تازہ ترین

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    Archbishop of Canterbury commits to £100m fund over Church of England’s historical role in transatlantic slave trade

    The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has renewed the Church of England’s commitment to a controversial £100m fund for reparative justice during a pastoral visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana. Speaking from the historic site where enslaved Africans were held before being trafficked to the Americas, Mullally stated that touring the castle’s dungeons and chapel reinforced the institution’s need to take active steps to support communities still experiencing the legacy of the slave trade. The £100m investment and research fund was established following an audit of the Church’s historic endowment, which revealed extensive financial links to slave-trafficking operations, alongside missionary ownership of plantations in the Caribbean. Despite facing vocal opposition from critics who question the fund’s legal grounds and historical accuracy, Mullally reaffirmed that repentance requires concrete action. Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa praised her stance, arguing that acknowledging past institutional complicity is essential for genuine reconciliation.

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    FIFA pushes ahead with controversial commercial investment plan despite opposition from UEFA and Concacaf

    FIFA has insisted that “nobody is selling football” whilst reaffirming its intention to proceed with a plan to sell minority stakes in its commercial operations to private investors, despite a fierce backlash from major regional governing bodies. UEFA voted to boycott future World Cups if the initiative moves forward, whilst Concacaf confirmed its 41 member associations also rejected the proposal put forward by FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Under the proposal, FIFA intends to establish a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the commercial rights of major tournaments including the men’s World Cup. Private equity firm Thrive Eternal, founded by venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group purchasing a minority stake in the new entity, which carries an initial valuation of $20 billion. To secure the necessary 106 votes from FIFA’s 211 member associations, Infantino has offered an immediate $20 million payout to federations that back the proposal before a 19 September deadline. FIFA maintains the initiative will significantly increase development funding for smaller footballing nations without compromising the sport’s governance.

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    Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja amongst ten missing after avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak

    A ten-member international climbing expedition led by world-renowned Nepali-born mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja has gone missing after a massive avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. Communication with the group was completely cut off following the impact near the 8,047-metre summit. The missing team comprises five Nepalese guides, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy, American climber Mallory Geis, Chinese national Wang Zhong, and another foreign national. Search and rescue operations were launched as weather conditions permitted, with the Pakistan Army dispatching helicopters to assist ground crews and rescue teams ascending from nearby mountains. Initial tracking data from Purja’s device registered downhill movement following the slide, offering a faint glimmer of hope as emergency teams race against time in high-altitude conditions. The expedition was part of Purja’s attempt to become the first person in history to summit all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks twice without supplemental oxygen.

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    Kartik Aaryan joins Salman Khan in Assam flood relief effort

    Kartik Aaryan has stepped forward for Assam. He has donated Rs 1 crore to the state’s Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The contribution comes as the state continues to battle severe flooding. His gesture follows a similar move by Salman Khan just days earlier. The Assam CM’s office confirmed the donation on X. The post expressed gratitude for the actor’s generous support. It called the gesture commendable and timely, especially given how badly the state has been hit this year. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also shared his own message of thanks. He said he was truly moved by Aaryan’s contribution. He added that the support would go a long way in helping the people of Assam through this difficult period. Salman Khan had already been involved before this. He quietly partnered with one of his fan clubs based in Assam. Together, they launched a phased relief campaign through his NGO, Being Human. The effort reportedly started with distributing food to families in need. Other Bollywood stars have pitched in as well, though in different ways. Bhumi Pednekar and Alia Bhatt have both used their social media platforms to spread awareness. They have been sharing resources and relief information with their followers. The situation on the ground, however, remains serious. According to the latest ASDMA bulletin, two more deaths were reported in Sivasagar district. One of the victims was a child. This has pushed the year’s flood death toll to 80. Around 2.12 lakh people are currently affected across four districts. These include Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat and Sivasagar. Charaideo has been hit the hardest. Nearly 80,000 people there have been displaced from their homes. There has been some improvement since Wednesday. Back then, more than three lakh people were reported affected. Despite the drop in numbers, relief operations are still in full swing across the state. Authorities have set up 112 relief camps so far. These camps are currently housing over 75,000 displaced residents. Multiple agencies are working together on the ground. The Army, NDRF, SDRF and other state bodies remain actively involved in rescue and relief efforts. As Assam works through one of its toughest flood seasons in recent memory, support from public figures like Aaryan and Khan is being seen as a welcome boost. For many affected families, though, the road to recovery is still just beginning.

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    Alia Bhatt’s sweet reaction to Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana’ trailer

    Alia Bhatt could not contain her excitement once the trailer for Ranbir Kapoor’s mythological epic Ramayana finally dropped. The Jigra actress turned to her Instagram story on Thursday morning to share it with fans. She kept her caption short and sweet. It simply read “DIWALI 2026,” dressed up with a few sparkle emojis. Fans had been watching closely for this moment. Alia has always been vocal about supporting Ranbir’s work online. So her reaction to his big mythological role felt like a natural continuation of that habit. It arrived within hours of the trailer going live, adding fuel to the growing buzz around the film. This is not the first time Alia has praised Ranbir’s work on the project either. During an earlier Zoom conversation, she spoke warmly about his performance. “I think Ranbir has just done such a beautiful job and I just can not wait for you guys to see it,” she said. “It is just out of this world.” There is also a personal layer to all this excitement. The film is expected to be daughter Raha Kapoor’s first-ever trip to the cinema. Ranbir has spoken about how much this moment means to him. “I am very excited to take my daughter to the film,” he shared. “It is going to be her first film on the big screen.” In Ramayana, Ranbir plays the role of Lord Ram. According to reports, he leaned into the emotional and spiritual side of the character during preparation. The focus was not just on the physical transformation. It was about truly understanding who Ram is at his core. The film is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. It brings together a powerhouse cast. Sai Pallavi plays Sita. Yash takes on the role of Ravana. Sunny Deol steps into the part of Hanuman. Together, they make up one of the most talked-about casts in recent Indian cinema. Ramayana’s first part is scheduled for release this Diwali, in 2026. Its second instalment will follow a year later, during Diwali 2027. With the scale of the project and the anticipation building around it, the Kapoor family’s theatre outing might turn out to be just as special for audiences as it will be for young Raha.

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    Anil Kapoor turns Anand Ahuja’s birthday into a family love fest

    Anil Kapoor stepped up to celebrate his son-in-law in style. He shared a heartfelt note for Anand Ahuja on Instagram. The post came with a lovely set of pictures. Anand, husband to Sonam Kapoor, celebrated his birthday on July 29. In his caption, the 69-year-old actor opened up about his bond with Anand. He said Anand’s presence always brings him a sense of calm. Just seeing him or hearing his voice seems to do the trick. It is a small detail, but it says a lot about how close the two have become. Anil did not stop there. He spoke about how thoughtfully Anand treats everyone in the family. He praised the ease with which Anand cares for Sonam and their children. This quality, Anil wrote, fills him with comfort and joy. He ended the note on a simple, warm birthday wish. Anand was quick to respond to the sweet gesture. He replied with his signature humour, joking about how many of his old hairstyles had made it into Anil’s post. He also thanked his father-in-law for always being encouraging and kind. The celebrations did not end there. Sonam joined in with her own tribute. She shared a series of throwback photos capturing their journey as a couple. She described Anand as her safest place and closest support system. She added that she would pick him again, no matter how many lifetimes she got. Anand responded in his usual playful tone. He lovingly called her his dream machine in return. The couple has been married since May 2018. They exchanged vows in a small, intimate Punjabi wedding that was widely covered at the time. Since then, their relationship has often stood out for its warmth, humour and visible affection, something fans and family alike have noticed again and again. Sonam and Anand became parents for the first time in 2022, welcoming their son Vayu. Their family grew further this year when they welcomed their second son on March 29, 2026. Between Anil’s touching note and Sonam’s loving tribute, Anand’s birthday turned into more than just a celebration. It became a public reminder of just how close-knit this family really is, and how easily that affection comes through in the little things they share online.

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    Selena Gomez, Becky G and Benny Blanco unite for new Latin-Pop single ‘Te Olvido (La La)’

    Selena Gomez has officially announced the release of her new Latin-pop single, “Te Olvido (La La),” a collaboration with singer Becky G and producer Benny Blanco. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation sparked by Blanco, who shared a series of cryptic teaser videos on TikTok that hinted at a major music release. Fans began connecting the clues as the producer posted short clips featuring snippets of music and behind-the-scenes moments. The mystery was finally solved when Benny confirmed the collaboration through his social media accounts, revealing that the song would be released on July 31. Becky G also joined the promotional campaign by sharing teasers and celebrating the announcement with fans online. The single marks the first official collaboration between Gomez and Becky G, bringing together two internationally recognized artists with Mexican heritage for a vibrant Latin-pop release. The project also continues Gomez’s return to recording music in Spanish, following the success of her previous Spanish-language work. “Te Olvido (La La)” will also appear on Benny Blanco’s upcoming album, Hermoso, which is scheduled for release on Aug. 14. The album is expected to feature a variety of collaborations with Latin artists and celebrates the genre’s growing influence on the global music scene. Excitement quickly spread across social media after the announcement, with fans praising the unexpected pairing and applauding Blanco’s creative teaser campaign. Many described the collaboration as one of the most anticipated Latin-pop releases of the summer, expressing enthusiasm for the trio’s first song together. With its catchy title, international lineup and carefully planned rollout, “Te Olvido (La La)” is expected to attract listeners from both English- and Spanish-speaking audiences. As anticipation continues to build around Hermoso, the new single offers fans an early look at the musical direction of Blanco’s upcoming project while highlighting the enduring popularity of Latin-pop collaborations around the world. Music industry analysts expect the release to perform strongly on streaming platforms as fans embrace the trio’s long-awaited collaboration. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbYtXWDh5sG/?igsh=eDZ0bG9yNGphemZv

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    Naqvi briefs president Zardari on security as terr…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s evolving security landscape came under close review on Thursday as President Asif Ali Zardari met Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss the country’s law and order situation, with particular attention given to the security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The meeting, held at Bilawal House, focused on the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and counter terrorism. During the briefing, Naqvi updated the president on the latest developments in both provinces, where security forces continue operations against militant groups and work to maintain peace in sensitive areas. According to officials, the interior minister outlined measures being implemented to improve coordination among security institutions and enhance the country’s counterterrorism strategy. The discussion also covered steps aimed at ensuring stability while addressing emerging security threats. Beyond security matters, the two leaders exchanged views on Pakistan’s current political environment. They discussed the prevailing political situation and reviewed issues considered important for national stability and governance. The meeting also included deliberations on matters of mutual national interest, reflecting the government’s continued focus on balancing security priorities with broader political and administrative challenges. Pakistan has witnessed renewed security concerns in recent months, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where authorities have intensified intelligence-based operations against militant networks. The federal government has repeatedly stressed that restoring peace and strengthening national security remain among its top priorities. Officials said consultations between the presidency and the interior ministry will continue as authorities monitor the security situation and assess further measures needed to safeguard public safety. The discussions underscored the importance of close coordination among state institutions in responding to evolving threats while maintaining political stability across the country.

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    ECP rejects Achakzai as PkMAP chief, delists four …

    ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday declined to recognise veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the head of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, citing the party’s failure to conduct mandatory intra-party elections, while also delisting four political parties for violating election laws. A five-member bench, headed by the Chief Election Commissioner, heard proceedings related to PkMAP’s non-compliance with legal requirements, including the absence of intra-party elections, amendments to the party constitution, and objections concerning its financial accounts. During the hearing, the commission questioned the validity of the power of attorney submitted by the party’s legal counsel. The lawyer informed the bench that the document had been signed by the party chairman, Mahmood Khan Achakzai. However, the Chief Election Commissioner observed that the party currently had no officially recognised chairman because it had failed to hold intra-party elections as required under the law. The commission, therefore, refused to recognise Achakzai as the party’s head for the purpose of the proceedings. The ECP stated that while the power of attorney would be placed on record, a separate order would determine whether it would be formally accepted. At the request of PkMAP’s counsel, the commission granted additional time to prepare arguments and adjourned the case until August 19. In a separate development, the ECP intensified its enforcement of election regulations by removing four more political parties from its official register. The delisted parties include Technology Movement Pakistan, Awami Jamhoori Party Pakistan, Hum Awam Pakistan Party, and Pakistan Reform Party. According to official notifications, the parties were delisted for failing to conduct intra-party elections, submit annual financial statements, and comply with other mandatory legal obligations. The latest decisions underline the ECP’s continued push to ensure transparency, financial accountability, and internal democracy within Pakistan’s political parties as it strengthens enforcement of the country’s electoral laws.

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    JPMC launches free advanced breast cancer radiothe…

    KARACHI: In a significant step towards improving cancer care in Pakistan, the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has established a state-of-the-art Breast Radiation Bay that promises faster, safer and completely free treatment for breast cancer patients. The new facility is expected to transform care for thousands of women by reducing treatment time while improving precision and patient safety. Named the Bilquis and Abdul Sattar Edhi Breast Radiation Bay, the project has been developed through a joint collaboration between the Sindh government, the Patient Aid Foundation and the Edhi Foundation. Equipped with advanced tomotherapy technology worth more than Rs1 billion, the facility is in its final stages of completion and is expected to begin serving patients soon. According to Prof. Tariq Mahmood, head of the CyberKnife Department at JPMC, the cutting-edge technology will dramatically shorten the duration of treatment. Radiation therapy that previously required 20 to 22 sessions can now be completed in just five sessions, reducing the physical and emotional burden on patients. He explained that the new system delivers radiation with exceptional accuracy, targeting cancerous tissues while protecting healthy organs, particularly the heart. This precision is expected to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of side effects, making cancer care both safer and more effective. The Breast Radiation Bay will have the capacity to treat around 160 breast cancer patients every day, providing life-saving care to thousands annually. In addition to advanced radiotherapy, the centre will offer a complete range of diagnostic services, including mammography, biopsy, high-resolution CT imaging, and 360-degree helical radiation therapy, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care under one roof. Medical experts say breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Pakistan, with Karachi reporting one of the country’s highest incidence rates. They stress that early detection through regular screening greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. Doctors also urge women to seek immediate medical advice if they notice warning signs such as breast lumps, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge or changes in nipple appearance. While these symptoms do not always indicate cancer, timely evaluation is essential. Health specialists believe the new facility marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s fight against breast cancer by expanding access to world-class treatment regardless of a patient’s financial circumstances. With advanced technology, free care and greater diagnostic capacity, JPMC aims to give thousands of women a better chance at early recovery and long-term survival.