تازہ ترین

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    US, Saudi Arabia sign major civil nuclear cooperation agreement

    The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a major civil nuclear cooperation agreement, opening a new chapter in their strategic partnership and expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement was signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Along with the civil nuclear cooperation pact, both countries also signed a bilateral safeguards agreement to ensure that nuclear technology is used only for peaceful and civilian purposes. The agreement establishes the legal framework for long-term cooperation in the civil nuclear sector. It is expected to support multi-billion-dollar investments, strengthen commercial ties, and create opportunities for collaboration on future nuclear energy projects. US officials said the partnership will allow American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia’s growing civil nuclear programme. The agreement is also expected to increase exports of US nuclear technology, equipment, and services while creating new employment opportunities and strengthening industrial supply chains in the United States. The two governments said the agreement reflects their shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation while maintaining the highest international standards for nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. Officials stressed that the partnership is designed to ensure that nuclear technology is used exclusively for peaceful purposes and remains under strict international safeguards. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening relations between Washington and Riyadh. He said the partnership would promote economic growth, improve energy cooperation, and enhance security for both countries and their regional allies. He added that the agreement relies on advanced American nuclear technology and scientific expertise while fully complying with international nuclear safety and non-proliferation requirements. Officials also believe the agreement will strengthen the United States’ position in the global civil nuclear industry by expanding overseas markets for American technology and reinforcing its leadership in peaceful nuclear development. For Saudi Arabia, the agreement supports the country’s long-term energy strategy, which aims to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on oil by developing a civilian nuclear power programme alongside renewable energy projects. The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress for review before it can enter into force. Following congressional approval, both countries are expected to begin implementing the framework and advance cooperation on future civil nuclear projects.

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    Anil Ravipudi backs Vijay’s Jana Nayagan ahead of release

    The excitement surrounding Jana Nayagan has reached new heights as fans eagerly await the film’s release on July 23 after a delay of nearly seven months. The highly anticipated project marks a significant milestone in the career of Tamil superstar Vijay, as it is widely expected to be his final feature film before fully dedicating himself to his political journey. Originally scheduled for a January release, Jana Nayagan faced several production and scheduling hurdles that pushed its theatrical debut to July. Despite the setbacks, anticipation has continued to build, with audiences looking forward to seeing Vijay return to the big screen one last time. Ahead of the release, Telugu filmmaker Anil Ravipudi shared a heartfelt message for Vijay and the entire Jana Nayagan team through his social media account. The director praised Vijay’s remarkable contribution to Indian cinema and expressed confidence that the upcoming film would become another memorable chapter in the actor’s celebrated career. Ravipudi noted that Vijay has entertained audiences for years with numerous unforgettable performances and said he believes Jana Nayagan will stand as another cherished milestone in the actor’s journey. He also wished the film’s producers, director H. Vinoth, and the entire cast and crew tremendous success, expressing hope that the movie would emerge as a historic blockbuster and receive overwhelming love from audiences worldwide. The filmmaker also reflected on Vijay’s transition from cinema to public service, acknowledging the actor’s growing political role in Tamil Nadu. He described Vijay’s journey from one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars to a respected political leader as an inspiring transformation, extending his best wishes for both the film’s release and Vijay’s future endeavors. In addition to his congratulatory message, Ravipudi revealed that Jana Nayagan draws partial inspiration from his 2023 Telugu blockbuster Bhagavanth Kesari. According to the director, around half of the Tamil film is inspired by the earlier Telugu hit. He explained that the first half shares roughly 60 percent similarity with Bhagavanth Kesari, while the second half has only about 20 percent resemblance, suggesting that significant changes were made during the adaptation process. Ravipudi admitted he was initially reluctant to work on another adaptation after previously remaking the Hindi courtroom drama Pink into Tamil as Nerkonda Paarvai, starring Ajith Kumar. Having already experienced the challenges of adapting a successful film for a different audience, he was uncertain about revisiting the format. However, the director said Vijay personally encouraged him to reconsider after expressing admiration for Bhagavanth Kesari. Ravipudi recalled that Vijay appreciated the story and urged him to explore adapting it for Tamil audiences. Even then, the filmmaker remained unsure, wondering how he could successfully reshape a narrative originally tailored to Balakrishna’s screen persona into one that would suit Vijay and resonate with Tamil moviegoers. With the release now just around the corner, Jana Nayagan carries enormous expectations from fans and the film industry alike. Whether it becomes the grand cinematic farewell many anticipate, audiences will soon find out when the film arrives in theatres.

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    Modi vows tough punishment as exam leak protests intensify

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised strict action against those involved in examination paper leak scandals, making his first public comments since nationwide student protests erupted over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system. In a statement shared on social media, Modi said the future and welfare of India’s youth were of the highest importance. He assured students that the government would take firm action against those responsible for examination fraud and announced plans to establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases. The prime minister said no one would be allowed to jeopardise the future of young people for personal gain. He pledged that all those found guilty of manipulating examinations or leaking question papers would face strict legal consequences. His statement came after thousands of students and young people gathered in New Delhi to protest against repeated examination paper leaks and demand greater transparency in the education system. Demonstrators have also been calling for the resignation of the country’s education minister, accusing the government of failing to prevent repeated examination scandals. The protests have been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a movement that emerged through social media and has rapidly gained support among students and young voters across India. Initially launched as a satirical online campaign, the movement has expanded into a nationwide platform highlighting concerns over examination fraud, unemployment, and opportunities for young people. Tensions escalated earlier this week when large crowds attempted to march towards Parliament during the opening of the monsoon session. Police stopped the protesters by using tear gas and baton charges to disperse the crowds. Clashes later broke out after some demonstrators threw stones at security personnel, resulting in injuries on both sides. According to official figures, at least 178 people, including police officers and security personnel, were injured during the violence. Several protesters also sustained injuries as confrontations continued in different parts of the capital. The latest demonstrations are among the largest youth-led protests seen in New Delhi in recent years. The movement has drawn widespread public attention and increased pressure on the government to restore confidence in India’s examination system. Public anger has grown following a series of examination controversies across the country. One of the biggest scandals involved the leak of a national medical entrance examination paper, forcing more than two million candidates to retake the test. Another controversy related to the online evaluation of high school examinations involving nearly two million students has further raised concerns about fairness and transparency. Students argue that repeated paper leaks are destroying merit and reducing confidence in the education system. Many believe honest candidates are being unfairly affected by corruption and poor oversight in the examination process.

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    Rana Sikandar to join classroom as teacher

    Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced that he will begin teaching students in government schools in Lahore from the first week of September as part of an initiative aimed at improving the quality of education in the province. The minister said he has decided to personally enter classrooms and teach students instead of only monitoring the education system from administrative offices. He said the experience would help him better understand the challenges faced by teachers and students while also providing an opportunity to evaluate classroom teaching firsthand. Rana Sikandar Hayat said English and Chemistry are his favourite subjects, and he will start by teaching these courses. He said he plans to teach English in primary schools and Chemistry in high schools before expanding his teaching to other subjects in the future. He added that he will visit a different government school every week without giving prior notice. According to the minister, these surprise visits will allow him to observe the actual learning environment, interact directly with students, and assess the effectiveness of teaching methods being used in classrooms. The education minister said the initiative is not symbolic but a practical effort to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the public education system. He believes that personally teaching students will provide valuable insight into issues affecting classroom learning and help identify areas that require immediate improvement. Rana Sikandar Hayat said he has immense respect for the teaching profession and considers it an honour to serve as a teacher. He added that educators play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation and deserve recognition for their contribution to society. He expressed hope that the initiative would encourage greater accountability within the education system and inspire teachers and school administrators to continue improving academic standards. He also said direct interaction with students would help the education department design better policies based on practical classroom experience rather than relying solely on reports. The minister said the feedback gathered during his teaching visits would be used to identify shortcomings in teaching methods, curriculum delivery, and classroom management. He added that the information would help the government introduce reforms aimed at improving learning outcomes and raising educational standards in government schools across Punjab.

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    Karachi hosts D-8 Health Summit 2026

    The D-8 Health Summit 2026 begins today at the Karachi Expo Centre, bringing together representatives from the eight Developing Islamic Countries (D-8) to strengthen cooperation in the health sector. The three-day summit will continue until July 25. The international event is being organised jointly by the Ibn Sina Institute, the World Aging Council, and the Karachi Healthcare Expo and Conference. This year’s theme is “Healthy and Age-Friendly D-8 Countries.” The summit will focus on a wide range of healthcare issues, including health diplomacy, the challenges of an ageing population, preventive healthcare, healthy longevity, medical tourism, digital health, the impact of climate change on public health, and sustainable healthcare policies. A key highlight of the summit will be a keynote address by renowned gerontologist Dr Kamal Aydin. He will speak on “Global Health and Aging Diplomacy: A Future Vision for D-8 Countries,” presenting recommendations to promote international cooperation for developing healthy and age-friendly cities, particularly in the context of COP31. Dr Aydin, who completed his education at the University of the Punjab in 1996, has maintained close academic and professional links with Pakistan throughout his career. He is attending this year’s summit as President of the D-8 Health Summit 2026 and the honorary chief guest of the Karachi Healthcare Expo and Conference. In his message, Dr Aydin said it was a great honour to return to Pakistan, a country he considers his second home. He said it was gratifying to see the vision behind the Ibn Sina Institute and the World Aging Council, established nearly three decades ago, evolve into an international platform promoting global cooperation in health and ageing. He also thanked the organisers of the Karachi Healthcare Expo and Conference, including Tanveer Abbas, Dr Abid Abbas Sheikh, and their team, for their efforts in arranging the event. Alongside the summit, Karachi D-8 Healthcare Week 2026 is being held from July 20 to 27. The programme includes conferences, academic sessions, business-to-business meetings, investment discussions, innovation forums, and corporate social responsibility activities focused on healthcare and ageing. During the event, organisers will also launch an international signature campaign supporting the establishment of a United Nations World Assembly on Ageing. In addition, the Global Health and Aging Ambassadors Programme will be officially introduced.

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    IRGC targets key US military bases in Kuwait

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for launching another round of attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait, saying the strikes targeted key military infrastructure used by American forces in the Gulf region. In an official statement, the IRGC said the operation targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base, where US military personnel and equipment are stationed. According to the statement, the attack struck a large military equipment warehouse, a Patriot air defence missile system, and a hangar used to house US MQ-9 Reaper drones. The IRGC claimed the strikes caused significant damage to military assets at the base. However, the extent of the reported damage has not been independently verified. The statement also said Iranian forces targeted Al Udairi Barracks, another military facility used by US forces in Kuwait. The IRGC claimed the attack hit accommodation areas used by American troops as well as two helicopter hangars, resulting in heavy damage to helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. Iran further claimed that a telecommunications tower was also struck during the operation. According to the IRGC, the attack was carried out in retaliation for what it described as previous US attacks on communication infrastructure inside Iran. The latest announcement comes amid heightened military tensions between Iran and the United States following recent exchanges of attacks in the region. Both countries have accused each other of escalating the conflict through military operations targeting strategic installations. There has been no immediate confirmation from the US Department of Defense or the Kuwaiti government regarding the IRGC’s claims. American and Kuwaiti officials have not publicly commented on whether the reported attacks caused casualties or damage to military facilities. Independent verification of the IRGC’s claims remains unavailable, and the exact impact of the reported strikes has not yet been confirmed. The reported attacks are likely to further increase tensions in the Gulf region, where US military bases play a central role in regional security and military operations. Observers say any further escalation could have significant implications for stability in the Middle East as diplomatic efforts to ease tensions continue.

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    FBI questions Argentina FA president over $300m probe

    The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun investigating Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia as part of a wider inquiry into the alleged laundering of more than $300 million in sponsorship funds linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to international media reports, the investigation gained attention after Argentina’s national football team completed its World Cup campaign and was preparing to return to Buenos Aires from the United States on a charter flight. Reports said US authorities stopped Claudio Tapia before departure and questioned him for approximately 30 minutes. During the questioning, investigators reportedly took possession of his mobile phone as part of the ongoing inquiry into financial transactions connected to the case. Following the incident, some media outlets reported that Tapia had been arrested. However, the Argentine Football Association strongly rejected those claims. The association said neither Tapia nor AFA Treasurer Pablo Toviggino had been arrested or summoned by any US court. The football body did confirm that a third individual had received a subpoena to appear before a US grand jury. According to the association, investigators may seek information from that individual regarding certain officials and financial matters linked to the organisation. US investigators are reportedly reviewing commercial and sponsorship agreements valued at more than $300 million. The inquiry is focused on determining whether any funds connected to those agreements were transferred through the US banking system in a way that could indicate money laundering or other financial crimes. Investigators are also examining banking records showing that millions of dollars moved through several US financial institutions. Reports suggest that some of the funds remained in certain accounts for only a short period before being transferred to other destinations, prompting further scrutiny of the transactions. Authorities are analysing financial documents, payment records, and banking activities to determine whether the movement of funds complied with US financial regulations or involved attempts to conceal the origin or destination of the money. The investigation forms part of a broader examination of financial activities connected to Argentine football. It follows law enforcement operations conducted in Argentina last year as part of separate investigations into suspected money laundering involving football-related finances.

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    Casemiro joins Inter Miami as MLS launches transfer probe

    Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has completed his move to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami after leaving Manchester United as a free agent. The experienced midfielder has signed with the American club, where he will play alongside Argentina captain Lionel Messi and several other international stars. The 34-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of experience to Inter Miami. During his career, he won five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid and established himself as one of the world’s top defensive midfielders. He also represented Manchester United for four seasons after joining the English club from Real Madrid. Manchester United decided not to extend Casemiro’s contract at the end of the season, allowing him to leave as a free agent. Inter Miami quickly secured his signature as part of its strategy to strengthen the squad with experienced international players. Club officials welcomed Casemiro’s arrival and described the signing as another important step in their long-term project. They said the Brazilian’s leadership, experience, and winning mentality would help the team compete for more trophies in the coming seasons. After completing the move, Casemiro said the club’s ambition and future plans convinced him to join Inter Miami. He said he remains determined to win titles and contribute to the club’s continued growth. Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also welcomed the midfielder. He praised Casemiro’s successful career and said the Brazilian’s achievements at both club and international level would add valuable experience to the team. However, shortly after the transfer was announced, Major League Soccer confirmed it had opened an investigation into Inter Miami over allegations related to the signing. According to league officials, the investigation concerns the MLS “discovery rights” system. Under league rules, clubs must secure discovery rights before negotiating with certain high-profile players. Reports indicate that LA Galaxy previously held Casemiro’s discovery rights before Inter Miami completed the transfer. League officials said they are collecting all relevant information before deciding whether any rules were violated. They added that no further comments would be made until the investigation is complete. Reports also suggest that Inter Miami and LA Galaxy reached an agreement regarding Casemiro’s discovery rights. However, the financial details of that arrangement will only be made public after the investigation concludes. The latest inquiry is not the first involving Inter Miami’s transfer activities. In previous years, the club faced league sanctions following investigations into player registration and salary cap compliance. Casemiro’s arrival further strengthens an already star-studded Inter Miami squad featuring Lionel Messi and several internationally recognised players. Football analysts believe his experience, leadership, and defensive abilities could play a key role as the club aims to compete for more domestic and international honours.

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    Elon Musk aims to release AI-generated ‘The Odyssey’ in 2026

    Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has announced plans to produce a full-length artificial intelligence-generated adaptation of “The Odyssey” before the end of 2026, signalling a major step in the use of AI technology in the film industry. Musk shared the announcement on his social media platform X, where he said that Grok Imagine, the AI video-generation system developed by his company xAI, would create a complete feature film based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic. According to Musk, the project will aim to remain historically accurate while staying faithful to the original literary work. He said the AI-generated film would present the classic story in a way that reflects Homer’s vision. The announcement came shortly after the successful release of filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s live-action adaptation of The Odyssey, which performed strongly at the global box office during its opening weekend. Musk has previously expressed criticism of Nolan’s interpretation of the famous epic, and his latest announcement is widely viewed as an alternative approach using artificial intelligence. The proposal has attracted widespread attention across social media, with technology enthusiasts and film fans debating whether AI can produce feature-length movies capable of matching traditional filmmaking. Supporters believe advances in artificial intelligence are transforming the entertainment industry. They argue that AI-generated video technology has improved rapidly and could reduce production costs while making filmmaking faster and more accessible. Many users praised the capabilities of AI-generated characters and visual effects, saying recent improvements have produced increasingly realistic performances and cinematic quality. However, others questioned whether artificial intelligence can replace human creativity. Critics argued that while AI may be useful for technical production, it still struggles to create emotionally powerful stories, memorable characters, and original artistic ideas. They believe experienced writers, directors, and actors remain essential to producing high-quality films. The announcement has intensified the broader debate about the growing role of artificial intelligence in creative industries. Experts say AI is becoming increasingly capable of assisting with scriptwriting, visual effects, editing, animation, and content production, but concerns remain over originality, copyright, employment, and the future of creative professions. Musk’s project also highlights the increasing competition among technology companies investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Companies around the world are racing to develop more advanced AI systems capable of producing videos, films, music, and other digital content with minimal human involvement.

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    Shehbaz denounces Houthi attacks in call with MBS

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, reaffirming Pakistan’s full support for the Kingdom. During the conversation, the prime minister described the attacks as unacceptable and said they violated international law while posing a serious threat to freedom of navigation and regional stability. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia during the current security situation. He conveyed the country’s complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, stressing that Pakistan remains committed to supporting the Kingdom in safeguarding regional peace and security. The prime minister also said he conveyed the support of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the entire Pakistani nation, expressing unity with Saudi Arabia at what he described as a critical time. According to the prime minister, both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on issues affecting regional peace and maritime security. They emphasised the importance of ensuring the safe and uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, two of the world’s most important international trade routes. The two sides also agreed to continue working together to promote stability across the wider Middle East and support efforts aimed at protecting lawful maritime commerce from security threats. The conversation comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The waterway remains a vital route for global energy supplies and international trade, making its security a key concern for countries in the region and the wider international community.