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    Armed gunmen kill 12 and abduct women in Nigerian village raid

    ByJustpaste.in

    Armed gunmen launched a hours-long night-time raid on the village of Lajinge in northwestern Nigeria’s Sokoto state, killing at least 12 people and abducting several women and children. The assailants set fire to homes during the assault, causing six members of a single family to burn to death inside their residence. Local residents reported that four additional individuals sustained injuries while the attackers also rustled significant amounts of livestock. Sokoto state police forces confirmed an ongoing investigation into the assault, which follows a similar attack that left 24 farmers dead in neighbouring Zamfara state just a week prior.

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    CJP Yahya Afridi begins two-day hearing at Karachi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi arrived in Karachi on Monday to preside over a two-day sitting of the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry. Following his arrival, the Supreme Court issued the official cause list outlining the benches that will hear a wide range of civil and criminal cases during the proceedings. According to the cause list, Bench No. 1 will be headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and include Justice Musarrat Hilali. The bench will hear several important civil and criminal matters listed before the Karachi Registry over the next two days. Bench No. 2 will comprise Justice Muneeb Akhtar and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail. The judges will hear cases assigned to them under the published schedule and dispose of pending matters brought before the court. Bench No. 3 will consist of Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi. The three-member bench is also expected to hear a number of civil and constitutional cases during the two-day session. The Karachi Registry is scheduled to hear a variety of petitions and appeals filed by individuals, government departments and private parties. The hearings are part of the Supreme Court’s regular judicial work aimed at ensuring timely disposal of pending cases across the country. Lawyers and litigants are expected to appear before the respective benches according to the published cause list. The two-day sitting will provide an opportunity for the court to hear several pending matters and issue rulings in accordance with the law. The Supreme Court periodically holds sittings at its regional registries to improve access to justice and reduce the backlog of cases. The Karachi Registry remains one of the court’s busiest benches, handling a significant number of legal disputes from Sindh and surrounding areas. During the current session, the three benches will conduct hearings simultaneously to ensure efficient disposal of cases listed before the court.

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    Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi meets Red Cross official

    ByJustpaste.in

    Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with Arnaud de Baecque, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) resident representative, in her first publicised meeting with a foreign official since the 2021 military coup. Government-released photographs show the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner in Naypyitaw alongside images of her celebrating her June birthday under house arrest, where she is currently serving an 18-year sentence following commuted convictions. While Myanmar authorities maintain Suu Kyi is in good health, international bodies and her opposition supporters continue to demand her unconditional release and independent verification of her well-being.

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    Punjab PMS officers oppose plan to create 101 AAC …

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The Provincial Management Service (PMS) Officers Association has strongly opposed the Punjab government’s proposal to create 101 new Additional Assistant Commissioner (AAC) posts, describing the move as unnecessary and harmful to the existing administrative structure. The association argued that the AAC posts had been abolished years ago and their revival was not justified, particularly after the establishment of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA), which was created to strengthen enforcement and regulatory functions across the province. During an executive committee meeting chaired by Association President Qamar Zaman Qaisrani, members unanimously decided to raise their concerns with senior government officials. A delegation of the association is expected to meet the Punjab services secretary and the additional chief secretary to seek a review of the proposed decision. The association warned that if its concerns remain unaddressed, PMS officers across Punjab will begin a province-wide protest campaign. As part of the first phase, officers plan to wear black armbands while performing official duties to register their protest against the government’s decision. PMS officers believe the creation of the new posts would place a significant financial burden on the provincial treasury. According to the association’s estimates, establishing one Additional Assistant Commissioner post, including official facilities, office infrastructure, staff, transport and operational expenses, would cost approximately Rs46.8 million. They claim that creating all 101 posts would require nearly Rs4.73 billion initially, in addition to recurring expenditures on salaries, allowances and other administrative costs. The association further expressed concerns over what it described as long-standing issues within the provincial bureaucracy. These include delays in promotion boards, alleged discrimination in transfers and postings, and the appointment of junior officers to positions traditionally reserved for senior officials. Former administrative secretary Yawar Mehdi also commented on the proposal, saying that efforts to improve public service delivery were welcome if they genuinely strengthened governance. However, he stressed that introducing additional administrative positions should not weaken the existing civil service structure or negatively affect the career progression of Provincial Management Service officers.

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    Harshad Chopda becomes first finalist as Shivangi Joshi exits

    ByJustpaste.in

    Harshad Chopda has secured the first finalist position in Lock Upp 2, while Shivangi Joshi’s journey on the reality show came to an unexpected end after a dramatic elimination that left contestants and viewers stunned. The latest episode featured an emotional task to determine the season’s first finalist. Several contestants, including Varun Yadav, Shilpa Shinde, Ram Kapoor and Akanksha Chamola, stepped aside, leaving Harshad Chopda and Shivangi Joshi as the final two contenders for the coveted spot. As part of the challenge, the two actors were locked inside the final cell and asked to decide between themselves who deserved to move directly into the finale. However, the decision proved difficult as both contestants hesitated to choose themselves over the other, resulting in an emotional conversation that revealed the strong bond they had formed during the competition. During the discussion, Chopda surprised Joshi by admitting that he had intentionally lost one of the earlier tasks to help her. The revelation caught the actress off guard, especially after he had previously denied making such a sacrifice. “I did lose the game,” Chopda confessed, leaving Joshi visibly confused and emotional. Questioning his decision, Joshi asked why he had given up an opportunity that could have benefited him. Chopda explained that throughout the season he had often put others before himself. This time, however, he felt it was important to focus on his own journey and fight for a place in the finale. Despite his explanation, neither contestant was willing to make the final decision. Their reluctance prompted hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh to intervene and encourage them to settle the matter. Chopda remained firm, saying that for the first time in the competition he wanted to prioritise himself. Realising his determination, Joshi eventually stepped out of the final cell, allowing Chopda to claim the title of the season’s first finalist. The emotional moment was followed by another dramatic twist that changed the course of the game. Earlier in the episode, Shreya Kalra had earned a special advantage after winning a crucial task. The reward gave her the authority to eliminate one contestant from the competition. Most contestants believed Kalra would use her power against either Yogesh Rawat or Akanksha Chamola, making her eventual decision all the more surprising. Instead, Kalra chose to evict Shivangi Joshi, bringing the actress’s journey on Lock Upp 2 to an abrupt end. The unexpected elimination shocked fellow contestants, many of whom had not anticipated Joshi’s exit at this stage of the competition. Viewers also reacted with surprise, as the actress had been widely considered one of the strongest contenders for the title. With Chopda becoming the first confirmed finalist and Joshi leaving the show in a dramatic fashion, the race for the Lock Upp 2 trophy has become even more intense. As the finale draws closer, the remaining contestants will continue battling for the remaining spots in the final, promising more emotional moments, strategic gameplay and unexpected twists before the winner is crowned.

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    Insider reveals where Ethan Slater stands with ex-…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Actor Ethan Slater is not rekindling his relationship with ex-wife Lilly Jay following his recent split from singer Ariana Grande, despite growing speculation online. New reports have dismissed rumors suggesting the former couple could reunite, with a source close to Jay insisting there is no romantic reconciliation taking place.  Speculation began after news broke that Grande and Slater had quietly ended their relationship after nearly three years together. According to sources, the breakup was mutual and amicable, with both stars choosing to remain friends while focusing on their personal and professional lives.  Following the split, social media users questioned whether Slater might reconnect with Lilly Jay, his former wife and the mother of his child. However, a source close to Jay has firmly denied those claims. TMZ reported that the former spouses are “absolutely not” getting back together, adding that reports suggesting Slater is trying to win her back are simply untrue.  The insider also noted that while Ethan and Lilly continue to co-parent their son, their relationship remains focused on parenting rather than romance. They are said to be committed to raising their child in a healthy environment, but there are no plans to revive their marriage.  Slater and Jay’s relationship attracted significant public attention in 2023 after news of his romance with Grande surfaced during the production of Wicked. At the time, both Slater and Grande faced intense media scrutiny. Slater and Jay later finalized their divorce, and both have since moved forward with their separate lives.  Meanwhile, Grande has also reportedly begun a new chapter following the breakup. Recent reports suggest she has reconnected with former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez, although neither has publicly commented in detail on the status of their relationship.  Despite the online rumors, those close to Lilly Jay say she has no interest in revisiting the past. Instead, her priority remains her family and maintaining stability for her son. Likewise, Slater is reportedly focused on his career and fatherhood rather than attempting to rebuild his previous marriage.  For now, the latest reports make one thing clear: while Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay continue to share the responsibility of co-parenting, there is no romantic reunion on the horizon. As public interest in their personal lives continues, sources close to the family hope to put the speculation to rest by emphasizing that both have moved on and are concentrating on the next chapter of their lives. 

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    Pakistan railways police recover stolen railway equipment worth millions in Karachi operation

    ByJustpaste.in

    Karachi: Pakistan Railways Police have recovered a large quantity of stolen railway infrastructure during a targeted operation in Karachi, dealing a significant blow to those involved in the theft and illegal trade of railway assets. According to an official statement issued by the Pakistan Railways Police, the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 32 tons of stolen railway material, including railway tracks valued at millions of rupees. Authorities described the recovery as an important step towards protecting the country’s railway infrastructure and preventing financial losses to the national exchequer. The raid was conducted in Orangi Town, where police arrested four suspects allegedly involved in stealing railway tracks. Officials also seized specialized equipment believed to have been used for cutting and removing railway tracks, indicating that the suspects were operating in an organized manner. Police said the recovered material has been taken into custody, while the arrested individuals are being interrogated to identify other members of the network and determine whether the group is linked to previous incidents of railway theft in different parts of the country. Inspector General (IG) Pakistan Railways Police said the department is committed to safeguarding national assets and ensuring the security of railway infrastructure. He emphasized that strict action would continue against individuals involved in stealing railway property or causing damage to public assets. The IG further stated that operations against criminal elements targeting railway installations will be intensified in the coming weeks, with enhanced surveillance and intelligence-based raids aimed at dismantling organized theft networks.

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    Akshay Kumar lands special role in R.D. Burman biopic

    ByJustpaste.in

    Akshay Kumar is set to reunite with filmmaker Neeraj Pandey after more than a decade, marking another collaboration between one of Bollywood’s most successful actor-director partnerships. The actor has reportedly signed on for a special appearance in Pandey’s upcoming biographical film based on the life of legendary music composer Rahul Dev Burman, popularly known as R.D. Burman. While the makers have not officially revealed details about Akshay’s character, reports suggest that his role, though brief, will play an important part in the narrative. The appearance is expected to leave a lasting impact on the story and add further excitement to the highly anticipated project. According to industry insiders, Akshay Kumar agreed to join the film almost immediately after Neeraj Pandey narrated the role to him. The actor and director are known to share a strong professional bond built on mutual admiration and trust. Their successful collaborations in the past have earned praise from both audiences and critics, making this reunion one of the most talked-about developments in Bollywood. The duo first worked together in the 2013 crime thriller Special 26, which received widespread acclaim for its gripping storyline and performances. They reunited in 2015 for the action thriller Baby, another critically appreciated film that strengthened their reputation as a successful actor-director team. Their latest collaboration is expected to generate significant interest among moviegoers eager to see them work together once again. The upcoming biopic will feature Farhan Akhtar in the lead role as R.D. Burman, one of India’s greatest music composers. Known for revolutionising Hindi film music with his innovative compositions and unforgettable melodies, Burman’s life and career continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans. The film aims to celebrate his extraordinary contribution to Indian cinema and showcase the creative genius that made him a musical icon. Production on the film is scheduled to begin in September. Directed by Neeraj Pandey, the project is being produced in association with Excel Entertainment. The filmmakers have reportedly started extensive pre-production work, with special attention being given to recreating Burman’s iconic music. Music sessions are already underway as the creative team works to capture the essence of the composer’s timeless sound while paying tribute to his remarkable legacy. The biopic is also expected to feature a large ensemble cast, with several well-known actors likely to join the project in significant roles. Official announcements regarding additional cast members are anticipated in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar was last seen in Welcome to the Jungle, the latest instalment in the popular comedy franchise. Released on June 26, the film featured an ensemble cast and blended action with comedy. It received mixed reviews from critics and audiences but performed reasonably well at the global box office, earning around ₹186 crore worldwide. With Akshay Kumar’s addition and Farhan Akhtar leading the cast, the R.D. Burman biopic is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood projects currently in development. Fans are eagerly awaiting further announcements as production moves closer to its official start.

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    Christopher Nolan calls out modern film criticism …

    ByJustpaste.in

    Acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan has shared his thoughts on the growing culture of online movie criticism, arguing that many discussions about films have become more focused on quick judgments than thoughtful analysis. Speaking during an interview on the Beijing China podcast with host Zong Xu, the Oscar-winning director reflected on what he believes is a fundamental flaw in today’s film criticism. (worldofreel.com⁠) Nolan’s comments come shortly after the release of The Odyssey, his latest epic adaptation inspired by Homer’s classic tale. While the film has received strong reviews from professional critics and audiences alike, the director used the interview to address a broader issue rather than responding to reactions to his own work. He suggested that the rise of social media has encouraged many people to evaluate films too quickly without fully engaging with them. (worldofreel.com⁠) According to Nolan, the biggest problem is not that people criticize movies but that criticism often becomes instant and superficial. He argued that meaningful film discussion requires patience, context and a willingness to understand what a filmmaker is trying to achieve instead of immediately deciding whether a movie is “good” or “bad.” In his view, cinema is an art form that deserves deeper conversation rather than snap reactions designed to attract attention online. (worldofreel.com⁠) The director also emphasized that audiences should feel free to form their own opinions. However, he warned against treating every personal opinion as informed criticism. Nolan explained that professional critics often spend years studying film history, storytelling and filmmaking techniques, allowing them to provide context that goes beyond simple personal preference. He believes this difference is sometimes overlooked in today’s digital landscape. (worldofreel.com⁠) Nolan has long been known for creating ambitious films that spark debate, including Inception, Interstellar, Dunkirk and the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer. His projects frequently encourage viewers to revisit them, discovering new themes and details with each viewing. That philosophy, he suggested, is becoming harder to appreciate in an era dominated by immediate online reactions. (britannica.com⁠) His latest remarks have already generated discussion across social media, with some agreeing that thoughtful criticism has become less common, while others argue that online platforms have made film discussion more accessible and diverse than ever before. The debate reflects the changing relationship between filmmakers, critics and audiences in the digital age. As The Odyssey continues its global theatrical run, Nolan hopes viewers will take the time to experience films with an open mind before rushing to judgment. For the celebrated director, meaningful criticism should encourage deeper appreciation of cinema rather than reducing complex works to quick opinions shared in the heat of the moment.

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    Britain faces potential food shortages as prolonged drought impacts agricultural harvest

    ByJustpaste.in

    The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that the United Kingdom could face shortages of certain food products as prolonged drought conditions and heatwaves continue across England. Following severe winter flooding that disrupted planting, many agricultural businesses are now facing water abstraction restrictions during the third drought in five years. NFU President Tom Bradshaw called on the UK government to prioritise domestic food production and offer tax relief to enable farmers to invest in water storage systems. Record-breaking heat and dry soil have pushed cereal crops, including wheat, to half their normal height, driving the earliest harvest recorded since data collection began in 2006. According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), cereal yields across southern and eastern England are below the 10-year average, exacerbating financial strains on farming businesses following years of rising costs and diminished EU-derived subsidies. In response to sustained temperatures above 30°C, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued amber and yellow heat health alerts across several regions, advising social care providers and the public to take precautions for vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, industry representatives from the Country, Land and Business Association urged the government to fund long-term infrastructure and wildfire prevention to protect the future of British agriculture.