تازہ ترین

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    Indian activist held over shocking protest comments

    Indian political commentator and social activist T.G. Mohandas has been detained by police over controversial remarks about students taking part in a protest. Police reportedly took Mohandas into custody from his residence on Sunday evening. A cybercrime police team reached his home with local police officers. He was present when the team arrived. Authorities are investigating remarks made by Mohandas in a video shared on his YouTube channel. Police also collected information about his YouTube account and digital devices allegedly used to record and upload the video. A complaint has reportedly been registered against him. The complaint alleges that the videos published on his channel were capable of disturbing public order. It also accused him of creating fear and unrest through his statements. The controversy began after Mohandas commented on a student protest in Delhi linked to an alleged examination paper leak. In the video, he made offensive remarks about female protesters and claimed that the demonstrations could lead to incidents of sexual violence. He further made a derogatory statement about women participating in the protest. His comments triggered criticism because they appeared to blame or demean potential victims of sexual violence. Mohandas also spoke about how authorities should respond to the demonstrations. He said that if he were in government, he would impose a curfew to disperse the protesters. He further suggested that force could be used if demonstrators refused to leave. His remarks included references to people potentially being killed or permanently injured during a violent crackdown. The comments have drawn attention from law enforcement authorities. Police are now examining the video and other digital material connected to the case. Officials are also questioning Mohandas as part of the investigation. The authorities are expected to determine whether his statements and online content violated laws relating to public order and the spread of fear or unrest. The case has sparked wider discussion over the limits of political commentary and responsibility for statements made on social media. The investigation is continuing, while further details about the allegations and possible legal action are awaited.

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    Houthis target Saudi Aramco refinery in drone atta…

    RIYADH/SANAA: Regional tensions have taken another dangerous turn after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group claimed it carried out a drone attack on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery, while a separate barrage of missiles and drones reportedly struck the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Mokha. The developments come as security concerns continue to grow across the Red Sea and Gulf, adding another layer to an already volatile regional situation. Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said the group had targeted the Aramco refinery in Jazan, in southwestern Saudi Arabia, with drones. Saudi authorities confirmed that a fire had broken out at the facility but said it had been brought under control and that no casualties had been reported. Saudi officials did not immediately attribute the fire to the alleged Houthi attack, leaving some details surrounding the incident unclear. The Jazan refinery is a strategically important energy facility on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The complex has a crude-processing capacity of around 400,000 barrels per day and produces products including gasoline and ultra-low-sulfur diesel. The latest incident is not the first time Houthi attacks have been reported against Saudi energy infrastructure. The Jazan facility was also reportedly affected by an attack in late July, with parts of its gasification complex and tank farm suffering damage, according to reports. Mokha Port Also Hit The situation became even more serious when Houthi forces reportedly launched missiles and drones toward Mokha, a strategically located port city on Yemen’s western coast. Yemeni government forces and medical sources initially reported at least seven deaths, including civilians and military personnel. Later reports put the death toll at 11, with eight military personnel and three civilians among those killed. Around 32 people were reportedly wounded, although casualty figures varied between sources. Yemeni military officials said air-defence systems intercepted 11 Houthi drones during the attacks. Damage was also reported to civilian and commercial infrastructure around the port. The attacks come against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The Houthis have also previously threatened measures affecting shipping in the Red Sea, framing their actions as retaliation for Saudi policies toward Yemen. The latest escalation is particularly notable because Saudi Arabia has recently deepened its defence cooperation with Pakistan and Türkiye. The new security arrangement has been presented as a collective defence framework in which an armed attack against one member is treated as an attack against all. With attacks now reported near both Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and Yemen’s Red Sea coastline, fears are growing that the conflict could further disrupt an already sensitive regional security and trade environment.

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    Sindh High Court seeks record in Mustafa Amir murd…

    The Sindh High Court has expressed concern over delays in the trial of Mustafa Amir’s murder case. The court has sought the complete case record from the trial court. Mustafa Amir’s mother approached the high court against what she described as slow progress in the case. During the hearing, the court questioned why the proceedings had not moved forward. The court also asked whether Section 302 had been added to the case. The complainant’s lawyer said several cases were pending against suspect Armaghan. He alleged that different delaying tactics were being used to slow the proceedings. According to the lawyer, the defence had given several reasons for the delays. At times, disagreements reportedly occurred between the suspect and his parents. On other occasions, the defence lawyer did not appear in court. The suspect had also expressed a lack of confidence in the trial court. The court questioned why the cases were not proceeding despite the suspect being in jail. It observed that continued delays could keep him behind bars for years if he failed to secure bail. The complainant’s lawyer said the case was highly important. However, he claimed that the proceedings were mainly resulting in new hearing dates. The court said the trial should move forward quickly if the accused was using delaying tactics. It said the trial court and prosecution would be given directions to ensure the case proceeds without unnecessary delays. Justice Abdul Rahman also asked whether a medical board had been formed to conduct a psychological examination of the suspect. The complainant’s lawyer said the board had not yet been constituted. Justice Iqbal Kalhoro asked whether charges had been formally framed in the case. The court also directed the complainant to file an application seeking an early trial. The judges warned that prolonged delays could affect the evidence of witnesses. They said witnesses could forget important details if the proceedings remained pending for a long period. Meanwhile, CIA police have also started investigating the alleged drug-related aspect of the Mustafa Amir murder case. The complainant’s lawyer told the court that an application had already been submitted. He said the relevant material was available in the case diary. The court directed the authorities to submit a report at the next hearing. The report will include details of the case’s progress and the adjournments that have taken place. Speaking outside the Sindh High Court, Mustafa Amir’s mother said the case had been delayed for around one and a half years. She alleged that unnecessary delays were affecting the proceedings.

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    Rs65m Edhi robbery triggers outrage as workers dem…

    KARACHI: A Rs65 million robbery at an Edhi Foundation centre in Karachi has sparked protests, with families of affected employees demanding the recovery of the stolen money and the immediate arrest of those responsible. The demonstration was held outside the Karachi Press Club on Sunday, where relatives of Edhi Foundation workers, labour representatives, civil society activists and citizens gathered to voice their anger. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans calling for justice and the safe recovery of funds intended to pay workers’ salaries. Edhi Foundation Chairman Faisal Edhi joined the protest and expressed concern over the financial hardship faced by employees from low-income families. He said the money stolen from the foundation’s Sohrab Goth centre had been kept specifically for salary payments. According to Faisal Edhi, four armed men entered the centre, took the Rs65 million and escaped. He said no arrests had been made so far and urged Sindh Chief Minister to take immediate action to ensure the suspects were arrested and the stolen funds recovered. “These workers come from poor families, and their households have been left without financial support,” Faisal Edhi said, assuring employees that the foundation would stand by them during the difficult situation. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt also condemned the incident, saying the robbery at a humanitarian organisation raised serious concerns about security and law enforcement. He called on the Sindh government to provide immediate financial assistance to the Edhi Foundation and compensate it for the stolen amount. National Trade Union Federation Secretary General Nasir Mansoor, Pakistan Peoples Party Labour Bureau leader Habibuddin Junaidi and other representatives also attended the demonstration in support of the affected workers. Family members of the employees appealed to the provincial government to ensure that salaries were paid without further delay. They also demanded stronger security at Edhi Foundation centres across Karachi and called for the arrest and prosecution of the robbers. The protesters further questioned the Sindh police leadership over the lack of arrests and demanded an explanation for the delay in bringing the suspects to justice. The robbery has left many Edhi employees and their families facing immediate financial uncertainty, turning the incident into not only a major security concern but also a humanitarian issue for the workers who depend on their salaries to support their households.

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    India turn to Sarfaraz after Sudharsan injury

    NEW DELHI: India have turned to middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan as their injury problems continue to pile up ahead of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, bringing the right-hander into the squad as a replacement for Sai Sudharsan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Sudharsan has been ruled out after suffering a stress reaction in his right foot. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and has reportedly shown significant improvement. Sarfaraz’s inclusion gives India another experienced domestic performer as the team prepares for an important World Test Championship assignment. The 28-year-old made his Test debut in 2024 and has so far played six Tests, scoring 371 runs at international level. His record includes one century and three half-centuries, highlighting his ability to make an impact when given opportunities in the longer format. Sarfaraz has also remained a prolific performer in India’s domestic cricket. During the 2025 Ranji Trophy season, he represented Mumbai in seven matches and accumulated 429 runs, strengthening his case for another opportunity at Test level. His return comes at a challenging time for India, who are dealing with injuries to several important players. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Washington Sundar are also among the players whose fitness has become a concern ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. The changes have added uncertainty to India’s final combination, particularly in the batting and bowling departments. Sarfaraz’s selection could provide the team with additional depth in the middle order as the management assesses its options. India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to play the opening Test in Galle on August 15, followed by the second Test at the SSC Ground in Colombo from August 23. The two-match series carries added significance because it forms part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Both sides will therefore be looking to begin the campaign strongly and collect valuable points. For Sarfaraz, the opportunity arrives at a crucial moment. After producing strong numbers in domestic cricket and making a promising start to his international career, his inclusion gives him another chance to establish himself in India’s Test middle order. With injuries already forcing India to rethink their plans, Sarfaraz could now find himself at the centre of attention when the first Test begins in Galle.

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    Indian law graduates oppose CJI Surya Kant as convocation chief guest

    Graduates of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research in Hyderabad have urged the university administration to reconsider its decision to invite Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the chief guest at its upcoming convocation. The students have submitted a written request to the vice chancellor, registrar and faculty members. They said the university should consider constitutional values, justice and respect for citizens’ grievances while deciding who should preside over such an important academic event. The students’ concerns are linked to the Supreme Court’s handling of a petition related to police action during a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. The protest was held under the banner of “Chalo Sansad”. The students have raised questions about the court’s decision not to list the petition for an urgent hearing at the time. In their representation, the graduates referred to reports about a hearing held on July 22. They claimed that the lawyer representing the protesters was told not to waste the court’s time. The students also cited reports that the lawyer offered to show videos of alleged police excesses during the protest. According to the petition, the chief justice reportedly declined to watch the footage, saying he did not have time. The graduates further alleged that the lawyer was not allowed to fully explain the reasons behind the protest. They said the matter deserved greater consideration because of the allegations surrounding the police action. The students also said a separate letter had previously been sent to the chief justice. The letter reportedly requested the Supreme Court to take suo motu notice of the alleged police action. According to the students’ petition, more than 170 protesters were injured during the incident. They claimed that women and children were also among those injured. The graduates said their concerns were based on the principles they had been taught during their time at the law university. They argued that constitutional rights and citizens’ freedoms were central to their legal education. They said receiving degrees from a chief guest whose recent conduct they believe raises questions about the handling of allegations of police violence would be a matter of concern. The students have therefore asked the university to reconsider the invitation. They have also sought consultation with graduating students before making a final decision. They further requested a meeting with the university administration to discuss the issue. The graduates also asked the administration to respond to their concerns without delay.

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    Will Scharf named Trump’s new White House counsel

    US President Donald Trump has appointed Will Scharf as the next White House counsel and assistant to the president. Scharf, who currently serves as White House staff secretary, will take over the legal post on September 1, 2026. He will replace David Warrington, who is set to leave the administration and enter the private sector. Scharf is a lawyer and political adviser with close ties to Trump. Before joining the White House, he represented Trump in several major legal matters. He was also involved in the presidential immunity case that reached the US Supreme Court. Scharf previously worked as a federal prosecutor. He also served as a law clerk for federal appeals court judges, giving him experience in both government and federal litigation. His new position will place him at the centre of the Trump administration’s legal strategy. As White House counsel, Scharf will advise the president on legal issues and oversee matters involving executive privilege, judicial appointments and relations with the Justice Department. He will also be involved in responding to legal challenges facing the administration. The position is considered particularly important as Trump prepares for growing political and legal pressure ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Scharf joined Trump’s legal team in 2023. He worked on the federal election interference case brought by former Special Counsel Jack Smith. His involvement continued as the case reached the Supreme Court. In 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that presidents have broad immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. The decision became a major development in the legal battles surrounding Trump. After Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, Scharf was appointed staff secretary. In that role, he managed documents and other materials sent to the president for review. He also frequently appeared with Trump during executive-order signing ceremonies. Scharf has also chaired the National Capital Planning Commission. During his tenure, he was involved in the approval process for Trump’s proposed White House ballroom project, which has faced controversy and scrutiny. His appointment comes at a politically sensitive time for the administration. The White House is dealing with legal and political challenges while preparing for increased congressional scrutiny before the midterm elections. Trump praised Scharf after announcing the appointment. He described him as “tough, strong, and smart” and highlighted his experience as a federal prosecutor and his work on Trump’s legal cases.

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    Hailey Bieber steals the show at Kylie Jenner’s birthday party

    Hailey Bieber turned heads with a playful party moment during Kylie Jenner’s 29th birthday celebrations in Beverly Hills. Kylie hosted a pink-themed gathering over the weekend as part of her early birthday celebrations. The party brought together several members of her close circle, including Hailey, Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian. Guests followed a “princess kitty” theme. They were seen wearing tiaras and colourful feather boas as they joined the celebrations. Hailey shared several glimpses of the party with her followers on Instagram. However, one unusual photo quickly became a talking point among fans. In the picture, Hailey appeared in a silver and pink tiara with a fluffy pink feather boa. She was seen playfully posing behind a friend in a cheeky and unexpected manner. The photo was initially shared by Kylie and Hailey’s close friend Devon Lee Carlson. Hailey later reposted the image on her own Instagram account. For the celebration, Hailey kept her outfit casual. She wore a pink tank top with khaki trousers and completed the look with the party accessories. Kylie began celebrating her birthday ahead of the actual date. She turned 29 on Monday, making the weekend gathering part of her early birthday festivities. Hailey’s husband, Justin Bieber, also attended the celebration. The event featured several people from Kylie’s close friendship group. Kylie’s sister Kendall Jenner was also seen in a group photograph from the party. She wore a light pink tank top with black wide-leg trousers, along with a tiara and feather boa.

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    Swabi Tobacco growers burn crop over disputed pric…

    SWABI: Tobacco growers in Swabi took to the streets on Monday, protesting against what they described as unfairly low purchase prices for their crop and demanding enforcement of the official rate announced by the Pakistan Tobacco Board. The protest was held outside the Swabi Press Club, where farmers were joined by political and social activists as well as members of the local community. Growers said they were being offered as little as Rs350 per kilogram, despite the official rate of Rs750 per kilogram. During the demonstration, tobacco grower and former ANP district general secretary Haji Tameez Khan burned around 500 kilograms of his tobacco crop to highlight the financial pressure facing farmers. Speaking at the protest, Khan said the cost of producing tobacco had reached nearly Rs750 per kilogram, making offers of Rs350 to Rs400 per kilogram unsustainable for growers. He said farmers had already suffered substantial losses in the previous season and were now struggling to clear debts owed to labourers and suppliers. Khan said tobacco was a major cash crop and generated significant revenue for the cigarette industry, yet farmers remained uncertain about receiving a price that covered their production costs. He warned that continued failure to address the issue could lead more growers to adopt similar forms of protest. The protesters also criticised the Pakistan Tobacco Board and tobacco companies for failing to resolve the pricing dispute. They called on the authorities to ensure that tobacco-buying companies adhere to the officially approved rate and protect farmers from losses. National Awami Party district chairman Masood Jabbar said tobacco was a key source of income for Swabi’s farming community. He warned that failure to address growers’ grievances could lead to wider protests across the district, with more farmers expected to join future demonstrations.

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    Georgina shares family moments amid wedding rumours

    Georgina Rodríguez has given fans a glimpse of her quiet family weekend after widespread speculation about her marriage to Cristiano Ronaldo. The Argentine-Spanish model shared a video on Instagram showing her spending time with her children by the sea. She appeared relaxed as she enjoyed the waves with her daughters and son. Alongside the video, Georgina described her children as her “little fish” and shared her affection for the family outing. Her latest post came after intense online speculation that she and Ronaldo were preparing to marry in Madeira. The reports had attracted significant attention, with fans gathering outside a cathedral in Funchal hoping to see the couple. However, the expected ceremony did not take place. Instead, another newly married couple was seen leaving the cathedral, leaving many Ronaldo and Georgina fans disappointed and confused. Georgina also added to the mystery by sharing pictures in casual tracksuit bottoms rather than a wedding dress. She later posted a short clip showing herself enjoying a relaxed day and tagged the clothing brand. The model had also been keeping active in recent days. Earlier in the week, she shared footage from a gym session with her followers. Ronaldo and Georgina have been together for several years and regularly share glimpses of their family life on social media. Their relationship has continued to attract global attention, particularly whenever marriage rumours emerge. The latest developments have once again raised questions about when the couple will officially tie the knot. Neither Georgina nor Ronaldo has publicly confirmed a wedding date.