تازہ ترین

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    Sabalenka survives six match points to reach Cincinnati round 3

    ByJustpaste.in

    CINCINNATI: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka survived a tense challenge from Australia’s Talia Gibson on Sunday, needing six match points to secure a straight-sets victory and book her place in the third round of the Cincinnati Masters. Sabalenka eventually prevailed 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) in just under two hours on a windswept Grandstand Court, but the second set turned into a nerve-testing battle. The Belarusian appeared close to victory when she created five match points in the 12th game. Gibson, however, refused to surrender, saving all five before forcing the set into a tiebreak. Sabalenka kept her composure when it mattered most, dominating the tiebreak before sealing the match with a final winner. “I’m super tired; this is crazy weather,” Sabalenka said after the contest, praising Gibson for becoming more aggressive and putting greater pressure on her serve. The victory keeps Sabalenka’s bid for another deep Cincinnati run alive. She won the tournament in 2024 and is hoping to build momentum ahead of the US Open, where she will be chasing her first Grand Slam title of the 2026 season. Sabalenka has already captured three titles this year, although her most recent triumph came in Miami in March. Meanwhile, Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina advanced comfortably with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Taylor Townsend. The world No. 2 arrived in Cincinnati after finishing runner-up to Iga Swiatek in Toronto. French Open champion Mirra Andreeva produced an even more emphatic performance, crushing Oleksandra Oliynykova 6-1, 6-0 while saving all seven break points she faced. Defending champion Swiatek also moved forward, defeating Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-3, 6-0. American fourth seed Coco Gauff battled back from a slow start to defeat Liudmila Samsonova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, winning the final five games. The day ended on a disappointing note for American Ben Shelton, however, as the world No. 6 was eliminated by Portugal’s Jaime Faria.

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    Indonesia earthquake death toll reaches 54

    ByJustpaste.in

    Rescue teams in eastern Indonesia are preparing to intensify operations after a powerful earthquake killed at least 54 people and damaged hundreds of homes across East Nusa Tenggara. Authorities said the search for people who may still be trapped under collapsed structures would continue on Monday. Rescue officials are also preparing helicopters for aerial surveillance and equipment to remove people from damaged buildings. The earthquake has been followed by nearly 1,600 aftershocks in the affected province, according to local officials. A magnitude 5.6 tremor was also recorded in the region on Monday morning, adding to fears among residents who have been reluctant to return to their homes. The disaster has disrupted Independence Day celebrations across parts of Indonesia. Thousands of residents have been evacuated and many are staying in temporary shelters, tents and other open areas because of concerns about further tremors. Indonesia’s disaster management agency said the earthquake had damaged about 500 houses. Landslides also blocked roads in several areas, including Sikka and Manggarai, making it more difficult for emergency teams to reach affected communities. Survivors have reported shortages of basic necessities, including clean water, food and medical assistance. In one affected village, residents said children had developed diarrhoea because of poor access to safe drinking water. Some injured and vulnerable residents are being treated at makeshift medical facilities. Health authorities are preparing emergency field hospitals and say specialist doctors, including neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons, are needed to treat people suffering from head injuries and broken bones. Authorities are also preparing aircraft to transport food, tents and other relief supplies to communities cut off by damaged roads and landslides. Rescue officials said there were no confirmed reports of missing people at the time of their latest update. However, search teams are continuing to inspect damaged areas to ensure that no survivors remain trapped beneath the rubble. The earthquake has deeply affected local communities, with many residents prioritising safety over the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Some families have moved to higher ground after fearing that further tremors could trigger additional hazards. Indonesia has experienced several major earthquakes in recent years. The latest disaster is being described as the country’s deadliest since a devastating 2022 earthquake in West Java claimed hundreds of lives. With aftershocks continuing and access to some areas still difficult, emergency authorities are focusing on rescue operations, medical treatment and the delivery of essential supplies to affected communities.

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    Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt enjoy family vacation in Baku

    ByJustpaste.in

    Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt are among the most popular celebrity couples in Pakistan. Both stars have built successful careers in the entertainment industry and have remained in the public spotlight for years. Aiman Khan began her career as a child artist before establishing herself as a leading actress through popular dramas such as Baandi, Ishq Tamasha and Mere Humnasheen. Muneeb Butt, who entered the acting industry in 2012, has also appeared in several successful projects, including Koi Chand Rakh, Baandi and Qismat. The couple tied the knot in November 2018 and have since become one of the most followed celebrity families in the country. They are parents to three daughters, Amal, Miral and Naimal, and often share glimpses of their family life with their fans on social media. Together, Aiman and Muneeb have attracted a huge following across different social media platforms, with their combined audience exceeding 15 million. Recently, the couple travelled abroad with their daughters for a family vacation. The family first spent some quality time in Dubai before making their way to Baku, Azerbaijan. The trip has given them an opportunity to enjoy some memorable moments together while exploring the scenic city. Aiman and Muneeb have been regularly sharing pictures and videos from their holiday, giving fans a glimpse into their family getaway. The family has visited several popular and picturesque locations in Baku, capturing moments from their sightseeing and time spent together. The celebrity couple also marked Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14 while they were in Baku. Aiman and Muneeb celebrated the occasion by wearing matching white T-shirts, while their daughters wore shirts featuring Pakistani flag prints. Their coordinated outfits added a festive touch to the family photographs. The pictures quickly attracted attention from fans, who praised the family’s adorable appearance and their decision to celebrate Independence Day while travelling abroad. Their vacation posts have also offered followers a closer look at their family bond and the fun moments they are enjoying together. With Aiman, Muneeb and their daughters continuing to explore Baku, fans are eagerly following their latest updates and waiting to see more pictures from the family’s memorable trip.

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    Gattuso’s Lazio reign begins with Italian Cup shock

    ByJustpaste.in

    ROME: Gennaro Gattuso’s highly anticipated start as Lazio coach turned into a nightmare on Sunday as the Serie A side suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to second-tier Mantova and crashed out of the Italian Cup. Gattuso, 48, took charge of Lazio in July, hoping to revive a club that came agonisingly close to lifting the trophy last season. Instead, his first competitive match ended with an early elimination and raised immediate questions about the team’s readiness for the new campaign. Mantova, who play outside Italy’s top flight, stunned the home crowd with a disciplined performance and took full advantage of Lazio’s struggles. The result made Lazio the only one of the 12 Serie A clubs entering the last 64 to be eliminated at this stage. The defeat is particularly painful given Lazio’s recent Italian Cup history. The seven-time winners reached last season’s final but lost to Inter Milan in May, narrowly missing the chance to add another trophy to their collection. For Gattuso, the setback is another difficult chapter in a coaching career that has yet to match the success he enjoyed as a player. A World Cup winner with Italy in 2006, Gattuso spent 13 successful years at AC Milan between 1999 and 2012. During that period, he won two Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies and established himself as one of Europe’s most respected midfielders. His managerial career has included spells with Fiorentina, Valencia, Napoli and Marseille, but major silverware has remained elusive. Gattuso’s appointment at Lazio came just four months after he left his position as Italy coach following the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The Italian will now have little time to dwell on Sunday’s disappointment, with Lazio’s focus turning to the Serie A campaign. For a coach seeking a fresh start, however, the defeat to Mantova was hardly the opening Gattuso had imagined.

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    Bollywood stars warned over pan masala ads

    ByJustpaste.in

    Three prominent Bollywood actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, have been warned by Maharashtra authorities over advertisements linked to a brand associated with a prohibited pan masala product. The warning was issued as Maharashtra steps up its food safety campaign and takes stricter action against businesses and products considered to pose health risks. According to the state Food and Drug Administration, the actors appeared in promotional material for Vimal-branded cardamoms. Authorities, however, said the brand is strongly associated with a pan masala product that is prohibited under relevant regulations. Officials expressed concern that advertising the associated brand could indirectly promote the banned product by keeping its name and identity familiar to consumers. The Maharashtra FDA has asked the three actors to provide explanations within 15 days. The notice also warned that continued use of the brand in promotional campaigns could reinforce consumer recognition of the prohibited product. The controversy comes as Maharashtra’s food safety authorities have intensified inspections across Mumbai and other parts of the state. Officials have recently taken action against restaurants and food businesses over hygiene and safety violations. Authorities have also targeted large retail and food chains as part of the wider campaign, including the closure of several outlets and warehouses. Pan masala remains a major consumer market in India despite concerns over its health effects. Medical experts have repeatedly warned that products containing areca nut can contribute to serious oral health problems and increase the risk of conditions that may develop into oral cancer, particularly when tobacco is also involved. The actors’ representatives have not publicly responded to the warning so far. The company associated with the Vimal brand has also not issued a response to the notice. The case has renewed debate over celebrity endorsements of products that may be marketed under one category while remaining closely associated with restricted or harmful products. It also places greater attention on the responsibility of public figures when promoting brands with controversial product lines.

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    Saeed Ghani rejects MQM’s demand for new provinc…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Sindh Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani has rejected the demand for dividing Sindh and creating a new province, saying that no matter how much pressure is exerted, a new province will not be established in the province. Ghani accused the MQM of creating hatred by repeatedly raising the issue of a separate province. He said several other political parties were also opposed to dividing Sindh, while MQM leader Mustafa Kamal had himself acknowledged that people in Sukkur had rejected the idea of a new province. The provincial minister questioned the political standing of a few MQM leaders and said that even within the party, its members were not willing to sit together. Speaking about local government arrangements, Ghani said protests had previously been held against the dual local government system in Sindh. He maintained that Karachi had been given a separate system under an agreement reached with the MQM. Commenting on Jamaat-e-Islami’s protests, Ghani said the party claims to be protesting over public issues, but shutting down Karachi at multiple locations would not resolve people’s problems. He advised JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to hold protests at locations where people would respond sympathetically. Ghani also criticized demands for abolishing the levy, questioning whether making life difficult for Karachi’s residents would force Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accept the protesters’ demands. He said all provinces contribute their share of revenue to the federation, adding that Sindh had also fulfilled its financial responsibilities. According to Ghani, the political and administrative circumstances in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are different, and the demand for a new province in Sindh remains unacceptable.

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    Darwish Rasooli to lead Afghanistan’s Young Asian Games squad

    ByJustpaste.in

    KABUL: Afghanistan have handed top-order batter Darwish Rasooli the captaincy for their 2026 Asian Games campaign, naming a largely inexperienced 15-member squad for the tournament in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The squad reflects Afghanistan’s desire to give emerging players a bigger stage, with six players yet to make their international debuts. Five other members have played fewer than 10 international matches. The Asian Games will take place from September 24 to October 3, with Afghanistan choosing to rest several of their biggest names. Regular captain Rashid Khan has been left out, along with explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai. Their absence creates an opportunity for younger players to step into important roles. Afghanistan have, however, retained some experience. Najibullah Zadran and Karim Janat are included and are expected to provide leadership and stability around the younger members of the squad. Much of the selection was influenced by performances in the recently completed 11th edition of the Shpageeza Cricket League. Several players impressed enough in the domestic tournament to earn their opportunity on the Asian stage. Top-order batter Mohammad Akram was among the leading performers, scoring 339 runs in eight innings, including one century and two half-centuries. All-rounder Ismat Alam also caught the selectors’ attention. He scored 294 runs and took nine wickets, earning the Shpageeza Cricket League’s best-player award. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Ishaq, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal and Imran Mir are among the other promising youngsters selected. Rasooli will now face the challenge of guiding a relatively inexperienced group through a major multi-sport event. His leadership could prove crucial as Afghanistan look to turn their emerging talent into international performers. The Asian Games assignment comes soon after Afghanistan’s scheduled three-match T20I series against India in Delhi. The series is expected to be played in the week leading into the continental competition, giving several players valuable preparation before they travel to Japan. Afghanistan Asian Games squad: Darwish Rasooli (c), Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Mohammad Akram, Hassan Eisakhil, Khalid Taniwal, Imran Mir, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Najibullah Zadran, Farmanullah Safi, Ismat Alam, Karim Janat, Nangyal Kharoti, Arab Gul Momand, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai.

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    Pakistan’s Got Talent performance sparks social media backlash

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s Got Talent, the Pakistani adaptation of the internationally recognised Got Talent franchise, has been attracting attention for showcasing performers with a wide variety of skills. The reality competition provides a platform for singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, acrobats, beatboxers and stunt performers from across the country. The first season features a judging panel consisting of Ali Zafar, Mehwish Hayat, Tabish Hashmi and Usman Bashir. The judges assess contestants on their creativity, stage presence and individual abilities as they compete for recognition on the national platform. A recent episode, however, sparked a heated debate on social media after contestant Yousha Hussain from Karachi delivered a bold belly dance performance. Yousha appeared on stage wearing feminine-style clothing, makeup and jewellery while performing to “Jey Deyo Ijazat Tey,” the OST of the Geo TV drama Shahrukh Ki Saaliyaan. The contestant’s appearance and performance quickly became a major talking point online. Viewers particularly discussed the styling and outfit, which some considered revealing, while others focused on the decision to feature the performance on mainstream television. Following the episode, several social media users criticised the programme’s producers and questioned whether such performances were appropriate for Pakistani television. Some viewers described the performance as an attempt to promote LGBTQ-related themes, while others expressed concerns about cultural and religious values. One social media user accused the programme of promoting an “LGBTQ agenda” and linked the performance to religious beliefs surrounding the punishment of the people of Lut. Another criticised the show for allegedly promoting LGBTQ themes and called the decision a “big shame.” Other comments similarly questioned whether the performance was intended to promote LGBT representation. Some users also criticised the style of belly dancing and the contestant’s clothing, arguing that the performance did not fit their understanding of Pakistani cultural and religious values. The controversy has consequently shifted attention away from the contestant’s dancing ability and towards a broader discussion about entertainment, personal expression, cultural expectations and the type of content presented on national television. While some viewers have strongly objected to the performance, the debate also highlights the increasingly intense reactions Pakistani television programmes can receive when performers challenge conventional expectations surrounding appearance, gender expression and stage performances.

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    Hafiz Naeem calls rising levies ‘petrol bombs’…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has strongly criticized the government’s taxation and energy policies, accusing authorities of placing an unbearable financial burden on ordinary citizens. Addressing participants at a sit-in in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem said people were being economically crushed in the name of petroleum levies, describing the frequent increases in fuel costs as “petrol bombs” being dropped on the public. He said the government attributed rising petroleum prices to higher rates in the international market and argued that importing refined petroleum products had become increasingly expensive. However, he maintained that the resulting burden was ultimately transferred to consumers. The JI chief also criticized the condition of Pakistan’s oil-refining sector, saying successive governments had failed to modernize and upgrade refineries. He pointed out that motorcycle users and other ordinary consumers were also paying petroleum levies, while higher petrol prices eventually pushed up the cost of everyday goods. Hafiz Naeem described the petroleum levy as a form of taxation and argued that the existing system had little connection with the welfare of ordinary people. He also criticized the country’s electricity pricing structure, claiming that consumers were being charged heavily despite relatively low generation costs. He further warned that once an effective judicial system was established, those responsible for governance and financial decisions would face scrutiny. He said audits and trials would reveal the assets and financial dealings of those involved. Hafiz Naeem emphasized that the ongoing sit-in was not aimed at advancing the interests of any individual or political personality. He said the movement was being organized to raise the grievances of the public and demand relief from mounting economic pressures.

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    Four terrorists killed in Ziarat-Harnai operation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Security forces have killed four terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in the mountainous area along the Ziarat-Harnai border in Balochistan, according to security sources. The operation was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspected terrorists in the remote mountainous region between Ziarat and Harnai. During surveillance, security personnel reportedly confirmed the presence of three to four terrorists inside an abandoned house in the area. Following confirmation of their presence, security forces surrounded the suspected hideout and carried out an effective operation against the militants, the sources said. Four terrorists were confirmed killed during the action, according to security officials. A search and sanitisation operation is continuing in the surrounding area to locate any remaining threats and ensure that the region has been cleared. Security forces are also maintaining heightened surveillance and continuing operations against militant elements in the area as part of ongoing efforts to prevent terrorist activity in Balochistan.