تازہ ترین

  • | |

    Maren Morris reflects on major career milestone: ?…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Maren Morris is celebrating a meaningful milestone in her music career, and the Grammy-winning singer admits the moment has been both exciting and emotional. Speaking with People magazine, the 36-year-old singer-songwriter reflected on nearly a decade since her breakthrough in country music, saying the journey has given her a renewed appreciation for how far she has come. (people.com⁠) Morris looked back on 2016, the year that changed her life with the release of her breakthrough album Hero. The record introduced hits such as My Church and established her as one of country music’s brightest new voices. As she approaches the 10-year anniversary of that defining period, the singer said revisiting those memories has stirred a range of emotions. “It feels really emotional,” Morris told People, explaining that reaching this stage of her career has reminded her of the hard work, uncertainty and determination that shaped her path. She admitted that when she first entered the industry, she never imagined how much her life would change over the following decade. (people.com⁠) The singer also reflected on the challenges she has faced throughout her career. From navigating the pressures of fame to evolving as an artist, Morris said every experience has contributed to her growth both personally and professionally. Rather than trying to repeat past successes, she believes each chapter of her career has taught her something valuable. Over the years, Morris has earned widespread recognition for blending country, pop and folk influences into her music. Her distinctive sound has won her multiple awards, including a Grammy Award, while songs such as The Bones, 80s Mercedes and Girl have become fan favorites. She has also collaborated with several leading artists across different genres, expanding her influence beyond traditional country music. (grammy.com⁠) Recently, Morris has embraced a new creative direction, exploring fresh musical styles while remaining true to her songwriting roots. She explained that personal growth naturally influences her work, allowing her to create music that reflects where she is in life today rather than who she was ten years ago. That willingness to evolve, she said, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career. (people.com⁠) As she celebrates this milestone, Morris expressed gratitude to the fans who have supported her since the beginning. Their encouragement, she said, has made it possible for her to continue taking creative risks and growing as an artist. Looking ahead, the singer remains excited about the future. While the past decade has been filled with unforgettable achievements, she believes her journey is far from over. With new music, fresh inspiration and a decade of experience behind her, Maren Morris is entering the next chapter of her career with confidence, gratitude and a deeper appreciation for everything she has accomplished.

  • | |

    Louis Partridge sparks speculation after deleting …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Louis Partridge has fueled fresh speculation about his relationship with ex-girlfriend Olivia Rodrigo after fans noticed that he had deleted a heartfelt Instagram post previously dedicated to the singer. The move comes months after reports claimed the couple ended their relationship in late 2025 and shortly after Rodrigo was seen publicly with her rumored new boyfriend, prompting renewed attention from fans online. (pinkvilla.com⁠) Partridge and Rodrigo first sparked romance rumors in 2023 before making several public appearances together. Throughout their relationship, the pair generally kept their romance private, although they occasionally shared affectionate moments on social media and during public events. Reports later suggested the two quietly went their separate ways in December 2025, though neither publicly discussed the reason behind the breakup. (pinkvilla.com⁠) The latest speculation began when fans realized that Partridge had removed an Instagram post celebrating Rodrigo’s birthday. The post, which had featured a sweet message and photos of the couple, was no longer visible on his profile. The timing quickly caught the attention of social media users because it came after Rodrigo was photographed with a new rumored partner, leading some fans to wonder whether the deletion was intentional. (pinkvilla.com⁠) Despite the online chatter, there is no confirmation that the deleted post was meant as a message toward Rodrigo. Neither Partridge nor the singer has commented publicly on the removal, and there is no verified evidence suggesting the actor was attempting to criticize or “shade” his former girlfriend. Many celebrities choose to archive or delete posts from previous relationships after a breakup, making the move relatively common. (pinkvilla.com⁠) Rodrigo, meanwhile, has continued to focus on her music and public appearances. Recent reports linking her to a new boyfriend have attracted significant attention, although the Grammy-winning artist has not publicly addressed the status of her personal life. She has often preferred to keep her relationships private despite intense media interest. (pinkvilla.com⁠) As for Partridge, the actor has remained focused on his growing film career while largely avoiding discussions about his private life. Although the deleted Instagram post has sparked widespread speculation, the true reason behind its removal remains unknown. For now, fans continue to debate the timing of Partridge’s decision, but without a statement from either star, any claims that the deletion was directed at Olivia Rodrigo remain unconfirmed. The incident highlights how even small social media changes can quickly become the subject of major public speculation when high-profile celebrities are involved.

  • | |

    Met Gala 2027 theme sparks backlash after John Gal…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Met Gala 2027 is already generating heated debate months before the event, following the announcement that legendary fashion designer John Galliano will be the focus of next year’s Costume Institute exhibition. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vogue revealed that the 2027 exhibition will be titled “John Galliano: Horizon,” a decision that has drawn both praise for Galliano’s creative legacy and criticism over his controversial past. (vogue.com⁠) The annual Costume Institute exhibition serves as the inspiration for the Met Gala dress code, making the announcement one of the fashion industry’s biggest events. Organizers described John Galliano: Horizon as a celebration of the designer’s extraordinary impact on fashion, highlighting his groundbreaking work at fashion houses including Givenchy, Dior and Maison Margiela. The exhibition is expected to showcase his most influential collections and explore his decades-long contribution to haute couture. (metmuseum.org⁠) However, the announcement quickly sparked criticism online. Many social media users questioned the decision to honor Galliano because of his highly publicized antisemitic remarks made in 2011. At the time, the British designer was dismissed from Christian Dior after a video emerged showing him making offensive comments. He was later convicted by a French court for public insults based on religion and ethnicity. (bbc.com⁠) Supporters of the exhibition argue that Galliano has spent years rebuilding his career and taking responsibility for his actions. Following the scandal, he publicly apologized, sought treatment for addiction and gradually returned to the fashion industry. His creative revival at Maison Margiela has been widely praised, with many critics describing his recent couture collections as some of the finest work of his career. (vogue.com⁠) Critics, however, believe that celebrating Galliano with one of fashion’s highest-profile exhibitions sends the wrong message. Some argue that his past should not be separated from his artistic achievements, while others say the exhibition should provide broader context rather than simply celebrating his influence. The debate has quickly spread across social media, with fashion enthusiasts, journalists and cultural commentators expressing differing views. (theguardian.com⁠) Despite the controversy, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vogue have defended their decision by emphasizing Galliano’s lasting impact on fashion history. They say the exhibition aims to examine his artistic vision and transformative role in modern design rather than overlook the complexities of his career. (vogue.com⁠) As anticipation builds for the 2027 Met Gala, discussions surrounding John Galliano: Horizon are likely to continue. While some view the exhibition as a celebration of one of fashion’s most imaginative designers, others believe it raises important questions about accountability, redemption and the legacy of influential public figures. The conversation has ensured that next year’s Met Gala will be about more than glamorous red-carpet looks—it will also be a reflection of the ongoing debate over art, history and responsibility.

  • |

    Government reviews splitting LESCO, MEPCO before privatisation

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Ministry of Privatisation has established a high-level Technical Committee to examine the feasibility of dividing the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) and Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) into two or three smaller power distribution companies before their proposed privatisation, according to informed sources. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to reform Pakistan’s power distribution sector and make state-owned electricity companies more attractive for private investment. LESCO and MEPCO currently serve the largest geographical areas and consumer bases among the country’s distribution companies (DISCOs), prompting officials to assess whether restructuring them into smaller entities could improve operational efficiency and facilitate the privatisation process. Technical Committee Constituted The committee is headed by Sajid Akram, Adviser (Power) at the Privatisation Commission. Other members include Ghulam Rasool, Joint Secretary at the Privatisation Commission; Imran Hafeez, Additional Director Tariff at the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA); and Abid Lodhi, Managing Director of the Power Planning and Monitoring Company (PPMC). The committee has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the proposal and submitting recommendations to the government after evaluating its technical, operational and strategic implications. Weak Performance Raises Concerns Officials familiar with the matter said that both LESCO and MEPCO have consistently faced operational challenges, particularly in controlling electricity theft, reducing transmission and distribution losses, and improving bill recovery. These issues have affected their financial performance and have remained a major concern for policymakers pursuing reforms in the power sector. Recent audit reports for the fiscal year 2024-25 also highlighted unsatisfactory performance by both companies, reinforcing the need for structural reforms before moving ahead with the privatisation programme. MEPCO: Pakistan’s Largest Distribution Company MEPCO was incorporated in 1998 as a public sector company and operates under a permanent electricity distribution licence issued by NEPRA. The company is wholly owned by the Government of Pakistan through the Ministry of Energy. Serving nearly 8.76 million consumers across 13 districts of southern Punjab, MEPCO is the country’s largest electricity distribution company in terms of customer base. Its extensive network includes more than 82,000 kilometres of distribution lines and over 780 grid stations, supplying electricity across a vast region bordering three provinces. The company has initiated several modernisation projects, including the deployment of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), commonly known as smart metering, and digital billing systems aimed at improving transparency, reducing losses and enhancing customer services. LESCO Serving Over Seven Million Consumers LESCO also began operations in 1998 and supplies electricity to approximately 7.05 million consumers across Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib and Okara. Its consumer base includes domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and bulk supply customers. The company’s operational network is divided into eight circles supervised by Superintending Engineers and 41 divisions managed by Executive Engineers to oversee field operations. In recent years, LESCO has accelerated efforts to modernise its infrastructure through the installation of smart meters, with plans to convert its entire consumer base to the Advanced Metering Infrastructure by 2029. However, the company continues to face significant operational hurdles, including shortages of transformers and electricity meters, resulting in delays in providing new connections and replacing faulty equipment. These issues have drawn criticism from regulators and consumers alike. Committee’s Terms of Reference According to the approved Terms of Reference (ToRs), the Technical Committee will: Assess the feasibility of splitting LESCO and MEPCO into two or three smaller distribution companies. Examine the potential advantages and disadvantages of such restructuring in line with the National Electricity Plan, the government’s Power Policy and the ongoing privatisation programme. Review whether similar committees were constituted in the past and analyse their findings, recommendations and implementation status. The committee’s recommendations are expected to play an important role in determining whether the government proceeds with restructuring the two major DISCOs before offering them for privatisation.

  • |

    Sabalenka targets strong comeback at Toronto Open

    ByJustpaste.in

    TORONTO: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to rediscover her best form as she begins her campaign at the WTA 1000 Canadian Open in Toronto, with the top ranking and momentum ahead of the US Open at stake. The Belarusian has enjoyed an outstanding hard-court season, winning 23 of her 24 matches on the surface in 2026. Her only defeat came against Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final. Despite her dominance on hard courts, Sabalenka struggled to produce similar results during the clay and grass-court seasons. She was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the French Open before suffering a fourth-round exit at Wimbledon against Japan’s Naomi Osaka. The Toronto tournament could have a significant impact on the WTA rankings. Sabalenka risks losing the world No. 1 position if she fails to reach the round of 16 and Rybakina goes on to win the title. Although Sabalenka has never progressed beyond the semi-finals at the Canadian event, she believes she is mentally refreshed after taking a short break following Wimbledon. The 27-year-old spent several days on the Greek island of Mykonos before returning to training with renewed motivation. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Sabalenka said the time away from tennis allowed her to recover physically and mentally. She admitted that some adjustments made during the clay and grass seasons did not deliver the desired results but expressed confidence that returning to her usual approach would help her regain consistency. The tournament draw presents another tough challenge for the top seed. Sabalenka leads the upper half, which also features two-time champion Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova and Poland’s Iga Swiatek, who is looking to bounce back after an early Wimbledon exit. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina heads the bottom half of the draw alongside Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and newly crowned Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova. Noskova, who recently captured her maiden Grand Slam title, enters the tournament with growing confidence and could face rising Philippine star Alexandra Eala in the third round. Several notable players will miss the tournament. Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova remains unavailable while recovering from minor surgery, while defending champion Victoria Mboko is also sidelined with the knee injury that forced her to withdraw from Wimbledon.

  • |

    Private sector gets record Rs1.138 trillion loans in FY2025-26

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s private sector secured bank financing worth Rs1.138 trillion during the fiscal year 2025-26, marking the highest level of private-sector credit in the last four years, according to Adviser to the Finance Minister Khurram Shahzad. In a statement, Shahzad said the sharp increase in lending reflects improving economic conditions, stronger business confidence, and the government’s efforts to encourage investment and industrial growth. He noted that private-sector credit expanded by approximately 15 percent during the fiscal year compared to the previous year. The adviser highlighted that greater access to financing has played a key role in supporting business expansion and productive economic activities across the country. He added that around 89 percent of the newly disbursed loans were directed toward major productive sectors, including manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and agriculture. According to Shahzad, the manufacturing sector alone received fresh financing of Rs657 billion, enabling industries to expand production capacity, modernize operations, and meet growing market demand. He said the significant flow of funds into manufacturing demonstrates renewed confidence in Pakistan’s industrial sector. He further stated that increased financial support for the trade and agriculture sectors has contributed to higher production, stronger commercial activity, and improved investment by private businesses. Enhanced credit availability, he said, is helping enterprises expand operations, create employment opportunities, and strengthen overall economic performance. Shahzad described the record lending as a positive indicator of the country’s economic recovery, saying that rising private-sector borrowing reflects improving investor sentiment and greater confidence in Pakistan’s financial system. He added that sustained access to bank financing would remain essential for maintaining economic momentum, boosting productivity, and supporting long-term, sustainable growth.

  • | |

    Influencer Shay Martin remarries a year after husband’s death

    ByJustpaste.in

    LOS ANGELES: Social media influencer Shay Martin has announced that she has remarried, nearly a year after the death of her husband, Tanner Martin, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Shay shared the news with her followers through a heartfelt post on Instagram, where she reflected on her journey over the past year and thanked supporters who had stood by her family during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. In a statement, she said she understood that many people had questions about how her life had changed since Tanner’s passing. She explained that she chose to share her story personally so that her followers could hear directly from her rather than through speculation. Shay revealed that she and her late husband had spoken openly about the future before his death. According to her, Tanner had hoped that one day she would find someone who would love both her and their daughter, AmyLou, while respecting the family they had built together. She said those conversations gave her strength to move forward and embrace a new beginning without forgetting the memories she shared with her late husband. The influencer encouraged followers to watch the full video she posted online, saying it explains her emotions, Tanner’s wishes, and the reasons behind her decision to remarry. Shay stressed that starting a new relationship does not diminish the love she continues to hold for Tanner. She said he will always remain an important part of her life and will forever be remembered as AmyLou’s father. She also recalled one of Tanner’s lasting messages, urging people to treat others with kindness and to assume good intentions in difficult situations. Her announcement received widespread attention on social media, with many followers offering messages of support and wishing her happiness as she begins the next phase of her life while continuing to honour the memory of her late husband.

  • |

    Pakistan inflation falls to 9.2% in July 2026: PBS

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s annual inflation eased to single digits in July 2026, with the latest official figures showing a noticeable decline in price growth compared to the previous month. However, economists cautioned that inflationary pressures have not disappeared, as higher fuel costs and other economic challenges continue to weigh on the outlook. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded an annual inflation rate of 9.2% in July 2026. The reading marked a significant decline from 11.1% in June, although it remained considerably higher than the 4.1% recorded in July 2025. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 1.2% during July, reversing the 0.3% decline witnessed in June. In comparison, monthly inflation had risen by 2.9% in July last year. Urban and rural inflation The PBS data showed that inflation in urban areas slowed to 8.7% year-on-year in July, down from 11.2% in June. During the same month last year, urban inflation had stood at 4.4%. Month-on-month, urban prices climbed 1.2%, compared to a 0.5% decline in June and a 3.4% increase recorded in July 2025. Meanwhile, rural inflation also moderated, with the annual rate easing to 9.9% in July from 10.9% a month earlier. Rural inflation had been 3.5% in the corresponding month of last year. On a monthly basis, rural prices increased by 1.2%, compared with no change in June, while July 2025 had witnessed a 2.2% monthly increase. Government projects inflation to remain elevated The Finance Division had earlier projected inflation to remain between 9% and 10% in July, warning that rising international oil prices could continue to exert pressure on domestic prices. The ministry’s latest economic outlook also highlighted concerns over external investment, noting that Pakistan’s foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 33.9% during the last fiscal year, declining from $2.48 billion in FY2024-25 to $1.64 billion in FY2025-26. SBP keeps policy rate unchanged Last week, the State Bank of Pakistan’s Monetary Policy Committee maintained the benchmark policy rate at 11.5% during its first monetary policy meeting of the new fiscal year. Speaking after the decision, SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad said inflation was expected to decline in July and expressed optimism that it would gradually move towards the central bank’s target. He said the State Bank expects inflation to settle within the upper end of its 5-7% target range by the close of the current fiscal year. Analysts see base effect behind slowdown Market analysts had largely anticipated inflation returning to single digits in July, though many argued that the improvement was mainly due to favourable statistical base effects rather than a broad-based easing in price pressures. Analysts at Ismail Iqbal Securities estimated July inflation at 9.3%, saying the decline reflected comparison with a higher base from the previous year rather than a sustained reduction in inflationary momentum. Similarly, JS Global projected headline inflation at 9.1% for July, indicating that while inflation has eased, underlying economic pressures continue to pose risks for the months ahead. The latest inflation reading provides some relief for consumers and policymakers, but economists believe the path ahead will depend on global commodity prices, exchange rate stability, energy costs and the government’s fiscal management during the current financial year.

  • |

    Pakistan’s Ehsan Mehsud wins gold at Thailand Taekwondo championship

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rising taekwondo star Ehsan Mehsud delivered an outstanding performance at an international taekwondo championship in Thailand, securing the gold medal after defeating opponents from Kazakhstan, India, and Sri Lanka in an impressive campaign. Mehsud began his journey in the tournament with a confident victory over a strong competitor from Kazakhstan in the opening round, setting the tone for what would become a memorable performance. His speed, tactical awareness, and attacking style earned him a place in the next stage of the competition. The Pakistani athlete continued his winning momentum in the semi-final, where he faced a formidable opponent from India. Displaying remarkable discipline and technical skill, Mehsud outclassed his rival to book a place in the championship final. In the title clash, Mehsud took on a Sri Lankan athlete and produced another dominant display. Maintaining control throughout the contest, he secured victory to claim the gold medal, bringing international recognition to Pakistan and proudly raising the country’s green crescent flag at the medal ceremony. Speaking after his triumph, Mehsud dedicated the gold medal to the people of Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for blessing him with success and thanked his parents for their unwavering prayers and support throughout his sporting journey. The champion said the achievement belonged to the entire nation and hoped his victory would inspire more young athletes to pursue taekwondo and represent Pakistan with pride on the international stage.

  • |

    Ariana Grande’s Petal visuals ignite concern over her health

    ByJustpaste.in

    The release of Ariana Grande’s latest music video for the title track of her new album, Petal, has sparked an emotional conversation online, with fans praising its powerful message while also expressing deep concern over the singer’s appearance. The music video, which explores themes of identity, self-acceptance and breaking free from constant public judgment, portrays Grande as someone living under relentless scrutiny. Throughout the visuals, she reflects on the pressure of meeting expectations from critics, the media and even her own fans. While many viewers connected with the emotional storytelling and vulnerable lyrics, one particular scene quickly became the focus of widespread discussion. Several fans pointed to close-up shots in which Grande appeared noticeably thinner than before, saying the visuals were difficult to watch. Instead of discussing the song’s message, social media users began debating the singer’s physical health and wellbeing. The reaction quickly spread across platforms, with thousands of fans posting messages urging the pop star to prioritize her health and take care of herself. Many expressed sadness rather than criticism, saying they hoped Grande was surrounded by people who genuinely supported her. The conversation soon extended beyond fans, with celebrities also sharing their concerns. Actress and activist Jameela Jamil publicly reacted to the music video, saying she was worried about Grande’s wellbeing and questioned whether the imagery should have been presented in that way. Model and body positivity advocate Charli Howard also commented on the visuals, posting a clip from the video on social media alongside a lengthy message discussing body image, public pressure and the responsibility of the entertainment industry. The intense online discussion surrounding Grande’s appearance eventually coincided with another major announcement. The singer confirmed that she plans to step away from the public spotlight after completing her ongoing Eternal Sunshine Tour. According to a statement released by her representative, Grande will take a break from public appearances once the tour concludes. The statement explained that she wants to finish the tour on a positive note before enjoying a well-earned period away from constant public attention. Her representative also noted that the singer has cherished every moment of performing for fans during the tour but has endured years of continuous public scrutiny. The upcoming hiatus is intended to allow her time to rest and focus on herself after completing her professional commitments. The announcement received mixed reactions online. Many fans applauded Grande’s decision, calling it a necessary step after years of intense media attention and demanding work schedules. Others continued speculating about her health, asking whether there was an underlying reason behind her noticeably slimmer appearance. Grande has long been recognized for her petite frame and youthful appearance. However, many fans believe her weight has changed significantly over the past few years. Public discussion around her appearance became especially prominent during the filming and promotional campaign for Wicked: For Good, with social media users frequently commenting on her body. Those conversations often fueled online speculation, with some people attempting to link her appearance to different aspects of her personal or professional life. However, none of those claims have been confirmed, and Grande herself has not publicly explained the reason for any changes in her weight. As a result, numerous theories have circulated online, including speculation about the pressures faced by performers in the entertainment industry. Still, there is no verified evidence supporting these claims, and any assumptions about Grande’s health remain unconfirmed. Despite the concern surrounding her recent appearance and temporary break from public life, Grande’s career continues to move forward. Fans can next see the Grammy-winning singer on the big screen in Focker-in-Law, where she stars alongside Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller. The highly anticipated comedy is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 25, 2026. For now, many of Grande’s supporters hope her planned hiatus will provide the privacy and rest she has requested, while allowing attention to eventually return to the music and message behind Petal rather than ongoing speculation about her personal health.