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    Drone attack near Moscow kills 5, injures 6

    ByJustpaste.in

    A drone attack in the Moscow region has killed at least five people and left six others critically injured, according to Russian news agencies. The attack reportedly struck an area near the Russian capital, causing a fire inside a warehouse. The blaze added to the damage caused by the drone strike and prompted emergency responders to move quickly to the scene. Rescue workers and medical teams are assisting those affected by the incident, while the injured victims have been taken for medical treatment. Officials have described the condition of six injured people as critical, raising concerns that the death toll could increase in the coming hours. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and continuing emergency operations at the site. The exact circumstances surrounding the drone attack, including the origin of the drones and the intended target, have not yet been fully established. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in and around Moscow, where drone attacks have periodically targeted the Russian capital and surrounding areas. Such incidents have prompted authorities to strengthen air-defence measures and increase security around key infrastructure and industrial facilities. Russian officials are expected to provide further details as emergency teams complete their work and investigators examine the scene. The latest attack has once again highlighted the growing security challenges posed by drone warfare and its potential impact on civilian areas and critical facilities.

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    Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 likely to be held in UAE

    ByJustpaste.in

    DUBAI: The Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2026 is expected to be staged in the United Arab Emirates, with participating teams reportedly being informally notified about the tournament window ahead of the official announcement by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). According to cricket media reports, the ACC is expected to confirm both the venue and the complete schedule in the coming days. The tournament is likely to run from August 28 to September 13, featuring eight of Asia’s leading women’s cricket teams. The competing nations are expected to include Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and hosts UAE, promising an exciting contest as teams battle for continental supremacy ahead of future ICC events. The UAE has emerged as the frontrunner to host the tournament due to its world-class cricket infrastructure, favorable playing conditions and extensive experience in organizing major international events. Several global tournaments have previously been held in the Emirates, making it a reliable venue for multinational competitions. The tournament is expected to showcase some of Asia’s biggest women’s cricket stars, with traditional rivals Pakistan and India likely to attract significant attention if they meet during the competition. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has already announced India’s squad for the tournament. Veteran batter Harmanpreet Kaur will continue to lead the Indian side as captain, reflecting the board’s confidence in her leadership and experience. Other participating teams are also expected to finalize and announce their squads in the coming weeks as preparations gather pace. With the official schedule still awaited, anticipation continues to build among cricket fans across Asia. The Women’s Asia Cup is regarded as one of the region’s premier tournaments and provides teams with valuable international competition while helping them prepare for upcoming global events. If confirmed, the UAE will once again become the center of Asian cricket, hosting another high-profile tournament that promises thrilling matches, emerging talent and intense regional rivalries.

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    Pakistan appoint Michael Smith as batting coach

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former South African first-class cricketer Michael Smith as the national team’s new batting coach on a two-year contract, reinforcing the coaching setup ahead of a crucial international season. Smith, 46, will work with both Pakistan’s red-ball and white-ball squads, with his first assignment set to be the upcoming three-match Test series against England, which begins on August 19. The PCB officially confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, expressing confidence that Smith’s extensive coaching background and international experience will strengthen Pakistan’s batting unit across all formats. During his playing career, Smith scored 7,029 runs across first-class, List A and T20 cricket. He also registered nine centuries and 40 half-centuries, establishing himself as a consistent performer in South Africa’s domestic circuit. Beyond his playing achievements, Smith is regarded as an experienced coach with a Level 4 coaching qualification, one of the highest coaching certifications in cricket. He has previously worked with multiple HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises, giving him valuable insight into Pakistan’s cricketing environment and many of the country’s leading players. His coaching résumé also includes roles as batting coach for Australia’s Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania, where he earned recognition for developing players and improving batting performances. Smith’s appointment comes at an important time for Pakistan, with the national side preparing for a challenging home Test series against England. The PCB hopes his expertise will help address batting inconsistencies and strengthen the team’s performance in both Test and limited-overs cricket. Pakistan will begin their three-match Test series against England on August 19, with Smith expected to join the squad during its pre-series training camp. The appointment reflects the PCB’s continued focus on building a strong coaching structure as the team prepares for a packed international calendar. Fans will now be eager to see whether the experienced South African can make an immediate impact and help Pakistan’s batters deliver more consistent performances on the international stage.

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    Pakistan’s Ehsanullah Mehsud wins Taekwondo gold at the Thailand International Taekwondo Championship

    ByJustpaste.in

    BANGKOK: Pakistan celebrated another proud moment on the international sporting stage as taekwondo athlete Ehsanullah Mehsud captured the gold medal at the Thailand International Taekwondo Championship after an impressive run through the competition. Mehsud sealed the title with a commanding victory over his Sri Lankan opponent in the final, completing an unbeaten campaign that showcased his skill, determination and consistency against top regional competitors. The Pakistani fighter began his journey with a confident win over a competitor from Kazakhstan in the opening round, setting the tone for an outstanding tournament. He then produced one of his best performances in the semi-finals by defeating an Indian opponent to secure a place in the championship match. Carrying that momentum into the final, Mehsud delivered another composed display to overcome the Sri Lankan contender and clinch the coveted gold medal for Pakistan. Speaking after his victory, Mehsud thanked the people of Pakistan for their prayers and unwavering support throughout the tournament. He dedicated his gold medal to the nation, saying the encouragement he received from fans inspired him to perform at his best on the international stage. “I am grateful for the love, prayers and motivation from the people of Pakistan. This gold medal belongs to the entire nation,” he said after the medal ceremony. The achievement drew widespread praise from across the country. Provincial Assembly member Asif Mehsud congratulated the athlete, saying his remarkable performance had brought pride to both Pakistan and Waziristan by raising the country’s flag on the international stage. Recognizing his success, Asif Mehsud also announced a job for the newly crowned champion, describing the gold medal as a reward for years of dedication and hard work. The latest triumph adds to Pakistan’s growing list of achievements in international taekwondo and highlights the emergence of talented athletes capable of competing successfully on the global stage. Sports enthusiasts hope Mehsud’s victory will inspire more young athletes to pursue martial arts and represent Pakistan with distinction in future international competitions.

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    Pakistan’s inflation falls to single digits in J…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s inflation rate returned to single digits in July, offering some relief to consumers after remaining in double-digit territory for three consecutive months. According to the latest monthly inflation report released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the annual inflation rate fell to 9.2% in July 2026, compared with 11.1% in June 2026 The latest figures mark a notable change in the country’s inflation trend as the new fiscal year began. Inflation had remained above the 10% mark throughout April, May and June 2026, but the rate dropped below double digits in July. The decline in the annual inflation rate indicates a slowdown in the pace at which prices increased compared with the same period last year. However, consumers continue to face pressure from the high cost of essential goods and household expenses. The July reading also reflects a month-on-month improvement in inflationary pressures, although the overall cost of living remains a major concern for households across the country. Economists and policymakers closely monitor inflation figures as they influence decisions on interest rates, economic policy and household purchasing power. A sustained decline in inflation could provide some relief to consumers and businesses, but the government will need to maintain price stability to ensure that the downward trend continues in the coming months.

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    Bangladesh seeks India’s clarification over Hasina speech

    ByJustpaste.in

    DHAKA: Bangladesh has asked India to clarify its position over a planned virtual address by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, saying political activities by a fugitive could undermine efforts to improve relations between the two neighboring countries. The request comes ahead of an event scheduled for August 5 in New Delhi, where Hasina is expected to deliver a video address alongside her son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, during a programme organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia. Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Dhaka is committed to strengthening ties with India but believes New Delhi should clearly explain its stance regarding political activities by individuals wanted by Bangladeshi authorities. She said Bangladesh has repeatedly expressed concerns over Hasina and other leaders of the Awami League making political statements while residing in India. According to the minister, Dhaka does not want such activities to negatively affect the progress made in bilateral relations. The minister noted that the event is not being organized by the Indian government but added that Bangladesh is prepared to raise the matter through diplomatic channels if required. India’s Ministry of External Affairs had not issued an official response to the remarks at the time of reporting. Relations between Bangladesh and India have remained under strain since Hasina left Bangladesh in August 2024 following a student-led uprising that ended her tenure in office. Although both countries have recently indicated a willingness to rebuild diplomatic engagement, the issue of Hasina’s stay in India continues to be a sensitive matter. Bangladesh has formally requested Hasina’s extradition to face legal proceedings. In 2025, she was sentenced to death in absentia over crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 crackdown on anti-government protests. Hasina has rejected the verdict, describing it as politically motivated and without legal validity. Despite the legal cases against her, Hasina has said she intends to return to Bangladesh in the future, while her planned virtual appearance has once again brought the issue of her presence in India into the diplomatic spotlight.

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    South Korea heatwave death toll rises to 16

    ByJustpaste.in

    South Korea is facing an intense heatwave that has claimed at least 16 lives so far this year, as soaring temperatures continue to put millions of people at risk. According to data released by the South Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 2,025 people suffered from heat-related illnesses between May 15 and August 2. Of those affected, 16 people died from complications linked to the extreme heat. The country has experienced a sharp rise in temperatures over the past week, with daily heat records broken three times. On Sunday, the city of Yangsan recorded a temperature of 42.5 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever recorded in South Korea. Authorities have also issued a severe heatwave warning for the capital, Seoul, where temperatures are expected to climb close to 40 degrees Celsius again. Officials have urged residents to take precautions, particularly during the hottest hours of the day, and to stay hydrated while limiting outdoor activities. The extreme weather has raised concerns for vulnerable groups, including older adults and people with disabilities. To protect those most at risk, medical workers are monitoring the health of around 63,000 highly vulnerable individuals across the country. Officials are encouraging citizens to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, drink plenty of water and seek medical assistance if they experience symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, confusion or unusually high body temperature. The latest figures highlight the growing impact of the prolonged heatwave, with authorities continuing to closely monitor conditions and take measures to reduce the risks associated with extreme temperatures.

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    Dua Lipa, Callum Turner make first red carpet appearance as newlyweds

    ByJustpaste.in

    NEW YORK: Singer Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner made their first public red carpet appearance as a married couple at the New York premiere of Turner’s upcoming romantic comedy, One Night Only. The newlyweds arrived together on Monday evening, drawing attention with their coordinated looks and marking their official debut as husband and wife at a major entertainment event. Dua Lipa wore a custom Ferragamo gown featuring a halter neckline with an elegant scarf detail. She completed the look with statement jewelry, including bold earrings, ear cuffs and a gold bracelet. Turner opted for a navy double-breasted Louis Vuitton suit paired with a pale yellow shirt and a striped tie. The couple attended the premiere in support of Turner’s latest film, One Night Only, a romantic comedy co-starring Monica Barbaro, Molly Ringwald, Maya Hawke, Julia Fox and Este Haim. Directed by Will Gluck, the film is scheduled for theatrical release on August 7. Dua and Turner recently celebrated their wedding with a ceremony in Sicily, following their legal marriage in London. The singer later shared photographs from the celebrations, including images of her custom haute couture wedding gown. The pair first sparked dating rumors in early 2024 before confirming their relationship later that year. Dua announced their engagement in 2025, and the couple married after nearly a year of being engaged. Their latest appearance has delighted fans, with many praising the couple’s style and celebrating their first red carpet outing since tying the knot.

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    Saudi Arabia makes food vouchers mandatory for Umr…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Saudi Arabia has introduced mandatory Nusuk food vouchers for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan and three other countries, introducing a new requirement that is expected to increase the cost of Umrah travel packages. Under the new policy, every eligible Umrah pilgrim will be required to purchase a food voucher valued at around 20 Saudi riyals per day. The amount will be added directly to the total Umrah visa fee, making it a compulsory part of the application process rather than an optional service. The decision is likely to affect thousands of Pakistanis planning to perform Umrah in the coming months. Travel operators believe the additional cost will increase the overall price of Umrah packages, especially for families and groups traveling for several days. Following the announcement, travel agencies in Pakistan and the other affected countries have started reviewing their existing Umrah packages. Many are expected to revise their prices to reflect the additional charges introduced under the new regulations. Industry representatives said tour operators will also update package details to ensure pilgrims are fully informed about the revised costs before making their bookings. They added that the inclusion of the food voucher in the visa fee will require agencies to adjust their pricing structures accordingly. The food vouchers will be issued through Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk system, the Kingdom’s official digital platform for Umrah services. The initiative is aimed at improving the organization of services provided to pilgrims and ensuring access to designated meal facilities during their stay. Saudi Arabia has introduced several reforms in recent years to modernize Umrah and Hajj services through digital platforms and standardized procedures. The latest measure is part of those broader efforts to enhance the overall experience for pilgrims while improving the management of religious tourism.

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    Father challenges medical report in Mir Raza case

    ByJustpaste.in

    The mystery surrounding the death of young businessman Mir Raza Ali Khan remains unresolved as investigators continue to examine evidence, while the victim’s family insists he was murdered and has raised questions about the findings of the preliminary medical report. Mir Raza’s father, Hussain Raza, has rejected the possibility of suicide. He claimed his son was killed and alleged that attempts were being made to present the case as a suicide. He expressed concern over the medical report, saying it mentioned only the gunshot injury and did not describe what he believes were signs of physical violence on his son’s body. According to the father, Mir Raza had injuries on his face, hands and other parts of his body. He also claimed his son was shot from behind and questioned why the report did not include details of the alleged injuries. He further asked investigators to explain what happened during the period between his son’s disappearance on July 28 and the recovery of his body the following day. He said Mir Raza had spoken to his sister before leaving home and appeared to be in good spirits. The taxi driver who transported him also reportedly told investigators that Mir Raza seemed relaxed and was listening to music during the journey. The family has appealed to senior authorities for a transparent and impartial investigation. The investigation has made further progress with the recovery of another CCTV recording showing Mir Raza’s movements before his death. The footage reportedly captures him taking his mobile phone out of his pocket and throwing it away. Investigators are conducting forensic and technical analysis of the video to determine its significance. Police said the preliminary medical examination found that Mir Raza died from a gunshot wound to the chest. However, the firearm used in the incident and the spent bullet casing have not yet been recovered, leaving investigators without key physical evidence. As part of the ongoing investigation, police are also looking into Mir Raza’s financial dealings. Initial inquiries suggest he had borrowed money from several individuals. Authorities are preparing a list of those people and are questioning them to determine whether any financial dispute may have contributed to the incident. Investigators have so far included 12 individuals in the inquiry and recorded statements from 15 people connected to the case. Earlier CCTV footage showed Mir Raza leaving his shop in Bahadurabad during the early hours after taking a security guard’s pistol from a drawer. He later returned home, where he left behind his car, smartwatch, house keys and Rs39,000 before booking an online taxi. Further footage showed him traveling alone to Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Investigators believe he switched off his mobile phone near Johar Mor before reaching Block 2, where he was last traced.