تازہ ترین

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    Typhoon Dolphin hits Japan’s Okinawa as China prepares for landfall

    ByJustpaste.in

    Typhoon Dolphin has struck Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture, injuring five people and causing power outages across approximately 14,000 properties. Major Japanese carriers ANA and Japan Airlines cancelled flights to the region as maximum sustained wind speeds reached 162 kph, with gusts hitting 216 kph. China has issued high-level alerts along its eastern coast, halting port operations and suspending 162 ferry routes in Zhejiang province ahead of expected landfall between Sunday and Monday. Airports and maritime hubs across eastern China, including Ningbo Lishe International Airport and Shanghai’s Yangshan port, have suspended operations or cleared vessels from harbors. In Taiwan, authorities reported the cancellation of 63 international flights, whilst Taipei rejected maritime traffic control directives issued by Beijing for the Taiwan Strait as baseless.

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    US appeals court blocks Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom project

    ByJustpaste.in

    A US federal appeals court on Friday ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to halt construction of its $400 million ballroom at the White House, ruling that the executive branch lacks the authority to make such extensive alterations to the landmark without explicit approval from Congress. ​The 2–1 decision by a panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upholds an injunction obtained by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The preservation group filed a lawsuit last year after the administration demolished the historic East Wing to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom complex. ​Writing for the majority, Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia rejected the administration’s stance that executive authority permitted the unilateral overhaul. ​”Each President is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House and its Executive Residence”, the judges wrote. “Whether or not a massive ballroom should be constructed is for Congress to decide and is not a matter for Executive self-help.” ​The court clarified that its ruling does not permanently block the project, but requires the administration to secure legislative authorization before proceeding with aboveground construction. The order maintains an earlier district court ruling by Judge Richard Leon, which blocked aboveground work on the ballroom while permitting underground construction to proceed for bunker and national security facilities. ​The panel granted a 14-day stay on its ruling, allowing the Justice Department time to file an emergency petition with the US Supreme Court. ​President Trump strongly criticized the decision on social media, describing it as “horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful”. He argued that the project functions as a broader security complex incorporating bomb shelters, medical units, and drone shielding, warning that the halt poses a threat to national security. ​The National Trust praised the ruling, with CEO Brent Leggs stating that the decision affirms the principle that only Congress holds the authority to approve major structural additions to the White House. ​Judge Neomi Rao dissented, siding with the administration’s position that the executive branch retains sufficient discretion over the maintenance and security of the presidential residence.

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    US Senate confirms Trump nominees for labor board, cementing Republican control

    ByJustpaste.in

    The US Senate confirmed President Donald Trump’s nominees for two positions on the federal labour law enforcement agency on Friday. The move provides Republicans with the necessary votes to overturn several key decisions that previously supported union organising. The Republican-led Senate approved a block of over 70 federal government nominees in a 51–47 vote. Among those confirmed were James Macy and David Prouty to serve on the National Labor Relations Board. James Macy, a Republican, held several roles at the US Department of Labour after spending four decades representing employers in labour disputes. David Prouty, a former union lawyer serving as the board’s sole Democrat, was confirmed for a second term. The five-member board already held a 2–1 Republican majority prior to the confirmation vote. By tradition, the panel maintains two Democrats, two Republicans, and a chair designated by the president. The NLRB investigates complaints from private-sector workers and unions whilst overseeing workplace elections. Formal complaints filed by the general counsel are heard by administrative judges before reaching the full board, whose rulings can be appealed in federal court. This internal process faces ongoing legal challenges from companies such as Amazon and SpaceX, which argue that the framework violates the US Constitution. Under long-standing tradition, the board requires three affirmative votes to overturn established precedent. Existing Republican appointees Scott Mayer and Chairman James Murphy had previously stated they would not break with that practice without a third vote. Trump’s appointees are expected to target policies favoured by trade unions that contributed to a recent surge in organising efforts. Murphy and Mayer have already revived a rule making it harder to hold companies accountable as joint employers of contract workers, whilst relinquishing jurisdiction over a SpaceX case to another federal agency. The board previously lost its quorum and was unable to process cases last year after Trump took the unprecedented step of removing Democratic member Gwynne Wilcox. Her dismissal left hundreds of cases unresolved for nearly a year. Wilcox sued and brief reinstatement was granted before a federal appeals court paused and reversed the decision. In June, the US Supreme Court upheld Trump’s removal of a Democratic Federal Trade Commission member, ruling that statutory protections against removal without cause were invalid. Wilcox’s petition for Supreme Court review regarding an identical protection remains pending.

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    PTI chairman Gohar Khan’s mother passes away

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan’s mother has passed away. Gohar Khan confirmed the news through a post on his social media account. He shared the information with his followers and expressed grief over the death of his mother. According to the PTI chairman, his mother’s funeral prayers will be offered on Saturday at 4pm. The prayers will be held in Dagar village in Buner district. Gohar Khan also informed people about the location of the funeral so that relatives, friends and well-wishers could attend. The death of his mother comes as a personal loss for the PTI leader. Political figures, party colleagues and supporters are expected to extend their condolences to him and his family. Gohar Khan has remained active in national politics and is among the prominent leaders of the PTI. He has represented the party on several important political and legal matters. The funeral prayers will be held in Dagar at 4pm on Saturday. Family members and local residents are expected to attend the funeral. Further details about the burial arrangements have not been shared so far.

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    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim Trump suffered…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that international media outlets are increasingly portraying US President Donald Trump as having suffered a defeat in the conflict with Iran. In a statement, the IRGC said reports from various parts of the world were highlighting what it described as the failure of the United States to achieve its objectives against Iran. The Guards further claimed that the war had placed the Trump administration in a situation of its own making, with international coverage allegedly pointing to Washington’s difficulties in achieving its declared goals. According to the IRGC, recent agreements between the parties should not be viewed simply as diplomatic arrangements but as evidence of what it described as an American retreat in the face of Iran’s military capabilities and negotiating position. The Iranian force also maintained that the United States and Israel had failed to accomplish their stated objectives despite extensive military operations and accompanying media campaigns. The IRGC characterized the latest agreements as reflecting Iran’s ability to withstand military pressure and secure a stronger position at the negotiating table.

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    Houthis strike Yemen forces, 10 killed in Marib

    ByJustpaste.in

    MARIB: At least 10 people, including eight members of Yemen’s government-aligned security forces and two civilians, were killed in fresh Houthi attacks in the oil-rich Marib province, raising fresh concerns over a possible escalation in the country’s fragile security situation. According to local officials and military sources, Houthi fighters targeted positions held by forces loyal to Yemen’s internationally recognised government with missiles and drones. The attacks reportedly struck several military locations in Marib, a strategically important province that has remained a major focal point in Yemen’s long-running conflict. The latest violence comes despite a significant reduction in large-scale fighting across Yemen in recent years. The renewed attacks have therefore sparked concerns that the relative calm could be disrupted and that low-intensity clashes could once again develop into broader military confrontations. Reports also indicated that Houthi attacks in Marib and neighbouring Hadramout on Friday resulted in additional casualties, suggesting that the latest violence may be part of a wider increase in militant activity across government-held areas. Marib holds particular strategic importance because of its oil and gas resources as well as its location. Control of the province has long been a key objective for both the Yemeni government and the Houthis. The latest strikes have added to fears of a new escalation in Yemen, where years of conflict have already caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Any renewed fighting around Marib could carry wider consequences because of the province’s economic resources and military significance. The Houthis, who control large parts of northern and western Yemen including the capital Sanaa, have been involved in a prolonged conflict with government forces and their allies. The fresh deaths underline the continuing fragility of Yemen’s security environment and could test efforts to preserve the relative calm that has emerged after years of intense fighting.

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    Why are thousands protesting Sindh’s major civil…

    ByJustpaste.in

    HYDERABAD: A civil service examination meant to open the door to prestigious government jobs in Sindh has instead triggered months of protests, legal battles and allegations of irregularities, with unsuccessful candidates demanding that the entire process be scrapped and conducted again. The controversy centres on the Combined Competitive Examination 2024 (CCE-24) conducted by the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC). More than 4,300 candidates appeared in the written examination, which consisted of 10 papers. Yet when the results were announced on May 6, only 70 candidates were declared successful. The examination is particularly important because successful candidates can be appointed to Grade 16 and 17 positions, including assistant commissioners, assistant directors and section officers. For many candidates, the unusually low pass rate immediately raised questions. Why did the results trigger protests? The protesters’ concerns intensified when detailed marks certificates were uploaded following the announcement. Candidates noticed what they described as apparent inconsistencies in the marks sheets. One example involved Criminology, an optional subject carrying 100 marks in a single paper, which appeared in some detailed certificates as two papers carrying 200 marks. Candidates said a similar issue was visible in Environmental Science. Farman Ali, one of the campaign leaders, said candidates initially believed the discrepancy could simply be a technical mistake. However, after finding similar problems in other subjects, they began demanding an explanation from the commission. The SPSC, meanwhile, has maintained that the examination was conducted according to the applicable rules. Its spokesperson, Hifzullah Kaka, declined to comment on the disputed issues while the matter remained before the courts. Protests spread across Sindh Following the results, social media quickly filled with allegations that the examination process had been manipulated to benefit selected candidates. The Sindh Students Action Committee subsequently organised protests, while candidates began a sit-in outside the SPSC headquarters on Hyderabad’s Thandi Sarak. A larger rally was held on May 13, drawing students from different parts of Sindh. The following day, MQM-P lawmaker Maaz Mahboob submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, expressing concern over alleged irregularities, merit violations and a lack of transparency. Protesters later launched the Movement for Restoration of Meritocracy, demanding broader reforms in public recruitment. The campaign has since spread beyond Hyderabad, with protests reported in Nawabshah, Ghotki, Qambar, Umerkot, Islamkot and Gambat. How did the controversy reach the courts? The dispute soon moved into the courtroom. The Sindh High Court suspended the CCE-24 results and directed the SPSC to produce the complete examination record. The court also halted further appointments and proceedings based on the disputed results. The SPSC challenged the Sindh High Court’s interim orders before the newly established Federal Constitutional Court, arguing that the examination had been conducted fairly, transparently and under the Sindh Public Service Commission Act, 2022, and Recruitment Management Regulations, 2023. On July 16, the federal court suspended the Sindh High Court’s interim orders concerning the inquiry, interviews and rechecking of failed candidates. The development allowed the SPSC to proceed with interviews of the 70 successful candidates. Protesters refuse to back down Despite the legal developments, unsuccessful candidates say their concerns remain unresolved. They are demanding that CCE-24 be cancelled and a fresh examination conducted. They are also calling for the resignation of SPSC Chairman Muhammad Rizwan and commission members, along with an independent judicial inquiry into SPSC examinations and recruitments for Grade 16 and 17 posts over the past five years. At the heart of the dispute is a question that extends beyond one examination: can young candidates trust the system responsible for deciding who gets a government career? For thousands of applicants who spent years preparing for the competitive examination, the answer remains uncertain. As the court proceedings continue, protesters remain camped outside the SPSC headquarters, insisting that their campaign will continue until they receive what they consider a transparent and credible resolution.

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    7-day FutureVerse festival brings young people fro…

    ByJustpaste.in

    PESHAWAR: A seven-day youth festival bringing together young people from different parts of Pakistan, including a strong participation of women, was held at TMUC Peshawar with activities focused on skills development, entrepreneurship, technology and creative expression. FutureVerse 2026 was organised by the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with The Order of Pen (TOOP). Over the course of seven days, the festival brought together participants from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the newly merged districts, as well as other parts of the country. The seven-day programme featured training sessions, competitions, workshops, exhibitions and interactive activities organised under five themes — FounderVerse, TechVerse, MindVerse, JusticeVerse and StyleVerse. Participants explored entrepreneurship, design thinking, robotics, personality development, fashion, art and other emerging fields. Industry professionals and mentors also engaged with participants during different sessions. A significant feature of the seven-day event was the participation of women from different backgrounds and regions. They took part in training sessions, competitions, creative activities and discussions covering technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and other emerging areas. Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Abbas Khan Afridi said the participation of young people from different parts of the country, particularly women, reflected the need for broader access to learning and professional opportunities.   “FutureVerse has provided young people with a space to learn, exchange ideas and explore their potential over seven days. The participation of women and young people from different regions is particularly encouraging. We want to create more opportunities where they can gain practical skills, connect with mentors and pursue their ambitions,” he said. Mr Afridi said the Directorate would continue to support initiatives that provide young people with access to skills, mentorship and practical exposure. The festival also allowed participants to compete, collaborate and showcase their work while interacting with peers from different educational, social and regional backgrounds. The organisers said the inclusion of participants from the newly merged districts and other parts of Pakistan was intended to widen access to youth-oriented programmes and encourage greater interaction among young people from diverse communities.

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    Scientists, Academics attend launch of ‘My Strug…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: A distinguished gathering of eminent scientists, academicians, former public sector officials, engineers, and professionals attended the launch ceremony of My Struggles; Journey of a Technologist, authored by renowned scientist and technologist Dr. Farid A. Malik, held at the Islamabad Club on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by former officers of the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), a former Director General of NUST, senior representatives from academia and industry, including the Director of the Thar Coal Project, and several distinguished personalities from Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion, participants paid rich tribute to Dr. Farid A. Malik’s lifelong contributions to science, engineering, higher education, and national development. They described the book as an inspiring account of perseverance, professional excellence, and unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s scientific and technological progress. The speakers shared personal experiences and memories of working with Dr. Malik, highlighting his visionary leadership, dedication to mentoring young professionals, and his relentless pursuit of technological advancement. They noted that his remarkable journey serves as a source of inspiration for students, researchers, engineers, and policymakers alike.   Addressing the audience, Dr. Farid A. Malik presented a brief overview of his life’s journey, reflecting on the challenges, opportunities, and milestones that shaped his career as a technologist, researcher, educator, and public servant. “Success is not achieved without struggle. Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, innovate, and contribute towards national development,” Dr. Malik remarked while sharing the key message of his book. He encouraged young professionals to remain committed to excellence, embrace innovation, and serve the country with integrity, determination, and dedication. The participants appreciated the publication as a valuable addition to Pakistan’s scientific literature, observing that it documents not only the personal journey of an accomplished technologist but also the evolution of science, engineering, and technology in the country over several decades. The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session followed by a book-signing ceremony, where attendees congratulated Dr. Malik on documenting his inspiring life journey and wished him continued success in promoting science and technology in Pakistan.

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    Danish-Anmol’s Nishtar teaser sets screens on fire

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani actors Danish Taimoor and Anmol Baloch are set to share the screen in an upcoming drama serial, Nishtar, which is expected to be another major television project for the two stars. The first teaser of the drama has been released, giving viewers a glimpse into what appears to be an intense story filled with power, ambition, pride and romance. Danish Taimoor will reportedly play a powerful and confident young man whose life revolves around wealth, influence and authority. His character appears to have a strong personality and an attitude shaped by his privileged background. Anmol Baloch, meanwhile, will portray a fearless woman who enters his life and challenges his established way of thinking. The teaser suggests that her arrival could become a turning point for the central character and dramatically change the direction of his life. The drama has been written by renowned writer Maha Malik and directed by Seraj Ul Haq, who is known for his work on popular television projects. Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi are serving as producers. The project features a large ensemble cast, including Usman Peerzada, Haroon Shahid, Yousuf Bashir Qureshi, Shahnawaz Zaidi, Mahmood Aslam, Nida Mumtaz, Ali Dayyan Walji, Muhammad Faizan Sheikh, Ramsha Salahuddin, Syed Afzal Ali, Fatima Gohar, Ayesha Gul, Laiba Rehman Butt, Zarafshan Amir, Annie Zaidi, Muhammad Asad Gojar and Talia Jan. Danish Taimoor is among Pakistan’s well-known television actors and has appeared in several successful dramas over the years. His performances in projects such as Deewangi, Kaisi Teri Khudgarzi, Jaan Nisar and Ishq Hai have earned him a large following. Anmol Baloch has also gained recognition through her performances in dramas including Siyani, Sirf Tum and Iqtidar. Her pairing with Danish Taimoor has already generated interest among television audiences. The teaser has sparked excitement among fans, particularly those looking forward to seeing Danish return in an intense role. Many viewers have also expressed curiosity about the chemistry between the two lead actors.