hamilton leads ferrari
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Hamilton leads Ferrari One-Two in Hungarian grand …

ByJustpaste.in

Lewis Hamilton led teammate Charles Leclerc to a Ferrari one-two in Friday practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix, signaling strong form for the Scuderia at the Hungaroring. Hamilton was 0.148 seconds ahead of Leclerc, with McLaren’s Lando Norris third, 0.499 seconds off the pace, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen fourth. Ferrari looked in good shape on a track that lends itself to the car’s strong cornering performance.

Mercedes, however, appeared to have some work to do, with George Russell in fifth, 0.933 seconds off the pace, and championship leader Kimi Antonelli in 13th. Antonelli did not complete a qualifying simulation lap in the second session after his first attempt was abandoned when Franco Colapinto crashed his Alpine at the last corner, and his second came to grief after an error at the chicane. Antonelli was complaining throughout the session about his car’s balance.

Fernando Alonso ended the day 19th fastest in the new Aston Martin, 2.990 seconds off the pace. Team principal Adrian Newey described the first outing for the car, which is new apart from its engine, gearbox, and front suspension, as “promising.” Alonso had a lap nearly 0.4 seconds faster ruled out for track limits at the final corner, but the team made a significant step forward from where they have spent most of the season. Newey said: “Provisional results are promising. It’s only part of the package, so we’ll have some more steps in Zandvoort and then further in Monza and Baku. It’s the first part of our planned upgrade. We’re very short on parts, so we’re being careful with it and trying to learn all about it.”

Engine partner Honda is introducing a new engine at the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break. The day was not all positive for Aston Martin, however, as Alonso’s teammate Lance Stroll spun out of the first session with what initially appeared to be a rear suspension failure. He was unable to take part in the second session because there was not enough time to repair the car. Team representative Pedro de la Rosa confirmed: “It is a suspension failure. We were confident it would not happen in Fernando’s car. That’s why we sent him out. Because of the lack of spares we couldn’t repair his car on time.”

Ferrari’s strong performance in practice positions them as the team to beat heading into qualifying, with Hamilton looking comfortable in the car and Leclerc close behind. McLaren and Red Bull will need to find improvements if they are to challenge the Ferraris, while Mercedes face a significant task to unlock pace for qualifying and the race. Aston Martin’s upgrades offer hope for the future, but they remain off the pace of the frontrunners. The Hungaroring, known for its twisty nature, often rewards cars with strong downforce and cornering ability, which played to Ferrari’s strengths. As the weekend progresses, teams will be fine-tuning their setups for qualifying and race day, with the battle for pole position and victory set to be a closely contested affair. The weather conditions could also play a role, with forecasts suggesting the possibility of rain, adding another layer of unpredictability to the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. Fans are eagerly anticipating the action, with the Hungaroring historically producing exciting races. Ferrari will be looking to convert their practice pace into a strong result, while their rivals will be working hard to close the gap and challenge for the top step of the podium. The stage is set for a thrilling weekend of Formula 1 action in Hungary.

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    ICC unveils July’s top cricket stars

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    The International Cricket Council has announced the nominees for the Men’s Player of the Month award for July 2026. West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves, England captain Harry Brook and Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan have been shortlisted for the award. All three players produced strong performances for their teams during the month. However, they made their mark in different formats and under different circumstances. Greaves was one of the standout all-rounders in Test cricket. He impressed during West Indies’ series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The right-handed batter made a major contribution against Sri Lanka. He scored 180 runs in the opening Test. West Indies eventually won the two-match series 1-0. The second Test ended in a draw. Greaves then carried his form into the series against Pakistan. The two-Test series ended in a 1-1 draw. He delivered an excellent performance with the ball in the opening Test. He claimed five wickets for 27 runs in the first innings. His overall figures for July were equally impressive. Greaves scored 215 runs in two Tests. He finished with a batting average of 71.66. He also took eight wickets. His bowling average was an outstanding 10.25. His ability to contribute in both departments made him a key player for West Indies. Brook earned his nomination after producing an exceptional performance in the T20I series against India. The England captain had a difficult ODI campaign. He scored only 31 runs across three matches. He quickly turned things around in the T20I format. Brook scored 229 runs in five matches. He averaged an impressive 114.50. His strike rate was even more remarkable. He scored at 214.01. His performances helped England and earned him the Player of the Series award. Bangladesh opener Tanzid Hasan is the third player on the shortlist. The left-handed batter was in excellent form during Bangladesh’s white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. He finished as the leading run-scorer across the ODI and T20I series. Tanzid scored 159 runs in three ODIs. He averaged 53.00. He also maintained a strike rate of 89.83. His form continued in the T20I series. Tanzid added another 140 runs in the T20Is. He averaged 70.00 and struck at 127.27. He finished the entire white-ball tour as the highest run-scorer. The three nominees have entered the award race with impressive records. Greaves’ nomination is based on his strong all-round performances in Test cricket. Brook’s case is built around his remarkable T20I form against India. Tanzid has been recognised for his consistency across both ODI and T20I cricket. The final award will recognise the player who made the biggest impact during July.

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    Chehlum processions held nationwide under tight se…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Thousands of mourners across Pakistan observed the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and the martyrs of Karbala on Tuesday, with religious processions and gatherings taking place under extensive security arrangements in major cities. Authorities deployed thousands of police personnel, installed surveillance systems and implemented strict traffic and security measures to ensure the peaceful observance of the occasion. In Karachi, the central Chehlum procession began from Nishtar Park after a religious gathering. The procession is following its traditional route under a comprehensive security plan. More than 5,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed along the route, while roads leading to the procession have been sealed with containers. Senior police officials visited the route to review security arrangements and monitor the deployment. The city administration urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, follow traffic advisories and use alternate routes to avoid inconvenience. In Lahore, the main Chehlum procession started from Haveli Alif Shah inside Delhi Gate and is proceeding along its traditional route before concluding at Karbala Gamay Shah. More than 10,000 police personnel have been assigned to provide security. Roads and streets connected to the procession route have been secured with barriers and barbed wire, while surveillance is being carried out through CCTV cameras, drones and sniper deployment on high-rise buildings. Officials said 43 Smart Safe City centres across Punjab are monitoring processions in real time. In Lahore alone, more than 800 surveillance cameras are being used to monitor processions, religious gatherings and other sensitive locations. Additional portable smart cameras have also been installed to strengthen security. In Rawalpindi, the central Chehlum procession commenced from Imambargah Ashiq Hussain under heightened security, with police and other law enforcement agencies deployed throughout the route. In Quetta, two major processions were taken out from Alamdar Road and Hazara Town to commemorate the martyrs of Karbala. More than 1,700 police personnel, supported by the Frontier Corps (FC), have been deployed to maintain law and order. Authorities sealed procession routes and intensified security checks at entry and exit points. CCTV cameras are monitoring the routes, while a Quick Response Force has been stationed at multiple locations to respond to any emergency. As part of the security measures, mobile phone and internet services have been temporarily suspended in several areas of Quetta. Across the country, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to ensure the peaceful conclusion of Chehlum processions. Authorities have appealed to the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow official instructions to help maintain peace and public safety during the religious observance.

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    Audit reveals Rs47bn electricity overbilling

    ByJustpaste.in

    A government audit has uncovered an alleged Rs47 billion electricity overbilling scandal, raising serious concerns over billing practices by power distribution companies (DISCOs). The findings were presented before a subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where officials said inflated electricity bills were issued to hundreds of thousands of consumers. Audit officials informed the committee that 278,649 consumers received excessive electricity bills in a single month. According to the findings, the overbilling involved nearly 904 million electricity units, creating a major financial burden for households and businesses across the country. The audit report stated that the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) accounted for the largest share of the overbilling, with consumers allegedly charged around Rs45 billion beyond actual consumption. The Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) was identified as the second-largest contributor, with overbilling estimated at Rs1.56 billion. Officials told lawmakers that the inflated bills were mainly caused by incorrect meter readings and misuse of authority by field staff responsible for recording electricity consumption. They alleged that overbilling was used to hide electricity theft, transmission losses and inefficiencies within the distribution system. Consumers who regularly paid their bills were reportedly charged extra, while refunds were usually made only after formal complaints were submitted. The Power Division informed the committee that reforms are being introduced to improve the billing system. Smart electricity meters and transformer-based metering technology are being installed in different regions to reduce human error and improve transparency. Officials said these measures have already helped reduce complaints of overbilling in areas where the new system has been implemented. Members of the Public Accounts Committee expressed concern over the scale of the issue and questioned how many similar cases had gone unnoticed. They said the reported figures likely represent only the cases detected through audits, while many more consumers may have suffered from incorrect billing without being aware of it. Lawmakers highlighted the financial difficulties faced by ordinary citizens because of inflated electricity bills. They said many families had been forced to borrow money or sell personal belongings to pay their electricity charges, adding that such practices have increased public frustration over rising utility costs. The committee was also informed that disciplinary action had been taken against officials found responsible for irregularities. According to the management of LESCO, stronger anti-theft operations and stricter monitoring have significantly reduced electricity theft and eliminated overbilling in its service area. Several officers, including an executive engineer and multiple sub-divisional officers, have been dismissed over misconduct. During the same meeting, another audit report highlighted alleged financial irregularities in the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO). The report claimed that Rs1.06 billion was misappropriated through payments made to ghost employees and retired staff, with investigators pointing to possible collusion among officials involved in financial administration.

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    South Korea records highest-ever temperature as extreme heatwave intensifies

    ByJustpaste.in

    South Korea has experienced its hottest day since national weather records began more than 100 years ago, as an intense heatwave continues to grip the country and raise concerns over the growing impact of climate change. According to reports, the southeastern city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius (108.5 degrees Fahrenheit) at 1:26 p.m. local time on Sunday, setting a new national record. The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) confirmed that the reading surpassed all previously recorded temperatures since the country began maintaining official weather data more than a century ago. The latest milestone comes amid a prolonged period of extreme heat across South Korea. Yangsan has now recorded temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) for five consecutive days, highlighting the severity of the current heatwave. Weather officials have warned that the scorching conditions are expected to continue, with temperatures in many parts of the country remaining well above seasonal averages. Heatwave warnings remain in place across much of South Korea, where daytime temperatures have climbed into the upper 30s Celsius in numerous cities. More than 20 regions were placed under emergency heatwave alerts on Sunday, reflecting the widespread nature of the dangerous weather conditions. The emergency heatwave warning is the highest level of heat alert introduced by South Korean authorities this year to better respond to increasingly intense summer temperatures. The alert is issued when weather forecasts predict either a perceived temperature of at least 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or an actual air temperature of 39 degrees Celsius (102.2 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher, even if only for a single day. Meteorological data also indicates that South Korea has experienced a dramatic rise in the frequency of extreme heat over recent decades. According to the KMA, the average number of annual heatwave days has more than doubled over the past five years, increasing to 19 days compared with an average of just eight days during the 1970s. The weather agency defines a heatwave day as one in which the highest daytime temperature reaches at least 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 degrees Fahrenheit). It also classifies a tropical night as one in which overnight temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), preventing residents from receiving relief from the daytime heat. Climate scientists have repeatedly warned that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves around the world. Rising global temperatures are contributing to more severe weather events, placing additional pressure on public health systems, infrastructure, agriculture, and energy supplies.South Korea’s record-breaking temperatures come during a year marked by numerous climate-related disasters across the globe. Several countries have experienced devastating droughts, destructive wildfires, severe flooding, and powerful storms, underscoring the growing challenges posed by extreme weather. Elsewhere, Europe continues to battle its own climate-related emergencies. Wildfires fueled by scorching temperatures and strong winds have spread across parts of Greece, forcing authorities to evacuate residents from threatened communities. Meanwhile, Spain and France remain under hot and dry conditions, increasing the risk of additional wildfires as firefighters remain on high alert. Experts say the latest record in South Korea serves as another reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and strengthen preparedness for increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events.

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    Injury clouds Masood’s future ahead of second test match

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    Japan PM Takaichi’s approval falls as inflation hits households

    ByJustpaste.in

    Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing growing public dissatisfaction as rising prices and higher living costs begin to weaken support for her government. A nationwide poll published by the Yomiuri newspaper showed that approval for Takaichi’s administration fell sharply in July. The cabinet’s approval rating dropped to 57 per cent, compared with 69 per cent in June. It is the first time since Takaichi took office that support for her government has fallen below 60 per cent. The survey was conducted from July 24 to 26. It showed that public disapproval also increased significantly. The share of respondents who opposed the cabinet rose to 34 per cent, up from 21 per cent in the previous month. Inflation has emerged as the biggest concern for voters. About 71 per cent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of rising prices and living costs. That figure stood at 56 per cent in June. The findings indicate that economic pressure is increasingly affecting Takaichi’s political standing. Her government had previously enjoyed strong public support, but persistent price increases are creating fresh challenges. Takaichi is also facing criticism over her government’s expansionary fiscal and monetary policy approach. The policies have contributed to higher bond yields and pressure on the yen, which has fallen to levels not seen in several decades. The latest polling results could increase pressure on the government to provide immediate relief to households. While issues such as national security remain important, voters are increasingly focused on everyday expenses and their purchasing power. Takaichi now faces the challenge of demonstrating that her economic policies can control inflation while maintaining broader economic stability.

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