تازہ ترین

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    US judge dismisses bribery and fraud case against Gautam Adani despite procedural concerns

    ByJustpaste.in

    A US federal judge has formally dismissed criminal bribery and fraud charges against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, bringing an end to a high-profile prosecution while issuing a sharp rebuke over how the Department of Justice handled the case. US District Judge Nicholas Garaufis approved the Justice Department’s request to drop all charges with prejudice, permanently barring prosecutors from refiling the case. The decision closes an investigation launched in 2024 that accused Adani and senior executives of paying over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials to secure solar energy contracts while misleading American investors. In a 47-page order, Judge Garaufis voiced deep concern over procedural irregularities, noting that senior Justice Department official R. Trent McCotter negotiated the dismissal directly with Adani’s defence team without consulting the FBI agents and career prosecutors handling the investigation. The judge also scrutinized whether Adani’s public pledge to invest $10 billion in the United States and create 15,000 jobs influenced the outcome. While Garaufis ultimately concluded the investment promise did not legally dictate the government’s decision, he warned that the unusual handling of the case raised troubling questions about public perception of equal justice. The dismissal follows efforts by Adani’s legal team, led by prominent attorney Robert J. Giuffra Jr., who argued that much of the alleged conduct occurred outside US jurisdiction and no longer aligned with federal enforcement priorities. Adani, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, welcomed the ruling in a statement, expressing deep respect for the judicial process.

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    Rain inundates homes, shops in Rawalpindi

    ByJustpaste.in

    Heavy rain in Rawalpindi has caused flooding in several low-lying areas, creating difficulties for residents. Water entered homes in Sadiqabad and Dhoke Elahi Bakhsh. Residents faced problems as rainwater accumulated inside residential areas. Several major roads were also affected. Rainwater collected on Murree Road, Rawal Road and Dhoke Khaba, disrupting traffic and making movement difficult. The situation became more difficult as WASA drainage teams had yet to reach some affected areas. Residents were waiting for authorities to clear the accumulated water. Water also entered shops in some areas, causing inconvenience to traders and residents. Meanwhile, the rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad later stopped. Following the end of the rainfall, the water level in Nullah Lai began to fall. At Kattarian, the water level dropped to around 14 feet. At the Gawalmandi Bridge, the water level was recorded at around 16 feet. The rainfall has highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying areas in Rawalpindi to urban flooding. Residents have called for timely drainage operations to prevent rainwater from entering homes and businesses. The weather department has also forecast rain at some places in Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities are expected to remain alert in areas vulnerable to flooding and water accumulation.

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    Ukraine submits peace proposals to US as Zelenskiy warns of autumn Russian draft

    ByJustpaste.in

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Kyiv has delivered fresh peace proposals to American negotiators aimed at ending the conflict with Moscow. He simultaneously warned that Russia intends to use its upcoming parliamentary elections to launch a new, large-scale military mobilisation. Speaking in his nightly address, Zelenskiy stated that the proposals handed to the United States focus on bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities, particularly air defence, while urging Washington to exert diplomatic and economic pressure on the Kremlin to halt the war. The movement in negotiations comes as U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner prepare for potential visits to both capitals, following a period where diplomatic efforts had largely stalled. Kyiv continues to press for an immediate ceasefire after nearly four and a half years of fighting, whereas Moscow insists any agreement require Ukraine to permanently cede four claimed regions. Zelenskiy also cited Ukrainian intelligence reports indicating that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to exploit September’s parliamentary polls to orchestrate a rapid autumn draft. “They are preparing for mobilisation in the autumn, immediately after the imitation of parliamentary elections,” Zelenskiy said, estimating that Moscow aims to draft several hundred thousand additional personnel by the end of the year, alongside ongoing voluntary contract recruitment. The electoral warning follows a decision by Russia’s Supreme Court on Monday to bar the liberal Yabloko party, the country’s sole registered anti-war political group, from contesting the upcoming election. Kremlin officials have denied plans for a mandatory draft, pointing to 200,000 voluntary sign-ups recorded in the first half of the year.

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    Swiss government rejects proposed constitutional ban on non-UN sanctions ahead of neutrality vote

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Swiss government has formally rejected a popular initiative seeking to enshrine a rigid, absolute definition of neutrality into the country’s constitution, warning the move would cripple national security and diplomatic flexibility. The constitutional referendum, scheduled for 27 September, was triggered after right-wing campaign groups backed by the Swiss People’s Party gathered over 100,000 signatures. Proponents argue Bern’s historical stance has been diluted by adopting European Union sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine and deepening training ties with NATO. If passed, the amendment would constitutionally mandate that Swiss neutrality remain perpetual and armed, while explicitly barring non-UN sanctions and foreign military alliances. Launching the official counter-campaign on Tuesday, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis insisted the nation’s neutrality remains intact without need for restrictive legal amendments. “Switzerland has been and is neutral, and it will remain neutral,” Cassis said in a statement, adding that the proposal would severely hinder security cooperation with international partners prior to an actual crisis. Current polling indicates low public support for the initiative, with a Tamedia survey showing 54 per cent of voters opposed compared to 34 per cent in favour.

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    Zardari, Shehbaz stress youth empowerment on World…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have highlighted the importance of empowering young people for Pakistan’s future. In their separate messages on World Youth Day, both leaders described the country’s youth as a valuable national asset. They stressed the need to provide young people with education, employment, skills and opportunities to contribute to national development. President Zardari said empowering young people was an investment in Pakistan’s future. He said the energy, creativity and determination of the country’s youth were among Pakistan’s most valuable assets. He said quality education, decent employment and innovation were among the common aspirations of young people. According to the president, around 67% of Pakistan’s population is below the age of 30. He said this made young people the country’s largest human resource. Zardari also highlighted the role of young women in national development. He said their potential and leadership were essential for Pakistan’s social and economic progress. The president said the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme was providing young people with opportunities in education, skills development, employment and entrepreneurship. He urged young people to adopt values of honesty, compassion and tolerance. He said empowering them to play an active role in national development was an urgent need. Zardari added that a strong, inclusive and prosperous Pakistan could be built through the meaningful participation of young people. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also described the country’s youth as an invaluable asset. In his message on World Youth Day, the prime minister said this year’s theme was “Different circumstances, shared aspirations.” He said young people around the world live under different circumstances. However, their dreams, ambitions and hopes for a better future remain similar. Shehbaz said Pakistani youth were the architects of the country’s bright future. He noted that young Pakistanis had brought recognition to the country in different fields at both national and international levels. The prime minister said their abilities and full potential were essential for building a prosperous, peaceful and strong Pakistan. He added that the government’s priorities included using all available national resources to support the mental, physical, intellectual and academic development of young people.

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    4.8-magnitude earthquake jolts Zhob, Chaman

    ByJustpaste.in

    QUETTA: Earthquake tremors were felt in Zhob and Chaman districts of Balochistan, triggering panic among residents. According to the Seismological Centre, the earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8 on the Richter scale. Its depth was recorded at 15 kilometres below the Earth’s surface. The epicentre of the earthquake was located around 122 kilometres northeast of Zhob, according to the seismic monitoring authorities. The tremors were felt in several areas, causing fear and anxiety among local residents. Many people rushed out of their homes as a precautionary measure. Residents were seen reciting the Kalma Tayyaba while gathering in open areas to avoid any possible danger from the earthquake. The sudden tremors caused concern among citizens, particularly because of the possibility of aftershocks. People remained cautious and stayed outside their homes for some time. Authorities and local administration remained alert following the earthquake. Emergency services were also monitoring the situation in the affected districts. So far, no casualties or property damage have been reported as a result of the earthquake. Officials are continuing to assess the situation and monitor for any further seismic activity. Earthquakes are relatively common in parts of Balochistan because of the region’s geological setting. Authorities generally advise residents to remain calm during tremors and move to safer open areas after leaving buildings if necessary.

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    Australia introduces mandatory pay floor and injury coverage for gig workers

    ByJustpaste.in

    In a major shift for gig economy rights, Australia’s industrial umpire has ordered delivery platforms to pay food and grocery couriers a mandatory minimum rate alongside compulsory personal accident insurance. The Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled late on Tuesday that gig delivery workers must earn a minimum rate for active delivery time. The order, set to take effect on 17 August, is expected to benefit roughly 250,000 workers across the country. Beyond baseline wages, platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash will now be legally required to provide personal accident cover for couriers on duty, though workers will remain responsible for third-party vehicle insurance. The reform stems from workplace legislation passed by Australia’s Labor government in 2023 and 2024, which empowered the FWC to regulate conditions for independent contractors previously excluded from traditional employment protections. In a joint statement, the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Uber Eats, and DoorDash welcomed the determination. TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine hailed the order as a landmark moment that establishes new standards for a workforce long left outside national workplace systems.

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    Anne Hathaway’s baby bump sparks speculation at sci-fi premiere

    ByJustpaste.in

    Anne Hathaway’s pregnancy has recently become a topic of public discussion after the actress stepped out for the world premiere of her upcoming science-fiction series on Sunday, August 9. Her appearance at the event drew attention not only because of her stylish look but also because some people online questioned whether her baby bump was real. The Hollywood star attended the premiere at the Steven J. Ross Theater inside Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. For the occasion, Hathaway opted for a bold and unconventional ensemble that highlighted her growing pregnancy belly. She wore a custom Atelier Prabal Gurung sculptural halter top that was cropped from the belly and paired it with low-rise, wide-leg jeans. The striking outfit quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans and observers focusing on her pregnancy bump. While many praised Hathaway for confidently embracing her changing body and choosing a fashion-forward look during pregnancy, others began making accusations that the bump appeared unusual or could possibly be fake. Such speculation has circulated despite Hathaway having publicly confirmed that she and her husband, actor and producer Adam Shulman, are expecting their third child. The couple, who have been married since 2012, already share two sons and have generally maintained a relatively private family life. Hathaway announced her pregnancy on June 19 through an Instagram post. Rather than making a formal statement, the actress shared a heartfelt video that offered fans a glimpse of her pregnancy journey. In the video, Hathaway appeared in a flowing white dress while gently cradling her baby bump. The emotional moment was accompanied by Barbara Lewis’ classic song “Baby I’m Yours,” creating a warm and intimate atmosphere around the announcement. The announcement came as a joyful surprise to her fans, who quickly filled the comments section with congratulatory messages and well wishes for the growing family. Hathaway also used the announcement to share the news in her own way while keeping many personal details private. Since confirming the pregnancy, the actress has continued to make public appearances while balancing her professional commitments and preparing for the arrival of her third baby. Her latest appearance at the sci-fi show’s premiere once again placed her pregnancy in the spotlight. Although speculation surrounding celebrities often spreads quickly online, Hathaway has not indicated that there is anything unusual about her pregnancy. Her public announcement and appearances have simply given fans occasional glimpses into this new chapter of her life. As she continues to promote her upcoming project, attention is likely to remain focused on both her career and her pregnancy. For now, Hathaway appears to be embracing motherhood and her professional life simultaneously, while keeping many details about her growing family away from the public eye.

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    US report urges stronger parliament oversight of P…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: Pakistan needs to strengthen parliamentary oversight of its public finances by improving the timely disclosure of budget proposals, government debt and other fiscal information, according to a new US State Department assessment. The findings were published in the department’s 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report, an annual review examining how governments make financial information available to citizens and whether public institutions have adequate oversight mechanisms. The report acknowledged several positive aspects of Pakistan’s fiscal system but highlighted important gaps that could make it harder for Parliament and the public to fully assess government spending plans and financial risks. One of the key concerns was the delayed publication of the executive budget proposal. The report said Pakistan did not release the proposal within a reasonable period, limiting the opportunity for lawmakers and citizens to examine spending and revenue priorities before the budget was formally approved. The State Department recommended that the government publish its proposed budget in a timely manner to allow greater public scrutiny and parliamentary debate. The report also raised concerns over the limited disclosure of government debt obligations, particularly liabilities linked to major state-owned enterprises. More comprehensive information, it said, would provide a clearer picture of Pakistan’s overall financial position and help identify potential fiscal risks. Despite these shortcomings, the assessment offered credit for several areas of Pakistan’s financial transparency. It said enacted budgets and year-end reports were widely and easily accessible, including online. Publicly available budget documents were also found to provide a substantially complete picture of most planned government expenditures and revenues, including income from natural resources. Pakistan’s auditing arrangements received a broadly favourable assessment. The report said budget information was generally reliable and subject to scrutiny by the country’s supreme audit institution. It further noted that the institution met international standards of independence and made its findings public within a reasonable period. The assessment also examined natural resource contracts and public procurement. It found that Pakistan had established legal procedures for awarding natural resource extraction licences and appeared to follow them in practice. Information on public procurement contracts was also considered accessible. However, the report identified a particularly sensitive area requiring greater oversight: military and intelligence spending. According to the assessment, the budgets of military and intelligence agencies were not subject to adequate parliamentary or civilian public oversight. The State Department included stronger scrutiny of these expenditures among its principal recommendations. Overall, the report presented a mixed picture rather than describing Pakistan’s fiscal system as broadly opaque. It recognised progress in publishing budgets, audit findings and procurement information while urging authorities to close key transparency gaps. The recommendations underline the importance of timely financial disclosure and stronger parliamentary scrutiny in improving accountability, public confidence and the management of Pakistan’s fiscal risks.

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    Rihanna shares emotional Barbados homecoming with her children

    ByJustpaste.in

    Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, recently gave fans a touching glimpse into a family trip to her childhood home in Barbados, sharing how meaningful it was to return to the place where she grew up with her own children. On Tuesday, August 11, the 38-year-old singer, entrepreneur, and businesswoman shared a three-slide carousel on Instagram featuring moments from her getaway with her children. The photos offered fans a rare look at the superstar enjoying time with her family while revisiting a place that holds deep personal significance. Reflecting on the emotional experience, Rihanna described how surreal it felt to return to her roots as a mother. She recalled growing up as a young girl in Westbury and now being able to introduce her children to “Rihanna Drive,” a street named in her honor on Westbury New Road in St. Michael. “One minute I feel like that kid from Westbury… the next minute I’m bringing my own kids back to ‘Rihanna Drive,’” Rihanna wrote in the caption. She continued by expressing her amazement at how unexpectedly life can come full circle. “Trippy how life works! And the Glory STILL and WILL ALWAYS belong to the Almighty Creator!!!” she added. The heartfelt post quickly attracted attention from Rihanna’s millions of followers, many of whom celebrated the special family moment. Fans expressed their excitement at seeing the global music icon embrace motherhood while also sharing a meaningful part of her childhood with her children. One fan described the moment as incredible, while another called it a beautiful example of life coming full circle. Others praised Rihanna for allowing her children to experience the place where she grew up and highlighted how special it must be for them to understand their mother’s journey. The Barbados visit also comes as Rihanna and her longtime partner, A$AP Rocky, continue to balance their busy professional lives with raising their young family. During a recent appearance on The Jason Lee Show, A$AP Rocky opened up about their parenting routine and explained that the couple receives support from their mothers as well as nannies. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky have welcomed three children together. Their first son, RZA, was born in May 2022. The couple later welcomed their second son, Riot, in August 2023. In September 2025, they expanded their family once again with the arrival of their daughter, Rocki. For Rihanna, returning to Westbury with her children appears to have been more than just a family getaway. It represented a powerful connection between her past and present, allowing her to revisit the place that shaped her while creating new memories with the next generation of her family.