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    Tadej Pogacar returns to Vuelta a España, eyes first career title

    ByJustpaste.in

    MONACO: Cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar is set to return to the Vuelta a España for the first time since 2019, as the Slovenian aims to capture the only Grand Tour title missing from his glittering career. His team, UAE Team Emirates, confirmed on Monday that the reigning Tour de France champion will compete in this year’s Vuelta, which begins on August 22. The announcement has immediately made the 27-year-old the overwhelming favourite for the prestigious 21-stage race, as he looks to add another milestone to an already remarkable career. Pogacar last competed in the Vuelta in 2019, where he finished an impressive third overall and claimed three stage victories, performances that introduced him to the global cycling stage. “I’m excited to say I’m going back to La Vuelta,” Pogacar said in a statement released by his team. “It was my first-ever Grand Tour back in 2019 and an amazing experience. Spain is a country I love to visit and race in, and I think the time is right to go back.” The Slovenian added that his motivation remains high following another successful Tour de France campaign and described the Vuelta as one of his biggest goals for the remainder of the season. Pogacar heads into the race with history within reach. Having already won the Tour de France this year and previously claimed the Giro d’Italia in 2024, victory in Spain would complete his collection of all three Grand Tours. He could also become only the fourth cyclist in history to win both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in the same season. With UAE Team Emirates expected to field a strong supporting squad, Pogacar will be determined to end the year on another high and further strengthen his reputation as one of cycling’s greatest riders of the modern era. The Vuelta is expected to feature many of the sport’s leading names, but all eyes will be on Pogacar as he chases another historic achievement and bids to complete one of cycling’s rarest career accomplishments.

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    Jameela Jamil defends Ariana Grande remarks

    ByJustpaste.in

    British actor and activist Jameela Jamil has defended her recent comments about Ariana Grande’s appearance, saying her remarks were motivated by concern over beauty standards rather than criticism of the singer. Responding to backlash on Instagram, Jamil cited her own experience with anorexia and argued that discussions about the impact of celebrity imagery on young audiences should not be dismissed. Jamil had previously faced criticism after suggesting that Grande could be “possibly dying,” a comment that many social media users viewed as inappropriate. Addressing the backlash, the actress clarified that she had intentionally used the word “possibly” and insisted that her broader concern was the influence such images can have on girls and women. She wrote: “I said possibly. My god. And my point stands, that this is deeply irresponsible for all the people involved to deliver this aesthetic as glamorous to the many billions of girls and women consuming this imagery.” Jamil went on to explain that her views are shaped by her own struggle with anorexia, revealing that she nearly lost her life to the eating disorder. She said it was only through intervention from those around her that she was able to recover. Reflecting on her experience, she stated: “I feel extremely bad for Ariana having almost died of anorexia myself. And it was only due to the people around me intervening INSENSITIVELY once I willfully ignored (and sort of enjoyed) their careful concern, that I survived.” The actor acknowledged that she does not know Grande personally and stressed that she hopes the singer is healthy. At the same time, she argued that conversations about body image should focus on the impression such appearances leave on younger audiences. She wrote: “I don’t know Ariana and pray she recovers. I don’t think she’s in the comments sections of tiny posts, but young girls watching are, and we need to signal to THEM that this is not the time to pretend this is ok, just because ‘we shouldn’t talk about other people’s bodies.’” Jamil also referred to late American singer Karen Carpenter, whose battle with anorexia raised global awareness of eating disorders. She argued that society should not ignore potentially harmful beauty standards simply because they involve famous public figures. She said: “We do not pretend then that it is not appropriate to comment on how thin they are. We don’t have to pretend we are blind because it’s a pop star. Everyone is killing her by normalizing this. Silence is complicity when it gets this far.” Her comments have generated mixed reactions online. While some users praised Jamil for speaking openly about eating disorders and their impact, others argued that public speculation about another person’s health can be harmful, regardless of the intention. The discussion comes shortly after Ariana Grande announced an indefinite break from public-facing work following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine tour. Grande herself has not publicly responded to Jamil’s remarks, leaving the debate to continue across social media as fans and commentators discuss the balance between raising awareness of eating disorders and respecting personal boundaries. 

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    ICC bans USA cricketer Akhilesh Reddy for eight years

    ByJustpaste.in

    DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed an eight-year ban on USA off-spinner B Akhilesh Reddy after he was found guilty of multiple breaches of the governing body’s Anti-Corruption Code linked to the 2025 Abu Dhabi T10 tournament. The 26-year-old cricketer, who represented Aspin Stallions during the competition, was charged following an investigation into alleged corrupt activities during the tournament. He had been provisionally suspended in November 2025 while the inquiry was underway. After a formal hearing, the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Tribunal concluded that Reddy had committed several serious offences under the Anti-Corruption Code. According to the ICC, Reddy was found guilty of attempting to improperly influence the outcome, progress or conduct of matches during the Abu Dhabi T10. He was also found to have encouraged another participant to engage in corrupt activities related to match-fixing. In addition, the tribunal ruled that the spinner obstructed the investigation by deleting data and messages from his mobile phone that could have been relevant to the anti-corruption inquiry. As a result of the findings, the ICC banned Reddy from all cricket-related activities for eight years. The sanction has been backdated to November 21, 2025, the date on which his provisional suspension first came into effect. Reddy made his international debut for the United States in April 2025 and went on to play four Twenty20 Internationals for the national team before his career was derailed by the corruption investigation. The case highlights the ICC’s continued efforts to protect the integrity of the sport through strict enforcement of its anti-corruption regulations. The governing body has repeatedly warned players at all levels that any involvement in match manipulation or attempts to obstruct investigations will result in severe penalties. The lengthy suspension effectively sidelines one of USA cricket’s emerging players for the remainder of the decade and serves as a strong reminder of cricket’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption. The ICC has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the game’s credibility by taking firm action against anyone found guilty of breaching its anti-corruption code.

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    J-Hope gets emotional as BTS fans deliver heartfelt surprise

    ByJustpaste.in

    BTS member J-Hope appeared deeply moved after fans organised a touching surprise during the opening night of the group’s ARIRANG World Tour at MetLife Stadium, creating one of the concert’s most memorable moments. As thousands of fans filled the venue, they simultaneously raised pastel-coloured flower-shaped banners, transforming the stadium into a vibrant display of purple, pink, yellow and blue. The coordinated fan project was designed to celebrate BTS’s long-awaited return as a full group following the members’ military service. The emotional moment unfolded when BTS leader RM paused the concert to read the message printed on the banners. The Korean phrase expressed the joy of finally reuniting with the group after years apart, comparing the occasion to the arrival of spring after a long winter. The heartfelt tribute appeared to take the members by surprise. J-Hope smiled warmly as he reacted to the gesture, calling it “so sweet.” Moments later, fans noticed the rapper raising his sleeve to his face, leading many to believe he was wiping away tears as he became overwhelmed by the support. The audience responded with loud cheers, while videos of J-Hope’s emotional reaction quickly spread across social media, where fans praised the strong bond between BTS and ARMY. The large-scale banner project was organised by a fan known online as Ashley (@actuallynoh), who launched a crowdfunding campaign to produce and distribute around 41,000 flower-shaped banners throughout the stadium. The colourful display symbolised hope, renewal and the beginning of a new chapter for both BTS and their global fanbase. Following the concert, Ashley expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project, saying she never imagined RM would read a message she had written from the heart. She thanked supporters for helping turn the idea into reality and described the experience as unforgettable.

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    Israeli airstrikes kill 18 in Gaza as ceasefire hopes face fresh setback

    ByJustpaste.in

    Gaza: Israeli airstrikes struck multiple areas across the Gaza Strip for the second consecutive day on Sunday, leaving at least 18 Palestinians dead and several others injured, according to Palestinian health officials. The renewed violence came despite recent diplomatic efforts led by the United States aimed at advancing last year’s ceasefire agreement and reducing tensions in the region. Medical officials reported that Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, and Khan Younis in the south. The attacks marked one of the deadliest days in recent weeks, with residential buildings, tents sheltering displaced families, and civilian vehicles among the locations hit. The escalation occurred only days after US President Donald Trump announced what he described as a significant breakthrough in efforts to revive the ceasefire agreement. His statement suggested that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups had agreed in principle to disarm, raising hopes of progress toward ending the prolonged conflict. However, Israeli officials quickly expressed skepticism over the proposed disarmament plan. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, said Israel was prepared to give Hamas an opportunity to surrender its weapons but doubted the group would follow through. Speaking to Israel’s Army Radio, Cohen stated that no agreement had been reached to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza. He added that if Hamas refused to disarm, Israel could seek full control of the territory, where Israeli forces already maintain control over roughly 70 percent of the enclave. He emphasized that dismantling Hamas remained Israel’s primary objective under its understanding with the United States, describing it as a prerequisite for any lasting political arrangement. Later in the day, Doron Spielman, spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that Israel had conveyed its concerns to US officials regarding the proposed roadmap. According to Spielman, Israel insists that Hamas must completely and verifiably disarm before any further steps toward implementing the ceasefire can move forward. Civilian Areas Among Targets Palestinian emergency services reported widespread destruction following Sunday’s airstrikes. In Deir al-Balah, at least four people were killed after an apartment building was struck. Another Israeli attack in the Mawasi area near Khan Younis injured five people and ignited fires in tents housing displaced families. A Palestinian couple and their nine-year-old son were killed when their home in Mawasi was hit. In Gaza City, another couple and their child lost their lives after an apartment was targeted. Medical teams also reported that two people were killed in a strike on a tent located near the Egyptian representative mission in Gaza City. Later in the day, two more fatalities were reported in the eastern Zeitoun neighborhood following another airstrike. In northern Gaza, one person was killed near Jabalia, while a separate strike targeting a vehicle near Saraya Square in Gaza City claimed at least three additional lives. Israeli Military Defends Operations The Israeli military said one of its operations in Deir al-Balah targeted two commanders belonging to Hamas’ elite “Nukhba” force. It also stated that strikes carried out in Gaza City and Jabalia were aimed at what it described as Hamas military operatives, although officials said assessments were still underway regarding the outcomes of those attacks. US-Led Peace Initiative Continues Despite the renewed violence, diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire remain ongoing. The US-led Board of Peace, responsible for overseeing implementation of the ceasefire agreement, released a 15-point roadmap outlining the final stages required to fully enforce the deal. Nickolay Mladenov, the board’s chief envoy for Gaza, expressed concern over the latest escalation, saying the attacks came while mediators were actively working with Palestinian factions to secure agreement on the proposed roadmap. In a statement posted on social media, Mladenov said discussions with regional partners and international mediators were continuing to reduce tensions and create conditions necessary for implementing President Trump’s peace initiative. He stressed that achieving a lasting peace would require sustained commitment from all parties involved. Hamas Accuses Israel of Undermining Talks Hamas maintained that it remained open to negotiations but insisted Israel must first end its military campaign and withdraw forces from Gaza in accordance with the ceasefire agreement before any discussion on surrendering weapons could proceed. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said the movement had demonstrated “considerable flexibility” during negotiations but accused Israel of escalating attacks in an attempt to weaken diplomatic efforts and impose new realities on the ground through military force. Meanwhile, former senior Fatah official Mohammed Dahlan, who is based in the United Arab Emirates, claimed that Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and a senior adviser involved in the US initiative, had informed him that discussions were underway with Israeli officials to halt the attacks. According to Dahlan, contacts between US officials and regional mediators continue, but the success of the agreement now depends largely on Israel ending its ongoing military operations in Gaza. The US State Department has not immediately commented on Dahlan’s remarks, while Israeli authorities have yet to issue a formal response. Casualties Continue to Rise According to Gaza health authorities, at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire agreement reached in October. Hamas has not released figures regarding the number of its fighters killed during the same period. Israeli officials, meanwhile, report that four Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire came into effect.

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    Heavy rains and floods leave 14 dead, thousands displaced in Southern India

    ByJustpaste.in

    Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across southern India, leaving at least 14 people dead and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes as floods and landslides caused widespread destruction in the states of Kerala and Karnataka. According to local authorities, at least 11 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Kerala since the weekend. The relentless downpours have inundated low-lying areas, damaged homes and roads, and disrupted daily life across several districts. State officials said nearly 7,700 residents have been evacuated from flood-prone areas and shifted to approximately 275 relief camps established across Kerala. Emergency response teams, including disaster management personnel and local volunteers, have been working around the clock to rescue stranded residents and provide food, shelter, and medical assistance. Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting with district officials on Monday to assess the flood situation and review relief and rehabilitation measures. He stated that cleanup operations have already begun in several areas where floodwaters have started to recede, while authorities continue to monitor regions still at risk. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has warned that several parts of the state are expected to experience moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds, raising concerns that conditions could worsen in vulnerable locations. Residents living near rivers, hillsides, and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official safety instructions. The severe weather has also disrupted education across Kerala. Numerous schools remained closed due to flooding and unsafe travel conditions, while the state government postponed a scheduled teacher recruitment examination to ensure the safety of candidates and staff. Meanwhile, neighboring Karnataka has also suffered significant damage from the monsoon. Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide on Saturday that claimed the lives of three members of the same family—a couple and their son—highlighting the growing threat posed by unstable hillsides during the rainy season. Meteorological officials have warned that monsoon activity is expected to remain active over parts of southern India in the coming days. Disaster management agencies are maintaining a high level of preparedness as rescue teams continue relief efforts and authorities closely monitor rivers, reservoirs, and landslide-prone regions. The annual monsoon season frequently brings heavy rainfall to southern India, but experts say increasingly intense weather events are placing greater pressure on infrastructure, emergency services, and vulnerable communities.

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    Supreme Court to honour Justice Musarrat Hilali

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Supreme Court of Pakistan has decided to hold a full court reference on August 7 to honour the judicial services of Justice Musarrat Hilali ahead of her retirement from the country’s apex court. An official notification has been issued announcing the ceremony, which will pay tribute to Justice Hilali’s contributions to Pakistan’s judiciary and recognise her years of service on the bench. The full court reference will be attended by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi, all judges of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General for Pakistan, representatives of the Pakistan Bar Council, office-bearers of the Supreme Court Bar Association, and members of the legal fraternity. The event is a longstanding judicial tradition held to acknowledge the professional achievements and public service of retiring judges. During the reference, senior judges, law officers and representatives of the legal community are expected to deliver speeches highlighting Justice Hilali’s legal career, commitment to the rule of law and contributions to the administration of justice. Justice Musarrat Hilali has served in several key judicial positions during her career and has been recognised for her role in strengthening Pakistan’s judicial system. The reference will mark the formal conclusion of her tenure at the Supreme Court while providing an opportunity for colleagues and members of the legal profession to express their appreciation for her dedication and service. The ceremony will take place at the Supreme Court of Pakistan on August 7, where members of the bench and bar will gather to bid farewell to the retiring judge and acknowledge her lasting contribution to the country’s judiciary.

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    Kevin Owens returns in style with SummerSlam victory

    ByJustpaste.in

    Kevin Owens made an unforgettable return to WWE after spending more than a year away from in-ring competition, defeating Sami Zayn, Finn Bálor and Gunther in a thrilling Fatal Four-Way match at SummerSlam 2026 Night Two. The victory marked a major milestone for the former Universal Champion, who had been sidelined since April 2025 due to a severe neck injury. The injury forced Owens to pull out of a scheduled WrestleMania showdown against Randy Orton and raised concerns about his wrestling future. After undergoing successful neck fusion surgery in July 2025, Owens spent over a year recovering and rehabilitating before finally receiving medical clearance to return to action. His comeback at Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium was kept completely under wraps, making it one of the biggest surprises of WWE’s biggest event of the summer. The match was originally announced as a one-on-one number-one contender’s contest between longtime rivals Sami Zayn and Finn Bálor. However, moments before the bout began, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis appeared on stage and announced that Gunther would also be entering the match, turning it into a Triple Threat contest. Just when fans thought the surprises were over, Kevin Owens’ entrance music suddenly blasted through the arena. The packed crowd erupted with excitement as Aldis revealed Owens as the fourth competitor, officially transforming the contest into a Fatal Four-Way match. The encounter quickly developed into one of the most exciting matches of the night. Each competitor had moments of dominance, delivering hard-hitting offense and producing several dramatic near falls that kept the audience guessing until the very end. Gunther looked poised to secure the victory after delivering a thunderous powerbomb to Finn Bálor. Before he could capitalize, Sami Zayn fought back with a trademark Exploder Suplex into the corner, shifting the momentum once again and bringing himself back into contention. Owens patiently waited for the perfect opportunity to strike. As the action reached its climax, he stunned Gunther with his signature Stunner before immediately turning his attention to Zayn, his longtime friend and former tag-team partner. Owens delivered another devastating Stunner, leaving Zayn unable to recover. Without hesitation, Owens covered Zayn for the decisive three-count, completing a remarkable comeback in his very first match after returning from injury. The emotional victory not only showcased Owens’ resilience but also proved that he remains a top contender despite his lengthy absence from WWE programming. Fans celebrated his successful return, with many calling it one of the most memorable moments of SummerSlam 2026. By winning the Fatal Four-Way contest, Owens also secured a guaranteed future WWE Championship opportunity against reigning champion CM Punk. The result immediately sets up a highly anticipated title clash between two of WWE’s biggest stars, adding another blockbuster rivalry to the company’s championship picture. After overcoming a career-threatening injury and an extended recovery period, Kevin Owens has officially announced his return to the top of WWE, and his impressive SummerSlam performance suggests that his journey back to championship gold may only be beginning.

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    Pakistan petroleum sales jump 23% in July as lower fuel prices boost demand

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s petroleum product sales recorded a significant increase in July 2026, reflecting stronger economic activity, improved agricultural demand, and the impact of lower fuel prices. Industry data released on Monday showed that total petroleum sales reached 1.51 million tons, marking a 23% year-on-year (YoY) increase and the strongest July performance in several years. According to a report by brokerage firm Arif Habib Limited (AHL), the growth was fueled by declining domestic fuel prices, improving conditions in the agriculture sector, and a gradual rebound in economic and automobile-related activity. The report noted that farmers’ purchasing power improved due to better agricultural economics, while lower fuel costs encouraged higher consumption across the country. Excluding furnace oil (FO), sales by oil marketing companies (OMCs) increased 18.5% YoY, making July 2026 the strongest July for petroleum demand since July 2021. Petrol and Diesel Consumption Climbs Demand for motor spirit (MS), commonly known as petrol, remained robust during the month. Petrol sales rose 23% YoY to 0.73 million tons, reflecting increased transportation activity and higher vehicle usage. Meanwhile, high-speed diesel (HSD) sales climbed 19% YoY to 0.62 million tons. Diesel consumption was supported by greater agricultural operations, commercial transportation, and industrial activity as the economy continued its gradual recovery. Furnace Oil Registers Massive Growth Furnace oil sales posted the strongest percentage increase among all petroleum products, surging 406% year-on-year to 0.08 million tons. AHL attributed this sharp rise primarily to increased furnace oil consumption by the power sector, where seasonal electricity demand during the summer months led to greater fuel usage for power generation. Strong Month-on-Month Growth On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, overall petroleum sales also recorded impressive gains, rising 20% compared to June 2026. Analysts said the monthly increase was largely driven by lower domestic petroleum prices, which followed a decline in international crude oil prices as geopolitical tensions eased in global markets. During the month: Petrol (MS) sales increased 12% over June. High-speed diesel (HSD) sales rose 25%. Furnace oil demand jumped 89%, supported by higher electricity generation requirements during peak summer temperatures. PSO Strengthens Market Position Among Pakistan’s oil marketing companies, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) emerged as the strongest performer in July. The company’s total petroleum sales climbed 38% year-on-year to 702,000 tons. Petrol sales increased by 44.1%, while diesel sales rose 40.3%, enabling PSO to expand its presence in the domestic fuel market. According to the report, PSO gained market share at the expense of Gas & Oil Pakistan (GO). GO’s market share in petrol declined to 5%, its lowest level since June 2024, while its diesel market share fell to 7%, the weakest since May 2024. Government Levy Collections Remain on Track The report also estimated that the federal government collected approximately Rs134 billion through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) during July. Based on current trends, AHL believes the government remains on course to meet its FY2026-27 PDL collection target of Rs1.68 trillion, representing an increase of nearly 12% compared with the revised target for the previous fiscal year.

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    Indian court acquits ex-wrestling chief in harassment case

    ByJustpaste.in

    A court in New Delhi has acquitted former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in a high-profile sexual harassment and stalking case filed by several women wrestlers, bringing an end to one of India’s most closely watched legal proceedings involving the sports community. Singh, 69, a former member of parliament from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had faced allegations from a group of prominent female wrestlers who accused him of sexual harassment, inappropriate conduct and demanding sexual favours. He consistently denied all allegations throughout the investigation and trial. The case attracted nationwide attention in 2023 after leading Indian wrestlers, including world champion Vinesh Phogat and Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, launched weeks-long protests demanding Singh’s removal from the Wrestling Federation of India and legal action against him. The demonstrations sparked widespread debate over athlete safety, accountability and the treatment of women in Indian sports. According to Singh’s legal team, the court cleared him of all charges after finding inconsistencies in witness testimonies and contradictions in key aspects of the prosecution’s case. Following the verdict, his supporters celebrated outside the court by showering him with flower petals, bursting firecrackers and chanting slogans. Reacting to the ruling, Singh welcomed the decision and maintained that he had always been confident of his innocence. He described the judgment as a complete vindication of his position. Despite the acquittal, wrestler Vinesh Phogat said the legal battle was not over. She announced that the athletes would challenge the verdict before a higher court, insisting they would continue seeking justice. Phogat said it had taken immense courage for the wrestlers to file complaints against a politically influential figure and vowed to pursue the case through all available legal channels. The controversy first erupted in 2023 when protesting wrestlers accused authorities of delaying action despite their complaints. Images of athletes being detained while marching towards the Indian Parliament drew widespread attention and intensified public scrutiny of the case.