تازہ ترین

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    GTA 6 gets a new look on August 27 — Here’s where to watch

    LOS ANGELES: The wait for another major glimpse of Grand Theft Auto 6 is almost over. Rockstar Games has announced that fans will get an extended look at the highly anticipated game on August 27, offering fresh details about the world, characters and story. Titled “Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look,” the presentation will be available through Netflix, YouTube and the official GTA 6 website, giving fans multiple ways to watch the new footage. The announcement is expected to generate fresh excitement around a title that has remained one of the gaming industry’s most closely watched releases. Rockstar has been developing GTA 6 for years, building anticipation among players eager to return to the franchise’s fictional criminal underworld. The game will take players back to Vice City and the wider state of Leonida, where protagonists Jason and Lucia become entangled in a dangerous conspiracy after a robbery goes wrong. Their survival increasingly depends on their ability to trust and work with each other. Rockstar previously opened pre-orders in June, with the Standard Edition priced at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99, according to the information provided by the company. The initial release is expected to focus on a single-player experience. Rockstar has not yet provided details about a multiplayer or online mode, leaving fans with another major question about the game’s long-term plans. With the August 27 presentation approaching, players will be watching closely to see whether the extended footage reveals new locations, gameplay mechanics or story details. For GTA fans, the next big reveal is now just weeks away.

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    Gigi Hadid fuels relationship buzz with ring in Paris

    Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper have once again fueled speculation about the status of their relationship after they were spotted wearing matching rings during a recent outing in Paris. The couple, who have been romantically linked since October 2023, were photographed leaving a gym together on Thursday. During the outing, Hadid was seen wearing a ring on her left hand, drawing renewed attention to the jewellery that has recently sparked engagement and marriage rumours. For the casual workout session, Cooper kept his look simple, wearing a backwards white baseball cap, a blue One Tribe Foundation “Hero 365” T-shirt, and matching athletic shorts. Unlike Hadid, however, he was not seen wearing the ring during the gym visit. The pair first ignited speculation earlier this week when they appeared together in Paris wearing matching rings. Fans quickly questioned whether the accessories signaled an engagement or a secret wedding. Reports suggest Hadid’s ring is a luxury wedding band crafted by French jewellery house Boucheron. The model’s piece is believed to be the Quatre Radiant Edition Wedding Band, valued at approximately $6,450. Cooper’s matching ring is said to be the Godron Pink Gold Wedding Band, priced at around $2,120. The complementary designs have attracted attention because they symbolize unity and commitment. The double-band style of Cooper’s ring is often associated with the strength of a lasting relationship, adding to the speculation surrounding the couple’s romance. Despite the growing rumours, multiple reports indicate that the rings do not necessarily mean wedding plans are underway. According to an insider, the couple have owned the rings for several months and consider them commitment rings rather than engagement or wedding bands. The source claimed that Hadid and Cooper are happy with their relationship but are not interested in having a traditional wedding or getting married at this stage. The insider also noted that their relationship continues to grow stronger and that they are in a good place together. The latest sighting comes as Cooper spends time in Paris for professional commitments. The actor is reportedly preparing for a major film project in which he is expected to write, direct and star. The upcoming production is said to explore the backstory of Danny Ocean’s father and is set years before the events of the popular Ocean’s 11 franchise. In addition to the live-action film, Cooper is also expected to lend his voice to an upcoming animated feature directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon Ho. The project features an ensemble voice cast and is scheduled for release in 2027. Both stars have children from previous relationships. Hadid shares five-year-old daughter Khai with former partner Zayn Malik, while Cooper co-parents nine-year-old daughter Lea De Seine with model Irina Shayk. Although marriage rumours continue to circulate, neither Hadid nor Cooper has publicly commented on the significance of the matching rings, leaving fans to continue speculating about the future of their relationship.

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    ‘No more theatre’: Ghalibaf challenges Trump over talks

    TEHRAN: Iran’s Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has delivered a blunt message to US President Donald Trump, calling for facts, commitments and serious diplomacy instead of what he described as political theatre. Reacting to Trump’s remarks suggesting that a major attack could be imminent, Ghalibaf said Iran was still prepared to negotiate, but expected the United States to demonstrate seriousness at the negotiating table. “Accept the facts and fulfil your promises,” Ghalibaf said, stressing that there was no need for further diplomatic drama and that responsible conduct was required. His comments come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with negotiations remaining a key focus even as both sides continue to exchange strong warnings. Ghalibaf has emerged as a central figure in Iran’s diplomatic efforts and has been involved in negotiations with the United States. He was also re-elected as speaker of Iran’s parliament in May, securing 235 votes from 271 lawmakers who cast ballots. Ghalibaf accused Washington of repeatedly using pressure tactics, including threats, broken promises and what he characterized as false reports. According to him, such an approach has failed to achieve its intended purpose. The Iranian official’s message combines a firm warning with an opening for dialogue: Tehran, he suggested, is willing to talk, but not under pressure. The latest remarks could add another layer of uncertainty to already fragile US-Iran diplomacy, particularly as both sides weigh whether negotiations can prevent another escalation.

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    Cooper Hoffman breaks silence on Nico Parker dating rumors

    Cooper Hoffman has officially confirmed his relationship with actress Nico Parker, ending months of speculation surrounding the pair’s romance. The 23-year-old actor opened up about his relationship during a recent interview, revealing that the couple first met while working together on Poetic License, the directorial debut of filmmaker Maude Apatow. Although they quickly developed a close connection on set, Hoffman explained that they did not begin dating until after filming had wrapped. According to the actor, the relationship became official when Parker visited New York to meet his mother, renowned costume designer Mimi O’Donnell. It was during that trip that Hoffman asked Parker to be his girlfriend, describing the moment as heartfelt and memorable. The actor shared that while filming helped them get to know each other, they intentionally waited until production had ended before taking their friendship to the next level. Their decision allowed them to separate work from their personal lives and build a relationship naturally. Following Hoffman’s confirmation, fans flooded social media with supportive messages celebrating the couple. Many admired their chemistry and expressed happiness that the actors had finally made their romance public. One fan commented that the pair appeared genuinely happy together and praised Hoffman for seeming kind and sincere. Another wrote that they loved seeing the two together, while a third jokingly referred to them as “two nepo babies,” acknowledging their famous Hollywood family backgrounds. Although their relationship has only now been publicly confirmed, rumors linking Hoffman and Parker have circulated since 2025. The pair first met in November 2024 while filming Poetic License, where they formed a close friendship. Despite their growing bond during production, they chose not to pursue a romantic relationship until several weeks after filming concluded. Speculation about their romance intensified in June 2025 when Parker hinted during an interview that she was seeing someone she described as “sweet.” Although she did not reveal the person’s identity, fans quickly began connecting the dots after noticing her frequent appearances with Hoffman. The rumors gained further momentum as the two were spotted together on multiple occasions, including social media posts that showcased their time together away from the spotlight. Interest in their relationship continued to grow in September 2025 when Hoffman and Parker attended the Toronto International Film Festival to promote Poetic License. During the event, the actors were photographed sharing a lighthearted moment while playing with a puppy, fueling even more speculation that they were more than just co-stars. Despite increasing public attention, both actors largely kept their private lives out of the spotlight, avoiding public discussion about their relationship for more than a year. Now, with Hoffman openly confirming their romance, fans finally have official confirmation that the pair are indeed together. His candid comments have been warmly received by supporters, many of whom have followed the couple’s journey from co-stars to partners. As both actors continue to build successful careers in Hollywood, their relationship has become one of the entertainment industry’s most talked-about young romances, with fans eager to see what lies ahead for the couple both on and off the screen.

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    England name 16-man squad for first two Tests against Pakistan

    England have unveiled their 16-member squad for the first two Tests of their three-match series against Pakistan, with Joe Root set to lead the side after Ben Stokes’ retirement. The first Test will begin on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds, marking the start of what promises to be a closely watched series between the two sides. Root has been handed the captaincy once again following Stokes’ retirement, placing the experienced batter at the centre of England’s plans against Pakistan. England have also welcomed back several familiar faces. Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Sam Cook have returned to the squad, adding experience and depth to the team. However, England will be without Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out of the Pakistan series because of a right knee injury. With Root back in charge and several key players returning, England will look to make a strong start at Leeds before the teams move on to the second Test. Pakistan will be hoping to challenge England’s home advantage and seize an early lead in the three-match contest. England Squad Joe Root (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

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    England fast bowler John Turner retires at just 25

    England fast bowler John Turner has announced his shock retirement from professional cricket at the age of 25, bringing the curtain down on a promising five-year career. Turner, who represented England in two ODIs and two T20Is in 2024, made the difficult decision after a prolonged battle with injuries kept him away from professional cricket since June last year. The Hampshire fast bowler suffered a stress fracture in his back, an injury that forced him to spend more than a year on the sidelines. Despite having two years remaining on his Hampshire contract and holding an England and Wales Cricket Board development contract until the end of last year, Turner decided that it was time to move on. Explaining his decision, Turner said the repeated injuries had made him think seriously about his future both as a cricketer and beyond the sport. “Playing professional and international cricket was always my dream,” Turner said, describing representing Hampshire and England as the fulfilment of childhood ambitions. He admitted that retirement was one of the toughest decisions of his life but said he believed it was the right moment to take on a new challenge. Turner made his first-class debut for Hampshire in 2021 and described his five years with the club as the best period of his life. He also thanked Hampshire’s management, coaches, teammates and supporters for their unwavering backing. His retirement brings a surprisingly early end to the career of a bowler who had once earned an international opportunity at just 23.

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    Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye set for strategic…

    Pakistan’s top civilian and military leadership offered prayers at Islam’s holiest site on Friday as Islamabad prepared for what diplomatic sources describe as a pivotal round of high-level engagements in Saudi Arabia that could reshape strategic cooperation among Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and members of the Pakistani delegation performed Umrah during their official visit to the Kingdom. Before performing Umrah, the delegation was granted the rare honour of a special visit inside the Holy Kaaba. Following the pilgrimage, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and members of the delegation offered special prayers for Pakistan’s peace, economic prosperity, national security, the unity of the Muslim Ummah and lasting regional and global peace. The visit comes at a strategically significant moment for the region. Diplomatic sources say Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is also expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia, where a possible trilateral engagement involving the leaders of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is expected on the sidelines of high-level consultations. According to diplomatic sources, the expected meeting could pave the way for a major expansion in defence cooperation, with discussions likely to focus on military collaboration, defence industrial partnerships, regional security coordination and strategic cooperation among the three countries. The Saudi visit underscores Pakistan’s growing diplomatic profile and its deepening strategic partnerships with Riyadh and Ankara. Officials view the engagements as an opportunity to advance cooperation in defence, investment, regional stability and economic development, while reinforcing Pakistan’s role in promoting peace and security across the Muslim world.

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    UN condemns Swat blast as Pakistan warns of Afghan…

    UNITED NATIONS: The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the deadly suicide bombing in Swat, describing the attack as “heinous and cowardly” as Pakistan renewed its warning that terrorist groups continue to operate from alleged safe havens inside Afghanistan. The attack took place outside a police station in Kabal, Swat, on August 2, killing at least 16 Pakistani nationals, mostly civilians, and leaving dozens injured, according to the UN statement cited by Pakistan’s Dawn. The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the bombing. In a statement issued through the office of the UN secretary general’s spokesperson, Security Council members expressed deep sympathy to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The council also stressed that those behind the attack must be held accountable, calling for perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of terrorism to be brought to justice. The UN body reiterated its longstanding position that terrorism, regardless of its motivation, location or perpetrators, remains a serious threat to international peace and security. It also urged member states to cooperate with Pakistan in accordance with international law and relevant Security Council resolutions. Pakistan Raises Alarm Over Afghan Sanctuaries The condemnation came shortly after Pakistan raised concerns at a UNSC briefing over what it described as the growing threat from terrorist organisations operating from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, said several groups continue to maintain safe havens inside Afghanistan and pose an increasing threat to Pakistan and regional security. He specifically named the banned TTP, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and Al Qaeda affiliates. Pakistan urged the international community to ensure that Afghan soil is not used to launch terrorist attacks against neighbouring countries, while calling for stronger international cooperation to counter cross-border terrorism. The latest developments have added fresh pressure to an already sensitive security relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They also came after the fourth US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue in Washington, where officials from both countries reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorist organisations. For Pakistan, the UNSC condemnation provides international recognition of the seriousness of the Swat attack, while Islamabad continues to push for stronger action against militant networks it says operate across its western border.

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    Punjab allocates Rs12.52bn for local polls after 1…

    The Punjab government has taken a major step towards holding long-delayed local government elections, approving Rs12.52 billion for the polls that could finally restore elected local councils across the province after an 11-year gap. The decision was taken during the 36th meeting of the Punjab Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The allocation signals that the provincial government is preparing for a fresh local election process after years of political, legal and administrative delays. Punjab last held local government elections in 2015, during the tenure of former chief minister Shehbaz Sharif. Polling was conducted in phases between October and December that year, while elected councils formally assumed office in 2017 following indirect elections for mayors and chairpersons. However, the local government system subsequently faced repeated disruptions. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government dissolved the elected local bodies in April 2019 before their scheduled completion. Although the Supreme Court later ordered their restoration, the councils eventually completed their term on December 31, 2021. Under Article 140A of the Constitution and the Elections Act, local government elections are required within 120 days after the expiry of local councils. This meant Punjab’s next elections were due in April 2022. Yet successive governments repeatedly changed local government laws, forcing the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to restart key preparations. Polls Could Be Held by November The latest development has raised hopes that Punjab may finally see local elections later this year. PILDAT President Ahmad Bilal Mehboob welcomed the cabinet’s decision to allocate funds, describing it as a positive indication that the electoral process could move forward. He said the ECP had completed the demarcation and delimitation process and dealt with objections, making it possible for the commission to announce an election schedule after August 17. According to Mehboob, if there is no “unseen factor”, local government elections could be held in Punjab by November 2026. The move could also have wider political implications. Asked whether the PML-N government’s decision might ease pressure surrounding demands for the creation of new provinces, Mehboob said provincial restructuring remained a complex issue. However, he noted that holding local elections could, to some extent, reduce the pressure for new provinces by strengthening grassroots representation. For millions of Punjab residents, the key question now is whether the latest budget allocation will finally translate into polling stations, elected councils and a functioning local government system after years of waiting.

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    Priyanka Chopra reveals next Hollywood project with Russell Crowe

    Priyanka Chopra has officially revealed her next Hollywood project, Bluefly, a science-fiction action thriller that will see her star alongside Academy Award winner Russell Crowe. The announcement marks another major international venture for the actress, who continues to expand her presence in global cinema with high-profile productions. The actress shared the update with fans on Instagram on Thursday, posting a behind-the-scenes image and captioning it simply, “On to the next.” The brief message quickly drew widespread attention, with fans and celebrities alike celebrating the exciting casting announcement. Bluefly will be directed by Nimród Antal, known for his work on action and thriller films. The screenplay has been written by David Frigerio together with William Eubank and Carlyle Eubank, promising a story packed with suspense, mystery and large-scale action. Set against the backdrop of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the film follows a grieving United Nations translator who unexpectedly becomes involved in a highly classified black-operations mission. The assignment centres on recovering a mysterious aircraft that was never meant to exist, forcing a Special Operations team to travel through dangerous militia-controlled territory. As the mission unfolds, the team discovers that retrieving the aircraft may not have been the true objective. Hidden agendas, dangerous secrets and unexpected twists transform what initially appears to be a recovery operation into a fight for survival. The storyline is expected to combine military action, science-fiction elements and psychological suspense. The film boasts an experienced production team, with Michael Jefferson, David Frigerio, Deborah Glover, Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier and Vanessa Yao Guo serving as producers. Their collaboration aims to deliver a large-scale thriller for international audiences. Speaking about the project, producer Delphine Perrier described Bluefly as a gripping action thriller filled with surprising twists and an emotionally layered story. She also expressed confidence that director Nimród Antal and the film’s cast would bring the ambitious project to life for viewers around the world. Priyanka’s Instagram announcement quickly attracted support from friends and colleagues across the entertainment industry. Her husband, singer Nick Jonas, reacted with fire emojis, while actress Huma Qureshi also showed her excitement in the comments section. Fans flooded the post with congratulatory messages, praising the casting and expressing enthusiasm about seeing Chopra and Crowe share the screen. Many described the pairing as one of the most exciting casting announcements of the year. Russell Crowe adds significant star power to the project. The veteran actor remains one of Hollywood’s most respected performers, earning worldwide acclaim and an Academy Award for his iconic portrayal of Maximus in Gladiator. His addition is expected to elevate the film’s international appeal. Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra has a busy schedule ahead. Alongside Bluefly, she is preparing for her much-awaited return to Indian cinema with director SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi. The project reunites her with Indian audiences after an eight-year gap and features an impressive ensemble cast, including Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The Indian epic is currently slated for a theatrical release in April 2027, while production on Bluefly is expected to begin soon as Chopra continues balancing major projects across Hollywood and India.