تازہ ترین

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    Mohsen Rezaei takes Iran’s top security post

    ByJustpaste.in

    Iran has appointed veteran Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), placing a prominent security figure in a senior position at a sensitive time for the country. Rezaei, 71, replaces Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as secretary of the council. Zolqadr has instead been appointed as a political adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The SNSC plays a central role in coordinating Iran’s national security and foreign policy. It is formally chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian and includes senior military, intelligence and government officials. Rezaei brings decades of military and political experience to the position. He joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and became its commander in 1981, when he was only 27. He remained at the helm of the IRGC for 16 years. Much of his tenure coincided with the Iran-Iraq war from 1980 to 1988. During that period, he oversaw the development of the organisation’s land, naval and air capabilities. After leaving the IRGC command, Rezaei remained an influential figure within Iran’s political and security establishment. He later served for more than two decades as secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council. He also entered electoral politics and repeatedly sought the presidency of Iran. From 2021 to 2023, he served as vice president for economic affairs under former President Ebrahim Raisi. Rezaei holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Tehran, although much of his career has been focused on military, security and political affairs. His relationship with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is another significant factor behind his new appointment. Rezaei was named a military adviser to Khamenei after the latter assumed the supreme leadership earlier this year. Khamenei also issued a decree appointing Rezaei as his representative on the SNSC. The decree highlighted Rezaei’s extensive military experience, particularly his role during the Iran-Iraq war. During the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, Rezaei has frequently made public statements on security and foreign policy issues. He has expressed strong opposition to concessions in negotiations with Washington and has repeatedly taken a hard-line position on Iran’s security interests. His appointment therefore places an experienced IRGC commander at the centre of Iran’s national security decision-making structure. Rezaei’s political journey began even before the Islamic Revolution. As a teenager, he became involved in opposition activities against Iran’s Pahlavi monarchy. He was arrested by SAVAK, the Shah’s security service, in 1973.

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    PTI leadership backs Sept 27 long March as KP CM r…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership and the Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance are fully supporting the planned long march towards Islamabad on September 27. Afridi said the date for the protest was finalised after consultations among PTI’s central and provincial leadership as well as its allied group. He stressed that the decision had been taken collectively and that the party’s leadership across the provinces was on board with the plan. Afridi’s comments came after reports that Aleema Khan, the sister of PTI founder Imran Khan, had questioned why the long march was scheduled for September 27 instead of an earlier date. Responding to the concerns, Afridi described Aleema as a non-political person who was speaking in her capacity as Imran Khan’s sister. He said he was confident that he could satisfy her concerns by explaining the reasons and circumstances behind the decision. The KP chief minister also rejected allegations made by some PTI leaders based abroad that he had agreed to the September 27 date as part of a secret deal with the government. Afridi said those making such accusations should have contacted him directly before discussing the matter publicly. He said such allegations could mislead PTI supporters and create unnecessary confusion. According to Afridi, individuals who were genuinely sincere with Imran Khan and the party should first seek clarification before making accusations against fellow party leaders. Responding to a specific allegation that he had met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and another government official on August 4 before announcing the date of the long march, Afridi categorically denied the claim. He described the allegation as completely baseless and said he had been present at the KP House in Islamabad from noon until around 4:30pm that day. Afridi explained that he had been attending meetings related to the province’s Pado KP and telemedicine initiatives during that period. He also rejected the suggestion that the alleged meeting had taken place in Peshawar, reiterating that he was in Islamabad at the time. The controversy comes as PTI prepares for what its leaders describe as a major mobilisation aimed at securing the release of Imran Khan. A day earlier, PTI leader Shafi Jan said the party had no option left except to launch the long march, which he described as its “last option”. Jan said PTI workers were protesting because they believed their concerns were not being heard. He claimed that the party would march from Peshawar towards Islamabad with around two million people and said the demonstration would have an impact across the country. Imran Khan, 73, has remained in prison since August 2023 following convictions in several cases. PTI has repeatedly rejected the allegations against its founder and described the legal proceedings as politically motivated. Since his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022, Imran Khan has faced numerous legal cases, including those involving state gifts and his marriage. Although some of his convictions have been suspended or overturned, several appeals are still pending before higher courts. Imran Khan and PTI continue to deny any wrongdoing and maintain that the cases against him are politically driven.

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    Taylor Swift teases mystery as ‘Debut’ turns 20

    ByJustpaste.in

    Taylor Swift has once again sent her fans into a frenzy after a series of clues appeared to hint at a major release linked to the 20th anniversary of her self-titled debut album. The pop superstar, who turns 37 later this year, is widely expected by fans to celebrate the milestone with a special edition of her first album. Swifties are particularly speculating about a possible “Taylor’s Version” or deluxe anniversary release. The excitement intensified after what appeared to be listings for an anniversary edition surfaced on retail websites ahead of any official announcement from Swift or her team. Fans quickly began examining the listings and the timing, with many interpreting the development as another possible Easter egg from the singer. Swift has developed a reputation for leaving hidden clues for her fans through music videos, social media posts, album artwork, clothing and even seemingly ordinary details. Her fanbase has therefore been closely watching every new development surrounding the anniversary of her debut record. Many fans believe an official announcement could arrive within days. Online speculation has particularly focused on August 11 or August 12 as possible dates for new clues or an announcement. The possibility of a new project has generated intense reactions across social media, with Swifties sharing theories and attempting to decode what the latest developments could mean. Some fans believe the album itself could arrive in October, although no release date has been officially confirmed. Swift’s self-titled debut album was originally released in 2006 and launched her career as a country singer before she evolved into one of the world’s biggest pop stars. The record introduced audiences to songs that helped establish Swift as a young songwriter and performer. Two decades later, the possibility of revisiting that era has created considerable anticipation among longtime fans. Swift has previously re-recorded several of her earlier albums as part of her project to reclaim control over her master recordings. The re-recordings have included new versions of her early work, along with previously unreleased tracks from the original recording periods. However, there has been no official confirmation yet about the exact format of the upcoming anniversary project.

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    Brad Pitt sees AI as a tool, not a threat to Hollywood

    ByJustpaste.in

    Brad Pitt has offered a measured view on the growing use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood, saying the technology could help filmmakers produce mid-budget movies more efficiently if it is used responsibly. The Oscar-winning actor acknowledged that AI has become a controversial subject across the entertainment industry. While many filmmakers, actors and other industry professionals remain concerned about its impact, Pitt believes the technology could have practical benefits when treated as a creative tool rather than a replacement for human talent. Speaking about the potential financial impact of AI, Pitt said the technology could make it easier to produce films with budgets ranging from around $40 million to $90 million. According to Pitt, the main value of AI could be in helping filmmakers reduce production costs and bring projects to the screen that might otherwise struggle to secure financing. However, the actor does not appear convinced that AI can simply reproduce an actor’s performance in a way that replaces the individual behind it. Discussing the possibility of artificial intelligence recreating his performances, Pitt pointed to the importance of human decisions in filmmaking. He suggested that even if technology can reproduce aspects of an actor’s appearance or performance, the final result would depend heavily on the person directing and shaping the material. For Pitt, acting is not simply about physical appearance or delivering lines. It also involves personal choices, emotions and discoveries made during the creative process. He questioned whether an AI-generated performance would necessarily reflect the decisions an actor originally made while developing a character. His comments come as Hollywood continues to debate how artificial intelligence should be used in film and television. The technology has raised concerns about the future of acting, writing, visual effects and other creative professions. Industry representatives have been pushing for safeguards to protect performers and creators from having their likenesses, voices or work reproduced without appropriate consent and compensation. Pitt acknowledged that opposition to AI remains widespread within Hollywood. At the same time, his comments suggest that he sees a distinction between using AI to assist filmmakers and allowing it to replace human creativity.

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    Anne Hathaway stuns fans with cheeky pregnancy response

    ByJustpaste.in

    Anne Hathaway has responded to online speculation questioning whether her pregnancy is real after photos from the premiere of her latest film sparked debate on social media. The 43-year-old actress, who is expecting her third child with husband Adam Shulman, addressed the comments through an Instagram video shared on Monday. Hathaway used the video to take followers behind the scenes as she prepared for the red carpet premiere of “The End of Oak Street” in Los Angeles. The discussion began after the actress appeared at the film’s world premiere on Sunday wearing a silk crop top and low-rise jeans that revealed her baby bump. Photos and videos from the event quickly circulated online. Some social media users questioned the appearance of her bump and suggested that it could have been artificially created. Hathaway responded directly to the speculation in the caption accompanying her Instagram post. Her playful response made it clear that she was aware of the claims and was not taking the online debate too seriously. She also joked about the intense heat during the event, saying her outfit was struggling in the warm weather. The actress’s response came after several comments on social media questioned the authenticity of her pregnancy. Some users claimed the bump looked artificial, while others suggested that makeup or other effects had been used. Hathaway’s appearance at the premiere had already attracted considerable attention. The actress confidently showcased her pregnancy while promoting her new movie, turning the red-carpet appearance into one of the event’s major talking points. Her latest response also reflects the growing scrutiny celebrities face over their appearances, particularly when photographs from public events spread rapidly across social media. Rather than issuing a lengthy statement, Hathaway chose humour to address the speculation and move the focus back toward her film and the celebrations surrounding its premiere.

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    Zoe Saldaña reveals plans to step behind the came…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Zoe Saldaña has built an impressive career in Hollywood, achieving milestones that only a small number of actors can claim. From becoming an Academy Award winner to appearing in some of the world’s most successful film franchises, the actress has established herself as one of the industry’s most recognisable stars. However, Saldaña now appears ready to explore a completely different side of filmmaking by considering a move into directing. During an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, Saldaña spoke about her desire to eventually take control behind the camera. Addressing the festival audience, the actress said she believed there would come a point when simply watching other directors work would no longer be enough for her. Saldaña joked that after observing directors for so long, she might eventually feel compelled to take over the camera herself. Her comments reflected her growing interest in expanding her creative role within the film industry and exploring storytelling from a director’s perspective. The actress also expressed confidence in her own instincts, particularly when discussing women and their ability to recognise what they believe is right. With a humorous tone, she suggested that women often feel confident in their opinions because they are correct a significant amount of the time. For Saldaña, directing could provide an opportunity to test those instincts and prove what she can accomplish outside her established acting career. Her remarks came as she was being honoured at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival. Saldaña received a Special Honorary Pardo at the event, recognising her contribution to cinema and her successful career across a wide range of projects. During her appearance, the actress also reflected on her childhood and the experience of growing up between different cultures. Born in the Dominican Republic, Saldaña said her background and experiences of feeling like an outsider have played an important role in shaping the way she approaches acting and develops her characters. She recalled the challenges of being separated from a New York environment where she had been exposed to people from different backgrounds and cultures. According to Saldaña, living in a diverse environment allowed her to encounter different perspectives and understand the world beyond a single cultural identity. She later moved to a much smaller and more culturally homogeneous island, an experience she described as difficult during her formative years. The transition brought significant challenges, particularly because she encountered a society with a more unified religious and cultural identity. Despite the difficulties, Saldaña believes those experiences ultimately became valuable to her as an actor. She explained that the challenges of growing up between different cultural environments helped her develop a broader understanding of people and identities. That perspective, she suggested, became particularly useful when portraying some of her most famous characters, including Neytiri in the Avatar franchise and Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films. For Saldaña, growing up between cultures provided both struggles and opportunities for personal development. She believes being exposed to different ways of life enriched her understanding of human experiences and gave her additional emotional depth as a performer. Now, after years of success in front of the camera, Saldaña appears interested in turning those experiences into a new creative challenge. Her potential move into directing could mark an important new chapter in her career, allowing her to bring her perspective, cultural experiences and storytelling instincts to filmmaking from behind the camera.

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    AR Rahman’s son AR Ameen injured in Chennai crash

    ByJustpaste.in

    Indian playback singer AR Ameen, son of celebrated composer AR Rahman, was injured in a car accident in Chennai early Monday, according to Indian media reports. Ameen was travelling with a friend when their vehicle was involved in a collision with a taxi near Olympia Tech Park in the Guindy area. The accident reportedly occurred at around 3:30am as Ameen and his friend were travelling towards Guindy. A taxi approaching from a side road collided with their car, resulting in injuries to those involved. Ameen and his friend sustained minor injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. They were later discharged and returned home. The passenger travelling in the taxi also suffered minor injuries and received medical attention before being discharged. Authorities have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The Adyar Traffic Investigation Wing has registered a case as part of the inquiry. Police have also taken both vehicles involved in the accident into custody for examination. Further details about the cause of the crash are expected as the investigation progresses. Ameen has been building his own career in the Indian music industry while following in the footsteps of his father, one of the country’s most internationally recognised composers. The young singer has worked on several musical projects in recent years. His recent work includes the Tamil version of “Chikiri Chikiri” for actor Ram Charan’s upcoming film “Peddi.” He has also released independent music, including the track “Bheegi Bheegi,” as he continues to establish himself as a playback singer.

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    Nadia Afgan calls for accountability over animal cruelty

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani actor Nadia Afgan has spoken out against animal cruelty, arguing that violence toward stray animals reflects a much broader problem of weak accountability and the normalisation of abuse in society. During a recent interview, the actor discussed Punjab’s ongoing efforts to control the stray dog population. She questioned whether killing animals can provide a lasting solution and raised concerns about the enforcement of laws concerning animal welfare. Nadia said the country already has legislation covering a range of issues but argued that the bigger problem is the failure to properly implement those laws. She questioned how citizens can be expected to respect regulations when government institutions themselves are perceived as failing to enforce them consistently. For Nadia, the issue goes beyond stray dogs. She linked animal cruelty with violence against other vulnerable groups, including women, children and workers. She argued that abuse often becomes normalised when victims have little power to defend themselves. In her view, the same lack of accountability allows different forms of violence to continue across society. The actor also spoke about the emotional impact of repeatedly witnessing disturbing incidents. She said that people who attempt to raise awareness online can often feel powerless when serious social issues receive less attention than entertainment and celebrity-related content. Nadia revealed that the constant exposure to such incidents has affected her emotionally and, at times, prompted her to distance herself from social media. She also defended animal rescuers and volunteers against accusations that they misuse public donations. According to her, many rescue groups operate with extremely limited resources and depend heavily on individuals who contribute their own money, time and belongings. She said young volunteers sometimes sell personal items to help animals and provide emergency care. Nadia believes the public often notices animal rescue efforts only after particularly disturbing cases become viral online. Once the attention fades, however, volunteers are frequently left to continue the work without sustained institutional support. The actor further stressed the importance of teaching children empathy toward animals. She argued that repeatedly presenting animals as dangerous or treating cruelty as acceptable can influence how children understand violence and vulnerability. Instead, she favoured introducing children to animals in a safe and compassionate environment. She said empathy is more effectively developed through personal examples and positive experiences than through fear. Nadia ultimately presented the debate over stray dogs as part of a wider discussion about social responsibility. She maintained that protecting vulnerable beings, enforcing existing laws and holding people accountable are essential steps toward reducing violence

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    Imran Khan’s sister secures transit bail in cybe…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday granted transit pre-arrest bail to Noreen Niazi, sister of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, in a case registered under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) 2016. The court directed Niazi to approach the relevant Islamabad court by August 20 for further legal proceedings. Her protective relief will remain effective until that date. Justice Arshad Ali heard Niazi’s petition. Her legal team included Ali Zaman, Amir Zeb and Barrister Sarwar Muzaffar Shah. The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) registered the case in Islamabad on July 27. Niazi has been accused of making allegedly derogatory and inflammatory remarks about state institutions during a podcast and in video clips later circulated on social media. Her lawyers rejected the allegations and maintained that she had been falsely implicated. They argued that the case was politically motivated and that the authorities had not presented substantial evidence linking her to the alleged offences. The defence further claimed that attempts were being made to arrest and harass Niazi. The lawyers said the statements cited in the case had been taken out of context and wrongly interpreted. In its order, the PHC observed that the request for transit bail deserved consideration. The court subsequently granted interim protection subject to bail bonds of Rs80,000 and two sureties. Niazi later spoke to reporters and said she became aware of the case after arriving in Peshawar. She claimed that remarks she had made privately were allegedly passed on to authorities and subsequently became the basis of the case. She also alleged that several cases had been registered against members of Imran Khan’s family. Niazi questioned the allegations against her, saying she had never visited Peshawar and therefore had no involvement in matters concerning the province. The case emerged after the NCCIA summoned Niazi on July 20 over allegations involving the dissemination of what the agency described as false, offensive and inflammatory content concerning state institutions. The action followed the circulation of a video interview in which Niazi discussed the Pakistan-India military confrontation of last year. She made allegations about the circumstances surrounding the conflict and questioned the motives behind it. She also made claims involving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israel and US President Donald Trump.

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    Destructive earthquake hits Western Colombia

    ByJustpaste.in

    An omnipotent earthquake hit western Colombia in the early morning hours, leaving destruction, multiple fatalities and dozens of collapsed structures across several municipalities. Emergency responders and local residents are rushing  to pull survivors from beneath piles of heavy rubble. In the heart of the country’s coffee-growing region, Pereira Mayor Mauricio Salazar confirmed that 18 residents lost their lives due to the tragic event. Salazar stated, “The situation is critical.” He addressed Caracol Radio regarding the growing casualty toll and structural collapse. Reports from neighboring municipalities highlighted the widespread reach of the disaster. In nearby Manizales, Mayor Jorge Eduardo Rojas reported three fatalities resulting from the shaking. Along Colombia’s Pacific coastline, the key port city of Buenaventura also suffered casualties. Mayor Ligia del Carmen Cordoba confirmed one death after a building caved in, trapping several individuals inside. Cali, one of the nation’s largest urban centers, was among the hardest hit. The municipal authorities have yet to confirm official death tolls there, though. Mayor Alejandro Eder informed Caracol Radio that at least 30 buildings had completely collapsed. The collapse happened even with rescue crews actively operating at 10 high-priority sites across the city. Speaking earlier to Blu Radio, Mayor Eder detailed the urgency of the ongoing efforts: At this point, two people have already been rescued alive, one elderly woman and one young girl. There are more people trapped, he explained, emphasizing the scale of the emergency. He noted further, We have at least 12 critical points and 25 collapsed structures that we are responding to. In order to handle the overwhelming strain on local resources, the city requested emergency disaster support from authorities in Bogota and Medellin. Cali resident Juan Carlos Osorio described the immediate aftermath while sifting through wreckage: The building completely collapsed. It sounded like a bomb. It was horrible, Osorio told Caracol Television. He added, All of us neighbors are working together, forming human chains. We need heavy equipment. There are many people trapped. The immense intensity of the tremor shook neighboring nations including Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. However, Colombian officials confirmed that there was no threat of a tsunami. In the capital city of Bogota, the morning quake caused widespread alarm. They’re prompting frightened residents to run into the streets in their pajamas as emergency sirens echoed. Bogota Mayor Carlos Galan reassured the public via Blu Radio that damage within the capital appeared relatively minor, consisting primarily of cracked building facades. Elsewhere, news footage revealed severe structural damage, including multi-story buildings with their outer walls completely sheared off. In Choco province, the governor posted on X that multiple injuries and severe structural damage occurred in the departmental capital of Quibdo. News outlets broadcast images of destruction across cities in the coffee-growing region, known locally as Eje Cafetero. 66-year-old Eje Cafetero resident Martha Estrada told reporters, “There is no electricity or cell phone coverage. It was strong, really strong. Things fell in my house,” recounting the blackout and sudden movement inside her home. Cali’s mayor, Alejandro Eder, re-emphasized that the city was managing major damage and noted that officials were deploying drones to assess structural integrity across neighborhoods. He reiterated that at least 20 buildings had collapsed with individuals trapped inside, driving the urgent appeal for specialized rescue reinforcement from Bogota and Medellin. Residents in Bogota also recalled the intensity of the event, with 29-year-old content creator Valeria Polo remarking, The quake was very, very strong. To safeguard air travel, Colombia’s civil aeronautics agency announced on X that six regional airports temporarily suspended operations. The affected terminals serve Pereira, Manizales, Quibdo, Armenia, Cartago, and Buenaventura, allowing inspection crews to verify runway and building safety. Geographically, Colombia experiences frequent seismic activity because it is situated across three ranges of the Andean mountains. Historically, however, landslides have proven to be the country’s most lethal natural hazards, such as the 1985 Armero disaster that claimed approximately 25,000 lives. Major earthquakes have also left dark marks on the region; in 1999, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck the coffee region, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities in Armenia and Pereira. De La Espriella, a right-wing politician who has not previously held elected office, released a video filmed aboard a flight to Bogota following the disaster. He announced that he was suspending his scheduled activities to personally oversee emergency coordination efforts from the national capital.   This natural disaster follows severe regional seismic activity earlier in the summer, when twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela on June 24, leaving over 6,000 dead and causing catastrophic damage along the coast near Caracas.