تازہ ترین

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    NCCIA arrests 3 in crackdown on cyber harassment, …

    LAHORE: Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has arrested three men in separate operations in Lahore and Multan as part of a crackdown on cyber harassment, blackmail, threats and the misuse of personal data online, officials said. The operations were carried out on the directions of Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Wasim, officials said. In Lahore, the NCCIA arrested Azeem Jafri, son of Syed Altaf Hussain Shah and a resident of Faisalabad, in connection with an online harassment and defamation complaint. Investigators said the suspect had been using online platforms to harass and defame complainant Syed Muzaffar Iqbal Zehrazai. A mobile phone was recovered from the suspect during the operation. The investigation is being conducted by Sub-Inspector Rai Shakeel Ahmed. In Multan, the agency carried out two separate operations and arrested Jamshed Mahmood Khan and Sajjad Sarwar. Jamshed Mahmood Khan was arrested from Gulgasht Gol Bagh Park in Multan. Investigators said he was involved in sharing objectionable data belonging to a woman through WhatsApp, issuing threats and blackmailing her. No recovery was made from the suspect. In a separate operation, NCCIA officials arrested Sajjad Sarwar in Dera Ghazi Khan. Investigators said he was involved in sharing objectionable data of a woman through WhatsApp, threatening her and blackmailing her. A mobile phone containing WhatsApp-related material was recovered from him. Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Wasim said the agency would continue taking action against individuals using cyberspace for harassment, blackmail, threats and violations of privacy. He directed NCCIA teams to further strengthen investigations and enforcement against cybercrime and ensure effective protection of citizens’ privacy and digital rights.

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    Liverpool sign Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona

    Liverpool have moved to strengthen their defence by signing Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona, giving the Uruguay international a fresh opportunity after falling down the pecking order at the Spanish club. Barcelona confirmed on Monday that Araujo will spend the 2026-27 season at Anfield, with the agreement running until June 30, 2027. The Catalan club did not reveal the financial terms, but reports in the Spanish media indicate that Liverpool will cover his wages and have an option to make the transfer permanent for €55 million ($63.5m). The move marks a significant change for Araujo, who had been regarded as one of Barcelona’s key defensive players. The 27-year-old renewed his contract with the Catalan giants in 2025, extending his deal until 2031. However, his position became increasingly uncertain under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. Young defender Pau Cubarsi emerged as a central figure in the back line, while Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin also competed for defensive roles. Araujo made 35 appearances across all competitions last season but spent several weeks away from football because of mental exhaustion. After returning in January, he struggled to regain a regular starting position. His move to Liverpool comes at a crucial time for the Premier League club. Liverpool need defensive reinforcements after Ibrahima Konate departed for Real Madrid, while Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are currently injured. Araujo could therefore find himself playing an important role alongside experienced captain Virgil van Dijk, particularly as Liverpool begin a new chapter under Spanish coach Andoni Iraola. The Uruguayan defender, who was part of Uruguay’s squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but did not feature, said he was eager to begin his Liverpool journey. “I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history,” Araujo said. “I’m excited to meet my team-mates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated.” He described the transfer as the right move at this stage of his career, suggesting that regular football was an important factor behind his decision. Liverpool have also strengthened their defensive options by signing young French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. For Araujo, the challenge is clear: turn a difficult period at Barcelona into a new beginning at Anfield—and prove that he still belongs among Europe’s elite defenders.

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    West Indies face World Cup qualifier after missing direct spot

    The West Indies face another difficult route to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 after failing to secure automatic qualification for the tournament. The two-time world champions are currently 10th in the ICC ODI rankings and cannot move into the required top-eight positions before the September 30, 2026 cut-off date. Their remaining two ODI matches against India will therefore not be enough to rescue their hopes of direct qualification. Under the qualification system, the top eight ranked teams, excluding hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, will earn automatic places in the 2027 World Cup. The tournament will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Afghanistan recently became the latest side to secure automatic qualification after defeating Ireland in a thrilling contest in Belfast. They join defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and Bangladesh among the teams already assured of their places. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia will also feature as hosts. For the West Indies, however, the road to the World Cup will now become considerably longer. They are set to compete in the World Cup Qualifier in February 2027, where they will need to perform strongly to secure a place in the main tournament. The situation is particularly painful because the Caribbean side experienced a similar setback during the qualification campaign for the 2023 World Cup. The West Indies entered the Qualifier in Zimbabwe but failed to reach the tournament after finishing fifth in the Super Six stage. It was a historic disappointment as the Caribbean team had previously appeared in every ODI World Cup since the competition began in 1975. The West Indies won the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979, establishing themselves as one of cricket’s earliest dominant forces. Their failure to qualify for the 2023 tournament also resulted in their absence from the 2025 Champions Trophy, ending a long sequence of appearances dating back to 2013. Now, with another Qualifier ahead, the West Indies face a crucial opportunity to avoid repeating recent history. Their performance in February 2027 could determine whether one of cricket’s most celebrated teams returns to the global stage—or suffers another major setback.

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    Karan Johar revisits Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna journey

    Karan Johar has taken a nostalgic look back at Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna as the much-discussed romantic drama completes two decades since its theatrical debut. Released on August 11, 2006, the film brought together Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Preity Zinta and Amitabh Bachchan in a story that explored the uncertainties of marriage, emotional distance and complicated personal relationships. Set against the backdrop of New York, the film moved away from the conventional Bollywood portrayal of romance and family life. Its unconventional storyline quickly became a talking point, dividing viewers between those who appreciated its honesty and those who felt its themes challenged traditional values. Reflecting on the film’s journey, Johar recalled the wide range of reactions it generated after reaching cinemas. The filmmaker said he encountered everything from strong appreciation for the movie’s daring subject to severe criticism over the choices made by its characters. He also revisited a pre-release screening that gave him an early indication of just how strongly audiences might respond. During the screening, Johar noticed an audience member becoming visibly uncomfortable during a sequence involving Dev and Maya, the characters played by Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji. Another memory from that period involved a mother who approached Johar after watching the film. She questioned why he had chosen to build a story around divorce and troubled relationships rather than create another conventional family drama. With the benefit of hindsight, Johar has also been open about the movie’s imperfections. He acknowledged that its grand production, elaborate presentation and several songs contributed to an oversized cinematic experience, with some elements that he now believes could have been handled differently. However, Johar continues to stand by the central purpose of the film. He has maintained that the story was not intended to present infidelity as something admirable. Instead, it sought to examine the emotional consequences of decisions made within and outside marriage and the impact those choices can have on everyone involved. For Johar, the film’s enduring appeal lies in its willingness to avoid straightforward answers. Relationships, he suggested, cannot always be understood through simple definitions of right and wrong, particularly when emotions, expectations and personal struggles become intertwined. The filmmaker also acknowledged the contribution of the cast and crew who helped transform the ambitious idea into a large-scale production. Two decades later, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna remains a film that continues to invite debate. While its themes divided audiences when it first arrived, its exploration of imperfect relationships and difficult emotional decisions has allowed the movie to remain part of conversations around love, marriage and human choices.

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    Riyadh sofa factory fire kills 16 Bangladeshi work…

    RIYADH: At least 16 Bangladeshi migrant workers have died after a fire swept through a sofa manufacturing factory in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, in a tragedy that has prompted urgent efforts to bring the victims’ remains home. The fire broke out on Sunday at a furniture manufacturing facility in the industrial area of Riyadh’s Al Shifa district, according to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Bangladesh’s embassy in Riyadh is coordinating with Saudi authorities over the incident and arrangements for the repatriation of the victims’ bodies. Officials are also working to identify the deceased and complete the necessary formalities. Bangladesh’s Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and directed officials to speed up the process of returning the bodies to Bangladesh. He also called for assistance and compensation to be provided to the bereaved families, many of whom depend on income earned by relatives working abroad. Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence confirmed that firefighters had responded to a blaze at an unlicensed furniture-making facility in the capital, although its initial statement did not provide details about the fatalities. The tragedy has once again drawn attention to workplace safety for migrant labourers in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is home to a large Bangladeshi expatriate community, with reports putting the number at around 3.5 million. For many of these workers, employment in Saudi Arabia provides a vital source of income for families back home. The deaths in Riyadh have therefore sent shockwaves beyond the immediate workplace, leaving families anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire and examine safety conditions at the factory. The focus will also be on determining whether violations contributed to the deadly blaze. For Bangladesh, the immediate priority remains bringing the victims home and ensuring their families receive the promised support.

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    Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce’s pets struggle after wedding

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may have settled comfortably into married life, but their beloved pets are reportedly taking a little longer to adjust to their new family dynamic. The pop superstar and NFL champion exchanged wedding vows on July 3, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in what was described as a dreamy and intimate ceremony. Since then, the newlyweds are believed to have been enjoying married life and settling into their relationship with ease.However, their pets appear to be facing an entirely different kind of adjustment. According to people familiar with the couple, Swift’s cats are still getting used to Kelce’s dog, Wendy, who has become part of their shared household. While the couple themselves have reportedly adapted quickly to married life, their four-legged companions are finding it harder to establish a comfortable routine together. Swift’s cats have spent years enjoying their familiar surroundings and are reportedly not particularly impressed by the arrival of an energetic dog. Wendy, whom Kelce adopted last year, is said to be eager to interact and play with the cats, but the feeling does not appear to be mutual. The biggest challenge seems to be their very different personalities. Wendy reportedly wants to play and socialize throughout the day, while Swift’s cats prefer a quieter environment where they can relax and have their own space. The situation has reportedly become a humorous part of life inside the couple’s home, with the animals slowly learning how to coexist under the same roof. Despite the difficulties, there is reportedly no serious concern among Swift and Kelce’s friends. The couple are said to be handling the situation patiently and allowing their pets to adjust at their own pace rather than forcing them to become close immediately. The animals are gradually becoming more comfortable around one another and are eventually able to spend time in the same room. Although they may not have reached the stage of cuddling together just yet, their progress is reportedly encouraging. The situation is also being viewed as a normal part of blending two households after marriage. While Swift and Kelce have already established their rhythm as a couple, their pets are still learning how to share their space and routines. Interestingly, the pets’ slow adjustment comes as Swift and Kelce mark another important milestone in their relationship. The couple recently reached the one-year anniversary of their engagement, which they publicly announced on August 10, 2025. For now, the newlyweds appear to be giving their pets plenty of time to settle into their new reality. If their owners’ relationship is any indication, there may be plenty of time for the cats and Wendy to eventually find their own version of harmony.

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    Former India captain Sourav Ganguly and wife receive death threats

    KOLKATA: Former India captain and ex-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and his wife, Dona Ganguly, have reportedly received death threats, prompting police to launch an investigation into a series of threatening letters sent to the family. According to Indian media reports, a fresh threatening letter was opened on Monday at the office of the president of the Bengal Cricket Association. The letter was reportedly written entirely in English and contained threats against Ganguly and his family. The latest incident has raised concern because the family has allegedly been receiving similar letters for around six months. Initially, the messages were reportedly dismissed as letters from overzealous or unhappy fans. However, the increasingly aggressive language and repeated threats eventually prompted the family to approach police. A formal written complaint has been submitted to the local police station by Ganguly’s family. The state government’s security department has also reportedly been informed, with the family seeking appropriate security measures. The complaint stated that unknown individuals had previously sent letters containing offensive and objectionable remarks about the former India captain. At first, the messages were believed to be linked to personal resentment or someone unhappy with Ganguly. The situation took a more serious turn when two recent letters addressed to Sourav and Dona Ganguly reportedly contained threatening language targeting not only the couple but also people working with them. Police sources said their preliminary inquiry indicated that the threatening letters had been sent by courier to Ganguly’s residence. Authorities have assured Ganguly’s personal assistant that an investigation is underway and that necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the former cricketer and his family. Ganguly, one of India’s most influential cricket figures, served as national captain before later becoming BCCI president. The latest threats have now placed his family under increased security attention as investigators work to identify those behind the letters.

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    Samay Raina takes dig at Badshah with Honey Singh reference

    A recent moment from India’s Got Latent Season 2 has caught the attention of social media users after comedian Samay Raina appeared to make a playful reference to the long-running feud between rappers Yo Yo Honey Singh and Badshah. The moment took place during the show’s second bonus episode, released on August 10, 2026. Following a contestant’s performance, Raina picked up the microphone and began singing a line associated with Honey Singh. The comedian started by singing, “Yo Yo Honey Singh ka fan hoon main,” before moving into lyrics that appeared to reference Honey Singh’s hit song Brown Rang. His spontaneous performance quickly became a talking point among viewers, with a short clip from the episode making its way across social media. The performance particularly caught attention because of its apparent connection to the past differences between Honey Singh and Badshah. One clip shared on X prompted users to discuss whether Raina was deliberately poking fun at the history between the two rappers or simply using the well-known song as part of the show’s comedy. Honey Singh and Badshah have been linked to one of the most discussed fallouts in India’s hip-hop scene. The two artists were previously members of the music collective Mafia Mundeer, alongside other prominent names from the Indian rap scene. However, their professional association eventually came to an end as both artists pursued separate careers. Their differences later became the subject of public discussions, particularly over songwriting, credits and creative contributions. Badshah had previously spoken about his involvement with Brown Rang, claiming that he had written the song’s lyrics. Honey Singh, meanwhile, remained closely associated with the track’s music and production. The disagreement between the rappers continued to attract attention for years, even as both artists achieved major success individually. Their comments about the past have occasionally brought the issue back into the spotlight. In 2024, Badshah spoke about moving on from the differences, indicating that he no longer wanted to remain focused on the past. Honey Singh later commented on the matter and questioned some aspects of the reported reconciliation. Discussions surrounding their relationship resurfaced again through public statements and social media conversations in 2025. Against this backdrop, Raina’s performance was quickly interpreted by some viewers as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the rappers’ history. Although the comedian did not explicitly explain the intention behind the moment, the combination of Honey Singh’s name and Brown Rang was enough to spark speculation and amusement online. India’s Got Latent Season 2 premiered on June 20, 2026, with regular episodes following a fortnightly release schedule. The show has continued to attract attention for its unpredictable performances, comedy segments and viral moments. The programme’s bonus episodes have followed a separate release format, with some content available to YouTube members. The second bonus episode added another memorable moment to the series, as Samay Raina’s Honey Singh reference quickly became a topic of conversation among fans.

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    Angelina Jolie shares new insights into her film W…

    Angelina Jolie is opening up about the emotional heart of her upcoming directorial film Without Blood, describing the drama as a story centered on trauma, healing, memory and human connection. The Oscar-winning actress directed and produced the film, which is adapted from Italian author Alessandro Baricco’s novel of the same name. Without Blood is scheduled to arrive in U.S. theaters on September 18, 2026, following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. (FilmNation⁠) A story about healing Jolie has emphasized that Without Blood is ultimately about what happens after people experience profound trauma. Rather than focusing only on conflict, the film explores the emotional consequences that remain long after violence has ended. The story takes place in the aftermath of an unnamed conflict and examines how memory can shape people’s lives. Jolie said the project explores universal truths surrounding trauma, memory and healing, giving the film a deeply human focus. (FilmNation⁠) For Jolie, the subject matter also presented an opportunity to explore difficult emotions through a more intimate cinematic approach. The film is interested in the conversations people have after painful experiences and the possibility of understanding one another despite the past. Salma Hayek leads the cast Without Blood stars Salma Hayek Pinault, Demián Bichir and Juan Minujín. Jolie has praised the cast for bringing emotional openness to the production, particularly highlighting the performances of Hayek and Bichir. Jolie described the atmosphere on set as collaborative and emotionally intimate. She hopes the performances will encourage audiences to think about the film’s themes and engage in meaningful conversations about trauma and healing. (People.com⁠) The film also reunites Jolie with Hayek, following their work together on Eternals. Their collaboration in Without Blood marks a very different kind of dramatic project, built around complex emotions and human connection. Jolie returns behind the camera The project continues Jolie’s work as a filmmaker, following previous directing efforts including First They Killed My Father and Unbroken. She co-wrote the screenplay for Without Blood with Baricco while also serving as producer and director. (Brainstorm Media⁠) With its September release approaching, Without Blood is shaping up as a thoughtful drama about the long shadow of conflict and the difficult journey toward healing. Jolie’s latest comments make clear that she wants audiences to look beyond violence and focus on the human stories that remain afterward.

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    US forces to leave Iraqi Kurdistan by September 30

    BAGHDAD: The Iraqi government has announced that US forces will complete their withdrawal from Iraq’s Kurdistan region by September 30, marking another step in the planned transition of the American military mission in the country. According to foreign media reports, Iraqi and US officials held discussions in the Kurdistan region regarding the withdrawal and the transfer of military responsibilities. Under the plan, US military bases in Kurdistan will be handed over to Iraqi security forces following the departure of American personnel. The Iraqi government said the movement of US military equipment and personnel out of the region is already underway. The withdrawal is expected to take place in coordination with Iraqi authorities to ensure an orderly transition. The announcement comes as Baghdad and Washington continue implementing an agreement reached in 2024 on the gradual transition of the US-led military mission in Iraq. The agreement envisaged a phased reduction of the international coalition’s military role while strengthening Iraq’s own security capabilities. US forces have played a significant role in supporting Iraqi forces in the fight against Islamic State militants and in providing training, intelligence and logistical assistance. The latest withdrawal from Kurdistan is therefore likely to attract attention as Iraq assumes greater responsibility for securing military facilities previously used by US forces. The Iraqi government has not provided further details on the exact number of American troops or equipment involved in the latest phase of the withdrawal.