تازہ ترین

  • |

    Ian McKellen surprised Anthony Mackie played Captain America

    Anthony Mackie has shared a lighthearted behind-the-scenes story from the set of Avengers: Doomsday, revealing that veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen did not realize he was playing Captain America when the two first met. While speaking during San Diego Comic-Con, Mackie recalled his first interaction with the legendary actor, describing it as one of the most memorable moments of filming. According to Mackie, he introduced himself to McKellen with admiration, telling the acclaimed actor how honored he was to work alongside him. McKellen greeted him warmly before asking a simple question about his role in the upcoming Marvel film. Mackie said McKellen asked, “So what are you doing in the film?” to which he replied, “I’m Captain America.” The exchange left Mackie amused, especially considering his character has been the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Captain America for several years. Sam Wilson, portrayed by Mackie, officially became Captain America after Steve Rogers, played by Chris Evans, passed him the iconic shield at the end of Avengers: Endgame. Since then, Wilson has embraced the mantle, taking on the responsibility of leading a new generation of heroes while forging his own identity as Captain America. Despite now being one of Marvel’s leading stars, Mackie admitted that he still feels starstruck when working with legendary actors. He said sharing the screen with performers like Ian McKellen remains a surreal experience, regardless of his own success within the franchise. McKellen is returning as Magneto, reprising one of the most iconic roles from the X-Men film series. His appearance in Avengers: Doomsday is part of Marvel Studios’ ambitious plan to bring together characters from multiple superhero franchises for the first time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The upcoming blockbuster is expected to feature heroes from the Avengers, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four, creating one of the largest ensemble casts ever assembled for a Marvel film. The crossover has generated significant excitement among fans, who have long hoped to see these iconic teams share the screen. Marvel Studios has gradually expanded its interconnected universe through the multiverse storyline, paving the way for the return of several fan-favorite characters and actors from earlier superhero films. Avengers: Doomsday is expected to play a major role in that ongoing narrative while setting the stage for future Marvel projects. Mackie’s humorous encounter with McKellen has quickly become a fan-favorite story, highlighting the friendly atmosphere behind the scenes despite the film’s massive scale and star-studded cast. The anecdote also reflects the mutual respect shared between established Hollywood legends and the newer generation of Marvel stars. Avengers: Doomsday is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 18, with fans eagerly awaiting the epic crossover that promises to unite some of Marvel’s most beloved superheroes and villains on the big screen.

  • |

    Joe Miñoso exits Chicago Fire after 15 seasons

    A major chapter is coming to a close for Chicago Fire as longtime cast member Joe Miñoso prepares to leave the hit NBC drama after 15 seasons. Miñoso, who has portrayed firefighter Joe Cruz since the series premiered, is set to make his exit during Season 15. Although he is leaving as a full-time cast member, fans will still get the chance to see him on screen, as he is expected to return in a limited number of episodes to wrap up his character’s storyline. The actor has been one of the show’s most recognizable faces since its debut. He appeared in the pilot episode and initially held a recurring role during the first season before being promoted to a series regular beginning with Season 2. Over the years, Joe Cruz evolved into one of the most beloved and dependable members of Firehouse 51, earning admiration from viewers through his courage, loyalty, and emotional storylines. Throughout his time on the series, Cruz experienced significant personal and professional growth. From tackling dangerous rescue missions to navigating relationships and family life, the character became a central figure in the show’s success. His journey reflected the challenges and sacrifices faced by firefighters, making him a fan favorite for more than a decade. Miñoso’s departure marks the end of an era for Chicago Fire. By the time of his exit, he remained one of only four original cast members still appearing on the series. The remaining original stars include Taylor Kinney, David Eigenberg, and Christian Stolte, all of whom have helped shape the identity of the long-running drama since its launch. Since premiering in 2012, Chicago Fire has established itself as one of NBC’s most successful scripted series. The show follows the firefighters, rescue squad members, and paramedics of Firehouse 51 as they respond to emergencies while balancing the pressures of their personal lives. Its combination of high-stakes action, emotional storytelling, and strong ensemble performances has earned it a loyal fan base around the world. Joe Cruz has played an important role in many of the series’ most memorable moments. His bravery during dangerous rescues, dedication to his colleagues, and unwavering commitment to serving the community made him an integral part of Firehouse 51. Viewers also watched him grow outside the firehouse, building meaningful relationships and overcoming personal struggles that added emotional depth to the character. As Miñoso’s storyline comes to a close, the series is preparing for a new chapter. Season 15 will introduce fresh faces to the cast, including actor Da’Vinchi, known for his role in BMF, who is joining the drama as a series regular. His addition is expected to bring new energy and storylines as the show continues to evolve. The production team is also experiencing significant changes behind the scenes. Victor Teran has taken over as showrunner, succeeding Andrea Newman, who led the creative direction of the series for 14 seasons. The leadership transition signals a new phase for Chicago Fire as it moves forward while maintaining the elements that have made it one of television’s longest-running dramas. Although Joe Miñoso’s departure will undoubtedly be emotional for longtime fans, his legacy as Joe Cruz remains firmly embedded in the history of Chicago Fire. His performance helped define the series, and his character’s journey has left a lasting impact on both the firefighters of Firehouse 51 and the millions of viewers who have followed their stories over the past 15 seasons. As Season 15 unfolds, audiences will have the opportunity to say goodbye to one of the show’s most enduring characters while welcoming a new era for Chicago Fire.

  • |

    Jimin’s shirt leads FIFA World Cup charity auction sales

    BTS have once again showcased their immense global influence after memorabilia worn during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show attracted impressive bids at a charity auction. One of the standout items was a shirt worn by BTS member Jimin during the halftime performance, which sold for an incredible $110,000. The singer wore the shirt while performing the group’s global hit Dynamite during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The shirt emerged as one of the most sought-after pieces in the auction, finishing as the joint-highest-selling item. It matched the final sale price of the official match ball used in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with both items fetching $110,000. The charity auction featured a range of memorabilia connected to the tournament and its entertainment performances, drawing strong interest from collectors and fans around the world. Several other BTS-related items also attracted significant bids. A scarf worn by BTS member V during the halftime show sold for $46,200, while a jacket worn by Jungkook achieved the same final price of $46,200. The strong demand for the group’s memorabilia highlighted BTS’ enduring popularity and the willingness of fans to support charitable causes through exclusive collectibles. The auction also included a number of sports and entertainment items beyond BTS memorabilia. Among the notable sales was an Argentina national team jersey signed by football legend Lionel Messi. The jersey, which had previously been gifted to international music star Shakira, sold for $66,000, making it one of the auction’s top-selling sports items. Another highlight came from pop superstar Madonna, whose fingerless gloves worn during the opening performance of the World Cup halftime show were purchased for $41,800. The online charity auction ran for seven days and concluded on July 29, attracting bidders from 24 countries. Interest from around the globe helped the event raise a total of $652,630, reflecting strong international support for both football and music memorabilia. Organisers said all proceeds from the auction will go to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative dedicated to expanding access to quality education for children and young people around the world. The fundraiser combines the global reach of football and entertainment to support educational opportunities in underserved communities. BTS’ participation in the World Cup halftime show was one of the event’s most talked-about entertainment moments. Their performance of Dynamite, one of the group’s biggest international hits, received widespread attention from fans worldwide and further cemented their status as one of the world’s most influential music acts. The remarkable sale prices achieved by Jimin’s shirt, V’s scarf and Jungkook’s jacket underline the extraordinary demand for BTS memorabilia. At the same time, the success of the charity auction demonstrates how music, sports and philanthropy can come together to make a meaningful impact, with fans and collectors contributing generously to support education initiatives across the globe.

  • |

    Shehnaaz Gill praises Hania, Bilal and Pakistani dramas

    Indian actress Shehnaaz Gill has expressed admiration for Pakistan’s television industry, praising its storytelling and applauding the performances of some of the country’s biggest stars, including Hania Aamir, Bilal Abbas Khan and Fahad Mustafa. During a recent interview, the actress spoke about her appreciation for Pakistani dramas, saying their portrayal of romance feels genuine and emotionally engaging. She noted that the love stories presented on screen are able to create a deep emotional connection without relying on physical intimacy. According to Shehnaaz, Pakistani dramas have a unique way of depicting relationships, allowing viewers to experience the emotions of the characters through meaningful storytelling, subtle expressions and strong performances. She said that watching these dramas makes the romance appear natural and believable, adding that the simplicity of the storytelling is one of the reasons audiences connect so strongly with the characters. The actress also described Pakistan’s television industry as unmatched when it comes to romantic dramas. She believes the quality of storytelling and character development sets Pakistani serials apart from many others in the region. Sharing some of her personal favourites, Shehnaaz named Meri Zindagi Hai Tu and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum among the Pakistani dramas she has enjoyed watching. She praised both productions for their compelling narratives and emotionally driven performances. In addition to appreciating the dramas themselves, Shehnaaz spoke highly of several Pakistani actors whose work she admires. She specifically mentioned Hania Aamir, Bilal Abbas Khan and Fahad Mustafa, describing them as talented performers who consistently impress audiences with their acting abilities. Her remarks quickly attracted attention on social media, where fans from both Pakistan and India welcomed her appreciation for Pakistan’s entertainment industry. Many viewers praised the actress for acknowledging the quality of Pakistani television and celebrating the talent of its artists. Pakistani dramas have earned a strong international following in recent years, attracting viewers across South Asia and beyond. Their growing popularity has been driven by emotionally rich storytelling, relatable characters and narratives that often explore family relationships, social issues and personal struggles. Unlike productions that rely heavily on spectacle, many Pakistani television serials focus on realistic emotions and everyday experiences. This approach has helped them resonate with audiences of different age groups and cultural backgrounds. Many popular dramas also address important social themes, including women’s empowerment, family values, mental health and societal expectations. Their ability to balance entertainment with meaningful messages has contributed to their increasing global appeal. With streaming platforms making Pakistani content more accessible than ever, the industry’s reach continues to expand beyond national borders. Actors such as Hania Aamir, Bilal Abbas Khan and Fahad Mustafa have built large fan bases internationally, while several dramas have achieved millions of views online. Shehnaaz Gill’s appreciation for Pakistani television reflects the growing recognition the industry is receiving across the region. Her praise for its storytelling, memorable dramas and talented actors highlights the cultural connection created through quality entertainment and reinforces the widespread appeal of Pakistani serials among audiences worldwide.

  • | |

    Tech firms accused of destroying books after AI scanning

    Books are playing a major role in the rapid development of artificial intelligence. However, experts warn that the growing demand for printed books to train AI models is putting valuable knowledge and cultural heritage at risk. According to a British media report, several technology companies have started buying large collections of old books. The books are scanned using high-speed machines so their contents can be converted into digital data. The material is then used to train advanced artificial intelligence systems. The report claims that after the scanning process is completed, some companies discard or destroy the original printed copies. This practice has raised concerns among historians, librarians, and preservation experts, who fear that irreplaceable works may disappear forever. The project reportedly began around two years ago. In February 2024, a leading AI company hired a specialist with the task of collecting as many books as possible from around the world. The goal was to secure a vast collection of written material for AI training. Experts say the destruction of ordinary books is troubling, but the loss of historical or rare editions would be far more serious. They warn that once an original copy is destroyed, valuable physical features such as handwritten notes, bindings, paper quality, and printing techniques may be lost forever. These details are often important for researchers and historians. According to the report, AI companies are especially interested in books published before 2022. They believe these books contain mostly human-written content, making them more useful for training AI models. Newer online content is increasingly influenced by AI-generated text, which experts say could reduce the quality of future AI training. The growing use of books for AI development has also sparked debate over copyright, preservation, and ethics. Critics argue that technological progress should not come at the cost of destroying cultural and historical treasures. They are urging companies to preserve original copies after scanning them and work with libraries and archives to protect valuable collections for future generations.

  • | |

    President approves Nishan-i-Imtiaz for Strategic C…

    President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the conferment of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Syed Aamer Raza, the newly appointed Commander of the National Strategic Command (NSC). The announcement was made by the President’s Secretariat through a post on X, stating that the country’s highest civilian office had endorsed the prestigious military honour for General Raza in recognition of his distinguished service. General Raza has previously received the Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) and the Sitara-i-Basalat, reflecting a career marked by operational leadership and professional excellence. His latest recognition comes shortly after his promotion to the rank of four-star general and appointment as Pakistan’s first Commander of the National Strategic Command. The position was created as part of the sweeping reforms introduced under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which reshaped the country’s higher defence structure. Under the new framework, the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was abolished and replaced by the position of Chief of Defence Forces, a role currently held concurrently by Field Marshal Asim Munir as Chief of Army Staff. The National Strategic Command serves as the unified operational headquarters for Pakistan’s strategic forces, bringing together the strategic commands of the Army, Navy and Air Force under one command. Despite this restructuring, the National Command Authority, chaired by the prime minister, remains the country’s highest decision-making body on nuclear policy and strategic employment. General Raza was appointed to the post by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces. As provided under the amended Army Act, the appointment carries a three-year tenure. Before assuming his new responsibilities, General Raza served as Chief of General Staff, where he supervised key operational planning and played a central role in implementing military reforms introduced after the constitutional changes. He also oversaw organisational restructuring following last year’s conflict with India, including the establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command. Commissioned into the 6th Lancers in 1988 after graduating from the Officers Training School (OTS), General Raza has held several important command and staff appointments throughout his military career. These include commanding an armoured regiment, an armoured brigade, an infantry brigade in South Waziristan, an infantry division and Lahore’s IV Corps. He has also served as Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila, Director General Weapons and Equipment, and Chief of Staff at II Corps.

  • | | | |

    Oil prices fall as Hormuz shipments resume

    Global oil prices fell sharply on Friday, extending weekly losses as crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz gradually resumed, easing fears of prolonged supply disruptions despite a fresh maritime security incident near Oman. Brent crude dropped nearly 2% to $73.76 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also declined around 2% to $70.43 per barrel during trading. The decline reflected growing market confidence that oil supplies from the Gulf were beginning to recover after months of disruption. Saudi Arabia’s state-owned energy company resumed crude loading operations at the Ras Tanura export terminal after a suspension of almost four months. Shipping data indicated that two very large crude carriers were loading oil at the terminal, with another tanker waiting offshore, signalling a gradual restoration of export activity. Market analysts said traders were reacting positively to the increase in tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. However, they noted that crude demand from China remains weaker than expected, adding downward pressure on prices. The market had briefly rallied a day earlier after a commercial cargo vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile near Oman, prompting the United Nations’ shipping agency to suspend its voluntary evacuation programme in the area. US officials later alleged that Iranian forces had fired on the vessel as it attempted to transit the strait, while Iranian authorities maintained that security could not be guaranteed for ships operating outside designated navigation routes. Although oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have reached their highest level since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict in February, overall maritime traffic remains well below normal levels recorded before the crisis. Analysts observed that much of the recent increase in tanker traffic reflects vessels that had been stranded during the conflict finally leaving the Persian Gulf. They cautioned that inbound shipping remains limited, suggesting export flows could slow again once the backlog of delayed vessels has cleared. Adding another layer of uncertainty, earthquakes in Venezuela raised fresh concerns about global oil supplies. Initial assessments indicated that the country’s major oilfields, refineries and export facilities escaped significant damage because they were located away from the hardest-hit regions. Nevertheless, widespread power outages have created uncertainty over whether Venezuela can maintain crude production near its recent level of approximately 1.2 million barrels per day. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply risks, the resumption of Gulf oil exports outweighed immediate concerns, leaving both Brent and WTI crude on course for weekly losses of around eight percent.

  • | |

    PM Shehbaz orders audit of Discos’ billing s…

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a comprehensive technical audit of the billing systems of electricity distribution companies (Discos), reaffirming that reforming Pakistan’s power sector remains one of the government’s top priorities. Chairing a high-level meeting on the performance of the Power Division, the prime minister acknowledged that distribution companies had shown noticeable improvement but stressed that further reforms were essential to enhance efficiency and service delivery. He described the nationwide installation of smart electricity meters as a key step toward modernising the sector and improving transparency. Shehbaz Sharif also called for strict action against electricity theft, instructing authorities to strengthen enforcement mechanisms at every level. He ordered the Power Division to establish clear performance benchmarks for distribution companies, supported by measurable targets and specific implementation timelines. To encourage better performance, the prime minister announced that the country’s best-performing distribution company would receive formal recognition and awards, promoting healthy competition among power utilities. Addressing the issue of prolonged electricity shortages in rural areas, he directed officials to prepare village-level solarisation projects, saying decentralised solar energy systems could reduce pressure on the national electricity grid while improving access to reliable power. During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that technical and commercial losses across distribution companies had continued to decline. Islamabad, Lahore and Gujranwala electricity companies recorded the lowest transmission and distribution losses during the last fiscal year, while power utilities in Islamabad, Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad and Multan achieved full recovery of billed electricity dues in the 2025–26 fiscal year. The meeting was also told that specialised Disco Support Units have been established in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Lahore, Multan and Hazara to combat electricity theft, improve bill recovery and resolve technical challenges more effectively. Officials further briefed the prime minister that the first phase of the Asset Performance Management System (APMS) at the transformer level is expected to be completed by the end of September. The system is designed to improve monitoring of transformers, helping reduce both power theft and load-shedding. In addition, the government is considering the installation of 16.2 million Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) single-phase smart meters across the Multan, Lahore, Peshawar, Hazara and Quetta regions as part of its broader strategy to modernise Pakistan’s electricity distribution network.

  • | | |

    Govt raises Petrol and Diesel prices in fresh fuel…

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced a fresh revision in petroleum prices, increasing the rates of both petrol and high-speed diesel with immediate effect. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Energy, the price of petrol has been raised by Rs1.09 per litre, taking the new rate to Rs336.15 per litre. The government has also increased the price of high-speed diesel by Rs2.42 per litre, bringing its new price to Rs393.04 per litre. The revised fuel prices came into effect immediately and will remain applicable until the next official review, subject to future adjustments based on international oil market trends and other pricing factors.

  • | |

    Pakistan backs Saudi Arabia’s right to self-defe…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack on Saudi Arabia, reaffirming that every sovereign nation has the right to defend itself under international law. Islamabad stated that Saudi Arabia’s military response in Iraq should be viewed within the framework of legitimate self-defence. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Article 51 of the United Nations Charter grants states the inherent right to take necessary measures to protect their sovereignty and security against armed attacks. He said Saudi Arabia’s actions should be understood in that legal context. The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation of regional tensions. Andrabi also said Pakistan supports the effective implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the United States and Iran, adding that diplomatic efforts are continuing to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue among the concerned parties. During the briefing, he welcomed the ratification of a defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening bilateral ties. He noted that Pakistan also maintains close defence cooperation with Jordan and Bahrain and continues to expand collaboration in multiple sectors. He added that if any new defence agreements are finalised with Jordan or Bahrain in the future, the government will inform the public and the media at the appropriate time.