تازہ ترین

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    Russia blasts Japan over Putin’s Kuril visit

    ByJustpaste.in

    MOSCOW: Russia has strongly condemned recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi concerning President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iturup Island. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Tokyo’s criticism as unacceptable and rejected Japan’s objections to Putin visiting the island, which Moscow considers part of Russian territory. Zakharova accused senior Japanese officials of attempting to dictate where the Russian president could travel within his own country. She said Moscow regarded the Japanese statements as politically motivated and legally invalid, arguing that Russia’s sovereignty over the southern Kuril Islands was not open to question. The dispute over the islands remains one of the most sensitive issues in Russia-Japan relations. Japan refers to the southern islands as the Northern Territories and maintains its own claim over them. Zakharova said Tokyo’s current approach reflected what she called an increasingly hostile policy towards Russia. She criticised Japan for joining Western sanctions against Moscow and for providing political, military and technical support to Ukraine. According to the Russian spokeswoman, these policies have seriously damaged bilateral relations that had been developed over decades. She also accused Japan of undermining international legal principles while attempting to lecture Moscow on international law and the future of bilateral relations. Zakharova further argued that Japan’s policies did not serve the interests of its own population or contribute to regional stability. Moscow maintains that the southern Kuril Islands became part of the Soviet Union following the Second World War and argues that their status was established through post-war agreements. The Russian official also accused Tokyo of reviving what she described as revisionist and revanchist narratives. She warned that such rhetoric could have wider consequences for peace and security across the Asia-Pacific region. Russia said the latest Japanese statements risked further damaging already strained relations between the two countries and ran counter to broader regional efforts to promote stability, cooperation and peace.

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    PTI announces two-million march on Islamabad

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will hold a major march towards Islamabad on September 27, claiming that two million people will participate in the demonstration. Speaking at the launch of a large-scale tree plantation campaign in Spin Khak, Nowshera, Afridi said PTI would continue its political struggle despite pressure and challenges. He maintained that government positions, wealth and political power were not the party’s ultimate objectives. According to him, PTI remained committed to the political vision of its founding chairman, Imran Khan. Afridi said the party had entered politics to promote the rule of law and uphold the Constitution. He added that the struggle would continue until these principles were achieved. The chief minister urged residents of Spin Khak and surrounding areas to participate in the September 27 gathering and support the party’s political campaign. During the event, Afridi also highlighted the provincial government’s environmental initiatives. He said authorities had initially set a target of planting 1.4 million saplings across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in one day, but the campaign ultimately resulted in around 1.7 million saplings being planted. He praised the Forest Department for exceeding the plantation target and said public resources were being invested in projects designed to benefit future generations. Afridi said communities in forest areas were also receiving financial benefits from forest-related income. He cited Garhi Chandan as an example, where local residents had received Rs70 million from such revenues. Referring to recent flash floods and cloudbursts, the chief minister directed authorities to expand plantation activities across the province. He said increasing forest cover could contribute to environmental protection and help address climate-related challenges. He also instructed the Forest Department to establish tourist huts in forest regions to promote tourism. Afridi suggested encouraging international visitors to plant trees during their visits, with the trees registered in their names

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    Girls dominate Hyderabad Board Class X results

    ByJustpaste.in

    HYDERABAD: Female students have secured several top positions in the Class X annual examinations conducted by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Hyderabad, with the results being announced after a delay of nearly one month. The results for both Science and General groups were released late Thursday, providing students with the long-awaited outcome of their examinations. In the Science Group, Sarah, daughter of Nisar Ahmed, from Foundation Grammar High School, Tando Allahyar, claimed the top position by securing 991 marks. Aswad Amir of Government High School No 1, Matli, stood second with 986 marks, while Mukarrama Abid of St Mary’s Convent Girls Higher Secondary School, Hyderabad, secured third position with 982 marks. A total of 78,935 candidates had registered for the Science Group examinations. Of these, 77,703 students appeared. Among the candidates who took the examination, 10,799 achieved A1 grade, while 40,769 secured A grade. Another 17,248 students obtained B grade, 3,816 received C grade and 239 were placed in D grade. The board declared 4,781 candidates unsuccessful. Results of 32 students were withheld because of reported use of unfair means and other reasons. The General Group also produced strong performances by female students. Wajihullah Khan of Deaf Reach Higher Secondary School secured first position with 873 marks. Habiba from Government Girls High School, Latifabad Unit No 6, Hyderabad, secured second position with 865 marks. Her schoolmate Halima stood third with 861 marks. The General Group had 1,570 registered candidates, of whom 1,488 appeared in the examinations. Three candidates achieved A1 grade, while 332 obtained A grade. A total of 808 students secured B grade, 227 received C grade and 18 were placed in D grade.

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    Ryan de Nino’s ex-wife Jessica Castro breaks sil…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Ryan de Nino, who rose to fame after appearing on the second season of Married at First Sight, has died suddenly at the age of 40. The reality TV personality passed away earlier this week in New Jersey. His family has not publicly revealed the circumstances or cause of his death. Following the heartbreaking news, Ryan’s former wife and MAFS co-star Jessica Castro has broken her silence. Castro said that she had not been in contact with Ryan for years. Despite their complicated past, she expressed sympathy for his loved ones and wished peace for his family as they deal with the loss. Ryan and Jessica first met at the altar during the second season of Married at First Sight in 2015. Ryan was 29 at the time, while Jessica was working as a receptionist in New York. Like other couples on the show, they agreed to marry without meeting beforehand after being matched by relationship experts. The couple initially chose to stay married on Decision Day. However, their relationship quickly deteriorated after filming ended. Their split eventually became one of the most controversial storylines from the season. In June 2015, Jessica filed for a restraining order and made serious allegations about Ryan’s behavior and threats toward her and her family. Ryan disputed the allegations at the time. Their marriage ultimately ended, and the two went their separate ways. Years later, Jessica moved on from the reality television spotlight, while Ryan also maintained a relatively private life. Their relationship remained a notable part of Married at First Sight history because of the dramatic events that followed their televised marriage. Ryan’s death has also prompted emotional tributes from members of his family. His sister, Melissa DeNino, remembered him as funny, witty, fiercely loyal and someone with a huge heart. She described losing her brother as a devastating experience that had changed her life forever. The sudden news has left Married at First Sight viewers remembering Ryan’s time on the series. Although his marriage to Jessica ended more than a decade ago, their story has once again drawn attention following his unexpected death. At this time, Ryan’s family has not publicly announced a cause of death. Further details may emerge as his loved ones continue to grieve and make arrangements.

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    CDF Asim Munir lauds veterans’ vital national ro…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has praised the services of Pakistan’s former military personnel. He said their experience and guidance remain a valuable institutional asset for the country. The army chief made the remarks while hosting a reception in honour of ex-servicemen on Pakistan’s Independence Day. A large number of retired officers and personnel attended the event. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir paid tribute to the former servicemen for their contributions to Pakistan’s defence. He also recognised their role in strengthening national resilience. He said the services of retired military personnel continued to hold importance even after their formal retirement from the armed forces. Field Marshal Asim Munir said Pakistan was facing a complex and changing security environment. He noted that the experience of former servicemen could help the country better understand and respond to emerging security challenges. He described their knowledge, experience and guidance as an important institutional resource. He said the contribution of veterans could support efforts to strengthen national security and resilience. The army chief also acknowledged the sacrifices and services rendered by former members of the armed forces during their years of service. The ex-servicemen, in turn, expressed confidence in the leadership of the Pakistan Army. They reaffirmed their support for the armed forces in dealing with emerging security challenges. The retired personnel also pledged to continue playing their role in strengthening national unity. They expressed their commitment to supporting peace and prosperity in the country. The gathering provided an opportunity to recognise the continued connection between serving and retired military personnel. It also highlighted the importance of preserving institutional experience and benefiting from the knowledge of veterans.

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    NCCIA cracks down on cyber fraud, arrests 7 in Lah…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested seven suspects in separate operations against online financial fraud in Lahore and Multan, exposing schemes involving WhatsApp hacking, fake visa charges and marriage scams. Acting on special directives from NCCIA Punjab Director Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials in Lahore arrested a suspect identified as Haider Ali, who allegedly posed as a courier company representative to obtain victims’ OTPs and verification codes. The suspect and his associates reportedly gained access to WhatsApp accounts and then contacted victims’ relatives and friends to demand money. Investigators said one victim transferred Rs2.77 million to an account linked to Haider Ali. The money was subsequently moved through several accounts and withdrawn. A mobile phone recovered from the suspect contained WhatsApp conversations, transaction records, identity documents and other digital evidence. In Multan, authorities arrested Muhammad Imran Shahid for allegedly impersonating a victim’s cousin and demanding money through phone calls and WhatsApp messages on the pretext of visa extension and visa fees. The suspect reportedly received Rs580,000 from the victim. In another case, five suspects were arrested for allegedly using fake Instagram and Snapchat profiles to befriend women and lure them with marriage proposals. The suspects allegedly sent fake gift and parcel receipts before demanding money under the guise of customs duties, taxes and clearance charges. Mobile phones were recovered during the operations, while investigators are examining the suspects’ financial transactions, call records and digital data. The NCCIA said further revelations are expected as the investigations continue.

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    Five young lives lost as speeding car crashes into…

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Five young people were killed after a speeding car crashed into a tree along Canal Road in the Harbanspura area of Lahore on Friday night. According to Rescue 1122 officials, the vehicle was travelling at high speed when it went out of control and struck a roadside tree. The impact proved fatal for all five occupants. Rescue teams reached the scene and recovered the bodies, which were later shifted to a nearby hospital for necessary procedures. Officials said all those killed were young. The cause of the crash is being investigated, while authorities are also examining whether excessive speed or other factors contributed to the fatal accident.

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    Adam Scott reveals awkward moment from daughter’…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Adam Scott has revealed an awkward but hilarious moment involving his daughter and one of his most memorable career setbacks. The Severance star recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he opened up about his daughter Francesca “Frankie” Scott’s experience in a New York acting program. What began as an ordinary acting lesson quickly became uncomfortable when Scott discovered that his own failed audition for The Office had become part of the class discussion. Scott explained that Frankie, who is preparing to enter her senior year of high school, was attending an acting program in New York during the summer. On the first day of one of her classes, the teacher decided to show the students two audition tapes. The first was Scott’s audition for The Office. The second belonged to John Krasinski, who ultimately won the role of Jim Halpert. The teacher then asked the students to analyze both performances and discuss why Krasinski got the part while Scott did not. According to Scott, the instructor had no idea that one of his students was actually the actor’s daughter. For Frankie, the lesson was understandably embarrassing. Scott recalled that his daughter was “mortified” by the situation. The awkwardness became even greater after class, when the teacher stopped Frankie and asked whether she knew either of the actors whose auditions had been shown. The instructor eventually connected the dots after realizing Frankie’s last name and discovering that she was Scott’s daughter. Scott said the teacher felt terrible once he understood what had happened. Despite the uncomfortable experience for his daughter, Scott found the entire situation amusing. Rather than being offended by the criticism, he joked that he was simply happy to know that he was being used as a lesson in a prestigious acting class. The irony is that Scott’s The Office audition did not prevent him from building a successful television career. Although Krasinski became synonymous with Jim Halpert, Scott later landed the beloved role of Ben Wyatt on Parks and Recreation. He went on to appear in projects including Big Little Lies, The Good Place and Severance. Scott is currently filming the third season of Severance in New York, making the timing of his daughter’s acting experience even more fitting. What could have been an embarrassing family moment ultimately became a funny reminder that even successful actors experience rejection. For Scott, his old audition may not have won him the role of Jim Halpert, but it has certainly found a new purpose as an unexpected teaching moment for the next generation of performers.

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    Oil prices climb amid US-Iran tensions as markets brace for supply risks

    ByJustpaste.in

    LONDON: Global oil prices moved higher on Friday and were set to post strong weekly gains as investors closely monitored escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, raising fears of potential disruptions to energy supplies from the Middle East. Brent crude futures advanced by 1.45%, reaching $88.33 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 1.26% to $82.27 a barrel. The gains came as diplomatic efforts aimed at easing regional conflict showed little progress, increasing uncertainty in global energy markets. Market participants remained focused on reports that Washington could intensify economic pressure on Tehran, including the possibility of expanding maritime restrictions and tightening sanctions. Analysts said any further deterioration in relations between the two countries could have a significant impact on global crude exports, particularly given the Middle East’s critical role in oil production. Energy analysts noted that concerns over supply interruptions have become a key driver of recent price movements. While no major disruption has yet occurred, traders are pricing in the risk that a broader conflict could affect shipping routes and regional oil infrastructure. “Geopolitical developments continue to dominate market sentiment,” analysts said, adding that a major escalation could trigger a sharper increase in oil prices and add to inflationary pressures worldwide. Meanwhile, economic data from the United States added another dimension to market activity. A survey released on Friday indicated that consumer sentiment weakened in early August as households faced higher living costs, partly linked to rising energy prices and global uncertainty. US retail sales data also came in weaker than expected, leading investors to scale back expectations of another interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve next month. The softer economic outlook pushed the US dollar lower and reduced Treasury yields, offering support to commodities priced in dollars, including gold and oil. Spot gold prices climbed 0.69% to $4,380.03 per ounce, while US gold futures settled 0.4% higher at $4,437.30 an ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets amid geopolitical concerns. In currency markets, the Japanese yen strengthened slightly against the US dollar, trading near 159.37 per dollar. The movement followed reports that the Bank of Japan may consider raising interest rates as early as September. However, traders continued to watch the key 160-yen level, which could prompt intervention by Japanese authorities. Global equity markets showed mixed performance. On Wall Street, technology stocks weighed on major indexes after recent gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 73.41 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also closed lower. Despite Friday’s decline, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq remained on course for a third consecutive weekly gain. European markets also ended lower, snapping a four-week winning streak as rising oil prices and geopolitical risks overshadowed generally positive corporate earnings. MSCI’s global equity index edged down 0.09%, reflecting cautious investor sentiment, while Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan recorded modest gains. Market strategists said investors are increasingly balancing optimism over corporate earnings and expectations of easier monetary policy against uncertainty surrounding international conflicts. John Sidawi, Senior Portfolio Manager at Federated Hermes, observed that financial markets have recently shown resilience despite geopolitical shocks, but warned that this calm may not last indefinitely. He noted that either a significant escalation in conflict or a clear diplomatic breakthrough could lead to a much stronger market reaction than current asset prices suggest.

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    Polling resumes at 23 stations in AJK’s Bagh

    ByJustpaste.in

    BAGH: Voting is underway at 23 polling stations in two constituencies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Bagh district as authorities conduct re-polling following the suspension of results from the earlier phase. Polling began at 8am and is scheduled to continue until 5pm. Security arrangements have been strengthened around the polling stations to ensure voters can cast their ballots without fear or disruption. The re-polling covers parts of LA-15 Bagh Central and LA-16 Eastern Bagh. Voting had earlier failed to take place at nine polling stations in LA-15 and 14 stations in LA-16. The AJK Election Commission subsequently withheld the results of both constituencies and ordered voting at the affected stations. In LA-15, Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Sardar Ziaul Qamar had secured 16,637 votes in the polling that took place earlier. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Mushtaq Ahmed Minhas was second with 15,015 votes, while Jamaat-i-Islami candidate retired Brigadier Dr Muhammad Khan received 12,259 votes. In LA-16, PML-N’s Sardar Mir Akbar was leading on the basis of votes already counted. He had obtained 19,515 votes and held a lead of 3,225 votes over PPP candidate Sardar Qamaruz Zaman. The contest in both constituencies has remained tense. Candidates have levelled allegations of large-scale rigging against their political opponents. AJK Chief Election Commissioner retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said adequate security had been deployed at the polling stations. He said sufficient police and other law-enforcement personnel were available to provide voters with a secure environment. The re-polling is part of the third phase of the AJK elections, which has been conducted amid concerns over law and order in parts of the region. The third phase was initially scheduled across Poonch Division, covering 11 constituencies in Bagh, Haveli, Poonch and Sudhnoti districts. However, the Election Commission limited polling to Bagh and Haveli because of security concerns. Polling was held earlier in both districts, but the commission withheld the results of two Bagh constituencies after voting could not be conducted at the 23 affected stations. The commission had already announced the result of LA-14 Bagh-I, commonly known as Dhirkot. Jammu Kashmir Awami Dast-o-Bazu Party candidate Sajid Iqbal Abbasi won the seat by securing 40,522 votes. Another closely watched contest was LA-17 Haveli, where AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore was a candidate. The constituency became embroiled in controversy after the returning officer declared Rathore the winner. PML-N candidate Engineer Mohsin Aziz challenged the result and claimed that an assurance had been given that the result would not be announced before his complaint was considered. The AJK chief election commissioner heard arguments from both sides and later reserved his decision.