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Italy’s fourth summer heat wave peaks as rec…

Italy’s fourth heat wave of the summer reached its most intense point on Monday, with a record 25 cities placed under red heat alerts as temperatures climbed above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the country, according to local media reports.

Italy’s Health Ministry raised the number of cities under its highest heat risk warning from 23 on Sunday to 25 on Monday, marking the highest total recorded so far this summer. Only Reggio Calabria and Messina avoided the red alert designation, though both remained under yellow level warnings.

The Po Valley and central regions of the country are experiencing the harshest conditions, while inland areas and Sardinia could also see temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius. In parts of central and northern Italy, overnight temperatures are expected to stay above 25 degrees Celsius, a pattern meteorologists have described as super tropical nights. The central province of Terni recorded a temperature of 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

Experts have linked the extreme heat to a persistent African anticyclone combined with continued warming of the Mediterranean Sea, where surface temperatures have reached or surpassed 30 degrees Celsius across much of the basin.

Meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici of iLMeteo.it said the accumulated heat is expected to fuel atmospheric instability, warning of strong afternoon thunderstorms forming over the Alps and Apennines. Italy’s Civil Protection Department has issued yellow alerts for heavy rainfall along the Apennine mountain range stretching from Umbria to Calabria, as well as in inland areas of Sicily.

Tedici said a genuine shift away from the hottest phase of summer 2026 is unlikely before at least mid August. Authorities have also flagged an elevated risk of wildfires, placing Sicily and Emilia Romagna under orange alerts as the heat wave continues to grip the country.

The extreme temperatures fit a broader pattern of intensifying summer heat across southern Europe in recent years, as scientists have repeatedly linked rising Mediterranean sea temperatures and more frequent heat waves to long term climate trends affecting the region’s weather systems.

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    Military rejects talks with terrorists, vows conti…

    Pakistan’s military has categorically ruled out any future negotiations with terrorist groups, declaring that security forces will continue operations until militancy is eliminated. The announcement was made by Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, during a detailed media briefing on the country’s security situation and ongoing counterterrorism campaign. The military spokesperson said there was no possibility of holding talks with terrorists. He stressed that the state would not negotiate with those involved in violence against Pakistan. According to him, terrorists have only two choices: surrender before the law or face decisive action by the country’s security forces. Lt Gen Chaudhry said the armed forces would continue to engage directly with the people of Balochistan instead of individuals or groups involved in violence. He emphasized that the people of the province are the true stakeholders and that the military remains committed to protecting their lives and supporting their development. He also criticized certain influential elites and tribal leaders, claiming they had failed to promote the welfare of ordinary people. According to him, some powerful groups do not want children from poor families to progress through education and development. The military spokesperson further alleged that the Taliban administration in Afghanistan was providing support to terrorist groups carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. He said cross-border militancy remains one of the country’s major security challenges and continues to complicate efforts to maintain peace. Rejecting claims that the security situation in Balochistan is rapidly deteriorating, Lt Gen Chaudhry said a coordinated propaganda campaign was being carried out to create a false impression about conditions in the province. He maintained that while security challenges exist, the state is actively responding through intelligence-based operations and law enforcement measures. Speaking about Balochistan, he said the province’s unique geography presents operational challenges. Its vast territory, scattered population, and long distances between security posts require extensive coordination and resources. He added that security forces are dealing not only with terrorism but also with organized criminal activities, including drug trafficking, fuel smuggling, robbery, and other illegal networks that threaten stability. Addressing the issue of missing persons, the military spokesperson said the relevant commission had received hundreds of complaints. However, he noted that investigations had revealed that some individuals listed as missing were later found to have been killed during security operations, while others had joined militant organizations and were living in terrorist camps. Lt Gen Chaudhry presented detailed statistics on the country’s counterterrorism campaign. He said security forces have carried out 40,348 intelligence-based operations across Pakistan during the current year. These operations resulted in the killing of 2,084 confirmed terrorists, averaging approximately 10 militants eliminated every day. He added that security forces conduct nearly 194 operations daily as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the main focus of these operations, with 1,971 intelligence-based missions conducted in the province alone. The military also shared figures regarding casualties suffered during the ongoing campaign. According to Lt Gen Chaudhry, 819 people embraced martyrdom during the year. These included 303 personnel of the Pakistan Army, 194 members of law enforcement agencies, and 322 civilians who lost their lives in terrorist attacks and security-related incidents. The ISPR chief further revealed that 28 suicide attacks had been recorded across Pakistan during the current year. He claimed Afghan nationals were involved in the recent suicide attacks in Tank and Karachi, describing the incidents as evidence of continued cross-border terrorist involvement. Highlighting the importance of national unity, Lt Gen Chaudhry said Pakistan’s Constitution and legal system apply equally to every citizen. He stressed that loyalty to the state is a fundamental responsibility and said national peace, political stability, and economic development depend on a strong and secure Pakistan.

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    Pakistan moves to establish strategic petroleum re…

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken a major step towards strengthening its energy security by initiating a feasibility study for the establishment of strategic petroleum reserves, with international energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie selected to undertake the project. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik chaired a meeting to formally launch the initiative, stressing that energy security is closely tied to the country’s national security. During the meeting, officials discussed the scope of the feasibility study, its expected completion timeline and the proposed framework for developing strategic petroleum reserves in Pakistan. Wood Mackenzie was chosen through a competitive bidding process after four firms submitted proposals for the project. The consultancy will assess key aspects of the proposed reserves and provide recommendations on their structure and development. The initiative is expected to help Pakistan improve its preparedness against potential disruptions in global oil supplies and strengthen the country’s overall energy resilience.

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    Meghan Markle ready to fight back after cheating rumours over Prince Harry surface

    Royal insiders have pushed back against cheating rumours surrounding Prince Harry, while revealing that Meghan Markle is ready to fight back against the claims. According to a report by New Idea, Lady Colin Campbell made unproven allegations about an alleged affair involving Harry. The claims first surfaced on The Nerve podcast on July 23rd and quickly spread online. The outlet’s source claimed Meghan had discovered messages between Harry and a woman who also lives in Montecito. According to the report, Meghan allegedly saw the woman’s texts on Harry’s phone. Insiders close to the couple were quick to shut down the rumours. They insisted there is no truth to the claims, adding that Meghan and Harry remain firmly united despite the noise. Still, the source noted a difference in how each of them wants to handle it. Meghan reportedly wants to address the rumours head-on, while Harry would rather stay silent and let it pass. One insider pointed out that this is not the first time Lady Colin Campbell has made outlandish claims about the couple. Over the past five years, she has also alleged that Meghan didn’t give birth to either Archie or Lilibet. That history, the source suggested, may explain why her latest claims about a mistress and leaked texts spread so fast online. However, the insider found it strange that anyone would claim Harry and the woman were seen together publicly in an age where everyone carries a smartphone. As for how the couple plans to respond, insiders say Harry prefers to stay above this kind of gossip, given his royal background. Meghan, though, is said to feel the sting more personally. The source described the situation as distressing for her, since she reportedly wanted to shut down this narrative years ago, long before it resurfaced now. The rumours arrive at a time when Harry and Meghan continue to face intense scrutiny in the media. Whether this latest claim fades quietly or continues to build remains to be seen.

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    Gianni Infantino defends World Cup 2026 amid criticism

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a strong defence of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing critics of focusing on controversy while overlooking what he described as a tournament that united millions of people around the world. In an open letter published on Monday and shared on his personal social media accounts as well as FIFA’s official platforms, Infantino responded to criticism surrounding the tournament, which was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and won by Spain. The FIFA chief argued that many detractors ignored the positive impact of the competition and instead concentrated on negative narratives. He praised the atmosphere created by fans and highlighted football’s ability to bring people together across generations. Addressing critics directly, Infantino wrote, “To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness.” He continued, “Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.” The 56-year-old also appeared to criticise journalists and commentators, claiming that while FIFA had worked tirelessly to organise a successful tournament, others had focused on spreading misinformation. “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” he wrote. Infantino pointed to what he described as the tournament’s outstanding security record. According to the FIFA president, nearly seven million spectators from more than 200 countries attended matches throughout the competition. “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness,” he said. Despite the successful attendance figures, the tournament faced criticism over travel and visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several participating nations, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Somali referee Omar Artan was also reportedly denied entry to the United States after not receiving a visa. Responding to those concerns, Infantino said, “You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.” The FIFA president also addressed debates over refereeing decisions, player suspensions and disciplinary rulings during the tournament. He argued that controversial officiating is common across football and questioned why FIFA had received such intense scrutiny. “Potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide,” he said, adding, “It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.” Concluding his message, Infantino urged critics to focus on football’s ability to unite people rather than dwell on controversy. “To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions,” he wrote, ending with the message, “May football rise above all hate.”

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    Zanjeerain sparks memes after unexpected Chota Bheem reference

    Pakistani drama Zanjeerain, which initially attracted viewers with its revenge-driven storyline and suspenseful plot, is now facing growing criticism from fans who believe the serial has lost its direction. Many viewers have expressed disappointment over the drama’s recent episodes, pointing to slow pacing, inconsistent storytelling and scenes they feel add little to the overall narrative. The latest episode has sparked a wave of discussion on social media after featuring an unexpected reference to the popular animated character Chota Bheem. The scene quickly went viral, with viewers sharing clips, jokes and memes across various platforms. In the scene, Sarbuland is seen talking to Rabiya during a light-hearted conversation. He tells her about his favourite cartoon from childhood, revealing that he was a fan of Chota Bheem. He goes on to mention that the cartoon character loved eating laddus, adding that he also enjoys the sweet treat. While the moment appeared to be intended as a playful exchange, many viewers found it unusual given the serious tone the drama had established in its earlier episodes. The unexpected dialogue immediately became a trending topic online, with fans questioning why such a reference was included in a drama centred around revenge, family conflict and emotional turmoil. Several viewers argued that the scene felt disconnected from the main storyline and interrupted the overall flow of the episode. Social media users were quick to respond with humorous reactions. Many joked that Sarbuland was comparing himself to Chota Bheem, while others suggested that the conversation implied Rabiya was being portrayed as Chutki, another well-known character from the animated series. One user joked, “Sarbuland mein Bheem jaisi shakti,” while another wrote that the scene made it seem as though Sarbuland was indirectly calling himself Chota Bheem. Others laughed that if Sarbuland was Bheem, then Rabiya must be his Chutki. The comments quickly spread across social media, turning the dialogue into one of the most talked-about television moments of the week. The memes did not stop there. Fans created numerous edited images and short videos featuring Sarbuland alongside Chota Bheem, blending scenes from the drama with clips and artwork inspired by the beloved cartoon. Many of these posts attracted thousands of views and shares, with users praising the creativity of the memes even as they criticised the drama itself. Beyond the jokes, several viewers also voiced broader concerns about the direction of Zanjeerain. Fans who had praised the series during its early episodes said they were disappointed by what they described as stretched storylines, repetitive scenes and uneven editing. According to many comments online, the drama’s original revenge-thriller premise has gradually been overshadowed by scenes that feel unnecessary or out of place. Despite the criticism, the viral moment has significantly increased online engagement surrounding the show. Clips from the Chota Bheem conversation continue to circulate on social media, attracting reactions from both regular viewers and people who do not normally follow the drama. Whether the unexpected reference was intended as comic relief or simply a nostalgic nod to a popular childhood cartoon, it has become one of the most memorable moments from the series so far. However, many fans hope future episodes will return their focus to the gripping storyline that originally drew audiences to Zanjeerain, rather than relying on scenes that risk distracting from the central plot.

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