تازہ ترین

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    BTS member V reveals hearing problem he has faced …

    BTS member V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, has revealed that he has been dealing with a hearing problem for the past two and a half years. The South Korean singer shared the personal health update with fans during a live broadcast on Weverse alongside fellow BTS member Jungkook, following the group’s return to activities after completing their mandatory military service. During the conversation, V explained that there is a significant difference in his hearing ability between his two ears. He reportedly said that if the hearing ability in his left ear is considered 100, his right ear is currently around 30. V also indicated that he is receiving treatment for the hearing issue. His revelation came as a surprise to many fans, who had not previously been aware of the extent of the problem. The live session took place after BTS performed two consecutive sold-out shows at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States. V and Jungkook spoke to fans directly following the concerts and shared updates about their experiences during the group’s ongoing tour. Jungkook also discussed a health issue during the broadcast. The singer said he has been performing despite experiencing significant pain in his legs during the tour. According to Jungkook, the pain in his shin has reached a level where there is concern about the possibility of a stress fracture. Despite the discomfort, he said he often wanted to run and move freely while performing on stage, but the pain sometimes prevented him from doing so. The health disclosures from both members have attracted attention from BTS fans around the world, particularly as the group has returned to major live performances following their military service. All seven BTS members have now completed their mandatory military service in South Korea and resumed group activities. The group made its comeback with the album “ARIRANG” and subsequently launched a global music tour. V’s revelation about his hearing has added a personal dimension to the group’s comeback, as the singer continues performing while undergoing treatment. Fans have expressed concern and support for the singer as he manages the condition alongside BTS’s demanding international schedule. The latest update also highlights the physical demands placed on performers during major global tours, with both V and Jungkook discussing health challenges while continuing to appear on stage for fans.

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    Petrol price cut by 94 paisa, diesel become more e…

      The government has reduced the price of petrol while increasing the price of high-speed diesel, according to a notification issued by the Petroleum Division. The Petroleum Division has formally announced changes in the prices of petroleum products, with the revised rates taking effect from midnight. Under the new pricing structure, the price of petrol has been reduced by 94 paisa per litre, while the price of diesel has increased by 54 paisa per litre. Following the revision, the new price of petrol has been fixed at Rs324.98 per litre, compared with the previous rate. Meanwhile, high-speed diesel will now be available at Rs382.79 per litre. According to the notification, the revised prices of petroleum products will be applicable for August 13 and will come into effect from 12am tonight. The latest adjustment comes just a day after the government made another revision to petroleum prices. On the previous day, petrol had been reduced by Rs1.70 per litre, while the price of diesel had been increased by Rs1.39 per litre. The repeated adjustments in petroleum prices come amid fluctuations in international oil prices and changes in domestic pricing factors. Petrol and diesel prices are closely watched in Pakistan because changes in fuel rates can directly affect transportation costs, electricity generation, industrial activity and the prices of everyday goods. The government has also reduced the price of kerosene oil. According to the notification issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), the price of kerosene oil has been cut by 41 paisa per litre. Following the reduction, the new price of kerosene oil has been set at Rs289.27 per litre. Kerosene oil is used by households and other consumers in areas where access to conventional gas or other energy sources can be limited. Any change in its price can therefore have an impact on household energy expenses.   Alongside the change in the retail price of diesel, the government has also increased the petroleum levy imposed on the fuel. According to OGRA, the petroleum levy on diesel has been increased by Rs1 per litre. Following the increase, the levy on diesel now stands at Rs77.28 per litre. The petroleum levy on petrol, however, has remained unchanged at Rs80 per litre. Similarly, the levy on kerosene oil has also been maintained at Rs20.36 per litre. The latest revision means consumers will see a marginal reduction in the price of petrol and kerosene oil, while diesel users will face a slight increase. Although the changes are relatively small on a per-litre basis, fuel price revisions can have a broader impact on the economy because diesel is widely used by public transport, commercial vehicles, agriculture and the industrial sector. The government is expected to continue reviewing petroleum prices in line with prevailing market conditions and other relevant pricing factors. For consumers, the latest notification provides a mixed outcome, with petrol and kerosene becoming slightly cheaper while diesel has become more expensive. The revised rates will remain applicable from August 13, with implementation beginning at midnight.

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    Barrister Gohar again seeks permission to meet PTI…

      Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan has once again appealed for permission to meet the party’s founding chairman, saying that he has not met him since October 15, 2025. Barrister Gohar said he was once again requesting the authorities to allow him to meet the PTI founder. He strongly denied reports or claims suggesting that he had met the party founder after October 15, 2025. “I once again request that I be allowed to meet the founding chairman,” Barrister Gohar said, reiterating his demand for access to the incarcerated PTI leader. The PTI chairman clarified that he had not met the party founder since October 15 last year and categorically rejected any suggestion that a meeting had taken place after that date. According to him, despite repeatedly submitting requests for a meeting, he had neither been offered an opportunity nor granted permission to meet the former prime minister. Barrister Gohar said that his repeated requests had not resulted in any meeting being arranged. He maintained that he had made several attempts to obtain permission but had not received a positive response from the relevant authorities. The PTI chairman said he would once again submit a request for permission to meet the party founder. He also stressed the importance of allowing the founder’s family members and legal team to meet him. His remarks come amid continued political and legal developments surrounding the PTI founder, whose access to family members, lawyers and party leadership has remained a subject of political discussion. Barrister Gohar’s statement also seeks to clarify his own position regarding reports about his alleged meetings with the PTI founder. By specifying October 15, 2025 as the date of his last meeting, he rejected any claims that he had subsequently met the party leader. The PTI chairman emphasized that he had not been given even a single opportunity to meet the founder despite repeatedly requesting permission. He therefore appealed again to the authorities to facilitate a meeting. The issue of access to political leaders in custody has remained particularly significant for their parties, as meetings with senior leadership allow them to discuss political strategy, legal matters and organizational issues. For PTI, communication with its founder is especially important because party members have frequently sought his guidance on political and legal matters. Barrister Gohar’s latest comments indicate that he intends to continue pursuing permission for a meeting. He did not indicate that any such permission had been granted. He also called for the founder’s family and lawyers to be given access, underscoring their role in maintaining communication and handling his legal affairs. The PTI chairman concluded by reiterating his request for permission to meet the party founder. His statement makes clear that, according to his account, no meeting has taken place between the two since October 15, 2025. The development is likely to attract further political attention as PTI continues to seek access to its founder and maintain communication with him regarding the party’s political and legal affairs.

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    Iran rejects talks on ceasefire extension

    Pakistan is making diplomatic efforts to help extend the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as the current truce is scheduled to expire on Sunday, August 16. Sources said Islamabad is trying to use the understanding reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding to encourage both sides to maintain the ceasefire and return to negotiations. According to the sources, mediators believe additional time is needed to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran. Diplomatic efforts are therefore continuing to prevent the situation from deteriorating after the current ceasefire period ends. However, an Iranian senior official gave a different assessment of the situation. The official said there have been no discussions between Iran and the United States regarding an extension of the ceasefire. Iran has maintained that Washington must return to the agreement and honour its previous commitments. Tehran has also demanded a clear and credible timeline for the implementation of those commitments before any further understanding can be reached. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has made strong statements about the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Trump claimed that the United States now has complete control over the vital waterway and said Iran has limited options to challenge the American naval blockade. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major international shipping route and plays a crucial role in global energy supplies. Any prolonged disruption in the waterway could have serious consequences for oil and gas markets and international trade. Iranian military officials have warned that a renewed US offensive could lead to a wider confrontation. An Iranian military spokesman said energy transmission networks, power plants and infrastructure connected to the global internet could become targets if American military action resumes. The warning has raised concerns that any collapse of the ceasefire could expand the conflict beyond conventional military targets and affect critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope that additional countries will join the Makkah Defence Agreement. He indicated that broader participation could strengthen regional security cooperation. In another development, US Central Command said a Panama-flagged cargo vessel attempting to breach the naval blockade was disabled after a US helicopter fired a missile at the ship. The incident has further highlighted the risks facing commercial shipping in the region amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Separately, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed the situation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a telephone conversation. Takaichi called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened once negotiations between Iran and the United States reach a successful conclusion.

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    Emilio Gay boosts England ahead of Pakistan Tests

    BECKENHAM: England have received a timely boost ahead of their Test series against Pakistan, with opener Emilio Gay included in the Professional County Club Select XI squad for a three-day warm-up match. Gay’s participation is encouraging news after the left-handed batter suffered a right shoulder injury while representing Durham against Middlesex in the One-Day Cup last week. He experienced discomfort early in his innings before aggravating the problem while playing a straight drive against Toby Roland-Jones. The 26-year-old was forced to leave the field after scoring nine runs from 17 deliveries, raising concerns over his availability for England’s upcoming Test assignment. However, medical scans reportedly showed no serious damage, allowing Gay to return to competitive action as England assess his fitness. The warm-up fixture at Beckenham was initially scheduled for four days but has been shortened to three following an agreement between the England and Wales Cricket Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Gay will feature alongside England Test squad members Shoaib Bashir and Matthew Fisher in the PCC Select XI. The match could provide England with an important opportunity to monitor Gay’s shoulder before the first Test. Gay earned his place in England’s Test plans after an impressive run of form and made his international debut earlier this summer. His availability is particularly significant as England reshape their batting line-up following Ben Stokes’ retirement. Bashir, meanwhile, remains highly regarded by England’s selectors despite limited recent county appearances. The young spinner may not feature in the Test XI, with England considering a four-seamer attack and relying on Dan Lawrence and Joe Root for occasional off-spin. The PCC Select XI will be coached by England Under-19 head coach Mike Yardy, with the England Lions head-coach position currently vacant. For England, Gay’s return offers a welcome sense of relief — but the warm-up match will reveal whether the opener is truly ready for the pressure of Test cricket against Pakistan. PCC Select XI squad Tom Haines (c), Shoaib Bashir, Luc Benkenstein, Caleb Falconer, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, Nathan Gilchrist, Josh Hull, Manny Lumsden, James Rew, James Sales, Charlie Tear, Noah Thain, Saif Zaib.

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    Joe Root ends England curfew ahead of Pakistan Tests

    BECKENHAM: England Test captain Joe Root has removed the midnight curfew previously imposed on the team, signalling a shift towards greater personal responsibility ahead of the three-match Test series against Pakistan. Root, speaking to Sky Sports, said he did not believe strict curfews were necessary and instead wanted England players to behave like adults and take responsibility for their actions both on and off the field. “There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest,” Root said. The experienced batter explained that players needed the freedom to make sensible decisions without constant supervision. In his view, responsibility away from the cricket field should go hand in hand with the standards expected from players representing England. Root said the team would focus on managing itself effectively, with players expected to “self-police” and look after one another. He also stressed that everyone in the squad understood the responsibilities that come with playing international cricket. The decision marks a notable change from the approach taken under former captain Ben Stokes, when a midnight curfew was introduced as part of the team’s discipline and culture. For Root, however, the priority is creating a strong environment rather than enforcing rigid rules. He said England should be remembered for their performances on the field rather than stories about incidents away from cricket. The captain also acknowledged that players should be able to celebrate victories, enjoy themselves and have a drink when appropriate, provided they understand their responsibilities. “Let’s be adults. Look after yourselves, look after each other,” Root said, emphasising the importance of a healthy team culture. England are now preparing for a challenging Test series against Pakistan, with Root and head coach Stephen Fleming expected to establish clear standards for the squad. The message from Root is straightforward: England’s players will have more freedom, but with that freedom comes accountability. The captain hopes the approach will strengthen team unity while keeping attention firmly on cricket.

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    Lionel Messi questions future after father’s death

    ROSARIO: Lionel Messi has cast fresh doubt over his football future following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, saying he is unsure whether he can continue playing for “much longer.” The Argentina superstar, 39, shared an emotional message after returning to the United States following his father’s funeral, describing Jorge as a central figure in both his personal life and extraordinary football career. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote, admitting that he now has “serious doubts” about continuing his career. Jorge Messi died last week at the age of 68. His absence was particularly painful for Lionel because his father had repeatedly encouraged him to compete at another World Cup. The pair had hoped Jorge would watch Messi play in the tournament, but his health deteriorated shortly before the competition began. Messi said he kept believing Argentina could reach the final and hoped his father would eventually be able to travel and watch him. Argentina did reach the final, but Messi’s team lost 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey. Messi scored eight goals during the tournament and was once again at the centre of his country’s campaign. Yet the tournament was overshadowed by his father’s declining health. “Every time a match ended I waited for and missed your message,” Messi recalled, explaining how he gradually realised how serious the situation had become. After the final, Messi returned to Rosario to spend time with his family. He said his father initially believed Argentina had lost the final on penalties and was unable to fully experience the tournament because of his condition. Despite the heartbreak, Messi remembered how much his father had contributed to his career. Jorge was not only his agent but also his first coach and one of his strongest supporters. When Barcelona invited the 13-year-old Messi to Spain in 2000, Jorge left Argentina and moved with his son, helping him pursue his football dream. He later managed Messi’s career through major moves involving Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. “You were a father, a friend, and an agent,” Messi wrote. For now, Messi’s future remains uncertain. His contract with Inter Miami reportedly runs through the end of the 2028 season, but his emotional message suggests that personal loss may force the football icon to reconsider how long he wants to remain on the pitch. For a player who has achieved almost everything in football, the next decision may be his most personal one yet.

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    Sahibzada Farhan’s century powers Pakistan Blues to big win

    MULTAN: Sahibzada Farhan produced a composed century as Pakistan Blues chased down 213 with ease, defeating Pakistan Gold by six wickets in the second match of the National Champions Cup 2026 at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Farhan’s unbeaten-looking control throughout the chase proved decisive as Pakistan Blues reached their target in just 41 overs, losing only four wickets and underlining their dominance with both bat and ball. Opening with Maaz Sadaqat, Farhan helped Blues make a steady start, adding 30 runs for the first wicket inside five overs. Maaz contributed nine before departing, but Farhan quickly found another reliable partner in Mohammad Faiq. The pair added 55 runs for the second wicket, taking Blues to 85 in 16 overs. Faiq struck four boundaries during his 35-ball 30 before leaving the crease. Tayyab Tahir then joined Farhan and the two maintained the pressure on Pakistan Gold’s bowlers. Their 64-run partnership took Blues close to the finishing line, with Tahir scoring 35 from 41 balls, including three fours. At 149-3 after 29.1 overs, Farhan reached his ninth List-A century, providing the highlight of a commanding individual performance. The right-hander eventually made 102 from 101 deliveries, smashing nine fours and two sixes. Rohail Nazir and Irfan Khan then completed the job, remaining unbeaten on 21 and nine respectively. Mohammad Imran was Pakistan Gold’s most successful bowler, taking two wickets. Earlier, Pakistan Gold struggled after captain Shaheen Afridi elected to bat first. Hasan Ali and Sufyan Moqim led a powerful Blues bowling effort, sharing eight wickets between them. Pakistan Gold began positively through Shamyl Hussain and Saad Khan, but Saad fell for nine. Shamyl then combined with Kamran Ghulam for a 75-run partnership before Moqim ended the stand by removing Shamyl for a well-made 50 off 47 balls. Kamran continued to fight, adding 36 with Haider Ali. He top-scored with 63 from 84 deliveries, while Haider struck 44 from 53 balls. However, Pakistan Gold collapsed from 136-3 to 174-6 in just 3.2 overs as Hasan and Moqim tore through the middle order. The Gold innings eventually ended at 212 in 45.3 overs. Moqim and Hasan claimed four wickets apiece, while Arafat Minhas added two. With Farhan’s century completing a convincing chase, Pakistan Blues have made an emphatic statement in the early stages of the Champions Cup.

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    Manchester City bring back Argentina star Geronimo Rulli after nine years

    MANCHESTER: Manchester City have brought Argentina international goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli back to the Etihad Stadium, signing the 34-year-old from Marseille on a two-year contract. Rulli will arrive as City’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma, adding experience and international pedigree to Pep Guardiola’s squad. The move is also a return to familiar territory for Rulli, who spent the 2016-17 season with Manchester City. His first spell, however, ended without a senior appearance, making his return a very different opportunity. “This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” Rulli said after completing the move. The goalkeeper added that joining City was an opportunity he could not afford to overlook, praising the club’s long-standing success and demanding standards. Rulli has earned eight Argentina caps and was part of the squad that lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa America. He also travelled with Argentina to last month’s World Cup final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain. His career has taken him across several major European leagues. Before arriving at Marseille, Rulli represented Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Montpellier and Ajax, gaining extensive experience at both domestic and European level. One of the most memorable moments of his career came in the 2021 Europa League final, when Villarreal faced Manchester United. Rulli not only converted his penalty during the dramatic shootout but also saved David de Gea’s effort as Villarreal won 11-10. Now, years later, the Argentine goalkeeper returns to Manchester with a new role and a wealth of experience behind him. The transfer also provides financial relief for Marseille, who are under pressure to balance their books after being fined €10 million for failing to meet UEFA break-even requirements. Marseille’s fifth-place Ligue 1 finish in the 2025-26 campaign also means they will miss out on Champions League revenue, increasing the need for player sales during the summer. Rulli’s departure follows several other exits from the French club. Argentine defender Facundo Medina has moved to Bayer Leverkusen, while high-profile forwards Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also left. For City, meanwhile, Rulli offers a reliable and experienced option between the posts. For Rulli himself, the move represents a second chance at a club where his first chapter never truly began.

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    Ana de Armas sparks romance rumours with Beta Montenegro

    Ana de Armas has sparked fresh romance rumours after being spotted enjoying a romantic getaway with Venezuelan singer Beta Montenegro in Spain, months after her reported relationship with Hollywood star Tom Cruise came to an end. The 38-year-old Cuban actress was recently photographed sharing affectionate moments with Montenegro during a trip to Formentera. Images circulating online showed the pair enjoying a relaxed beach outing while appearing comfortable and affectionate in each other’s company. The couple were reportedly seen holding hands and kissing as they made their way towards the beach. At one point, de Armas appeared to wrap her arms around Montenegro before sharing a kiss with him, further fuelling speculation that their relationship may have moved beyond friendship. For the sunny outing, the actress opted for a black-and-white patterned summer dress paired with simple flip-flops. Montenegro kept his look casual, wearing a white T-shirt, teal shorts and a green baseball cap. The latest sighting comes after de Armas and Montenegro were reportedly seen together several times in Madrid earlier this summer. Their appearances together began attracting attention, particularly after the pair were spotted attending a concert, where they were seen enjoying the music and dancing together. Montenegro is best known as the frontman of Venezuelan band Rawayana. The group, which was formed in 2007, has established itself as one of the prominent names in Latin alternative music. Rawayana has released six albums, with ¿Dónde es el after? being its latest release. The band also achieved a major career milestone in 2025 after winning the Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, bringing further international attention to Montenegro and his musical career. De Armas’ latest romance speculation comes after her high-profile connection with Tom Cruise. The pair first attracted dating rumours in February 2025 after being spotted having dinner together in London around Valentine’s Day weekend. Their relationship reportedly continued for several months, with the pair being seen together on multiple occasions. However, reports later suggested that their romance ended in October 2025. According to reports at the time, de Armas had become uncomfortable with the speed at which the relationship was developing and how serious things were becoming. Since then, the actress has largely kept her personal life away from the spotlight. Her recent appearances with Montenegro, however, have once again placed her romantic life under public scrutiny. Neither de Armas nor Montenegro has publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship. For now, their affectionate beach outing and previous appearances together continue to fuel speculation that the two may be dating.::: Ana de Armas has sparked fresh romance rumours after being spotted enjoying a romantic getaway with Venezuelan singer Beta Montenegro in Spain, months after her reported relationship with Hollywood star Tom Cruise came to an end. The 38-year-old Cuban actress was recently photographed sharing affectionate moments with Montenegro during a trip to Formentera. Images circulating online showed the pair enjoying a relaxed beach outing while appearing comfortable and affectionate in each other’s company. The couple were reportedly seen holding hands and kissing as they made their way towards the beach. At one point, de Armas appeared to wrap her arms around Montenegro before sharing a kiss with him, further fuelling speculation that their relationship may have moved beyond friendship. For the sunny outing, the actress opted for a black-and-white patterned summer dress paired with simple flip-flops. Montenegro kept his look casual, wearing a white T-shirt, teal shorts and a green baseball cap. The latest sighting comes after de Armas and Montenegro were reportedly seen together several times in Madrid earlier this summer. Their appearances together began attracting attention, particularly after the pair were spotted attending a concert, where they were seen enjoying the music and dancing together. Montenegro is best known as the frontman of Venezuelan band Rawayana. The group, which was formed in 2007, has established itself as one of the prominent names in Latin alternative music. Rawayana has released six albums, with ¿Dónde es el after? being its latest release. The band also achieved a major career milestone in 2025 after winning the Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, bringing further international attention to Montenegro and his musical career. De Armas’ latest romance speculation comes after her high-profile connection with Tom Cruise. The pair first attracted dating rumours in February 2025 after being spotted having dinner together in London around Valentine’s Day weekend.   Their relationship reportedly continued for several months, with the pair being seen together on multiple occasions. However, reports later suggested that their romance ended in October 2025.   According to reports at the time, de Armas had become uncomfortable with the speed at which the relationship was developing and how serious things were becoming. Since then, the actress has largely kept her personal life away from the spotlight. Her recent appearances with Montenegro, however, have once again placed her romantic life under public scrutiny. Neither de Armas nor Montenegro has publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship.