fifa world cup
| | |

FIFA World Cup visitors in Canada file 175 Asylum …

Around 175 foreign nationals who traveled to Canada to attend FIFA World Cup matches have filed applications for political asylum, according to immigration authorities.

Canada hosted several FIFA World Cup matches in the cities of Toronto and Vancouver, for which the country issued thousands of temporary visas to international visitors. Many fans from different countries applied for tourist visas to watch the tournament, although a significant number of applications were rejected.

After arriving in Canada, 175 visitors submitted asylum claims that will now be reviewed under the country’s refugee protection laws. Immigration officials have not disclosed how many of those seeking asylum were athletes or members of sports delegations.

According to available information, 25 individuals from Ghana have filed asylum applications, while 15 applicants each from Egypt and Colombia have also requested protection in Canada. Officials have indicated that the number of applications could increase further.

Canadian authorities had previously warned foreign visitors that obtaining a visa for FIFA World Cup travel does not provide a pathway to remain in the country beyond the permitted period or automatically qualify them for asylum.

The asylum claims will undergo a legal assessment, during which Canadian immigration authorities will determine whether applicants meet the requirements for refugee protection under the country’s immigration system.

The development has drawn attention as Canada continues to manage increased international travel and immigration applications linked to major global events.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Karachi government colleges announce Intermediate …

    The Sindh College Education Department has officially announced the merit list for Intermediate admissions in government colleges across Karachi, marking an important step for thousands of students seeking admission after completing their matriculation. The newly published lists include the names of students who have successfully secured seats in various government colleges based on merit. According to the department, admissions have been granted strictly on academic performance, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process. Students who have been selected are advised to review the merit list carefully and complete all remaining admission formalities within the given deadline. Officials have confirmed that more than 160,000 applications were received for Intermediate admissions from across Sindh this year. Karachi alone accounted for the largest share, with 98,646 students applying for admission to government colleges. The high number of applications reflects the growing demand for quality public education in the city. The Directorate General of Colleges has instructed all selected students to confirm their admission no later than July 31. Candidates who fail to complete the confirmation process within the deadline may lose their allotted seats, which could then be offered to other eligible applicants under the merit system. Students are encouraged to check their admission status through the official admission portal or by visiting their allocated college. They should also ensure that all required documents are submitted on time to avoid unnecessary delays in the admission process. The education department has emphasized that admissions are being conducted entirely on merit, with students placed in colleges according to their academic scores and available seats. Those who were not selected in the first list may still have an opportunity if additional merit lists are released after the confirmation period. Education experts advise students and parents to stay updated with official announcements and complete every admission requirement before the deadline. Timely confirmation is essential for securing a place in the preferred college and beginning the new academic session without complications. With thousands of students preparing to start their Intermediate education, the release of the merit list represents a significant milestone in the annual admission process. Applicants should act promptly to secure their seats and ensure a smooth transition into the next stage of their academic journey.

  • |

    China’s internet obsessed with Moonshot&#82…

    The release of Moonshot AI’s Kimi K3 has generated significant buzz across Chinese social media, sparking a vigorous debate about China’s emergence as a strong contender in the global AI race. The Chinese startup launched the open-weight model on Thursday, promoting its capability to align with dominant frameworks from OpenAI and Anthropic at discounted rates, while temporarily halting new subscriptions due to overwhelming demand. Kimi K3 has become the most prominent Chinese AI model to spark discussion about China’s position in the global AI landscape. The key question is how China will meet the rising demand for computing power, with Moonshot AI emphasizing that Kimi K3 converts computing power into AI capabilities more effectively than its predecessor. “Put simply, the more capable AI becomes, the greater its appetite for computing power. This race to build more powerful AI hardware isn’t slowing down anytime soon,” said a user from Shandong province. Another user from Jiangsu added: “Competition among AI software is likely to shift from focusing purely on performance to balancing both performance and token usage. In other words, it’ll become a competition over value for money. It doesn’t matter how powerful your model is if it uses too many tokens. And it doesn’t matter how good it is if the monthly subscription is too expensive.” The model has reportedly matched or outperformed GPT and Claude on some benchmarks, according to social media posts. The low-cost open-source nature of Kimi K3 has made it particularly appealing to developers and researchers, who have been eager to test its capabilities. The temporary halt on new subscriptions highlights the immense demand for the model, which has quickly become a viral sensation in China’s tech community. Moonshot AI’s launch of Kimi K3 reflects the growing competition in the AI sector, particularly between China and the US. Chinese companies are increasingly developing AI models that can compete with their American counterparts, often at lower costs. The success of Kimi K3 has fueled optimism about China’s ability to innovate in AI and has raised questions about the future of the global AI industry. As the demand for AI capabilities continues to grow, the competition between open-weight and proprietary models is likely to intensify. Kimi K3’s success suggests that open-weight models can be competitive, offering a viable alternative to proprietary systems from US companies. However, the debate over performance versus cost-effectiveness will continue to shape the direction of AI development. The viral success of Kimi K3 has put Moonshot AI in the spotlight, with many watching to see how the startup will navigate the challenges of scaling its operations to meet demand. The company’s ability to balance performance, cost, and accessibility will determine its long-term success in the competitive AI market. For now, Kimi K3 has captured the imagination of China’s internet users, signaling a new chapter in the global AI race.

  • | | |

    Jamaat-e-Islami storms streets over petrol levy

    Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has staged sit-ins in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar against the petroleum levy, rising fuel prices and inflation. In Karachi, a JI rally led by Karachi chief Munim Zafar reached Fawara Chowk. The party had announced a sit-in outside the Governor House to protest the petroleum levy. JI workers are moving towards the Governor House from the Sindh High Court. Party activists have been raising concerns over the impact of the petroleum levy and rising fuel prices on the public. Following the sit-in at Fawara Chowk, the road leading towards the Press Club and Arts Council remains open for traffic. Police personnel have also been deployed near the Governor House to maintain security and manage the situation. In Lahore, JI workers staged a sit-in at Faisal Chowk on Mall Road, near the Chief Minister’s House. JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also reached the protest site and joined the demonstrators. The protest in Lahore was led by JI Punjab chief Javed Kasuri and other party leaders. The protesters are demanding relief from rising petroleum prices and the petroleum levy. The party has also criticised the increasing burden of inflation on ordinary citizens. JI leaders have called for measures to reduce the financial pressure faced by the public. In Peshawar, JI workers staged a sit-in outside the Governor House. The protest has resulted in the closure of the road up to the Sadar Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Chowk. JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch is scheduled to address the protesters in Peshawar. Party leaders are expected to highlight their demands regarding petroleum prices, the levy and inflation. The demonstrations are part of JI’s wider campaign against the petroleum levy and rising prices. The party has announced protests in different cities to pressure the government to provide relief to consumers. JI leaders have argued that increases in petroleum prices affect the prices of transport, food and other essential goods. They have demanded that the government reconsider the petroleum levy and take steps to control inflation.

  • | |

    Angelina Jolie shares new insights into her film W…

    Angelina Jolie is opening up about the emotional heart of her upcoming directorial film Without Blood, describing the drama as a story centered on trauma, healing, memory and human connection. The Oscar-winning actress directed and produced the film, which is adapted from Italian author Alessandro Baricco’s novel of the same name. Without Blood is scheduled to arrive in U.S. theaters on September 18, 2026, following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2024. (FilmNation⁠) A story about healing Jolie has emphasized that Without Blood is ultimately about what happens after people experience profound trauma. Rather than focusing only on conflict, the film explores the emotional consequences that remain long after violence has ended. The story takes place in the aftermath of an unnamed conflict and examines how memory can shape people’s lives. Jolie said the project explores universal truths surrounding trauma, memory and healing, giving the film a deeply human focus. (FilmNation⁠) For Jolie, the subject matter also presented an opportunity to explore difficult emotions through a more intimate cinematic approach. The film is interested in the conversations people have after painful experiences and the possibility of understanding one another despite the past. Salma Hayek leads the cast Without Blood stars Salma Hayek Pinault, Demián Bichir and Juan Minujín. Jolie has praised the cast for bringing emotional openness to the production, particularly highlighting the performances of Hayek and Bichir. Jolie described the atmosphere on set as collaborative and emotionally intimate. She hopes the performances will encourage audiences to think about the film’s themes and engage in meaningful conversations about trauma and healing. (People.com⁠) The film also reunites Jolie with Hayek, following their work together on Eternals. Their collaboration in Without Blood marks a very different kind of dramatic project, built around complex emotions and human connection. Jolie returns behind the camera The project continues Jolie’s work as a filmmaker, following previous directing efforts including First They Killed My Father and Unbroken. She co-wrote the screenplay for Without Blood with Baricco while also serving as producer and director. (Brainstorm Media⁠) With its September release approaching, Without Blood is shaping up as a thoughtful drama about the long shadow of conflict and the difficult journey toward healing. Jolie’s latest comments make clear that she wants audiences to look beyond violence and focus on the human stories that remain afterward.

  • |

    PCB bans Hamza Nazar for two years, imposes rs1 million fine

    LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a two-year ban on domestic cricketer Hamza Nazar and fined him Rs1 million following disciplinary proceedings related to information submitted during a visa application process. In an official statement issued on Thursday, the PCB said Hamza Nazar has been barred from participating in all domestic and international cricket activities for the duration of the suspension. According to the board, the disciplinary action was taken after a three-member inquiry committee investigated the matter and submitted its findings. The investigation focused on the information provided by the player during a visa application. The PCB stated that Hamza failed to provide complete and accurate information, submitted misleading details and concealed material facts during the application process. The board added that the player was given a full opportunity to present his explanation before the committee reached its decision. Reaffirming its commitment to integrity and transparency, the PCB said it treats cases involving misrepresentation, concealment of facts and misleading information with the utmost seriousness. “The PCB will not allow any individual to damage the reputation of the board, Pakistan cricket or its fans,” the statement said. The decision underscores the board’s emphasis on maintaining high professional and ethical standards among players representing Pakistan’s domestic cricket system. The two-year suspension and financial penalty serve as a reminder of the PCB’s strict disciplinary policy and its determination to uphold the credibility of the game both on and off the field.

  • | | |

    Lindsay Clancy psychiatrist ‘surprised’ by sui…

    Lindsay Clancy’s psychiatrist testified in court Monday as her defense lawyer questioned whether warning signs were missed during the Massachusetts mother’s deteriorating mental health in the months before the deaths of her three young children. Dr. Jennifer Tufts, who began treating Clancy in September 2022, faced detailed questioning from defense attorney Kevin Reddington about her approach to treatment, medication decisions and the use of relatively brief video appointments. According to the Associated Press, Reddington argued that Clancy’s mental healthcare may have been inadequate at a time when she was experiencing serious emotional and psychological difficulties. He focused on 25-minute telehealth appointments, computerized clinical forms and the numerous medications prescribed as Clancy reported different symptoms and side effects. During questioning, Reddington challenged Tufts over whether Clancy should have received more intensive or in-person care. When asked why she did not recommend that Clancy meet her face-to-face instead of continuing with video appointments, Tufts said she did not believe there was a problem with providing treatment through telehealth. The psychiatrist also told jurors she was “surprised” to learn that Clancy had contacted a suicide hotline twice while receiving treatment. Tufts said Clancy had denied experiencing suicidal thoughts during their treatment, although she acknowledged that she had been “close to feeling suicidal.” Reddington highlighted an appointment roughly two months before Clancy strangled her children, asking the psychiatrist what she had done after Clancy described feeling hopeless. Tufts responded that she had reassured Clancy that there was hope and that treatment options and different programs were available. She said her goal was to make Clancy understand that she still had options and reasons to hope. Reddington highlighted an appointment roughly two months before Clancy strangled her children, asking the psychiatrist what she had done after Clancy described feeling hopeless. Tufts had previously testified for prosecutors that Clancy initially sought treatment because of anxiety and had raised concerns about medication side effects. Court records indicate that Clancy was prescribed more than a dozen psychiatric medications through multiple healthcare providers before the killings. The testimony is part of the ongoing trial involving Clancy, whose case has drawn significant attention because of the deaths of her three children. The defense continues to examine the care she received and whether her mental health deterioration was properly recognized and addressed before the tragedy. As the trial continues, jurors are expected to hear further testimony about Clancy’s mental state, treatment history and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of her children.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *