worldwide total to approximately $2.22 billion. That leaves the film roughly $44 million behind “Titanic,” which currently holds fifth place on the all-time global chart with around $2.264 billion. If the film maintains its current momentum, it is expected to overtake Cameron’s blockbuster within days. The achievement would add yet another milestone to what has already been a record-breaking theatrical run. “Brand New Day” became the first film in the Spider-Man franchise to cross $2 billion worldwide, reaching that mark in just three weekends, the second-fastest film ever to do so, trailing only “Avengers: Endgame.” Its domestic performance has been equally striking. The film has now earned more than $854.9 million in the US and Canada, putting it on track to overtake “Avengers: Endgame” as the second-highest-grossing domestic release of all time, behind only “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The film’s remarkable run began with a record-setting opening weekend. It debuted to around $360 million domestically, surpassing “Avengers: Endgame” for the biggest domestic opening in history, while also posting the second-biggest global opening ever at roughly $932 million worldwide. It has continued breaking records since, crossing $1 billion worldwide in just six days, the second-fastest film to do so, before going on to become the highest-grossing film of 2026 overall. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film marks Holland’s fourth solo outing as Peter Parker. Its cast also includes Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal and Mark Ruffalo. Should it overtake “Titanic,” the film would edge into an increasingly exclusive tier of the box office charts. It currently trails “Ne Zha 2,” which sits just ahead with roughly $2.27 billion worldwide, suggesting another ranking shift could follow soon after. More than 25 years after “Titanic” first became a box office phenomenon, another Marvel blockbuster now stands ready to challenge its place in cinema history, with the gap between them narrowing by the day.

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    NASA’s roman space telescope to explore dark ene…

    NASA is preparing to launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope a new observatory designed to explore some of the universe’s biggest mysteries. The nearly $4 billion telescope is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Roman Space Telescope is expected to expand scientists’ understanding of dark matter, dark energy, gravity and planets beyond our solar system. It will complement the work already carried out by the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. Unlike telescopes that focus closely on individual objects Roman will be able to survey enormous sections of the sky quickly. During its main mission, scientists expect it to observe billions of galaxies. These observations could reveal how galaxies formed, how cosmic structures changed over time and how the universe has expanded. A major objective of the mission is to investigate dark energy the mysterious phenomenon believed to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe. Researchers also want to learn more about dark matter which cannot be seen directly but affects stars and galaxies through gravity. Scientists will use Roman to study gravitational lensing a phenomenon in which massive objects bend light traveling through space. These measurements could provide new tests of Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity and help researchers determine whether our current understanding of gravity works across enormous distances. The telescope will also search for exoplanets which are worlds orbiting stars outside our solar system. Researchers expect the mission to identify thousands of new planets and gather information about how planetary systems are formed. Roman will also test technology that could eventually allow scientists to directly image some nearby exoplanets. After launch the telescope will travel to Lagrange Point 2, approximately 1.6 million kilometers from Earth. The James Webb Space Telescope operates in the same region while Hubble orbits much closer to Earth. NASA has planned an initial five-year mission for Roman. However, the telescope could potentially continue operating for several more years if it has enough fuel. Named after Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer the telescope represents another major step in humanity’s effort to understand the universe. Its discoveries could reshape scientists’ knowledge of cosmic evolution, gravity, dark matter, dark energy and distant planetary systems.

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    Farah Khan praises Gaurav and Akanksha amid separation rumours

    Indian filmmaker Farah Khan has praised Lock Upp star Akanksha Chamola’s husband, Gaurav Khanna, amid ongoing rumours surrounding their separation. Farah visited Akanksha’s home as part of her celebrity home tour series on YouTube. During the show, they discussed their experience on the survival reality show and their lives after the success of the Netflix hit. Akanksha said, “I love Gaurav; he is a wonderful guy. He is also a very good husband. You rarely find husbands like him. He has taken you for what you are, and I think that’s a very nice example to tell.” The director also acknowledged the harsh reality revealed on the show, where Akanksha’s relationship with Gaurav became a topic of discussion, something that came as a shock to many viewers. After that, Gaurav was invited to the show to discuss the matter with his wife in detail. The conversation shed more light on the couple’s relationship and their experiences during the reality show. The couple has made public appearances together since the show, but they have not officially confirmed reports of their divorce or separation. Gaurav and Akanksha got married in Gaurav’s hometown, Kanpur, in 2016. Their marriage has remained in the spotlight, particularly following Akanksha’s statements about their relationship and personal life. The actress revealed that she and Gaurav have been living separately for about a year. However, despite the reports and discussions surrounding their relationship, neither of them has publicly announced a divorce. Farah’s comments have now drawn further attention to the couple, particularly her appreciation of Gaurav as a husband. The filmmaker’s remarks came as she and Akanksha discussed different aspects of their personal lives during the home tour. The couple’s relationship continues to attract interest among fans and followers, who are waiting for clarity regarding their current status. Until Gaurav and Akanksha make an official statement, reports about their separation and possible divorce remain unconfirmed.

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    Perez Hilton’s brother-in-law shares update on his physical and mental health

    Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton’s brother-in-law Tom has shared an update on his physical and mental health, saying that he is now transitioning from treatment for his physical injuries to receiving attention for his mental well-being. Tom, who is married to Perez’s sister Barbara Lavandeira, shared the update during an interview on The Perez Hilton Podcast on August 23. The podcast is co-hosted by Chris Booker. According to Tom, Perez has been receiving treatment for physical injuries following an incident at his Miami home on August 4, which occurred around 48 hours before the recording of the podcast. Perez has remained hospitalized since the incident. Tom said that Perez suffered multiple cuts and several broken bones as a result of “a couple of falls” during the incident. “So we are now just transitioning into the mental side of things,” Tom said. He explained that while Perez has been receiving treatment for his physical injuries, psychiatrists have also been checking on him and monitoring his mental condition. Tom said that medical professionals have been ensuring that Perez is not at risk of harming himself, while the underlying causes of what he described as his “mental breaks” have not yet been fully determined. However, Perez’s brother-in-law shared some reassuring news, saying that Perez is “lucid” while in the hospital and has spoken with him, his mother and his sister Barbara. During the podcast, Chris Booker asked Tom whether Perez remembered the August 4 incident. Tom said he had not discussed the incident in detail with Perez because he did not want to trigger anxiety or distress. Instead, he wanted Perez to focus on recovering from his physical injuries, including the lacerations and broken bones. “I don’t know how much he really does recall or doesn’t recall,” Tom added. Tom also revealed that Perez’s children have not visited him in the hospital and that he is not using electronic devices at the moment. However, Perez remains able to communicate with his family through the nursing station. Tom said Perez can call Barbara, his mother and him. The latest update indicates that Perez continues to receive medical care in the hospital, with his family now focusing on both his physical recovery and mental well-being.

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    Trump administration plans to revoke visas of fore…

    The Trump administration plans to revoke certain non-immigrant visas held by foreign nationals who have applied for asylum or are currently seeking asylum in the United States. The State Department said Monday that it is working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify people who entered the country as temporary visitors but later filed asylum applications. Officials said the goal is to revoke their visitor visas. The department did not provide an estimate of how many visas could be affected. However, the Associated Press reported that the number could reach 200,000, based on State Department documents and information from two U.S. officials. If carried out at that scale it could become the largest mass visa revocation in U.S. history. The reported policy would affect B1 and B2 visas issued between 2016 and 2026 to people who have sought asylum. B1 visas are generally used for business travel while B2 visas cover tourism and other temporary visits. Visa cancellation would not automatically mean immediate deportation. According to the AP report many people with pending asylum cases could remain in the United States while their cases are processed but they would no longer hold their previous business or tourism visitor status. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Monday that the U.S. immigration system has been overwhelmed by what he described as frivolous asylum claims. The State Department previously announced that more than 175,000 visas had been revoked under the Trump administration. The planned visa action is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration enforcement campaign which includes visa and green-card cancellations and an expanded deportation effort. The administration says these measures are intended to strengthen national security and enforce U.S. immigration laws. Civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups have criticized the broader crackdown arguing that some government actions threaten due process and free-speech protections. They have also raised concerns about racial profiling and the treatment of minority communities. Trump campaigned in 2024 on promises to reduce illegal immigration. Since returning to office, his administration has also introduced measures affecting legal immigration, including higher costs for some employment-based visa programs. Several immigration policies have faced legal challenges in U.S. courts.

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    Bangladesh moves toward talks with China to buy J-…

    Bangladesh is preparing to begin formal discussions with China over a possible purchase of J-10CE fighter jets and attack helicopters according to a government adviser. Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said Tuesday that a government committee is working on a draft agreement that could pave the way for negotiations with Beijing. The potential deal would represent one of Bangladesh’s largest defence purchases in recent years and could further strengthen the country’s military relationship with China. Beijing is already Bangladesh’s biggest supplier of defence equipment. The J-10CE fighter jet has received increased international attention since fighting between India and Pakistan in May 2025. Pakistan said its J-10CE aircraft were involved in shooting down Indian fighter jets during the clashes. India has disputed those claims. Ur Rahman said Bangladesh had observed reports about the aircraft’s performance during the conflict as it considers options to modernise its air force. Bangladesh is reportedly considering purchasing as many as 24 J-10CE fighter jets although officials have not confirmed the final number. Pakistan is currently the only confirmed foreign operator of the export version of the Chinese aircraft. The adviser did not reveal how many jets Bangladesh could ultimately purchase the expected cost of the agreement or when deliveries might begin. Those details, he said, would be decided during negotiations. The possible fighter-jet purchase comes as Bangladesh seeks to upgrade its military capabilities. The country has maintained close defence ties with China for years with Beijing supplying a wide range of military equipment. Over the past two decades, China has provided Bangladesh with warships, fighter aircraft, tanks and missile systems, making it Dhaka’s largest source of military hardware. If Bangladesh proceeds with the J-10CE acquisition, the move could further deepen defence cooperation between Dhaka and Beijing while giving Bangladesh a modern multirole fighter capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

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    Iran and Oman discuss temporary shipping corridor …

    Iran and Oman are discussing a proposal to establish a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. The proposal was discussed during a meeting in Tehran between Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A joint statement described their talks as constructive and said both sides discussed developments surrounding the strategic waterway. The discussions come as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States. US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that mines had been removed or destroyed in international waters around the Strait of Hormuz. He warned that any vessel found placing new mines would face immediate military action. Trump also said the United States was closely monitoring the waterway and maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward further mine placement. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy route with roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas flows passing through it before the conflict. Shipping activity has fallen sharply during the current crisis, with only two commodity vessels reportedly using the waterway on Monday. Iran has also communicated its position on the strait through Pakistan. Iranian officials reportedly want provisions of an earlier Islamabad memorandum to be implemented including arrangements requiring safe passage for commercial shipping and consultation with Oman over the waterway’s future management. Meanwhile, Washington has expanded economic pressure on Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced additional sanctions targeting Iranian individuals entities and vessels warning that countries continuing to support Iran’s economy could face consequences. China has criticized the new US measures saying unilateral sanctions could disrupt global economic and financial stability. Beijing is a major buyer of Iranian oil and has urged Washington and Tehran to return to negotiations. The United States has also warned that military action against Iran remains possible. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington would use military force if necessary and did not rule out further strikes around Iran or the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, meanwhile, has promised to respond to the expanded sanctions and warned that threats to its infrastructure could trigger attacks against US interests and regional energy routes. The diplomatic discussions involving Iran, Oman and Pakistan could therefore become important for restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, continued military threats, sanctions and tensions between Tehran and Washington remain major obstacles to a lasting agreement.

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    Petrol and diesel prices increased again in Pakist…

    The government has increased the prices of petroleum products once again announcing new rates for petrol and high-speed diesel. The revised prices will remain effective for two days. According to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) revised petroleum prices under the pricing mechanism approved by the federal government. The price of high-speed diesel has increased by Rs1.11 per litre taking its new price to Rs371.80 per litre. Diesel was previously priced at Rs370.69 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of petrol has risen by Rs1.12 per litre. Following the latest increase petrol will now cost Rs343.10 per litre compared with the previous rate of Rs341.98 per litre. The latest increase comes as petroleum prices continue to put pressure on household budgets and transportation costs. Higher petrol and diesel prices can also affect the cost of transporting goods and may contribute to increases in the prices of essential commodities. The government has issued the latest notification for only two days. Petroleum prices could therefore be reviewed again after the current period depending on international oil prices and other factors used in the pricing formula. The repeated changes in fuel prices are being closely watched by consumers transport operators and businesses because of their potential impact on inflation and the overall cost of living. For motorists, the latest increase means another rise in the cost of filling their vehicles. Transport and logistics businesses may also face higher operating expenses if fuel prices remain elevated.

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    Children’s fight turns deadly as gunfire erupts …

    A young man was killed in Lahore after a dispute between children reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation involving adults and gunfire in the city’s Ghaziabad area. According to police and local reports, the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Ghaziabad Police Station. The trouble reportedly began when children got into an argument while playing. What initially appeared to be a minor dispute soon intensified after adults from the two sides became involved. The disagreement reportedly escalated rapidly with the opposing sides allegedly pulling out firearms. Gunshots were then fired during the confrontation leaving a young man seriously injured. Police said the victim suffered critical injuries in the shooting. He was immediately taken to Services Hospital in Lahore, where doctors attempted to save his life. However, his condition remained critical and he eventually died while receiving treatment. Following the incident, police launched an investigation and took suspects allegedly involved in the shooting into custody. Authorities said legal proceedings have been initiated against those arrested while investigators are working to establish the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation. Police also completed the necessary legal procedures regarding the victim’s body before handing it over to his family. The incident has highlighted the serious consequences that can arise when minor disagreements turn into violent disputes. What reportedly began as a quarrel between children eventually escalated into an armed confrontation, resulting in the death of a young man. Authorities are expected to investigate whether the weapons used in the incident were legally held and determine the exact role of each suspect. Further details may emerge as the investigation progresses. Residents in the area have expressed concern over the escalation of disputes into armed violence. Such incidents can pose serious risks not only to those directly involved but also to nearby residents and bystanders. Police have urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to contact authorities when disputes become serious. Officials said those responsible would face legal action according to the law. The case remains under investigation, while the arrest of the suspects is expected to help authorities determine what triggered the shooting and how the confrontation escalated so quickly.

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    PM “Apna Ghar” housing scheme sees 52%…

    The number of applicants for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Apna Ghar Housing Scheme has increased by 52%, according to the Ministry of Finance, reflecting growing demand for housing finance across the country. The development was discussed during a meeting of the Steering Committee on Access to Finance chaired by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday. The meeting reviewed progress in several priority sectors, including housing, agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), exports, information technology and renewable energy. According to officials housing finance increased from Rs294 billion at the end of June to Rs307 billion by mid-August. Applications under the Prime Minister Apna Ghar programme have risen by 52% since June, reaching approximately 139,000 applications. The number of approved applications also increased by 84%, exceeding 46,000. Officials said approved financing under the programme has nearly doubled rising from Rs144 billion to Rs279 billion. The number of loans disbursed through the Apna Ghar programme increased by 59% to more than 7,600 loans, with the total amount disbursed exceeding Rs38 billion. The meeting also reviewed regulatory and legal measures aimed at expanding access to housing finance. These include revised prudential regulations introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan. Under the updated framework housing finance includes a 90:10 loan-to-value ratio a 65% debt-burden ratio and new procedures for assessing informal income. Officials also discussed measures to simplify property valuation and documentation, expand digital processing and make long-term housing finance more accessible. The approval of the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Amendment Act 2026 was described as an important legal reform for improving the recovery and enforcement framework for mortgage-based lending. The government has also set ambitious targets for agriculture and SME financing. It aims to increase financing in these sectors to Rs1.5 trillion by June 2027 and Rs2 trillion by June 2028. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stressed the need to direct the financial sector toward productive investment, business expansion, home ownership, agricultural productivity and export-led economic growth.The number of applicants for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Apna Ghar Housing Scheme has increased by 52%, according to the Ministry of Finance, reflecting growing demand for housing finance across the country.